3 Wine Glass #Review of Can't Walk Awayby Sandy James
*Posting 10/11/2017 @ 8pm EST

Can't Walk Away is a sweet story of taking chances, new beginnings, and learning to love again.

Savannah Wolf had a promising music career as Nashville's next rising star. Until her manager and boyfriend left her high and dry with no money and no contracts. Now she is waiting tables at Words & Music, hoping to earn enough money to support her daughter and help repay her parents one day. But the music never left Savannah, and when she steps back into the spotlight on indie night, she finds her past colliding with her present...
Brad Maxwell was aptly named the Hitman in the music industry. All of the songs he wrote quickly became hits for the singers he produced them for. The industry is a shifty business though, filled with scheming people. Something Brad found out the hard way. After setting aside his writing career, Brad still gets his fix through co-owning and bar tending at Words & Music. But when he hears a new voice from the stage Brad can't hold the words back any longer...
Can two people who share music in their souls overcome their shattered pasts and learn to trust again?

Can't Walk Away is the first book that I have read from author, Sandy James. It was an charming contemporary romance set in the heart of Tennessee's country music scene that features two main characters who's trust in life has been broken. I really enjoyed the setting of the story and the musical background of all of the characters. Brad and Savannah share an instant attraction to each other, one that Brad immediately tries to pursue but Savannah is understandably weary. There is a good amount of push and pull between them throughout the story, as they get to know one another, work together, and eventually begin a relationship together. The chemistry is well written and perceptible, I never doubted that these two should be together. The story is told in alternating third person point-of-views, so readers get a good grip on what each of the characters are feeling. However, I still found myself frustrated with Savannah and her inability to move on, and some of Brad's actions seemed juvenile. Lack of trust causes a lot of hurdles between this pair, along with little secrets and omissions from both sides that tended to drag down the story-line.

A wonderful supporting cast counters the emotional seesaw of the main characters. The banter between Words & Music owners, Brad Maxwell, Ethan Walker and Russell Green was entertaining to say the least. I am looking forward to reading more about the other two co-owners of W&M. I also adored Brad's budding relationship with Savannah's daughter, Caroline. All in all, Can't Walk Away was a pleasant story with engaging characters and a lively setting. I'll be anticipating reading more from the Nashville Dreams series.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Loved. I was mad at Russ and Eric for their berating Brad and thinking he could not change his ways but he proved them wrong with his feelings and actions towards Savannah.

Brad just grabs you from the beginning. what he went through and how he tried to stop the pain is just so heartbreaking. He is a good guy. He cares and is kind. He gets lost in his head though when a song comes to him and tends to forget everything. Watching him turn down his personality so that he can show Savannah he trusts and respects her was wonderful to see. He wanted to show her he understood her past but sometimes didn’t hear what she was saying about her future. Glad Greg helped there.

Savannah was smart, sassy and fun. She had so much on her shoulders and a past that had her wary of people in particular men. Her dream is to just be a headliner at someplace like Words and Music and when Brad hears her he knows immediately that she is special. He also gets words in his mind again and begins to write songs once more. Sometimes he pushes too far with Savannah but it is with good intentions.

As they grow closer and work on building a strong relationship there are bumps in the road. What is great is they talk them out. He is very protective of her and the love you feel from him is wonderful to see after his ex and what she did.

when things get to where Savannah gets scared she does let her fears take over and we see Brad help her and bring her back down. Together they are strong and she has support other than her parents to help her now. She sees this and becomes stronger and more confident.

A wonderful romance with characters who learn how to trust one another and be honest with each other. Who inspire the other and respect one another. A story with depth and emotion but also a happy ending that has your heart melt after all that these two go through.

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This book was entertaining and I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters, they are likeable and I found myself relating to them easily.

