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Middle Eight
He’s sex, drugs, and rock and roll. She’s spray bleach, spreadsheets, and check lists. Will their relationship hit the charts, or break hearts?
When the normal life Ray has always dreamed of unravels, she falls for a drummer, comes to terms with her unconventional childhood, and inevitably discovers that normal was never really in her best interest.
When the normal life Ray has always dreamed of unravels, she falls for a drummer, comes to terms with her unconventional childhood, and inevitably discovers that normal was never really in her best interest.
- GenresRomance
186 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2015
207 people want to read
About the author
Audra Middleton
8 books14 followersAudra Middleton is a somewhat neurotic and terminally sarcastic author and mother of three from Washington State. She left her teaching career to raise her kids, and in between diaper changes and baseball games, she began writing books.
For more information about Audra and her writing projects, visit http://www.audramiddleton.com.
For more information about Audra and her writing projects, visit http://www.audramiddleton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts off quite suspenseful, with Ray in the clutches of her husband attacking her. She goes on the run, or attempts to, but a few things thwart her attempt. When her car breaks down, she lands in a bar, where she not only meets a colorful future best friend, but she eyes Van, the gorgeous drummer of the band playing that night. He ends up playing her knight in shining armor, allowing her to crash with him. Their one night turns into a week together, with the impending threat of Ray's husband hunting her down to finish what he started. Van is sweet, a musician, and a mechanic. He always seems to have his hero cape on for Ray. She is a little quirky (her real name is Rainbow). She had been raised with a hippie mother, all the while longing for organization and to be away from the chaos. Her adult life is full of the order she longed for, and when things go awry, she makes lists, cleans, and does some more organizing. Their chemistry was sweet, and even when they couldn't be together, they longed for each other. The secondary characters added some additional flavor to the story. Her mom is a bit comical in her lack of social boundaries. You can easily get through this story in just a few hours, and will make it through in one sitting. The story takes place over a few years, so while the events that are depicted are only those most necessary to get the story where it needs to be, I wish there had been a little more detail to some of the events.
The story starts off quite suspenseful, with Ray in the clutches of her husband attacking her. She goes on the run, or attempts to, but a few things thwart her attempt. When her car breaks down, she lands in a bar, where she not only meets a colorful future best friend, but she eyes Van, the gorgeous drummer of the band playing that night. He ends up playing her knight in shining armor, allowing her to crash with him. Their one night turns into a week together, with the impending threat of Ray's husband hunting her down to finish what he started. Van is sweet, a musician, and a mechanic. He always seems to have his hero cape on for Ray. She is a little quirky (her real name is Rainbow). She had been raised with a hippie mother, all the while longing for organization and to be away from the chaos. Her adult life is full of the order she longed for, and when things go awry, she makes lists, cleans, and does some more organizing. Their chemistry was sweet, and even when they couldn't be together, they longed for each other. The secondary characters added some additional flavor to the story. Her mom is a bit comical in her lack of social boundaries. You can easily get through this story in just a few hours, and will make it through in one sitting. The story takes place over a few years, so while the events that are depicted are only those most necessary to get the story where it needs to be, I wish there had been a little more detail to some of the events.
November 5, 2018
One highly imaginative romp of a read. I didn't expect the book to be so funny, the hippies were brilliant. The story was fast paced and ended abruptly, I'm rather hoping that this is a series.
November 17, 2015
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I don't think the blurb or the cover do this book any favours. I was expecting some NA/YA bubble gum story and this is not that story.
Don't get me wrong, there are lots of funny bits but the novel wasn't what I was expecting.
The story starts with Ray being held at knife point by her husband. She manages to ed cape and flee into the night where she reports him to the police. But when she gets out of hospital she finds he has gone missing, and he has taken the money she was planning to use to disappear from the bank account.
With only a few hundred dollars Ray drives as far as she can until her car breaks down - as luck would have, outside a bar where Van's band is playing. After a random woman in the ladies toilets helps her to 'slut up' her clothes and make-up, Ray spends the night getting drunk on free drinks from guys in the bar. At closing time when she tries to start her car nothing happens and Van, who happens to be loading the band's equipment into his truck, offers her a room for the night.
Van is wary of getting close to anyone after his mother left when he was a little boy. Ray is scared that her ex will track her down. Yet together they make sense. But when Ray is safe from her ex and Van leaves to meet his band will they meet again? Will the lure of fame and fortune extinguish Van's feelings for Ray?
Now all that sounds a bit dark and depressing and this book really isn't that at all. Ray and Van have sparks and a great sense of humour. Friends and family turn out to be wild, wacky and wholly inappropriate, as are some of Van's songs. And don't get me started on the BJ jokes.
So, recommended for those who like real people and real life with a big dollop of humour.
I don't think the blurb or the cover do this book any favours. I was expecting some NA/YA bubble gum story and this is not that story.
