3 Wine Glass #Review of Can't Walk Away by Sandy James

 

Title: Can't Walk Away
Series: Nashville Dreams #1
Author: Sandy James
Format: ebook, 368 pages
Published: October 10th 2017 by Forever Yours
ISBN: 139781455595594
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 3 out of 5 Wine Glasses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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