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Up In Lights
Below The Pulse (Below The Pulse Duet, Part 1)
Below the Pulse is a dark romantic thriller and Part One in the Below the Pulse duet.
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to race toward your death?
Well, take it from a dead girl, it’s exactly what you had imagined, only a thousand times worse.
My life had become a carousel of guilt.
A deathly road of despair, stolen one fateful night by careening headlights.
I was sinking.
Drowning.
And if it wasn’t for me, they would still be alive.
I am the reason they’re dead.
So, why didn’t the frigid water welcome me at the grim gates, too?
Harlen Graves made breathing underwater easier, though I knew time would be our cruelest enemy.
He was a famous rockstar, the bass player of Chasing The Storm.
I was Blaine Everson, Cherry.
A nobody.
I fell victim to phantom hope, the kind I knew would leave me breathless.
We were only a fleeting moment, not a place to find a home.
And as my broken, soulless body trembled against the crimson-stained concrete, I thought of him.
Did he keep his unspoken promise?
The one I watched twinkle in the depths of his glacial orbs.
The very one keeping me alive.
I had no choice except to sink my nails into the ghostly echoes of his voice when I lost everything
else.
Surviving death once had me staring into the face of fate.
But surviving death twice might be the very force that kills me.
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to race toward your death?
Well, take it from a dead girl, it’s exactly what you had imagined, only a thousand times worse.
My life had become a carousel of guilt.
A deathly road of despair, stolen one fateful night by careening headlights.
I was sinking.
Drowning.
And if it wasn’t for me, they would still be alive.
I am the reason they’re dead.
So, why didn’t the frigid water welcome me at the grim gates, too?
Harlen Graves made breathing underwater easier, though I knew time would be our cruelest enemy.
He was a famous rockstar, the bass player of Chasing The Storm.
I was Blaine Everson, Cherry.
A nobody.
I fell victim to phantom hope, the kind I knew would leave me breathless.
We were only a fleeting moment, not a place to find a home.
And as my broken, soulless body trembled against the crimson-stained concrete, I thought of him.
Did he keep his unspoken promise?
The one I watched twinkle in the depths of his glacial orbs.
The very one keeping me alive.
I had no choice except to sink my nails into the ghostly echoes of his voice when I lost everything
else.
Surviving death once had me staring into the face of fate.
But surviving death twice might be the very force that kills me.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2023
17 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Menegon
4 books67 followersC.L. Menegon writes chilling romantic thrillers and gritty suspense. Her stories harbor a plethora of cut-throat emotions, each weaving you through a web of twists and turns, tragedy and angst, with a sprinkling of hope. Her writing has been described as raw, darkly disturbing, and beautifully poetic, encompassing vivid imagery and thrilling intensity.
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonauthor
clmenegonauthor.com
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonauthor
clmenegonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 30, 2023
⚠️Please read TWs BEFORE reading!⚠️
How have I not read C.L. Menegon's books before!? This was absolutely astounding! If you seek out dark romance, then I can assure you, this is for you! I'm happy to have been given an opportunity to read the ARC. I'll keep this pretty straight to the point and spoiler-free.
Cherry and Harlin's story was emotionally devastating, angsty, and beautiful at the same time. And as if I needed another reason to read this and any other book by C.L. Menegon... this demolished me and my heart. I'm still in shock from the ending and in desperate need of the next book.
What's inside:
💞Dual POV
🩰Dancer FMC
🖤Dark Romance Thriller
🏍Motorcycle Club
🎸Rockstar MMC
🧗♂️Cliffhanger - Duet
How have I not read C.L. Menegon's books before!? This was absolutely astounding! If you seek out dark romance, then I can assure you, this is for you! I'm happy to have been given an opportunity to read the ARC. I'll keep this pretty straight to the point and spoiler-free.
Cherry and Harlin's story was emotionally devastating, angsty, and beautiful at the same time. And as if I needed another reason to read this and any other book by C.L. Menegon... this demolished me and my heart. I'm still in shock from the ending and in desperate need of the next book.
What's inside:
💞Dual POV
🩰Dancer FMC
🖤Dark Romance Thriller
🏍Motorcycle Club
🎸Rockstar MMC
🧗♂️Cliffhanger - Duet
October 2, 2023
✨Below the Pulse ✨
I’ve been in a slump for months and I binged this book in 24 hours so that should tell you how much I loved it lol. CL just has a way of sucking you into a book and making you feel all the emotions.
Cherry & Harlen’s story starts out like a normal toxic MC Rockstar Romance and then takes some DARK DARK turns. Don’t say I didn’t warn you lol this has some of the darkest scenes I’ve read in a while.
Tr0pes:
🖤 Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Rockstar MMC
🖤 Fiesty Dance FMC
🖤 DARK DARK thriller
🖤 Spicy
🖤 Cliffhanger
🖤 TRaUMA
🖤 Dual POV
Up in Lights Book Three (Standalone - First Book in Duet)
As always, please check TWs before reading!
I’ve been in a slump for months and I binged this book in 24 hours so that should tell you how much I loved it lol. CL just has a way of sucking you into a book and making you feel all the emotions.
Cherry & Harlen’s story starts out like a normal toxic MC Rockstar Romance and then takes some DARK DARK turns. Don’t say I didn’t warn you lol this has some of the darkest scenes I’ve read in a while.
Tr0pes:
🖤 Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Rockstar MMC
🖤 Fiesty Dance FMC
🖤 DARK DARK thriller
🖤 Spicy
🖤 Cliffhanger
🖤 TRaUMA
🖤 Dual POV
Up in Lights Book Three (Standalone - First Book in Duet)
As always, please check TWs before reading!
November 15, 2023
4.25 STARS
woah! this one is darrrrrrrrk! and that last line in the book too.
woah! this one is darrrrrrrrk! and that last line in the book too.
October 1, 2023
Suffocatingly Good 🩵🍒
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐮𝐭.” 🩰
Below the Pulse | C.L.Menegon
Up in Lights Book Three, (ʙᴜᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ).
What to expect:
🍒Dark thriller romance
🩵Rockstar playboy MMC
🍒Trauma
🩵Cliffhanger - Duet
🍒Worthy, resilient FMC
🩵Emotional
🍒 Dual POV
🩵 Bromance
🍒 Motorcycle club 🏍️
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.
.
𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.
Below the pulse is focused on rockstar playboy Harlen from the world famous band 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕞.. and small town dancer Blaine better know as Cherry.
“𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐄𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐈 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬.” 𝐇𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭. “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!”
Harlen travels home and crosses paths with Cherry bomb 🍒 their connection flames and they can’t help but be pulled in by one another. It’s so endearing to read it all when there’s so much underneath to unravel. Cherry is fighting self-love after her parents tragically pass & Harlen is still discovering himself away from the fame and playboy image.
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧-𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭.”
I’m too caught up on these two. I attached myself straight away. The story is painful and my heart pulsed like you wouldn’t believe. I loved everything. My pulse was fast, I couldn’t breathe and I couldn’t come up for air. C you have such a way to make me FEEL with the worlds you build, the characters you write come to life. I’m invested. I NEED, yes it’s a need, the next book from these two. I’m hurting 😢
“𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖.
Book two from this duet is called ‘BACK ON ME’. No confirmed release date yet but you can preorder 🙏🏼🤞🏼
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐮𝐭.” 🩰
Below the Pulse | C.L.Menegon
Up in Lights Book Three, (ʙᴜᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ).
What to expect:
🍒Dark thriller romance
🩵Rockstar playboy MMC
🍒Trauma
🩵Cliffhanger - Duet
🍒Worthy, resilient FMC
🩵Emotional
🍒 Dual POV
🩵 Bromance
🍒 Motorcycle club 🏍️
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.
.
𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.
Below the pulse is focused on rockstar playboy Harlen from the world famous band 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕞.. and small town dancer Blaine better know as Cherry.
“𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐄𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐈 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬.” 𝐇𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭. “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!”
