The Problem With Heartache

Crazy in Love #3

by Lauren K. McKellar

The problem with heartache is that there’s no one-size-fits-all relief package. You can go to classes; you can try to embrace change. But when you wake up at two in the morning, a smile on your face because you’ve dreamt about the could have—the should have—nothing will console you.
Because seconds later, you remember.
And remembering can rip you apart

***

Kate will do anything for her family. It’s why she took the job with Lee. It’s why she’s attempting to forget her pain. But it's hard to forget, when you're desperate to hold on. Even if Lee Collins is the perfect package.

Lee will do anything for the ones he cares about. It’s why he hired Kate.
It’s why he keeps his secrets; and it’s why he cannot, will not fall in love. Not with Kate—not with anyone.
Ever.

The one thing he can’t forgive.
The one thing she can’t forget

THE PROBLEM WITH HEARTACHE
The Problem With Heartache.


The one thing he can’t forgive.
The one thing she can’t forget

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published February 27, 2015

About the author

Lauren K. McKellar is a writer of contemporary romance reads that make you feel. This hybrid-published USA Today best-selling author loves writing books with stunning local settings, heart-throb heroes, and leading ladies who overcome great hardships in their lives.
In addition to writing, Lauren loves to read, and you can often find her up at all hours of the night with a glass of wine, some chocolate, and a good book. She lives by the beach in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband, infant son, and their two dogs. Most of the time, all four of them are well behaved.

Reviews

[Paula M · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can also read my review HERE and enter the giveaway!

THE PROBLEM with heartache is that you can’t mourn forever. You can’t walk around the streets wearing black, carrying holy water on your person in the hope that you’ll stumble upon a miracle and be able to use it to bring that person back. One day, you’re gonna forget that tiny vial, and you’re not gonna realise until it’s too late

I just love books about moving on. Love, love, love it! Meaning: I've read so many books with the same premise as this book. BUT!!!! The Problem Heartache stands out! I swooned, I cried (I DID AND IT WAS THE SLOW KIND OF CRYING LIKE SOMEONE IS TORTURING YOU. YAH FEEL ME?) I laughed.. and I was filled happiness.

This book is part of a series and sadly, I haven't read the first two books but I'm telling you, I still understood the story perfectly. I did not, for any second, got lost in the story. Yep, it has spoilers from the first two books, but it didn't change my mind, I'll still read ‘em.

Lauren's writing is incredible. It's beautiful. Her words does something to my heart. She jut keeps tugging at my heartstrings. I can't give you any explanation on why this is the first time I read a book from her. I don't honestly know why either. But I'm glad I discovered her.

The characters are amazing. The kind of book characters that will stay with you. Kate is a mix of sassiness and sexiness and kindness. I adore this girl. I nev experienced grief bit Kate is a perfect portrayal of a woman that is hurt, trying to stay strong and scared of tearing down her walls.



And of course, Lee freaking Collins. This guy... THIS FREAKING GUY. WHERE CAN I GET ONE, LAUREN? WHERE????

I was going to catch a plane. I was hoping to catch a girl

The journey until the end wasn't easy. I got frustrated too. There was some hair pulling that happened. And Lottie totally got on my nerves. (You're on my list girl, I'm sorry but you are) There was a revelation that was so shocking my mouth was open for 5 minutes. Lauren's good with surprises.

I don't know what more to say but READ IT. The Problem with this book is... nothing. Okay, maybe the cover?? Might need some improvement?

This book is wonderful. Its realistic. The characters are authentic. And the writing is beautiful. The love story will make you swoon and will make you believe that moving forward is ALWAYS better than being held back.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

The Problem with Heartache by Lauren McKellar is a sweet love story of moving on and finding peace. Kate is a young woman who is struggling and dealing with the loss of her boyfriend Lachlan. She misses and loves him dearly. She doesn't want to forget the memories, his face, his touch, and their love. But when Kate is offered a job to tour with a famous rock band, she struggles with her developing attraction and feelings with the lead singer, Lee.



Lee is definitely a sweetheart but he constantly challenges Kate. The growing attraction and chemistry between Kate and Lee is palpable. But Lee too also is hides a dark past that continues to haunt him from loving. Will Lee and Kate be able to move on from their past and mend their broken hearts together?

I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, charming and heartfelt. I loved the flow of the story and Lauren did a terrific job in capturing all the emotions of the characters to deliver a book about moving on and learning to love again.


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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

[What Makes Patri · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:

The Problem With Heartache (Crazy in Love, #3) by Lauren K. McKellar

If you are interested, you can visit our website:

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:

Rate: 4,5 stars

Review:

The Problem With Heartache is a book that all fans of Young Adult Contemporary Romances should read. This book is about falling in love, healing from a devastating love and letting go. It's a beautiful and painful journey all readers should take.

I love the Crazy in Love series. Lauren K. McKellar writes beautiful and heartbreaking stories that should be known in the book-blogosphere. She stole my bookish heart with the first book. I cried and cried while reading her first book in public and it was the ugly crying type. So I was dying to read this book since it picks up where the first book was left.

The main character, Kate, is one of those strong girls that has had a rough time. In the first book she has lost everything she knew and the person who made her realize how awesome she was and thought her to appreciate the small things. Now, with a broken heart and a sense of loss that can consume her, she's trying to keep going.

I didn't think I would be able to let Lachlan go. Just like Kate. I was holding strong, because he was such an amazing book boyfriend! I felt for him. But Lee Collins has also a story of his own and shares some special moments with Kate that it was hard not to fall for him, too. He's a famous musician, but he's had a rough life. He blames himself for his brother's death and has his own secrets. He's a good person, but in order to find his own happiness he has to battle his demons.

I loved how in this book, the author touched the topic of losing someone and how the main character was able to find the light at the end of the tunnel when some things are unable to cope with. I was glad to see how these two characters helped each other and how they could find happiness if they just let the grief and the guilt go. Because falling in love with someone else does not mean you're going to forget about the previous happiness and love that was in your love. Because loving Lee does not mean forgetting Lachlan and trusting someone with your darkest secrets and fears will not drive them away.

I am in love with this book and Lee Collins has everything to be the perfect fictional boyfriend. He has some moments that will make you swoon. Moreover, the ending of the book will make you smile big time. I had a hard time finding a book as good as this one after I finished reading it and all I can say to you is read it! And if you haven't read the previous books, go read them now. But you need to be prepared, because Lauren K. McKellar's books are loaded with lots feelings that will make you go on a bookish roller coaster of emotions!

If you loved John Green's books and you're searching for some good YA romance and drama, these are definitely your kind of books.

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

**DEBBIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW**

“The Problem with heartache is no two wounds feel the same. One can cut you, fester, infect and slowly destroy you from the inside out. It can loiter and eat away at your soul, bit by bit, day by day. Then you can learn to trust again. You can fall, and you can think you have it under control, that things will be different, but then the knife strikes once more. And while you think you’ve already experienced the worst pain possible? You haven’t. And the second wound hurts like a bitch.”

This is the third book in this series but the continuation of Kate’s story. I have loved every one of these books in this series. Just like the other two books before this one the author did not disappoint. I was drawn in from the beginning and devoured this book.

Kate has had a hard time dealing with the loss of her boyfriend Lachlan. She has a hard time accepting that he is gone and thinks that if she moves on she will forget about him and no longer honor his memory.

When Lee Collins comes back into her life and offers her a job on the road with his band. She hesitates at first but finally accepts it.

“I had a feeling that sitting that close to Lee-freaking-Collins could possible result in me trying to punch him in the junk for insulting us with his handout offer.”

I loved the banter between Lee and Kate. Both of them were hard headed and had their own skeletons in their closet but still knew how to push each other’s buttons. You could totally feel the chemistry between these two. I found myself a few times wanting to crawl inside my kindle and smack the crap out of both of them for not opening up to each other and allowing their past to rule their future.

Lee was hot as hell but also had a super sweet side. He always wanted to help out anyone he could. Lee had a huge dark secret and even though I sort of figured it out ½ way through the book I loved how the author put a spin on it.

“Don’t be the creepy guy in the park who licks a stranger’s cleavage.”

“By all accounts, she should smell like ass. But no. Apples.”

Kate started off strong but about ½ way through she was starting to get on my nerves with the poor me stuff. In the end she redeemed herself and I liked her again.

The book flowed fantastically. I truly love the authors writing style and how she makes the characters come alive. The secondary characters were amazing. I really hope the author has plans to write a book about Xander. I would love to get into his head.

“And that was the problem with heartache. That sometimes, even though Lee had wanted to find one, there wasn’t an ache at all. Not for us. Not ever.”

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

But the problem with heartache was it liked to screw you around like that. It didn’t stick to a schedule; didn’t show up and leave on cue.

SHORT REVIEW:
It’s something that can make you blush, smile, laugh, and fall-in love. It can break your heart, and surprise you with twists and turns. Another keeper, another page-turner – a book that will hook you from start to finish.

Just because you move on doesn’t mean you have to forget.

LONGER:
Here are two characters that have problems with heartache. Kate lost the one she loved, not to mention she still has problems with her family. And Lee? He has his own baggage to carry as well. His secret, his pain and guilt make one heck of a weight to carry on his back.

Kate was alive, but not living. Her pain was keeping her from wanting to experience happiness. Her parents growing concern made them push her to accept the job offer to go with Lee on the tour. Only that Lee was more than what she expected.

Lee has a big generous heart and he was willing to do anything for people he cared about. He has reasons why he can’t allow himself to fall in love. Not even with Kate whom he grew to like every day. His secrets wouldn’t allow it. His conscience can’t bear it. So despite the fact that both his heart and hormones call out her name, he just couldn’t do it.

Will the both of them be able to move past their issues and realize that the best thing that could happen to them is staring right in their faces?

It’s sweet and funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and just plainly great. What I love about this is the anticipation she built with her readers regarding the secrets her characters keep. And when it finally surfaced – her readers are in for the biggest surprise of their lives.

This is my first Lauren McKellar novel, and I have to admit, I was totally entertained, moved, and I just can’t help but loved every pages of it.

The problem with heartache is that you can’t mourn forever.

Review originally posted on my blog

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•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Cassandra Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note that this review by default contains some spoilers for The Problem With Crazy. If you haven't read that heartbreaking story yet, go. Buy it and a box of tissues, and come back to me later.

