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Heartbelt Records #1
The Deeper You Go
Travis Cherry’s record label disowned him in almost every way, shape, and form when he was outed in the media.
The thing that sucked?
He still owed them an entire album. But that didn’t meant he’d make it easy on them.
They were the reason he was there, in that nightclub—the gay nightclub— shaking his ass and making a complete fool of himself.
They were also the reason he met Bailey.
And this is their story.
*This is book one in a duet of the Heartbelt Records series. This is an M/M story containing mature content.
The thing that sucked?
He still owed them an entire album. But that didn’t meant he’d make it easy on them.
They were the reason he was there, in that nightclub—the gay nightclub— shaking his ass and making a complete fool of himself.
They were also the reason he met Bailey.
And this is their story.
*This is book one in a duet of the Heartbelt Records series. This is an M/M story containing mature content.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2020
22 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Logan Grey
4 books12 followersLogan Grey is a southern girl addicted to romance and happy endings. After dipping her toes in the Reverse Harem world, she discovered her love for MM romance. Once her characters began introducing themselves, who was she to deny them a happily ever after?
When she's not writing, you can find her snuggling her cats and dog or hunting down her next caffeine fix.
When she's not writing, you can find her snuggling her cats and dog or hunting down her next caffeine fix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 10, 2020
Travis and Bailey
Bailey’s secret is out on the streets and his record label abandoned him at once.
He’s relieved he’s out, he can breathe again. Only his life is going downwards, so with no job and a lot of empty bottles, a decision has the be made!
So he runs away to Holdengate of all places. Hiring a room at the inn, hide and lick his wounds.
They first meet at the local bar. Later he understands Bailey works at his mother’s inn. After his father died Bailey thought it was his responsibility to help his mom.
A friendship starts to grow. They have their music together. Friendship turns into more.
Their life goals aren’t the same, aren’t they?
That was a read-in-one-breath story, entertainingly and captivatingly written.
The further in the story the more I got smitten by both men. They are kind and sweet.
There are some nice side stories which were perfectly woven into the main.
I can’t wait to start the second and final part of their story.
Bailey’s secret is out on the streets and his record label abandoned him at once.
He’s relieved he’s out, he can breathe again. Only his life is going downwards, so with no job and a lot of empty bottles, a decision has the be made!
So he runs away to Holdengate of all places. Hiring a room at the inn, hide and lick his wounds.
They first meet at the local bar. Later he understands Bailey works at his mother’s inn. After his father died Bailey thought it was his responsibility to help his mom.
A friendship starts to grow. They have their music together. Friendship turns into more.
Their life goals aren’t the same, aren’t they?
That was a read-in-one-breath story, entertainingly and captivatingly written.
The further in the story the more I got smitten by both men. They are kind and sweet.
There are some nice side stories which were perfectly woven into the main.
I can’t wait to start the second and final part of their story.
May 6, 2020
4.5 Stars
Logan Grey's The Deeper You Go is great small town romance. It's the first book in the Heartfelt Records series, leaving off on a cliffhanger. That said, it isn't a troublesome cliffhanger, but rather a placeholder between two connected books.
Travis escapes to a small town to get off the radar of the public. After being outed publicly, refusing to deny his sexuality anymore and remain closeted, his world is upended. His music career is over, and he's unsure of what his future holds.
Then he meets Bailey, who's also struggling with life. He's grieving his father and helping his mother run her inn. And let's just say his ex Max is one heck of a peach. Not.
This is a story of two struggling men. They are complete opposites who both have an interest in music. Their relationship is one with an awkward first meeting and a strong chemistry, as they are clearly well suited for more than just the temporary arrangement they agree upon.
I love Travis. He's a lovable man whose interests in music are well explored. He just wants to play music, without any of the fame or tabloids. His rebellion in the beginning is well done, in a smart manner. He may look like he's off the rails, but he's quite driven in his actions. And I love it. After that though, I felt some of the alcohol issues were overdone, as they weren't really addressed, but rather just present.
The writing is good, but I did struggle with it in some parts. There are plenty of enjoyable side characters to entertain. And I enjoy the author's comparison between teenage love versus long lasting love, despite it being quickly mentioned.
The Deeper You Go is a wonderful story of finding oneself again; of living in the moment. This Logan Grey book left me impressed and excited for the next book.
Logan Grey's The Deeper You Go is great small town romance. It's the first book in the Heartfelt Records series, leaving off on a cliffhanger. That said, it isn't a troublesome cliffhanger, but rather a placeholder between two connected books.
Travis escapes to a small town to get off the radar of the public. After being outed publicly, refusing to deny his sexuality anymore and remain closeted, his world is upended. His music career is over, and he's unsure of what his future holds.
Then he meets Bailey, who's also struggling with life. He's grieving his father and helping his mother run her inn. And let's just say his ex Max is one heck of a peach. Not.
This is a story of two struggling men. They are complete opposites who both have an interest in music. Their relationship is one with an awkward first meeting and a strong chemistry, as they are clearly well suited for more than just the temporary arrangement they agree upon.
I love Travis. He's a lovable man whose interests in music are well explored. He just wants to play music, without any of the fame or tabloids. His rebellion in the beginning is well done, in a smart manner. He may look like he's off the rails, but he's quite driven in his actions. And I love it. After that though, I felt some of the alcohol issues were overdone, as they weren't really addressed, but rather just present.
The writing is good, but I did struggle with it in some parts. There are plenty of enjoyable side characters to entertain. And I enjoy the author's comparison between teenage love versus long lasting love, despite it being quickly mentioned.
The Deeper You Go is a wonderful story of finding oneself again; of living in the moment. This Logan Grey book left me impressed and excited for the next book.
May 3, 2020
OK, so fair warning, this book is the first half of a duet. If you are heavily invested in an HEA or HFN before you even start reading a story don't dive in straight away. I would wait until the second in the Heartbelt Records series is released and read them back to back because, if The Longer You Stay is anywhere near as good as The Deeper You Go, you'll be a very happy reader indeed.
I really liked pretty much everything about The Deeper You Go, from the way Travis refuses to be pushed back into the closet; to the happy, peaceful setting in Holdengate; to the growing relationship between him and Bailey; and the side characters (Dana, Bailey's mother and the kids at the music group).
As characters, both men have questions they need to answer and a bit of soul-searching to do. Travis has to look at the way he deals with situations - his coping mechanisms aren't healthy, and he must work out where his future in the music industry lies and what that might mean. Bailey, meanwhile, has to balance supporting his mother with living his own life and following his dreams.
As plot lines go, The Deeper You Go might not be completely original, but it is very well written. I've not read a novel with a genuine cliffhanger for a while and it made me consider how many books I've read where I thought that the story was over too soon or the second half of the story arc felt rushed. Is that because we readers need that instant gratification of the HEA/HFN so some authors cater to that? It kind of makes it feel like writing a duet like this was a brave choice for Ms Grey, a new to me author.
If you can handle the wait for the conclusion, I absolutely do not hesitate in recommending The Deeper You Go and I can't wait for The Longer You Stay. 5*
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked pretty much everything about The Deeper You Go, from the way Travis refuses to be pushed back into the closet; to the happy, peaceful setting in Holdengate; to the growing relationship between him and Bailey; and the side characters (Dana, Bailey's mother and the kids at the music group).
As characters, both men have questions they need to answer and a bit of soul-searching to do. Travis has to look at the way he deals with situations - his coping mechanisms aren't healthy, and he must work out where his future in the music industry lies and what that might mean. Bailey, meanwhile, has to balance supporting his mother with living his own life and following his dreams.
As plot lines go, The Deeper You Go might not be completely original, but it is very well written. I've not read a novel with a genuine cliffhanger for a while and it made me consider how many books I've read where I thought that the story was over too soon or the second half of the story arc felt rushed. Is that because we readers need that instant gratification of the HEA/HFN so some authors cater to that? It kind of makes it feel like writing a duet like this was a brave choice for Ms Grey, a new to me author.
If you can handle the wait for the conclusion, I absolutely do not hesitate in recommending The Deeper You Go and I can't wait for The Longer You Stay. 5*
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in a new series, and we are promised a number of loosely connected tales, except this one which is the first in a duet. In good news, I can assure that the ending is unfinished, but not a worrying cliffhanger - so do go ahead and read this, and the next one will just be a big bonus (I hope!)
For some reason the very successful Travis signed with a non-inclusive label, so when he is outed, they are incredibly unhappy, but will not release him ... until he makes it in their best interest. Now he is free, he also needs to escape from the fallout of his behaviour. So he leaves the limelight and hides out in a lovely small town in a much chillier northern State.
Here in the B&B he is staying in, Travis makes the acquaintance of Bailey ... a talented musician in his own right, but also stubbornly stuck helping out his recently widowed mother running the inn. As they fall for each other, but insist on being temporary, they both enjoy and suffer from the strength of their feelings and needing to keep it to themselves.
I enjoyed both men enjoying making music together, and their joint efforts to making a successful local festival a reality. Bailey's Mum is a great side character and I look forward to the hints that we get that she may have a happy future playing out in the sequel, as much as Travis and Bailey finding a way to combine their dreams and realities.
This is the first book in a new series, and we are promised a number of loosely connected tales, except this one which is the first in a duet. In good news, I can assure that the ending is unfinished, but not a worrying cliffhanger - so do go ahead and read this, and the next one will just be a big bonus (I hope!)
For some reason the very successful Travis signed with a non-inclusive label, so when he is outed, they are incredibly unhappy, but will not release him ... until he makes it in their best interest. Now he is free, he also needs to escape from the fallout of his behaviour. So he leaves the limelight and hides out in a lovely small town in a much chillier northern State.
Here in the B&B he is staying in, Travis makes the acquaintance of Bailey ... a talented musician in his own right, but also stubbornly stuck helping out his recently widowed mother running the inn. As they fall for each other, but insist on being temporary, they both enjoy and suffer from the strength of their feelings and needing to keep it to themselves.
I enjoyed both men enjoying making music together, and their joint efforts to making a successful local festival a reality. Bailey's Mum is a great side character and I look forward to the hints that we get that she may have a happy future playing out in the sequel, as much as Travis and Bailey finding a way to combine their dreams and realities.
May 4, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the sweet and sexy story of the romance that builds between a bad boy rockstar and a small town innkeeper. The book starts in Los Angeles but Travis and Bay’s story takes place in Bay’s sleepy hometown. It’s a gentle read.
For the most part, it’s a classic family friendly white picket fence romance. And then there are the lengthy explicit sex scenes. The combination is a little bit jarring and I feel like the writing is weaker in the steamy scenes than it is during the rest of the story.
