Live Out Loud (Toronto Collection)

this entire series is an incredibly fun, light read to put you into good spirits. i definitely recommend them all!

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.

As always Heather has written a book that puts you in a position where your life has to stop because you have to know what will happen next... I couldnt put this down and actually read it in one day... I love that her stories never go in the direction you assume but off on a totally different angle... If you are looking for a good read that will make you think what would I do in that situation then make sure you grab this one...

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.

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

Reading these book just makes me feel good. They are funny and can take you into the characters lives as if they were your real friends. Ive really enjoyed feading each one. I am reading them in order as a series. Some of the people come back in other books , which is so fun to me! These books also help to lean about yourself, what I like about me and what Id like to change. I see this as the characters live out their daily lives. I very much recommend! ! Its great reading, deep and touching- as well as care free, Enjoy!

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

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoy reading stories about the music industry. I have bought 2 more of Heather Wardells Toronto series books and I am looking forward to reading them also.

as always I can live vicariously through a great book!

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.