In Heartache, we finally get back to Kate, our leading lady from the first book. It's six months after the tragic events in the first book, and Kate is still overwhelmed by the pain of Lachlan's death. When Lee-freaking-Collins, lead singer of Coal, offers her a job in a clear attempt to bypass her "no charity" rule and help her ill father, she finds she grows increasingly attracted to him. But she doesn't want to be, because she feels like she's being unfaithful to Lachlan, or that she'll lose him all over again if she lets his memory go. Poor girl. I wanted to make her a hot chocolate and give her the biggest hug.

Then there's Lee, whose story is the main focus of Heartache. Ah, Lee. I liked him, I wanted to punch him in the nose, I wanted to throw him down on the bed and -- um, never mind. He's got a whopper of a dark secret in his past, and his own fair share of tragedy, and he's decided as a result that he doesn't deserve love and can't have a relationship. I alternated between feeling bad for him and wanting him to stop being so damn melodramatic about everything. I'm so mean! :p

But still, Lee isn't a typical bad boy. He's actually a genuinely nice person who, when he's not feeling guilty about his past, is a caring employer and family man. He's also protective, which can result in some bad rockstar behaviour, but I forgave him for that.

My favourite thing about Heartache, far and away, is the storytelling. It's dual point-of-view, and the voice was so clear for Kate (Aussie female) and Lee (American male) that it was easy to tell whose chapter we were in at any given time. Lee's chapters often contained a flashback as well as some present-day narration, which slowly let us see the events in his past. Also, McKellar makes very cute use of letter-writing; Kate and Lee write to each other throughout the story, and are often able to tell each other things on paper that they never would be able to face to face.

One supporting character I was very ambivalent about was Lottie, Coal's stylist and mother of super-cute preschooler Jay. There was something off about her for me. But I'm pleased to say that it all made sense by the end.

I stayed up way past my bedtime, bingeing on the second half of Heartache; it's definitely worth your time and the lack of sleep to do the same! 4.5 stars!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
If you plan on reading any of the previous books in this series, you probably shouldn’t read this due to spoilers.

Third in the Crazy in Love series,The Problem with Heartache, continues Kate’s journey that started in the first book, Crazy in love. And what a journey it’s been. Kate has gone from a girl that has just graduated from school, to falling in love, losing her love, dealing with a terminally ill father-one whose illness might have been transmitter to her genetically- and now it’s time for whatever comes next. When Lee Collins, a famous rock star, comes back into Kate’s life, life for Kate changes yet again.

Kate is at her most vulnerable. She has lost the person she had barely just begun to know and to love, and she is pretty lost. She no longer has a job, so when Lee asks her to come on tour as the tour organizer she goes-only because her family needs the money. So she leaves Australia to go to the United States with Lee’s band, and becomes immersed in her job. She meets Lottie and Lottie’s little boy, Jay. Lottie is the stylist for the tour, and Kate becomes friends with her. She is still grieving for her lost love, but Lottie and Jay help with a much needed distraction during the long hours on the tour bus. Of course the biggest distraction is Lee himself. Lee is not the typical rock star. He is very caring and sweet. He also has his own secrets, and those secrets are pretty much ruining his life.

As with the previous two books, this author wrings all the feels out of her readers with this read. It’s a romance, but it’s also the story of the stupid things people do when they are young, and all the consequences. Life isn’t simple, and Lee is more than aware of this. I did enjoy the romance, and Lee’s character was really pretty great as depicted by the author. He really isn’t the bad boy rocker that I am used to, and that was perfectly fine in this case. I have liked Kate’s character throughout the books, and loved where this book went with her life.

If I had anything I didn’t like about this book, it would have to be the cover. It gives the illusion that it’s a high school book with the sneakers worn by the guy, when in reality it’s more of a New Adult book. I know guys wear sneakers, but this is a rocker. Boots would be better maybe? I don’t know.

All in all, this was an excellent ending to this series. Great characters, great romance,and plenty of drama, all make for a good read. Highly recommend to adult New Adult book fans.(PureTextuality.com)

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is 19, Australian, and suffering depression ever since her boyfriend Lachlan died six months ago. Her parents are struggling financially because her dad suffers from Huntington's Disease and his physical deterioration is becoming rapid. Kate met Lee several months before when he sang at a benefit for Lachlan's funeral. There seemed to be a spark, not that Kate could acknowledge it.

Now Lee's band, Coal, is on tour and Lee has offered Kate a job assisting with their reservations and transit, in the US, for two months. Kate doesn't want to go--doesn't want to do much of anything really--but she can't turn down the money.

Still, she feels awkward around Lee, who makes it clear to his band mates that she's not to be messed with. Lee and Kate develop a rapport, unwittingly and unwillingly. Lee has some big secrets of bad coincidences that tore his family apart. For this, he feels the need to continually punish himself. And, one of those punishments is to remain single so he never screws up another girl again.

Okay, as far as the book goes, it's a decent story. I liked all the characters, even if I felt their emotional landscape was a bit extreme. Lee is a good man who tries hard to atone for his failings. He hires people who need a hand up, and won't accept a hand-out. This is admirable. He's not a big lush, and stays off the drugs. He plays with young Jay, son of the band's stylist, Lottie. He is buried in his misery, however--feeling (wrongly) that he broke up his parent's marriage and wounded his brother beyond repair. Classic case of taking on the world's problems as one's own. Still, forgivable.

Kate's hung up on Lachlan. Really, really, hung up on him--and I didn't get it because they hadn't been together long before he died. Still, I can't really blame another for grief, I just thought it was a little overblown. My issue, though younger readers will probably not have such an issue with it. I did have an issue with Lee's 'voice'. He's supposed to be an American, but, no...sorry he and everybody else in the book sound like Aussies. The words and their diction, it's not American English usage. It confused me, as a reader.

Those are my big hang-ups. The book is interesting. Both Lee and Kate get past their grief and find a new start with each other. Gets a little smexy near the end. Would recommend to people who like New Adult.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Problem With Heartache follows on from where book one The Problem With Crazy in the series left off. I loved the character of Kate in the first book and I was looking forward to continuing her story after her terrible loss in the first book.

The chapters in The Problem With Heartache are alternately written from the points of view of Kate and Lee, who you may remember from the first book. Their stories take place both in Australia and the United States. Stacey and Michael from the first book are also in this one. There is a new character in the book, Lottie, who I didn’t particularly like, although her actions did come to make sense by the end of the book.

In The Problem With Heartache, we find out more about Lee and his past and how he got to be the rock star that he is, as well as a dark secret he is hiding. Kate is still struggling to deal with her father’s illness as well as dealing with her own grief from the loss of her love, Lachlan. This book has a good storyline with many surprises, twists and turns and kept me involved all the way through. I loved the ending and it did bring closure but also raises the possibility of more stories to come for Kate, Lee and Stacey. I was hooked from the very beginning of this book and couldn’t put it down. In fact, there was nothing I didn’t like about this book.

Once again, Lauren K McKellar’s writing is beautiful and full of emotion. This book will make you laugh, cry, feel disappointment, anger, anxiety, frustration and sadness. The book contains real characters and it is easy to connect with them on many levels.

If you have ever experienced the loss of someone close to you, this book will move you. One very important piece I got out of reading this book is that moving on from the loss of someone dear to you does not mean forgetting.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Lauren K McKellar and to anyone who loves YA contemporary stories of love and loss that deal with hard hitting issues such as grief and serious illnesses. If you haven’t yet read any books by this brilliant Australian author, grab a copy of one today and start reading it. You will not regret it!

[Amphitrite · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: Side characters were a big part of this story and there were things that just blew me away completely with their reveal, especially about Lottie! I really liked Lottie and Jay, Jay especially because he was completely adorable and from the moment I met him in the story I thought he was just the cutest kid to ever exist! Kate shows an entirely different side to her in this book, she's sassy, straightforward, and fun. Especially in her letters to Lee, which was a great part to the story because I felt it gave them a deeper connection. The chemistry between Kate and Lee is really good, and palpable to boot! It built up really nicely so that when the big twist came it shocked me greatly and I knew I had to find out more. Plus, learning how his past and present was influencing each other? I loved that we got to see so much of the story from Lee's view, it helped me really understand the guy in a way I hadn't known. Stacey also finally reveals her secret to Kate and I felt for the two girls during their chat, and the ending for Stacey couldn't have been more perfect!

What I didn't like: Lee's rejection to Kate, it didn't make sense at the time when you considered how The Problem with Crazy ended with him, but I guess it had to do with the words he kept thinking

Overall Review: I loved this book, it kept me entertained and I was reluctant to put it down at any time. Kate's big hurdle she has to overcome in this story is herself, the grief she carries inside that has kept her down for the last six months. Her story is the story of overcoming her grief and learning to move on and stop holding on so desperately to her past. It was a breathtaking story that I would undoubtedly read again, and if the author makes a fourth book to this series I have no doubt that I will want to read it because this book was just so good! I love this series and all the characters I've met!

Recommend?: Yes, goodness go read this amazing series! If you like contemporary romance I really do recommend it!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book worth reading. Not sure book 4 has come out yet.

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thanks to Inkslinger PR and Lauren K. McKellar for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Secondly, this book (as with the first one) made my feels go through so many hoops. Ups, downs and complete turnarounds. But the story of life, loss and redemption is one of many loops and stumbles. This book will open your eyes and (as I did) you will find you can identify with the story. The characters are so life like that you get so immersed into their lives that it makes them real. This one starts off with a bang and ends with your heart (well mine at least) in a whirlwind of awe and peace. I absolutely LOVED it!

***small spoiler***

We are back with Kate and the daily struggle that she fights. Her father is still sick, her heart is broken still over the loss of the one boy who got her. The one she loved. But with life changing her place in life is changing as well. After a chance run in with the hot rocker, Lee Collins, Kate’s mom decides to play… matchmaker? For lack of a better word. But then there isn't much to do. Kate is closed off and Lee is interested but trying to not be. (laughs) Poor guy. But in the end he offers her a job. They need someone to do their event planning. Someone to make sure the next tour, two months in states, goes well. No problems. Right? At first Kate is just like, no it ain’t happenin'.. but Stacey makes her see this is what she needs to do. Not only will it help her career the money will be good to help out her family. What’s a little trip over seas?

