The thoughtful girl and the quiet man forge an unlikely friendship. Yet it’s not the only unlikely friendship. The friendship between Connor and Weston is as polar opposite as oil and vinegar. Despite their differences these two guys were as close as brothers. The bond they shared was unbreakable.

Weston’s character guards his emotions with hostility and indifference. His attitude stemmed from a father who walked out on his mother and sisters leaving him to be the man in charge. Weston grew bitter about love and men as he watched his mother self destruct.

Autumn’s character was a hopeless romantic who wanted to be wooed with poetic words. When she commits she gives herself completely.

Connor’s character was popular with a great sense of humor. He came from a wealthy family with high expectations. These expectations came with the conditions to fulfill a high pedigree career. Connor wanted to make his parents proud, yet he wanted the freedom to live his life and choose his own career goals. While everyone at school liked him, he truly only wanted to be accepted by his parents.

Overall: I love Weston and Autumn’s point of view. Getting instant feedback on both feelings creates a solid connection. Emma does a good job pushing and pulling her characters emotions in different directions toying with these emotions building the angst.

Story: This was written in parts to help stretch the time. Each part I read I held my breath. I couldn’t predict the direction of this story which made it all the more poignant.

Some good controversial topics with an unrequited love triangle with unique and original twists. It’s a love triangle of the mind. Keeping private thoughts locked up inside. Selfless characters faking the happiness for the benefit of others. This was a multifaceted story with many variable. One variable in particular was Weston’s ingenious mind. Despite his lack of money Weston uses his words to change his future. His mind was available while his heart remained unavailable. Weston kept his heart locked up allowing Connor to reap the benefits of his brilliant mind.

Emma’s clever by feeding the reader just enough hope in Autumns words. Every time Autumn got an epiphany regarding actions and words I thought here it is this is the pivotal moment. Then something unexpected would happen changing the circumstances once again. Their lives were ever changing into unexpected directions.

Three proud characters who want to achieve success despite the hardships of life. Each wanting to be worthy in the eyes of their parents. Hearts were broken, lies were told, and secrets were unveiled.

This book caused a whirlwind of emotions on my heart. My heart was pounding relentlessly. Emma poured her heart and soul into this story. I’m a sucker for these heartfelt emotional stories. I can’t wait for tomorrow where I gain more hours in the day to begin reading book 2. My mind won’t shutdown. I ended Book 1 with heavy thoughts I can’t wait to put them at ease.

I didn't love this story, it wasnt bad just honestly not my kind of story.. It was definitely a slow burn romance angsty and heart wrenching

Bring Down the Stars is the first book of the Beautiful Hearts Duet, and I'm so thankful I'm able to read the next book right away. It'd probably kill me to have to wait.

Connor Drake and Weston Turner have an unmatchable friendship. An unlikely pair, they have stood by each other's side and had each other's back for years.

The arrival of Autumn Caldwell into their lives brings an unexpected dynamic to their friendship, and the three of them become a twisty, heart-wrenching, angst-ridden, beautiful mess.

Once again Emma Scott stuns me with her words and writing. I am in awe.

Now I'm off to read Long Live the Beautiful Hearts...and hoping to keep my heart intact.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an e-copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

It should be said that I am not typically a fan of love triangles. Apparently, the exception to that is Emma Scott's because holy hell, her ability to pull you into the lives of her characters is so amazing that you can't help but to read until there is no more.

As this is a duet, it ends with a cliffhanger. One that goes with a twist that I honestly didn't expect.

Connor is the type of guy that seems like he lives a charmed life, and not merely because of his money and privilege. He has a knack for bringing out the best in people, making them smile and laugh, and just feel comfortable. Unfortunately, he fails to see that as being valuable.

Weston is the opposite of Connor, rough and tumble, poor, broken, unsociable. He pushes everyone away, not seeing the value in what HE has to offer. A "Southie" with a way with words, he is selfless and good, hardworking and loyal.