Savannah Wolf gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Brad, “the Hitman”, Maxwell offers her a new job. Brad is a famous country music songwriter, who composed hit song after hit song. And yet Brad is the epitome of the damaged hero and hasn’t been able to write a new song for a while. He is a widow and his wife manipulated and betrayed him. Since her death, his life has been an endless string of drunken nights and he would have lost his sense of purpose, if he didn’t have the constant support of his two best friends, Ethan and Russ.

Savannah is a singer, but she has been waitressing to make a living and provide for her family. She is a strong character and a dedicated, loving single mother. She never had it easy, but she is always making the best out of life, she is a sweet and positive character. I loved the way Brad steps in to give her a chance and offers her a stage to showcase her talent. He thought he would never write songs again, but Savannah brings back his music. The chemistry between them was tangible. Despite her insecurities, Savannah is not immune to Brad’s charm.

To be honest, I would have loved a little bit more romance, I thought that the romantic progress between Brad and Savannah was slightly pushed in the background at times. But all in all, this beautiful story of second chance didn't fail to surprise me, tug at my heartstrings and make me smile. As for Brad’s friends, I found them really interesting. I would love to read their stories! It was my first time to read Sandy James's work and she sure made me fall in love with her writing style. If you love a music romance where dreams do come true, then this book is a great choice.

When you are drawn to a title for no reason...that's how I approached Can't Walk Away. I can't say it was because it's based within the centre of country music roots because I don't even like the genre. However, the 'je ne sais quoi' worked it's magic for me.

Brad 'Hitman' Maxwell may still be surrounded by the music that made his fortune but nowadays he's happier working the bar and managing Words and Music. When a new talent mesmerises him during the bar's Indie talent night, it not only reawakens his desire to write songs but to rethink his current life choices especially ones close to his heart.

Savannah Wolf is happy waiting on tables at Words and Music even though her first love is singing. Despite an unsuccessful try at getting a break in the music scene years earlier, she hopes to try again so that she can build a better life for herself and daughter. When she impresses her bosses during an indie talent night, she's offered a contract she can't refuse. However, the opportunity is a catalyst for far more than just a regular singing gig.

Brad and Savannah are perfect for each other due to their mutual love of country music. Both have experienced the negative sides of the business yet that doesn't help either of them to understand the issues each is struggling with because the lines of communication between the two get crossed repeatedly. You can feel the frustrations and despair when things are off kilter as much as when all is right within their world.

The author kept my attention always as she enlightens her readers with the country music scene in Nashville and wraps an enticing romance within it. The protagonists are adorable together as their attraction slowly moves up a notch. The secondary characters, mainly Brad's partners will hopefully be featured in their own books as they are portrayed as men who have a fascinating story to tell.

Can't Walk Away is the second book I've read by Sandy James and look forward to reading more in this series and catching up with her back list.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever Yours via NetGalley***

All Savannah wanted was one more chance at singing. She was not looking for fame or love, all she wanted was a decent job singing so she could make enough money to support her family. Little did she know, once Brad "Hitman" Maxwell heard her sing her life would never be the same.

Like an old country song you hold dear, this story will tug at your heart. There is despair, the need to be loved, the heartbreak of having lived through the pain of rejection and loss, but more, there is triumph and dreams fulfilled.

I feel like I have discovered a gem! This author is now a favorite and I will be looking forward to reading more stories by her.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me.

Can’t Walk Away by Sandy James is a sweet sentimental second chance love story that brings forth the union of two strangers. They say music is the universal language and in this story James introduces readers to Brad and Savannah who are brought together by music. One is a hitman songwriter and one is a single mother with a great voice. Both are struggling with a tormented past, and yet their passion of music rekindled something that spoke deep volumes that caused two souls to find healing, love, and a risk to take a second chance. So if you are looking for a sweet, and yet heartfelt love story then this book is definitely for you.

5 COUNTRY stars for Hitman and Songbird’ story! Let the magic of the music seduce your soul.

Dear Lord! This book made me remember why I love reading. Can’t Walk Away by Sandy James is so captivating. From the first pages I was deeply attached to the story. The author delivers a wonderful contemporary romance. The plot is beautifully addictive and refreshing. I must say that the author did a goodly and amazing job. Books like this shall be written more often.

The main characters are well developed. The heroine has some trust issues but deep inside her lies a warrior lady. She has dreams like any other women. Singing is her life as is her little daughter. Savannah is so talented. Will she be able to handle both of her worlds: being a single mom and becoming a country singer? She knows what she wants. There will be a time when she will stop being a scared kitten to become a lioness ready to fight for her baby, to fight for her broken dreams and to follow her heart.

Not only Savannah has trust issues, Brad Maxwell has them too. His past force him to stop writing songs until he meets Savannah, his muse, his songbird. He has an air of bad boy but he is a good one. At first I tough he didn’t know what he really wants but as the story goes on he develops feelings that were unfamiliar for him. But let be honest who doesn’t like a guy who is capable to express his feelings through songs? Max is a poet and his heart is as big as the sun and more. He is loyal and possessive.

“You’re the one I thought I’d never find. What do I have to do to make you mine.”

The chemistry between Savannah and Brad is intense. They tried to control the high attraction for their sakes but as soon as they touch each other, they lose it all. He is her boss. She works for him. Her voice will inspire him to star writing again. A poet in the shadows has finally seen the light. Falling will not be easy for them to handle because both have too much to lose, too much to work on. However their hearts will lead the way.

Savannah and Brad are simply perfect for each other. They have a sweet and tremendous love. Who wants a knight in shining armour when you can have a sexy poet who can seduce you with words? Brad is the kind of man who falls in love once and stays loyal to you. But not everything is sweet and pink. They will make some mistakes but together will work out. They will learn to trust and to love freely, to listen and to ask before doing anything. I enjoy the evolution of them as a couple. I predict they will share a delicious and steamy love.

This is the first time I read something from Sandy James. She is new to me. Her writing was tidy and nifty: a pretty combination for a good book. I do really need to read more about these wonderful characters. Maybe sweet Ethan and protective Russ deserve their own book too. Prepare yourself for a warm and intoxicating reading. Let Hitman seduce you with his words. Let the magic of the music entice your senses. Nashville Dreams Series promise to be one of the best series I’ve read.

“The Hitman was back, and his new songbird clearly belonged to him.”

I read Can't Walk Away in one day. This was such a great read. I have to admit it was refreshing that it was adult characters with adult problems playing out in really relatable ways. It was different level and type of angst. Being a fan of country music I really enjoyed the music and atmosphere the author created, it made you feel the connection forming and deepening between Brad and Savannah more intensely. Both Brad and Savannah had things happen in their past that have made them hesitate with being a part of, or how they are a part of, the country music industry. But as Savannah's undisputed talent comes to light it throws both into a whirlwind of events and circumstances that seem almost unavoidable. From the main characters, Brad and Savannah, to the secondary characters gearing up for their own books, this had it all...including all the feels. I tend to be hesitant with new to me authors but I'm so glad that I was offered a copy of Can't Walk Away and didn't shy away from diving right in, I encourage other readers to do the same. You won't regret it.

Typically, I would leave a review with quotes pulled from the book, but I’m going to keep this one short, and mostly sweet. This is a good book. I liked it well enough to finish, and even found myself quite taken with it, especially early on. However, it stagnated a little through the middle for me, and I struggled to invest in the story and connect with the characters—especially Brad, whose inability to listen caused my eyes to roll on more than one occasion.
Having said that, the sweet ending helped soothe some of my frustrations and, having read and enjoyed books by Sandy James in the past, I’m sure to be back for more from this author and series.

I am a big fan of books with music in them and this one was rather different from others I have read before. This is also the first book I have read from this author
I enjoyed it, really liked the characters and wanted to know so much more. Its a rather quick read but packs a punch. There was a whole bunch of drama, some sad times but some really uplifting moments too. I would read more from this author and I hope there is more to come after this book.

