Want

A piano prodigy with a painful secret. Will her life fall apart,

A piano prodigy with a painful secret. Will her life fall apart, or can she hold it together?

Rating 4.5

When Julianne's long time piano mentor and stand-in grandfather, Mr. Cline, has a stroke, she is placed in the capable hands of Isaac Laroche, Mr. Cline's nephew. Robert Cline feels that Juli and Isaac are very much alike and can help each other with more than just music.Juli is hiding a terrible family secret that she fears will destroy the reputation of her family if it's made public. Isaac's reputation had already been destroyed when he was 17, and though it's been 10 years, the town hasn't forgotten what happened. However, Juli is unaware of Isaac's past both in Mobile and in Boston.

The synopsis doesn't do this book justice! I don't mean that in a bad way though; I mean there is so much more to this story than what is in the synopsis. I would love to talk all about that, but I don't want to ruin anything. I loved reading this book, but at the same time, it was a little hard to read. There were some aspects of Juli's story that just hit too close to home for me. I found myself crying throughout the book partly because of that, but I'm sure that even if it didn't hit close to home, I would still find the story emotional.

There were characters that I loved and some that I didn't like so much. One ... well, there was one that I just couldn't help but hate even though there was a medical issue involved in their actions. I really did like the relationship that developed between Juli and Isaac, then one of Isaac's friends comes into the picture. Dave Gaston is another piano prodigy who went to the New England Conservatory with Isaac. When Dave shows up he's very flirtatious towards Juli, and he's very impressed with her musical ability. A bit of a love triangle develops, though I hate to use that term because I don't want to turn anyone off of reading this story because of a dislike for love triangles, but as I said, Dave flirts with Juli every chance he gets. First you don't know if it's just his personality or if he's serious. When I realized that he was serious, I wasn't sure who I wanted to root for. I mean, Isaac seems like the perfect person for Juli despite the age difference, yet Dave is such a fun-loving, playful, caring person. I loved the way Dave teased Juli, making her laugh even when all she wanted to do was cry.

I felt like I was pulled into the story, and I found myself fearful of what would happen to Juli or what would become of her. Juli's life certainly has some serious ups and downs, and I did like how it ended, but I will admit, I would love to read more of her story. I know I'm being vague regarding things, but again, that's because I don't want to spoil anything! You'll just have to read it for yourself! I definitely recommend this book.

** I received an eARC copy of the book from InkSpell Publishing for review.**

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

People say you should never judge a book by its cover. In this i

People say you should never judge a book by its cover. In this instance IGNORE THEM. Want is just as beautiful on the inside. And that’s saying something because the sumptuous cover is one of my all-time favourites.

I finished Want in a day. Couldn’t put it down, much to my husband’s annoyance! I adored this darkly seductive story with its dysfunctional characters even though the violence, abuse, and self-harming were an excruciating read – at times. (But the book is about so much more than just heavy-duty issues.)

The inappropriate relationship between Julianne and Issac is both inevitable and tragic. Issac is a broken, paranoid man, too self-centred to provide an abused girl the support and continuity she craves. Yet…I wanted these two lost souls to connect, I wanted them to heal one another, and I wanted their relationship to triumph over the small-minded Mobile (Tennessee) cliques.

And then half-way through the book I changed my mind, which I suspect was Lawton’s plan.

The majority of YA books lead you to believe that love triumphs, people can change for the better, and most problems resolve themselves. On these issues Want parts their company – sort of. (Oh, I so want to tell you the whole story and explain my ramblings.) The story doesn’t take the path you expect, and this is possibly the reason I love Want so much. Not all relationships are good, not all relationships are healthy, and not all relationships last.

Want is unpredictable yet entirely satisfying, heart-breaking yet utterly addictive.

Want is by far my favourite book the year.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not your mother's YA novel...

Let me start by saying this book was absolutely nothing like what I expected when I sat down to read. I have read a fair share of YA books, but WANT is miles above anything I have read from this genre lately.

Stephanie Lawton presents us with a southern world, steeped in tradition and dark secrets. The MC, Julianne is flawed and "real" and I was rooting for her from page one. What a wonderful departure this was from the usual perfect life, beautiful flawless MC's present in so much of today's YA fiction.

About halfway through the novel I had worried I wouldn't be pleased with the ending based on how the story was unfolding, but boy was I wrong. Ms. Lawton drew me into her southern world and had me gnawing my nails as I prayed for Julianne to make the right choices -- pick the right man. Don't even get me going on the hotness of the men -- one dark and brooding, one the perfect southern gent (even if he is a Yankee).

While some of the subject matter was deep and emotional, I feel it was well handled and none of the drama read as over the top or gratuitous. All of it lended to the authentic feel to the story.

Really enjoyed this one a great deal and will be looking for more titles by this talented new author.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked that the story had

I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked that the story had a southern twist; it was pretty refreshing! There are complex characters and I thought Lawton wrote them, characterized them very well. Dave had a great personality; I thought he lightened up the mood in some tense scenes. Isaac is more reserved and in a way mysterious, but as the story comes along, we definitely learn more about him. To me, Julianne seemed like a realistic character, and I enjoyed reading this from her point of view; it really helped to understand the depth into her story, to understand the issues she goes through with her family (especially her Mom), and her beloved talent for the piano and for music. I have to say, you will read through some major events that affect the lives of major characters, but there is a good; I mean I really liked how the ending went; it seemed fitting, but I just hope that there might be more...? :) Anyways, I hope you have the chance to read this story as it will take you through some emotional times, but also through sweet/good times. This is a book that should not be missed, and I recommend it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

There are different kinds of books. Some may entertain you and s

There are different kinds of books. Some may entertain you and simply keep you busy, some may teach you a thing or two or take you places you only dreamed about. And then there are books like Want by Stephanie Lawton that make you feel a variety of emotions. I made a mistake and started reading this book in the middle of my English class and realized that a classroom full of people isn't the right place to do it. So I waited until I came home, sat down on my bed and read for the whole day until I finished it. By the end I was sobbing like a lunatic, I was shocked, surprised, happy and angry, all at the same time. And that is what makes one book a good book - it brings so many emotions out of you, good ones and bad ones.

Julianne is quite an ordinary looking girl with an extraordinary talent for playing piano. Her piano teacher's illness forces her to cooperate with a new one - his successful nephew Isaac, who seems to carry along some ghosts from the past. He just returned from Boston back to Mobile and slowly the relationship between them becomes a romantic one. As if it's not enough Julianne has to cope with an abusive mother and she does it the only way she knows - by harming herself and letting the physical pain overcome the mental pain. When Dave, Isaac's friend, steps in the picture, Julianne is in the middle of everything and it seems like she's drowning in a vertigo of unknown emotions.

I loved the story from page one and I never lost interest in the storyline. I knew that Julianne will fall for Isaac and I knew that he was bad for her. It's never good to fall for someone who brings along as much luggage as he did. She starts something she can't handle and it soon becomes too much. She has to deal with her mother who beats her while her father does nothing and brother is away for college. She has to deal with her feelings for someone ten years older who shuts her out constantly and then lets her in again. She is insecure and sensitive, so it's no wonder she breaks down sooner or later.

I loved the character of Dave, he was a nice addition to the characters ensemble - Isaac is dark and secretive, while Dave is light, fun, has a brilliant sense of humor and is one giant flirt. The end was actually unexpected for me, I really didn't see that things will turn out the way they did. And it was a pleasant surprise really! The writing was simple yet beautiful and I'm really looking forward to the future books of Stephanie Lawton!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love it!!

Great book, can't wait for more.

LOVED THIS.

When I read the synopsis, I was a little hesitant. Student-teacher relationships usually go on my extremely small list of Things That Make Me A Bit Uncomfortable, but I am so so so glad I didn’t let it deter me because this book grabbed me by the neck and even at 6am when I REALLY had to put it down and go to sleep, it was very difficult for my brain to leave it.

Why was that so hard? Because this book is seductive and completely twisted. I wasn’t expecting this story to be so dark, but there were several moments where I was sitting, hunched over my laptop, eyes wide and hand covering my shocked, open mouth. And when the tension lessened, I’d look around the room, blinking like I’d just walked out of a dark movie theater in the middle of the day. Yeah. It was that good and twisted.

What made it so good? The unexpected bat poo cray-cray mom. I mean this when I say this that she’s not just a little crazy, she’s like Jack Nicholson in The Shining or Anthony Perkins in Psycho crazy. From the first page you get a hint of this and if you’re wondering where it’s going, I’ll say this much: there. Wherever that leads, just THERE. And if you think that protagonist Juli is safe from her own brand of crazy, oh no. You’d be wrong. Between her and dear old mom, we have the makings of an intense crazy farm.

But it’s not all dark and drama! There is in fact, Dave. Snort-laughed-at-everything-he-says Dave. He’s a bit raunchy, incredibly flirty, but absolutely perfect and totally balances out the frequently moody Isaac. Everything from his challenging to a duel over a symphony to, well, I can’t spoil, but his end is perfect with a capital P.

I want more of this. More of this story. More of these characters. Just straight up MORE. If the fates conspire against me and there is no more of Juli & Co to be had, then I guarantee you I will be watching Mrs. Lawton’s work. Cause this is one helluva emotion-packed debut, can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

In my last little testimonial, I will say this: I am pretty strict about what books I keep once I’ve read them. My Read shelves are decorated with only the best of the best. For this blog tour I was gifted a digital edition. But PAH on those. I went on the internet and bought me a REAL copy so I can pet the pretty cover and have my heart melt any time I please.

When I read the synopsis, I was a little hesitant. Student-teach

When I read the synopsis, I was a little hesitant. Student-teacher relationships usually go on my extremely small list of Things That Make Me A Bit Uncomfortable, but I am so so so glad I didn’t let it deter me because this book grabbed me by the neck and even at 6am when I REALLY had to put it down and go to sleep, it was very difficult for my brain to leave it.

Why was that so hard? Because this book is seductive and completely twisted. I wasn’t expecting this story to be so dark, but there were several moments where I was sitting, hunched over my laptop, eyes wide and hand covering my shocked, open mouth. And when the tension lessened, I’d look around the room, blinking like I’d just walked out of a dark movie theater in the middle of the day. Yeah. It was that good and twisted.

What made it so good? The unexpected bat poo cray-cray mom. I mean this when I say this that she’s not just a little crazy, she’s like Jack Nicholson in The Shining or Anthony Perkins in Psycho crazy. From the first page you get a hint of this and if you’re wondering where it’s going, I’ll say this much: there. Wherever that leads, just THERE. And if you think that protagonist Juli is safe from her own brand of crazy, oh no. You’d be wrong. Between her and dear old mom, we have the makings of an intense crazy farm.

But it’s not all dark and drama! There is in fact, Dave. Snort-laughed-at-everything-he-says Dave. He’s a bit raunchy, incredibly flirty, but absolutely perfect and totally balances out the frequently moody Isaac. Everything from his challenging to a duel over a symphony to, well, I can’t spoil, but his end is perfect with a capital P.

I want more of this. More of this story. More of these characters. Just straight up MORE. If the fates conspire against me and there is no more of Juli & Co to be had, then I guarantee you I will be watching Mrs. Lawton’s work. Cause this is one helluva emotion-packed debut, can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

In my last little testimonial, I will say this: I am pretty strict about what books I keep once I’ve read them. My Read shelves are decorated with only the best of the best. For this blog tour I was gifted a digital edition. But PAH on those. I went on the internet and bought me a REAL copy so I can pet the pretty cover and have my heart melt any time I please.

Want is a rollercoaster of emotions. Trust me, you don¿t want to

Want is a rollercoaster of emotions. Trust me, you don’t want to read
this book while you’re on the train back home, and a myriad of strangers
is glancing at you and wondering why the heck your face looks like
you’re experiencing a bazillion emotions at once. A powerful and strong
novel, filled with a wide variety of characters, strong emotions against
a southern setting, this is young adult contemporary romance at its
best. You don’t want to miss out on this book, believe me. The main
character, Julianne, lives and breathes music. I would go as far as to
say that not only is it her greatest passion, it’s also the only thing
keeping her alive. Why? Well, because Julianne’s family is about as
dysfunctional as a family can get. Her mother is abusive, and this abuse
causes Julianne to start hurting herself. Her father chooses to ignore
the abuse and most of the problems going on in their family, only adding
to Julianne’s despair. Her only solace is music. But when her music
teacher grows ill, it looks like Julianne is on the verge of losing
absolutely everything, including her music. But fortunately, her
teacher’s talented nephew Isaac becomes Julianne’s new teacher. But it
soon becomes clear that Isaac is perhaps just as troubled as Julianne
is. He carries with him a lot of secrets and mysteries. He’s the epitome
of the proverbial “hot and cold” male: he draws Julianne closer, and
then pushes her away. Sometimes he opens up a little, then he closes
himself entirely from the outside world. He’s also roughly ten years
older than she is, which puts them in an almost impossible position.
While Julianne’s relationship with Isaac is tumultuous to say the least,
the reader is quickly thrown into a love triangle. Now, I’m not usually
a big fan of love triangles. Alright, who am I kidding…I LOVE love
triangles. It’s my secret passion. But not all of them are equally well
done. I have to admit that the love triangle in Want is miles above most
young adult love triangles. It’s also a very close call, which only
shows how good of a writer Stephanie Lawton is. It’s very difficult to
write a love triangle without giving away the ‘endgame’ relationship too
soon. Mrs. Lawton definitely succeeds in this department – I was biting
my nails all the way to the end, hoping, pleading, begging that Julianne
would pick the ‘right’ guy. The second potential love interest for
Julianne is Dave, a typical gentleman, and the only one who’s there for
Julianne in her time of need. The kind of friend you can always rely on.
I loved him as a character. He is the stability Julianne needs in her
life, the shoulder to lean on when it all gets too much. Want is a
must-read novel for fans of contemporary romance in general – even
people who aren’t a big fan of young adult novels: this book has enough
mature concepts to appeal to a mature audience as well. It’s definitely
not for younger YA readers, because it contains some very dark and
depressing themes. I can’t wait to read more by this author, and I
recommend everyone who enjoys a good romance novel that will keep you
glued to your seat, to try out Want. I guarantee you’ll be amazed.

This was a hard book for me to read. I have worked for many yea

This was a hard book for me to read. I have worked for many years with abused children and the main character in this book is abused and that made it very difficult to read. On the other hand, it was also about triumphing over your past and problems. I think my biggest issues was that I wanted the abuse to be reported and someone to say, “Yes that was wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong, it had nothing to do with you, I’m sorry this happened to you.” I didn’t feel that the father took responsibility for his part of the abuse and I wanted to reach into the book and snatch her away from her parents and give her all the love she never had. However that wasn’t the point of the book, more a subtext. It just happens to be one of my “over-react” button topics.

This book is more of a coming of age story, if I had to classify it. It’s similar to a regency era novel with its strict social norms, whether people follow them or not, set in modern southern society. Someone not raised with the Southern debutant/social society (or any society that has ridged social hierarchy) might have a difficult time understanding the underlying issues that result in much of the drama in the story.

Because it made me think and challenged me, I give this book 4.5 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Review published on Page Turners Blog on 7/23/2012* Stephanie

Review published on Page Turners Blog on 7/23/2012*

Stephanie wrote a richly layered story that unearths the secrets of a small, Southern town. At the heart of the book is the heroine, Julianne, who is trying to get into the very competitive music program at NEC. Her tutor, Isaac, just happens to be a recent graduate of that school. You can guess there is a "Don't Stand So Close to Me" (thank you Sting for forever immortalizing that type of relationship with a catchy pop tune) attraction. But, there is so much more. For these two virtuosos hide dark, difficult pasts from one another.

