The Beautiful Hearts series is a beautiful, gut-wrenching duology. It's an addictive page-turner from start to finish. It's hard to rate book 1 separate from book 2; I read them both in one day. Emma Scott's writing is as gorgeous as ever, her characterization spot on. It may be inspired by Cyrano, but it is so much more than its initial inspiration.

Wow. This book tore me to shreds. This book is so emotional and heart felt, it is beyond words. I have never read a book so hardcore, when it comes to unrequited love. To the kind of love that is so real, that it bleeds angst like you could not imagine. It is a unconventional love triangle that grabs a hold of you, and doesn't let you leave. THIS BOOK IS LOVE, and what all it entails. It doesn't matter if it is a relationship or friendship, this book shows you. This authors writing is absolutely astounding. The way she weaves every little detail in, details you wouldn't think that matters, that do, This book I felt to the depths of my soul, and now I am dying to get my hands on the second part of this duet. I do not want to write too much because this heartfelt book deserves to be in your hands, to have your eyes reading over every single page. Trust me when I say, to bring the tissues.

Wes is not your typical Hero. His childhood is one that has left a mark, that he can't seem to forget. He finds solace in words, either writing or reading them. His emotions run high, and to bury them, he runs. He has the best friend a gut could ask for.

Connor is in a league all by himself. He grew up with the best parents, and an education most people dream of. He enjoys the simple things in life, sports, booze etc. Even with his wealth, he is still as humble as they come.

Autumn is a farm girl from Nebraska. She works for the things she has, and her studies is where her mind stays. She is a romantic at heart, and wants what every girl wants, a man that loves her, truly loves her.

This profound story is one, that I am so glad I took a chance on. I know the words I am putting down are kind of all over the place, but that is what this book has done to me. I have to get my hands on the next one.

I recommend this book.

“Bring Down the Stars” centers on a young love triangle which felt a bit too juvenile for me and sometimes unrealistic. Other readers might enjoy the drama, the lies and deceit but it felt a bit far-fetched to sustain the whole plot of the story.
I was more touched by Weston and Connor’s friendship than by the love triangle. Still, I thought their friendship was often toxic and the two families’ relationship weird.
I felt no connection to the heroine, Autumn.
There is a lot of drama – not my favorite option in romance novel – and the somehow abrupt enlistment in the end, anticipating Book 2, “Long Live the Beautiful Hearts”, more enjoyable than this one.

I am a super fan of Emma Scott! Her writing is always amazingly heartbreaking and beautiful sweet! Her books are some of my all time favorite books!
A love triangle between best friends is heartbreaking because only one can get the girl while the other has to suffer a massive heartbreak.
I was so very thankful that I had book two already when I was done, because I needed to get over that ending in Bring Down The Stars. Emma writes people that you truly fall in love with, you think about them after the last word of her amazing books!
I say Run don't walk to your kindle and ONE Click Bring Down the Stars.....Also one click Long Live the Beautiful Hearts you will want to read the moment you are done this one!

I was having a hard time rating this book because even if this contains angst in it, I didn't feel much from it. Maybe because I knew from the start who Autumn will probably end up with although I still kept my hopes up for more angst.

What bothered me the most are the inner monologues. And there were lots of them, to the point that some came out too cheesy for me. Especially coming from a guy. I'm not saying guys shouldn't be sentimental and all but too much of it just sounded cheesy for me. Why not just speak up and be done with it?

Nonetheless, I still find myself flipping pages after pages eager to know what'll happen next.

I just hope that this was written in a 3 person POV just so I also get to know how the other person is thinking.

The ending did end in a heart stopping moment so it is highly advised if you already had the second book on hand.

This is the first book of a duet and should be read in order.

I love all of Emma Scott’s books! They are just so good, just the way she writes. Truly beautiful
This story kept me captivated from start to finish. Now on to the sequel!!

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.