Never Fall in Love with a Rock Star by Rachel Higginson

Blurb

My name is Clover Calloway and I’ve lived two separate lives.

The first, I like to call “my past.” I never talk about it. I try not to think about it. My rockstar days of playing in one of the hottest bands on the planet are over. Along with the most volatile, beautiful, tragic love story of all time.

Over the past five years, I’ve settled into my second life. My “normal life.” The one where I work a normal job, hang out with normal people and fall in love with a normal, but wonderful guy. The life where I’m admittedly a little bored, but also safe.

My past wasn’t boring. But my past broke my heart into a million, unfixable pieces. So, I’m determined to keep it where it belongs—behind me.

And the man responsible for the shattering of me? Malachi Porter, lead singer and mastermind of Bright Tragedy, should stay there too. Far away from me and this idyllic life I’ve carved out for myself.

But what happens when my two lives collide?

When Malachi comes crashing into my perfectly normal world, he threatens to destroy it, promises to annihilate everything I’ve replaced him with.

He upends everything I thought I wanted and forces me to question the reasons I left Bright Tragedy all those years ago.

But I didn’t walk away five years ago, I ran. As fast as I could go. And while my heart is whispering that it’s different this time—that he’s different—my brain is screaming for me to run again.

Malachi Porter isn’t a normal guy. And he doesn’t belong in my “normal life.” But, nevertheless, he’s bound and determined to make a place for himself here.

I just hope my heart can survive him, that we don’t burn into another bright tragedy.

My Review

Never Fall in Love with a Rock Star by Rachel Higginson is a fresh take on the Rockstar romance, second chances & coming of age, that go well beyond surface deep.  An ultra angsty, heartstring pulling story that gets you in the gut.

From the start you won't be able to help but empathize with Clover, an extraordinary woman who wants nothing more than to fly under the radar after having left the bright tragedy of love & life behind her "I had loved a broken thing because I wanted to fix it. Instead, it had broken me too."  Resilient & strong, big hearted & funny - "Someone hold my earrings..." protective of her heart & spirit after the overwhelming heartache she's suffered.  A story of recovery from heartbreak & addiction & moving on to discover who these characters are meant to be.  Brought back together when they least expected, reconnecting after years apart, through immense talent & love of music to rescue a song & possibly each other.  "...imperfect humans lost in an imperfect love..."

Oh. My. Goodness.

This story is written with so much emotion, passion & heart.  The perfect amount of angst, don't expect some over the top sexy times, but rather the real deal of what true connection can be body & soul. "A love so deep I could feel it with every breath."

 ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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Bad Reputation by S.L. Scott

 

SYNOPSIS

Being bad never felt so good.

I fell for Ally the moment I saw her. Who doesn’t like a confident, intelligent woman with curves I could spend days exploring?

Who am I kidding?

I have.

Many times.

Our story ended abruptly when she left like we weren’t meant to be. We are. So I’m calling her bluff. That’s how I ended up thousands of miles from home, standing next to a man who claims to be her fiancé.

Being good has never felt so bad.

When it comes to a successful man with an incredible body and biteable jaw aka Hutton . . . let’s just say willpower is not my strong suit.

Need more?

Try bad-boy American.

You’re welcome.

Embracing my newfound good girl status, I do the right thing and start my reign. My desires no longer matter. The monarchy, the people, and my country do. There is no place for love in this new life.

But I never expected to see him again, much less standing next to my royally appointed soon-to-be fiancé. 

As if that didn’t complicate things, the man I once told I love you to is wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo and my favorite smirk. I straighten my crown and adjust my dress, realizing this good girl never stood a chance. I’ll take the bad reputation if I get him.

Being bad never felt so good.

Bad Reputation by S.L. Scott is a brilliant take on second chance royal romance.  A story that is standalone, don't miss out on the pseudo-prequel romantic suspense Everest & The Crow Brothers books - full of crossover characters you'll meet during this fantastic read.

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, Bad Reputation is loaded with "Want. Lust. Need." that will have you completely captivated from the start.  What begins as a hot romantic tryst turns into wanting more.  So much angst before true feelings are revealed.  So many questions with "A hurricane of truths..." you won't see coming.  Heartstrings pulling, emotionally raw & real "You're the fairy-tale ending I wish I could have."  Close family ties between siblings, friends who may be foe.  A story of two worlds colliding, of being torn between duty & heart, of finding the person you were meant to be "...it's up to us to create our destiny..." & of what family can be.

I love the strong female role model elements & message to never be less than extraordinary.  Just couldn't get enough of the soul deep attraction & connections that every girl dreams of.  But what got me most is the hardy love & support that shines through. "Camaraderie. Friendship. Family."  Can we have more S.L.?  A little somethin' somethin' for Bennett... 

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

My Bad (Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 4) by Lani Lynn Vale

BLURB

Hoax knows two things very well. 

One, he’s not relationship material. Two, the nurse that treats him for erectile dysfunction is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and practically has ‘the marrying type’ stamped on her forehead.

Does that stop him from wanting her? No. 

Unfortunately, he learned a long time ago that Army Delta Force and long-lasting relationships don’t go hand in hand. But beautiful hazel eyes, curly blonde hair, and the prettiest lips he’s ever seen play havoc with his resolve, making him forget his earlier convictions. 

All it takes is one teeny, tiny kiss for every shred of control he has to disappear, along with the problem in his pants. Soon he finds himself doing things that he knows that he shouldn’t. He doesn’t know that he’s found the woman that’s meant to be his. Nor does he realize that her father is the man he’s idolized from the moment he joined the army at the age of eighteen. Because, maybe if he had, he would’ve tried a little harder to ignore the pull he felt between them instead of making her his the night before he deployed for six months. 

He also might’ve tried a little harder not to knock her up.

REVIEW 

My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale, the fourth in her new Motor Cycle Club contemporary romance series, The Bear Bottom Guardians MC.  Set in small town Bear Bottom, Texas, USA, this is another white hot sexy contemporary romance that is full of funny banter, possessive & protective love, with a full range of emotion, sexy & sweet - with a side of suspensefulness.  Be prepared to go from laugh out loud, to heart wrenching before it's all said & done - another book that will keep you coming back for more of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC series.

"Hook, line and sinker. Head over heels. Shamelessly and irrevocably."

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this romance is full of witty sarcastic banter & romance of the undeniably sexy kind "...from chaste to erotic in about two seconds flat." while also heart wrenching.  Between Hoax with his ability to protect & care from a far & Pru with her free spirit & strong will.  Together with the support of friends who are family & family who love strong,  these characters will be tested by time, distance, friends & foes.  

Looking forward One Chance, Fancy - book 5 coming in January!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZON | AMAZON AU | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA

Playing by Heart by JB Salsbury

BLURB: 

Jesse Lee is the worst!

He’s a multi-millionaire, triple-platinum-selling, Grammy-Award-winning man-slut—a worldly, self-indulgent heathen. I wouldn’t sleep with him if he were our last chance to ensure survival of the human race. The only reason I put up with him is because he’s my boss’s brother.

Whatsherface is one of those holier-than-thou types.

She’s bossy, has a horrific singing voice, and she’s so ordinary, she practically blends in with the eggshell-colored walls—the complete opposite of anyone I’d bang. The only reason I put up with her is because my career is on the line.

Playing by Heart is an enemies-to-lovers romance where opposites not only attract, they ignite.

My Review

I love everything JB Salsbury – but will say I wasn’t sure what to expect from this hot rock star contemporary romance.  Turns out, the only thing I didn’t like about Playing by Heart, was it was over to soon!   An absolutely wonderful rock star romance that will own you from strung out start to inspiring finish. 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this story of heartbreak & closure, sacrifice & fresh starts, is funnier than you’ll expect “I’m a bonnet away from looking like an Amish grandmother.” sexy & romantic   "…what it feels like to be thoroughly loved in a slow, deliberate way…" & get you in the gut - will they, won't they angst.  Bethany - a supporter of “Fake it ‘til you make it!” kind, caring & searching for the good.  Jesse – on the road back to the musician he once was.  Wonderful strong, loving & fun supporting characters in family & friends add to the depth of this romance. 

 I loved the heart & emotion, the verbal sparring – couldn’t get enough of.  Another wonderful novel from JB! 

 “You might want to consider redefining your definition of love.”

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Hate Notes by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

SYNOPSIS:

It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.
Something blue.
I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”
Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.
The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.
He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after.
But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.
Something new.
But I have no idea how this one is going to end . . .
  

