Live Out Loud (Toronto Collection)

Ive been reading a few of Wardells books for some light summer reading and this is my favorite so far. The main characters had depth and developed with the story. The storyline was tight and had something interesting going on most of the time. Mistys internal struggles were believable and made me care what happened to her. The ending was satisfying and was what the story was leading up to all along. There was a surprising amount of depth to this one and addressed some tough issues. Amy/Misty also has her own issues to work through and comes shining through with the help of good friends. It is a positive story of overcoming, of discovering and following your dreams.

Once again, Heather Wardell did not disappoint me. I just loved this story. I love the way she inserts characters from other books into new books, even if the stories arent connected. Theyre all Toronto residents. I do the same thing. I loved Misty, especially because she didnt let her fame taint her values (too much). Imagine becoming a pop star overnight, having people screaming when they hear your name, and crying when they see you because they are so desperate to touch you. Then imagine how great it must feel to know that your songs reach out and touch young people in a good way. Well done. Although I have never been to Toronto, I am in love with the city--thanks to Heather Wardell. Carole McKee, author

I love Heather Wardells writing so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel. I was expecting a character-driven story about a woman trying to balance her dreams, a career, and love and I was not disappointed. Amy has been writing songs for years, and sets a goal for herself to create a CD of her music. She is discovered singing in a local bar in Toronto, and a music career as a bubble gum pop princess soon develops. Amy has trouble finding the balance between writing songs that mean something and writing pop music. She also receives a surprising amount of push-back from her boyfriend Jason. She and Jason start to grow apart as a result of his jealousy over her sudden fame. Amy has to decide whats really important to her: her glamorous life as Misty Will, or starting the support center she and her late friend Giselle always dreamed of. Like Wardells other books, the process of reconciling dreams and the real world is the bulk of the book. I just love that about Wardells writing. I always feel like I can really identify with her characters, and Amy was no exception. Something kept me from really loving this book as much as Ive loved Wardells other books. I think it was that there wasnt quite as much chemistry between the two main characters. By chemistry, I mean a slow build from friends to more than friends. I like reading about a slow-developing relationship---which was the case here; however, something felt missing as far as the attraction went. I love that Wardells womens fiction is not laden with a bunch of bedroom scenes like so many other adult fiction novels. That gets old for me and it cheapens the story (in my opinion). Id rather read about love in action than read bedroom scenes. Overall, I really enjoyed Live Out Loud and would recommend it to fans of womens fiction.

This was a light and enjoyable reading. It kept my interest and was entertaining. It is a good read for a relaxing weekend.

Live Out Loud is not your average girl-turned-superstar story. Amy is a songwriter with dreams of opening a center for teenage girls. It is to honor her deceased best friends memory and to carry out their plan. All she needs is start-up money. Then Amys friend posts a live performance on her blog and suddenly Amy is an internet sensation. She had gone viral. Becoming a pop princess was the perfect, quick solution to raising money for the center. It isnt long before Amy comes to love her music career, Mistys crazy colorful costumes and the media attention. But everything isnt so great off stage. Vague faxes are sent with creepy messages. Her boyfriend seems distant and clearly not supportive of his pop princess girlfriend. And someone from the past exposes her secret through blackmail. Meanwhile, Amy struggles to maintain her true identity, in the midst of Misty stardom. This was my first book read by Heather Wardell, but not the last. Ive already downloaded another one of her eBooks titled Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo (currently free for Kindle or NOOKbook). Her writing style is clear, organized and easy to read. The main characters situation seemed unrealistic though. I understand how easy it is to get famous after going viral. But getting signed so quickly, releasing new music every week and touring North America and Europe happened a bit too fast. Putting that aside, I enjoyed reading Live Out Loud. The eBook can be purchased for only $.99 so download a copy today. I recommend it for light reading, music industry lovers and those who seek a dream. Amys determination in reaching her ultimate goal and working for her dream is inspiring. Disclaimer: This book was received from the author for review purposes. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Literary Marie of Precision Reviews

Have you ever started a book and just couldnt wait to find out what was going to happen to a character? With Live Out Loud by Heather Wardell, I fell in love with Amy/Misty our main character from the beginning and from chapter to chapter I became even more intrigued as to where she was going to go next. From the people that she was surrounded with to those who came in and out of her life, they were unique but shaped this character into the one she became at the end. I always look to the extra characters because I enjoy seeing how they affect a character in both positive and negative ways. I am never a spoiler, but I will say that she ended up with a great guy, but the book didnt just end there. As some girlie books do, once the main character gets the guy, the reader is to find complete happiness in this solution. Wardell didnt end there. She made her characters go through a little more angst before they found complete satisfaction in who they were and what they wanted in life. Isnt that true for all of us? Sure when we get the guy we are happy, but no one is complete with just a relationship, you need more than that to be a whole person. So off my self-motivating rant - this book is worth the read. If you enjoy following a character through self-exploration and being a sideline cheerleader as she finds what is truly important to her.

Ive read the whole Toronto series to date and have enjoyed them. They are fun, easy reads that have a good message of figuring out who you want to be and not who others expect you to be. And of course the predictable romance, but lets be honest thats why we really read these.

First, get a list of her books so you can order them all in a row. I wish I knew where she lives so I could bring her coffee so she can keep writing. Funny and they made me start running again . If you buy you will understand. Five stars.

as always I can live vicariously through a great book!

Excellent read. Fun, entertaining and I would totally recommend. I have now read most of Heathers Books and have not been disappointed in any of them. I even joined her facebook page and she replied back to my posts. I felt really appreciated as a customer, especially getting a personal reply. Love her.