Harlen travels home and crosses paths with Cherry bomb 🍒 their connection flames and they can’t help but be pulled in by one another. It’s so endearing to read it all when there’s so much underneath to unravel. Cherry is fighting self-love after her parents tragically pass & Harlen is still discovering himself away from the fame and playboy image.
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧-𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭.”
I’m too caught up on these two. I attached myself straight away. The story is painful and my heart pulsed like you wouldn’t believe. I loved everything. My pulse was fast, I couldn’t breathe and I couldn’t come up for air. C you have such a way to make me FEEL with the worlds you build, the characters you write come to life. I’m invested. I NEED, yes it’s a need, the next book from these two. I’m hurting 😢
“𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖.
Book two from this duet is called ‘BACK ON ME’. No confirmed release date yet but you can preorder 🙏🏼🤞🏼
October 4, 2023
happy almost release day to cherry & harlen! their first book absolutely gutted me. it has been over two weeks since i read it, and i still want to cry, scream, and punch a hole in the wall. but here i am, instead, insisting you pick up this dark, twisted nightmare of a book! 🩵🍒
- rockstar hero
- dancer heroine
- incredibly dark romance
- MC element
- “only one night”
- cliffhanger!
blaine everson, better known as “cherry”, has been dealt a shitty hand of cards in life. she and loss are intimately acquainted, which is why she does her best to steer clear of anyone and anything she may ever be forced to lose again. harlen graves, bass player of infamous metalcore band, “chasing the storm”, throws a wrench in her plans. one second, they’re making eyes across the dark, hazy den of iniquity that is the devil’s peak MC clubhouse, and the next, they’re falling head over heels for one another, with the ticking of a phantom clock echoing their heartbeats all the while. but the fate that lies in wait of them when their time runs out is beyond even cherry’s darkest imaginings, one that threatens to wrench them apart forever. suddenly, cherry finds herself in danger of losing more than just the man who promised to be her safe haven, but her very life as well.
i genuinely don’t know what to say about this book that won’t spoil anything. just know that it is the most phenomenal book c.l. menegon has written yet. it’s darker than dark (hint: think hd carlton 👀) but the story is so compelling, i had to keep reading. while intensely romantic (and spicy!) i find it hard to 100% classify this a romance because it veers more towards a thriller; it’s dark, it’s torturous, and the characters spend more time apart than in a blissful HFN state.
cherry & harlen are so raw and real, and mired in a viciously sticky web, i think i held my breath the entirety of the last 25% of the book, waiting to see how it would all unravel. C, you wrote pure magic with this one. i’m so proud of you and the incredible story you wrote! 🩵🍒
.
.
.
some mild foibles:
no book will ever be perfect, no matter how talented the author may be or how much line and/or developmental editing has been done. i completely understand that, and i think this book is pretty close to perfect, but i did want to mention a couple things i noticed.
1. i will say, some things moved very quickly in this book, so i felt the pace was rushed in some aspects. and other things happened with little to no proper explanation, but i imagine some of these will be further explored in the next book.
2. also, i think C’s writing is very, very pretty, but at times it is hard to distinguish metaphor from reality because of the repetitive use of certain metaphors. so, just read carefully so you won’t be left confused!
.
.
.
trigger warnings:
this book is ridiculously dark—on a wavelength very much similar to haunting/hunting adeline. < spoiler > there is mention of murder, sex trafficking, and violence. there is also on page substance abuse, sexual assault, rape, torture, gore, murder, death of (a) loved one(s), and more. < / spoiler > please heed C’s caution and DO NOT pick this book up if you do not feel comfortable reading any of the above.
.
.
.
overall, i found this to be an incredibly riveting read! C is always an intentional and emotional author, and this book falls nothing short of those exacting standards. it’s sumptuous, it’s gritty, and it will leave your heart bruised and aching in the worst way possible. 🫠
- rockstar hero
- dancer heroine
- incredibly dark romance
- MC element
- “only one night”
- cliffhanger!
blaine everson, better known as “cherry”, has been dealt a shitty hand of cards in life. she and loss are intimately acquainted, which is why she does her best to steer clear of anyone and anything she may ever be forced to lose again. harlen graves, bass player of infamous metalcore band, “chasing the storm”, throws a wrench in her plans. one second, they’re making eyes across the dark, hazy den of iniquity that is the devil’s peak MC clubhouse, and the next, they’re falling head over heels for one another, with the ticking of a phantom clock echoing their heartbeats all the while. but the fate that lies in wait of them when their time runs out is beyond even cherry’s darkest imaginings, one that threatens to wrench them apart forever. suddenly, cherry finds herself in danger of losing more than just the man who promised to be her safe haven, but her very life as well.
i genuinely don’t know what to say about this book that won’t spoil anything. just know that it is the most phenomenal book c.l. menegon has written yet. it’s darker than dark (hint: think hd carlton 👀) but the story is so compelling, i had to keep reading. while intensely romantic (and spicy!) i find it hard to 100% classify this a romance because it veers more towards a thriller; it’s dark, it’s torturous, and the characters spend more time apart than in a blissful HFN state.
cherry & harlen are so raw and real, and mired in a viciously sticky web, i think i held my breath the entirety of the last 25% of the book, waiting to see how it would all unravel. C, you wrote pure magic with this one. i’m so proud of you and the incredible story you wrote! 🩵🍒
.
.
.
some mild foibles:
no book will ever be perfect, no matter how talented the author may be or how much line and/or developmental editing has been done. i completely understand that, and i think this book is pretty close to perfect, but i did want to mention a couple things i noticed.
1. i will say, some things moved very quickly in this book, so i felt the pace was rushed in some aspects. and other things happened with little to no proper explanation, but i imagine some of these will be further explored in the next book.
2. also, i think C’s writing is very, very pretty, but at times it is hard to distinguish metaphor from reality because of the repetitive use of certain metaphors. so, just read carefully so you won’t be left confused!
.
.
.
trigger warnings:
this book is ridiculously dark—on a wavelength very much similar to haunting/hunting adeline. < spoiler > there is mention of murder, sex trafficking, and violence. there is also on page substance abuse, sexual assault, rape, torture, gore, murder, death of (a) loved one(s), and more. < / spoiler > please heed C’s caution and DO NOT pick this book up if you do not feel comfortable reading any of the above.
.
.
.
overall, i found this to be an incredibly riveting read! C is always an intentional and emotional author, and this book falls nothing short of those exacting standards. it’s sumptuous, it’s gritty, and it will leave your heart bruised and aching in the worst way possible. 🫠
September 29, 2023
Thrilling… disturbing… heartbreaking…
Cherry & Harlen’s tale starts off all fun and games… you dont even notice that the shadows and darkness have creeped in and all around you.. until youre already swallowed up.
Not a story for the faint. Im not going to toss around the word romance here to be honest bc this is truly more of a thriller.
I will die on the hill that CL Menegon has one of the best writing styles that I absolutely love to read. I feel it. The pain, the love, the sadness, the flicker of hope, the courage and strength.. and the grief. I feel every character she writes as if theyre living and breathing. Truly talented. I think I highlighted more than half the book :)
Check content warnings and if youre still here… buckle. Up. 🫣
In a more sunny note: Harlen is the absolute cutiepie sunshine this book needed and Im so happy for his pov!! Also motorcycles AND music?? Cmon.. say less 😮💨 all the vibes.
Cherry & Harlen’s tale starts off all fun and games… you dont even notice that the shadows and darkness have creeped in and all around you.. until youre already swallowed up.
Not a story for the faint. Im not going to toss around the word romance here to be honest bc this is truly more of a thriller.
I will die on the hill that CL Menegon has one of the best writing styles that I absolutely love to read. I feel it. The pain, the love, the sadness, the flicker of hope, the courage and strength.. and the grief. I feel every character she writes as if theyre living and breathing. Truly talented. I think I highlighted more than half the book :)
Check content warnings and if youre still here… buckle. Up. 🫣
In a more sunny note: Harlen is the absolute cutiepie sunshine this book needed and Im so happy for his pov!! Also motorcycles AND music?? Cmon.. say less 😮💨 all the vibes.