So, I have to be honest & say that I didn't think anything could top my love of the Rebel Heir duet which these fantastic authors collaborated on recently. Well - man was I wrong. Hate Notes by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward is a wonderful contemporary romance that will have you fully captivated from start to finish.  "God. So dirty, yet at the same time, so beautiful."

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this story of heartbreak, unexpected closeness, forgiveness, & fresh starts, won't disappoint. Sexy, funny "The dress was my spirit animal..." & get you in the gut - will they, won't they angst.  Charlotte is wise beyond her crazy "Deep down, buried underneath all that crazy, was a woman who believed in fairy tales." She'll make you want to too...  Reed is bent on keeping his distance to protect his heart & the secret behind the decisions he makes.  A few surprising emotional & gasp worthy turns add depth to this romance.  Loving & fun supporting characters bring this story full circle.

"...love the life you have, while you work on the life you want."

I love the internal dialogue, no holds barred bickering & cat-and-mouse chase.  Sexy as hell  -  So many great wise words to live by 

"Just keep swimming."  

"...focus on things that make me happy instead of dwelling on the past, which I can't change."

"...strong - perfectly imperfect."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Royally Yours (Royally Series #4) by Emma Chase

     

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t… is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.
**
Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.
**
Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.


MY REVIEW

I read this book in a day.  Absolutely loved my very first Emma Chase read.  Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase has it all - love, death & everything in between.  

You won't be able to get enough of Lenora, her innocence turned to fierce strength.  Miriam, Lenora's wild, free spirited sister & the family bond that is stoic on the outside, but full of love on the inside.  Thomas & Edward ~ so different, yet the same in heart & spirit.  

Sorrowful, romantic, sexy & joy filled.  A gasp worthy story of heart wrenching loss, struggle, true friendship & love ~ of finding life's purpose, meeting challenges & coming home to a queen & her new reign.

"It's beautiful. Amazing."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Saint (Mercy #2) by JB Salsbury

BLURB

Milo sold his soul to the devil to save an angel.
Now he’s after revenge.

There are worse prisons than the lush estate of a notorious drug smuggler in Mexico. Mercy lives out her days alone and hidden from the world, but her sleep is riddled with nightmares of the muti and all the boys and girls just like her who weren’t lucky enough to get away.

If the people who kept her as a child are in Mexico, is it possible she could find them?

What starts as vigilante justice unravels a web of human trafficking deeper and darker than Milo and Mercy could’ve imagined. When she comes face-to-face with the people she once considered family, she proves she is far from the Angel they raised her to be.

MY REVIEW

 

Saint by JB Salsbury, book 2 of her Mercy duet, this is the sexy contemporary romance & mystery thriller conclusion to Mercy & Milo's story.  Picking up right where the Ghostgirl epic cliffhanger left off, Saint with Milo "...doing what was best for those I love. You know what they say. Hindsight is a bitch."  A romance entwined with drug cartels & international human trafficking...

The connection between these characters continues to extend past the physical, toward soul deep, heart wrenching emotion.  While Milo risks all for revenge, Mercy struggles to hold on to the man she loves  "Forever. You and me. Not a single thing on earth will ever come between us." all the while fighting to be free once more from a all new kind of imprisonment.  Secrets, vengeance & lies "For your protection, it's better that you don't know."  A wild ride as a new mystery unfolds, one evil put behind them only to fight another.  "There is so much evil in the world. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get away from it."  A story of a savior, of healing of body & soul ~ finding faith in humanity & seeking destined purpose in this world.  

I love seeing these characters grow into themselves "I realize I'm not an angel, that I have no supernatural powers, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference in a person's life."  So much love & affection.  An ending that won't disappoint.

"Everything is a journey, a wild ride with constant surprises."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Ridge (The Crow Brothers, #4)

  SYNOPSIS

The One didn’t exist.

Then I met Meadow.

The band's honorary little sister was off-limits. Too late for that. She says we’re “nothing serious,” but she’s gotten under my skin and I can’t stop thinking about her. And when I touch her, I know we’re meant to be.

Happy Endings don’t exist.

Not even with Ridge.

My big plans never included falling for a rock star. Too soon for that. He wants to make us a “thing,” and I can’t deny our chemistry is combustible. His persistence is wearing me down, making his proposition hard to resist.

If true love only exists in fairy tales, why am I beginning to believe that Ridge just might be my happily ever after?

This STANDALONE Second Chance Rock Star Romance by New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, will have you falling in love with Ridge Carson while introducing you to his Sexy as Sin band mates—Jet, Tulsa, and Rivers Crow.

Ridge by S.L. Scott, the 4th installment of her The Crow Brothers series - can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend that.  Simply because you would be missing out on 3 more amazing novels from S.L. including some spectacular story's & cross over characters.  This rock star romance series is one you won't want to miss.

Told from dual perspectives, with flashback & inner monologue action throughout.  This coming of age, second chances rock star romance is angsty & heart wrenching all the way to it's roller coaster "will they", "won't they" end. "Playful. Sexy. Fun." & "A stunning mess of emotions." From the start, nothing is clearer than what Meadow & Ridge have is nothing serious - not meant to last.  Meadow is coming into her own & doesn't want anything getting in the way of her master plan - never need to depend on anyone & most definitely not looking for "the one".  Dave is working his way threw embracing his success in doing what he loves, while having to sacrifice being there for those he holds most dear.  With wonderful relationships among siblings, band mates & friends who are family.  This is a story of great chemistry, but timing that is less than ideal.  "...it's not always easy even if it's meant to be."  So much heat - desire "So bad. So naughty. Sexy. Mmm."  Overcoming fear of losing the fight for HEA.  "Instead of asking yourself what if, ask yourself why not."

I love the pull between these two characters.  So genuine in their connection, in spite of their conflicted hearts.  "...the sunshine to my rainy-day heart."  I love the way these friends & families bond together.  The truth in fearing the unknown in life & love.  I didn't want this book - the series to end...

"Four guys. Four friends. Four musicians. One band. One Family." 

Adored this series.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

#1 Muse (#1 Series, Book 5) by T. Gephart

Synopsis:

Landing a writing gig in Hollywood was just as difficult as becoming an actor, and something Claire Becker had learned the hard way.

Sure, she didn’t have to conform to ridiculous beauty standards and give up her love for raw cookie dough, but the sting of rejection burned all the same. The only things that kept her sane were her two amazing roommates and her guilty pleasure—writing fan-fiction.

Getting lost in her own world, she’d forget that she had yet to land her dream job, and instead spent time with her dream man—Nick Larsson. Well, at least in the literary sense. Too bad he wasn’t aware or an active participant—her fictional love life, outstanding.

Tall, good-looking and sexy beyond comprehension, Nick Larsson not only had a famous last name—and four equally smoldering brothers—but was talented beyond belief. A star on the rise with a critically acclaimed series, his body and face were what fantasy scripts—and dreams—were made of. Made for some pretty steamy writing opportunities too.

And yes, it was probably “wrong” for Claire to objectify him, but it wasn’t like anyone knew about it. Just her, and her two amazing, supportive roommates.

Or at least they were amazing and supportive, and bound to be missed after Claire killed them.

In a moment of unexplained insanity, one of them —or both, each as bad as the other—sent her latest installments to the man himself.

Cue panic of epic proportions.

All Claire needed to do was sneak into his apartment and retrieve the misappropriated story before Nick, or anyone else, read it and mistook her for a creepy stalker. Although, breaking and entering probably wouldn’t convince anyone to the contrary either.

Claire was going to get the best material of her life, or end up with a restraining order. Either way, the story was getting a hell of lot more interesting.

MY REVIEW

#1 Muse by T. Gephart, book 5 in her #1 series, this contemporary romance can be read as a standalone - which is exactly what I did.  Funny "Sure, I could diet, work out six hours a day, and become a size zero, but I valued joy, happiness and cookie dough over a skinny ass." sexy & sweet this angsty romance will not disappoint. 

 

Set in the mecca of Hollywood & all the demands of the entertainment industry.  Making her way to the forefront of screenwriters, Claire can use all the help she can get "Nick inspired me, excited me, and lit a fire in me I hadn't experience in a while. He was...My. Muse."  Just like Nick, this story is "...definitely flirty. And charming. And sexy. And playful. Super hot as well."  full of all the things, love & friendship should be.  There are bumps before it's all said & done - "Lust, love, anger, hurt, confusion and passion..." working through trust & doubt, testing whether dreams can come true.

 

I loved the flirty banter.  The supporting character friendships that are loyal, endearing & heartwarmingly sweet.  Funny & entertaining, a great read!

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK