Scan barcode
bookdrgn's review against another edition
3.0
I nearly did not finish this one. Only seeing Emmie & Slater's wedding kept me going.
It was so overwrought with drama, and grown adults hyperfocused on negative experiences, allowing them to overwhelm all the positive.
I get it, there's nothing like a childhood to screw up an adult, but given the few "ah-ha" moments Derek had with Emmie about their father in the previous book, the drama in this one seemed unnecessary.
Derek puts too much focus on material accolades representing creative success that even when he gets them he isn't convinced. All these people around him tell him he's great but he doesn't believe them.
Violet, oh Violet. I know what lacklove is and I know it can mess up kids, but it doesn't mean a person isn't capable of feeling love. And it was used as a crutch for Violet to withdraw from Derek and believe the worst about him.
Yeah, he was impulsive and a doofus, but she was his antithesis in every emotional way.
It went on for too long and there was obstacle after obstacle and so on and so forth.
It was so overwrought with drama, and grown adults hyperfocused on negative experiences, allowing them to overwhelm all the positive.
I get it, there's nothing like a childhood to screw up an adult, but given the few "ah-ha" moments Derek had with Emmie about their father in the previous book, the drama in this one seemed unnecessary.
Derek puts too much focus on material accolades representing creative success that even when he gets them he isn't convinced. All these people around him tell him he's great but he doesn't believe them.
Violet, oh Violet. I know what lacklove is and I know it can mess up kids, but it doesn't mean a person isn't capable of feeling love. And it was used as a crutch for Violet to withdraw from Derek and believe the worst about him.
Yeah, he was impulsive and a doofus, but she was his antithesis in every emotional way.
It went on for too long and there was obstacle after obstacle and so on and so forth.
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
5.0
This was so incredible! A wonderful, detailed story with fantastic characters. It was just awesome. It’s my second book by this author and once again, I am blown away!
I was pulled in from the very beginning and I ignored everything while I read and immersed myself in this book. Violet and Derek had this great animosity towards each other, it helped create a ton of sexual tension and chemistry! Violet had a lot of past issues and they created this fun, sexy, yet turbulent ride between the two. I liked her so much and even though she had her issues, I found her to be a strong woman. I loved her feistiness! Derek had his own things going on and I loved how it all evolved and connected. They had their ups and downs, there were times I wanted to strangle them both but those moments just seemed so real, pulling me into the story even more.
This was just such a solid story, very well developed. Captivating, entertaining, and really hot! There was also a lot of tension, it was emotional, and heartbreaking at times. I loved this all consuming need Derek and Violet had for one another and all the complications they encountered, it made for a heck of a story.
Not only are Derek and Violet fantastic, but the band members are equally awesome. There are some serious things going on and it was really great how it all intersected and played out. All the guys have really distinct personalities and passions, they can be both super fun and really intense. I thought it all had a really great balance.
I really can't say enough good things. I was just a well if emotion while reading, so caught up in everything. Excellent read from start to finish but that last 20%, I was a mess. I was just so into it, I was consumed. Excellent ending.
I loved the first book You Really Got Me, it was a 5 star read for me. But this one, this one was better. Truly Fantastic. Erika Kelly has an engaging writing style that really pulls you into the world of these characters. A must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I was pulled in from the very beginning and I ignored everything while I read and immersed myself in this book. Violet and Derek had this great animosity towards each other, it helped create a ton of sexual tension and chemistry! Violet had a lot of past issues and they created this fun, sexy, yet turbulent ride between the two. I liked her so much and even though she had her issues, I found her to be a strong woman. I loved her feistiness! Derek had his own things going on and I loved how it all evolved and connected. They had their ups and downs, there were times I wanted to strangle them both but those moments just seemed so real, pulling me into the story even more.
This was just such a solid story, very well developed. Captivating, entertaining, and really hot! There was also a lot of tension, it was emotional, and heartbreaking at times. I loved this all consuming need Derek and Violet had for one another and all the complications they encountered, it made for a heck of a story.
Not only are Derek and Violet fantastic, but the band members are equally awesome. There are some serious things going on and it was really great how it all intersected and played out. All the guys have really distinct personalities and passions, they can be both super fun and really intense. I thought it all had a really great balance.
I really can't say enough good things. I was just a well if emotion while reading, so caught up in everything. Excellent read from start to finish but that last 20%, I was a mess. I was just so into it, I was consumed. Excellent ending.