Honestly, the writing isn’t always solid. The two main characters, Travis and Bailey, are interesting enough and well developed enough to carry the story despite the writing but far too much of the story is overwritten and in need of a good edit. The superfluous description is distracting and it makes the gentle small town story feel even slower.
Despite the writing, the characters are addictive. Travis is more complicated than he first seems and it was easy to fall hard for him. Bailey is the more stable of the two men, even if he is much younger. I love the way these two share their music and I love the way they make each other stronger. Like all good small town romances, the other characters are also entertaining. Bailey’s mum is fabulous and the kids in his music group are engaging.
This is a really good read and I was so caught up in this book that the cliffhanger ending caught me by surprise. I really don’t want to wait for the second book!
This is the sweet and sexy story of the romance that builds between a bad boy rockstar and a small town innkeeper. The book starts in Los Angeles but Travis and Bay’s story takes place in Bay’s sleepy hometown. It’s a gentle read.
For the most part, it’s a classic family friendly white picket fence romance. And then there are the lengthy explicit sex scenes. The combination is a little bit jarring and I feel like the writing is weaker in the steamy scenes than it is during the rest of the story.
Honestly, the writing isn’t always solid. The two main characters, Travis and Bailey, are interesting enough and well developed enough to carry the story despite the writing but far too much of the story is overwritten and in need of a good edit. The superfluous description is distracting and it makes the gentle small town story feel even slower.
Despite the writing, the characters are addictive. Travis is more complicated than he first seems and it was easy to fall hard for him. Bailey is the more stable of the two men, even if he is much younger. I love the way these two share their music and I love the way they make each other stronger. Like all good small town romances, the other characters are also entertaining. Bailey’s mum is fabulous and the kids in his music group are engaging.
This is a really good read and I was so caught up in this book that the cliffhanger ending caught me by surprise. I really don’t want to wait for the second book!
April 30, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
The Deeper You Go is the first book in the Heartbelt Records duet.
Travis Cherry has it all until someone leaks a picture of the rocker in a compromising position with another man. His agent and record label want to make excuses and sweep it under the rug. Travis is tired of hiding who he is. He fires his agent and gets the record label to release him. But what now? What does he do with his life now?
Bailey had dreams moving to LA to do music but his father dying changed all that. He needed to stay and help his mom with the inn putting his dreams on hold. When Travis books a stay at the small town Inn Bailey is overjoyed the rocker is staying there. What Bailey doesn't expect is the big time rocker to have a sweet side nobody really knew.
I was instantly invested in Travis and Bailey. The small town boy with a spiteful ex falls for the recently outed, alcohol abusing rock star. I loved seeing how their story played out and can't wait for the conclusion to this duet.
This is a new to me author that I will definitely be checking out and adding past releases to my TBR.
The Deeper You Go is the first book in the Heartbelt Records duet.
Travis Cherry has it all until someone leaks a picture of the rocker in a compromising position with another man. His agent and record label want to make excuses and sweep it under the rug. Travis is tired of hiding who he is. He fires his agent and gets the record label to release him. But what now? What does he do with his life now?
Bailey had dreams moving to LA to do music but his father dying changed all that. He needed to stay and help his mom with the inn putting his dreams on hold. When Travis books a stay at the small town Inn Bailey is overjoyed the rocker is staying there. What Bailey doesn't expect is the big time rocker to have a sweet side nobody really knew.
I was instantly invested in Travis and Bailey. The small town boy with a spiteful ex falls for the recently outed, alcohol abusing rock star. I loved seeing how their story played out and can't wait for the conclusion to this duet.
This is a new to me author that I will definitely be checking out and adding past releases to my TBR.
May 5, 2020
I really really loved this story! Travis and Bailey's relationship felt so natural and just easy to sink into within the book. I especially appreciate the mature ending or pause between this book and the next. It embraced self-love as much as it did romantic love and I'm excited to see where Book Two takes this couple!
May 10, 2020
The Deeper You Go is the first book in the Heartbelt Records series by Logan Grey. I really liked the story of Travis and Bailey and I can't wait to read the second book.
May 8, 2020
Being in the public eye has its pros and cons. For rock star Travis Cherry, it is both a blessing and a curse when the media takes his sexuality public. For a moment, he is relieved that his secret is out and he can truly and honestly begin his life. All that turns to shit because of his homophobic record label and a binding contract. The Deeper You Go, by Logan Grey, is the first title in her new Heartbelt Records series. It is a duet that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so be forewarned.
Unwilling to let go of his newfound freedom Travis appears to trash his thriving career by becoming “America’s favorite party boy.” However, it does the trick and his record label releases him from his contract. With no plans for his future, yet harboring a need to regroup, regenerate and reinvent himself, Travis isolates himself in the sleepy little town of Holdengate, PA.
Each possess a mechanism to add balance to the other.
Holdengate, PA is a classy little town where doors aren’t locked at night and everyone knows the next person. Sure, they are curious about the stranger among them, but from his taxi ride into town, to his stay at The McAlister Inn, these folks respect and honor his request to remain anonymous and out of the limelight. Then there is Bailey (Bay) McAlister, a gorgeous dirty blond-haired god and rescuer. Oh, and he’s not only the son of Dana McAlister, the Inn owner, but a diehard Travis Cherry fan who’s been crushing on the rock god since the age of sixteen.
