Pretty Instinct by S.E. Hall

Without meaning to, this novel clarified for me why Hollywood marriages rarely last long. Tight quarters; uninterrupted time spent exclusively and in secluded spaces for work will make strangers think they know each other for years. Enough to get the three letter phrase and walk down the aisle.

If you follow my reviews you know I am not a fan of insta love stories, especially ones of this caliber. Still, I enjoyed the story for the most part. Liz's humour and Connor's lack of a filter and love of fish, yes, I am weird like that, my favourite pet are fish, made it easier to relax and get to know the other characters.

Contrary to what you might expect, the music brings them together but that's where it ends. This story focuses more on the insta love story line and Liz's past than it does C.U.N.T (name of the band) and their musical journey. I think they should get the award for "Most pointless tour in history". So if your looking for a full on rockstar romance, then this can only fill half of that need, but it does have a good playlist :)

Liz is spunky and does a great job of narrating the majority of this story. She is fierce, fiery and did I mention funny? "You don't eat my pussy or pay my bills so you don't get a say" will remain my favourite line in a novel until it gets a worthy successor. Meeting Cannon made her a cheesy romantic but occasionally, the Liz I love broke through.

Cannon, with the exception of his name, is too good to be true. He is the epitome of price charming so I never really got into his character. I like my guys with a little edge! He had his moments in the bedroom but outside he was too much of a pacifist. I'm sorry, but no new girlfriend should have to face off with an ex-fiance while the guy sits in the car. It's not cute, it's cowardly!

As story line goes, this one had too much, but only one interested me and when I finally got the answers, I was sorely disappointed. Vaughn sums it up best with his appearance. This story was longer than it needed to be, especially with the fact that the interesting things didn't happen until the end and by then, we were staring at the chapter long acknowledgement. Hope she got everybody o.O

Vaughn I believe, is the one character that got the summary of this story right, to the point where I would read a novel about the little sociopath. Yeah, I apparently like 'em dark ;)

If not for a select few characters, prolly three, I would probably not like this story at all. I actually thought about discontinuing at 10% but I stuck through it! This was too much teenage angst, for the age group, mixed with a fairy tale romance. I kept waiting for Taylor Swift to burst out in song!

It wasn't perfect, realistic or relateable but it was good enough for me to get to the end and when it was good, it was great! I am actually curious as to who is next in the series cause it surely can't be Cannon and Elizabeth and no one else is as interesting so that's saying something o.O

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22094096-pretty-instinct

Take Me for Granted by K.A. Linde

In the beginning, I had to double check that this was in fact a K.A. Linde novel. It didn't feel like her usual writing style and it takes you a while to warm up to the characters, if at all. I'm still not the biggest Vin fan. He just doesn't know when to quit!

As usual, there were a few spin to the usual college/rockstar romance drama. Thing is though, this story wasn't riddled with music as much as I expected. As popular and present music goes, there was none and all the musicians outside of Contraband, with the exception of Vin, were tools. I don't know much about the music industry but this was the most unwelcome representation.

Grant is an interesting character because his first impression leaves everything to be desired. He was cheesy, trying too hard and I didn't buy into his "playboy" persona. He was just annoying. As the novel progressed, I started to warm to his character and like him a little more. He balanced the line between fiction and reality, with his 360 upon meeting Ari, but his continued appreciation of the female anatomy. After all, he isn't blind or impotent.

Ari was a banshee from beginning to end but I love her. She took her time, stayed focus and never lost sight of who she is and wanted to be. She never backs down and made for the perfect balance to Grant's character. Her dry humour and sarcasm helped also. Even though she was on the wealthier side, she held a more relateable and realistic tone in comparison to the other characters.

We really only got Grant's background but it was so out of left field and that ending did nothing to reassure or help me understand his past anymore. I was left even more confused and unsure of why we needed a happy, anxiety filled cliffhanger o.O

Overall, I feel like this story is an easy read, that keeps you interested enough to finish. However, there is hardly any substance and playing out all the cliches of a rockstar romance can only take it so far. I wish there was more music and less groupie focus but K.A. Linde has always taken her novel from the opposite POVs and this time was no different. The friends were questionable and God bless the few people who possessed any morals.

Minus the lack of musical influences, shock value and overall point, I would read book 2 mostly to see what's next for Grant, Ari and Contraband. Maybe it will get better as it progress and I would like to be apart of that when if it does, plus I have few questions that only K.A. Linde can answer :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21801311-take-me-for-granted

Lead By Kylie Scott

I was never bored; I was kept entertained, given depth and full character profiles, but I still left this novel feeling lost and incomplete. I was interested, love the flow and the steady progression, but as is usual with this series, the end was abrupt. The meaningful fight comes way too late and then it is resolved faster than it took to develop.

