SWEET MEMORY (The Painted Daisies #1) by LJ EVANS

‘There was so much emotion in his gaze that she had to close her eyes to stop them from overwhelming her. Hope. Desire. Gratitude. Belonging. But there was heartache there as well.’

Sweet Memory is the first book in the Painted Daisies series by LJ Evans and it left us completely hooked and invested in this all-girl rock band. Brilliantly written it captured the rock star vibe perfectly with the emotion, angst, lyrics and music. Whilst third person really isn’t a favourite of ours, as we find it harder to connect to the story and the characters, this Author managed to break that barrier and ensured that we were utterly grabbed by Jonas and Paisley’s emotional romance and the thrilling suspense as Paisley navigates a life after tragedy.

“I know you said there isn’t an us anymore, so why does it feel like there is? Why does it feel like the entity that was us together is floating in limbo, waiting to be reclaimed? I’m here. If and when you’re ready. I’m here.”

When we first meet Paisley and Jonas they are still young, however, both know what they desire in life. They may not have everything figured out yet, they may not have the confidence they need, and they may not have the strength to fight for what they want, but the one thing there is no doubt over is that in each other, they have found their soulmate.

“Remember, making mistakes doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of love and happiness.”

Jonas has had a tough childhood, made mistakes, felt alone and abandoned, been hurt tremendously yet is finally at a place in life where he finally feels as if he belongs. Deeply focused to find his rightful place in the music industry his dream is to excel and make something of himself and would love nothing more than to do that with the infamous rock star, Paisley by his side. Dreams have a way of drifting out of touching distance or being broken, and sometimes it’s by people who want it so, in this case with murderous intent.

“I’m sorry…for so many things…but if I took music away from you…If you lost music because of me…I can’t apologise enough.”

Paisley is such a sweet and beautiful girl, inside out, who hears lyrics and songs in everything she sees, feels and experiences. A musical genius if you will. Suffering with a debilitating anxiety and stage fright, her band members and sister Landry envelop her in warmth, protection and love. Yet, sometimes love can suffocate and stirs doubt. When a horrific tragedy happens everything Paisley knows and loves is threatened and a spiral of frightening change sets into motion almost ruining everything in its path.

“I’m afraid I’ll fall completely, head-over-heels in love with you, and that you’ll fall back. I’m afraid we’ll discover we’re the missing pieces of each other’s souls.
The words had a beat -a rhythm- like it was a song she’d already written.

We couldn’t put Sweet Memory down, once it hooked us. It really nailed the rock star vibe and had such depth of character and story. The suspense was thrilling, the angst and romance heightened by everything going on with Paisley at the centre. As the story progressed over a few years, her character showed tremendous growth and as for Jonas, well he was such a powerhouse of a man with such a soft loving heart. What a wonderful second chance love story and emotional introduction to this new rock star series by LJ Evans.

“I love you…If you’ll let me, I’ll be at your side from now until my heart stops beating.”