Sandy James is a new author to me and I really don’t know why, after reading Can’t Walk Away I certainly will be checking her other books out.
Brad “Hitman” Maxwell had it all, he was a successful songwriter, he is rich and hot but a heartbreaking loss and a shocking betrayal has left him pouring beers at Words & Music instead of writing songs. That’s all about to change when Savannah Wolf takes to the stage, will this unknown girl become Hitman’s muse, will he start writing for her and will she be able to stop herself falling for her boss.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters and I loved the storyline, instant attraction between two people not looking for love, the words in this book flowed pretty much like a song would flow, it was an easy read that hooked me from the first chapter, it was a love story but it felt like a journey.
I need to read more by this author so I’m off to check her other books out.

2.5 "I almost walk away" stars.

A single mom.
A cute little girl.
A possessive hero.
And music.

So why I didn't like it? Maybe I just wasn't in the right mind frame right now... or the fact that the red bitch is due any day and she ruins my life every month, but I can't for the life of me get into this one.

Slow romance or insta-love. I read them all. But I need to feel something. I'm the type of reader that needs that, to feel the bond between the characters. To bond with them. Unfortunately, this time around, I just couldn't feel a thing.

The writing style and the main characters were ok (bond or not), but it was the supporting characters the ones that kept me hooked till the end.

So I guess what I'm getting at is:
I read this book.
It wasn't for me.
However, I will be reading the next one. Because you know, the second characters.

Hope no one hates me for this. Till the next book!

This book will melt your heart, make you cry, and make you laugh all at the same time. Sandy James did an exceptional job writing this story.

Brad "The Hitman" Maxwell was out of the limelight of writing country music; until he heard Savannah Wolf sing at his bar Word & Music's I loved how Brad didn't recognize Savannah at first when she was on stage for indie night at the bar. As soon as he heard her sing he was inspired to write again. I adored how Brad had written the song for her and that Savannah was shocked he would do that. They work together on the song and try to fight their feelings for each other till they just can't anymore.

This is a standalone book; I will be keeping my fingers crossed that there is more to come. It was the first book I read by Sandy James and it definitely won't be the last.

This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from her. I loved the banter between the business partners and the honest way they were with each other. Now the developing relationship between Brad and Savannah was just amazing to read. They both had their own painful past and were not ready for a relationship but sometimes it just happens. Will they take the chance or will they just both walk away? I highly recommend this book.

Can't Walk Away is book 1 in the Nashville Dreams series. I've been a fan of Sandy's work for the past few years so I knew I had to grab book one in her brand new series! If you love musicians in your novels you're going to need to grab this book!

Savannah Wolf is a single mom that works as a waitress at a local bar in Nashville. She happens to do one of the indie nights at the bar and winds up on the fast track to being a celebrity. After hearing Savannah's amazing voice, Brad Maxwell (aka Hitman in the music industry) hires her as part of the talent at the bar and she starts recording songs he's writing just for her. Brad's been in a music writing slump for a long time until he hears Savannah sing, she pretty much becomes his new muse and he can't get her out of his head. The relationship moves a bit too fast for my taste in the beginning but overall I thought the story was done well.

That being said, I really wish there was a bit more research done regarding the Vietnamese restaurant scene. While most people probably won't catch too much from it, I'm married to a Vietnamese guy and happen to eat the food so it really stood out to me. Not everything is super spicy like how the book says, the vegetable egg roll she mentions is really one with meat (and tons of veggies) and the "soup full of spaghetti" made me question why the word wasn't changed to noodles by anyone. I'm hoping it was changed in the final version at least.

Can't Walk Away is a great start to a new series. I really enjoy musician books and haven't really seen many songwriters as a main character so thought that was a nice addition. Both characters have been hurt by someone in the past and carried over those feelings to this relationship so there were trust issues in their relationship. It added a touch of conflict and there was a much larger conflict later in the story that had me questioning how things would turn out. Overall, this was a lovely read and if you enjoy contemporary romance with musicians mixed in you'll adore this book.

In Nashville the stars shine a little brighter, songs sound a little sweeter, and love lasts a lifetime.

Young, rich, and better looking than a man has a right to be, successful songwriter Brad "Hitman" Maxwell was once Nashville's biggest celebrity. Then a heartbreaking loss and a shocking betrayal caused his light to go out. Now, instead of pouring his soul into song, he pours beers at Words & Music. His bar is the perfect escape--a place to forget his past--until the night she takes the stage...

Savannah Wolf used to dream of becoming Nashville's hottest star. Now, as a young single mom, she dreams of a steady income and being home to tuck her daughter into bed. So when Brad Maxwell offers her the gig of a lifetime--playing as the headliner at Words & Music--Savannah discovers the best of both worlds. And she refuses to ruin this opportunity by falling for her sexy boss. Except that Brad suddenly starts writing music again... music inspired by her.

Brad Maxwell owns and runs a bar/restaurant with his friends. He used to be one of Nashville’s greatest songwriters but after the death of his wife he gave that all up. The music stopped showing up in his head and he was fine with that.

On Indie night at his place, Words & Music, he hears the most beautiful music from a woman named Savannah Wolf. She’s actually a waitress there but they’d never had much interaction. Immediately a song starts flowing in his head and he knows it’s for Savannah. Brad knows that Savannah is a star and starts to push her toward that stardom. Unfortunately that’s not what Savannah wants at all and it causes issues.

Brad falls for Savannah at first sight but it takes longer for Savannah to get to the “love” part of their relationship. She’s a single mother who had been burned by her previous agent – who was also her daughter’s father. She’s slow to trust and Brad moves a little too quickly. When things start getting out of hand with the paparazzi, Savannah takes matters into her own hands and that decision makes her want to walk away from everything.

This was a cute book. I really liked James’s writing and her books always put a smile on my face. In this book Savannah was amazing. She was smart and level-headed and knew exactly what she wanted and what she didn’t want. She put her family and her daughter first and wasn’t willing to budge on that. I had to admire the woman for standing up for herself on many different occasions in the book.

Brad was a little bit of a different story. He fell in love with Savannah at first sight and was all in. He moved way too fast for my liking and I actually found it a bit creepy. Sure there was an age difference between them, but that wasn’t it. I think it was just because he moved so fast without knowing this girl from Adam – just because she was beautiful and had a gorgeous voice. I found that weird. Because of my feelings toward Brad and his over abundance of immediate feelings for Savannah I had a hard time with the romance portion of the book. It was nice, but I couldn’t get fully invested. The musical part of the book and the portion of the story where Savannah’s past came back to haunt her were very good and that’s what raised the rating on this book.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
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Country music, Nashville and romance….three of my favorite things. I was excited to read this book based on the description and the setting. I’ve never read anything by Sandy James before, but I found this to be a solid and entertaining read. I like my heroes a little more alpha and my romances filled with a little more angst than this, but overall I enjoyed it.
Savannah Wolf turns Brad Maxwell’s world upside down when she takes the stage at his bar. Even though he has tried to put his celebrity status in Nashville behind him after a disastrous marriage, all it takes is hearing Savannah singing one song to know he’s about to get sucked back in. Everything about her captivates him. Professionally, the songwriter in him – that has been silent for years – comes alive again, wanting to create music just for her. Personally he longs to know her better, to discover the woman behind the incredible voice.
For Savannah, all she wants is to land a steady singing job and make enough money to support herself and her daughter. After being lied to, stolen from and abandoned by her former manager six years ago, Savannah has no interest in returning to the limelight or earning celebrity status. When her boss offers her a job as the opening act at his bar, Savannah is overjoyed at the chance to finally get to do what she loves. What she doesn’t count on is her attraction to Brad that she finds impossible to ignore.
Savannah is more than a little hesitant to get involved with Brad. His reputation as a womanizer precedes him, and she has had enough bad luck in the man department when it comes to getting involved with someone associated with her career. Brad longs to prove to Savannah that he has changed. He knows he has the talent and connections to help her career, and he wants to show her that the ladies man he used to be is all in the past.
I really liked the storyline and thought the secondary characters were great. I’m not a huge fan of kids in books, but Caroline played a rather minor role so it didn’t bother me. One thing that I didn’t like was the constant “I’m not good enough for her” and “Being with me is ruining his life” by both of the main characters. The drama with Savannah’s ex was a little over the top, too, so I was glad it didn’t take up too much of the book. I would have liked more intensity and emotion, but overall I liked Brad and Savannah’s romance.