We know what demons Travis is facing; they have been splashed all over the headlines. But we find out that Bay has made his own sacrifice, impacting his dreams of becoming a musician. Travis and Bay are complete opposites in dealing with their life events. Travis is floundering and Bay put his music aside. Neither right nor wrong, it’s just how their personalities choose to deal with life.
Together Travis and Bay strike up a friendship centered on their mutual love of music. Travis works with a LGBTQ+ program for kids that Bay sponsors and performs in Bay’s music festival. Yet, there is something much deeper simmering under the surface and the guys take on a “living in the moment��� attitude that on the surface fills their needs and desires. Each possess a mechanism to add balance to the other.
‘The Deeper You Go’ by Logan Grey is simply fantastic. I am completely invested in Travis and Bay’s story.
Along with their individual struggles, Bay’s spiteful ex has to show up, complicating things further for Travis and Bay. Maxx just can’t take that it’s over and ignites a fire, causing potential repercussions. And just as their relationship seems to solidify, opportunities open for both men, thrusting them into a world of uncertain limbo. Yet, somehow there’s an underlying sense that things will work out. Nevertheless, we are left with a lurking dread that the connection between Travis and Bay is tenuous and fragile.
The Deeper You Go by Logan Grey is simply fantastic. I am completely invested in Travis and Bay’s story; so it is good to see that The Longer You Stay is coming next. At this point we don’t have a HEA or even a HFN but we’re left with the hope that these gents will find their path to each other. Cliffhangers aren’t normally my thing, but are okay as long as we aren’t kept waiting so long that we lose sight of the initial part of the journey.
Unwilling to let go of his newfound freedom Travis appears to trash his thriving career by becoming “America’s favorite party boy.” However, it does the trick and his record label releases him from his contract. With no plans for his future, yet harboring a need to regroup, regenerate and reinvent himself, Travis isolates himself in the sleepy little town of Holdengate, PA.
Each possess a mechanism to add balance to the other.
Holdengate, PA is a classy little town where doors aren’t locked at night and everyone knows the next person. Sure, they are curious about the stranger among them, but from his taxi ride into town, to his stay at The McAlister Inn, these folks respect and honor his request to remain anonymous and out of the limelight. Then there is Bailey (Bay) McAlister, a gorgeous dirty blond-haired god and rescuer. Oh, and he’s not only the son of Dana McAlister, the Inn owner, but a diehard Travis Cherry fan who’s been crushing on the rock god since the age of sixteen.
We know what demons Travis is facing; they have been splashed all over the headlines. But we find out that Bay has made his own sacrifice, impacting his dreams of becoming a musician. Travis and Bay are complete opposites in dealing with their life events. Travis is floundering and Bay put his music aside. Neither right nor wrong, it’s just how their personalities choose to deal with life.
Together Travis and Bay strike up a friendship centered on their mutual love of music. Travis works with a LGBTQ+ program for kids that Bay sponsors and performs in Bay’s music festival. Yet, there is something much deeper simmering under the surface and the guys take on a “living in the moment��� attitude that on the surface fills their needs and desires. Each possess a mechanism to add balance to the other.
‘The Deeper You Go’ by Logan Grey is simply fantastic. I am completely invested in Travis and Bay’s story.
Along with their individual struggles, Bay’s spiteful ex has to show up, complicating things further for Travis and Bay. Maxx just can’t take that it’s over and ignites a fire, causing potential repercussions. And just as their relationship seems to solidify, opportunities open for both men, thrusting them into a world of uncertain limbo. Yet, somehow there’s an underlying sense that things will work out. Nevertheless, we are left with a lurking dread that the connection between Travis and Bay is tenuous and fragile.
The Deeper You Go by Logan Grey is simply fantastic. I am completely invested in Travis and Bay’s story; so it is good to see that The Longer You Stay is coming next. At this point we don’t have a HEA or even a HFN but we’re left with the hope that these gents will find their path to each other. Cliffhangers aren’t normally my thing, but are okay as long as we aren’t kept waiting so long that we lose sight of the initial part of the journey.
April 30, 2020
Travis Cherry is a rock star… that is until he’s outed in the media. He’s managed to hide his sexual orientation for the better part of his career and now he’s dealing with photos of himself plastered all over the place. As if things can’t get any worse… it turns out that his label is homophobic and he’s tied into a contract with them for at least one more album. Not feeling as though he has a way out, Travis doubles down on his life of drinking and picking up men… until the label asks for a meeting to let him go completely.
What does a musician without a label and a bad reputation do? He flees to a very small town that represents something he still remembers. Travis can remember a small, intimate show he did in a small town in the middle of nowhere. He decides that he needs to center himself and get himself together so he heads to Holdengate: population 800.
Bay is the son of the owner of the quaint Inn that Travis stays at. They meet when Travis gets too drunk to realize what washroom he’s in. Travis rescues him… and takes him to the inn. This is the beginning of Travis and Bay getting to know one another.
These two characters are very different and that’s clear from the outset of the book. Travis is flailing a bit. He has more than enough money to take care of himself but he’s become disconnected from his music and isn’t sure what’s he’s going to be doing. On the other hand, Bay has always loved music but the death of his father when he was meant that he stepped up to heap with the Inn. The LGBTQIA music program is his one connection with music.
