Thank you Emma Scott, Netgalley and publisher for giving me a change to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is not the first book I have read by Emma Scott and it WILL NOT be my Last!! I flew right through this book, I couldn't put it down. Emma has a way of making you feel like you are right there in the book with the characters. Bringing Down The Stars had just the right amount of angst that it didn't make you annoyed with the characters!

When I'm feeling overwhelmed I have this really dumb reaction to it, which is to start laughing. And right now, little laughs keep bursting out of me.

It's not been five minutes since I've finished this book, and I'm still shell shocked. But I'll try my hardest to put my thoughts in order so that I can write this review and start next book ASAP.

I don't how else to describe it than: Oh, my god .

I'm having such a hard time putting my feelings into words, there is just an overabundance of them. I both deeply loved and hated every single second of this story. I live for the drama and the angst, but they make me so impossibly frustrated. Throughout the whole book my stomach was in knots and my chest felt tight. There was just so many emotions, so much pain, love, guilt, hope and everything in between.

And the poetry. Man, the poetry. I'm not really a poetry kind of girl. But those few poems in this book got to me. They made me feel something. The longing was absolutely heartbreaking.

Connor was a well meaning, clueless idiot, Wes was a self-sacrificing,stoney-faced-softie idiot, and Autumn was a blind idiot. I hated them, I loved them. I want to shake the dumbness out of them, and I want them to be happy and healthy and together. And I'm not making any sense. (trust me, I know.)

This is one of those rare times where I won't spoil anything because I truly believe this is a book everyone has to experience fully and without much background info. Just jump blindly into it and soak it all in. I promise you, you won't regret it!

I can’t … words would not be enough. The tears that are streaming down my face wouldn’t be enough to tell you how beautiful this book is.
As I write this, a thought keeps replaying in my head “How do I do it justice?How do I explain how beautiful this book is?”.
Bring Down The Stars will leave a hole in your heart. It will tear your soul apart. It will leave you feeling confused, a little lost and a little emotionally drained.

The entire time I was reading the book I felt this unrelenting feeling of angst and a restlessness due to the weight of the burdens and selflessness faced by the characters. 70% in and I was cursing the author for making me feel all these feeling….100% in, I was a blubbering mess without an ounce of decorum. Saying this book is a tear jerking contemporary romance would be an insult.. It is so much more.

Weston, his responsibilities burdens him to have a practical side but he has an artistic soul. His poems are food for the spirit. Filled with passion and emotion, his words leave you feeling breathless.

Connor, I honestly don’t know what to say much about him.. Fun loving but has a huge chip on his shoulder.

Friendship, brotherhood and loyalty is what binds Connor and Weston together.It is also this very reason that weights down the need to follow a path one would consider selfish.

Autumn is a romantic at heart. Hearts and flowers are what she craves for after having had her heart broken by her ex. Connor is the breath of fresh air that makes her heart beat again but Connor sings to her soul… She just hasn’t realised it yet.

Emma Scott has bewitched me with her poetic words in Bring Down The Stars. It has left me feeling empty, Overwhelmed and incomplete. But mostly, it has left me feeling despondent and melancholic.

I can’t recommend this enough.. I highly highly highly recommend this book!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher/author for this ARC for my honest review.

Emma Scott is a brilliant author. I adore her writing style. This duology is beautiful. You won’t be let down if you read it.

The first time I tried reading this book, was around Christmas last year but I couldn’t even get through the first chapter of it. I wasn’t really in the mood to force myself through that chapter to see if it would get better afterwards and so I put the book down again. But I was sent a copy of Bring Down the Stars for review so I knew that it wouldn’t be fair to give up on it right away which is why I decided to give it another chance. And I’m very glad I did because I ultimately, really enjoyed this novel.

When Autumn’s boyfriend cheats on her, she decides that she’s done with boys and relationships. But then she meets Connor Drake. Connor who always makes her laugh, who is understanding and thoughtful and who writes poems for her that slowly make her fall in love with him. But why does she suddenly feel an inexplicable pull to Connor’s best friend Weston? Weston who is the complete opposite of Connor and only known as “the Amherst asshole” on campus. The more time she spends with the two, the more tangled up her emotions get. But then, during a time of increasing strife in the Middle East, they both sign up for the Army Reserves. A few months later, they’re both sent to Syria and Autumn stays at home, not knowing if she’ll ever see them again.

Even the second time around, I was still struggling with getting through the first chapter of Bring Down the Stars. I can’t really pinpoint the exact reason for that but I think it might be because it was entirely set in the past when Weston and Connor met for the first time and were only like 12 years old. After the synopsis I’d just expected the book to start differently and I think it was just incredibly unexpected that I was suddenly thrown into a chapter that was about a father leaving his family and a couple of 12-year-olds being bullies in the cafeteria. Personally, I think it would’ve been better to incorporate that back story in one of the later chapters as a flashback after Weston and Connor have already been introduced, so that you understand who’s who and why that flashback is so very relevant for the story.

However, once I’d gotten through that first chapter, I started to really enjoy this novel. Bring Down the Stars was a super quick read that made me laugh, yell, swoon and cry. Autumn, Weston and Connor were some of the best main characters I’ve read about in quite some time even though Weston’s and Connor’s actions just made me want to throw my kindle at the wall sometimes. I also have to say that I wasn’t really the biggest fan of Connor for most of this book but the chemistry between those three characters was just absolutely amazing. Another thing I loved about this book were all those beautifully written poems that were part of the story and took it to a completely new level.

Overall, I have to say that this was a great book and I really enjoyed this. The only reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that it took me two tries to actually read the full novel and that even the second time round, I was still struggling with that first chapter. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to read the sequel Long Live the Beautiful Hearts now and I hope I’ll enjoy it just as much as this book!

OMG! This is such an amazing book! The best part about not reading reviews before reading a book is the element of surprise. Thankfully, I decided to go in the dark and found myself completely absorbed into the story.
I love a good love triangle book, but this one was so much special. Reading about two best friends falling for the same girl, trying not to fall in love with neither of them so I could try to understand Autumn's choices was hard... My poor heart was breaking!!!!
Bravo, Emma Scott!

This duology was a definite hit! I loved the dual pov's, and the poetry was lovely. I felt like the story flowed well and found both main characters to be engaging and I didn't bore of either of the pov's. At times I felt like shaking my kindle, screaming nooooo because one or the other would do something daft but the story wove together so well and I don't think I'd have loved it as much if events hadn't happened as they did. I read this one in three sittings, and cried so hard at the end, thank goodness I could start the second straight away because that cliffhanger was brutal!

I really wanted to like this, because it has a 4.4 rating on Goodreads and so many 5*s here, but it was a huge miss for me. The first chapter was engrossing, and I had a very particular idea of the style and direction it would go, but I was quickly proved wrong... it meandered and dragged in a number of dissatisfying ways:

- There was no real plot. It was just a series of cheesy dialogue. I’m here for cheesy dialogue when there’s an exciting plot carrying it along (e.g. Nora Roberts’ older romance novels) but this was just one note without, honestly, any real structure.

- Autumn is very annoying. For a girl who is studying social anthropology and political science - and on scholarship (?!) - she really didn’t come across like she had a clue about anything. I think the central relationship should’ve been the friendship between the boys, which was set up so well at the beginning, and it would’ve made a better love story/triangle when bringing Autumn into the mix. Also, Autumn is constantly described as delicate (“She was so slender; small, and delicate...”) - (“...a casual arm around Autumn’s delicate shoulders”) - (“...followed the movement down her delicate throat”) + more, and I found myself rolling my eyes. Wished she’d been given more than that.

- Granted, I’m not a fan of the “I laid eyes on her and suddenly I’m in love” storyline, but Wes becomes so helplessly infatuated, even though he really doesn’t even know her. I’m always wary of when my students read stories like that, as it really does set unrealistic expectations for young girls about love and romance. I get that it’s a love story and there are elements of exaggeration for entertainment purposes, but you can have a believable love story without making the protagonists so helplessly smitten because they felt “electricity”.

- The love triangle. This was frustrating because it’s obvious who she’s meant to be with for the whole book. It was a matter of waiting till we know she ends up with him (of course there was a cliffhanger where that didn’t happen at the very last minute, but the whole book was her not clueing in on Connor’s messages being Wes. On that note, who puts so much stock in a guy based on his poetry? Especially when you find him so dull face-to-face? Again, Autumn doesn’t have a clue. Somebody take back her scholarship.)

So, there’s a lot more, but clearly I’m in the minority of readers who did not like this, and I guess I’m also not the intended audience, so my opinion is probably not much help. I got the second book because I’m intrigued to see if it gets better, but if it doesn’t I don’t think I’ll be able to review it. Also, it’s worth noting I’ve heard great things about the author, so I would definitely be willing to read her other work! Maybe this particular story just wasn’t for me.

This story was not what I expected at all! I've only read a few of Emma Scott's other works and this one truly is beautiful. The love that is shown throughout the book in different aspects is really interesting. Weston and Connor's friendship alone is a very interesting dynamic and the Drake family is one that I definitely feel has hidden motives for the things that they do. Autumn is also a really refreshing character and some aspects of her personality I could relate to as the reader. Ruby her best friend reminded me a lot of some of my friends growing up and I found that to be also pretty interesting. The way this book ends on the cliff hanger has me excited to read the second book in this duet right away!

This is my third Emma Scott book and I can honestly say I have found each and everyone of her books absolutely soul crushing. As always Emma's writing brought me right into the story and made me fall in love with her characters. Not just the main characters but the side characters as well.

In Bring Down the Stars we are introduced to Autumn who has just suffered her first heart break. She isn't looking for a new romance she wants to focus on school and her family. There are important things in life and she has decided for now men just aren't one of them. That is of course until she meets Connor and Weston. The two men have been best friends since middle school. Connor the wealthy son of a business man and politician who just wants to live a happy life and Weston the poet who has been running his whole life, born on the wrong side of the tracks, wanting to prove he is worthy and support his family.

Meeting both Connor and Weston on the same day is unexpected and initially Autumn isn't interested in anything beyond friends but as time goes on Connor wears her down. The odd thing though is he is one person in person and a different on paper. All at the same time she feels an odd draw to Weston his best friend of all people.

Emma Scott does an amazing job of weaving the story passing the story back and forth between Autumn and Weston showing just how completely the emotions and feelings felt between the parties in this book really are. By the end of the book my heart was broken for just absolutely everyone involved. I can not wait to start reading the second novel in the series "Long Live the Beautiful Hearts" though I expect it to be just as heart breaking and there to be many many tears.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions and review.

4 poetic stars

I don't even know what to say. The end of this book just made my heart and eyes hurt. I can't believe it. ( But for the record I just want to add that I'm so f* relief that book 2 is already on my Kindle).

BRING DOWN THE STARS is my first read of this author and man!!! Such a captivating writing style. This synopsis may show you is about two boys and one girl, but this is so much more. It is not about loving someone for his beautiful smile, or beautiful eyes or the physical, it's about loving a soul. The connection you feel with someone that you can't control or explain. And I could really feel the love through this pages. I really recommend it and I'm going straight to book 2 now.

Bring Down the Stars & Long Live the Beautiful Hearts by Emma Scott
*****
Thanks, NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this duet.
First time reading Emma Scott, I heard a lot about her, and her writing awhile ago but didn’t have the opportunity to read her work until now. Going in blind is the best way to read a new author.
Based on a play from Cyrano de Bergerac, the story is about a triangle of true friendship, unrequited love, and the power of pretty words and poetry. I can honestly say, I’ve not read enough or understood the prose of poetry. Therefore, I’m not a huge fan of poetry, but in this case, the poetry only adds more romance to the storyline. Having admitted my lack of knowledge of poetry, I feel inadequate to write a review that will showcase Emma Scott’s talent. What I can do is try and express how this story has affected me and share some lines from both books which have impacted and left a mark on my soul. This duet is not for the faint of heart; it pulls heavy on your heart and soul and will leave you wrung out like a dirty dish rag. Yes, it’s that powerful, and that emotional! Highly recommended!
“Feelings,” I said, “are like tonsils. Mostly useless, and occasionally a source of pain and discomfort.”
“Parfois, le cœur se cache derrière l’esprit. Sometimes the heart hides itself behind the mind.”
“I worried I would grow up to be trash too, and would hurt any woman I might someday love, so I vowed not to love anyone.”
“…pretty words weren’t enough without something real behind them,”
“The fight you have to fight is for you so that the love you feel for her has a chance.”
“For you, I would bring down the stars, wreath their fire around your neck like diamonds, and watch them pulse to the beat of your heart.”
"Something good and whole in her spoke to the something rotted and broken in me."
"I'm in love with her. The truth was bold and start on the blank page of my heart. I put my pen to paper and began to write."
“I have loved you with both Hands tied behind my back Bound with pen and ink Paper and words Sealed with someone else’s name until this moment in which I am nothing but a man who loves a woman. There is nothing left to say Except to give all of my heart For you.”
“You have a thousand hearts’ worth of love to give. A thousand tears may fall when one heart breaks. But never cry for shame.” He cupped my chin in his thick hand. “Even love lost was well-spent.”
"She's in love with my soul, he said. And my soul is you."
He held my heart in his hands with reverence and care.
He helped me find my soul’s greatest purpose in life.
He loved me with a love so pure and vibrant, I knew I’d never feel anything like it in a hundred lifetimes.
It was real.

All the stars for this beautiful story. This was one of those reads where I just wanted to speak to the characters and intervene to alter the decisions they were making. My stomach was in knots for most of the book and I know I've lost my heart to Weston Turner.

I'm delighted that I can head straight into the second book of this duet. I need to know what happens next.

Weston and Connor couldn't be more different. While Connor is the life of the party, Wes is willing to be an outsider, too hurt to let anybody get close to him. While Connor is always smiling, Wes is wary and pensive.
Among all the differences though, they have a lot in common as well: they love each other with a brotherly love, they seek their parents approval, and they want the same girl, Autumn, even though they don't think they deserve her.

Truth be told, Bring Down the Stars was nothing that I thought it would be.
And even though the story is very compelling, I couldn't find myself in it. And if you can't feel a story, it's difficult for you to truly love it.
I see why this book is so well loved and hightly rated though. Emma Scott's words are ravishing and they describe and incredible -even though heartbreaking- love.

I have recently started reading books by Emma Scott, and I think she is becoming a new favourite author for me <3

Bring Down the Stars is the first in the Beautiful Hearts series. It is a New Adult romance based in College. There are three main characters, Autumn, Connor and Weston--and yes, it is a love triangle. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't, and in this story it definitely worked. Wonderfully written, full of angst and heartbreak, Bring Down the Stars is one book that I was not able to put down.

The deep bond between two best friends Connor and Weston, made it really difficult to justify Autumn's feelings, but of course the entire time I rooting for only one of the two. I loved their friendship, even though it made it hard to choose between the two.

The ending of book #1 does end in a cliffhanger, so I was happy that I had the second book to read right after!

This book is easily Emma Scott at her best. I cried, I laughed and my heart shattered with each word on every page of this book. I can't tell what this book means to me, only that I am changed.

Absolutely loved this book and author...very easy read, could not put it down!!! Has all the great elements to make a great read. Love, fairh,sadness, family,etc. Definitely a new favorite author for me.

I admit, I spent a lot of this book yelling at the main characters. Connor was such a dick from the very beginning that I couldn't understand Autumn's attraction. And then I slowed my roll and remembered that I was 21 once too and from a small town and got swept off my feet by a rich asshole myself. Anyway, Emma Scott is one of the most emotionally charged writers I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The amount of times I had to stop and think during the story combined with the anger and sadness I felt for the main characters was unreal. I was very glad I had part 2 on deck because I needed to immediately get in to what happened after the cliffhanger. Just when you think you know what Emma is going to do, BAM, she gets you. Definitely a book that evokes all the feels.

This book is absolutely beautiful. It's only the second novel I've read by Emma Scott. The first one I read I fell in love with her way of writing and weaving a tale. This book is no different, I loved it! Characters were fantastic!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
While Autumn is focusing on school, she is not ready for a relationship because she is not fully over the hurt of the last relationship she was in. When she sees Connor across campus, she is intrigued. And then she meets Weston in the library. Weston and Connor are the best of friends and have been since they were in grade school. Always there for each other.

Autumn finds herself drawn to both men but for different reasons; while Connor always has a smile and wants to make everyone around him laugh, Wes is dark, brooding, and hides behind walls. As Autumn and Connor begin to date and the sparks aren't there, there is a sizzle once in a while. But when the date is over, the text messaging between Autumn and Connor has her loving his words. Why can't he talk to her that way in person?

Weston has to back away because he is falling for Autumn and that will not work. She belongs to his best friend. Although he is helping Connor "talk" to Autumn when they are not together, he feels that they both are doing her wrong. He wants to stop but Connor wants to continue until he can find the words himself. And both signing up for the Army Reserves is going to kill Autumn because she knows something is going to happen. She just wants both men she loves in different ways, to come home.

What happens when Autumn finds out the truth? Will she forgive them both or will she lose them forever? And what happens if one or both get hurt or worse in the Middle East? Will the three survive?

Will I survive the next book? This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride that is worth the time it takes to read it. And it is worth every laugh, gasp, and tear you shed. This is a first for me from Emma Scott and it will not be the last. I am about to start book two, I have to know what happens to Wes, Autumn, and Connor. Please read this one, you will not be disappointed.