FIRST LOVE. TRUE LOVE. ONLY LOVE
I was twelve years old when I met him. I guess you could say opposites attract. We didn't know it then. Or, maybe we did, but we didn't care. It's not easy growing up in Los Angeles. Well, for me it was. But, not for him.
I'm a Hollywood girl, born and raised in the business.
I have everything I've ever needed, and only ever wanted…him. Jace James, the boy from the wrong side of town. He had my heart from the moment I met him.
Is it possible to find your forever love when you're thirteen? Maybe not for most, but I did. Shay Stark. The bright, blue-eyed, sassy girl with the prettiest face I had ever seen. One look and I was mesmerized.
I'm just a boy raised in the pits of Los Angeles with no dad, and a drunk for a mother. I’m lucky if I can find a pocket full of change for a bus ride to spend time with her.
I have nothing
and have only ever wanted her.
Worlds apart
Miles away
It would only be her
It would only be him
I would fight to keep Shay and me together
But would everything that he’s been fighting for tear us apart?
“Do you love me, baby?
AN AMAZON
HOT TEEN YA DEBUT
READER REVIEWS
Christy Baldwin ( vine voice )
***** Labeled Love is Danielle Rocco’s debut novel
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
Labeled Love is Danielle Rocco’s debut novel, but you’d never know it by reading this story. The writing style is fantastic and the words are beautiful. This is one of those books that I devoured and one that kept a permanent smile on my face. It’s one of the sweetest books ever. This couple has so much love and devotion for one another, you will easily fall in love with Jace, Shay and their story. It’s a book that needs to be read!
Jace is a boy who lives on the wrong side of the tracks. He’s being raised by a single mother who could care less about him. Essentially, he’s alone in this world. That is until this thirteen year old boy meets Shay Stark, and his life is forever changed.
Shay Stark is the daughter of a successful music producer in LA. She is a good kid and a bit of a tomboy. Her family has money, but she has wonderful parents who have taught her that it’s not everything. After going to a community center across town with her mom, she decides to join a game of football with the boys. There she sees him. Jace. A boy with dark hair, light eyes and too small clothes. Jace makes her feel something she’s never felt.
Jace and Shay spend the next few years meeting at the community center once a week. They’re best friends and fall into a true, real love along the way. Wednesdays are the best day of the week and the only day Jace really has to look forward to. Shay makes Jace want to be better. He only cares about keeping her happy, about being with her. She is the one true thing in his life. The one real thing. The one good thing. And he will always belong to her.
Shay and Jace’s relationship was the most beautiful thing. They share peanut butter jelly sandwiches, he writes her love letters, she writes him songs, they always have each other no matter what. Falling in love young isn’t always an easy path, especially when it’s real and forever love. This couple doesn’t always have it easy. They have more obstacles than your average couple. But they also have enough love to conquer them all.
I was so impressed with this book. The writing, the characters, the story… just all of it. I can’t think of anything I didn’t love. Shay and Jace were such special characters. I completely adored them. I couldn’t get enough. It was the sweetest story, but as it went on and the couple got older, it did go borderline NA which I liked. Towards the end, there was some angst that has me anxious for the next book. I can’t wait to see where Jace and Shay’s story goes.
Stories about young love make me happy. Shay and Jace’s love isn’t just young puppy love, it’s strong, it has struggles, and it transcends it all. It’s an epic and forever love story about a pretty girl and her boy. Labeled Love really came out of nowhere for me. It was a random book by an author I’d never heard of, but I’m so happy I read it. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Her writing is gorgeous and her story is heartfelt and moving. For anyone who loves YA/young love or is looking for a beautiful love story, I encourage you to pick this one up!
Chrissy cf
**** 4 Amazing Stars under the Moon!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2015
What a fabulous debut novel by Danielle Rocco! I fell hard for Jace and his and Shay's story is absolutely beautiful.
At twelve years old, Shay knows she's met the boy she is going to spend the rest of her life with and Jace knows he's found the girl he's meant to be with, but at such a young age how can they predict their future? Shay and Jace both live in L.A. but in two different worlds. Shay has everything a girl could dream of and she's living in the hills, while Jace lives on the "other side of the tracks" and sometimes doesn't eat for days. They say opposites attract and these two definitely belong together.
I really enjoyed watching Shay and Jace grow up and see their relationship change over the eight years that this book takes us on. I loved Jace and how much he tried to be a better person for Shay. Everything he did was to be better for her and to move out of the only life he has ever known. I loved how Shay didn't see Jace as the poor kid, but for who he really was, she never judge him and that was beautiful.
Not only is Labeled Love a story of first love (only love) but also about growing up. Both Shay and Jace grew up a lot in this book, but the one thing that stayed consistent, was their relationship. The amount of love these two have for one another is amazing and you can feel the love radiating off of your Kindle! I was so happy to see things progressing for these two and for things to finally start working out for Jace and Shay.
These two are young, but the love and devotion they have for one another is something that can't be denied. Labeled Love is a beautiful story with characters that I loved and other's that I despised! This was an emotional read for me and I felt so connected to these characters. I am definitely looking forward to what happens next for Jace and Shay after reading this one, and hope that the next book releases soon, as I need more of these two ASAP!
Eli Peters
**** Young Love
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
This is an excellent debut by Danielle Rocco. A young adult read about love. Young love that starts pure for Jace and Shay as children and follows them through the years. As the reader, you see them grow. These two do not believe in labels. It doesn't matter that she is from a family of fame and fortune. Nor does it matter that he is lonely boy trudging through poverty. They simply see each other. They know how they feel. The only label they know is love. The true feelings for one and other.
As a reader, I connected more with Jace. I believe it is because he had more of a struggle in every day life. His feelings for Shay helped him with his struggles. Even as a child, he knew she gave him strength and support.
"I don’t know what it is, but every time I see this girl, everything wrong in my life falls off my shoulders. She’s my best friend… She’s more than that… I really care about her. I can’t explain what she means to me."
I truly enjoyed watching both of them grow along. This book is a breathtakingly beautiful view on pure love. Thank you, Danielle Rocco. I can't wait to see how the story ends.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Kindle Customer
**** Oh Jace!
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2016
4 STARS
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Labeled Love is the debut novel for Danielle Rocco and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel!
I loved that Mrs. Rocco weaved a tale that begins with the moment our hero Jace meets our heroine Shay as young children and takes the reader on a journey through there lives - the good, the bad and the really bad!
For the entire novel I'm expecting the story to turn out one way and BAM! Mrs. Rocco throws are curve ball so fitting and realistic that I felt every emotion that Jace and Shay were feeling in those moments!
Labeled Love is a young adult novel that will take you right back to high school! It will have you smiling, laughing, awwing, SWOONING, even crying! It shows that falling in love as young as 13 is possible and no matter where you are from everyone has a chance at love!
💋 Looking forward to the next book!
Soohie
**** Soft, tender, fresh…but in ends on a cliffhanger!
Reviewed in France on August 9, 2015
3,5 stars the first 95% but 5 stars the last 5 %.
HOW CAN DANIELLE ROCCO DO IT!!!!!! She can’t do this and leave us like that! I thought I would have an easy and standalone love story…
OK, rewind.
Until 95% in the book, I had my review all planned and it was like: “If you want really sweet, no angst but a little bumps in the road love story with HEA, this is your book”.
Now, it sounds more like: “if you want sweet, young love, no angst at all and “they lived happy forever after” with no cliffhanger, don’t read it before book 2 is published else you’re screwed!”.
Yes, that’s how surprised and frustrated I am right now.
The story you’ve guessed is a love story. But not any kind of love story: the “I lost my heart to a boy/girl with deep blue eyes at twelve/thirteen years old and never recovered” kind of love story.
Jace is thirteen when he meets Shay for the first time. He is from the wrong side of L.A, the drunken/gangs/drug dealer’s side. He never knew his father and lives with his “substance abuser” mother who does not give a damn what he does and if he lives.
Jace is a big, beautiful sweet boy and tries to stay out of trouble. He can fight but does not want to.
One beautiful day, he meets twelve years blond hair and blue eyes tomboy Shay at the community center. He is struck. His world stood still, the birds and angels were singing, butterfly raging in his stomach… he just met his soulmate. The feeling, luckily, was mutual and we got two young adorable lovebirds.
The “only” problem is that Shay comes from the other side of L.A. where actors, singers, “everyone who’s famous” live.
Shay will love Jace right away and does not care if he is poor. She never made him feel less or inadequate. But Jace being poor and proud, they don’t get to see each other as often as they would like. For years they only see each other once a week at the community center. But their love blossoms and is unwavering. Their love story is a real one and spans across six years, all filled with Jace’s struggle to become something and give a future worthy of his girl.
Honestly, they were so sweet with all their “Do you love me Baby?”, “More than anything else Baby” my teeth hurt sometimes. If you don’t like sugarcoated, don’t read it but if you love it or need it right now, just go!
This story is soft, tender, fresh and I had it all mapped till…the near end. Can someone explain to me how a bad move can alter so drastically a whole story and set what I guess will be a totally different tone for the second book? What happened here???
So, now I want to know “when in fall” book 2 will be published and if the second installment will be bumpier than the first with more angst, ordeals and tears. All bets are off.
Mrs. W
***** Book of the Year, without a doubt!! 5 brilliant shiny stars!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2015
Wow, where do I start with this book? I totally loved it!!
Jace and Shays love is so real and beautiful. I loved the way that we followed their relationship right from the beginning when they were Teenagers and watched it grow. We saw their struggles due to differences in their backgrounds and my heart broke for Jace several time due to the things that he had to go through growing up due to his Mother caring more about booze/drug/men than she did about him. But we also saw their love for each other grow from what they felt as teenagers to them growing up into adult hood and trying to start a life together. They are truly soulmates!
I was so proud of Jace desperately trying to make something with his life so that he is able to then create a life with Shay even though he has no support from his Mum and everything in life (apart from Shay) seems stacked against him.
Danielle's writing is so beautiful and you would never tell that this is her debut Novel! This book made me smile, cry and laugh. I felt every emotion possible! This was definitely my book of the year without a doubt!!
I totally didn't want the book to end and when it did I didn't know what I was going to do with myself until the next book came out!
Laura Oliverira
***** This book made me feel like true love is really possible!
Reviewed in Brazil on May 21, 2016
I read a lot of books but Jace and Shay's made my heart full of love. Their love is so pure, so beautiful!
I cound't believe how unluck life was for Jace but He just decided to be good and try for a better future. Of course I think Shay is a big part of what keeps him sane in all the s*** things in his life.
I also loved the way Shay didnt let the money be the most important thing and how her parents supported her and even tried to help Jace.
The end of the book left me a little heartbroken for them but really looking foward Questionable Love. I'm really hoping that in the next book life get a little easy on Jace and they can finally have their happy ending.
Shannon
***** 5 “Forever Love” stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
This is the story of Jace and Shay; two teens from totally different backgrounds brought together through a chance encounter. I'm completely in AWE over the raw emotions these characters bring out in me. I'm not one to read YA Romances very often, but boy what I've been missing in a truly mesmerizing fairytale of love.. Finding my soulmate at 15 I thought I'd found my Prince Charming, but boy was I wrong, lol because Jace is the boy, all boys should mold themselves to be! Ms. Rocco's ability to give us the insight to a romance beyond words, of a boy who loved fiercely, is what fairytales are made of. I might think like a guy at times, but I love the swoon of a true gentleman through and through.. "You are my forever love Shay" "She gave me her heart when she was twelve, and now at eighteen, she is giving me her body" spoken from the boy I'd have gladly given my heart to.. This is one hell of ride, and I'm glad I was invited along! **GET to READING my beautiful girlies because you will not be disappointed to live in the fairytale that's Jace and Shay, a FOREVER kind of love!!** 5 ginormous fairytale stars
Deb Loves To Read
***** FINALLY A LOVE STORY THAT IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER!
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2015
I read constantly, but never bother to post reviews. However, Labeled Love is truly one of the absolute best books I have read in a very long time. When you read as much as I do, books tend to be the same story over and over again. You just hope that you find one that is written well with characters that you love and a story that isn't too typical. Labeled Love was a complete surprise. I admit that it started out a bit slow and I actually set it aside for a few weeks. Once Jace and Shay's childhood friendship was developed and started developing into a love story around Chapter 9 did it start to get GREAT! This love story was just different from any others you have read. The ending has a cliffhanger and I'm licking my chops waiting for the sequel to be released!
Tina Siders
***** Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
I can't say enough about this book. I was so overwhelmed with emotion throughout the whole story of Jace and Shay. Danielle really makes you feel what the characters are going through. This story proves that true love can conquer anything if you believe. You either love or hate the characters which makes you really feel like you are part of the story. After reading this book you will remember Jace and Shay for along time if not forever. Danielle has proved you can do anything if you put your mind to it, like writing your first book. She is amazing and so talented. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next chapter of this great love story. This is a must read for the summer whether you are lying on the beach or just chilling in your backyard. Don't miss out.......
T.Tracy
***** Beautiful Love Story for first time author LOVED IT
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Amazing book for a first time author for sure. Shay grew up with everything she could ever want, she meets Jace at a community center when they were 12 & 13. The POV goes back and forth between the two and they only see each other once a week at the community center for 3 years. They both feel in love pretty much at first sight. The harsh reality of Jace home life is something he has spent the duration of their relationship hidden from her, she only knows he has little money. Truly a beautiful love story with a cliffhanger of an ending. Can't wait to find out what happens next for them.
Kristie Strickland
***** A MUST READ
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2016
Danielle Rocco has plopped a place in my heart forever. This isn't your basic, standard young adult book. This goes beyond background story. This is a story about true love. It starts with Jace and Shay as a twelve and thirteen years old and it gradually goes up and up the age level. This story will tug on your heartstrings, make you laugh hard, make you cringe, make you cry. Just for your information, you will need some tissues. Great, Heavy-Duty Tissues. Danielle Rocco knows how to caption the heart, the hurt and the perfection of true and first love. This is one of my top 2015 books but is my All-Time Favorite Book. So ready for the second book. Patiently waiting😚
Danielle Edwards
***** Sweet Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2016
I normally don’t read YA but I took a chance on this book and loved it. What I loved about the book- it didn’t have misunderstanding that normal YA books do. Jace and Shay had the sweetest love. You could feel the love between the two of them; I married my high school sweetheart so I believe in young love. I would recommend reading this book; it’s a feel good book. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
Melanie G.
***** 5 Do You Love Me Stars*****
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2015
This is such a beautiful YA love story. I loved all the details, emotions, love and joy that Jace and Shay shared. I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't put it down. My heart broke for these two who loved each other unconditionally. I am excited to see how their love story plays out in book 2 and I am crossing my fingers that Jace gets his fairytale ending because he deserves it. Great debut novel and a must read.
Courtney Wilson
***** Heart Wrenching
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
I read this book because of another author's suggestion. It is a sweet loving book all the way through but as we all know there has to be some kind of angst in the end. It has a very heartbreaking ending that sets you up wanting the next book which is the authors intent but I have to admit I hate waiting for sequels and usually wait until all are released or don't buy them,so here I am waiting on the next book.
Rhonda
***** Book of the year!
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2015
Where do I start ? When I started this book I was hooked by the 3rd page , the author pulls on every emotion one has , u laughed I cryed I love fell in love I even got mad . Jace and Shay make you remeber there is honest love still to be had. I can't wait for part two , if we are all lucky enough we will get to see labeled love come alive in the movies . #teamjace
Tricia Ann
***** I am looking forward to the continuation of their love story so I can have closure
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016
This book is a tear jerker - and it tore me apart. All I can say is that the STRUGGLE IS REAL. I can't hardly even think of anything else because yes, this book affected me that much. I am looking forward to the continuation of their love story so I can have closure.
Kari L Hill
…book the transports you back in time to when love was everything and your first love was your whole…
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2015
Outstanding book that transports you back in time to when love was everything and your first love was the whole world. The author completely connected with every emotion and told the story in such a balanced way through both Shay and Jace's eyes. Cannot wait for Labeled Love Two!!!!
Terri
***** Grabs your attention from the start
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2016
I was hooked from the first page of this book. Never wanted to put my kindle down. You feel the love from the characters and want to embrace Jace and Shay! Can't wait to see how their story ends.
Stacie
***** Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
Wow. What a fantastic book. It was very well written. I felt so sorry for Jace his story was heartbreaking. I loved his and Shays story. I can't wait for book 2.
Marzie24
***** Totally Swoon worthy!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2015
Wow Fab read. Totally enjoyed the story, love the writing style and the duel pov. Loved the characters totally dug it!! Must have the second book like yesterday!!
Abrianna
***** Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2015
I loved this book. I read through it like lighting. It was so intense and romantic. It began as love at first sight and grew deeper.
Traci Lynch
***** Heartbreaking
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016
Love this love story. Although reading it at work is not recommended especially if you cry easily cause I am bawling at work.
A Bailey
***** Loved
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015
Oh I can't wait for the second book!!!
Great story. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and it did!!!
Alisha W
***** this book was filled with Aweeeeee moments
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2015
I love this story!! You will too!! I want a love like Jace & Shay! Danielle I need more!!!!! :)
Darlene Clarke
***** Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
Loved this book! Can't wait to finish the second book Questionable Love!
Dee
***** Definitely 5 atars
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2015
Easy-read and very entertaining. Rcommend it to all ages.
S.Ng
***** Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015
Loved the relationships. Enjoyed the read
Darren
***** Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2015
I LOVE IT! :-)
Dreamerinexille
***** Love transcends everything 4.5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
Wow. What a sweet, make your heart feel light kind of love story! But the ending killed me.
Jace is a good kid, but life hasn’t dealt him kindly. From a very young age, he’s had to struggle. Be it food or clothes on his back, Jace didn’t have it easy. But he wasn’t bitter about having less. He still had a beautiful heart. He was still a hero. You’ll know why when you read the first chapter. He was my hero.
Shay was the sweet, sassy, bright as a sunshine kind of girl. She came from a beautiful family, her parents loved each other and never failed to show how much. She loved her siblings and they loved her back. She also was a sassy tomboy.
What happens when a boy who has nothing meets the girl who has everything? A heart lifting love story ensues. I adored the sweetness of their love, I loved how the author made their different background not an issue because so many books do. I loved how the author made the characters central to the story and not their circumstances. They were given the freedom to know each other and let the love they felt blossom into something sweeter. When I say that their backgrounds don’t play into the story I meant that no one made an issue of Jace’s background. But the kid, the boy with a golden heart, was hard on himself. Because of who he was and where he came from, he tried always protect his girl. My heart broke whenever he interacted with him mother, especially when he reminiscences at the beginning of the book. The boy did steal my heart. I was rooting for him to have his HEA.
My respect for Shay’s parents grew as I read along, they loved Jace for the man he was becoming in front of their eyes. They loved watching their daughter blossom and became and even more beautiful person. Shay’s father was a true hero in my book. He told Jace that his background or where he comes from doesn’t matter and time and again he tells his daughter the same thing. But with all things in life, nothing is easy. While Jace and Shay plan their future together, one small act of petty douchbaggery from someone she is close to puts a dark shadow over their life and future.
Will Jace be able to give his pretty girl what she wants most? Or will people who has limited understanding of what it means to really love, put a damper on their love?
This story transcends love in so many ways. The little things they do for each other, the letters, the charms, the music, the lyrics, they have all made a place in my heart.
Romance Readers Retreat
***** Honest Review
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2015
I am in love with this book, I am in love with Jace James. This is a beautiful coming of age, first love story that follows Shay and Jace from the sweet and innocent tween stage of life through to the complicated early adult stage. And it is an amazing debut book for Danielle Rocco. The story is really well paced to be able to see the development of the characters and their relationship without being too long or wordy.
Jace has a tragic life with an alcoholic possibly addict of a mother that is failing her son at every stage of his existence due to her own self loathing and bitterness. Despite his upbringing and surroundings Jace is a lovely kid determined to find a way out of the life he has. He finds solace at a local community centre, along with food, and during a game of football he encounters Shay and his life is given a new path.
Shay has a privileged life and though she wants for nothing her very grounded parents, that have worked hard for all they have, ensure that she and her siblings have an understanding of how fortunate they are. As such Shay accompanies her Mom to volunteer at the community centre in a rough area of L.A., where she meets Jace. I loved Shay's family and her parents were lovely in their support of her and Jace despite his background.
This chance meeting brings these two kids from completely opposite sides of the track together and it is lovely to watch their friendship blossom into a loving relationship as they fight against the differences that could tear them apart. I loved how Jace used real simple ways to show his feelings for Shay, how proud he was despite his background to make his own way without taking from her and how they found their own place to just be as one together. He really developed into quite a gentleman, but Jace has a flaw in his temper and sadly that is to be his downfall. It was so hard to read the self doubt Jace felt when he saw Shay in her own environment.
Just as you think these two are going to make it as they work out a path for them to be together as adults jealousy rears its head tearing the dream apart. All the while reading I kept waiting for something to tear them apart and the author timed this hiccup so well that I really thought I was wrong and we was heading for a HEA. I was heartbroken at the ending dealt to Shay and Jace in this book and I am now anxiously awaiting the next book to see how they fare through such a difficult time.
Love and stolen kisses
***** a very lovely story about the truest of love
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
Ahh what a very lovely story about the truest of love. The kind of love where all that matters is you being with your love.
The story is told from the POV of Jace and Shay, and is set in Los Angeles.
Jace is from the ”wrong” side of the track, and is struggling every day with a alcoholic mom, poverty, and a neighborhood that would make anybody scared to walk through. But despite Jace's environment he is determined not be like his mom, and find a way away from all of it. How though is something he doesn't know, and because of that he's in a hopeless situation. He's a good boy, but a very sad one.
Shay is from the rich part of Los Angeles, and have everything Jace doesn't. A caring family, food, love.
Their worlds is so different as night and day, so that when their ways cross each other in a community center it's by chance – or fate you could say – and from there you get to follow their epic love story.
Their love is of the truest kind, and it's really sweet to see it unfold on the pages. One thing I loved especially was that Shay's family loves Jace right from the beginning, and support their relationship all way through.
But not all are open to Jace, and knows how to use his lack of confidence of ever being enough for his girl, that lives in a palace. He knows that he will never be able to give her what she have, but I loved how he tried. It's in the small things you see that Jace's life has gotten a purpose after meeting Shay, and I was cheering for them the whole time.
The ending was a surprise, and without wanting to tell too much, it has made me really impatient for book two. To the author; HOW COULD YOU END IT LIKE THAT?! #WANTSMORE #GIMMEGIMME
Also – I really love Jules! <-had to say that. I think the underlying story with her is really exciting, and am crossing fingers for her getting her own story.
The Pink Bookshelf
***** Dying for book 2!
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
Loved the cover and chapter headers. You can tell that Danielle really cared about this book by the effort that was put in to making this book beautiful from cover to cover.
This book was captivating from the very beginning. From the moment I saw the cover I was entranced. You can tell just how much Danielle truly cared about this book, it shows so much thought put in from the beautiful cover and chapter headers.
Shay and Jace were from completely different backgrounds. Shay comes from wealth and a well known family. She is extremely smart and loves music. Jace is from the wrong side of the tracks. He grew up with a sorry excuse for a mother and has had a tough life. Yet somehow he has a heart of gold and wants more from life than what he has already been given.
Jace was hard on himself but Shay nor her parents paid any attention to his background. His story didn't effect what they thought of him. He worked hard to always protect Shay and that is what mattered. Any interaction Jace had with his mother was heartbreaking. Throughout the entire book though, Shay's father helped him and let him know that his background didn't define him.
Shay was loving and such a sweet hearted person. Their love is the kind that you just know will go the distance. We will just have to see in book 2.
This is an absolutely amazing love story. It captures what true love is and should be. This book was perfect from cover to cover.
Sunshine_80
***** I normally do not like YA books
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
I normally do not like YA books. This book is one that makes me think that I should give the genre a chance. I literally found myself just smiling through so much of this book. It is pretty rare for me to feel like that through a book. Jace and Shay are amazing characters. You would think that you would hate Shay. She comes from money, has a huge house, has never worried about anything in her life but she is really down to earth. She is smart and caring. I really liked her. Jace is the boy from "the other side of the tracks" and never knows when or if he is going to eat, have a place to live, walk in to find his mom dead but he wants to love and be loved so bad. Your heart will ache for him but he is the one that makes you smile through the book. He is so sweet and you fall in love with him from page 1.
You seriously need to get this book as soon as possible and read it. I loved it and can't wait to get more from Danielle Rocco. You would not know that this is her first book when you read it.
The only thing I did not like about the book...Danielle says Cali girls are best but I honestly believe Texas girls are better :) I guess if that is my only issue with the book...
I am giving this book 4.8 stars out of 5. Amazing Job Danielle!!!
TNel17
***** This Debut Novel Will Have Your Heart Swooning!
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015
This is Danielle Rocco's debut novel. One couldn't ask for a better debut!
Jace: He grew up "on the wrong side of the tracks" and has had a rough life without much parental guidance. He tries to make the best of what he has, despite the obstacles in his way. He is the tall, dark, handsome boy that many girls want. None of them grab his attention until one day, a beautiful girl captures his heart at the community center at the tender age of thirteen. She brought light and hope into his dark world and filled his heart with love in the way he only dreamed of.
Shay: She is the daughter of a well known music producer in LA. Her family is very tight knit and loving. She is outgoing, talented, and beautiful in every way. She is also a tomboy and not afraid to throw down in a game of football with the guys. Jace captures her heart when they meet at the community center while she is volunteering as a "tween" at the age of twelve.
Jace and Shay grow together through out the story as does their love. It will pull at your heart strings and keeps you reading and wanting to know what will happen next.
I cannot wait for book two of this series. Danielle did an excellent job for her debut and I am certain that the second book will not disappoint! This is a must read and I will be recommending this to my fellow readers.
Mary Ruth
***** Must-read Debut Novel!
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2015
This debut novel was so gripping and heart-stealing! Danielle Rocco possessed a new and exciting voice in the romance genre that will make HEA lovers craving for more of her works. I was totally hooked the moment I read Labeled Love. She uniquely drove this new form of love between Shay and Jace into a perfect progression of struggles, differences, dreams, and a love that could potentially surpass the test of time.
I was totally hooked on the story since I read the first line. The contradicting poles of the characters was a total interest throughout the book and I held on to each of it til the end! The moment Shay and Jace met, sparks immediately went flying. The chemistry was soooo good. They shared this kind of love that equally balanced the mushy and romantic teen love story that transcended into a deeper form of love based on trust and true love. There are so many unique streaks in this book that I really enjoyed! The author knew how to build up tension and knew exactly how to throw an impact. The scenes were a mix of sweet words with deeper meanings. The tinge of drama was gripping and heart-melting.
My favorite part of the book was the way the author ended this book. It drove me nuts and sobbing in the wee hours of the morning. It's soooo beautiful! I'm definitely recommending this to readers who love a mix of love and drama. I can't wait for the next book!
Melissa 72
***** 5 Beautiful Stars!
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
This book is just so darn good! It's almost fairy tale like, a sweet true love, love story. I was intrigued by the blurb, and I was totally drawn into the story right away, and found myself needing to keep turning pages. I don't think I've smiled so much during a read in quite awhile. Jace and Shay wormed their way into my heart and found their own little cozy spot for two there. There story is just so beautiful and could make even the most jaded individual believe. The author has really hit this one out of the park. I can't wait to see what the very talented author has in store for us next. If you don't think you like YA romance, or don't generally read the genre I encourage you to pick this one up. It's seriously a wonderful read. I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this book for an honest review.
Laura Oliveira
***** Real Love
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2016
I was absolutely in awe with the love Jace and Shay have for each other. Their love is the purest kind of love, beautifulI.This book made me so full of love and also hurt so bad for them! I couldnt imagine live a life as Jace lived. But even with his s*** life at home he made a choice to be betwas, to do better. And what a beautiful soul is Shay. She was able to see boyond the labels, the money, she was able to really see Jace.I loved Shay' s family and how their were always suporting her and Jace. I cant wait for Questinable love. I really hope live gets a little easy for Jace and they can get their happy ending.
Terri
**** While the best of the books will give you all the feels…
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
Some books make you smile, others make you cry. While the best of the books will give you all the feels and chills that will leave you wanting for more. This is true with Labeled Love.
I had no idea what to expect when I got this book. What I couldn’t imagine was picking up a book from a first-time writer and after reading, believing she knocked it out of the park.
The characters are rich on paper they step into your mind in Technicolor. The sound of their voices is as if they were speaking in your ear. The emotions they feel will make you swoon or want to be there for them. Hell, you want to be them. As you turn each page, you won’t want it to end.
When you get there, you will be begging for more. I can’t say enough good things about this book other than STEP OFF, JACE JAMES is MINE! Lol
If I had an award to give for BEST NEW AUTHOR OF THE YEAR, it would easily go to Danielle Rocco. This book is amazing and I look forward to more great things from her.
Allison Figueroa
***** What a great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2018
Wow i loved this book!!! This is my very 1st book that i ever read of Danielle's and i must say it is not gonna be the last book of hers that i will read of hers
Teresa D Frydrych
***** Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2015
This author is an amazing writer. Its hard to believe this is her first book. It sure didn't read like it. It was really good and kept you wanting to read more and more. I can't wait for the second book. I will be following this author for sure. She is an awesome writer. Its hard for me to find an author that I can follow and like to read, but this one if on my reading list for sure. Will be waiting each book as it comes out. Keep up the good writing Danielle Rocco.
Adam
***** The Swooniest
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2015
I devoured this book in 2 1/2 days. What a page turner! Danielle Rocco writes some of the steamiest romance scenes I've ever read. The anticipation was killing me, but the payoff was well worth it! Shay and Jace are adorable from the start and had me rooting for them all the way to the climatic end. Shay's signature scent and Jace's heartfelt love letters brought these characters to life for me. A boy who still writes love letters, what could be "swoonier" than that?! I can't wait for the continuation of this love story.
Ginni Hall
***** O. M. G!
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
5 Swooniest stars!!
I love this Romeo and Juliet story! Jace is the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Shay is the princess in the mansion. However! This story is SO much more! This isn’t the normal “parents hates boy, girl loves boy”, yadda yadda yadda! This story is amazing! I love the story-line, the struggles, the reality, the love, the devotion.
And that ENDING! O.M.G!!! Let me CRAVING more!!! I can’t wait for book 2!!!
Danielle Rocco releases this as her debut novel and I think she did a FANTASTIC JOB!!!
Sparky’s Girl
***** I NEED BOOK 2!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2015
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Labeled Love is Danielle Rocco’s DEBUT novel, so I didn’t have anything of hers to go on. I definitely was NOT disappointed though! This novel covers several years of Jace and Shay’s lives and I was so glad that I go to go on the journey with them. I cannot wait for book 2…I need it NOW!!!! 5 STARS!
Kindle Customer
***** Fabulous!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
This book is fabulous . I will recommend to my friends that love to read as much as I do.
Kindle Customer
***** Ugh
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
Loved the book!!!couldn't put it down. Cannot believe it ended that way. I need more what happens ???? Will it be a happy ending
LG
***** Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2015
Absolutely LOVED it!! Can't wait for the second book!
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2015
Loved it!! Can't wait for next book
Chrissy Cf
***** 4 Amazing Stars under the Moon!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2015
What a fabulous debut novel by Danielle Rocco! I fell hard for Jace and his and Shay's story is absolutely beautiful.
At twelve years old, Shay knows she's met the boy she is going to spend the rest of her life with and Jace knows he's found the girl he's meant to be with, but at such a young age how can they predict their future? Shay and Jace both live in L.A. but in two different worlds. Shay has everything a girl could dream of and she's living in the hills, while Jace lives on the "other side of the tracks" and sometimes doesn't eat for days. They say opposites attract and these two definitely belong together.
I really enjoyed watching Shay and Jace grow up and see their relationship change over the eight years that this book takes us on. I loved Jace and how much he tried to be a better person for Shay. Everything he did was to be better for her and to move out of the only life he has ever known. I loved how Shay didn't see Jace as the poor kid, but for who he really was, she never judge him and that was beautiful.
Not only is Labeled Love a story of first love (only love) but also about growing up. Both Shay and Jace grew up a lot in this book, but the one thing that stayed consistent, was their relationship. The amount of love these two have for one another is amazing and you can feel the love radiating off of your Kindle! I was so happy to see things progressing for these two and for things to finally start working out for Jace and Shay.
These two are young, but the love and devotion they have for one another is something that can't be denied. Labeled Love is a beautiful story with characters that I loved and other's that I despised! This was an emotional read for me and I felt so connected to these characters. I am definitely looking forward to what happens next for Jace and Shay after reading this one, and hope that the next book releases soon, as I need more of these two ASAP!
Jnorris
***** Experience young love from its beginning!
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
This book will make you remember your first everything and all of the feelings that go along with it.
Labeled Love is a true YA romance. Experience all of the feels with Jace and Shay from their first meeting. Jace is a swoony boy from the rough side of town, while Shay's wealthy, loving family provide her everything she wants and more. However, love doesn't know addresses. Jace is the protector wanting to keep Shay away from his struggles, but will his secrets keep them from their HEA?
"Do you love me, Baby?"
"More than anything."
Yvette
***** Jace James
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2015
My emotions are all over the place right now. I loved shay the young version as well as the young woman version she was completely open hearted which showed with everything she did.
Her parents if you strive to become amazing parents please look to them. Jace is so swoon worthy it's not normal. I loved this story so much. I need book 2 this story is so uniquely beautiful. I need more.
Sally Hitt
**** Good book
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2017
Good book. Definitely kept my interest but the characters are young & sometimes difficult to identify with.
Tosha
**** Love
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2015
Great job Danielle on your debut. It captured me from the beginning and didn't want it to end. I can't wait for sequel.
Pitapam
**** A good debut novel
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2015
A very good debut novel. I can't wait to see what happens next with Jace and Shay.
Sophie
**** Soft,tender, no angst except…it ends on a big cliffhanger!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2015
3,5 stars the first 95% but 5 stars the last 5 %.
HOW CAN DANIELLE ROCCO DO IT!!!!!! She can’t do this and leave us like that! I thought I would have an easy and standalone love story…
OK, rewind.
Until 95% in the book, I had my review all planned and it was like: “If you want really sweet, no angst but a little bumps in the road love story with HEA, this is your book”.
Now, it sounds more like: “if you want sweet, young love, no angst at all and “they lived happy forever after” with no cliffhanger, don’t read it before book 2 is published else you’re screwed!”.
Yes, that’s how surprised and frustrated I am right now.
The story you’ve guessed is a love story. But not any kind of love story: the “I lost my heart to a boy/girl with deep blue eyes at twelve/thirteen years old and never recovered” kind of love story.
Jace is thirteen when he meets Shay for the first time. He is from the wrong side of L.A, the drunken/gangs/drug dealer’s side. He never knew his father and lives with his “substance abuser” mother who does not give a damn what he does and if he lives.
Jace is a big, beautiful sweet boy and tries to stay out of trouble. He can fight but does not want to.
One beautiful day, he meets twelve years blond hair and blue eyes tomboy Shay at the community center. He is struck. His world stood still, the birds and angels were singing, butterfly raging in his stomach… he just met his soulmate. The feeling, luckily, was mutual and we got two young adorable lovebirds.
The “only” problem is that Shay comes from the other side of L.A. where actors, singers, “everyone who’s famous” live.
Shay will love Jace right away and does not care if he is poor. She never made him feel less or inadequate. But Jace being poor and proud, they don’t get to see each other as often as they would like. For years they only see each other once a week at the community center. But their love blossoms and is unwavering. Their love story is a real one and spans across six years, all filled with Jace’s struggle to become something and give a future worthy of his girl.
Honestly, they were so sweet with all their “Do you love me Baby?”, “More than anything else Baby” my teeth hurt sometimes. If you don’t like sugarcoated, don’t read it but if you love it or need it right now, just go!
This story is soft, tender, fresh and I had it all mapped till…the near end. Can someone explain to me how a bad move can alter so drastically a whole story and set what I guess will be a totally different tone for the second book? What happened here???
So, now I want to know “when in fall” book 2 will be published and if the second installment will be bumpier than the first with more angst, ordeals and tears. All bets are off.
Shasta Mosley
**** Such an amazing story and I can’t wiat for the next part to this love story!
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2015
This has been such an amazing book to read! A tale of finding true love at such an early age, and having to overcome obstacles just to stay together was just the story I needed at this time. I have been in such a book rut that I am so glad I had the chance to read Labeled Love.
Jace met Shay when he was only thirteen and knew at that moment that she had changed his life forever. Living on the wrong side of the tracks so to say is never easy. Always having to worry about drug addicts and drunks, and a mother who really could care less, the only thing he looks forward to is every Wednesday. Wednesday, is the day that he will get to see Shay and spend those few precious hours with her and escape his reality of where he lives and what he deals with every moment. The only thing that matters is Shay.
Shay has everything that she could ever want. A loving family, friends, and anything that money can buy. But even at the age of twelve she knows that what she really wants is a love like her mother and father has. But she doesn’t expect to find that love one day in a football huddle at a community center for underprivileged kids. When Shay set eyes on Jace she knows that there is something different about him and knows that she wants to be around him all the time. Jace is her best friend, but also her one true love and that is all that matters to Shay. It’s not about where he comes from or what he has it’s what is in his heart.