Both these men have a strong connection to music and ultimately that’s what brings them closer together. Things get complicated as they get closer together. There’s a surprise visit from an ex and a festival that leads to some possibilities. But it’s difficult to decide on the future when you are involved in a fledgling relationship.
I’m always down for an overwhelmed musician and Travis fits the bill for me. He was facing a lot but even though he was in over his head, he was still an interesting character. He wasn’t feeling sorry for himself, he was just a little lost. He was likable and that is important for me heading into a novel.
Be warned, this novel ends on a cliff hanger! There is not HFN or HEA in this, particularly book. The next book will be following quickly but that’s something to keep in mind if you don’t like to deal with cliffhangers even for a short time. I’m more than happy to wait for the sequel. I’m invested in these guys and I have the author to thank for that!
What does a musician without a label and a bad reputation do? He flees to a very small town that represents something he still remembers. Travis can remember a small, intimate show he did in a small town in the middle of nowhere. He decides that he needs to center himself and get himself together so he heads to Holdengate: population 800.
Bay is the son of the owner of the quaint Inn that Travis stays at. They meet when Travis gets too drunk to realize what washroom he’s in. Travis rescues him… and takes him to the inn. This is the beginning of Travis and Bay getting to know one another.
These two characters are very different and that’s clear from the outset of the book. Travis is flailing a bit. He has more than enough money to take care of himself but he’s become disconnected from his music and isn’t sure what’s he’s going to be doing. On the other hand, Bay has always loved music but the death of his father when he was meant that he stepped up to heap with the Inn. The LGBTQIA music program is his one connection with music.
Both these men have a strong connection to music and ultimately that’s what brings them closer together. Things get complicated as they get closer together. There’s a surprise visit from an ex and a festival that leads to some possibilities. But it’s difficult to decide on the future when you are involved in a fledgling relationship.
I’m always down for an overwhelmed musician and Travis fits the bill for me. He was facing a lot but even though he was in over his head, he was still an interesting character. He wasn’t feeling sorry for himself, he was just a little lost. He was likable and that is important for me heading into a novel.
Be warned, this novel ends on a cliff hanger! There is not HFN or HEA in this, particularly book. The next book will be following quickly but that’s something to keep in mind if you don’t like to deal with cliffhangers even for a short time. I’m more than happy to wait for the sequel. I’m invested in these guys and I have the author to thank for that!
May 24, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a pretty enjoyable read for me. I always love a good rock star story and when it involves said rock star falling for someone who was a long-time fan and who maybe even had a little crush, it just makes my heart sing. Because we've all been there with those daydreams right? Unfulfilled maybe, but whatever. I'm not bitter.
I liked Travis and Bailey together as a couple. Their mutual love for music gave them an instant connection and common ground and I thought they brought balance to each other's lives in ways they didn't have before. Holdengate had the perfect small town setting feel, and all of its laid back residents and businesses gave it a cool vibe that made me want to visit (not sure a small town could pull off the kind of music festival with rock stars described here but I would have bought tickets).
I did feel the book could have used more angst or conflict though and it missed the mark a bit with Bailey's ex-boyfriend Maxx. The ending had a nice little touch of drama that will be resolved in the second book, which I'm glad is already out so I can read it right away.
[I think this was just a personal pet peeve of mine, but the words "twitched" and "smirked" (and variations thereof) were way overused in this book. There were constant references to mouths twitching and smirking and hiding grins that it felt like that's all they could do. And the same thing with Bailey's eyes - they were like pools of chocolate or hot cocoa. Repetitive descriptions (especially on the same page) tend to lose my interest and I start to skim past them. So hopefully book 2 can switch things up a bit.]
This was a pretty enjoyable read for me. I always love a good rock star story and when it involves said rock star falling for someone who was a long-time fan and who maybe even had a little crush, it just makes my heart sing. Because we've all been there with those daydreams right? Unfulfilled maybe, but whatever. I'm not bitter.
I liked Travis and Bailey together as a couple. Their mutual love for music gave them an instant connection and common ground and I thought they brought balance to each other's lives in ways they didn't have before. Holdengate had the perfect small town setting feel, and all of its laid back residents and businesses gave it a cool vibe that made me want to visit (not sure a small town could pull off the kind of music festival with rock stars described here but I would have bought tickets).
I did feel the book could have used more angst or conflict though and it missed the mark a bit with Bailey's ex-boyfriend Maxx. The ending had a nice little touch of drama that will be resolved in the second book, which I'm glad is already out so I can read it right away.
[I think this was just a personal pet peeve of mine, but the words "twitched" and "smirked" (and variations thereof) were way overused in this book. There were constant references to mouths twitching and smirking and hiding grins that it felt like that's all they could do. And the same thing with Bailey's eyes - they were like pools of chocolate or hot cocoa. Repetitive descriptions (especially on the same page) tend to lose my interest and I start to skim past them. So hopefully book 2 can switch things up a bit.]
May 11, 2020
Warning: This is a two-parter book. IF you need to have everything tied up into a pretty nice bow for HEA then you need to wait for the 2nd book.
Bailey lives in a small town of about 841 people. It is Americana throughout the whole town. His family owns the Bed & Breakfast in town. He helps his Mom out with the B&B, volunteers his time with a youth LGBTQ group and is an all around good guy. His secret desire is music. His idol is Travis Cherry and has been since he was 16.
Travis is a rock star. His label has forced him to hide himself. He is caught on camera with a guy and is exposed as being gay. He realizes that he is finally free. However, he also realizes he has no career and he is at rock bottom. After doing whatever was necessary to free himself from his label he decides to rehab himself in a place where he really loved a moment in time. He can’t get to that place so he takes the next best thing. He meets Bailey.
This book is easy to read and hooks you in. However, the depth of that these two men reveal is amazing. There is always more and you’re not disappointed. You want to try to get every nuance between these two people. You start rooting for them immediately.
This books is 4.5 stars!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion.
Bailey lives in a small town of about 841 people. It is Americana throughout the whole town. His family owns the Bed & Breakfast in town. He helps his Mom out with the B&B, volunteers his time with a youth LGBTQ group and is an all around good guy. His secret desire is music. His idol is Travis Cherry and has been since he was 16.
Travis is a rock star. His label has forced him to hide himself. He is caught on camera with a guy and is exposed as being gay. He realizes that he is finally free. However, he also realizes he has no career and he is at rock bottom. After doing whatever was necessary to free himself from his label he decides to rehab himself in a place where he really loved a moment in time. He can’t get to that place so he takes the next best thing. He meets Bailey.
This book is easy to read and hooks you in. However, the depth of that these two men reveal is amazing. There is always more and you’re not disappointed. You want to try to get every nuance between these two people. You start rooting for them immediately.
This books is 4.5 stars!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion.
May 5, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read,I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Can you rebal against a company you signed a contract with? Travis is after all they think they can tell him just how to live his life even his own managing agent, he may not be able to fire his label company but he could fire her. Taking a break from his new reality Travis travels to a small populate town in the middle of nowhere land. Getting a helping hand from the ladies room while drunk by a hottie wasn't Travis normal way of meeting his next potential hookup, but was it a hookup or rescue? Baily was the son of the inn that he was staying at but once he gets to knows him Travis likes what he sees. When Bailey taken him to his weekend youth group it's more of an eye opener to him. Can Bailey show Travis there is more in a small town than the big city? When dreams start to come back in to focus for one just maybe the ending of another. Will Bailey come thru or will Travis watch his new dreams die? Can't wait for more about if Travis or Bailey come to the conclusion of just what is more important in their lives. Wonderful characters.
May 10, 2020
This is the author's first M/M and mine as well. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but when you read about Bay and Travis you can't help but feel the pure, undeniable love between them. The way they help one another with the struggles they deal with and the mending of the broken pieces within them will make you just fall in love with them while cheering them on.
Travis lives his life every day as a lie afraid that if he tells the truth everyone will turn their back on him. When he finally has the courage to come out the record label he works for tells him to deny it all and wants him to seal up the truth and keep it hidden away. Travis makes the decision to leave it all behind and finds light in the darkest time in his life, his name is Bay.
Bay lives in a quiet little town where everyone knows everybody's business. While Travis is new at living his truth, Bay is running away from his. Travis helps Bay realize his worth and that he can have his dream if he just lets go of the fear.
This book is defiantly a book to read, even if you have never read an M/M book, you won't regret it.
Travis lives his life every day as a lie afraid that if he tells the truth everyone will turn their back on him. When he finally has the courage to come out the record label he works for tells him to deny it all and wants him to seal up the truth and keep it hidden away. Travis makes the decision to leave it all behind and finds light in the darkest time in his life, his name is Bay.
Bay lives in a quiet little town where everyone knows everybody's business. While Travis is new at living his truth, Bay is running away from his. Travis helps Bay realize his worth and that he can have his dream if he just lets go of the fear.
This book is defiantly a book to read, even if you have never read an M/M book, you won't regret it.
May 2, 2020
**3.5 stars**
Overall a good story, although I felt a bit like i was dropped into the middle of it and had to play catch up which was a bit distracting since it's the first of a 2 book duology although The Deeper You Go ends on a cliffhanger so it's better thought of as one long story arc. Definitely an insta-love; story for sure although the actual time period elapsed was longer than it felt like while reading. I appreciated the fact that Bailey is more than just the small town boy charmed by the famous rocker but someone with his own problems, needs, and development as well. I did struggle a bit with Travis's character and the seeming alcohol dependency that was glossed over a bit the way I read it, it seemed like a love fixes all solution, and I'm not quite on board with that tactic in stories. I am waiting to read the conclusion of Travis & Bailey's story.
**Received an ARC for an honest opinion**
Overall a good story, although I felt a bit like i was dropped into the middle of it and had to play catch up which was a bit distracting since it's the first of a 2 book duology although The Deeper You Go ends on a cliffhanger so it's better thought of as one long story arc. Definitely an insta-love; story for sure although the actual time period elapsed was longer than it felt like while reading. I appreciated the fact that Bailey is more than just the small town boy charmed by the famous rocker but someone with his own problems, needs, and development as well. I did struggle a bit with Travis's character and the seeming alcohol dependency that was glossed over a bit the way I read it, it seemed like a love fixes all solution, and I'm not quite on board with that tactic in stories. I am waiting to read the conclusion of Travis & Bailey's story.
**Received an ARC for an honest opinion**
May 4, 2020
This was a first read from the author with this book. The begining of the book has a great start as Travis life is exposed to the media coming out as gay. His record label definitely didn't like it all. Travis was 29 and wanted his music career but meh back to square one. Travis hits bottom and takes a liking to partying and booze, yah his friend needed a few choice words to wake him up. Hiding in Holdengate Travis might find himself. Told with Travis POV and then progresses to both. A really great story included in this one. This definitely is a kismet or lady fate playing for Travis and Bailey. Drama happens once again which they both have to deal with an unexpected visitor into town, yah Bailey wasn't happy. A good storyline for them both to enjoy although I didn't connect with them. This book ends in a cliffhanger which continues into the next book. *I received an advanced readers copy and this is my honest review.
May 4, 2020
I received a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Travis is a famous singer who gets dropped by his bigoted record label when he is publicly outed as gay by the media. His life is falling apart and he needs a break! So, he decides to go back to a town that he played a very meaningful show in: Holdengate, a small, quaint little town.
There he meets Bailey. When Travis comes very close to making an ugly scene in a bar, Bailey rescues him and brings him to the inn that his mother owns. Bailey has always been a huge fan of Travis Cherry’s and he brings him along to the community’s LGBTQ+ music program.
Travis finds solace in this little town and in Bailey, until a blast from Bailey’s past blows in and stirs things up...
This was really sweet. Both Travis and Bailey were wonderful characters. The hurdles they have to overcome are rough and this book ends in somewhat cliffhanger-ish ending. I cannot wait to read the next book!
Travis is a famous singer who gets dropped by his bigoted record label when he is publicly outed as gay by the media. His life is falling apart and he needs a break! So, he decides to go back to a town that he played a very meaningful show in: Holdengate, a small, quaint little town.
There he meets Bailey. When Travis comes very close to making an ugly scene in a bar, Bailey rescues him and brings him to the inn that his mother owns. Bailey has always been a huge fan of Travis Cherry’s and he brings him along to the community’s LGBTQ+ music program.
Travis finds solace in this little town and in Bailey, until a blast from Bailey’s past blows in and stirs things up...
This was really sweet. Both Travis and Bailey were wonderful characters. The hurdles they have to overcome are rough and this book ends in somewhat cliffhanger-ish ending. I cannot wait to read the next book!
May 10, 2020
Great rockstar romance
I was really pulled in by this story.
Yes, it's a familiar trope but it's done so well.
You have your usual pitfalls about the music industry and being in the public eye but there's also horrific record label execs who just make Travis's life miserable.
He's had enough, tanks his career and heads for greener pastures.
Which is where he meets Bailey, the perfect small town guy.
Bailey has harbored his own dreams and aspirations about the music industry but he's had to make sacrifices.
These men had such a sweet romance and sizzling chemistry.
They're both plauged with insecurities and doubts and there's also a scheming ex who I thought was particularly nasty.
This book is not a standalone, it ends on a cliffhanger and us part of a series.
Do yourself a favor and please read this book and perhaps wait impatiently, like myself for the conclusion.
I was really pulled in by this story.
Yes, it's a familiar trope but it's done so well.
You have your usual pitfalls about the music industry and being in the public eye but there's also horrific record label execs who just make Travis's life miserable.
He's had enough, tanks his career and heads for greener pastures.
Which is where he meets Bailey, the perfect small town guy.
Bailey has harbored his own dreams and aspirations about the music industry but he's had to make sacrifices.
These men had such a sweet romance and sizzling chemistry.
They're both plauged with insecurities and doubts and there's also a scheming ex who I thought was particularly nasty.
This book is not a standalone, it ends on a cliffhanger and us part of a series.
Do yourself a favor and please read this book and perhaps wait impatiently, like myself for the conclusion.
May 9, 2020
Travis has hit rock bottom. He's been in the close and once he's exposed he decided he wanted to come out but his record label and manager didn't' want him to. He decided to go to a town where he thought no one would bother him and there he meets Bailey. Bailey is sweet, hot, loves his town and mama, and he gave up his dream to keep their family business. The two are so sweet together and okay until Travis's whereabout is exposed. The book is sweet, romantic, some angst, with sassy teenagers, a nosey mom, and a jealous ex. They both are given a second chance to pursue their passion but Bailey has doubts. Once you start reading it you will not be able to put it down. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 11, 2020
This is a good start to a new series with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I love Bailey but it took me quite a while to warm up to Travis. They both know that their relationship is temporary but it doesn't stop either of them from falling for each other. They do have a strong connection and great chemistry but I wish that there was a lot more background information about both of them as well as more of a resolution to the issues they face. I like how they work together and there are several great secondary characters that I look forward to seeing more of as this series continues. It does end with a cliffhanger and I am anxious to read the conclusion to their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 6, 2020
This is the first book of a duology so if you don’t like to have hangers it might be better to wait until both books are released. This first book is about outed musician Terry cherry is dropped by his label, and meets Bay the small town Inn owner’s son.
The MC’s are very different, but have a common focus/passion in music, which makes them work well as a couple, there are challenges ahead which they need to work out. This is a likeable, easy to read, well written book that has a well crafted ending, even if it is a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the second book to find out what happens and if Bay and Terry can have the future that they both deserve.
The MC’s are very different, but have a common focus/passion in music, which makes them work well as a couple, there are challenges ahead which they need to work out. This is a likeable, easy to read, well written book that has a well crafted ending, even if it is a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the second book to find out what happens and if Bay and Terry can have the future that they both deserve.