Kate does agree and Lee.. makes himself not hit on her. She is now his employee.. not someone he can flirt with. She is off limits. Once they land and everyone piles on the bus Kate gets to meet a few new faces, including Lottie, the band’s stylist.. and then her son Jay. He is 3 feet of just squishy. The tour starts off with a bang and something starts to happen between Lee and Kate. They pass letters back and forth and they both have a closeness, a feel about them to the other. They can open up and it doesn’t seen to be forced, its just natural. As natural as the attraction they keep trying to deny. Lee, for the first time in years is starting to open up about his life and its to Kate. Something he has not down in years.

Travel, shows, hotel stays, long hours on a bus.. you get to know people.. or you think you do anyway. One night after a show, Lottie drags Kate to an after party party and the night goes from good to taking a very intoxicated Lee back to his hotel with Sam’s (the driver) help. Kate stays with him, making sure he is okay. And after a little talking, drunk talking at that, Kate breaks down on him and its in his arms that she finally for the first time in a long time starts to feel safe again. But right as he passes out he whispers something that gets her hackles up. When she questions him about it the next morning, he closes up and gets pissy. Snapping at her. She leaves him in his room and later on it makes for a very tense and quiet ride from California to Vegas. Though Kate is determined to find out his secret just as much as he is determined to keep it.

You know how they say “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? Yeah, its probably a good thing that is sort of an unwritten rule.. because the drama that unfolds for Lee and Kate in Vegas gets to be a big deal.. and quickly. The secrets Lee holds inside are enough to break him if he lets them. Slowly, almost as if he is glass Kate starts to chip away at the walls he has slammed up into place. But as she works through his walls the ones that she has up, surrounding her thoughts of Lachlan start to fall as well. Its okay to move on, that doesn’t mean you are forgetting that person, just that you are taking life by the horns and moving ahead. As parts of Lee’s past come out in the open, Kate’s left with choices she wasn;t expecting. Is she strong enough to handle it or is it too much?

As she tries to sort that out she gets a little overwhelmed but she can do it. She can be this new version of herself that lets people in. Her heart can handle it. But before anything more can happen she gets a call from her mom that she needs to come home. Her dads in the hospital and he isn’t doing so well. She leaves Lee a note thanking him for what he’s done and what not and leaves. Catching the first flight she can from the states to Australia. It was at her dads beside that a lot of things changed for Kate. Thanks in part to Lee showing up, determination in him to get to the girl he wants. And Kate's determination to fight for what she wanted. Her heart had plenty of room in it. Nothing had to be forgotten just rearranged a little. Nothing is worth having if its not worth fighting for.

[Kristine GPI Bookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that The Problem with Crazy utterly decimated me, it took me weeks, possibly months to recover from, the love I have for that book, for Lauren McKellar's words was and still is astronomical. I knew stepping back into Kate's world would be fraught with emotions, I was ready, prepared even, for anyone who has ever lost someone unexpectedly you know all to well the stages of grief, you know what it's like to wake up in the morning and have that split second of happiness before the crushing pain floods your memory. You know with a painful clarity what it's like to be smiling and laughing only to remember that that person is no longer walking this earth with you. There's a shroud of darkness and desolation that seems to hang over you, that invades your every thought making it almost impossible to move on. For McKellar to truly nail that with such eloquence, to make me as the reader FEEL every second of that is a testament to her talent.

The Problem with Heartache is so much more than just a story about grief though, this is a story of hope, of survival, this is a story of letting go but not saying goodbye, because for anyone who has ever lost someone you know that memories live on long after death.

There is so much humour in this story, so many moments that had me giggling and outright laughing, McKellar proves that life goes on, even when at times we don't want it to, she shows that there are days when it's hard just putting one foot in front of the other, and days that grief is more of a faded memory not a grey cloak dragging you down.

In the aftermath of Lachlan's death, Kate is alive but she isn't living, survival has become her main focus, get up, make it through the day, wash, rinse, repeat, but when Lee Collins offers her an opportunity of a lifetime she is forced to step back into the land of the living. What follows is a story of two people recovering from the hurts of their past and actively making a decision to move forward with their lives. And that right there is the thing about heartache, about grief, you have to actively decide to want to move on, you don't have to say goodbye the memories but you do have to let the hurt go.

Once again McKellar has taken me on a journey with her, she's effortlessly created a world I want to live in, with characters I truly admire, and despite the moments of pain she inflicted on my battle weary heart, she left me feeling stronger, she's shown that life isn't always unicorns and cupcakes, but that life can be amazing if you're willing to take a leap and be part of it.

[Trish - Novels In Heels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 LEE "FREAKING" COLLINS STARS

Lauren McKellar – you are a mastermind storyteller. This was simply a beautifully written and emotional story that was so very honest and heartfelt.

You made my heart cry, you made my heart laugh. There is so much depth within these pages that these characters are so very real.

I loved that this story brought me back to Kate, her family, her friends and Lee “freaking” Collins.

One young woman’s emotional journey to finding herself. I loved watching Kate – all through her heartache and struggle – trying to accept what had happened in her life. She Found Herself. It really was beautiful.

She is trying to be strong, but her vulnerability is always there. It was just breathtaking – Kate is just remarkable. (And not to mention – she found Lee “freaking” Collins – Yes, yes indeed).