Then, the third part of the triangle, who doesn't realize the part that she plays... Autumn. I didn't necessarily feel that she was quite as fleshed-out. She's both strong and vulnerable at once, prideful and humble...

The interactions between the three are well worth a read. For those wondering, this isn't especially erotic, but definitely romantic. It is told from Weston and Autumn's POVs and breezes over 99% of the sex.

4.5 Stars Rounded Up

I wish I could give more then 5 stars for Bring Down the Stars. This is one of those books that make you go this is why I feel in love with reading. I love this one so much. It's hard to put into words how much. Autumn, Weston and Connor are fantastic. You can feel the chemistry between Autumn and Connor as well as Autumn and Weston from the very start. You tend to wonder how this will end and how many hearts are going to be broken. Mine included. Emma Scott took Connor and Weston where I never imagine her taking them. She has this way of weaving the tail of love between Connor, Autumn and Weston. A love of not only friendship and brotherly love but one that hits deep in the soul. Weston is more of a quiet thinker and poet at heart. Connor is one of those silver spoon types that is still trying to figure out his own way. Autumn is just this sweetheart who wants to help and be there for everyone. All I got to say is this needs to be read. Make sure you have not only tissues handy but Long Live the Beautiful Hearts too. You will want to binge both books to feel the full emotional impact of what only Emma Scott could have brought to the pages. A MUST READ.

<b>This is a series review:
Book 1=2.5 Stars
Book 2=5 Stars</b>

I won't lie, I struggled BAD with Bring Down the Stars, until about the last maybe 15-20%. I don't think I can do NA anymore. The characters and stupid drama absolutely drove me fricken insane. I didn't like Connor. At. All. I know he was supposed to be the fun, easy going, lovable one, but I just couldn't with him. His charisma and huge smile just didn't do anything for me. My heart belonged to Wes; the tall, dark, broody one. Then there was Autumn; the down to earth, incredibly smart, fall in love with every molecule of her soul one. I wasn't always fond of her, either. I often wondered where the hell her brains were at and how did she not know who was writing those letters and poems. Even if I wasn't privy to who was writing them, I would have known.

On top of that, the book moved slow and I was bored. I was totally over Autumn's wishy washy should I or shouldn't I. Way over it! Also, while I adored the hell out of Wes, I wanted him to stop his bullshit and man the fuck up. I get he felt love and loyalty to Connor and he felt as though he didn't deserve anything as good as Autumn, but man I wanted to slap him, while screaming at him to take what's his. To stop doing everything and anything for Connor. *ugh*

Then there was the fact I didn't feel any connection between the characters (Autumn and Connor or Autumn and Wes) at all. None. But I pushed through as this series ended up being a favorite on a friend's list last year. And since I trust her book judgement I was determined to reach the end. So I skimmed, then skimmed a little more. Until I reached that all-consuming pivotal point.

All I can say is holy fuck! Where the hell did that come from?! No more skimming for me. I was devouring each word as though it was the last. That last 15-20% was definitely not the same book I had been reading for what felt like forever. That "book" was so damn different that I went from not caring about the second book to craving it. Needing it immediately. That book gave me the feels, causing leaking from the eye area. That book contained the heat, the chemistry, the connection, and the emotion that the first 80-85% didn't. My mind went from ugh, when does this fucking end to... holy fuck, I can't stop this pain in my heart and my eyes from leaking all this wet stuff.

I'm so glad I hung in there. If I hadn't I would have missed the stunning and poignant essence of Long Live the Beautiful Hearts.

Thank you, Kim, for rec’ing this series and encouraging me to continue. You were right, book two was everything and more. Everything book one wasn’t: emotional, angsty, heart wrenching, likable characters, and growth. So much growth!

I LOVED this book with my entire being. A solid 5 star read. My emotions were on over drive. My eyes permanently red from the tears flowing. My anxiety ramped from the despair and anguish I felt pouring off the pages. I had to step away a few times; the agony wrecked me. Wes’ pain. Connor’s pain. Autumn’s pain. It was all too much to handle in one sitting. It hurt so much it was hard to breathe at times.

Oh god, Wes. I wanted to wrap that man up in a shit ton of hugs. I wanted to make it all go away, for life to go back to the way it was for him. I wanted to kick Connor in the junk for him, even though I got that Connor was too feeling his own guilt and anguish. I wanted to make ever thing they experienced disappear. I wanted to heal them, take away their injuries and memories. This duo was unraveling quickly, bleeding and nothing but time, patience, and love could help them, but being a fixer, I wanted it to be an immediate fix.

While the Bringing Down the Stars may annoy the shit out of you, Long Live the Beautiful Hearts will destroy you, in a good way. Wes, Connor, and Autumn were beautifully written. Breathtaking, actually. Their growth is tenfold. They had absolutely no choice but to grow up. And I found that the things that annoyed me in book one: the lies, the lack of conversation, and the need to keep things hidden didn’t hit the same nerves this time around. Those things were small in the grand scheme of things, in the process of healing. I got why Wes couldn’t reveal the things he was part responsible for. I got why Connor acted like he did. Why he leaned so heavily on Wes. I got it all, and I just wanted them to find an HEA. I was okay with how long it took for the truth to unfold. I was okay with how it was handled and the pacing of it.

I ended up okay with book 1 not being my cuppa, because it gave me a whole other appreciation for Wes, Connor, and Autumn. And for Emma Scott, as well. I needed to experience the young, foolishness of these twenty somethings to truly understand the importance of their personal evolutions.

I whole heartedly recommend the Beautiful Hearts series.

P.s. This was my first Emma Scott book and will not be my last!

I just finished this duology and am left breathless. What a sincerely beautiful trip through love found, love lost, heartache, strength and love re-built. This first book was about love in all of its senses- loving yourself, loving others, the deep love of friendship and family. "Bring Down the Stars," was an adventure of love found, letting readers feel as the characters discovered each other, fell for each other and sacrificed for each other. Starting out as a heart warming, charming new adult book, it quickly veered into something deeper, placing its poetic roots deep into my soul. This was my first journey into one of Scott's books, and I am so grateful for the poignant tale she wove.

On a side note, DO NOT read this book until you have book two ready, you will not be able to survive without it!


*** A thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to enjoy in exchange for an honest review. ***

Love. Loyalty. Friendship. Truth.

I am not a fan of love triangles, but I loved reading this book duet!

Nicely done, Emma Scott!

When I read the description of Bring Down the Stars, I was sold that it was a book that I needed to read, but I wasn't sold that it would start or end in a place I'd be happy with. I mean the story of Cyrano de Bergerac is well known. A man speaks for another man in love with a woman. I mean obviously there's more to it than that, but I could tell immediately from the description that it was likely Weston was the one giving his words to Connor in order to woo Autumn. But that would mean that Weston wouldn't be with Autumn, yet Weston would be the one I should be rooting for. Starting a book off knowing that inevitable conflict (well all books have conflict, but this particular conflict is what I mean) is ahead had me hesitating.

Despite my hesitation, Bring Down the Stars hooked me quickly. I easily felt the connection between Autumn and Weston. And even the gravitational pull toward Connor and his easygoing charisma. Each character has depth. Connor's struggles to live up to his family's wishes for him. His family is so gracious to Weston and his family, and even Autumn's. They weren't black and white characters. Weston's history with his father and even how his mother's words shaped his view of himself, his worth, and his options for his future. Autumn's romantic history and her family dynamics. All of these characters were more than surface level. Even the side characters like Connor's parents, Weston's mom, Paul, Ruby, Edmond (who I imagine was fashioned in some ways after Javier from Felicity), and Weston's poetry professor.

I was a little frustrated with Autumn. I mean such a large point of this book is the retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac so this couldn't really be avoided, but how much Autumn struggled with the back and forth of Connor. How he felt so different in person versus the poetry, letters, or words he gave her when they weren't together...It seems to me that you've got to go with how you feel when you're together in person versus words shared when apart. So I struggled a little with her indecision. But all of that was necessary for the story.

It's actually hard for me to separate Bring Down the Stars from Long Live the Beautiful Hearts considering I started book 2 immediately after finishing this one. I read in the car on a day trip 3 hours away from home (and then 3 hours back). I basically finished both books in two days total--unheard of for me this past year.

I also want to say that the last poem of Bring Down the Stars did not disappoint. Often times when I'm reading a book that builds up a character's talent in songwriting, poetry, writing, riddles, etc, I end up being disappointed with the lyrics or samples of their art included in the book. That was not the case with the main poem of this book. It was beautiful in every way and I could read it over and over again. I won't share it with you guys, but I will share a few of my other favorite quotes:
-"I can't help myself. I don't want casual. I want electricity. I want someone I can talk to for ages, someone who sets my blood on fire. And not just physically, you know?" Ruby pursed her lips. "Gee, don't expect much, do you?" "Only everything," I said. "And why not? That's exactly what I have to give."

-I wouldn't touch you so quickly, I thought. I'd wait. Draw it out. Build up the moment so that when it happened-

-when each of us feels the other's skin for the first time--it'll be something sublime. Something earned.

-"I'm starting to memorize you," he said. "Not just your words but how you talk. The silences between words. The sound you make when you're thinking. The quiet where you try to hold back, and the little floods where you don't."

Bring Down the Stars was more than I expected it to be. I hoped I would like it. I hoped I could make it past the inevitable conflict that was expected from the book description and the very beginning of the story. And Bring Down the Stars exceeded my expectations. Knowing what was going on in Emma Scott's life during the time of writing these two books made these books even more emotional. My heart goes out to her. Bring Down the Stars gets 4 Stars. Have you read Bring Down the Stars? What did you think? Let me know!

This year, I had the pleasure of reviewing Emma Scott's In Harmony and succinctly fell in love with her writing. Nevertheless, I was scared to pick up one of her other novels, terrified that it wouldn't be as good. But I had nothing to worry about.
Bring Down the Stars had me in its talons from the very first page and wouldn't let me go even after the last one (that means I started the sequel without even taking a breath, I was so anxious how the story would continue).
Basically, this is a story of three people, each with their own struggles, coming together and finding solace in each other.
I loved each of the characters. Connor's from a wealthy family and deals with a lot of pressure to be responsible even though he's an easy-going guy that just wants others to be happy and carefree.
Weston has family issues in his past, running after his leaving father as a kid, and in a way he's been running ever since.
Autumn's nursing a broken heart, and struggling under the weight of the world on her shoulders.
This may be the only love triangle I've ever fully approved of besides Cassandra' Clare's epic The Infernal Devices series. Honestly, there is so much emotion to unpack between Weston, Autumn and Connor, but there's no lack of love - Weston and Connor have a bond that's stronger than brotherhood, Autumn and Connor connect on a purely selfless, carefree level, whereas Weston and Autumn have their shared pain to bond over. All I want from the sequel is for each and every one of them to be happy.
There were so many plot twists in the book I didn't even guess at right before they were happening - so many twists and turns that kept me engaged at all times.
The cliffhanger at the end of this book was nothing short of brutal. I don't want to spoil anything, but I haven't been this upset by a cliffhanger in ages and I strongly recommend getting the sequel right away or you'll be miserable - believe me, I know.

in the first book of this duet, I met the trio of protagonists, their stories and how they connected. Being inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, I had prepared my heart for what was ahead but nothing prepared me for what i've been involved.. I was too annoyed with Connor at one moment and every page was more distressed to know how this amorous triangle would unfold. Emma Scott as always surprised me and stole my heart. I suggest buying the two books together so you do not go crazed.

This book is so beautifully written that I wanted more. It does end on a cliffhanger but that is okay cause there is so much story to tell here. These two very different people have a friendship so strong they will sacrifice things in their lives for each other. While reading I would think I had Weston and Conner figured out but then there would be a total surprise and keep me guessing where the story was going to go. I love that the story is not predictable and keeps you on your toes on what the characters are feeling and doing.

**FULL REVIEW**

"Something good and whole in her spoke to the something rotted and broken in me."

To say I loved this story is an understatement. The first part of this duet rightly ripped my heart in two. I fell for both guys and felt every emotion down to my core when it came to Autumn. I wanted her to have them both...but I knew. I knew there was one. And the heartbreak it caused is something I don't think I'll ever forget.

"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 jumped right into the second book from this one because with an ending like this...I couldn't stop. I wouldn't. I needed to know what would happen next.

**5 Double-Sided Love Story, Stars**

If I weren’t in public right now I’d be sobbing my eyes out. That ending.. that book.. the entirety of that book for that matter.. I just can’t cope 😭
I knew it was going to kill me the second I found out it involved a love triangle, but this love triangle is one in which you CAN’T help but to love all three individuals and wanting absolutely nothing bad to happen to any of them. In a lot of triangles you’re quickly able to make out which man you want the leading female character to end up with because one quickly makes himself more like-able but with Wes and Connor?? No such thing here. There’s a line in the book that talks about how if these two men were molded into one they would be the perfect man and honestly? That couldn’t be more true but they’re not one man, they’re two men who are so deserving of love and more that it makes this book into the Sophie’s choice of romance books. I’m so mad and yet applaud the author for writing this book that tore my heart out and stomped it into itty bitty pieces because if this is the first book, I don’t think I’ll survive the next one.

I thought I knew early on...how this first book would end...but I was still surprised at the way it went down.

๏ ๏ ๏  Book Blurb ๏ ๏ ๏ 

I fell for Connor Drake. I didn’t want to; I fought against it, but I fell in love with him anyway. With his words. With his poetry. With him. The gentleness and beauty of his soul that speaks directly to mine. He writes as if he can feel my heart, hear its cadence and compose the exact right lyrics to accompany every beat and flow.

I’m in love with Connor…so why do I feel an inexplicable pull to his best friend, Weston? Grouchy, sullen, brooding Weston Turner, who could cut you down with a look. Fiercely intelligent with a razor-sharp wit and acid tongue, he’s the exact opposite of Connor in every way, and yet there’s electricity in the air between us. The thorny barbs Weston wraps around himself can’t keep me away.

But the more time I spend with these men, the more tangled and confused my emotions become. When they both sign up for the Army Reserves during a time of increasing strife in the Middle East, I fear I’ll never unravel my own heart that sometimes feels as if it will tear straight down the middle…for both of them.




๏ ๏ ๏  My Review ๏ ๏ ๏ 

I love Emma Scott's writing, her characters and their stories are always so palpable, so real.  Bring Down the Stars is no exception, either.  You will seriously love all of the main characters...Weston, Autumn, and Conner.  Ruby is also pretty likable as Autumn's roommate.  Their love triangle is a very traditional type of love-tri but it's depicted in a way that is so heartbreaking to read...which is why I didn't give this five stars...I struggled with reading this because it hurt to read that kind of anguish.  Weston's anguish gutted me.

I also received an eARC of the second book, Long Live the Beautiful Hearts and I plan to start that next, I don't think I can wait for too much longer than that to see how this all plays out. 

๏ ๏ ๏  MY RATING ๏ ๏ ๏ 

☆4.3☆STARS - GRADE=A-


๏ Breakdown of Ratings ๏ 

Plot⇝ 4/5 
Main Characters⇝ 5/5
Secondary Characters⇝ 5/5
The Feels⇝ 4.3/5
Pacing⇝ 4/5
Addictiveness⇝ 4/5
Theme or Tone⇝ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇝ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇝ 5/5
Originality⇝ 5/5
Ending⇝ 4/5 Cliffhanger⇝ Oh yeah!
๏ ๏ ๏
Book Cover⇝ It's cute
Series⇝ Beautiful Hearts #1
Setting⇝ Amherst College (mostly)
Source⇝ I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
๏ ๏ ๏
Goodreads
Amazon
Booklikes

There are simply no words after finishing such a beautiful book!

Emma Scott had me crying on her acknowledgments and author’s note and when the story started I couldn’t put it down.

Beautiful is a small word to describe Emma’s own words. I’m at a loss for words myself because I just feel SO MUCH after reading this book!

I must confess I really did not like Connor. He was a nice guy and everything but, I fell in love with Weston from the very beginning.

This book had all the feels. The ending blew my damn mind and that's when I started to kinda like Connor.

Autumn was such a daacinating character. I love how down to earth she was.

Anyway, I'm about to dive into book 2, I have high, high hopes for this conclusion.

I have come to love Emma Scott's books and was so excited to start this duet series after hearing amazing things about it!
It is always difficult for me to convey into words how much a book moved me or how much I loved it or how amazing it is—for fear of not doing it justice. So I will just say this book is amazing and I can't wait for book 2!!

This is a college love triangle of sorts– Autumn, Connor, and Weston. This isn’t a menage-trois. It is a story about three people trying to find their identity and in the process fall in love.
Connor is the typical rich boy but without the snobbery. The son of a Senator and tech mogul with every possible privilege money can buy. He’s friendly and outgoing too. His best friend, Weston is the complete opposite in every way. Weston is a Southie, who won a scholarship to attend the prestigious prep school where he met Connor. The two have been best friends ever since. The two would do anything for the other. Even sign up for the Reserves together. Something that pulls them apart.

Autumn is instantly attracted to Connor, who wouldn’t be attracted to the sexy, gorgeous baseball player that has a warm friendly smile for everyone? But Autumn needs more than physical attraction. She needs poetry and romance. She falls in love with his words.

Connor knows he’s not enough for Autumn. He needs help from his best friend in order to keep her. He knows that he probably won’t be able to but he’s going to do everything possible to try. Weston helps his best friend even though he’s secretly in love with her. It pains him every time he sees them together. Autumn loves Connor but she feels an attraction to the introverted asshole, Weston.

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

You know that story...two people liking the same person, but can’t do much about it? This is similar, yet still compelling enough to pull you in to the inevitable disaster of broken hearts and friendships. And I can’t get enough of it!!!

Weston has been stuck for years. Stuck running from his past. Stuck running from a future he actually wants. But mainly stuck between a rock and hard place considering he’s finally found a girl he likes, but can’t have her because his best friend likes her. Just tell the bestie, right? Easier said than done when your bestie is the one person who’s had your back since....forever. So being stuck isn’t so bad when you get to make your bestie happy, right?

Autumn can’t believe her luck. After walking in on her boyfriend of two years with another girl, she’s vowed to put relationships on the back burner. That is until the first day of her Junior year in college when she not only meets one guy, but two. While dating one, she still enjoys the company of the other. Best of both worlds, right?

This book is the classic case of best friends liking the same girl. Except it’s not. One friend enjoys the girls company and has alternative motives, while the other legitimately falls in love with her. There are deceitful things done to the girl (all in the name of bro love), although the deceit isn’t meant to hurt, but ends up hurting more than just the girl.

This is the perfect read for college students or young adults that are still self searching. Personally, I’m over 40, married with two kids and totally loved it. And you best believe I’ll be reading the next one after that hell of a cliffhanger!!!!

Wowza!!!!!!!