Jimmy and Lena are a feisty pair and I love them as a couple. They brought a nice change, where they let it all out, then work on it, as oppose to pulling teeth to find the problems, then fixing it. Even if he bought his way out the dog house a few times.

Though unrequited, for a period of time, there was never a doubt as to what these characters wanted and how they felt. They were uniquely, awkward but they understand and compliment each other.

Lena is sarcastic, witty and a word I've never used before in a review, brave. She never backs down and when you expect her to run, hide and cry, she puts on her strongest face and puts you in your place. She is even in your face demanding her own demise, as long as it's on her terms.

Jimmy is not what I expected but then again, I read 'Play' and 'Lick' eons ago! There are layers to this man and his thoughts, reasoning and perspective was one to assess. I only wish that we could have gotten it straight from him to really understand how his mind works.

Surprisingly, the music aspect of the novel was low. Other than a Maroon 5 nod in the end, it didn't give much musical moments. It was more comedic and filled with dating advice.

For those who are all about the sex, be forewarned, while it is there, it too is tame. There isn't much steamy or passionate scenes and even then they found things to laugh about.

Riddled with grammatical errors, this novel threw me off a few times as I corrected these errors to understand a conversation. I, for one, don't like to be unaware of the words I use and read, so if I don't know it, I goggle it! We seemed to get a little European and Australian slangs as we went and all that did was brought to my attention that we didn't really have much American culture in this novel. Still, that's fine with me. It didn't deter me from the novel, it just removed the American authenticity.

It was good that the rest of Stage Dive also got to highlight where they currently sat in the relationships we were privy to before but there was also a few unanswered questions and unaccounted characters in the end.

If your looking for something fun, quick and flirty then this is the book for you. It has it's moments when it tugs at you but it's not emotional or overly filled with love. It's mostly clueless fun with a spunky heroine and a clueless lead singer.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21401910-lead

Taming the Storm By Samantha Towle

Taming the storm was just that ... tame. While it's a good, flowing story, with an interesting enough cast of characters, I got use to the explosiveness that is Tru and Jake. I felt like this was a softer side to TMS and while I didn't hate it, it didn't blow me out the water either.

As usual, there is an array of song for you to discover and share. I have always turned to this series to give me unforgettable tunes that I can enjoy, long after I have finish reading the story. To this day, I still sing and listen to 'You have started' by Ou est le swimming pool.

Lyla is feisty and a little withdrawn but if you get her angry enough you see another side and let's not talk about how she shocked me when it came to sex. They both make for an an interesting couple but their story felt level with no real dynamics. At times, I think it's because it was such a shock of a prologue, that nothing else in the novel can compare.

I like the way Tom's past was highlighted and that the usual cliche was kept to a minimum. He actually felt untouchable, like a band manager/stranger, in the beginning and we got to take our time and get to know the guy behind the bass. His back story interesting, gruesome and an original one. Still, it remains a far fetched theory when reasoning out his demons. Though I understand, there is still some aspects, that are just really out of sync with his present ideologies and anonymity.

The Tom Carter of TTS is not the one we met and saw throughout this series. He is definitely a changed man and I don't know which one I like better. This Tom was hardly a challenge but his change was interesting. He was funny, intense and much more level headed than I expect.

This novel is broken into two parts; The chase and the sex. The chase was enlightening because we got to watch Tom and Lyla learn about each other and what they were bringing to the table; Everything after was laced with fear, confusion and a ton load of sex! At this point, Tom should just tape his mouth to Lyla's "Virginia" and what is up with him and being fully naked to have sex? o.O

They had some steamy sex scenes and the fact that their both animals in the bedroom helped to heighten the experience. Lyla was never one to shy away and Tom can think of nothing else but sex when Lyla is laid out before him.

The level of drama in this novel is low even though Lyla has zero filter and Tom has slept with almost every woman he has ever met in the past. Her lack of filter made this story humorous and she became the star of this novel. It also helped that this go, it was the woman who was the talent and the man the groupie.

This story had dual POVs but it is sporadic where Tom's take is concerned. I wish we had more time with Tom because a lot of  times I found myself wanting to know his thoughts. The fact that their first sex scene was taken from his POV also, made it different and left us quite entertained. It's almost like reading two different stories depending on who is narrating that chapter.

Some might call it a beautiful end to the series and while I am glad to see every one and to get an update on their lives, I still felt it was incomplete, because we technically went through that event in WTS and I wanted a unique ending focused on Lyla and Tom. The series is over and they only get one novel; It's only fair!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17335212-taming-the-storm

How We Deal with Gravity By Ginger Scott

I love novels that aren't afraid to tackle controversial issues and I love them even more when they succeed. This novel is a balance between complete success and falling short. It needed one more push to either make it a failure or an epic success but it stayed on the line.

It's fast but is's slow and their isn't much in the way of conflict or character development but it held it's own and had it's heart warming moments. The problem I have is that I can't make a concrete assessment of anyone in this novel, except for Max and I think that's due to his schedule and illness. I would have loved to spend more time with him because my favourite parts, is getting to know the insanely intelligent 5 year old with autism.

There wasn't much development in the relationship between Avery and Mason and I assume that is because they already spent their formative years together. However, we weren't there, so I would have liked a little more than walks down memory lane. I wanted to see their relationship start and develop as oppose to the insta-awakening in Mason and the easy acceptance of Avery.

Speaking of Avery, I would give anything for her to cry less. That chick cries a lot and it doesn't take much to jerk her to tears. The Avery at the beginning of this novel was strong, confident and had no problem showing Mason who was in charge while she handled being the mother of a child with autism. In the end, she became a blubbering mess who confused me to no end. I still don't understand her feelings or decisions after that night of unpleasant star gazing.

I wish that we focused more on Max and autism, as I felt like we only scratched the surface by focusing on their need for a routine and Max's talent in science and music. I wanted more interaction with Max because those times were the most memorable and humorous scenes.

For a character, that barely spoke a chapter worth of words, Max took the cake! I understand that it is his autism that makes him react to situations different than others but I loved his intuitive moments and his snarky responses and actions. The kid doesn't care and I love it!

Mason is the prefect man a woman could have and I never once saw him as a womanizing bad boy, even though he has an edge. I loved his honesty and reservations, even his reactions to simple things like a stripper rubbing up on his junk. He's a man after all, so no use lying to ourselves. He remained true to himself and everyone around him. He was the anchor to this story and I love that even though he could have been, he wasn't an angry, washed up musician, sulking and blaming the world for his problems. He didn't have much but what he had he made it work.

For the first time, I couldn't relate to the music in a novel but I think that's more because it was a secondary notion and was only highlighted to give emotions to situations.

There are a few missing elements to this story but I think the overall body of work makes it inconsequential. I was intrigued, interested and if not for my days being crazy, I could see myself reading this book in a day. You don't need to have or know anyone with autism to understand this story, as it touches you on more than one level and though I would have preferred a different ending for Ray, it was a catalyst that gave us a balanced end.

This novel is a delicate balance because while it held steady and keeps you interested, by the end, you realize that it didn't accomplish much as it relates to character development and proper conflict. Still, it was good enough to leave the possibility of me reading another Ginger Scott novel or an update on the Street/Abbott gang.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701323-how-we-deal-with-gravity

Strings of the Heart By Katie Ashley

The last 90% of this novel was more interesting than the entire compilation. Bella gave us an interesting start and even though I would have loved some Mia flair in that moment, I still had high hopes. Therefore, I was rather disappointed to find that after that, I spent most of the novel bored and learning about Rhys family and the time they spent in Savannah. I could have even then tolerated that, if not for the fact that nothing was done with the mass amount of hours spent telling this tale. The personal aspects of his life went no where. Unless there is going to be another novel for him and Allison, then almost nothing came out of getting in depth with his family life.

At about 30%, I just wanted to finish this novel and move on to something else waiting in my kindle, but by the end, I needed more. While it technically is a HEA, there is still so much unanswered questions and a lot more time needed to acclimate to this new relationship. Especially on Jake's part.

Despite the secrecy though, this wasn't an angst fest. It was however filled with sunshine and unicorns on Allison's part. She is a beam of sunshine through  every one's dark cloud and it annoyed initially to the point where I considered stopping. She cries because of baby pics. I'm sorry ... too weak for me.

Naturally though, I love it when she got fierce with not only the catty wenches but Rhys. Her anger was palpable and I loved her fierce and feral, the girl wears heartbreak well. When she wasn't being any of the above though, she was quite the sex fiend! She likes it rough and there is something about their sex that's more than the description. It was passionate, raw and intense, as you get to see and feel both their POVs on what's happening in their bedroom or make up counter ;)

I never paid much mine to Rhys before, but he sometimes reminds me of Griffin from 'Once upon a Billionaire', except that he's not pretentious and cares not about public appearances. However, they are both scholars, maybe one more than the other and when you get them out their underpants, they know how to give you some good sex!

I loved both sides of both Allison's worlds and I wish that they could have eventually mixed. Cassie is awesome and I wish we got more time with her outside of the Savannah side of the story. It would be fun to see her interact with the other members of Runaway Train and Jacob's Labber. Emmie and Lucy hanging couldn't be that bad either. In essence, I feel like a mixture was needed at the end to tie it all together.

The climax came very close to the end and while the reaction was expected, It was 50/50 for the big reveal, in my opinion. Yes, it had me alert, out of my bed and pouring over the pages but it was also predictable. It wasn't bad, it was crass, funny and mortifying for me the reader, so I can only imagine them as the characters.  I thought a comfortable resolution would take time and expected the time period of the epilogue, to show more than it did. As I said before, I wanted a mixture and an overall sense of togetherness for both of Rhys's worlds.

There seems to be a bucket load of eligible bachelors being paraded around and I am sort of hoping Mr. Marshall from the auction wasn't just apart of the story. I think his past is the base for a really good romance novel and I really want to see what Eli and Gabe have to give.

Brayden and Lily are still a mystery to me but that's fine, because the make awesome parents and they are the most stable couple on this train. Mia is way too mellow now and AJ is his usual eccentric self. Jake remains angry, with Abby as his anchor and we are given a brief view into the men of Jacob's Ladder. I love that we got updates on every one and got to reacquaint ourselves with characters through the series we might not have focused on before.

It's really sugary sweet in the beginning and it lost me in the middle but luckily, the ending made up for the initial progression. It became fast paced, on point and kept up the vibe till the end.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21535945-strings-of-the-heart

A Song For Us By Teresa Mummert

I think I took too long to finish reading this novel and now I am paying for it. I have an array of emotions to accompany this novel, based on the chapters I got through each day. Therefore, by the end, I have no one set emotional evaluation of this novel. It just is.

The beginning was tentative. Nothing much happened but we got updates and reconnected with old characters. No offence Dorris :)

Before, I saw Eric's character as an angry douche, but I wasn't sure what to expect this go. I was thoroughly surprised to see that Eric through his and Sarah's eyes is a completely different man. Even Cass and Tucker seemed grown and more confident and secure than when we first met them.

Eric is more sensitive than you'd expect and his cynical words did not match his deep actions. I liked his character from beginning to end and I actually wish that he ended up with Donna. I like them together and I think they could have helped each other out of their funk.

Yes, after that last statement, you might find me crazy but I actually think that Derek and Sarah make a good couple. I think he really loves her, he's just as messed up in the head as the rest of them. It's just that no one bothered to talk to him and Sarah was unable to be the support he needed because she could barely hold herself up. If not for that major, appalling wrench thrown in at the climax of this novel, Derek could have become a better person and Donna could have enhanced not only 'Damaged' but the Eric we got to know in this installment.

Sarah annoyed me a lot throughout this novel. I will admit it now, I am bias. I like novels about the guys that are crazy but I resent when it's a female. Irrespective of what we like to think, men are the stronger sex physically, so to see a man vulnerable is welcomed. Women are always placed in a category of being weaklings, so I hate when one free falls into said category, especially through cutting. I hate that most of all.

I started reading this novel after clearly stating to myself that I didn't want to read a love triangle. The irony? Yes, I saw it too. This was a love square! However, I had hopes that maybe Sarah would stick with Derek and Eric and Donna would be the real outcome. Eventually though, I had to get over that dream and try to navigate the murky waters of tainted and unrequited love. Eric had to fight both literally and figuratively for this one. I hope she's worth it.

The resolution in this novel baffled me because all it took was showing up to start mending the problems that plagued and stunted these characters for most of their adult life. I liked the blast into their past because I was interested in the conversations between Eric and his dad. Those were some vulnerable moments.

Even though this was a rock and roll novel it gave us an aspect that we rarely see with this genre. They weren't touring and getting in trouble with groupies , they were on a break. It was good to see them in a different element, removed from the celebrity scene and it assisted in highlighting the struggles for artiste to acclimate back to every day life when the touring ends.

The twins were more interactive in this novel and I like the time spent with Terry and Chris. They are the life of the party! The camaraderie only got better with the return of Tucker as he helped create ways for Eric and Sarah's relationship to grow. Side note, if you haven't noticed, I refuse to call him 'E'. It's a letter and quite retarded of a nick name -_-

This can be a quick read if your in the mood and have the time. It's interesting enough to keep you engaged but get ready to be annoyed at some point with the back and forth between Donna, Eric, Sarah and Derek.

I liked Eric and Derek the most from this novel and their constant competition and deception kept this story interesting and moving more than the actual romance. Truthfully, I was over it when the final couple dynamics were revealed. I didn't hate the romance but I was more a fan of the road to the romance.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16138461-a-song-for-us

Play By Kylie Scott

If you want crazy, impulsive anything, then this is the series for you! Either these guys are really impulsive or they know what they want and waste no time getting it. They do everything back ways, so I was surprise and actually wanting Anne to end this novel barefoot and pregnant.

I've done fake it till you make it romances before, but this one didn't carry that vibe. I believe Mal, they are destined to be together, minus his crazy reasoning. They make  more sense as a couple than they do apart. If they never kept on mentioning how long they were together, I truly wouldn't remember.

The main problem for me, was the drama level. There wasn't an unforgettable, knock you off your feet moment, it kept it safe and free flowing. On the plus side, I haven't read a full length novel in one day, in a long time, so I can safely say it held my attention. It doesn't read like a full length novel and the time line extremely short to cover the issues buried and brought to light.

Both characters have solid backgrounds and issues that could make story lines that leave an impact. However, the moment we start to pressure these issues and events of the past and present, it just as quickly turns into friendly banter. It's fine, if your building character and personality, otherwise it just seems like an incomplete conversation :(

Anne is an interesting mix of possibilities. She is caring, loyal and responsible to a 'T'. She analyzes before she jumps, she reminds me of myself in that aspect. I can second guess myself all day long! We only get one vulnerable side to her and I would have loved more, because even that story seems incomplete with quite a few holes to fill.

Malcolm is just as I remember him from 'Lick'. He is full of humour and can turn a party up in no time! I love his moments behind the kit and find him to be one of the sexiest drummers, in the world of book boyfriends and rock star romances. His drunken conversations are to hilarious and wish we got more. Kudos to him also, for not being your cliche dark past rocker. He's a good guy, raised in a good home, who is having a complete 360 done to his personal life.

Even with all this good base and content, the story line and most events came off unrealistic. The best friends angle is more understated than I expected, it's not a love triangle, so don't start reading it just for that. To be honest, he wasn't even needed in this novel. This couple is solid!

I enjoyed this novel more at the end. I do however hate how we were just queued up for the next in the series and then dropped. I wasn't even sure if I was finished, I was skipping pages trying to see if I am missing a chapter. It was very abrupt and left me with lingering questions and scenes that I would have liked to witness first hand.

Mal is honest and Annie is discreet. They balance each other well and make for interesting interactions. For a rock and roll romance though, I find this novel lacking in the music department. There are concerts and even practicing sessions, but no one knows what they are singing, apart from the girlfriends, wife and baby sitters. I feel as though this series on a whole, focuses more on the instruments than what they produce.

It's a music based novel, so I feel as though some people like myself, read these novels to learn about new music and put a memorable scenery to others. We were forwarded to a band at the end, which I checked out, but they aren't Stage Dive. They need a song or something to make them stand out among the other rock star romance novels.

Even being safe and coloring in the lines, I enjoyed 'Play'. There is a story lurking and the moments you get close enough will draw you in, if only for a time. Mal gives you enough laughs though to not think about it in the moment. I wouldn't abandon this series just yet, but I am hoping to experience an installment that's not afraid to tackle the struggles head on. No pain, no gain!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19080006-play

Death of a Rock Star By N.J. Frost

Have you ever read a book that just left you with this buzz where you just can't wait to share it with the world and waiting on the conclusion is ripping you to pieces? Well, So have I and I can't wait until I get to read more!

If the prequel and the preview of the first novel in this series is anything to go by then sign me up! I was beating on my kindle, wanting more, even knowing that all I was getting was a preview.

I think this will be my first real, gritty, rock star romance novel. It's not glamorous, it's full of history, truth, angst and a playlist that's to die for!! (Sorry Jamie)

I spent a hour, before going to bed, to start and complete this novella. I was hooked from the first word and I never want to let go. There is a raw passion and vibe in both the characters and their works. I wanted to experience life with Jamie around, get in the mind of Sylvie (hate her name btw) and experience every high with Blake. I want it all, even knowing the outcome for Jamie.

N.J. Frost even went as far as to give us a Jamie POV. It is sad, haunting and strikes a nerve. This novella was jam packed with emotions and I can just imagine what a roller coaster ride the story itself will be.
The current characters are filled with conviction and spice. The drama is real and constant. I was extremely emotional for a few pages, that's really suppose to help get me ready for the main event.

This group of characters are eclectic and I am waiting to see where this will all go. I won't say there is potential, because that's a given! I just really hope the final product lives up to this unmistakingly good preview. I am excited, buzzed and waiting on the release of this story, that drags you throw the dark side of rock and roll, all the way across the pond!

It will be epic!!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18713426-death-of-a-rock-star