Don't get me wrong, there are lots of funny bits but the novel wasn't what I was expecting.
The story starts with Ray being held at knife point by her husband. She manages to ed cape and flee into the night where she reports him to the police. But when she gets out of hospital she finds he has gone missing, and he has taken the money she was planning to use to disappear from the bank account.
With only a few hundred dollars Ray drives as far as she can until her car breaks down - as luck would have, outside a bar where Van's band is playing. After a random woman in the ladies toilets helps her to 'slut up' her clothes and make-up, Ray spends the night getting drunk on free drinks from guys in the bar. At closing time when she tries to start her car nothing happens and Van, who happens to be loading the band's equipment into his truck, offers her a room for the night.
Van is wary of getting close to anyone after his mother left when he was a little boy. Ray is scared that her ex will track her down. Yet together they make sense. But when Ray is safe from her ex and Van leaves to meet his band will they meet again? Will the lure of fame and fortune extinguish Van's feelings for Ray?
Now all that sounds a bit dark and depressing and this book really isn't that at all. Ray and Van have sparks and a great sense of humour. Friends and family turn out to be wild, wacky and wholly inappropriate, as are some of Van's songs. And don't get me started on the BJ jokes.
So, recommended for those who like real people and real life with a big dollop of humour.
March 6, 2015
The story of Ray (Rainbow) and Van (part of his last name).
When the book begins, Ray is in a dangerous situation! We come across the details as to how she gets there as the story goes on.
On the run, with barely a penny to her name, Ray winds up stranded outside a bar. She goes inside, just looking for a place to collect her thoughts. By the end of the night, she's been made up by some strangers in the women's restroom and gets completely hammered with men buying her drinks.
She heads out to her car, which thankfully won't start (drunk driving nightmare escaped), and meets the band that was playing. The drummer (Van) is a hottie, and a sweetheart, and she winds up crashing on his couch for the night.
Despite a week or so of passion, Van's about to make it big with a band, and Ray is still running from what happened at the beginning of the story.
Will they make it back to each other in the end?
First off, I really enjoyed the flow of the story. The author has an easy writing style that makes reading a breeze, not a chore. In fact, I liked it so much, that I almost forgave something I really despise. I don't want to spill the beans, so I won't say what it is - but that particular plot point sticks in my craw and makes me knock off 1 star. Without that, it would be a perfect read for me.
I loved Van. He was hot and sweet, and who doesn't like a musician - especially that writes songs for you? *sigh*
I liked Ray, mostly, except for that plot point that involves her.
I still think it is a very enjoyable read, especially if I forget that one piece that reoccurs throughout the story.
Romance Readers received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When the book begins, Ray is in a dangerous situation! We come across the details as to how she gets there as the story goes on.
On the run, with barely a penny to her name, Ray winds up stranded outside a bar. She goes inside, just looking for a place to collect her thoughts. By the end of the night, she's been made up by some strangers in the women's restroom and gets completely hammered with men buying her drinks.
She heads out to her car, which thankfully won't start (drunk driving nightmare escaped), and meets the band that was playing. The drummer (Van) is a hottie, and a sweetheart, and she winds up crashing on his couch for the night.
Despite a week or so of passion, Van's about to make it big with a band, and Ray is still running from what happened at the beginning of the story.
Will they make it back to each other in the end?
First off, I really enjoyed the flow of the story. The author has an easy writing style that makes reading a breeze, not a chore. In fact, I liked it so much, that I almost forgave something I really despise. I don't want to spill the beans, so I won't say what it is - but that particular plot point sticks in my craw and makes me knock off 1 star. Without that, it would be a perfect read for me.
I loved Van. He was hot and sweet, and who doesn't like a musician - especially that writes songs for you? *sigh*
I liked Ray, mostly, except for that plot point that involves her.
I still think it is a very enjoyable read, especially if I forget that one piece that reoccurs throughout the story.
Romance Readers received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2015
The story of Ray (Rainbow) and Van (part of his last name).
When the book begins, Ray is in a dangerous situation! We come across the details as to how she gets there as the story goes on.
On the run, with barely a penny to her name, Ray winds up stranded outside a bar. She goes inside, just looking for a place to collect her thoughts. By the end of the night, she's been made up by some strangers in the women's restroom and gets completely hammered with men buying her drinks.
She heads out to her car, which thankfully won't start (drunk driving nightmare escaped), and meets the band that was playing. The drummer (Van) is a hottie, and a sweetheart, and she winds up crashing on his couch for the night.
Despite a week or so of passion, Van's about to make it big with a band, and Ray is still running from what happened at the beginning of the story.
Will they make it back to each other in the end?
