ARC Review: Behind the Bars by Brittainy C. Cherry

I have read and loved books by Brittainy C. Cherry before, but Behind the Bars absolutely blew me away. This book is a standalone story and the first in her new Music Street series and honestly it completely broke me and then put me back together piece by piece. It was hard at times and a very emotional read, but it was filled with love and hope and healing and was such a beautiful story. 

Jasmine was the popular new girl, with Elliot the shy and awkward loner when they first met. But their love of music had them forming an instant connection. Though their lives were lonely, they had each other and their music until suddenly Jasmine was gone. Years went by and both of them experienced dark times that changed who they were. Without contact, they were left to face things alone. But when Jasmine returns home she knew that she had to find Elliot again, even knowing that he wouldn't be the same boy she once knew. But after everything that has happened, can they possibly find a way to move forward together or will there be too much that has happened for them to heal together? 

I absolutely loved Jasmine and Elliott. My heart went out to both of them right from the start. Each of them had things they were battling, and nothing came easy for them. I couldn't believe just how much was thrown at them and how they managed to survive was a testament to how strong they both were, even when they struggled. These two needed one another, and time and distance didn't change that at all. They were at their best when they were together and their connection was one of a kind. It was so much more than just music and loneliness between them, though that is what originally brought them together. These two were meant for one another and honestly I couldn't imagine a world in which they didn't find some happiness and love together after everything that they had been through. 

Overall, this book was everything. It was sweet and hopeful, emotional and heartbreaking. I won't lie and say this is an easy book to read. A lot happens that upset me and I found myself in tears more than once. But the journey of these characters was one that I think is worth the read and it will stay with me forever. This is my favorite book of Brittainy C. Cherry's to date, and her writing just gets better with each book of hers I read. This is one of the best books I have read all year, and I highly recommend it!

**ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | 

ARC Review: The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittainy C. Cherry

The Fire Between High & Lo is my first Brittainy C. Cherry Book. This is the second book in her Elements series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. I had heard such great things about Brittainy's books and especially The Air He Breathes that I knew I wanted to read this one. Brittainy has a great writing style and there was a lot that I really liked here. I will say that I did have some issues with this book though, and there were some things that didn't work as well for me.

Alyssa and Logan come from very different backgrounds, but have been friends for a long time. Not only are their families different, but Alyssa and Logan are opposites in almost every way. When Alyssa saw the darkness in Logan she never gave up on him, and their friendship turned into something more. Things worked until Logan made a decision that changed everything when he threw them away.

I don't want to go into a ton of detail here so as not to spoil the story, but I had a tough time with these characters at times. I loved that Alyssa saw Logan for more than just what most people would see. She supported him through everything and she never gave up on him not matter what. But she was constantly giving here, and unfortunately Logan didn't have much to give in return. Their relationship felt so imbalanced to me and while I understood him needing her more, I wanted something to give where that was concerned even though I knew he just wasn't capable. It was really hard to like Logan at times, and unfortunately that made it hard for me to connect to him. I loved that these two were friends though, and that their relationship grew from that. It wasn't a case of insta-love, and for that I was grateful. 

I think my biggest issue here though was that I really liked the beginning and the ending was good too, but I felt like this book sort of lost me with the middle. I put it down and walked away a few times and came close to almost calling it quits, but I am glad that I stuck with it. I think that this story had the potential to be amazing all the way through though, so I was disappointed with how much I struggled in the middle. This book is broken into parts, and it almost felt like completely different stories at times. It just didn't feel entirely cohesive and I think that is part of why I had problems. I still thing that it was good, but I think maybe my expectations had been high considering what I have heard about previous books from Cherry. I will still look for more from her in the future, and I can't wait to read The Air He Breathes. I think that this one is worth giving the shot and that a lot of people will really like it especially if they stick with it.

**ARC Provided by Give Me Books Promotions**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle |