I loved the first two books in this series, and was looking forward to hearing about Rhye. However, I didn't really connect with this book like I was hoping. We come to find Rhye around 4-years after he walks away from Jay since she had chosen someone else...she always chooses someone else over Rhye. Now we have a broken down, shell of his former self Rhye, who I really do not care for when we encounter him. He is a junkie, and I find that very unappealing. He is being given one last chance by his label to record some more kick ass music, or all ties will be cut. We meet Syn, a bleeding heart, innocent and young country star on the rise. I must admit I liked Syn right away. Despite her virginal innocence, she was a very loyal and down to earth character. While she is rising to the top, her label wants her to have a pop crossover type sound for her next album and ends up being paired with Rhye.Okay, I was ok with all of this, but wondering if Ms Reed was really going to put Rhye and Syn together as a couple, immediately thinking it simply won't work. Well, that's what tried to unfold in front of my eyes, but I just could not buy it. I mean, Syn basically falls in love with Rhye as soon as she sees him. She has these strong feelings for him immediately, which made zero sense. I could believe that Syn could relate to Rhye when she saw glimpses of his passion for music emerge, but for that to translate into deep seated feelings for Rhye and fall for him before they have barely talked?! Um...nope, didnt work for me. Just so much of their relationship made no sense whatsoever. It just was because the author said so, there was very little building of it, then what we did see was rather late in the story. This is another book where a relationship is so because the author writes it on the paper, but we just don't feel it or see it evolve.Then, toward the end I felt we were not given a complete story, not even being left with a HFN, in my opinion. I guess that is to be expected when Syn chose to be with a junkie. I couldn't help feeling she deserved better and I will never understand choosing that type of person. I realize you cannot help who you love, but choosing to be disappointed over and over again seems like a horrible way to live.As is apparent in my review, I am not a huge fan of excessive drug use or of love stories that follow recovering addicts because the statistics are not in the addicts favor. It makes me sad for the loved ones in the path of the addict and I guess that's why I didn't enjoy this book. Especially when you put someone like Syn in the mix since I liked her too much to want her to bear that burden of loving an addict who will eventually choose his demons over her, and probably multiple times. I thought the author was true to the statistics about addicts and didn't sugarcoat things, but it doesn't mean the story we are left with was something I enjoyed. Sorry. Reviewed by DawnI was so excited when I heard Nicole was giving Rhye his own story and she certainly didn't disappoint. Rhye may seem like a self-centered jerk, but he acts that way due to past traumatic circumstances.Rhye Clark, 22, is the lead singer in the rock band, The Mavericks. His life revolved around sex, drugs alcohol & music. He gets one more chance to straighten up or he's out. An ultimatum is made and he must follow it. Rhye is being sent to Nashville to record another album. His manager would also like him to record a duet, but he hasn't mentioned who he has in mind. Syn Landry, 19, is a country music star. She left for Nashville right after graduation and was discovered six months later. She was told that she needs to try some pop/country like all the other young country singers were doing. She didn't like the idea but would try. Syn also knew she would be doing a duet with someone for her next album.When Syn meets Rhye, she feels some kind of weird connection to him but he doesn't reciprocate. However, after meeting her again, he has to wonder what's going on between them. Rhye is stubborn & hot headed and doesn't feel any good should come to him. Especially not anything like love. He loved once and swore he'd never love again. Syn feels like she needs to help him in some way. What will come of Rhye and Syn? Will they record some songs and go their separate ways? Will Rhye be able to change his ways before he kills himself with all of his self-destruction?This story was very touching. It was heart breaking, emotional, dramatic and sad, but there were also some happy, funny moments that made me laugh a little. My heart was hurting for Rhye and I hoped that he would get it all figured out and be able to live a happy, loving life. There were many ups and downs that tore at my heart and many times I just wanted to shake Rhye to wake him the heck up.Thank you, Nicole, for another awesome story! I wondered why Rhye was the way he was and now knowing his story puts it all in perspective. In order to understand some of the characters in this book, check out Nicole's first two books in this series before reading Wasted Heart. They are also a 5 star rating from me.Ruining MeRuining You
What do You think about Wasted Heart (2000)?
rhye, ugh. love!! but cld do without the language. but rhye, ♥
—Charlatte
Rhye and Syn - what a perfect match! I loved their story!
—Ujwal