First off, I really enjoyed the flow of the story. The author has an easy writing style that makes reading a breeze, not a chore. In fact, I liked it so much, that I almost forgave something I really despise. I don't want to spill the beans, so I won't say what it is - but that particular plot point sticks in my craw and makes me knock off 1 star. Without that, it would be a perfect read for me.
I loved Van. He was hot and sweet, and who doesn't like a musician - especially that writes songs for you? *sigh*
I liked Ray, mostly, except for that plot point that involves her.
I still think it is a very enjoyable read, especially if I forget that one piece that reoccurs throughout the story.
When the book begins, Ray is in a dangerous situation! We come across the details as to how she gets there as the story goes on.
On the run, with barely a penny to her name, Ray winds up stranded outside a bar. She goes inside, just looking for a place to collect her thoughts. By the end of the night, she's been made up by some strangers in the women's restroom and gets completely hammered with men buying her drinks.
She heads out to her car, which thankfully won't start (drunk driving nightmare escaped), and meets the band that was playing. The drummer (Van) is a hottie, and a sweetheart, and she winds up crashing on his couch for the night.
Despite a week or so of passion, Van's about to make it big with a band, and Ray is still running from what happened at the beginning of the story.
Will they make it back to each other in the end?
First off, I really enjoyed the flow of the story. The author has an easy writing style that makes reading a breeze, not a chore. In fact, I liked it so much, that I almost forgave something I really despise. I don't want to spill the beans, so I won't say what it is - but that particular plot point sticks in my craw and makes me knock off 1 star. Without that, it would be a perfect read for me.
I loved Van. He was hot and sweet, and who doesn't like a musician - especially that writes songs for you? *sigh*
I liked Ray, mostly, except for that plot point that involves her.
I still think it is a very enjoyable read, especially if I forget that one piece that reoccurs throughout the story.
May 21, 2015
5 Stars From Sammy's Book Obsession
MY THOUGHTS~
I was provided with a Review Copy/ARC for review.
I LOVED this book!! I couldn't put it down! Still 3 days later, I'm thinking about it and wanting more. I will definitely be checking out more of author Audra Middleton's work since this was my first read of hers.
Middle Eight isn't dark and depressing like some of the stuff I've been reading lately and I found that refreshing. This book was fun and interesting. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout! Of course there are always trials, struggles, and drama, but the characters in Middle Eight are just so real and down to earth. I loved them all. I won't go into why specifically because I don't want to provide any spoilers.
The writing is fantastic and as seen above, I can't gush enough about how great the characters are. I loved the pace of this story too. I just hate that it had to end at all. Obviously all books come to an end, but this is seriously one that I wish didn't have to. I didn't want to stop reading it! This is for sure going on my favorites and my re-read lists!
I recommend Middle Eight to absolutely anyone! Especially the 70's & 80's babies out there who, like me, feel right at home in the 90's setting ;) Kudos to Audra Middleton for providing me with a brand new favorite!
MY THOUGHTS~
I was provided with a Review Copy/ARC for review.
I LOVED this book!! I couldn't put it down! Still 3 days later, I'm thinking about it and wanting more. I will definitely be checking out more of author Audra Middleton's work since this was my first read of hers.
Middle Eight isn't dark and depressing like some of the stuff I've been reading lately and I found that refreshing. This book was fun and interesting. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout! Of course there are always trials, struggles, and drama, but the characters in Middle Eight are just so real and down to earth. I loved them all. I won't go into why specifically because I don't want to provide any spoilers.
The writing is fantastic and as seen above, I can't gush enough about how great the characters are. I loved the pace of this story too. I just hate that it had to end at all. Obviously all books come to an end, but this is seriously one that I wish didn't have to. I didn't want to stop reading it! This is for sure going on my favorites and my re-read lists!
I recommend Middle Eight to absolutely anyone! Especially the 70's & 80's babies out there who, like me, feel right at home in the 90's setting ;) Kudos to Audra Middleton for providing me with a brand new favorite!
April 6, 2015
Middleton rocks the charts on humor with MIDDLE EIGHT, a delightful romp where a straight-laced woman, stalked by a deranged husband, meets her rock and roll prince charming and ends up on the cover of dicey tabloid for an act she never thought she was capable of. A fast paced, hard to put down, delightful read~~~Susan Stec, author of USA Today's bestselling book, Dead Girls Never Shut Up, and The Grateful Undead series, Purgatory series, and Dark and Deadly series.
April 13, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I loved this book, starting with the title of the book, then Van, then the storyline, then Van, then the comedy, then Van, and of course Van. Yes, Van is dreamy, but seriously, I do highly recommend this book. It has love, sex, suspense, and comedy, all woven together into a good read. I plan on looking for more books by this author.
January 4, 2016
I loved the main character in this story - she is smart, funny, and not afraid to make mistakes. And the notion of finding a new love in our "middle eight" is inspiring. A fun read!
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February 28, 2015ARC provided review to come
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews