Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? No.
This took me four days to finish, mostly because I just didn't really care what happened.
It picked up near the end, and definitely felt the emotion of what was happening. Just wish I felt this way while reading the whole thing, but the story was kind of bland.

3.5 stars

A beautiful and heart wrenching story. I truly wish I knew how heartbreaking this would be before I started it. If you're looking for a book filled with romance, heart and unconditional love this story is for you. I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of the audiobook.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be heartbreaking! Thankfully, I can use as many words as I want! It’s also amazing, deep, and emotional. This story ripped my heart out. I’m counting on the follow up to put it back together! Kacey and Jonah were everything from their deep emotional connection to the great sexual chemistry to their developed backstories.

Emma Scott delivered us a wonderful story with lots of character growth and conflict to keep me listening. The story was a bit long, but I think that’s the beauty of it. The listener wants just a few more moments with their love story. This is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last! I can’t wait to read more from her.
Tantor did a phenomenal job choosing great narrators and producing this audiobook! I could feel these characters through the narration. It was like they were living and breathing and in my real life. I was experiencing the heartbreak right along with them. Kris Koscheski and Caitlin Kelly are new to me narrators, but they did a great job!
I received this book from Tantor Audio and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I dove into this book completely blind, which is my usual approach. Right off the bat, I sensed that it wasn't going to have a happy ending, and I was intrigued to see how the story would unfold. I wondered if there would be moments that would leave me in tears. While I can certainly see how this book could tug at the heartstrings, it didn’t quite bring me to that emotional point. Instead, it presented the events with a grace that kept it from being overly dramatic.

The story itself was beautiful, and I found myself really invested. Now, I can't wait to jump into book 2! If you’re looking for a thoughtful read that stays with you without leaning too heavy into the emotional turmoil, this one might be for you!

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I haven’t ugly cried like this in a long time. This book is full of friendship, love, hope, pain and loss. Kacey and Jonah’s story took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions ending in a waterfall of tears. The relationship development between these two was exquisite, and the individual growth these characters showed gave me chills. The love story, the friendships, the family issues, Jonah’s health, Kacey’s lifestyle, all of it pulled at my heart strings and I loved it all. The narration by Nelson Hobbs and Caitlin Kelly was phenomenal, bringing out every emotion under the sun.

Rating : 4.75
This was such a beautiful and devastating story. I’m heartbroken, but heard there is a second book so i’ll have to check it out. I love an emotional romance and this did not disappoint, Kacey and Jonah have my heart. Loved the narration, you could totally feel the emotion in the actors voices.

This story is just as heartbreaking the second time around. This re-done audio was such a great read that will slowly rip your heart out. You fall involve with both characters quickly, and quietly cheer on their building relationship. All while knowing that it will end. Kacey has such growth after she spends more time with Jonah. And Jonah is just a strong character knowing that his time is slipping away due to a terminal illness. This audio was done so well, and both narrators did a great job in this duel narrated story.

Thank you Netgalley and Cantor Audio for the ALC. This is my honest review.

Full Tilt by Emma Scott with narration by Kris Koscheski and Caitlin Kelly is a beautiful and heart wrenching novel. I really wish the audio had trigger warnings as I was not able to finish this novel. It was a DNF at 45% due to the difficult content for me, but I cannot get the characters out of my head. What I read was beautifully tragic and knowing how the book would end, I would not continue. I suggest reading reviews and the author description prior to reading.

(insert video of me sobbing)
5 stars, my god.

Kacey Dawson sunshine embodied and never given what she deserves until the day she meets Jonah Fletcher… who is officially my number 1 (non-fantasy) book boyfriend.

Their journey is so wholesome and beautiful, so honest and absolutely soul crushing.

I cannot form cohesive thoughts beyond the fact that I love this story and the narration was truly incredible on audio. Caitlin Kelley NAILED IT! She alone brought me to tears with her abilities. 10/10

Thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advance listener copy!

I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this book. At first, I wasn’t sure it would be for me—both main characters are in their early to mid-twenties, and Kacey came off as pretty immature and self-destructive, struggling with substance abuse and a chaotic lifestyle. But she really grew on me as she made meaningful changes and worked to better herself. I do wish there had been more time spent on her personal growth before the story shifted focus to her friendship—and eventual romance—with Jonah.

Jonah, dealing with serious health challenges, was understandably hesitant to start a relationship, but their bond grew in such an authentic and heartfelt way. Their connection felt real, layered with emotion and vulnerability. I cried multiple times, especially toward the end. It was heartbreaking, but also full of hope.

A beautifully written story about love, redemption, and living fully, even when time is limited.

Full Tilt is part romance and part tragedy, and leans hard into both, blending swoony moments with heartbreak.

I have to admit it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. The writing felt a little stilted in places, it was a bit heavier than I expected, and the emotional intensity didn’t always hit quite right for me. Having said that, the narrative was extremely heartfelt, and the characters came across as sincere and endearing. It gave me The Fault in Our Stars vibes, but suited for a more mature audience. The pacing was just right, and the story kept my attention well throughout.

I can see the being really enjoyed by someone looking for a heartfelt romance and a good cry! 3.5⭐️

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

I can’t really tell you what I was expecting from Full Tilt, I downloaded it from NetGalley a while ago and had pretty much forgotten the synopsis, and had just given myself a bit of order to get through my ALC’s and it was next up on the list. I did not expect to be utterly heartbroken and sobbing like a child. I’m so disappointed that I missed requesting the follow up book, but it’ll be straight on the audible wishlist.

What a beautiful, powerful story, what a wonderful man Jonah Fletcher is, limo driver by night, glass blower by day, with his time quite literally running out, he’s living his life on a tight schedule. What a mess poor Kacey is in, her band is finally making it, but she’s crumbling inside, losing all the great memories she should be making to nights filled with alcohol. After she passes out in the bands limo, Jonah can’t get in touch with any of her management team and he takes her back to his apartment, sets her up on the sofa and spends the night keeping watch on her. The following day he goes to work, takes Kacey back to the band only for her to do the same thing all over again. So, Jonah agrees to let her spend a few days with him drying out. Neither of them expect to fall completely in love.

The character development is absolutely stunning, the book is written and delivered as a two hander and as the couple fall in love to hear each point of view made the book feel really special. Of course I’m now in love with yet another fictional man, my face is a mess and I’ve lost a lot of sleep.

I won’t forget this one for a while. It needs to be a movie!

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Huge thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this amazing ALC 🎧

Thank you so much to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for this copy of Full Tilt.

This book was everything and more! If you want a book that is going to show you what true love is but at the same time rips your whole heart out, this is the one. It was the most beautiful story I have ever read. These characters felt so real. I cried so many tears even though I could tell what was going to happen from the beginning. I literally cannot recommend this one enough.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were just the best. I do not have a single negative thing to say.

Thank you Tantor Audio for providing me a copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

“𝙒𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢. 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙨𝙚𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙮. 𝙊𝙠𝙖𝙮?”

I first read this duet in May of last year, and it immediately became one of my most favorite emotionally devastating stories of all time.

This is truly a story that that has stuck with me, and I don’t think it’ll ever leave.

𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣—𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚—𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩, 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙣.

Jonah has been living his finite life on a schedule, all to finish his “legacy” art piece. Then Kacey comes roaring into his life, and he remembers how to *live* again.

Their love story. How they change each other for the better. Their “moments”. It was all so beautiful.

This is definitely one of those books that will stay with me for a while. I became so attached to these characters, and even though I knew how it was going to end, I was mourning right along with the rest of the characters.

This is a book for those who love to be absolutely destroyed by books!😭

Audiobook notes: Caitlin Kelly and Nelson Hobbs were fantastic. They brought real heart to the narration. This is a book where you feel like you really get to know the characters, and I thought these two narrators only added to that feeling throughout. They definitely had me gasping through all the tears at the end. 😭

𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙆𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙮, 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.

What this book is giving:
✅ Romance w/ heartbreak
✅ Dual POV
✅ Terminal Illness
✅ Musician
✅ Blown glass artist/limo driver
✅ All the tears

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️½ / 5

Jonah is a limo driver who wants to live life to its fullest with the time he has left.
Kacey is in a band. She is will, drowns herself in alcohol, and lives the chaotic musician's lifestyle after her traumatic childhood.
This book made me feel all the feels. The tragedy and love story you go on will have you laughing and crying.
Obviously, through a twist a fate (thanks to Kacey's bodyguard) puts the two are put together. What happens is a story of the two of them learning to cope with their pain, open their hearts, and think about the future.
It was hard for me to see the words on the page in the last quarter of this book because I was ugly crying.
Jonah's new heart starts to fail. I can't even!
We got love, romance, heartbreak, grief and loss, growing, learning to love yourself again, learning to love someone else, and some humor.
This book made me feel everything.
The characters are so well developed.
The plot is well structured, and the pace is perfect.
Without giving too much away, I want to leave you with this:
"I felt him in every pore, every breath, and beat of our hearts. I'd never experienced anything like this in my life. He was a universe. My love for him was just as boundless."
If you have not read this, add this to your TBR immediately, but warning, this will gut you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Scott, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Happy Reading!

Wow, just wow. This is the type of book where I was so captivated by the story that I didn’t focus on anything else. It was refreshing as I can be so hyper critical whilst reading that sometimes I can’t just let go and love a book on vibes alone. This book allowed me to do that (that not to say anything was wrong with the prose, I just wouldn’t know)

I consumed the audiobook which ai think allows the reader to connect with the story on a deeper level. It was duel narrated by Kris Koscheski; Caitlin Kelly and they both did a fine job. Although this book was a perfect example of where duet narration would have been a better choice. While the narrators were well suited for the roles vocally, the did speak on the slower side which was a bit frustrating, him more than her. But, that’s the beauty of being able to change the speed rate. Slowly increasing it to 2x was a life saver as it made the narration more palatable to be personally. Ms Kelly did have an angsty tone to her performance which suited the character well and thankfully she danced the line at time of going too much and stayed on the right side.

I enjoyed it so much that I immediately found book 2 as it is a duet, and started the audio in audible. This book was indie published and is now picked up traditionally by Bloom Publishing. The book deserves it 100%!

Please check the trigger warnings especially if you don’t deal well reading about the dying process and chronic terminal conditions.

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Tantor Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

I could sense early on this story was going to hurt my feelings, but I couldn't begin to understand how badly. I know that 1000 crying emojis is not an appropriate review for a book, but it might be the most accurate description for how this book made me feel. But it was so touching. I was treated to a devastatingly beautiful audiobook performance of this heart wrenching tale, and let me say the narrators truly did this book justice. You could truly feel the raw emotion of the characters. Cannot recommend enough (just bring tissues).

Narrated by Kris Koscheski and Caitlin Kelly

Full Tilt is an emotional, deeply affecting love story that hits hard and lingers long after the final chapter. Emma Scott crafts a tale that blends heartbreak and hope, and the dual narration by Kris Koscheski and Caitlin Kelly brings it vividly to life in audio format.

Kacey Dawson is the epitome of chaos — a talented guitarist teetering on the edge of self-destruction, seduced by the highs and lows of a rising rock career. Jonah Fletcher, in contrast, is her complete opposite: grounded, quiet, and harboring a devastating secret. Their worlds collide in an unexpected way, and what begins as an act of kindness slowly transforms into something far more powerful.

One of the highlights of the audiobook is the use of dual POVs, enhanced by the distinct voices of Koscheski and Kelly. This format adds a lot of emotional depth to the story. Hearing both Kacey's fire and Jonah's introspective calm from two separate narrators made their connection feel all the more intimate and authentic. It truly felt like listening in on their private thoughts — a perfect fit for a love story as intense as this one.

The pacing is well done, and Scott doesn’t shy away from exploring heavier themes, including mortality, addiction, and redemption. While the ending is bittersweet and leans more emotional than romantic in the traditional sense, it’s handled with care and leaves a lasting impact.

If there’s one thing holding it back from a perfect 5 stars for me, it’s that some parts felt a bit rushed emotionally — especially given the gravity of Jonah’s situation. Still, the writing is beautiful, the characters are compelling, and the narration elevates it to a powerful listening experience.

Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven romance with real heart — and those who love a dual-narrator audiobook that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

I am honoured to have received an early copy of the audiobook. As I got to know the characters of the story the narrators were an amazing match.

The story started off so sweet and to see them pull away from each other was the saddest part of the book.

The ending was bittersweet, I’d love to get a part two to see her fall in love after the love of her life.

I loved this book so much, the passion, the love and friendship was astonishing! I would definitely recommend. The connection that Kacey and Jonah share is so special. Being around him makes her strive to be a better person and give up some of her old ways and habits. Jonah’s illness makes him realize he wants to live what’s left of his life to the fullest. He sees that Kacey is headed down the wrong path and he knows in his heart he has to help her! She stays with him a few days to try and get her mind back on track. The friendship that forms between them is unmatched. The love they have for eachother blossoms into something much more. With his diagnosis hanging above him. It’s only a matter of time until it turns to heartbreak.