I loved the first book You Really Got Me, it was a 5 star read for me. But this one, this one was better. Truly Fantastic. Erika Kelly has an engaging writing style that really pulls you into the world of these characters. A must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
loverofromance's review against another edition
5.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Derek Valencia has worked hard to get away from his past and make a success for himself. Derek and his band are on their tour, and things are looking great for him. But lately the boys on the band have been getting more rowdy and when the press gets a hold of a crazy party, Derek knows that things are going to need to change, but he has no idea on the how, until Violet Davis comes onto the scene. Violet works as a minder for the music business, so that she can get enough money earned to pay for the mortgage on her wildflower farm, a farm that she would do anything to keep. When her friend Emmie calls her up and asks her to help the members of the band get away from partying too much, Violet can't resist the money that is offered for it. But the man she will have to win her over will have to be the leader "Derek" who at first is outraged, but he realizes that Violet can be of some use, when he sees how bad off his boys are. Violet has never opened herself up to love or a relationship until Derek, her past keeps her closed off, but Derek is bold and determined to win her over no matter her resistance.
Derek Valencia was mocked and ridiculed by his father all of his growing up years, only his sister loved him unconditionally. But despite his father's disapproval Derek was determined to learn as much as he could about music and formed a band in middle school and has loved it ever since. But Derek has never fully believed in himself until now, he wants it all, to show that he can be a success despite his father's negative influence. Derek is a hero I fell for from the first book. You see how much he loves the band and his music, and will do anything to be successful. I loved his energy and how colorful his personality came through. He isn't afraid to go after what he wants, or to make it happen. What I enjoyed most about his character was the way that he faces life. You see how he deals with the problems with his father, but doesn't let him get him down.
I Want You To Want Me is a fantastic story that won my heart and boy has Erika Kelly done it again. She has caught me up in a romance that I couldn't put down. I picked this one right up after reading the first book, because I had to read Derek's story. I fell for him in the first book, because you see that he is the heart of the band, and I wanted to know what drives him and more about his past especially concerning his father, which we get a bit of a teaser about in the first book. But in this one we learn how horrid his father really is, I mean his father is just awful at times, and tends to try to bring Derek down and sabotage him quite too much, but you see how Derek is strong enough to battle the tide and not let it affect him too much, and in this story we see how much he NEEDS to actually prove himself, not just to his father or those in charge of their album or press, but also to prove that he is talented and can be a success. Now Violet is so good for Derek in many ways. She lets him see who he truly is, but keeps him humble at the same time. And she is one tough lady, I loved her from the beginning. Because she gets how bad the situation is and doesn't let anything faze her from getting the job done. You have to admire that. Their relationship is rocky many times, even after they admit that they love each other, that is not the end. Both Derek and Violet have personal issues they need to face before they can be with each other fully. Many moments it was heart breaking how these two hurt each other without meaning to, and how they struggle to form a balance in the bond they have together, but we also see how much they are meant to be together, and despite everything they still fight for one another. I adored everything about this book, but it definitely brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, because I got so caught up in the story I couldn't help that my heart just ached for these two to find a common ground and be happy together and just love one another...it does happen but it takes time for each of them to realize what they have and go after it.
Can I say sexy and hot and there isn't even a shirt off or anything!! I like the theme of the covers sexy and relaxed, and I love the arms and those tats. Normally I get picky about tattoos on covers, but whoever did this cover knew what they were doing.
I Want You To Want Me is a stunning story that left me breathless from beginning to end. I just couldn't get enough. This story has is all passion, strong characters, humor, engaging writing and a story to die for. This is the perfect romance, with rocky terrain but so satisfying you want to read it again. MAGNIFICENT!!
Summary
Derek Valencia has worked hard to get away from his past and make a success for himself. Derek and his band are on their tour, and things are looking great for him. But lately the boys on the band have been getting more rowdy and when the press gets a hold of a crazy party, Derek knows that things are going to need to change, but he has no idea on the how, until Violet Davis comes onto the scene. Violet works as a minder for the music business, so that she can get enough money earned to pay for the mortgage on her wildflower farm, a farm that she would do anything to keep. When her friend Emmie calls her up and asks her to help the members of the band get away from partying too much, Violet can't resist the money that is offered for it. But the man she will have to win her over will have to be the leader "Derek" who at first is outraged, but he realizes that Violet can be of some use, when he sees how bad off his boys are. Violet has never opened herself up to love or a relationship until Derek, her past keeps her closed off, but Derek is bold and determined to win her over no matter her resistance.
The Hero
Derek Valencia was mocked and ridiculed by his father all of his growing up years, only his sister loved him unconditionally. But despite his father's disapproval Derek was determined to learn as much as he could about music and formed a band in middle school and has loved it ever since. But Derek has never fully believed in himself until now, he wants it all, to show that he can be a success despite his father's negative influence. Derek is a hero I fell for from the first book. You see how much he loves the band and his music, and will do anything to be successful. I loved his energy and how colorful his personality came through. He isn't afraid to go after what he wants, or to make it happen. What I enjoyed most about his character was the way that he faces life. You see how he deals with the problems with his father, but doesn't let him get him down.