The characters drive this story and as their paths merged, I found myself curious to discover all the secrets of their Southern town steeped in Mardi Gras traditions and rituals. The kind of place that neither forgives nor forgets its residents' past transgressions. And the kind of place that will remind everyone of them over and over again. Isn't that the very best kind of setting?

I won’t give much away here. I managed to avoid all reviews of this story and I’m so glad because its depth and darkness surprised me as did its unexpected sweetness. Stephanie’s characters are complex and flawed. Aren’t those the very best characters of all?

The plot moved at a pitch-perfect pace—scenes filled with a madness that made my mama-heart worried for all involved were balanced with moments of friendship so deep that my heart ached for things I knew were wrong. Isn’t that the best type of writing?

The answer to all my questions above is a resounding "YES!" When you’re in the mood to see how a talented writer tackled a difficult social and moral situation and made you see all sides, pick up Want. I promise you that you’ll get a glimpse into talent, madness, romance and hope. Yes, hope. It’s so good, I wish I had another star to give it.

WoW! That was INTENSE! I think this review will have a few conf

WoW! That was INTENSE!

I think this review will have a few confessions in it. For example… I confess that prior to this book being released I was drawn immediately to the cover. I confess that I passed on it because books like these are the reasons why I also hate to watch the news; hate to be emotionally and mentally beat up (the real world can be ugly). I confess that I hate to see people suffer and although the characters in this book are fictional, it had the possibility of it all being too real. I confess that I broke down and read the book because I wanted to be part of this wonderful tour. I confess that my initial predictions of this book being all too real… were true. AGH!

“If you want vampires and werewolves, faeries, fallen angels or zombies, you won’t find them here. I know a real-life monster. She drains the life out of me and tears at my flesh with words and fingernails that sink deeper than fangs ever could. I’m not her only victim, just her favorite. “

That, my dear friends, is the opening paragraph and it set the mood for the rest of the book.

Julianne is a piano virtuoso, whose dream is to attend the New England Conservatory in Boston. Her life, already a bit complicated, spirals into a whole other complicated when she begins to be tutored by the mysterious Isaac Laroche, another piano virtuoso.

This was a brilliantly written story that ebbs and flows, taking twists and turns and not once would you have imagined that it could have been possible. It takes a broken young lady, breaks her some more and then slowly allows her to mend. It speaks of a first love between a girl and her music, a girl and herself, a girl and a boy. It speaks of the complexities of family, community, wants and needs and everything in between. This book is about a life that too many know to be true. Want took me back to my counselor days when I wanted to scoop up "my kids" and adopt them all. I wanted to scoop up Juli and take her away.

At the end of this book, I was sleep deprived (having stayed up all night because I could not put this book down), numb, crying… In very simple terms… I was a HOT mess.

My final confession… This is an amazingly wonderful read that shows evidence of great world building and character development. Its painfully believable plot and poetic flow guarantee a storytelling time full of intrigue and a ton of other feelings. I guarantee every reader will walk away moved by this read but I also guarantee no two readers will walk away feeling or thinking the same emotions or thoughts. Completely worth all the angst, tears, heartache and lack of sleep. I recommend this book to everyone.

I didn’t want to include too many details because I sincerely believe that you should experience this book without spoilers of any kind so that you too can enjoy and appreciate all of the wonderful surprises revealed within. However, if you really want me to tell some more, hit me up so we can discuss. Quick note from the mommy in me... Mature readers only please. :-)

ARC was provided via InkSpell Publishing for the WANT Blog Tour.

I was initially drawn to Stephanie Lawton's Want because it is s

I was initially drawn to Stephanie Lawton's Want because it is set in Mobile, AL, where I live. Not a native of Mobile, I was intrigued by the chance of getting a glimpse into the Mardi Gras society.
The main character, Julianne, is a piano virtuoso whose dream is to be accepted in the New England Conservatory and leave her small life in Mobile. When an unexpected turn of events leads to the hiring a mysterious music tutor, the brilliant but troubled Julianne discovers she is stronger than she knows.
The novel takes us to places we don’t even realize we are going. Places sometimes happily surprising and sometimes darkly disturbing, but it is the realness of Lawton’s novel that is the most compelling.
Want is a story of young love, tragedy and triumph. Lawton magnificently weaves Julianne’s story through the humid, magnolia lined French-Creole streets to its unexpected ending at – where else – Mardi Gras. We eagerly follow each note of Julianne’s story through its lifts and turns. Lawton leaves us shouting, “Encore! Encore!”

Enjoyed

Enjiyed it alot!!!

Very Highly Recommended

Page turned that kept me wanting more, just couldn't put it down!!!

OH MY, THANK YOU! to my new favorite author Stephanie Thompson L

OH MY, THANK YOU! to my new favorite author Stephanie Thompson Lawton!
This is a must read!!!!!!

This book held my attention every second.

Please let there be a sequel!

Awesome

Can't wait for second. Very good read!!

"The thing that makes us great is the same thing that drags

"The thing that makes us great is the same thing that drags us down." This quote completely and utterly defines what I was looking for in Want. Artists are troubled human beings; they are unstable and moody at their best and at their worst. They are made out of stuff normal human beings cannot comprehend or are unable to.

Julianne is on a path to self-destruction despite having a seemingly normal family life. But underneath all that normal are double-standards and secrecy which Julianne has had enough of. Her piano skills are the only way of getting her a one-way ticket out of the hellhole of a town. But when things go bad, they are bound to become worse for Julianne.

As Julianne's piano teacher falls ill, she is forced to practice under a new teacher by the name of Isaac Laroche. Isaac is bad news for Julianne from the start, he has a ton of emotional baggage and a dark side surrounding him for a mile. But it is inevitable for Julianne to fall for him. Reading Want, I never gave a second thought to how bad Isaac really is for Julianne. Also, the other major issue in Julianne's life regarding her mother kind of just sucked me in.

Want is a very emotional read because you can see that Julianne is going to spontaneously combust one of these days and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all the beating she has to take and the way Isaac keeps shutting her out more than he lets her in. Julianne is really unable to see that Isaac is just a shell of a man he was once. Moreover, she holds back when it comes to composing pieces. It is Dave who finally make her break free of her hesitation.

Dave is Isaac's best friend and his complete opposite. Where Isaac is dark and broody, Dave is light and fun to be with. I was surprised at the role he played in Julianne's life when her father is always too busy, her brother is away at college and a mother who is good for nothing. It is no surprise that for Julianne, playing piano is only the form of escapism she has and craves.

The way things ended in Want was pretty unpredictable for me and now that I think about it, I think I like the ending. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am glad I get to read a book where a musical instrument is the main focus. I look forward to reading more by Stephanie Lawton.

Stephanie Lawton’s WANT is a touching and dramatic story.

Stephanie Lawton’s WANT is a touching and dramatic story.

A young piano virtuoso, Julianne has her sights on the New England Conservatory. She wants nothing else than to attend school there and get away from her abusive home in Mobile, Alabama. But when her piano instructor suffers a stroke months before her big audition, she doesn’t know what she’ll do. Then, her instructor’s nephew starts teaching her. Isaac is mysterious, broody, and represents everything she wants. But her needs may cause her self-destruction, and she might take Isaac with her, if she can’t pull herself together before it is too late.

WANT has many elements I enjoyed about it. The characters are dynamic, and their interactions are believable. The interaction between Julianne and her brother and Julianne and Dave are fantastic. The dialogue is perfectly young adult and delightful. The descriptions are beautiful and lyrical. Some of my favorite scenes were the music ones when Julianne is discovering how to play with passion beyond precision. This novel should come with a soundtrack. Although the plot was dramatic, something felt off to me while reading it. Perhaps it was a lack of tension. Maybe it was a pacing issue. This novel needed more oomph.

Even though I enjoyed reading this novel, I just wanted to love WANT by Stephanie Lawton more.

Intense & funny by turns, I was totally drawn in by Want.

Intense & funny by turns, I was totally drawn in by Want.