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Heartache Duet #2
First and Forever
First and Forever is the second book in the Heartache Duet, and must be read after Heartache and Hope.
Duet Synopsis:
Ava Diaz needs saving.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like she doesn’t know a thing about the boy she sits next to on the first day of senior year.
He thinks she’s a brat.
She thinks he’s entitled.
Maybe first impressions don’t always last…
Because Connor Ledger’s about to save her.
He just doesn’t know why.
Blurb for First and Forever coming soon
Duet Synopsis:
Ava Diaz needs saving.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like she doesn’t know a thing about the boy she sits next to on the first day of senior year.
He thinks she’s a brat.
She thinks he’s entitled.
Maybe first impressions don’t always last…
Because Connor Ledger’s about to save her.
He just doesn’t know why.
Blurb for First and Forever coming soon
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2019
About the author
Jay McLean
40 books8,060 followersJay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 812 reviews
March 6, 2024
5 stars
After reading Heartache & Hope I was super anxious to read this book. I mean, I loved the first book so much. What are the odds that this one would be just as good? I don’t know, but I shouldn’t have been surprised that this book was just as good as the first. It was seriously the perfect conclusion of Ava and Connor’s story. Perfection. Jay McLean blew me away once again with her magical words and epic storytelling.
The first book in this series left us in a bit of a rocky place. Ava and Connor both love each other but sometime there are other obstacles. Sometimes family comes first and sometimes things aren’t easy. But love always conquers all. Jay will make you believe in love. Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always always worth it.
This book is the perfect combination of fun, angst, humor, emotion, and romance. It left me breathless. It was truly a stunning conclusion. I was captivated from the first page until the last. This is the very best duet I’ve ever read and both of these books will be on my favorites list for 2019.
This is a magical story of first love and forever love. It’s a book that will make you feel, make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with the biggest smile on your face. It is a must read and I 100% recommend this to all!!
“You’ll always be my first love, Ava. Everything else is insignificant.”
After reading Heartache & Hope I was super anxious to read this book. I mean, I loved the first book so much. What are the odds that this one would be just as good? I don’t know, but I shouldn’t have been surprised that this book was just as good as the first. It was seriously the perfect conclusion of Ava and Connor’s story. Perfection. Jay McLean blew me away once again with her magical words and epic storytelling.
The first book in this series left us in a bit of a rocky place. Ava and Connor both love each other but sometime there are other obstacles. Sometimes family comes first and sometimes things aren’t easy. But love always conquers all. Jay will make you believe in love. Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always always worth it.
This book is the perfect combination of fun, angst, humor, emotion, and romance. It left me breathless. It was truly a stunning conclusion. I was captivated from the first page until the last. This is the very best duet I’ve ever read and both of these books will be on my favorites list for 2019.
This is a magical story of first love and forever love. It’s a book that will make you feel, make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with the biggest smile on your face. It is a must read and I 100% recommend this to all!!
“You’re my girl, Ava. My first and forever.”
July 7, 2019
'FIRST AND FOREVER' is the final book in Jay McLean's 'Heartache' duet. It picks up where the previous book left off. Spoken in 'Dual perspectives'
I'm not going to write up this review as I normally would mainly because I don't want to divulge any spoilers, you need to go into this duet blind, be prepared to be taken on such a profound heartbreaking yet beautiful story that is so unique, this wrapped the whole story up so perfectly.
🙌 I FINALLY FOUND MY EPIC 🙌
An epic read has been eluding me forever, like a needle in a haystack I never thought I’d find one, but this book here bypassed 5 stars and went straight to my most favourite book of 2019! But I know deep in my heart that this book won’t be beat. Every once in awhile you find a book that is SO PHENOMENAL it sets itself apart from every other book you've read and that is exactly what Jay McLean has done with this duet!!
This duet was everything!!
All the fucking feels in the world!!
You're my first everything. My first and forever.
This author wrote my all time favourite ‘More’ series so it’s kind of fitting that she provided me with an all consuming epic wreck havoc on the heart kind of read!! God this duet/this book surpassed all my expectations!!
When the world is at it's darkest, that's when the magic appears.
My heart is full!! The twists and turns, the too and fro, the ups and downs, the make ups and break ups all made for an emotional roller coaster of a read, this author is unstoppable!! My review, my words won't do this duet justice just one click this book come release day and binge read this duet.
July 6, 2021
I knew when I started reading the first page of the first book, Heartache & Hope, that I was gonna fall in love with this Duet. And I did...because I know myself and this is definitely one of my all-time favorite authors. If she would re-write the phonebook I would probably have to give it 5 stars and read it over and over again ;)
Let me start out by saying that these books can not be read as stand alones. You need to read the first book before starting the second. Things won't make much sense if you don't.
The previous book left us with quite the cliffy and I was so happy when this one arrived on my kindle, because I had to know what would happen next.
Now I am gonna keep this review very ague because if there is one thing I have learned from reading Jay McLean's books, is that they are best enjoyed when you go into them blind. So I don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment.
All you really need to know is that you are in for some serious (teenage) angst, heartache, tears and most definitely love....Because that is the most profound emotion when it comes to this story...LOVE.
We should all be so lucky and have a Connor in our lives.
I have finished this Duet days ago and it is still on my mind. It definitely packs a punch and leaves you breathless. I can't recommend it highly enough. It sure as hell deserved a spot on my "all-time favorites of 2019" list.
Go and one-click you guys !!! You won't be sorry !!
When the world is at its darkest, that's when the magic appears.
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2019
*****FIVE +++++++ STARS*****
AMAZING!!!!!!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5++++
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5+++++
AMAZING!!!!!!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5++++
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5+++++
July 12, 2019
Jay McLean did the damn thing. 👏🏽
Connor Ledger & Ava Diaz own my soul. 🥰
Can’t make any more words, because after that angsty emotional rollercoaster... I am deceased.⚰️
Full review to come later.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
Connor Ledger & Ava Diaz own my soul. 🥰
Can’t make any more words, because after that angsty emotional rollercoaster... I am deceased.⚰️
Full review to come later.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
September 11, 2020
While the very end of First and Forever gave me what I was looking for with this duet, getting there wasn't in any way easy on my heart. Connor and Ava were destined to be together, no doubt about it, but they needed to get out of their own way first. Connor needed to stop trying to protect Ava by keeping things from her. And Ava needed to stop playing Connor for a fool. While the author did an incredible job of conveying the love between these two, I felt that Ava spent too much time leading Connor around. So while many elements of this story made it worthy of all the stars, I felt that the constant push and push and pull and repeat was a bit too much for me.
I loved Miss D and I loved what happened with Connor's dad. I loved the friendships and family dynamics and the push for more. There was just so much to love about this story! Connor was an amazing hero, definite book boyfriend material, and Ava was no slouch in the heroine department. I wonder if Karen and Rhys well get their own books?? I highly recommend this to readers who are looking for a story full of feels.
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I loved Miss D and I loved what happened with Connor's dad. I loved the friendships and family dynamics and the push for more. There was just so much to love about this story! Connor was an amazing hero, definite book boyfriend material, and Ava was no slouch in the heroine department. I wonder if Karen and Rhys well get their own books?? I highly recommend this to readers who are looking for a story full of feels.
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July 13, 2019
“She was my first everything, and I want her – no, I need her – to be my last everything. I need her to be beside me when all of this is over and everything ends, because she is my end game… My forever.”
After absolutely devouring Heartbreak and Hope I could not wait to read the epic conclusion First and Forever, and wow! I could not have loved this duet any more than I did. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I have been a massive Jay McLean fan for many years, but nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreaking yet beautiful journey she took me on. These two books will stay with me forever. I was absolutely spell-bounded with Jay’s flawless writing and her beautiful words that have truly touched my soul in such a profound way. No review I attempt to write will do justice to how positively epic this story was. Trust me when I say this duet is a must read and one that will stay with you long after the last word is read.
Ava and Connor have not had an easy road to love and while there were many factors affecting them being together, I had to have faith that a love like theirs would stand tall against the toughest terrain, that they would eventually find their way back to one another again. They were meant to be in every sense of the word, and I hoped and prayed they would get their long sought after happily ever after that they both were so deserving of.
I cannot even articulate enough how much I adored this duet; it was just everything. It had the perfect balance of gut-wrenching heartache, angst and laugh out loud moments that kept me fully invested and addicted until the very end. This duet is a powerful story of first love, and I was not prepared for the feelings that these two stories would evoke from me. I would recommend both Heartbreak and Hope and First and Forever to absolutely everyone, it is an unforgettable duet that is a must read.
July 19, 2019
Jay McLean has definitely become one of my favourite author! I love her story telling ability. I love the way she manages to not only write amazing heros and heroins but also amazing memorable secondary characters.
Heartache & Hope was amazing and i was waiting anxiously for First and Forever with baited breath. I buddy read this book with two of my fellow bookstagrammers and let me tell you, the three of us agree that First and Forever was a stunning read!
If you want to read an amazing YA/NA, contemporary romance/ sports romance then this Duet is the perfect recommendation!
I love the Heartache Duet so much!
Don't second guess it, just grab this book ASAP!
Heartache & Hope was amazing and i was waiting anxiously for First and Forever with baited breath. I buddy read this book with two of my fellow bookstagrammers and let me tell you, the three of us agree that First and Forever was a stunning read!
If you want to read an amazing YA/NA, contemporary romance/ sports romance then this Duet is the perfect recommendation!
I love the Heartache Duet so much!
Don't second guess it, just grab this book ASAP!
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 7, 2020
✰ 6++ stars ✰
damn, this was just as good as the first book! So emotional yet heartwarming and my feels are all over the place with this duet. I love ConnorAva so much. They’ve had so many obstacles in their way, but love always conquers. 😌❤️✨
damn, this was just as good as the first book! So emotional yet heartwarming and my feels are all over the place with this duet. I love ConnorAva so much. They’ve had so many obstacles in their way, but love always conquers. 😌❤️✨
August 23, 2020
3 Stars
Overall Duet Rating: 3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a good conclusion to the duet, but I didn’t like it as much as the first book. I did feel like it was a rollercoaster of sometimes unnecessary relationship drama and that it had a few times where I wanted to shake both mcs to get them to communicate better! The h rubbed me the wrong way a few times, and the ending was not nearly enough after investing 2 whole books to this couple. Overall, the duet was enjoyable and I think the H (especially his relationship with the h’s mom) and the overall uniqueness of the storyline made up for my gripes. With a 4 star rating for Heartache and Hope and 3 stars for this one, I give the duet an overall rating of 3.5 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ava and Connor’s story. It takes off right where the first book leaves us and they are trying to navigate their relationship as well as all the obstacles life has thrown at them. There is some family drama, some misunderstandings and poor communication, and a few sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Ava and Connor’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but they are already in love when this book starts.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Connor. I still liked him but maybe not as much as the first book.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Ava. I liked her, but I did get a little frustrated with her communication skills.
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended kind of abruptly with what I would call a HFN ending. I know others might be just fine with the ending but I wanted more! I wanted . I know I’m greedy, so I won’t harp too much on that.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Duet Rating: 3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a good conclusion to the duet, but I didn’t like it as much as the first book. I did feel like it was a rollercoaster of sometimes unnecessary relationship drama and that it had a few times where I wanted to shake both mcs to get them to communicate better! The h rubbed me the wrong way a few times, and the ending was not nearly enough after investing 2 whole books to this couple. Overall, the duet was enjoyable and I think the H (especially his relationship with the h’s mom) and the overall uniqueness of the storyline made up for my gripes. With a 4 star rating for Heartache and Hope and 3 stars for this one, I give the duet an overall rating of 3.5 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ava and Connor’s story. It takes off right where the first book leaves us and they are trying to navigate their relationship as well as all the obstacles life has thrown at them. There is some family drama, some misunderstandings and poor communication, and a few sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Ava and Connor’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but they are already in love when this book starts.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Connor. I still liked him but maybe not as much as the first book.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Ava. I liked her, but I did get a little frustrated with her communication skills.
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended kind of abruptly with what I would call a HFN ending. I know others might be just fine with the ending but I wanted more! I wanted . I know I’m greedy, so I won’t harp too much on that.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
October 24, 2020
3.5 STARS!
I want to do whatever I can to take away his heartache, just like he'd done for me so many times before.
October 19, 2019
Since I started this book, all I wanted was Ava and Connor to be happy. This book made me so many emotions, happiness, sadness, and desperation. The ending made me sooooo happy, because after everything they went through, they deserved the happiness they got.
I already miss these characters. 😭🖤
I already miss these characters. 😭🖤
March 19, 2024
PLEASE READ HEARTACHE AND HOPE BEFORE STARTING THIS ONE!
OY THIS BOOK!!!! Jear Deesus! 😭😭😭
FIRST AND FOREVER starts pretty much right where we left our two darlings. They just kinda broke up because Ava can't be everything Connor wants her to be. She has to be there for her mom. She can't 'play' girlfriend to a highschool basketball star all day long. But of course both are still hopelessly in love with each other!
We're trying this single thing for a bit - but they just can't stay away from each other. Connor always wants to text Ava when something funny/amazing/sad happens and Ava is horribly jealous of all the girls at school who are now free to ask him out.
But of course it's not really coming to that.
They're so in love with each other - they just have to try again.
Connor knows that this is the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
Now they just have to figure everything out....
Life. Love. Basketball. Mom. Family. College. Jealousy. The Past. The Future. Bad People. Money.
It won't be easy - but we adore every single word of that journey!
EVERY SINGLE WORD!
Even though I started crying on page one and didn't stop until the end!! ☺
AMAZING BOOK!
That's really all I can say. All you need to know!
I can't wait for Netflix to grab this.
I wonder how long Noah Centineo will be able to play high-schoolers??🤔
FIRST AND FOREVER was the most beautiful & heartbreakingly emotional finale in this amazing young adult sports dramance duet! I adored everything about it! Run to your nearest amazon asap for your own Connor - this one is MINE!!!
♡
♡
July 16, 2019
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"He's the peace to my chaos."
Did I really think I would walk away from this second book unscathed? HAHA! Jokes on me, because I did NOT. There are books that I wait anxiously for....but also dread. This was one of them. Sounds like a terrible thing to say, but I wanted so desperately to get more of Connor and Ava's story, but I also knew that once I read it, it was going to be over and I was going to be super sad about that. Well, Jay McLean.....ya done did it again. I haven't read a book of yours that I haven't loved and heartily recommended, and now I have a new addition to my Favorites List for 2019.
She nailed the teen angst and the stubborn anger.
She nailed the pressure and teenaged stress.
She nailed the love and the heartbreak.
Honestly, I just think she NAILED it.
"I want to get lost in your magic."
Not sure I want to readily admit that Connor is book boyfriend material.....because "Bee as a #Cougar" comes to mind right now. HA! But he was being raised right and he had a heart of compassion and a head filled with determination. He was growing up into an amazing young man and he just made me smile. He did everything right and he was so worthy of all the frustration and the drama. I definitely would have been head over heels in love with him had I been in high school with him. He would have easily been the dream back then. That kind of love is perfect. Painful as it may have been, the magnetism he and Ava had was perfection. I honestly think I can sum it up to say that Jay McLean can write the most amazing young men. Seriously, I'm in love with Connor and who he is at his core.
The craziness of this reading journey was not lost on me. I knew I needed to be worried because I was like, yes!! We are cool. Life is good. They are in love. But then I looked down and it said I wasn’t even halfway through it, so I knew some stuff was coming my way. I told myself, “Self: brace yourself. Jay’s coming for your heart.”
And she did.
Without apologies.
There is something about the way she tells a story. She just wraps me up in a bear hug while she tells of a journey worth your time and patience. Trust. 5 letters. Powerful ones. After loving every story of hers I’ve read, I whole heartedly TRUST her to take me down a path....one with fears and pain, one with love and emotion, but one with truth and consequences. I loved this duet. I got all the emotions I wanted to get in a YA, angsty young love romance. She's also only one of two that I wholeheartedly trust without question.
Connor was all boy.
Ava was all girl.
Connor was trying to always do the right thing with one goal in mind. His end goal.
Ava was stubborn beyond control, but had a heart of fear she lived with. Her reality.
Connor was everything I would have wanted in a boyfriend. He proved it daily with Ava.
Ava was scared of the pain that love would inevitably deliver. Connor wanted to prove she was safe with him.
I can compare and chat about this series all day long, and there will always be a special place in my heart for these two. Always.
I think the only things I ran into with this one were that it read a bit slower than the first one, so I was constantly wondering what was going to happen as I went further along, and the extra drama that just added salt to the already seeping wounds. It worked, and it was a trajectory for some of the results to play out as they did, but there was quite a bit in this book. I'm thankful it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment factor, and for someone who hates extra drama - it still worked, so I can't truly complain. The issues that came up between Connor and Ava were true to life, real teenage issues....but also magnified by teenaged rationale, or lack thereof. Their love defied all logic and these are the kinds of love stories that I love to settle deep into. I'm completely drawn to them, but also to Jay McLean's writing and the wonder that is her mind. I loved this duet so so much and will happily and heartily recommend it to any and every one that will listen.
"I don't think we can choose the direction in which our heart beats."
~BEE
AA Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2lyIYO0
Enter here to win an ecopy: http://bit.ly/2LovUqb
"He's the peace to my chaos."
Did I really think I would walk away from this second book unscathed? HAHA! Jokes on me, because I did NOT. There are books that I wait anxiously for....but also dread. This was one of them. Sounds like a terrible thing to say, but I wanted so desperately to get more of Connor and Ava's story, but I also knew that once I read it, it was going to be over and I was going to be super sad about that. Well, Jay McLean.....ya done did it again. I haven't read a book of yours that I haven't loved and heartily recommended, and now I have a new addition to my Favorites List for 2019.
She nailed the teen angst and the stubborn anger.
She nailed the pressure and teenaged stress.
She nailed the love and the heartbreak.
Honestly, I just think she NAILED it.
"I want to get lost in your magic."
Not sure I want to readily admit that Connor is book boyfriend material.....because "Bee as a #Cougar" comes to mind right now. HA! But he was being raised right and he had a heart of compassion and a head filled with determination. He was growing up into an amazing young man and he just made me smile. He did everything right and he was so worthy of all the frustration and the drama. I definitely would have been head over heels in love with him had I been in high school with him. He would have easily been the dream back then. That kind of love is perfect. Painful as it may have been, the magnetism he and Ava had was perfection. I honestly think I can sum it up to say that Jay McLean can write the most amazing young men. Seriously, I'm in love with Connor and who he is at his core.
The craziness of this reading journey was not lost on me. I knew I needed to be worried because I was like, yes!! We are cool. Life is good. They are in love. But then I looked down and it said I wasn’t even halfway through it, so I knew some stuff was coming my way. I told myself, “Self: brace yourself. Jay’s coming for your heart.”
And she did.
Without apologies.
There is something about the way she tells a story. She just wraps me up in a bear hug while she tells of a journey worth your time and patience. Trust. 5 letters. Powerful ones. After loving every story of hers I’ve read, I whole heartedly TRUST her to take me down a path....one with fears and pain, one with love and emotion, but one with truth and consequences. I loved this duet. I got all the emotions I wanted to get in a YA, angsty young love romance. She's also only one of two that I wholeheartedly trust without question.
Connor was all boy.
Ava was all girl.
Connor was trying to always do the right thing with one goal in mind. His end goal.
Ava was stubborn beyond control, but had a heart of fear she lived with. Her reality.
Connor was everything I would have wanted in a boyfriend. He proved it daily with Ava.
Ava was scared of the pain that love would inevitably deliver. Connor wanted to prove she was safe with him.
I can compare and chat about this series all day long, and there will always be a special place in my heart for these two. Always.
I think the only things I ran into with this one were that it read a bit slower than the first one, so I was constantly wondering what was going to happen as I went further along, and the extra drama that just added salt to the already seeping wounds. It worked, and it was a trajectory for some of the results to play out as they did, but there was quite a bit in this book. I'm thankful it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment factor, and for someone who hates extra drama - it still worked, so I can't truly complain. The issues that came up between Connor and Ava were true to life, real teenage issues....but also magnified by teenaged rationale, or lack thereof. Their love defied all logic and these are the kinds of love stories that I love to settle deep into. I'm completely drawn to them, but also to Jay McLean's writing and the wonder that is her mind. I loved this duet so so much and will happily and heartily recommend it to any and every one that will listen.
"I don't think we can choose the direction in which our heart beats."
~BEE
AA Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2lyIYO0
Enter here to win an ecopy: http://bit.ly/2LovUqb
July 12, 2019
After finishing Heartache and Hope I immediately dove straight into book 2 First and Forever. I was enjoying the wonderful Connor and his relationship with Ava and especially his growing friendship with Ava’s mother Jo. Also Ava and Connor’s friendship with Karen was a highlight. What can I say, Connor was such a fantastic character and hero. The author certainly knows how to write compelling and swoon worthy male characters. Connor is up there with Joshua from the Kick Push Duet!
But for some reason towards the last 30% I felt there was too much drama which resulted in affecting my overall enjoyment of the story. Both Connor and Ava kept things from one another which could have been easily solved if they had communicated. It was dragged on for far too long. Ava and her mixed signals towards Connor was definitely testing my patience. It was a little too much and especially when Connor did nothing but being patient with her. The epilogue was great and ended the story with a terrific and sweet HEA.
I didn’t enjoy First and Forever as much as Heartache and Hope but it was still good and I got my Connor fix. So there’s always that.
But for some reason towards the last 30% I felt there was too much drama which resulted in affecting my overall enjoyment of the story. Both Connor and Ava kept things from one another which could have been easily solved if they had communicated. It was dragged on for far too long. Ava and her mixed signals towards Connor was definitely testing my patience. It was a little too much and especially when Connor did nothing but being patient with her. The epilogue was great and ended the story with a terrific and sweet HEA.
I didn’t enjoy First and Forever as much as Heartache and Hope but it was still good and I got my Connor fix. So there’s always that.
July 21, 2019
“You want some pepper with your saltiness, you little bitch?”
If its possible to give all the stars out there, I would but I can’t so 5 stars it is.
Connor. I’m kinda in love with this dork.
Ava. Yeah... she’s my bishh.
Tbh, the ending was kinda rushed but idc. The characters are all amazing and they’re only 18? They’re more mature than most characters in other books and they’re older than 18.
If its possible to give all the stars out there, I would but I can’t so 5 stars it is.
Connor. I’m kinda in love with this dork.
Ava. Yeah... she’s my bishh.
Tbh, the ending was kinda rushed but idc. The characters are all amazing and they’re only 18? They’re more mature than most characters in other books and they’re older than 18.
July 10, 2019
How many times can I give a book ALL THE FUCKING STARS? Let me count them...
Connor and Ava will SLAY you. They will remind you that you exist, breathe, live, love, lose, win and fight. You fight even when it all seems like a losing battle. Family comes first, and in all kinds of ways. Smiles change lives. Matter to those around you. Live with purpose. Love with all your heart. This book is a game changer people. This duet is my favorite from Jay...not just my favorite of hers it's my favorite duet EVER. The Heartache Duet was quick in surpassing the thousands of stories I've read and owning a piece of my heart forever. The words poured from the pages and became a part of me. Not only are Connor and Ava magic, but the author that brought them to life has some hocus pocus happening in her too. My favorite. It's special. As always Jay brings humor, heart and life into her words, transporting you into a world with these characters. Where you belong...you feel it, you completely experience it. It's like a damn 3-D movie without the headache. Fictional lives touching your own in a way that will stay with you long after the words The End are read. Thank you Jay. And keep that shit up.
Connor and Ava will SLAY you. They will remind you that you exist, breathe, live, love, lose, win and fight. You fight even when it all seems like a losing battle. Family comes first, and in all kinds of ways. Smiles change lives. Matter to those around you. Live with purpose. Love with all your heart. This book is a game changer people. This duet is my favorite from Jay...not just my favorite of hers it's my favorite duet EVER. The Heartache Duet was quick in surpassing the thousands of stories I've read and owning a piece of my heart forever. The words poured from the pages and became a part of me. Not only are Connor and Ava magic, but the author that brought them to life has some hocus pocus happening in her too. My favorite. It's special. As always Jay brings humor, heart and life into her words, transporting you into a world with these characters. Where you belong...you feel it, you completely experience it. It's like a damn 3-D movie without the headache. Fictional lives touching your own in a way that will stay with you long after the words The End are read. Thank you Jay. And keep that shit up.
August 4, 2019
3 Stars
July 12, 2019
Eleventy Billion Firefly Stars!!
The #QueenOfTeenageAngst has done it again. First and Forever, the second book in the Heartache Duet, is The Happiness. It’s that book you spend hours searching for. The book that will make you unable to pick up another for days on end. It is absolutely breathtaking, heart-aching, soul-shaking MAGIC!!
“I hope you’re ready . . .
Take three . . . Act three . . .”
“The climax?”
“The resolution.”
I need a moment or two, or two thousand, to collect my thoughts because . . . YES, she's back and she took my heart and I don't know how I'll ever get it beating properly again. But man, how to find words—where are the words?!!!
Trust me, you need to read book one, Heartache and Hope, if you haven't already. The Heartache Duet is hands down one of my favorites of all time. Connor + Ava’s story is bumpy, and not an easy road to travel on, but it’s worth every tear you’ll shed.
“When the world is at its darkest . . . that’s when the magic appears.”
It is so beautiful, filled with heartache and hope, and worth every tissue. Your heart will ache, yes, but it's Jay. Need I say more?! You are in safe hands ❤.
My highlights in this book are endless, words I want to remember for always. In all ways 😉.
Jay McLean . . . I love your heart and your words and your soul. EPIC!!!
“I found it.”
“Found what?”
“The Happiness.”
The #QueenOfTeenageAngst has done it again. First and Forever, the second book in the Heartache Duet, is The Happiness. It’s that book you spend hours searching for. The book that will make you unable to pick up another for days on end. It is absolutely breathtaking, heart-aching, soul-shaking MAGIC!!
“I hope you’re ready . . .
Take three . . . Act three . . .”
“The climax?”
“The resolution.”
I need a moment or two, or two thousand, to collect my thoughts because . . . YES, she's back and she took my heart and I don't know how I'll ever get it beating properly again. But man, how to find words—where are the words?!!!
Trust me, you need to read book one, Heartache and Hope, if you haven't already. The Heartache Duet is hands down one of my favorites of all time. Connor + Ava’s story is bumpy, and not an easy road to travel on, but it’s worth every tear you’ll shed.
“When the world is at its darkest . . . that’s when the magic appears.”
It is so beautiful, filled with heartache and hope, and worth every tissue. Your heart will ache, yes, but it's Jay. Need I say more?! You are in safe hands ❤.
My highlights in this book are endless, words I want to remember for always. In all ways 😉.
Jay McLean . . . I love your heart and your words and your soul. EPIC!!!
“I found it.”
“Found what?”
“The Happiness.”
July 4, 2019
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"When the world is at its darkest, that's when the magic appears."
The Heartache Duet is absolutely phenomenal. From the characters to the amazing writing, it is just so perfect. This duet has made rediscover my love for the (mature) Young Adult genre. First and Forever takes up where we left off in Heartache and Hope, I was really happy that there was no time jump into the future because I wanted their story to continue in present time. My heart broke so much for Ava and Connor, they are both broken and trying to make the best out of their situation. There love was tested intensely in this book, and it really had me on the edge of my seat at times. Connor is one of the most amazing main male characters I have ever read, he was just such a good guy. Nice guys don't always finish last. Ava had so much burden on her shoulders, and I just can't imagine the amount of stress she was under. Also when Connor is confronted with his past, it created some tension between Ava and him.
One of my favorite things in this duet was the relationship between Connor and Ava's mom. It was so beautiful, and heartbreaking at times. But they really had a special bond with each other. Connor brought hope and magic into their lives. It really made me emotional at times and I couldn't contain my tears. Ava's brother Trevor was great and had made so many sacrifices. This whole duet was just perfect in my opinion. There isn't a thing I would change. I was getting sadder when I was getting to the end, because it was getting time to say goodbye to the characters I connected so well with. Their love was raw and real, and it wasn't perfect but it was perfect for them. I love Jay for writing their story, and I wish that this duet was a trilogy because I didn't want it to end. This duet is one of my favorites this year and I highly recommend everyone to read it.
"When the world is at its darkest, that's when the magic appears."
The Heartache Duet is absolutely phenomenal. From the characters to the amazing writing, it is just so perfect. This duet has made rediscover my love for the (mature) Young Adult genre. First and Forever takes up where we left off in Heartache and Hope, I was really happy that there was no time jump into the future because I wanted their story to continue in present time. My heart broke so much for Ava and Connor, they are both broken and trying to make the best out of their situation. There love was tested intensely in this book, and it really had me on the edge of my seat at times. Connor is one of the most amazing main male characters I have ever read, he was just such a good guy. Nice guys don't always finish last. Ava had so much burden on her shoulders, and I just can't imagine the amount of stress she was under. Also when Connor is confronted with his past, it created some tension between Ava and him.
One of my favorite things in this duet was the relationship between Connor and Ava's mom. It was so beautiful, and heartbreaking at times. But they really had a special bond with each other. Connor brought hope and magic into their lives. It really made me emotional at times and I couldn't contain my tears. Ava's brother Trevor was great and had made so many sacrifices. This whole duet was just perfect in my opinion. There isn't a thing I would change. I was getting sadder when I was getting to the end, because it was getting time to say goodbye to the characters I connected so well with. Their love was raw and real, and it wasn't perfect but it was perfect for them. I love Jay for writing their story, and I wish that this duet was a trilogy because I didn't want it to end. This duet is one of my favorites this year and I highly recommend everyone to read it.
September 21, 2020
I knew that this duet would destroy my ability to adult. Honestly, I struggled to put it down and ended up reading it in a day. Because after the end of Heartache and Hope I NEEDED them to get to their happily ever after.
But I had this idea in my head of how it would all play out and I was so wrong. Not that I'm disappointed with what I got from this story but damn did it just keep making my heart hurt more and more. The twists and turns on this were so perfectly executed I couldn't even be mad at Jay for making me cry.
I had moments where I was like “seriously Ava how are you always crying?” Then realising I was crying and mentally apologising to a fictional character. Luckily my family is used to my brand of crazy.
Everything about this story was perfection. Ava and Connor were the best kind of magic together and I am so glad I finally found my lady balls and read this because it was beautiful. Now I just need to recover enough to pick up my kindle again without crying.
But I had this idea in my head of how it would all play out and I was so wrong. Not that I'm disappointed with what I got from this story but damn did it just keep making my heart hurt more and more. The twists and turns on this were so perfectly executed I couldn't even be mad at Jay for making me cry.
I had moments where I was like “seriously Ava how are you always crying?” Then realising I was crying and mentally apologising to a fictional character. Luckily my family is used to my brand of crazy.
Everything about this story was perfection. Ava and Connor were the best kind of magic together and I am so glad I finally found my lady balls and read this because it was beautiful. Now I just need to recover enough to pick up my kindle again without crying.
January 15, 2022
#1 Heartache and Hope — 4.5 stars
#2 First and Forever — 4 stars
i got so scared, i thought no one could save me
you came along, scooped me up like a baby
every now and then, the stars align
boy and girl meet by the great design
could it be that you and me are the lucky ones?
everybody told me love was blind
then I saw your face, and you blew my mind
finally, you and me are the lucky ones this time
— Lucky Ones, Lana Del Rey
March 7, 2024
First and Forever is a continuation of Heartache and Hope. After I finished the first book I jumped right into this one because I wanted to see how Ava and Connor ended up with their HEA. I loved this duet a lot!!
FIRST AND FOREVER
● high school sports romance
● friends to lovers
● heroine’s mom -war veteran
● virgin hero
● fireflies
● basketball
● teen angst
● duet: conclusion
● dual pov
FIRST AND FOREVER
● high school sports romance
● friends to lovers
● heroine’s mom -war veteran
● virgin hero
● fireflies
● basketball
● teen angst
● duet: conclusion
● dual pov
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Stephanie Rose & Brandon Utah
Length: 11H 37M
December 25, 2021
Trigger Warnings:
The miscommunication in this book was insane, this was such a frustrating read. I was so invested in the story and I wanted to know what would happen next. I wanted all the characters to have happy endings. But reading about characters making the same mistakes and dealing with the same consequences was just giving me a big headache. Yes, these characters are young and they’re both humans who are dealing with issues that are horrible especially at their age. But my god do they not learn from their mistakes? Keeping things from your SO in order to protect them or feeling afraid to tell your SO your problems because you don’t wanna burden them is understandable. But that doesn’t mean I can’t get annoyed while reading it. When I finished this book, I had the biggest headache, it was all just too much, the ending was satisfying but it was so rushed. The characters were sweet but my god I can’t, I’m just glad I’m done.
This is the sequel to Heartache and Hope, the first book in the Heartache duet, and starts where it took off, this one is more NA whereas the last book was YA. The last book ends in a cliffy, the duet follows two people. To avoid spoilers, this is the summary for the first book. Ava is dealing with many issues at home, she has to take care of her mom while trying to focus on school. Her town has isolated her and her mother since they aren’t seen as “normal” and she is used to it and lives a lonely life. Connor moves to a new town and is supposed to focus on basketball, but the second he sees Ava in class, she’s all he could think about.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
The miscommunication in this book was insane, this was such a frustrating read. I was so invested in the story and I wanted to know what would happen next. I wanted all the characters to have happy endings. But reading about characters making the same mistakes and dealing with the same consequences was just giving me a big headache. Yes, these characters are young and they’re both humans who are dealing with issues that are horrible especially at their age. But my god do they not learn from their mistakes? Keeping things from your SO in order to protect them or feeling afraid to tell your SO your problems because you don’t wanna burden them is understandable. But that doesn’t mean I can’t get annoyed while reading it. When I finished this book, I had the biggest headache, it was all just too much, the ending was satisfying but it was so rushed. The characters were sweet but my god I can’t, I’m just glad I’m done.
This is the sequel to Heartache and Hope, the first book in the Heartache duet, and starts where it took off, this one is more NA whereas the last book was YA. The last book ends in a cliffy, the duet follows two people. To avoid spoilers, this is the summary for the first book. Ava is dealing with many issues at home, she has to take care of her mom while trying to focus on school. Her town has isolated her and her mother since they aren’t seen as “normal” and she is used to it and lives a lonely life. Connor moves to a new town and is supposed to focus on basketball, but the second he sees Ava in class, she’s all he could think about.
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
August 1, 2019
4 ⭐'s
“I hope you’re ready, Ava Elizabeth Diana.”
“Ready for what?”
“Take three...Act three.”
~Sigh~ There's so much going on in the story...and so much more than I expected. It is definitely emotional with some angsty moments but I really wish things weren't solved so easily with a certain something. That just turns me off every time.
Connor and Ava mature a lot in this story...they both have to. Connor gets some much needed answers but Ava is still getting the run around. My heart really went out to her.
I can't really say much more regarding the story...there is a lot going on...some good and some bad but at least it was interesting.
The ending was sweet. As I said, that "thing" made everything better but Connor and Ava are still a great couple...first and forever.
“I hope you’re ready, Ava Elizabeth Diana.”
“Ready for what?”
“Take three...Act three.”
~Sigh~ There's so much going on in the story...and so much more than I expected. It is definitely emotional with some angsty moments but I really wish things weren't solved so easily with a certain something. That just turns me off every time.
Connor and Ava mature a lot in this story...they both have to. Connor gets some much needed answers but Ava is still getting the run around. My heart really went out to her.
I can't really say much more regarding the story...there is a lot going on...some good and some bad but at least it was interesting.
The ending was sweet. As I said, that "thing" made everything better but Connor and Ava are still a great couple...first and forever.
July 2, 2019
Books don't often give me hangovers, but this one did. I don't smoke and this one made me want to light a cigarette when I was done. Jay McLean is a monster for making me feel all the feels, but I loved every word. Not sure it was possible for this book to be even better than book 1 in the duet, but it was. Your words are magic, McLean.
January 8, 2024
what can i say? i fell in love with these characters and this story. i’m so sad it’s over :(
August 29, 2023
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“You’re my first everything now. My first and forever.”
I didn't enjoy First and Forever as much as it's predecessor because it felt prey to one of my least favorite tropes - miscommunication. I felt so much frustration and annoyance, that whenever there was an inch to salvaging their relationship, there was another foot back, due to some unexpected and ill-timed and unplanned family conflict arising on either side of Ava and Connor's, which further prevented them from seeing eye-to-eye and simply lashing out at each other, instead. Granted, I knew it was going to hurt, but I would have preferred if they could hurt together, not hurting because of each other. 😞😞
“She didn’t want you to get your hopes up and then…”
I frown at the thought.
“What are you thinking, Connor?”
I shrug. “It’s just fu—messed—up how we kept so many secrets from each other because we thought we were protecting the other person, and in reality, we were just causing more and more damage.”
And boy, were they a lot of them! It became a tad bit too much at times - even all the hatred and resentment that Ava's family had to endure because of her mother was suddenly so much more so than ever before. I literally found myself raising my eyebrows at each instance where some new development in their relationship led to a detour in their ongoing infatuation with each other. 😩😩 I was so fed up, that maybe they would be better off apart, rather than together. So much unnecessary drama and tension and angst could have been avoided - if they had just been honest with each other. 😮💨😮💨
But, the only thing standing in my way, aside from the much much heavy weight of Ava's own personal family issues and Connor's own basketball concerns and future family histories - was that Connor truly loved Ava. He chose her, above all else - who can openly state, 'my heart beats for her' - it would be impossible for him to back away or walk away from her - when she needed him the most. 💔💔
“We don’t need labels, Connor. Friends or not, you’re always going to be the boy who went out of his way to show me that magic is real and that it exists and…”
She pauses a beat, her exhale warming my chest. “You’ll always be irreplaceable to me.”
So setting my disgruntled and frustrated thoughts aside, it was still wonderful to see that after the tears and fears and angst-ridden journey, Connor and Ava's love story truly ended on a happy note - nobody deserved it more than the two of them. 'Connor, six-five, but is hoping for a growth spurt' was really the heart of this story. The sheer amount of patience and tolerance and acceptance he displayed - going out of his way for Miss Diaz to make her feel comfortable and welcome - ah, that basketball game between the two of them warmed my heart so! ���🥹
There was so much family troubles and strife thrown in his path - so many secrets of his past revealed - so much heartache in his wake - I wanted to reach out and hug all his troubles away. Some surprises really hurt and surprised me, too! Totally unexpected! I do admit that not telling Ava the truth about certain things was problematic, at best; but, he still fought and stood his ground. He never wavered in proving and telling Ava that he loved her. 🤍🤍
“I let each of her words sink in, inhaling them through my bloodline. “And you’ll always be my first.”
Her head tilts to look up at me. “But we never…”
“You’ll always be my first love, Ava. Everything else is insignificant.”
We do find out later why Ava was less reluctant and hesitant to do so, but she really irked me at times, at how hastily she jumped to conclusions. I understand where she's coming from, and I appreciated that we were given a reasonable explanation for her behavior, but often times, I did feel that she went a little too emotional - for what could have been handled a little better. As always, I loved Tyler; their sibling bond stayed firm and true and loyal till the end. I was glad that despite all odds stacked against her, things worked out for Ava - for the better. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
She deserved the happiness that she earned on her own and what Connor gave her - the magical spark that he brought into her life with his unwavering support and quiet strength and loyalty - so much commitment and dedication to her mother - because of the one he, himself, had lost. 🥺 I loved all the little odes to his basketball games - the small victories she blessed him with - the endearing good luck twerks. She was the best girlfriend there was - till the dark thoughts took over and she pushed him away, but through it all, they eventually found their way back to each other.
True to its word, Jay Mclean's Heartache Duet did successfully deliver on it's title - I'll give it that. And while there were moments that I wish could have been handled differently, Connor and Ava were two souls whose paths crossed at the most unforeseen of circumstances, fought against the tide that threatened to cast them apart, and eventually reach the banks of a less than tempestuous shore in the safety and warm of each other's arms. 🫂🫂
“You’re my first everything now. My first and forever.”
I didn't enjoy First and Forever as much as it's predecessor because it felt prey to one of my least favorite tropes - miscommunication. I felt so much frustration and annoyance, that whenever there was an inch to salvaging their relationship, there was another foot back, due to some unexpected and ill-timed and unplanned family conflict arising on either side of Ava and Connor's, which further prevented them from seeing eye-to-eye and simply lashing out at each other, instead. Granted, I knew it was going to hurt, but I would have preferred if they could hurt together, not hurting because of each other. 😞😞
“She didn’t want you to get your hopes up and then…”
I frown at the thought.
“What are you thinking, Connor?”
I shrug. “It’s just fu—messed—up how we kept so many secrets from each other because we thought we were protecting the other person, and in reality, we were just causing more and more damage.”
And boy, were they a lot of them! It became a tad bit too much at times - even all the hatred and resentment that Ava's family had to endure because of her mother was suddenly so much more so than ever before. I literally found myself raising my eyebrows at each instance where some new development in their relationship led to a detour in their ongoing infatuation with each other. 😩😩 I was so fed up, that maybe they would be better off apart, rather than together. So much unnecessary drama and tension and angst could have been avoided - if they had just been honest with each other. 😮💨😮💨
But, the only thing standing in my way, aside from the much much heavy weight of Ava's own personal family issues and Connor's own basketball concerns and future family histories - was that Connor truly loved Ava. He chose her, above all else - who can openly state, 'my heart beats for her' - it would be impossible for him to back away or walk away from her - when she needed him the most. 💔💔
“We don’t need labels, Connor. Friends or not, you’re always going to be the boy who went out of his way to show me that magic is real and that it exists and…”
She pauses a beat, her exhale warming my chest. “You’ll always be irreplaceable to me.”
So setting my disgruntled and frustrated thoughts aside, it was still wonderful to see that after the tears and fears and angst-ridden journey, Connor and Ava's love story truly ended on a happy note - nobody deserved it more than the two of them. 'Connor, six-five, but is hoping for a growth spurt' was really the heart of this story. The sheer amount of patience and tolerance and acceptance he displayed - going out of his way for Miss Diaz to make her feel comfortable and welcome - ah, that basketball game between the two of them warmed my heart so! ���🥹
There was so much family troubles and strife thrown in his path - so many secrets of his past revealed - so much heartache in his wake - I wanted to reach out and hug all his troubles away. Some surprises really hurt and surprised me, too! Totally unexpected! I do admit that not telling Ava the truth about certain things was problematic, at best; but, he still fought and stood his ground. He never wavered in proving and telling Ava that he loved her. 🤍🤍
“I let each of her words sink in, inhaling them through my bloodline. “And you’ll always be my first.”
Her head tilts to look up at me. “But we never…”
“You’ll always be my first love, Ava. Everything else is insignificant.”
We do find out later why Ava was less reluctant and hesitant to do so, but she really irked me at times, at how hastily she jumped to conclusions. I understand where she's coming from, and I appreciated that we were given a reasonable explanation for her behavior, but often times, I did feel that she went a little too emotional - for what could have been handled a little better. As always, I loved Tyler; their sibling bond stayed firm and true and loyal till the end. I was glad that despite all odds stacked against her, things worked out for Ava - for the better. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
She deserved the happiness that she earned on her own and what Connor gave her - the magical spark that he brought into her life with his unwavering support and quiet strength and loyalty - so much commitment and dedication to her mother - because of the one he, himself, had lost. 🥺 I loved all the little odes to his basketball games - the small victories she blessed him with - the endearing good luck twerks. She was the best girlfriend there was - till the dark thoughts took over and she pushed him away, but through it all, they eventually found their way back to each other.
True to its word, Jay Mclean's Heartache Duet did successfully deliver on it's title - I'll give it that. And while there were moments that I wish could have been handled differently, Connor and Ava were two souls whose paths crossed at the most unforeseen of circumstances, fought against the tide that threatened to cast them apart, and eventually reach the banks of a less than tempestuous shore in the safety and warm of each other's arms. 🫂🫂
September 28, 2020
First and Forever begins where Heartache and Hope finished so you need to start from the first book to get the awesomeness of this duet.
I was so emotionally involved in Ava and Connor's story that I've read this novel in one sitting and I've kept my fingers crossed for them to get their happily ever after.
I'm so glad to have witnessed the growth of these characters page after page, I appreciated their strength to overcome every hurdle life put on their ways.
I suggest to read these books to people that want to feel all the angst of a young and troubled love and they aren't scared to cry for some fictional characters.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
July 12, 2019
How and where do I even begin to express my feels for this life changing book. I can’t even type for the tears pouring from my face, but All I know is this book is beyond amazing. My feels have feelings it was that good. Connor and Ava. They are so precious to me..the things they went through, the Heartache. They literally made me rub my chest at times because the pain was so real that I felt. Such angst. Such turmoil inside and out. The passion and love that these two had and the maturity beyond their years just astounds me. All I know is Connor Ledger will be a top book boyfriend forever. What an honorable guy! He loved Ava and her mom so passionately and took on their burdens as his own. My mind and heart is all over the place, but just know this:
These are the kind of books that dreams are made of. It’s pure magic and so special in an indescribable way. I want a copy in all forms, and I will reread often. It’s scored on my heart and embedded in my soul. Connor 4 Ava 4 ever♥️
These are the kind of books that dreams are made of. It’s pure magic and so special in an indescribable way. I want a copy in all forms, and I will reread often. It’s scored on my heart and embedded in my soul. Connor 4 Ava 4 ever♥️
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