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My One #2
My One Despair
Once, they shared one soul. Can hope heal years of despair and broken dreams?
Music is all I know. It saved me as a kid. It brings me fame and fortune now. But what am I, the famous Gage Rodin, doing at night when I’m on the road and can’t sleep Googling her. Tess Hades, the girl who still haunts my dreams and my lyrics.
She arrived like a quiet storm, a wild thing with eyes guarded to the world. But she let me into the deep end of her beautifully broken soul. When we were together, life was simple. When my life got complicated, she did what she thought was the right thing. She let me go.
While she’s been out saving the wild creatures of the world, my muse has fed on the memory of our life together. But now everything in my world is shifting again, and not in a good way. I’m not certain I have the strength to bear another devastating loss, so I find myself reaching for something as rare and elusive as the perfect song lyric.
The one woman who never gave up hope…
Music is all I know. It saved me as a kid. It brings me fame and fortune now. But what am I, the famous Gage Rodin, doing at night when I’m on the road and can’t sleep Googling her. Tess Hades, the girl who still haunts my dreams and my lyrics.
She arrived like a quiet storm, a wild thing with eyes guarded to the world. But she let me into the deep end of her beautifully broken soul. When we were together, life was simple. When my life got complicated, she did what she thought was the right thing. She let me go.
While she’s been out saving the wild creatures of the world, my muse has fed on the memory of our life together. But now everything in my world is shifting again, and not in a good way. I’m not certain I have the strength to bear another devastating loss, so I find myself reaching for something as rare and elusive as the perfect song lyric.
The one woman who never gave up hope…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2018
215 people are currently reading
1,195 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Y. Burgoa
134 books6,322 followersClaudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 26, 2022
My GR friend Jane read this for me 'cause I was too scary-cat to read it and so I made her take one for the team!!! Thanks babe!
So yep, I won't read because of this: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I agree with Jane. Cheating is black & white for me too. No middle ground at all, - and no, forgiving a cheater does not make someone weak or strong! It makes them SMART to walk away from the douchebag!
So yep, I won't read because of this: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I agree with Jane. Cheating is black & white for me too. No middle ground at all, - and no, forgiving a cheater does not make someone weak or strong! It makes them SMART to walk away from the douchebag!
November 5, 2018
Rating: 2.5 stars
This is my first Burgoa novel and it was an okay read. The plot was interesting, the characters and dialogue were great, but it lost me on two points.
1) I'm a fan of the slow burn. This wasn't slow, this was glacial.
2) I knew what the twist was from the moment it was set up. (To be honest, I suspected as much from the description. My hunch was strengthened at the set up, and then by the time I learned I was right I was apathetic to the whole thing.)
2.a)
I dislike drama for drama's sake, so I'm not sure about reading another Burgoa right now. Others aren't as picky as I am, apparently.
This is my first Burgoa novel and it was an okay read. The plot was interesting, the characters and dialogue were great, but it lost me on two points.
1) I'm a fan of the slow burn. This wasn't slow, this was glacial.
2) I knew what the twist was from the moment it was set up. (To be honest, I suspected as much from the description. My hunch was strengthened at the set up, and then by the time I learned I was right I was apathetic to the whole thing.)
2.a)
I dislike drama for drama's sake, so I'm not sure about reading another Burgoa right now. Others aren't as picky as I am, apparently.
Want to read
May 7, 2019
October 24, 2018
....Claudia Burgoa....OMG. Gahhhhhhh. Such a wonderful emotional, thrill ride. I will say that after meeting Tess in book one I did not know what to expect. I really enjoyed her character in his book. I got to know her and become emotionally invested in her. Then we meet Gage. I was drawn to him from the beginning. I loved how he was all in, giving his full heart to Tess. Then, bam! I was upended! Claudia kept me turning page after page as she took me on an emotional journey of love, loss, and forgiveness. I was fully invested in these characters and their HEA. Soooo good!
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August 5, 2021Can anyone say ridiculous?
November 1, 2018
I have to admit I came into this fully expecting to not really like Tess because she was such a horrendous little twat in My One Regret. Thank God Claudia Burgoa knew better than to have Tess stagnate and not grow because here in her own story, Tess is pretty great.
Gage and Tess used to have something pretty beautiful. It was passionate and intense and just what Tess and Gage needed at that point in their lives. Suddenly their world was upended, though, and Tess did what she thought was best, and let him go. Ever since they parted, he's kept her in his heart all these years, never forgetting what she had meant to him. When they come back together, he needs her more than he ever did. Will she let him in? Will she offer him the shoulder, the love, the support, he so desperately needs?
I really, really loved My One Despair! It's an emotional roller coaster to be sure, and it's beautiful and heartwrenching and full of angst. Tess comes so far here in her story. From a broken girl not willing to trust or open up, to a confident woman ready and willing to accept the love that Gage has always felt for her. And Gage? Wow, that man is perfect. Perfect for Tess. Perfect. Music may have been his passion for so long, but Tess was his soul!
It was great to see Kaden and some of the cast of My One Regret again. I hope they're going to be sticking around. And I hope there is even more to come in this rockstar world that Claudia has created and that Kaden, Sadie, Gage, Tess and all the cast get more story time.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
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November 2, 2018I didn't like it.
The reason he breaks up with her is super dramatic, bit unrealistic to me. And despite his reasons for not telling her, he made a huge mistake, hurt her deeply by letting her believe alternative explanation.
They reconnect around 50%.
When she knows the reason I just can't see that she would be so involved in the situation, 'helping' when he hurt her so much.
He does appear to really love her but he made the wrong decision, I think anyway.
I understand characters can be flawed but after the initial reactions of anger from various people they all seem to say that he had no choice, he did the right thing but I felt he could have confided in her even if they chose to split up.
I felt he worked a bit for his second chance then it seemed sudden he proposed and she accepted.
They both date during their not together time but there are no details of how far that went just that they weren't the other so it didn't work.
There is an accusation of cheating, I don't want to explain anymore, the details as it would be a huge spoiler.
The reason he breaks up with her is super dramatic, bit unrealistic to me. And despite his reasons for not telling her, he made a huge mistake, hurt her deeply by letting her believe alternative explanation.
They reconnect around 50%.
When she knows the reason I just can't see that she would be so involved in the situation, 'helping' when he hurt her so much.
He does appear to really love her but he made the wrong decision, I think anyway.
I understand characters can be flawed but after the initial reactions of anger from various people they all seem to say that he had no choice, he did the right thing but I felt he could have confided in her even if they chose to split up.
I felt he worked a bit for his second chance then it seemed sudden he proposed and she accepted.
They both date during their not together time but there are no details of how far that went just that they weren't the other so it didn't work.
There is an accusation of cheating, I don't want to explain anymore, the details as it would be a huge spoiler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
You can see this review along with a giveaway here Nadine's Obsessed with BooksI have yet to find a book by Claudia Burgoa that I haven't liked but this book, this book has to be my absolute favorite of all of them!!! I LOVE TESS AND GAGE! Both are so strong in their own ways and even thought there was a part of the book where I was cursing, yes cursing Claudia (you'll know when that was when you read it) I knew there had to be more to the story then we were seeing.
Tess has not had an easy life and if you read My One Regret you know what I mean, and for those of you who haven't read it yet, you should, she was emotionally abused by her mother and it almost cost her dearly. Thankfully she is living with her father now and is attending college in parts of this book since it does span over eight years.
Gage, WOW just WOW, now ladies he is one hot mama but doesn't let it go to his head in fact he doesn't even play into it...like at all! Gotta love that. He is sweet and would give his life for his family. Gage and Tess are great together, their chemistry is amazing but its more than that, they just work even with the nine year age difference....which Tess's father isn't to crazy about.
This story pulled a lot of emotions out of me, I was laughing one minute while crying the next, and like I said earlier I was even cursing up a storm which is something I don't do so you know she had to hit a nerve with something that happened. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good contemporary romance that has some angst and a lot of spice. Happy Reading!!!
December 29, 2022
A beautiful story until it wasn't any more. I didn't understand it (why). And didn't like it.
November 1, 2018
"It's as if at that moment we had finally found each other."
Claudia Burgoa is one of those authors that with every book you think there's no way she can top that, or that's my favorite one yet but evey time she blows it completely out of this world and you fall more deeply in love with her writing and the world she just served up to you on a silver platter.
My One Despair was so out of this world that I swear my mouth was just hanging open as I read because the way this story unfolded was exceptional.
Tess and Gage, oh my word these two broke my heart. To feel a love like theirs and have it taken away and for Tess not to know what happened and not have the closure to move on just destroyed me.
"She said I was a dangerous man. And at that moment, when our bodies met, atoms rearranged, and we becamce one, I realized that our love was dangerous."
There were moments I felt like CB was trying to rip my heart out with the emotions that were pouring forth onto the pages. Now there is a huge part that I can't describe or explain because it would ruin it but in my head I was screaming, nuh uh, no way, you cannot do this to me!!!! I swear I wanted to throw my kindle or just stop reading because it was killing me. Then on top of that we get to the why it all happened and wow I did not see any of that coming and that my friend is true talent.
This book deserves all the stars!!! One of my top reads of 2018!!!!!
Claudia Burgoa is one of those authors that with every book you think there's no way she can top that, or that's my favorite one yet but evey time she blows it completely out of this world and you fall more deeply in love with her writing and the world she just served up to you on a silver platter.
My One Despair was so out of this world that I swear my mouth was just hanging open as I read because the way this story unfolded was exceptional.
Tess and Gage, oh my word these two broke my heart. To feel a love like theirs and have it taken away and for Tess not to know what happened and not have the closure to move on just destroyed me.
"She said I was a dangerous man. And at that moment, when our bodies met, atoms rearranged, and we becamce one, I realized that our love was dangerous."
There were moments I felt like CB was trying to rip my heart out with the emotions that were pouring forth onto the pages. Now there is a huge part that I can't describe or explain because it would ruin it but in my head I was screaming, nuh uh, no way, you cannot do this to me!!!! I swear I wanted to throw my kindle or just stop reading because it was killing me. Then on top of that we get to the why it all happened and wow I did not see any of that coming and that my friend is true talent.
This book deserves all the stars!!! One of my top reads of 2018!!!!!
October 31, 2018
This is the poignant and beautiful love story of two lovers whose dreams and life were forcing them to separate, and so they did. Gage was much older than Tess. She had a life to look forward to, he had already lived part of his and knew it was time to settle down.
Really loved this epic saga of two people who loved each other for life but had not found a way to merge their dreams to make living together possible. If you are looking for a hot and heart-wracking love story look no further. You will not be able to put this book down.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Really loved this epic saga of two people who loved each other for life but had not found a way to merge their dreams to make living together possible. If you are looking for a hot and heart-wracking love story look no further. You will not be able to put this book down.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
October 24, 2018
Oh my gosh! The emotions that this book will put out of you is unreal! I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I went awww in quite a few places. I was falling in love with Gage the same time that Tess was. I watched Tess grow and open up her heart to him. Gage would have done absolutely anything for Tess, anything. They had it all going for them until one phone call shattered their dreams.
Through the years of heartache they kept each other in their thoughts but wouldn't let it go any further. When Tess finally learns the truth about what happened will she be able to let him in her heart again? She knows she wouldn't be able to handle her heart being broken again by Gage.
Gage's heart is broken and he's shattered. He never thought that Tess would let him lean on her when he needed it. Tess has always meant the world to him and he's tried to shelter her from the limelight. Will they be able to adjust to being in each other's lives again or has it been too long with too much water under the bridge?
Through the years of heartache they kept each other in their thoughts but wouldn't let it go any further. When Tess finally learns the truth about what happened will she be able to let him in her heart again? She knows she wouldn't be able to handle her heart being broken again by Gage.
Gage's heart is broken and he's shattered. He never thought that Tess would let him lean on her when he needed it. Tess has always meant the world to him and he's tried to shelter her from the limelight. Will they be able to adjust to being in each other's lives again or has it been too long with too much water under the bridge?
November 2, 2018
My One Despair by Claudia Burgoa....OMG!!! This book was one hell of a beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking thrill ride. My One Despair is full of angst, and heartbreaking emotion. Let me just say the story of Gage and Tess is quite the story taking you on an incredible journey!!
The characters, the storyline is all PERFECTION!!! MS Burgoa is such a fantastic author. Able to draw her readers into the story, feeling all the feels! So many twists and turns in this journey of love, loss, and redemption. I highly recommend this book! A beautifully written 5 star.
*I voluntarily read an advance copy. This is my honest review.*
The characters, the storyline is all PERFECTION!!! MS Burgoa is such a fantastic author. Able to draw her readers into the story, feeling all the feels! So many twists and turns in this journey of love, loss, and redemption. I highly recommend this book! A beautifully written 5 star.
*I voluntarily read an advance copy. This is my honest review.*
October 23, 2018
OMG I absolutely loved Tess and Gages amazing beautiful love story♡Twists intense emotional beautiful broken.So sorry it ended plz tell me they'll be more of this family
October 31, 2018
My One Despair is a new standalone from Claudia Burgoa. It takes place a few years after My One Regret, featuring the now adult Tess Hades, and Gage Rodin, teacher/barista/bartender and dreamer of being a musician. They meet at the bar where Gage is working, when a guy brought Tess seemingly on a date but in reality to get her to see his band and tell her father, famed rock star Kaden Hades, about them. Tess quickly figures out she’s being used and Gage looks out for her. They meet again later when her biological mother is harassing Tess’s younger sister in the middle of the school where Gage teaches. He stops her and drives them home. Tess and Gage fight their attraction – she’s in college in San Diego and he doesn’t want her to think he’s using her to get to her dad. Eventually they begin their relationship, she continues her studies, his music career explodes, and life is beautiful for them.
Until it suddenly isn’t. Unexpectedly in the middle of the night, everything changes.
Six years later they meet again. Tess is still heartbroken but there is someone who needs her and she can’t walk away. But then she discovers the truth about what happened that night six years ago, what even Gage’s brothers did not know, and suddenly all their lives are changed again. But can Tess and Gage find their way back to each other?
What I liked: I loved grown-up Tess. She has come such a long way from the teenager of My One Regret. It was so nice to visit with the Hades family again, too, and see the relationships the girls have with Sadie now. I also liked Gage. He was more mature than many romance heroes, and that is refreshing. He is sure of himself and of Tess, even when she is not. His brothers are great, too. And of course, since all of Claudia’s books take place in the same world, I loved the ever so brief Decker appearances. And the reveal at the end was intense.
What I didn’t like: Besides Gage’s boneheaded decision that ruined everything? Nothing. This is a very well written book that draws the reader in from the beginning.
Overall: Get this book.
Until it suddenly isn’t. Unexpectedly in the middle of the night, everything changes.
Six years later they meet again. Tess is still heartbroken but there is someone who needs her and she can’t walk away. But then she discovers the truth about what happened that night six years ago, what even Gage’s brothers did not know, and suddenly all their lives are changed again. But can Tess and Gage find their way back to each other?
What I liked: I loved grown-up Tess. She has come such a long way from the teenager of My One Regret. It was so nice to visit with the Hades family again, too, and see the relationships the girls have with Sadie now. I also liked Gage. He was more mature than many romance heroes, and that is refreshing. He is sure of himself and of Tess, even when she is not. His brothers are great, too. And of course, since all of Claudia’s books take place in the same world, I loved the ever so brief Decker appearances. And the reveal at the end was intense.
What I didn’t like: Besides Gage’s boneheaded decision that ruined everything? Nothing. This is a very well written book that draws the reader in from the beginning.
Overall: Get this book.
January 19, 2020
When a character has lived such a tough life and has had to overcome a nasty childhood which has left her scarred and lessened her abiility to trust, I hate when she is once again put through something in a relationship for added angst and drama. As much as I have loved many of this author's books this one was beyond disappointing. Personally she gave in to easy at the end, no matter the situaton when one person in a relationship makes all the decisions for the couple that's not a good sign and given everything that she's dealt with in her life she deserved much more from the man who supposedly loved her.
October 24, 2018
I have officially given up trying not to cry while reading Claudia Burgoa’s books. No matter how hard I try, I cannot hold back the waterworks. This story just tugs on your heartstrings until you can’t help but cry. I love the universe that Claudia has made around her books. Without even knowing it, the reader gets an update about other characters from her other series like yes Claudia yes. So be warned, YOU WILL TEAR AT ONE POINT and see other dear characters!
In My One Regret, we meet Tess Hades the daughter of Kaden Hades from the band Killing Hades. Her mother, Alicia, has made Tess believe her parents could be together again if she does everything Alicia says to separate Sadie and Kaden. Things escalate and eventually lead to Tess almost dying. Acknowledging that Alicia is dangerous to her and her sister Hannah, Tess confesses to Kaden about Alicia actions. Thus, leading to Kaden taking charge and ensuring the safety of his daughters.
Once you start My One Despair, there is a brief time skip but returns to where you left off in My One Regret. Instead of Kaden and Sadie, we are introduced to Tess and Gage story. Due to all the emotional abuse, Tess has grown up with some doubts and rather live a life without boundaries including relationships. When people look at Tess they see one thing: a way to reach the famous Kaden Hades. The one time she thinks about going the next step with one someone, they crush her heart with lies.
All Gage Rodin has known and leaned on is music. It is his passion and part of his soul. While trying to find a path to follow his dreams, he has several jobs to pay the bills. During one of his shifts, he spots the one and only Tess Hades. His breath is gone and Tess becomes the air he needs to survive on. He can’t keep his eyes off her and when she approaches him the sparks ignite twisting their lives together.
Their journey towards romance is quick and passionate. One wants to let love wrap around them and the other wants to take things slow to ensure the safety of their hearts. The push and pull between characters are what Claudia is known for as she is a Queen of Angst. Some people fear love because they think once they let someone in that person can break them. Gage tries to calm this fear in Tess. To him, Tess is the most beautiful woman he has seen both inside and out. Her flaws make her a stronger and independent person who is happy wanting to help others. Yet Tess deals with her insecurities daily. When things hit the fan, she does the one thing she was scared of: letting Gage go.
Their love had me on a rollercoaster with different reactions from the awwww to the NOOOOOOOO! You are taken through shifts of time meaning you start in the present head to the past then present again only to go back to the past to end in the present. It may seem confusing but Claudia needed these time shifts to show how intense Gage’s love is towards Tess. Like Gage became the top book boyfriend from Claudia’s books (sorry Mason not sorry). I really hope we get to see more of the Hades and Rodins especially Keane. Can we have a book for him, please!!!!! Even if we know what happens I would love to read his story of the past and the present maybe “My One Fear” (idk I’ll let Claudia work her magic). But definitely, a must read and when you are reading keep some tissues handy.
Favorite line
Love always finds you. You can search everywhere, but if you’re not ready for it, you won’t find it. Once it finds you, you won’t be able to escape. – Sadie
I love SADIE!! Such a wise woman.
October 29, 2018
OMG! What a beautiful, heart-wrenching, extraordinary story of second chances. We first met Tess Hades in the first book, My One Regret. She was a young, confused girl, torn between loving her father, and being afraid of losing her manipulative mother. Now she is older and wiser, and living in a stable, loving home with her famous father, Kaden Hades. Gage Rodin is a struggling musician, working as a teacher, deliveryman, and bartender. Tess' meet cute with Gage while he was bartending was funny, and charming, and a delightful story arc that comes back up throughout the book. When Tess and Gage keep crossing paths, Kaden takes the struggling and talented musician under his wing. Gage wants Tess with or without her fathers help. Tess knows this, but wants to keep her distance, knowing the pitfalls of living a rockstar life. But Gage knows what he wants, and will do whatever it takes to prove his love, and commitment to her. Tess is smart, loving and has plans for her life out of the spotlight. As she works toward her goals, so does Gage, and it takes them in so many directions. They work hard to keep connected, and always find ways to be together. When it looks like they might finally have it all, the unimaginable happens, destroying all their dreams, and breaking their hearts. It takes years of them watching each other from afar, for an opportunity to presents itself. When it does, Gage knows it's time, and will do what it takes to right past wrongs, and convince a stubborn Tess that they were always meant to be together. Gage is so sweet, thoughtful, sexy, and he totally made me swoon. I really fell in love with both Tess and Gage right from the start, even though they frustrated me at times. They were so good for each other, supporting and challenging each other. I love that Ms. Burgoa takes her time developing Tess, Gage, and their complex relationship, making their growth, and epic love feel solid, authentic and unbreakable. She expertly weaves a multilayered tale that will make you feel every emotion and capture your heart. I also always love that she works in a connection with the Deckers and our favorite security team. The thrilling twist at the end had me stunned. The epilogue was sweet but it ended way too soon, I wanted more! This unique and refreshing love story will rock you and take you on an emotional ride that you won't soon forget.
October 30, 2018
The Queen of Angst has done it again! God, this book!
"It's like her soul was calling mine. I could hear a faint voice saying, you're finally home."
When Gage Rodin first meets Tess Hades, he's holding down three jobs and struggling to make his name on the music scene. The wary and skittish Tess has an immediate and profound effect on him.
"He was exasperating, and sweet, and I hated that my feelings for him were growing by the minute."
Tess doesn't like how much Gage affects her; how attracted she is to him. She's broken and her heart is too vulnerable to welcome any man. However, when she realises that he wants her for herself - not for her connections or fame -she can't help falling for him.
"Fall with me. Let this happen naturally. Stop fighting it."
They fall into a friendship as trust is built between them. When Gage patiently sneaks little by little over the line, and slowly knocks Tess' walls down, all seems promising and exciting, until it isn't. Until their relationship is completely broken and seemingly irreparable.
"Just because I can't have the dream doesn't mean I should stop dreaming."
Oh my god! Every time I read this author's novels, I always have to prepare myself because it's a guarantee that I'll find myself in bits at some point! LOL. In the beginning, Tess and Gage's relationship was a beautiful thing to watch, as Tess slowly begins to trust him and fall for him. Gage is SUCH a sweetheart! I adored him! He's hardworking, charming, caring and thoughtful. He's also determined and patient. My heart broke for him, for her, for the loss of years they could have been happy together. The second half of the book really had my eyes watering because it was a serious angst-fest! However, one thing it showcased was that no matter the years and the distance they spent apart, their love endured. They just needed time, forgiveness, understanding and renewed trust to start again.
I LOVED this author's words so much! They were beautiful, poetic and left a lasting impression.
"It's like her soul was calling mine. I could hear a faint voice saying, you're finally home."
When Gage Rodin first meets Tess Hades, he's holding down three jobs and struggling to make his name on the music scene. The wary and skittish Tess has an immediate and profound effect on him.
"He was exasperating, and sweet, and I hated that my feelings for him were growing by the minute."
Tess doesn't like how much Gage affects her; how attracted she is to him. She's broken and her heart is too vulnerable to welcome any man. However, when she realises that he wants her for herself - not for her connections or fame -she can't help falling for him.
"Fall with me. Let this happen naturally. Stop fighting it."
They fall into a friendship as trust is built between them. When Gage patiently sneaks little by little over the line, and slowly knocks Tess' walls down, all seems promising and exciting, until it isn't. Until their relationship is completely broken and seemingly irreparable.
"Just because I can't have the dream doesn't mean I should stop dreaming."
Oh my god! Every time I read this author's novels, I always have to prepare myself because it's a guarantee that I'll find myself in bits at some point! LOL. In the beginning, Tess and Gage's relationship was a beautiful thing to watch, as Tess slowly begins to trust him and fall for him. Gage is SUCH a sweetheart! I adored him! He's hardworking, charming, caring and thoughtful. He's also determined and patient. My heart broke for him, for her, for the loss of years they could have been happy together. The second half of the book really had my eyes watering because it was a serious angst-fest! However, one thing it showcased was that no matter the years and the distance they spent apart, their love endured. They just needed time, forgiveness, understanding and renewed trust to start again.
I LOVED this author's words so much! They were beautiful, poetic and left a lasting impression.
October 31, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Music is all I know. It saved me as a kid. It brings me fame and fortune now. But what am I, the famous Gage Rodin, doing at night when I'm on the road and can't sleep. Googling her. Tess Hades, the girl who still haunts my dreams and my lyrics. She arrived like a quiet storm, a wild thing with eyes guarded to the world. But she let me into the deep end of her beautifully broken soul. When we were together, life was simple. When my life got complicated, she did what she thought was the right thing She let me go. While she has been out saving the wild creatures of the world, my muse has fed on the memory of our life together. But now everything in my world is shifting again, and not in a good way. I'm not certain I have the strength to bear another devastating loss, so I find myself reaching fro something as rare and elusive as the perfect song lyric. The one woman who never gave up hope.
Holy emotional roller coaster!!! You are going to laugh, cry, swoon and fall in love with Gage just like Tess is doing in this book. Then a phone call blew it all to pieces. As the years pass these two have thought about each other constantly. However things are not what Taylor might has been lead to believe or think that they were. Will she give Gage a second chance. Or, will she refuse to open her heart to anyone else ever again. That you have to read the book to find out about. I promise it is so worth the journey. Just be ready to be on one emotional journey.
Music is all I know. It saved me as a kid. It brings me fame and fortune now. But what am I, the famous Gage Rodin, doing at night when I'm on the road and can't sleep. Googling her. Tess Hades, the girl who still haunts my dreams and my lyrics. She arrived like a quiet storm, a wild thing with eyes guarded to the world. But she let me into the deep end of her beautifully broken soul. When we were together, life was simple. When my life got complicated, she did what she thought was the right thing She let me go. While she has been out saving the wild creatures of the world, my muse has fed on the memory of our life together. But now everything in my world is shifting again, and not in a good way. I'm not certain I have the strength to bear another devastating loss, so I find myself reaching fro something as rare and elusive as the perfect song lyric. The one woman who never gave up hope.
Holy emotional roller coaster!!! You are going to laugh, cry, swoon and fall in love with Gage just like Tess is doing in this book. Then a phone call blew it all to pieces. As the years pass these two have thought about each other constantly. However things are not what Taylor might has been lead to believe or think that they were. Will she give Gage a second chance. Or, will she refuse to open her heart to anyone else ever again. That you have to read the book to find out about. I promise it is so worth the journey. Just be ready to be on one emotional journey.
November 1, 2018
My One Despair is absolutely everything and touched me deep down to my soul. I fell hard for Gage Rodin and Tessa Hades as their story is exceptional, addictive and very emotional.
Tessa is the daughter of Kaden Hades from My One Regret (amazing book) and My One Despair can definitely be read as a standalone. She's had a very difficult and traumatic past as her mother was terribly abusive in so many ways. Tessa was beautifully broken however, she was an admirable and resilient young woman who possessed incredible strength. Ms. Burgoa did an amazing job with redeeming her since she was not the best person in My One Regret. Gage was a talented musician and a truly kind, loving and wonderful man. He was the perfect man to bring out the best in Tessa. I was instantly infatuated with him as he stole my heart and he was everything a woman could ever want in a man. He never gave up on Tessa and loved her from the moment he met her. His devotion and selflessness to her and his family made me love him even more. I cannot express enough how phenomenal their story was as the storyline was unique, intense and filled with oh my god on the edge of your seat angst!!
The BEST part about of this book was the unexpected plot twist which absolutely floored me!! My One Despair fulfilled me in so many ways and even though it's going to wreck you, I promise Ms. Burgoa does a fantastic job of giving Gage and Tessa the HEA they most definitely deserve. This is one of the best books I've read this year and an absolute MUST read!!
Tessa is the daughter of Kaden Hades from My One Regret (amazing book) and My One Despair can definitely be read as a standalone. She's had a very difficult and traumatic past as her mother was terribly abusive in so many ways. Tessa was beautifully broken however, she was an admirable and resilient young woman who possessed incredible strength. Ms. Burgoa did an amazing job with redeeming her since she was not the best person in My One Regret. Gage was a talented musician and a truly kind, loving and wonderful man. He was the perfect man to bring out the best in Tessa. I was instantly infatuated with him as he stole my heart and he was everything a woman could ever want in a man. He never gave up on Tessa and loved her from the moment he met her. His devotion and selflessness to her and his family made me love him even more. I cannot express enough how phenomenal their story was as the storyline was unique, intense and filled with oh my god on the edge of your seat angst!!
The BEST part about of this book was the unexpected plot twist which absolutely floored me!! My One Despair fulfilled me in so many ways and even though it's going to wreck you, I promise Ms. Burgoa does a fantastic job of giving Gage and Tessa the HEA they most definitely deserve. This is one of the best books I've read this year and an absolute MUST read!!
November 2, 2018
Tess and Gage's have such an amazing and beautiful love story in " My One Despair". The emotions in this story are such a rollercoaster ride and such will pull the emotions out of you are so unreal! Where the story called for it, I laughed,or I cried, I even sighed, I was even awww'ing in many places. For me, I was falling in love with Gage at the same time that Tess herself was. I read as Tess grew and opened up her heart up to love and to Gage. Gage would have done completely, totally, absolutely anything for Tess, outright anything. This couple had it going for them---- until--- they didn't; that one phone call broke their hopes and shattered their dreams.
Fast forward 6 years later ---Gage and Tess meet again. Tess is still grieving the loss of their broken relationship but there is someone who has need of her and she can’t walk away from them. But then she finds out the real truth about what really happened that night 6 years before--what even Gage’s brothers didn't even know. Suddenly lives are being changed again. Can Tess and Gage find their way back to one another? Will they even want to after all this time ?
This story was so intense mixed with angst and heat. My emotions were literally all over the pages of this book as I read for I was feeling the happiness, tension, frustration, heat, sadness, devestation, loss, passion, joy, laughter and love! I admit I did cry some , and laughed a bit loud a few . I became emotionally bonded to the characters because HELLO- its Gage and Tess. You cant help but become emotionally invested in them. This is such a beautiful and amazing story that will stay with you long afterwards.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
Fast forward 6 years later ---Gage and Tess meet again. Tess is still grieving the loss of their broken relationship but there is someone who has need of her and she can’t walk away from them. But then she finds out the real truth about what really happened that night 6 years before--what even Gage’s brothers didn't even know. Suddenly lives are being changed again. Can Tess and Gage find their way back to one another? Will they even want to after all this time ?
This story was so intense mixed with angst and heat. My emotions were literally all over the pages of this book as I read for I was feeling the happiness, tension, frustration, heat, sadness, devestation, loss, passion, joy, laughter and love! I admit I did cry some , and laughed a bit loud a few . I became emotionally bonded to the characters because HELLO- its Gage and Tess. You cant help but become emotionally invested in them. This is such a beautiful and amazing story that will stay with you long afterwards.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
November 1, 2018
Wow, wow, wow!!! I’ll be honest right off the bat. Tess was a handful in My One Regret. I didn’t hate her but she wasn’t my favorite. At least in the beginning. The kk her the story went on the more I understood her. And I began to like her. Well that little snippet into Tess’s life has nothing on what I know now! I LOVE her! There’s a reason she’s the way she is. The more you read and get to know her, the more I love the crap out of her! Underneath the tough exterior she exudes there is this girl that has so much to offer the world. Excuse me for a second for going a little off course but she reminds me of another female lead I felt similar to. If you’ve read Flow, Grip, and Stay by Kennedy Ryan you know Bristol. Let’s just say Tess and Bristol would be amazing friends. Tess is like Bristol in a lot of ways. Fierce and independent and willing to do anything to protect her family and the ones she loves. If you like a strong female you’ve found your book!
But every female needs the guy to compliment her. And Gage? He’s perfect. Right from the get go. He gets into Tess’s head like no one else can. He gets her and loves her. Love, that’s a strong theme in this story. Gage loves Tess but I didn’t realize how much. Everything he’s ever done has been because of his love for Tess. Gage is perfection. I sobbed my way through the last twenty or so percent because of this beautiful and caring and loving man!! Tess and gage compliment each other in the best way!
And we can’t proceed and wrap this up without loving on Kaden, Sadie, Hannah, and the rest of their family. It’s amazing to see Kaden in his father element. And Sadie? I knew I loved her before. My love for her knows no bounds! She’s without a doubt one of the biggest blessings in these characters lives! Again, love. She’s loved this family from the beginning.
Love, it’s powerful and it’s emotional. But it’s love. And in this case love turned out more then I could ask for!! My heart is so full of Tess and Gage and my absolute and never ending love for them!
But every female needs the guy to compliment her. And Gage? He’s perfect. Right from the get go. He gets into Tess’s head like no one else can. He gets her and loves her. Love, that’s a strong theme in this story. Gage loves Tess but I didn’t realize how much. Everything he’s ever done has been because of his love for Tess. Gage is perfection. I sobbed my way through the last twenty or so percent because of this beautiful and caring and loving man!! Tess and gage compliment each other in the best way!
And we can’t proceed and wrap this up without loving on Kaden, Sadie, Hannah, and the rest of their family. It’s amazing to see Kaden in his father element. And Sadie? I knew I loved her before. My love for her knows no bounds! She’s without a doubt one of the biggest blessings in these characters lives! Again, love. She’s loved this family from the beginning.
Love, it’s powerful and it’s emotional. But it’s love. And in this case love turned out more then I could ask for!! My heart is so full of Tess and Gage and my absolute and never ending love for them!
October 31, 2018
My One Despair was good and enjoyable to read but honestly it was nothing to write home about. While I enjoyed the characters of Gage and Tess individually I didn’t believe in them as a couple. That being said, I love rock star romance books so that’s always a plus for me. This was the first book I read by Claudia Burgoa. I’m interested to read others by her to see how I like them.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
October 29, 2018
My One Despair is Amazing!! The story is full of emotion, love, family and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you've read My One Regret, then you've met Tess Hades and this is her story. I had mixed feeling for her at first, but as I read her story, I began to like her alot. She's so protective of those she loves. Gage was perfect from the start, he's a good guy. Together they found everlasting love or did they? I loved seeing Kaden and Sadie and the family. Can't wait to read more of this family.
October 22, 2018
Another roller coaster of emotions with a couple you want to see together so badly with a heart breaking moment that sets them off course. I couldn't stop reading this fantastic book until I had devoured every last page to find out how everything ended. be prepared for a book hangover that's so worth it!
October 31, 2018
I always wondered how Tess would be as an adult. She had so much heartbreak. She is an amazing and caring woman!
Now Gage....he was just so swoony *sigh*
These broken souls are so desperate for each others love. But can they get past the heartbreak and find their way back to each other?
Another emotional rollercoaster from Claudia.
Be warned..you might need some tissues!
Now Gage....he was just so swoony *sigh*
These broken souls are so desperate for each others love. But can they get past the heartbreak and find their way back to each other?
Another emotional rollercoaster from Claudia.
Be warned..you might need some tissues!
October 27, 2018
Gage met Tess when he was working at a bar she using a fake Id. The minute he sees her his body sit at attention . That was the beginning of their story .They had strong loving relationship a gorvery cuntil he gets a call. That is where the story take on a emotional roller coaster . Gage is absent from her life for several years . You will be surprise at the turn of event that caused him to leave .
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