Brad "Hitman" Maxwell had it all... a promising music career, the fame all that head to Nashville hope to find, and then in an blink of an eye it was gone. Now he has settled for a much more subdued lifestyle, spending his nights behind the bar slinging drinks, instead of being on the stage entertaining the crowd. It's not exactly the life he thought he wind up having, but it is what is, and he is doing his best to embrace it... but then a beautiful woman with the voice of an angel wanders into his world and things suddenly start to look up!

Savannah Wolf has dreamed of being a star in Nashville since she was a little girl, but life didn't go quite like she planned all those years ago. Now she is more concerned with providing her daughter with the best life possible, and it's admittedly been tough handling it all on her own, but she cherishes every moment of it. Then an opportunity of a lifetime comes along when she is offered an opportunity to stand on the stage at Words & Music bar and sing to it's patrons. She knows it's going to be tough juggling everything, but she really wants to give it a try... finally deciding it's now or never!

Can't Walk Away is an endearing story that is sure to tug on the hearts of readers and leave them beaming! This first time read was quite an enjoyable one for me, it gave me the feels, made my heart happy, and had me feeling the the heat more than a few times!! I always love stories centered around single parents, the innocence that comes through, seeing families being formed, and them finding a happily ever after they deserve... and I have to say this one held it's own amongst my list of favorites. I think it is safe to say that Ms. James new Nashville Dreams series is going to be a hit with readers, it definitely has me singing her praises!! Highly recommend!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Savannah can be quite distracting to Brad, “you keep that up,” he said with a growl in his voice, “I’m gonna drive us right off the road.” Brad always wants to do right by his woman, and the man has a big stubborn side, “I’m going, Savannah. I’ll stay out of the meeting and sit in the lobby like a good boy. But I’m going. And that’s the end of the discussion.” I enjoyed this book, I loved the chemisrry between Brad and Savannah.

Never say never...

My love of music themed novels convinced me to give Can't Walk Away a chance. It was a nice introduction to the work of Sandy James.

I really enjoyed the relationship and witty banter between the business partners that own and run Words & Music together. I found the music industry details and Brad's song writing process to be very interesting. He had stopped writing songs, in spite of his career as a very successful songwriter for some very famous artists. The country music world know him as Hitman because he wrote so many hit songs. But when a tragic event left him brokenhearted and betrayed, he lost the ability to create music. At least he thought it was lost. Until he heard her sing. The unknown talent singing on his stage with the voice of a songbird. She opened the gate, becoming his muse. The music returned to him and the songs practically wrote themselves.

Savannah is a single mother and a struggling artist. Her gift is singing, but she's currently working as a waitress. After being away from her music for several years, she really hopes to find a way to support herself and her daughter by singing. When the owners of Words & Music hear her sing on talent night, and offer her a job, she's thrilled. It's exactly what she's been hoping for. She's doing her best to impress, but it's hard to concentrate on the music when her lust for her boss gets in the way. She knows it's not a good idea to get involved, but tell that to her heart.

Both Brad and Savannah have secrets and baggage that have kept them single and uninterested in a relationship. But that was before they met each other and their chemistry took over. They both have painful pasts and reasons to be afraid of putting themselves out there, reasons not to trust. Will they take on chance on making beautiful music together? Or will they walk away?