February 2, 2024
Dang… such raw emotion! The characters interactions were so true to life that I felt like they were people I knew. Can I give it six stars?
October 5, 2023
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐮𝐭.”
OMG! OMG! OMG! WTF did I just finish reading? I am sitting here with tears dripping off my face, clutching my aching stomach, and just reeling with anger. I knew the story was going to be dark, but what I didn’t realize was how deep down in the rabbit hole this author was going to take us.
I found myself instantly drawn into this crazy whirlwind of a possible love story happening between Harlen and Cherry. I became obsessed with these two and addicted to their fantastic back-and-forth banter that was filled with tension, sarcasm, and this intense sexual desire for each other. I craved for them to be together, and I just knew that these two broken souls were going to be absolutely perfect for each other.
What I wasn’t ready for was pretty much the second half of the story. It was disturbing, depraved, wicked, bloody, gut-wrenching, and had me so wound up I couldn’t see through the tears falling off my face. My heart was racing so fast, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath, and I was just so unsure how everything was going to turn out in the end.
This story was so well written with such explosive and poignant words that it left me raw and broken in the end. There were times when I hurt so much I had to put the book down to take a breath, but in the end, I realized this is only part one of their story, and there had to be a happy ending coming for them soon.
Buckle up because this part of Harlen and Cherry’s story is a heavy one!
“I’ve learned that trust is best friends with the broken. We hope for a pretty outcome even though we know annihilation lingers deep within the depths. And the kick in the teeth at the end can only hurt the first time because, after that, we grin and bare our teeth, ready for the inevitable impact. We’ve already accepted what we know is coming.”
OMG! OMG! OMG! WTF did I just finish reading? I am sitting here with tears dripping off my face, clutching my aching stomach, and just reeling with anger. I knew the story was going to be dark, but what I didn’t realize was how deep down in the rabbit hole this author was going to take us.
I found myself instantly drawn into this crazy whirlwind of a possible love story happening between Harlen and Cherry. I became obsessed with these two and addicted to their fantastic back-and-forth banter that was filled with tension, sarcasm, and this intense sexual desire for each other. I craved for them to be together, and I just knew that these two broken souls were going to be absolutely perfect for each other.
What I wasn’t ready for was pretty much the second half of the story. It was disturbing, depraved, wicked, bloody, gut-wrenching, and had me so wound up I couldn’t see through the tears falling off my face. My heart was racing so fast, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath, and I was just so unsure how everything was going to turn out in the end.
This story was so well written with such explosive and poignant words that it left me raw and broken in the end. There were times when I hurt so much I had to put the book down to take a breath, but in the end, I realized this is only part one of their story, and there had to be a happy ending coming for them soon.
Buckle up because this part of Harlen and Cherry’s story is a heavy one!
“I’ve learned that trust is best friends with the broken. We hope for a pretty outcome even though we know annihilation lingers deep within the depths. And the kick in the teeth at the end can only hurt the first time because, after that, we grin and bare our teeth, ready for the inevitable impact. We’ve already accepted what we know is coming.”
September 21, 2023
Below the Pulse by C.L. Menegon
🩰🏍️🩰🏍️🩰
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
❌MAKE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS❌
This is the first book of a duet. Blaine, aka Cherry lost her parents when she was 15, and since then, she’s been waiting to feel peace again. She lost her only friend when he turned his back on her, and she’s left completely alone.
One day after work, while walking home, a regular at the bar she works at, stops on his motorcycle and offers her a ride. They end up at his MC clubhouse, where she see Harlan, the bassets from a well known rock band. There’s an instant connection between them, which scares Cherry the most.
Cherry and Harlan spend time together, but she keeps him at arm’s length. She is waiting for him to leave, just like everyone else does. He eventually has to leave for a gig, and she asks him to return to her. After a month, he can’t take it anymore, and returns to her, only to find out she’s missing……
Includes
- dark romantic thriller
- Rockstar playboy mmc
- Broken, but still resilient fmc
- Trauma
- Suspenseful
- Twist & turns
- Spicy
- Cliffhanger
🩰🏍️🩰🏍️🩰
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
❌MAKE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS❌
This is the first book of a duet. Blaine, aka Cherry lost her parents when she was 15, and since then, she’s been waiting to feel peace again. She lost her only friend when he turned his back on her, and she’s left completely alone.
One day after work, while walking home, a regular at the bar she works at, stops on his motorcycle and offers her a ride. They end up at his MC clubhouse, where she see Harlan, the bassets from a well known rock band. There’s an instant connection between them, which scares Cherry the most.
Cherry and Harlan spend time together, but she keeps him at arm’s length. She is waiting for him to leave, just like everyone else does. He eventually has to leave for a gig, and she asks him to return to her. After a month, he can’t take it anymore, and returns to her, only to find out she’s missing……
Includes
- dark romantic thriller
- Rockstar playboy mmc
- Broken, but still resilient fmc
- Trauma
- Suspenseful
- Twist & turns
- Spicy
- Cliffhanger
September 29, 2023
I was gifted this book as an ARC however this review is voluntary and 100% my own thoughts are feelings.
This book is part 1 of a duet and follows Blaine (Cherry) and Harlan. Cherry and Harlan meet one night at his MC Clubhouse when he’s in town on break from tour. Cherry has been through some tragic events in her life and purposefully refuses to let people get close to avoid the inevitable heart break when they leave. Harlan sees that Cherry and keeps pushing at her walls until she lets him in. Eventually though real life calls and Harlan has to go back to L.A. Cherry makes Harlan promise that he will come back to her and after a month he does only to find out she’s missing. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I definitely recommend checking your triggers before reading.
Favorite quote and one that spoke to my soul: I’ve learned that trust is best friends with the broken. We hope for a pretty outcome even though we know annihilation lingers deep within the depths. And the kick in the teeth at the end can only hurt the first time because, after that, we grin and bare our teeth, ready for the inevitable impact. We’ve already accepted what we know is coming.
This book is part 1 of a duet and follows Blaine (Cherry) and Harlan. Cherry and Harlan meet one night at his MC Clubhouse when he’s in town on break from tour. Cherry has been through some tragic events in her life and purposefully refuses to let people get close to avoid the inevitable heart break when they leave. Harlan sees that Cherry and keeps pushing at her walls until she lets him in. Eventually though real life calls and Harlan has to go back to L.A. Cherry makes Harlan promise that he will come back to her and after a month he does only to find out she’s missing. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I definitely recommend checking your triggers before reading.
Favorite quote and one that spoke to my soul: I’ve learned that trust is best friends with the broken. We hope for a pretty outcome even though we know annihilation lingers deep within the depths. And the kick in the teeth at the end can only hurt the first time because, after that, we grin and bare our teeth, ready for the inevitable impact. We’ve already accepted what we know is coming.
September 30, 2023
Honestly, I don’t even know what to say. I feel like I’m gasping for air with this book. This book had me go through a plethora of emotions and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s dark, raw, thrilling, and heartbreaking. Man was it heartbreaking.
Cherry and Harlen truly have me… their chemistry, like moth to a flame. I loved the first two books, but this one? This story has become undeniably darker and it’s devastating in the best way to say the least.
I won’t say anything else because you guys really, really fucking need to read this book, this damn series, to just experience and understand. Please.
"𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞."
*ARC for honest review.
Cherry and Harlen truly have me… their chemistry, like moth to a flame. I loved the first two books, but this one? This story has become undeniably darker and it’s devastating in the best way to say the least.
I won’t say anything else because you guys really, really fucking need to read this book, this damn series, to just experience and understand. Please.
"𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞."
*ARC for honest review.
September 30, 2023
Arc review.
This book is crude, dark and so destructive. It was so interesting for me to watch their connection. She wanted him to come back. He's back. And she's not there.
What? It's such a mess that you start to worry. I need a second book.
Cherry and Harlen are doing the most interesting thing.
𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙄 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚. 𝙏𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡.
I love it.
This book is crude, dark and so destructive. It was so interesting for me to watch their connection. She wanted him to come back. He's back. And she's not there.
What? It's such a mess that you start to worry. I need a second book.
Cherry and Harlen are doing the most interesting thing.
𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙄 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚. 𝙏𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡.
I love it.
October 13, 2023
Cherry, a broken soul, trying to take flight even though the universe is doing everything in its power to keep her wings clipped. She has endured tragedy again and again and can’t seem to find a place where her feet feel solidly buried into the ground so she can blossom. Watching her trauma control every aspect of her life was utterly heartbreaking.
Harlen, a fun breath of fresh air, he doesn’t take life too seriously. He’s a rockstar, a member of Chasing The Storm and is also apart of a motorcycle club.. 🔥🔥. Upon meeting Cherry he brings out her playful side and helps her to see that it is okay to live life a little lighter. I LOVED their banter, their chemistry and cheekiness. She really is the moth to his flame.
C.L has created a story with so much grit, heart, darkness, it’s raw, it’s hard to read at times with some super heavy topics (but also, as an avid thriller reader I love when authors go there, and she goes there *yesssss* but it’s not for the faint hearted).
Her words are so effortlessly wound together, in a story that is so heartbreaking and tragic but there is so much beauty to be found in C.L’s words. I’m beyond thrilled that with every book she pushes the limits and she does it so freaking well you won’t be able to put the book down. Im really loving the direction C.L’s writing is going - the suspenseful eeriness is EVERYTHING.
I definitely feel like to fully appreciate this story you should read at least Tied In Leather first (Book 2 in the Up In Lights Series) but it’s not necessary.
I’m not going to say much else because there are ALOT of twists and turns and I want you all to be as gobsmacked and as shocked as I was, so you will get basically no plot spoilers from me 😂🙌
Read if you like:
💋 Rockstar Romances
💋 Motorcycle Club
💋 Atmospheric Reads
💋 Thrillers
💋 Spice 🔥🌶️
💋 Heavy topics
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
Harlen, a fun breath of fresh air, he doesn’t take life too seriously. He’s a rockstar, a member of Chasing The Storm and is also apart of a motorcycle club.. 🔥🔥. Upon meeting Cherry he brings out her playful side and helps her to see that it is okay to live life a little lighter. I LOVED their banter, their chemistry and cheekiness. She really is the moth to his flame.
C.L has created a story with so much grit, heart, darkness, it’s raw, it’s hard to read at times with some super heavy topics (but also, as an avid thriller reader I love when authors go there, and she goes there *yesssss* but it’s not for the faint hearted).
Her words are so effortlessly wound together, in a story that is so heartbreaking and tragic but there is so much beauty to be found in C.L’s words. I’m beyond thrilled that with every book she pushes the limits and she does it so freaking well you won’t be able to put the book down. Im really loving the direction C.L’s writing is going - the suspenseful eeriness is EVERYTHING.
I definitely feel like to fully appreciate this story you should read at least Tied In Leather first (Book 2 in the Up In Lights Series) but it’s not necessary.
I’m not going to say much else because there are ALOT of twists and turns and I want you all to be as gobsmacked and as shocked as I was, so you will get basically no plot spoilers from me 😂🙌
Read if you like:
💋 Rockstar Romances
💋 Motorcycle Club
💋 Atmospheric Reads
💋 Thrillers
💋 Spice 🔥🌶️
💋 Heavy topics
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
October 19, 2023
i’m going to be completely honest, i’m still trying to process my emotions after finishing this book in one sitting but to put it simply: i’m not okay. i’m a mess. this completely and utterly wrecked me. i knew it would. i prepared myself for the pain. but i still wasn’t ready and now i’m sobbing into my pillows over this heart wrenching part one of Cherry and Harlen’s story.
*gifted an arc copy.
full review coming soon.
*gifted an arc copy.
full review coming soon.
October 1, 2023
Arc review
This story honestly took me by complete surprise.In my head I had a story mapped out already but actually getting into the this it was nothing like I pictured it was so much better.I was apprehensive as cl said this was the darkest thing she had written I wasn’t per-say scared or worried for the content but I was actually curious what that meant I felt like I had come to know cl’s writing style pretty well almost like I had memorized a pattern that had me entranced everytime without fail so I was completely ready to see what this book had in store for me
I was prepared but also wasn’t
The plot was amazing it had parts that where simple and almost domestic that made me completely adore w harlen and cheery s relationship and build up.And parts where I was on the edge of my seat high off the adrenaline that this story was offering me.cl had me hanging off every word of this book I completely clung to it just wanting more of the story,characters and world there was never a dull moment I was completely sucked into this world and it’s dark twists and turns.
The characters were definitely one of my main highlights I absolutely adored chase in this I was so happy that we’re starting to see more of him.his dynamic with chase was the perfect comedic relief to this hard hitting story I also adored harlens dad it was incredibly interesting to learn about harlens upbringing and his involvement in the Mc.
I also had so much anticipation for this book because of cherry.
she was a character that had me so enamors after her introduction in book 2 I just wanted to learn more about her and her story and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint she was a complete breath of fresh air she towed the line of fiery and assertive but also had this vunreable reserved side that Made her so human…
She was a character that I could relate to which me me love her that much more
This story was definitely a roller coaster of emotions there were parts where I felt overwhelmed with heavy emotions and parts where I was dying with anticipation for the next chapter it was truly a story I never wanted to end
This story honestly took me by complete surprise.In my head I had a story mapped out already but actually getting into the this it was nothing like I pictured it was so much better.I was apprehensive as cl said this was the darkest thing she had written I wasn’t per-say scared or worried for the content but I was actually curious what that meant I felt like I had come to know cl’s writing style pretty well almost like I had memorized a pattern that had me entranced everytime without fail so I was completely ready to see what this book had in store for me
I was prepared but also wasn’t
The plot was amazing it had parts that where simple and almost domestic that made me completely adore w harlen and cheery s relationship and build up.And parts where I was on the edge of my seat high off the adrenaline that this story was offering me.cl had me hanging off every word of this book I completely clung to it just wanting more of the story,characters and world there was never a dull moment I was completely sucked into this world and it’s dark twists and turns.
The characters were definitely one of my main highlights I absolutely adored chase in this I was so happy that we’re starting to see more of him.his dynamic with chase was the perfect comedic relief to this hard hitting story I also adored harlens dad it was incredibly interesting to learn about harlens upbringing and his involvement in the Mc.
I also had so much anticipation for this book because of cherry.
she was a character that had me so enamors after her introduction in book 2 I just wanted to learn more about her and her story and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint she was a complete breath of fresh air she towed the line of fiery and assertive but also had this vunreable reserved side that Made her so human…
She was a character that I could relate to which me me love her that much more
This story was definitely a roller coaster of emotions there were parts where I felt overwhelmed with heavy emotions and parts where I was dying with anticipation for the next chapter it was truly a story I never wanted to end
October 1, 2023
🍒 Happy Pub Day BELOW THE PULSE 🍒
🛑 Please check trigger warnings. This is not for everyone. This book is extremely dark and heavy. It contains disturbing, terrifying and triggering subject matter.
•••••••••••••••••••••
🖤 Wow wow wow….I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest. What a dark chilling intense terrifying ride. I swear I read the last 30% of this book faster than I’ve ever read anything in my life.
🍒 BELOW THE PULSE is a dark romantic thriller (Book 3 in the Up In Lights standalone series). This book is also part 1 in a duet. This is Cherry and Harlen’s story. These two have some extreme trauma in their pasts and unrelenting demons they live with everyday. When they come together, it’s sexy as hell. It’s also a chance to find a kind of peace, freedom and love they’ve never known before.
💥 But then the story goes absolutely effing haywire. C.L. Menegon went darker with this one. It snuck up on me and had me reeling!! I thought I was prepared, but NOPE I really wasn’t!!! Again, CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. There is disturbing and terrifying subject matter explored in this book.