April 28, 2020
The Deeper You Go, Heartbelt Records book one by Logan Grey. Ugg!!!!! I love this story! But it’s not over! It ended with a cliffhanger! Ugg!!!!! That’s the whole reason for my four stars. This is a five star + story if only it didn’t end with a cliffhanger! I’m so pissed! I hate cliffhangers with a passion! Especially when the storyline is this good! Why couldn’t you just have made the book longer. I have no problem with big books. In fact a lot of my favorites are huge books. I hope I get a chance to read the next book. Ugg!
April 28, 2020
So, I haven't read many MM books before just because I prefer some lady action between some MM 😄 I wasn't sure how comfortable I would be reading just about guys hooking up. However, let me tell you this was written so beautifully that I really just read it as two people who come together to help each other find themselves. The intimate scenes were tastefully written, nothing overt yet so hot that I had to fan myself during them 🔥 I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it, even to first time MM readers!! Can't wait for the 2nd book to see the conclusion.
April 29, 2020
The Deeper You Go is the first book in The Heartbelt Records duet by Logan Grey and be forewarned it ends cliffhanger style. Hopefully book two comes quick because this is such a fantastic story I need more right now.
A wonderfully written tale of a beautiful love story. There is a little drama here that the main characters need to deal with, there is strong chemistry between the characters and good interactions with secondary characters. Very enjoyable story that made me feel. Travis and Bailey are endearing together. I am really rooting for them and cant wait to see what comes next.
A wonderfully written tale of a beautiful love story. There is a little drama here that the main characters need to deal with, there is strong chemistry between the characters and good interactions with secondary characters. Very enjoyable story that made me feel. Travis and Bailey are endearing together. I am really rooting for them and cant wait to see what comes next.
May 5, 2020
Be still my beating heart
Oh how I adored this story and the characters! I've dived into M/M in the past year or so and this one has to be just one of the cutest, emotional and sweetest love stories I've read so far. Travis Cherry is famous, lonely and has just been outed publicly. Bailey is a small town guy, struggling with getting past loss, afraid of his dream and entranced with his celebrity crush. In short they are perfect for each other. This is a story about finding yourself and going for it. Great characters and story line and worth the read!
Oh how I adored this story and the characters! I've dived into M/M in the past year or so and this one has to be just one of the cutest, emotional and sweetest love stories I've read so far. Travis Cherry is famous, lonely and has just been outed publicly. Bailey is a small town guy, struggling with getting past loss, afraid of his dream and entranced with his celebrity crush. In short they are perfect for each other. This is a story about finding yourself and going for it. Great characters and story line and worth the read!
May 6, 2020
One of my favourite type of books is those with rock stars and this was a great read.
Both Bailey and Travis are interesting and likable and the story is both sweet and hot and with a good pace.
I do like the grittier parts of rock star romance and wished I could have gotten to know both Travis and Bailey a little bit better, and I wish the alcohol issue and Baileys ex's betrayal wasn't just brushed away. But all in all I really liked it and I want to read the second book to see where it takes them.
Both Bailey and Travis are interesting and likable and the story is both sweet and hot and with a good pace.
I do like the grittier parts of rock star romance and wished I could have gotten to know both Travis and Bailey a little bit better, and I wish the alcohol issue and Baileys ex's betrayal wasn't just brushed away. But all in all I really liked it and I want to read the second book to see where it takes them.
May 11, 2020
Ugh, I already want more!!! This was a great start to a new series about a newly outted rock star trying to find himself in the middle of nowhere. The story starts off and ends with a bang. Travis is what I would think of a gentle soul even though he is supposed to be the star, where Bay seems to have his life in order. The two together make sweet music but sometimes it's just not enough. The ending leaves you desiring more so I am happy to see that the author already has the next book not too far off. Patience until then...
April 29, 2020
The blurb says it all including that it’s a duet, I love characters that are so well drawn it didn’t take me long to invest in them. Strong plot, emotive writing style, loveable warm characters, Dana Bailey’s mum, Dean who drove the taxi, and many others. Travis and Bailey had so much chemistry, well worth a read by Logan and can’t wait for the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
May 8, 2020
Chemistry!
This book!!! It's sooo good! If Travis and Bailey don't get the gears turning for you then something is seriously wrong. The chemistry between these characters is off the charts and not in the whole hot sex kind of way (although there's plenty of that) but the connection between two people that's not forced kind of way. I loved everything about these two and I can't wait for book 2!
This book!!! It's sooo good! If Travis and Bailey don't get the gears turning for you then something is seriously wrong. The chemistry between these characters is off the charts and not in the whole hot sex kind of way (although there's plenty of that) but the connection between two people that's not forced kind of way. I loved everything about these two and I can't wait for book 2!
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May 11, 2020Fantastic story with so much passion!
Travis is a confused, frustrated, lonely rock star who needs to find himself and be true to himself. Bailey is a lovely, kind, passionate and understanding younger man who wants to help Travis. The two are made for each other, they are funny, passionate, cute and sweet together, they make each other be better and they discover they make great music between them too!
The story ends on a cliff hanger so I now must wait for book 2 to be released!
Travis is a confused, frustrated, lonely rock star who needs to find himself and be true to himself. Bailey is a lovely, kind, passionate and understanding younger man who wants to help Travis. The two are made for each other, they are funny, passionate, cute and sweet together, they make each other be better and they discover they make great music between them too!
The story ends on a cliff hanger so I now must wait for book 2 to be released!
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