They have struggles like any other couple, but Jace and Shay are determined to be together and that is what makes this story even better, but after everything that tries to keep them apart they still break through those obstacles. But can one major event in their lives change what they have been striving over the years to keep or will it make their love stronger and solidify their relationship even more?
Kelsey Nelson
**** Labeled Love starts out with Jace’s point of view
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2015
Labeled Love starts out with Jace's point of view. A quiet, shy boy, who sticks up for the school nerd in the first chapter, the reader quickly learns that Jace is the ultimate kid from the other side of the tracks. Growing up under a mom who could care less about him, a smoke filled apartment, and clothes that are too small for him, Jace has one thing to look forward to; the community center. It's here that he first comes alive. It's here that he falls in love with perhaps the wrong girl (in a right way) for him.
Shay Stark has everything she could ever dream of. The perfect family, the perfect school, the perfect friend...everything is perfect. When volunteering time comes for the Stark Family, Shay's mother worries that Shay will judge those less fortunate than her. She steps into Jace's life, and that's the end of it for them both. Shay has no idea what lifestyle Jace comes from. Jace, from watching Shay come, and go from the community center, has pieced together that she comes from a place he more than likely won't be welcomed.
The reader follows Jace, and Shay through their tween years, and into the year where they meet every Wednesday at the community center. It was so nice to follow their love story through a year long "fast forward" that brought the two of them closer. That brought them to the ultimate falling head over heels in love for one another. The ending will have you staring at your Kindle wondering what the heck just happened.
Ok, so the reason for the 4 bar review. This was a very well written, thought out, lovey dovey book. It was a typical YA Romance, that slowly, towards the end, turned into an NA Romance. Which was nice, because it took the twist that it needed to get to where it was going. Definitely a good book to pick up. It was easily read, captured my attention, and kept me wanting more. The second book in this series is one to look out for in the coming months!
LeeAnne
**** Very well written!
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
Super sweet read, I was surprised to hear this is a debut novel for this author – you definitely can’t tell because it’s great! This is one of those reads that you won’t be able to put down until you’ve reached the end. Jace is a boy who’s been dealt a crappy hand in life, his mom is worthless and his dad isn’t a part of his life. When Jace is 13 he goes to a community center where he meets Shay. Shay is pretty much the exact opposite of Jace, she has parents that adore her and have money so she’s been brought up with the best of everything. She’s a Tomboy and on her first day volunteering a the community center she joins a group of boys playing football and that’s how she meets Jace. She offers to teach him to play guitar and their relationship grows from there. They spend the next few years meeting weekly at the community center for guitar lessons until Shay gets her license and they’re able to be together even more.
I absolutely loved Jace and Shay, they’re so well written and so relatable. I also really enjoyed that the further the story progressed the more Contemporary the story became. The ending was killer though!
I’m giving this a 4 star instead of a 5 because I wanted a little less of their younger life and more of their older life but it’s still a great read that I recommend.
Cyns2
**** Great YA book boyfriend
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
I was given an ARC of this for an honest review.
This story made for a great debut novel. From the beginning, I was rooting for Shay and Jace. Although YA is not my favorite genre nor one that I have read much, this book really kept my attention. I wanted to know what happened with these characters that I had been introduced to when they were only tweens. This is a poor boy/rich girl story that really tugs at your heart strings. I was angry at Jace a few times in the book because of the extremes that he choose in the name of protecting Shay. I didn't stay mad long though, because Jace was a total romantic, exactly what YA book boyfriends are made of. I loved Shay's family and would love to see more of them in the future. Without giving anything away, I will just say.....that ending!!!! WTH, Danielle Rocco?!? All in all, this story sucked me in. I can't wait to see what happens next for Shay and Jace.
LisaReadsAlot
**** 4 Peanut Butter & Jelly Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
*I was given an ARC for an honest review.*
Three words: SWOON SWOON SWOON. Young love at it's best that still has my heart smiling.
Great debut, Danielle.
Is it possible to find your forever love when you’re thirteen? Maybe not for most, but I did.
I’m just a boy raised in the pits of Los Angeles.
I have nothing
and only ever wanted her.
Worlds apart
Miles away
It would only be her
It would only be him
Labels never defined us
But will they tear us apart.
M. Christou
**** Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2015
Enjoyable read
ONE NIGHT. ONE FIGHT. ONE LOVE PUT TO THE ULTIMATE TEST.
For the last seven years, I’ve fought to be with Shay. Through every obstacle I faced, we stood strong, true, our love couldn’t be broken, and right when we were about to start living our lives together, I screwed everything up. I let Shay down, and the price I have to pay is being separated from her. Time that doesn’t allow me to be there for her when she needs me the most.
Everything happened at once. Jace ripped away. Our song. My name on the radio. Tabloids and lies. Jace wouldn’t let me see him, I was heartbroken and in love without my boy by my side. I needed him. I wanted him to be the one standing by my side. Things weren’t supposed to be this way, but reasoning with Jace’s protective side has always been impossible.
While my boy’s world stopped,
My girl’s kept going.
Promises would be made,
And some would be broken.
There was only one question that he ever needed answered.
There was only one answer that she ever needed to say.
I’ve clung to his question.
I’ve clung to her answer.
He’ll have to prove himself.
She’ll have to let me.
“Do you still love me, baby?”