🎸 It’s heavy, heartbreaking and so beautifully executed. Her characters, their interactions and the way she captures trauma experiences - it’s all so real and gritty. I feel everything she writes down to my bones.
✨ Menegon writes with such a raw vulnerability, her heart and soul bleed out and lay exposed on every page. As dark as her stories can be, I know this author has me. She provides a safe place for me. I trust her process. I really felt that with this one especially.
🤍 Ultimately, her stories are about the process of healing, finding hope, strength, beauty and freedom after you’ve lived in the dark, went through hell and survived the unthinkable.
🛑 Please check trigger warnings. This is not for everyone. This book is extremely dark and heavy. It contains disturbing, terrifying and triggering subject matter.
•••••••••••••••••••••
🖤 Wow wow wow….I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest. What a dark chilling intense terrifying ride. I swear I read the last 30% of this book faster than I’ve ever read anything in my life.
🍒 BELOW THE PULSE is a dark romantic thriller (Book 3 in the Up In Lights standalone series). This book is also part 1 in a duet. This is Cherry and Harlen’s story. These two have some extreme trauma in their pasts and unrelenting demons they live with everyday. When they come together, it’s sexy as hell. It’s also a chance to find a kind of peace, freedom and love they’ve never known before.
💥 But then the story goes absolutely effing haywire. C.L. Menegon went darker with this one. It snuck up on me and had me reeling!! I thought I was prepared, but NOPE I really wasn’t!!! Again, CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. There is disturbing and terrifying subject matter explored in this book.
🎸 It’s heavy, heartbreaking and so beautifully executed. Her characters, their interactions and the way she captures trauma experiences - it’s all so real and gritty. I feel everything she writes down to my bones.
✨ Menegon writes with such a raw vulnerability, her heart and soul bleed out and lay exposed on every page. As dark as her stories can be, I know this author has me. She provides a safe place for me. I trust her process. I really felt that with this one especially.
🤍 Ultimately, her stories are about the process of healing, finding hope, strength, beauty and freedom after you’ve lived in the dark, went through hell and survived the unthinkable.
October 9, 2023
What did I just read? Holyyyy F^CK.
A masterpiece, that's what.
Before I even get started, let's all have a moment of silence and BOW DOWN FOR THE MF QUEEN. Now that that's off my chest...let's proceed.
From TIL I knew I couldn't wait for Cherry's book. She has always fascinated me, her carefree spirit reminded me of well...myself. I'm in love with her. No joke. One of my favorite things about C.L.'s books is the found family aspect of them. She has a way of uniting people who would go to hell and back for each other and I LOVE THAT. It was one of my favorite things about this book as well-how she portrayed Harlen's and Chase's friendship. It feels SO REAL. Like I'm reading about real people. Another thing was the CHEMISTRY and TENSION between Harlen and Cherry. OMFG.
From an author stand point, the hypnotizing way in which C.L. was able to hook her claws into me from the very first sentence...nothing compares to that. Her lyrical writing always makes me feel like I'm reading poetry and I'm literally transported into the pages. The way she describes what's happening makes me feel like I'm actually LIVING IT. Anyway, I could sit here all day and talk about her as a writer and a person but I'll save you the time.
This book GRIPPED ME from page one until the very end. It felt like it had me in a chokehold and I could not breathe until the very last page. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling EVERY EMOTION, by the time it was over. I honestly wanted to scream at her HOW DARE YOU do that to my babies.
I'm so beyond lucky to get to read your books, my girl. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. WOW. You've done it again C.L.!!!!!! I CANNOT wait for the next book in the duet.
A masterpiece, that's what.
Before I even get started, let's all have a moment of silence and BOW DOWN FOR THE MF QUEEN. Now that that's off my chest...let's proceed.
From TIL I knew I couldn't wait for Cherry's book. She has always fascinated me, her carefree spirit reminded me of well...myself. I'm in love with her. No joke. One of my favorite things about C.L.'s books is the found family aspect of them. She has a way of uniting people who would go to hell and back for each other and I LOVE THAT. It was one of my favorite things about this book as well-how she portrayed Harlen's and Chase's friendship. It feels SO REAL. Like I'm reading about real people. Another thing was the CHEMISTRY and TENSION between Harlen and Cherry. OMFG.
From an author stand point, the hypnotizing way in which C.L. was able to hook her claws into me from the very first sentence...nothing compares to that. Her lyrical writing always makes me feel like I'm reading poetry and I'm literally transported into the pages. The way she describes what's happening makes me feel like I'm actually LIVING IT. Anyway, I could sit here all day and talk about her as a writer and a person but I'll save you the time.
This book GRIPPED ME from page one until the very end. It felt like it had me in a chokehold and I could not breathe until the very last page. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling EVERY EMOTION, by the time it was over. I honestly wanted to scream at her HOW DARE YOU do that to my babies.
I'm so beyond lucky to get to read your books, my girl. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. WOW. You've done it again C.L.!!!!!! I CANNOT wait for the next book in the duet.
March 5, 2024
This authors books just keep getting better. A book filled with raw emotion, sadness, secrets and danger. CL certainly knows how to tell a story.
The start of this story had a melancholy feel to it and I couldn't help but feel sadness for Cherry and what her life has been like. She's alone, she's lost her parents, her best friend Tyler up and left her behind and her brother is up to no good.
Harlen, is the opposite. He's a rockstar and has an MC for a family who are incredibly supportive. These two cross paths and you can feel the heat between them right away.
I really enjoyed Harlen's POV, he was more 'light' to Cherry's dark.
This story certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but C.L is a brilliant writer and I love all of her books, so if you think you can continue AFTER you have taken in the trigger warnings, then you really need to, you won't regret it.
Cherry is always keeping people at arm's length from her because in her mind, everyone leaves her. She mentions her friend Tyler (we got his story in Tied in Leather) and she does the same thing with Harlen. However, when he needs to leave to go back to his Rockstar life for a gig, she asks him to come back. He does eventually come back but he finds her missing, and what happens from here truly will hurt your heart.
This book is full of hurt and heart ache and I felt my heart in my throat most of the way through.
I felt early in this book that I would be an emotional mess once finished and with that cliff-hanger, I was right. I need the next book soon!
Another fantastic book, thank you for the review copy!!
The start of this story had a melancholy feel to it and I couldn't help but feel sadness for Cherry and what her life has been like. She's alone, she's lost her parents, her best friend Tyler up and left her behind and her brother is up to no good.
Harlen, is the opposite. He's a rockstar and has an MC for a family who are incredibly supportive. These two cross paths and you can feel the heat between them right away.
I really enjoyed Harlen's POV, he was more 'light' to Cherry's dark.
This story certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but C.L is a brilliant writer and I love all of her books, so if you think you can continue AFTER you have taken in the trigger warnings, then you really need to, you won't regret it.
Cherry is always keeping people at arm's length from her because in her mind, everyone leaves her. She mentions her friend Tyler (we got his story in Tied in Leather) and she does the same thing with Harlen. However, when he needs to leave to go back to his Rockstar life for a gig, she asks him to come back. He does eventually come back but he finds her missing, and what happens from here truly will hurt your heart.
This book is full of hurt and heart ache and I felt my heart in my throat most of the way through.
I felt early in this book that I would be an emotional mess once finished and with that cliff-hanger, I was right. I need the next book soon!
Another fantastic book, thank you for the review copy!!
September 30, 2023
"I’ve learned that trust is best friends with the broken. We hope for a pretty outcome even though we know annihilation lingers deep within the depths. And the kick in the teeth at the end can only hurt the first time because, after that, we grin and bare our teeth, ready for the inevitable impact.
We’ve already accepted what we know is coming."
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of C.L. Menegon's newest musician standalone book, Below The Pulse (book three in the Up In Lights Series). It is a complete standalone.
Below The Pulse is Part One of a duet that follows Cherry and Harlen's story.
This is the second book by C.L. Menegon that I have read, and she has become an auto-buy author for me. I am in awe of her writing. Everything she writes is so emotional, raw, and gritty that you can tell that she has poured her complete heart and soul into writing these heartbreakingly beautiful stories.
This book utterly consumed me from start to finish. I devoured Cherry and Harlen's story in two days. Their story made a real mess of me and takes you on a hell of a ride. I could feel every emotion the characters felt while reading their story.
I did have to put the book down at times as it is dark, and it contains some very triggering heavy situations that were hard to read. My heart completely broke for Cherry and everything she has been through and experienced, but I am in complete awe of how strong she is after everything she's endured.
There is something about two broken people that gets me every time, and I could not help but fall in love with Cherry and Harlen.
I just loved Cherry and Harlen so much!
I need to know what happens next for them after that ending.
Thank you so much to C.L. Menegon for the ARC 💙
⚠️ * Please check the trigger warnings before reading! * ⚠️
We’ve already accepted what we know is coming."
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of C.L. Menegon's newest musician standalone book, Below The Pulse (book three in the Up In Lights Series). It is a complete standalone.
Below The Pulse is Part One of a duet that follows Cherry and Harlen's story.
This is the second book by C.L. Menegon that I have read, and she has become an auto-buy author for me. I am in awe of her writing. Everything she writes is so emotional, raw, and gritty that you can tell that she has poured her complete heart and soul into writing these heartbreakingly beautiful stories.
This book utterly consumed me from start to finish. I devoured Cherry and Harlen's story in two days. Their story made a real mess of me and takes you on a hell of a ride. I could feel every emotion the characters felt while reading their story.
I did have to put the book down at times as it is dark, and it contains some very triggering heavy situations that were hard to read. My heart completely broke for Cherry and everything she has been through and experienced, but I am in complete awe of how strong she is after everything she's endured.
There is something about two broken people that gets me every time, and I could not help but fall in love with Cherry and Harlen.
I just loved Cherry and Harlen so much!
I need to know what happens next for them after that ending.
Thank you so much to C.L. Menegon for the ARC 💙
⚠️ * Please check the trigger warnings before reading! * ⚠️
September 30, 2023
4.25 - 4.5 Stars!
I've been wanting to dive back into this world for some time now. As soon as I saw the posts and teasers for this one, I knew I absolutely needed to read this book! I picked it up as soon as i could and got right back into the Up In Lights world! I really enjoyed this first installment in this duet so much!
This first book in Cherry and Harlen's journey pulled my heart and I in! Sometimes a collision of two souls can forever shake things up, something Cherry knows as she and Harlen meet. Can Cherry and Harlen find a way out of the depths of darkness, together?
Going into this story I wasn't sure what all to expect and I thoroughly enjoyed that so much! From beginning to end Cherry and Harlen put my heart through it all and I could feel every bit. The gritty realness and emotions that poured throughout this first installment in Cherry and Harlen's journey got to me. There was relatability and heart ripping moments. This far from easy journey kept me on edge and got me right in the chest.
With Below The Pulse, Ms.Menegon has created a great and gripping beginning that put me into the darkness and had me feeling so dang much! There is such beauty and rawness to this author's writing and her words always pull me in every time. I can't wait to find out what all is going to happen next in this duet with book two, Back On Me!
Be sure to read the author's note for triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
I've been wanting to dive back into this world for some time now. As soon as I saw the posts and teasers for this one, I knew I absolutely needed to read this book! I picked it up as soon as i could and got right back into the Up In Lights world! I really enjoyed this first installment in this duet so much!
This first book in Cherry and Harlen's journey pulled my heart and I in! Sometimes a collision of two souls can forever shake things up, something Cherry knows as she and Harlen meet. Can Cherry and Harlen find a way out of the depths of darkness, together?
Going into this story I wasn't sure what all to expect and I thoroughly enjoyed that so much! From beginning to end Cherry and Harlen put my heart through it all and I could feel every bit. The gritty realness and emotions that poured throughout this first installment in Cherry and Harlen's journey got to me. There was relatability and heart ripping moments. This far from easy journey kept me on edge and got me right in the chest.
With Below The Pulse, Ms.Menegon has created a great and gripping beginning that put me into the darkness and had me feeling so dang much! There is such beauty and rawness to this author's writing and her words always pull me in every time. I can't wait to find out what all is going to happen next in this duet with book two, Back On Me!
Be sure to read the author's note for triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
September 30, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
C.L. writing is gutteral, deep, and painfully beautiful. She never ceases to amaze me with her words. When I think I've experienced her books, she gives you whiplash with another exceptional release.
𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙚 is book 1 of 2 in a duet. It is a standalone but part of the Up In Lights series.
The mix of emotions I feel is undeniable — throughout my read I'm hanging on by a thread, Cherry and Harlen's words are so palpable. I caught myself multiple times smiling at one scene and then the next I'm filled with suspense. From the very first page a match is lit and you become completely engulfed in the heat. The angst and tension between Cherry and Harlen had my pulse racing, swearing to myself on how hot it is and just enjoying the ride as their relationship unravels.
We meet Cherry and Harlen at a vulnerable time. When they collide it is a whirlwind. Deep confessions are shared, trauma is relieved. In the chaos, while they are wrapped up in each other, solace is sought out. But amongst all, their connection is soul deep. Intense. Addictive. Beautiful. And I am here for all of it.
The raw, heart wrenching moments of this story absolutely broke me. There are moments in a story that consume you. It's raw. It's soul shattering. It's hurt and pain but it has so much heart. You forget to breathe. This is that story. That story that sits with you. Immerses itself into you.
C.L. writing is gutteral, deep, and painfully beautiful. She never ceases to amaze me with her words. When I think I've experienced her books, she gives you whiplash with another exceptional release.
𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙚 is book 1 of 2 in a duet. It is a standalone but part of the Up In Lights series.
The mix of emotions I feel is undeniable — throughout my read I'm hanging on by a thread, Cherry and Harlen's words are so palpable. I caught myself multiple times smiling at one scene and then the next I'm filled with suspense. From the very first page a match is lit and you become completely engulfed in the heat. The angst and tension between Cherry and Harlen had my pulse racing, swearing to myself on how hot it is and just enjoying the ride as their relationship unravels.
We meet Cherry and Harlen at a vulnerable time. When they collide it is a whirlwind. Deep confessions are shared, trauma is relieved. In the chaos, while they are wrapped up in each other, solace is sought out. But amongst all, their connection is soul deep. Intense. Addictive. Beautiful. And I am here for all of it.
The raw, heart wrenching moments of this story absolutely broke me. There are moments in a story that consume you. It's raw. It's soul shattering. It's hurt and pain but it has so much heart. You forget to breathe. This is that story. That story that sits with you. Immerses itself into you.
October 7, 2023
Wow! This is my favorite one out of the series. You don’t have to read the first 2 but you get a better idea of the characters if you do. We meet Cherry (the FMC) in Tied In Leather and Harlen (the MMC) in Because You Said and Tied In Leather.
In the first half of the book, you get a better idea of Cherry and delve deep into her trauma and demons. On the outside, she is this happy and fun woman, but not everything you see on the outside is what it seems. She is struggling. Man… do I relate with Cherry. The anxiety and feeling so alone at times. I wanted to hug her and yell at her that she was not alone!!
"𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨."
That quote… I was very much like that years ago. I still have a hard time with it, cause with trusting people so easily you get burned easier too.
Than she meet’s Harlen. A bass player rockstar, whose Dad is in a motorcycle club. They meet at the clubhouse and their whirlwind love story begins.
"𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳."
Now a little over halfway through the book is INTENSE!! That is where the dark dark sh!t happens. So be prepared if you have triggers. Cause I am not one to get triggered by much, but I got the chills reading through what was happening. Completely heartbreaking…
I neeeeeed the next book. I have to know what happens. I’m sure it’s not going to be an easy ride, but I’m ready CL!!!
In the first half of the book, you get a better idea of Cherry and delve deep into her trauma and demons. On the outside, she is this happy and fun woman, but not everything you see on the outside is what it seems. She is struggling. Man… do I relate with Cherry. The anxiety and feeling so alone at times. I wanted to hug her and yell at her that she was not alone!!
"𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨."
That quote… I was very much like that years ago. I still have a hard time with it, cause with trusting people so easily you get burned easier too.
Than she meet’s Harlen. A bass player rockstar, whose Dad is in a motorcycle club. They meet at the clubhouse and their whirlwind love story begins.
"𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳."
Now a little over halfway through the book is INTENSE!! That is where the dark dark sh!t happens. So be prepared if you have triggers. Cause I am not one to get triggered by much, but I got the chills reading through what was happening. Completely heartbreaking…
I neeeeeed the next book. I have to know what happens. I’m sure it’s not going to be an easy ride, but I’m ready CL!!!
October 3, 2023
This authors books just keep getting better. A book filled with raw emotion, sadness, secrets and danger. CL certainly knows how to tell a story.
The start of this story had a melancholy feel to it and I couldn't help but feel sadness for Cherry and what her life has been like. She's alone, she's lost her parents, her best friend Tyler up and left her behind and her brother is up to no good.
Harlen, is the opposite. He's a rockstar and has an MC for a family who are incredibly supportive. These two cross paths and you can feel the heat between them right away.
I really enjoyed Harlen's POV, he was more 'light' to Cherry's dark.
This story certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but C.L is a brilliant writer and I love all of her books, so if you think you can continue AFTER you have taken in the trigger warnings, then you really need to, you won't regret it.
Cherry is always keeping people at arm's length from her because in her mind, everyone leaves her. She mentions her friend Tyler (we got his story in Tied in Leather) and she does the same thing with Harlen. However, when he needs to leave to go back to his Rockstar life for a gig, she asks him to come back. He does eventually come back but he finds her missing, and what happens from here truly will hurt your heart.
This book is full of hurt and heart ache and I felt my heart in my throat most of the way through.
I felt early in this book that I would be an emotional mess once finished and with that cliff-hanger, I was right. I need the next book soon!
Another fantastic book, thank you for the review copy!!
The start of this story had a melancholy feel to it and I couldn't help but feel sadness for Cherry and what her life has been like. She's alone, she's lost her parents, her best friend Tyler up and left her behind and her brother is up to no good.
Harlen, is the opposite. He's a rockstar and has an MC for a family who are incredibly supportive. These two cross paths and you can feel the heat between them right away.
I really enjoyed Harlen's POV, he was more 'light' to Cherry's dark.
This story certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but C.L is a brilliant writer and I love all of her books, so if you think you can continue AFTER you have taken in the trigger warnings, then you really need to, you won't regret it.
Cherry is always keeping people at arm's length from her because in her mind, everyone leaves her. She mentions her friend Tyler (we got his story in Tied in Leather) and she does the same thing with Harlen. However, when he needs to leave to go back to his Rockstar life for a gig, she asks him to come back. He does eventually come back but he finds her missing, and what happens from here truly will hurt your heart.
This book is full of hurt and heart ache and I felt my heart in my throat most of the way through.
I felt early in this book that I would be an emotional mess once finished and with that cliff-hanger, I was right. I need the next book soon!
Another fantastic book, thank you for the review copy!!
October 7, 2023
Holy fuck. The last 70% of this book had me screaming on the edge of my seat. Just woah. This book took a turn and holy hell, I was not expecting that.
"I didn't know there could be so much beauty in the broken."
This story was written beautifully. It was dark, edgy, and grey. The whole book felt grey and after reading the ending, I can see why. Somehow I know shit would spiral. Our fmc is a broken soul. She's got unresolved trauma that eats away at her. It was sad watching her fall to pieces. It was even sadder watching the way her trauma affected every aspect of her life. My heart broke for her.
Harlen was a breath of fresh air. He's a rockstar that rides motorcycles, flirts like a god, and fucks like one too😏 I was intrigued by him the second he was introduced. I'm a sucker for men that ride motorcycles🤷 I loved the banter between him and cherry. I ate that shit up. Their flirting was entertaining and the smut was written really well.
I have not read the first 2 books in the series but I don't think you really need to. I loved this one so I definitely plan on reading the first 2 books then continuing with Cherry and Harlen in the 4th book when it comes out. I loved this author's writing style. I prefer duel POV so I was thrilled to see we got both perspectives.
I really liked the foreshadowing the author did throughout the book. We got a lot of information in the last 70% and I cannot wait for the next one!
"I didn't know there could be so much beauty in the broken."
This story was written beautifully. It was dark, edgy, and grey. The whole book felt grey and after reading the ending, I can see why. Somehow I know shit would spiral. Our fmc is a broken soul. She's got unresolved trauma that eats away at her. It was sad watching her fall to pieces. It was even sadder watching the way her trauma affected every aspect of her life. My heart broke for her.
Harlen was a breath of fresh air. He's a rockstar that rides motorcycles, flirts like a god, and fucks like one too😏 I was intrigued by him the second he was introduced. I'm a sucker for men that ride motorcycles🤷 I loved the banter between him and cherry. I ate that shit up. Their flirting was entertaining and the smut was written really well.
I have not read the first 2 books in the series but I don't think you really need to. I loved this one so I definitely plan on reading the first 2 books then continuing with Cherry and Harlen in the 4th book when it comes out. I loved this author's writing style. I prefer duel POV so I was thrilled to see we got both perspectives.
I really liked the foreshadowing the author did throughout the book. We got a lot of information in the last 70% and I cannot wait for the next one!
November 21, 2023
There is nothing about me that is ok right now! Every time I think about what just went down in this book it brings tears to my eyes. I have been an emotional wreck all day!
It took 40 pages for me to completely fall in love with Harlen! I already loved Cherry from book 2 but after this she is my main girl in this series! The instant connection and banter between these two was intoxicating.They made me feel all the warm and fuzzies and gave me literal butterflies! Pain connected with pain with these two and I breathed a sigh of relief at the sliver of peace our girl Cherry got to feel with him! The impending time clock that was not on their side gave me the worst case of angst imaginable. Little did I know that was the least of my worries and the dark turn this story was about to take would pull me under! And I mean DARK!!I couldn’t breath, I cried, and my heart literally shattered! I won’t even go into detail because READ IT!!! Go into to it blind. I’m so glad I did although it’s weighing heavy on me because I love these two so much! I’m so sad my time is up in this series for now! My heart is so ready for part two though which is coming soon!!
September 29, 2023
Below The Pulse by C.L. Menegon
Peace /pēs/: freedom from disruption and war.
I am speechless. Heart cracked right open. Drowning in the depths of the abyss of emotions that is Below The Pulse. From beginning to end I was absolutely enraptured by the beauty and passion that is so eloquently woven into a story of heartache, guilt, and despair.
Below The Pulse is book 3 in the interconnected standalone series “Up In Lights” and is part 1 of a 2 part duet. What I find so unique about this installment is the shift of focus to something darker, rawer, the acknowledgement of inner demons strapped down to the bottom of the deep end. In a place so desperate for peace Cherry and Harlen seek refuge in each other’s fleeting embrace.
Cherry, Blaire, the girl who lost her soul in the deep end.
Goldie, Harlen, the boy who’s heart beats to the music in his soul.
I am transfixed on these multifaceted and raw characters. Both Cherry and Harlen are unique and their development throughout the story is only a testament to C’s capabilities as a writer. As always, I love the sprinkles of music and dark romance that are filtered throughout the story. I cannot wait to drown in book 2.
5 stars baby.
Peace /pēs/: freedom from disruption and war.
I am speechless. Heart cracked right open. Drowning in the depths of the abyss of emotions that is Below The Pulse. From beginning to end I was absolutely enraptured by the beauty and passion that is so eloquently woven into a story of heartache, guilt, and despair.
Below The Pulse is book 3 in the interconnected standalone series “Up In Lights” and is part 1 of a 2 part duet. What I find so unique about this installment is the shift of focus to something darker, rawer, the acknowledgement of inner demons strapped down to the bottom of the deep end. In a place so desperate for peace Cherry and Harlen seek refuge in each other’s fleeting embrace.
Cherry, Blaire, the girl who lost her soul in the deep end.
Goldie, Harlen, the boy who’s heart beats to the music in his soul.
I am transfixed on these multifaceted and raw characters. Both Cherry and Harlen are unique and their development throughout the story is only a testament to C’s capabilities as a writer. As always, I love the sprinkles of music and dark romance that are filtered throughout the story. I cannot wait to drown in book 2.
5 stars baby.
September 30, 2023
I had the honor of receiving an ARC for this masterpiece!! Thank you for your trust <3
Heart rate spikes, and you’re on the edge of your seat… leaving half moons in your palm because you just need to know.
Cherry and Harlen’s story is so beautifully written.
It’s heart wrenching and deep and funny and steamy. It’s absolutely everything I love in a book!
Cherry is an incredibly strong FMC and I love her to bits and just want to hold her and take away her pain.
Harlen is everything you would want from a MMC, especially a famous rockstar. He’s possessive and funny and his bromance with Chase is everything!!
I couldn’t put this book down, and did my best to savor every single moment.
Please make sure you check your TW’s for this book. It is not light. Make sure your mental well being is good! Some parts were extremely difficult to read.
All of that being said, it’s in my top 5 reads. C’s writing and art just gets better with every passing page. It will live with me forever.
If dark is your jam, you ABSOLUTELY need to read this!!
Heart rate spikes, and you’re on the edge of your seat… leaving half moons in your palm because you just need to know.
Cherry and Harlen’s story is so beautifully written.
It’s heart wrenching and deep and funny and steamy. It’s absolutely everything I love in a book!
Cherry is an incredibly strong FMC and I love her to bits and just want to hold her and take away her pain.
Harlen is everything you would want from a MMC, especially a famous rockstar. He’s possessive and funny and his bromance with Chase is everything!!
I couldn’t put this book down, and did my best to savor every single moment.
Please make sure you check your TW’s for this book. It is not light. Make sure your mental well being is good! Some parts were extremely difficult to read.
All of that being said, it’s in my top 5 reads. C’s writing and art just gets better with every passing page. It will live with me forever.
If dark is your jam, you ABSOLUTELY need to read this!!
October 2, 2023
It is safe to say that I drowned right along Cherry, revived with hope when she met Harlen, and drowned again when Cherry found herself right where it all started.
This author has written a masterpiece! I was NOT expecting this to be what it was. It gave me romance, it gave me all of the emotions, and it gave me suspense. The way the author wrote it, had me quickly questioning wtf happened.
I fell in love with Harlen and Cherry. They each had their own thing going on, but through it all, they were brought together. What I loved about Harlen was that he quickly knew what he wanted, and was open to the change after meeting Cherry. Cherry was a little more hesitant, but I love her feisty demeanor. She made it so fun!
I loved Chase! Chase was one of those awesome bestfriends that has a clown attitude but is there whenever you need him. The way he sprang into action when Harlen needed him was 🤌🏽
I also fell in love with Rusty! He is like the definition of a cool dad! He could joke, but had the ability to be there and give you the best advice.
I was NOT expecting this ending, and can ONLY hope that Cherry learns the reasoning behind Harlen's decision.
This author has written a masterpiece! I was NOT expecting this to be what it was. It gave me romance, it gave me all of the emotions, and it gave me suspense. The way the author wrote it, had me quickly questioning wtf happened.
I fell in love with Harlen and Cherry. They each had their own thing going on, but through it all, they were brought together. What I loved about Harlen was that he quickly knew what he wanted, and was open to the change after meeting Cherry. Cherry was a little more hesitant, but I love her feisty demeanor. She made it so fun!
I loved Chase! Chase was one of those awesome bestfriends that has a clown attitude but is there whenever you need him. The way he sprang into action when Harlen needed him was 🤌🏽
I also fell in love with Rusty! He is like the definition of a cool dad! He could joke, but had the ability to be there and give you the best advice.
I was NOT expecting this ending, and can ONLY hope that Cherry learns the reasoning behind Harlen's decision.
October 5, 2023
Oh Cherry!!! 🍒🍒
So many feels right now… what a story!! Though, don’t go reading this book if you want an easy read. It was dark, HEAVY and at times absolutely heart wrenching. But I LOVED it!!
I read Tied in Leather before reading this book and while Below the Pulse could be read as a stand alone… I really recommend you read TIL beforehand as Cherry was a side character in that story. Which brings me to one of my little gripes… I don’t like Tyler anymore (the MMC in TIL). He really did ditch Cherry, his self proclaimed childhood ‘best friend’, the girl who wanted nothing but the best for him in the previous book. Even after he got his HEA in the previous book… it seems like he never reached out to her to reconnect??? What??? Poor form Tyler, poor form. I really expected more from him.
Otherwise… there is so much more to come and I simply cannot wait!! So many questions need to be answered, but I’m sure they are all interconnected in some way. And I can’t stop thinking about Lainey. Oh Lainey!!!!
All I can say is that Cherry is an absolute Queen!! Can’t wait to see her journey (hopefully for revenge) in the next book.
So many feels right now… what a story!! Though, don’t go reading this book if you want an easy read. It was dark, HEAVY and at times absolutely heart wrenching. But I LOVED it!!
I read Tied in Leather before reading this book and while Below the Pulse could be read as a stand alone… I really recommend you read TIL beforehand as Cherry was a side character in that story. Which brings me to one of my little gripes… I don’t like Tyler anymore (the MMC in TIL). He really did ditch Cherry, his self proclaimed childhood ‘best friend’, the girl who wanted nothing but the best for him in the previous book. Even after he got his HEA in the previous book… it seems like he never reached out to her to reconnect??? What??? Poor form Tyler, poor form. I really expected more from him.
Otherwise… there is so much more to come and I simply cannot wait!! So many questions need to be answered, but I’m sure they are all interconnected in some way. And I can’t stop thinking about Lainey. Oh Lainey!!!!
All I can say is that Cherry is an absolute Queen!! Can’t wait to see her journey (hopefully for revenge) in the next book.
September 29, 2023
🩵🍒“Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to rave toward your death?
Well, take it from a dead girl, it’s exactly what you had imagined, only a thousand times worse.” 🍒🩵
.
CL Menegon killed me. Again. I thought I was ready. I was wrong, because for the second time this year my jaw was on the floor, my mind went through the blender, and my heart was shattered into a million pieces. And I loved every second of it.
.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Read if you like:
🖤Dark Romantic Thriller
🎸Rockstar MMC
🩰Dancer FMC
👥Dual POV
⏳Past and Present
❤️🩹Love After Trauma
.
⚠️ Check those trigger warnings, friends!
.
Part one of Cherry and Harlen’s duet is available on Kindle Unlimited. As you start reading on KU, you’ll want to go ahead and order a physical copy for your shelf—I did!
.
Thank you CL Menegon for sending me an eARC of Below The Pulse and HAPPY eRELEASE DAY! 🩵🍒
.
Bonus Quote: “I didn’t know there could be beauty in so much broken”
Well, take it from a dead girl, it’s exactly what you had imagined, only a thousand times worse.” 🍒🩵
.
CL Menegon killed me. Again. I thought I was ready. I was wrong, because for the second time this year my jaw was on the floor, my mind went through the blender, and my heart was shattered into a million pieces. And I loved every second of it.
.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Read if you like:
🖤Dark Romantic Thriller
🎸Rockstar MMC
🩰Dancer FMC
👥Dual POV
⏳Past and Present
❤️🩹Love After Trauma
.
⚠️ Check those trigger warnings, friends!
.
Part one of Cherry and Harlen’s duet is available on Kindle Unlimited. As you start reading on KU, you’ll want to go ahead and order a physical copy for your shelf—I did!
.
Thank you CL Menegon for sending me an eARC of Below The Pulse and HAPPY eRELEASE DAY! 🩵🍒
.
Bonus Quote: “I didn’t know there could be beauty in so much broken”
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