But to get there she had to endure her own emotions, her own path, her own everything. Coming to terms with the loss of Lachlan has taken its toll. Will she ever be just okay again?

I loved watching her move through her emotions and watching her grow into this stunning, gorgeous woman. She really is one of a kind.

Her chemistry with Lee is adorable and charming at first. To watch the heat between them grow and become so much more – was just brilliant.

And Lee “freaking” Collins – what a beautiful, broken and torn up guy he is. So many things in his past that haunt him. His story was one I was not expecting to be so full of drama. But nevertheless it has made him the man he is today - perfection.

Will his past demons ever disappear and set him free?

His attraction to Kate is just gorgeous in a not so forward way. I loved the letters they send each other. The way they got to know each other. He’s just a guy at the end of the day – not the rockstar you see on stage – looking for a girl to love. But does he feel worthy? Will he let her slip away?
Two broken souls who have been through so much in their young lives. No one should have to experience what they have been through.

Will Kate and Lee be the ones to heal each other? What do they have to endure to make it work?

Will they realize that finding each other is their second chance at love? A second chance with the one they are meant to be with?

Lauren McKellar – let me just say – thank you. I loved this whole series, I loved these characters, and I loved their story.

#MustRead

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, there's a whole lot of blame and guilt going around in this book. If angst is your thing, you will love The Problem with Heartache for sure (and if you don't, you'll want to steer clear). Parts of it stretch credibility--like a nineteen-year-old girl leaving her family and country to work as the tour organizer for a big-time rock band--for the most part it's not out-and-out impossible to swallow (and that bit at least does fit right in with Lee--Freaking--Collins's white knight complex, which helps).

I liked that Lee and Kate's romance was a slow-moving one, since they both had so much individual stuff to work through. Neither one would have been able to jump right into a real relationship at the beginning. They needed to develop a friendship first, and to that end I absolutely loved the notes they wrote back and forth throughout the novel. Those were some of my favorite bits of the whole book.

Ms. McKellar's portrayal of grief (Kate's boyfriend has recently died) was spot on.

Six months might have passed, but the ache hadn't lessened. And I didn't know that I wanted it to. Because if the pain went away, it would mean I was forgetting. And that would cut far deeper than loss.

She moved through it in a realistic time frame, without resorting to any quick or magical fixes. In the end Lee's issues were resolved a bit quickly, but since his were a little flimsier, that was okay too.

Oh, and if you've read the other series books, I think something that happens near the end will make you very happy. :)

Though it's a bit heavy on the melodrama at times, The Problem with Heartache is a good story that does a stellar job of showing what it's like to live through grief. I hadn't read the first two books in the series ( The Problem with Crazy and Eleven Weeks ), so I was missing some backstory, but it didn't significantly affect my enjoyment of the novel. Yes, I would have known what was going on faster in some instances, but overall we get enough background to follow along just fine.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone deserved a happily ever after, it’s Kate. Her journey began in The Problem with Crazy and it was rough and tragic and hopeful all at once. Despite her grief and the cruel hand life had dealt her, she was a charismatic and beautiful character you couldn’t help but cheer for. The Problem with Heartache was absolutely nothing like I would have guessed, but it soared above and beyond my expectations. Lee and Kate had an obvious and special connection from the moment they met in the first book, but Lauren McKellar took that and made it absolutely shimmer in this one.

Kate was once again shattered when this story started by a grief that was crippling. There were times when I swear I could feel my heart aching for her. We got to experience the ups and downs of moving forward after loss and it was clear how much heart and soul went into writing this character and her story. Lee was a breath of fresh air. He turned out to be just as thoughtful, sweet, and humble as I’d hoped he’d be. Even his mistakes came from a good place and I immediately fell in love with his kind heart. The tiny flicker of hope that sparked between these two in the first book was fed and fanned over the course of this one. Lauren McKellar built some serious chemistry between Lee and Kate that grew hotter as the story progressed.

The storyline was the biggest surprise for me in The Problem with Heartache. As the story took off, small hints were being dropped that a bigger secret lay buried beneath and as much as I tried to guess, it wasn’t until the end that I had any idea which ghosts of their pasts were going to change the course of Lee and Kate’s story. I enjoyed seeing Lee’s past brought to light, getting to know this character was something special. The more we learned about him, the more I realized he and Kate had struggled with life experiences that allowed them to understand one another. Once again Lauren McKellar has written another fantastic addition to her Crazy in Love series and I’m already ready for whatever she has to throw at me next!

[Ignacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leí el primer libro; The Problem with crazy hace más de un año. Sufrí, lloré, odié y amé ese libro a partes iguales! Cuando supe que tendría continuación no estaba muy segura de si lo leería o no.
Pues bien, dicha continuación salió pero no era la historia de Kate, si no de la mejor amiga. No lo leí porque nunca me llamó la atención y más o menos puedo deducir de que trata esa historia.
Ahora bien, hace poco encontré el 3° libro; The Problem with Heartache y me decidí a leerlo después de todo este tiempo, para saber como termina la historia de Kate.

Y me decepcionó. No es un mal libro. Siempre he dicho y siempre diré que me gusta mucho la forma de escribir de la escritora y tiene una parte muy graciosa que a pesar de que sus historias son bastante dramáticas.

El problema fue... que me aburrió tanto drama. O sea, el primer libro fue too much drama y tristeza, esperaba algo más normal en el 3° para darle un final digno a Kate pero me encontré con más y más drama, como si no fuera suficiente todo por lo que había pasado Kate, a la escritora se le ocurrió meter más y más drama.

Me gusta mucho le personaje de Kate, lo he dicho desde el primer libro y en este me pasó lo mismo; ella no es de esas protagonistas que te cansan o tienen actitudes que te aburren, ella es de las que te caen bien, que sientes su dolor y que esperas que tenga un final feliz.
En cuanto a Lee, me gustó también su personaje pero su historia no me sorprendió para nada, desde el principio vi venir todo su drama. Y ahí es donde empezó mi problema con este libro.
El problema fue que Lauren tenía dos buenos personajes pero no supo como sacar adelante el libro y empezó a meter a los personajes en estas situaciones que leía y me aburría. No le vi el sentido a todo eso.

Me decepcionó porque teniendo a Kate y Lee como protas, pudo haberlo echo muchísimo mejor. Esperaba mucho más de ella! Aún así le daré 3 estrellas por darle un buen final a Kate.

[Mariana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I start? Keep in mind this is my first review ever.
I've read pleanty of books and I've never felt the need to write a review, but with this one? Oh boy.... I feel betrayed. I mean, 4.40 goodreads? SERIOUSLY???

Let's talk about the plot: If we think about it, I mean, REALLY think about it, how can a NINETEEN year old WITHOUT ANY KIND OF PREPARATION be ready to work for a "top selling" band? Do you see something wrong there? Yeah, me too. After a few chapters (OK, maybe since the first book) I despised Kate. I cannot stand her. I just wanted to give her another chance, but damn, was I wrong. At certain points I just wanted to shake her, knock some sense into her. I just can't handle her. She's too little, too much. Super confusing. While I read I actually thought that I had skipped a few pages. I had to re-read a lot of things. Some reactions (plenty) were just WTF moments. My head hurts from rolling my eyes so hard. I read, and read, and read, and completely lost it. How can they go from super mad to forgiving? THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS PEOPLE!! Also, it was pretty much predictable, the moment they introduce Jay everything is crystal clear.
You have no idea how many times I wanted to put this book down, but I wouldn't go without a fight. Right now I kind of want my time back.
The whole story was off, the characters were not likeable, they were so full of hormones I wanted to rip my hair out. Seriously? Couldn't you just stop thinking about sex for two seconds? My God... The whole story was not plausible. I couldn't for the life of me find any sense whatsoever. Nothing made this story good, NOTHING. I'm sorry if this review is all over the place, but I had to let it all out.

[Tiffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAY CONTAIN A TAD BIT OF SPOILER*******

I could.not.wait for this book to come out after I read The Problem with Crazy. I stayed up till 3am last night finishing this book. Could not put it down!

Lee- FREAKING - Collins... you had me in the first book and you were barely in it, and now you have me for life in this book! Lauren Mckellar did a GREAT job setting up for the story of Kate and Lee with Book 1 and did not disappoint to follow through on this book. We knew about Kate's past already so it was Lee's turn to share his story and what brought him to the point he's at now and why he was so scared to love.

I hope hope hope ::fingers cross:: that there will be a Crazy in Love, #4 in the future :) There is so much more story for the 2 of them. And did I sense a little foreshadowing with Xander and Lottie???? Anyone else catch that or was that just my imagination?

This series has a special place in my heart. I really connected with the first book and Kate because I also lost a love when I was younger. The pain and time it takes to get over something like will be something I will never forget.. I felt like I was reading my own story at times with this book in the sense that it's never easy moving on after something so tragic and at such a young age when you don't understand why these things happen to good people. Only time will heal the scars but it never goes away completely. "Moving on doesn't mean moving away"...Lauren Mckellar, you couldn't have said it better.

[Lana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much right after I finished the second one I bought the second and continued reading . If I remember correctly, I think I read this within the span of five days because I just couldn’t stop (it only took so long because I was working as well).

This was a good ending to a good series. I felt the closure when I finally finished this book. I loved that Lee got more of a focus in this book. He was a bit of a lesser character within the first two books, but I felt like he was more important than McKellar was letting on. In the end of The Problem With Crazy we see a glimpse of Lee probably being more important in Kate’s life than we originally imagined.

Lee and Kate’s relationship was explored very well within this book. McKellar gave us enough information to feel like we knew the characters better, but allowed us enough space to give the characters some traits ourselves, and allow us to put ourselves in the character more. Each one was relatable, and I found myself in every one of them.

The storyline wasn’t completely predictable, and she surprised me almost every time that I had figured out what was going to happen next, and what was behind a lot of their behaviors. The back stories behind the characters were explained thoroughly, but there were enough hints about certain parts about it that you figured some things out. However, just when you thought you had figured out everything, she threw something else in.

There is some medium-ish sexual content, drinking, and some sensitive topics so probably 16+.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though we got to know Kate in the first book of this beautiful series, and knew of her struggles, we really didn't know much about Lee-freaking-Collins other than he was a hot rock-star with a very sweet side.

Poor Kate is struggling to cope and though Lee offers a solution that will assist her, it does not come easily because Lee has plenty of baggage of his own. There was so much more to his story than I had imagined and it was heartbreaking. This book is just as much Lee's book as it is Kate's (maybe even more so).

It's a beautifully told journey of overcoming your past and pushing forward, about regaining your inner-strength despite the heartache you are going through...

"But sometimes you had to save yourself. No one else would do it for you."

It was a story about allowing others to help you, too. And believing that you deserve happiness regardless of your situation.

"If you don't believe in something, what's the point in anything?"

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend you read the whole series! 4.5 stars

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee-Freaking-Collins. Yeah, he’s cool, and though he isn’t my favourite tortured rock star, he is in the top 20. Do you know how many there are? This is still good!!!

Lee’s & Kate’s story is very sweet – with just enough heat. Lee is out to do all the good he can with the hope that it will elevate some of the guilt he feels for his past. Kate is drowning in sorrow after her boyfriend dies. Both are blindsided by their attraction – and both try to fight it.

These two are an interesting pair. I really connected with Kate right away. I felt her depression and pain as if it were my own.

Now Lee, he was harder. Honestly, I thought he was a bit over-dramatic and while I still think he has a tad feminine and dramatic, he made more sense to me when I got the whole scoop.

Overall, I give it 3.5 cups, I enjoyed it, but I don’t know that I would go all fan-girl over Lee

[Magic Within the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment to the Crazy in Love series. It follows on with Kate's story and watching her grow and move on from the heartache she has suffered. She has to learn to let go and grow in life. In this book we learn more about the hottie band boy Lee and let me just say that he is one amazing guy.

Once again Lauren has done a beautiful job. It was such a sweet, happy and full of emotion read for me. Lauren really has a way with words. I love her writing style and watching her characters grow and blossom. All these characters have a special place in my heart and this is one series I recommend to anyone who asks what to read next. Thank you Lauren for allowing me to read such magical words that truly touch my heart in many ways.

**Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**

[Kayla Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you move on when the most important person in your life dies? For Kate it hasn't been easy.

Lee-freaking-Collins, for some reason I never quite understood, is drawn to Kate. He hires her to manage his super famous band's tour, and the minute she steps onto the tour bus, LET THE CONSTANT FLIRTING BEGIN!

They exchange a few cute letters, spend a lot of time together. He constantly tells himself to stop picturing her naked, she constantly tells herself that if she has feelings for Lee, it will mean she will forget Lachlan.

It's a cute love story with angst and drama and I couldn't put it down. Both Lee and Kate are damaged, but that might just be what makes them perfect for each other.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this author's books!

Every time........every.single.time......you make me cry. It's a combination of the amazing characters that I love from the start.....you just give them so much heart! The storylines are like life, they have their ups and downs...and we sometimes don't handle things the best way ....but hopefully we get It right at some stage. I cannot praise this author enough. If your looking for a book that you can connect to emotionally then you need to read everything this author has written because her ability to do that, touch your heart and soul, is second to none.

[Penny Lisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this long journey. Kate had so many emotions impact her in a short amount of time, if it was anyone else they would've needed intense therapy. Poor Kate kept going on with life and in the end it all worked out. Her friend Stacey had a horrible time as well in book 2. This story just proves that things go on in peoples lives and you don't have a clue what is really going on because people put on a good front. As for the guys in this story, they are so cute and they are typical GUYS. Overall, I enjoyed reading these books!

[Secretly Adorkable Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation and conclusion of the crazy in love series. This is Kate and Lee's story.

Crazy in Love series was crazy emotional. It's a story about a mystery illness that takes over Kate's father and it is hereditary. The Problem with Crazy made me ugly cry a LOT! Love, tragic loss, overcoming obstacles and finding yourself, this series has it all! Go meet Kate and the gang! It will leave you heartbroken, It will devastate you but at times will destroy you. Sometimes we go through crazy things to find our true selves. What an incredible journey!

[Kimothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings us back to Kate who we met in book 1. I loved he story and how after reading the second book in the series - Eleven Weeks - we got to go back to Kate and her story. This is romantic and about learning if you can love despite all that goes on in life to hold you down. I loved Kate she is fieRY, just see the excerpt below and has balls to step up against Lee. A perfect story to a great series. I really recommend reading them in order to fully enjoy them, but even if you do not read all three you do need to read book 1 to understand this book 3.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartache is a beautiful, perfect, and sad story. It follows the story of Kate after the happens in first book. Although heartache isn't the same cry fest that was Crazy, it's still plenty sad. Just a different kind of sad. Not the soul crushing kind, but the deep ache kind. A slow burning all consuming ache. Make sure you get the tissue ready, because this one will hurt your heart and mend it all in the space of one book.

Another stellar book from Lauren McKellar.

[Elizabeth Pirus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem with reading Lauren's books is I know she's going to make me cry, and she knows this we've discussed it at length. I cry because she knows how to make you feel through words and characters and this booknwas no different. I know anyone who reads it won't be disappointed so please give it a read. I waited so long for the conclusion to this story and I surely wasn't disappointed with it at all... of course I'm greedy so I want her to supply me with more.