The Heroine
Violet has never had a real family or a real home until now. Violet grew up in foster care, and had to learn how to grow up quickly, and became self-reliant at a young age. But then she became close to an old man who was like a grandfather to her and left her his farm of flowers. Violet has created her own business and works as a minder, aiding rock stars in focusing themselves away from the drugs and live a healthier lifestyle that leaves them focused on their careers. She is hesitant to work with Derek and his band, because she will have to deal with the whole band and not just one on one which is what she is used to. But she needs the money for her farm, which the only home she has ever known and she will fight for it. Violet is a heroine that is strong and has faced some really tough choices and come out on top. She is successful and knows people, and boy is she smart as a whip. You see how within just a few hours she gets a handle on the situation and knows exactly what needs to be done.
Plot and Storyline
I Want You To Want Me is a fantastic story that won my heart and boy has Erika Kelly done it again. She has caught me up in a romance that I couldn't put down. I picked this one right up after reading the first book, because I had to read Derek's story. I fell for him in the first book, because you see that he is the heart of the band, and I wanted to know what drives him and more about his past especially concerning his father, which we get a bit of a teaser about in the first book. But in this one we learn how horrid his father really is, I mean his father is just awful at times, and tends to try to bring Derek down and sabotage him quite too much, but you see how Derek is strong enough to battle the tide and not let it affect him too much, and in this story we see how much he NEEDS to actually prove himself, not just to his father or those in charge of their album or press, but also to prove that he is talented and can be a success. Now Violet is so good for Derek in many ways. She lets him see who he truly is, but keeps him humble at the same time. And she is one tough lady, I loved her from the beginning. Because she gets how bad the situation is and doesn't let anything faze her from getting the job done. You have to admire that. Their relationship is rocky many times, even after they admit that they love each other, that is not the end. Both Derek and Violet have personal issues they need to face before they can be with each other fully. Many moments it was heart breaking how these two hurt each other without meaning to, and how they struggle to form a balance in the bond they have together, but we also see how much they are meant to be together, and despite everything they still fight for one another. I adored everything about this book, but it definitely brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat, because I got so caught up in the story I couldn't help that my heart just ached for these two to find a common ground and be happy together and just love one another...it does happen but it takes time for each of them to realize what they have and go after it.
The Cover
Can I say sexy and hot and there isn't even a shirt off or anything!! I like the theme of the covers sexy and relaxed, and I love the arms and those tats. Normally I get picky about tattoos on covers, but whoever did this cover knew what they were doing.
Overall View
I Want You To Want Me is a stunning story that left me breathless from beginning to end. I just couldn't get enough. This story has is all passion, strong characters, humor, engaging writing and a story to die for. This is the perfect romance, with rocky terrain but so satisfying you want to read it again. MAGNIFICENT!!
You're everything. Strong, beautiful, smart, kind. You're fucking perfect.
You Really Got Me (1) Slater and Emmie
I Want You To Want Me (2) Derek and Violet
Take Me Home Tonight (3)
padepaul's review against another edition
5.0
I really love this series by Erika Kelly! These books are filled with characters that have their own distinct personalities and battle real-life issues. She paints such a compelling picture of a behind-the-scenes look at a rock band, I'd swear she actually drew on real experiences. Definitely worth the read if you're looking for a rocker story to satisfy your reading itch.
quinn_0611's review against another edition
4.0
I love the Internet. Seriously, I love it for so many reasons. But definitely at the top of my list for reasons why I adore the Internet is that I get recommendations for books I would otherwise have passed over. I would never have given I Want You To Want Me by Erika Kelly a second glance, but Renee loved it, and so when I saw it at Barnes and Noble I picked it up. Giving I Want You to Want Me a chance was such a good thing because I really loved this book and I want to read more in the series.
I Want You to Want Me is about Derek, a member from new and upcoming band Blue Fire. The band is on tour, and some of the members of the band are getting a little wild and generating some bad press. So Violet is brought in. She is sort of like a sober companion, but a step above. She’s there to help out the band members to find better ways to relieve the energy and stress from the grueling touring schedule.
I was a bit apprehensive for about the first 50 pages of the book. I wasn’t sure if I could get behind Derek, because he seemed a bit like a womanizer. But whoa, was I wrong. I totally fell for Derek. He is a pretty nice guy, and he wants more than anything for his band to succeed and for people to think he is a great musician. And although he initially isn’t happy about this babysitter, it’s more because he feels like he should be able to take care of his band mates, than him just wanting to party. And once he accepts that Violet really does know what’s best, he backs her up 100% and I loved that.
Violet is totally awesome! I love how calm and competent she is, and how she doesn’t let anyone from the band push her around. She doesn’t yell at them or shame them; she just talks to them and tries to get them to understand that this is in their best interest. Violet is dealing with some personal stuff, though, and what she ultimately wants to do is return to her wildflower farm on Long Island and live there. But first she needs to earn enough money to pay it off. Hence this whole sober companion job.
Violet and Derek have so much chemistry. It’s clear from the first time they meet, and I was rooting for them right away. But things are complicated, because Violet refuses to sleep with Derek because he is a client. And Derek is frustrated that she won’t sleep with him because it’s clear that she really likes him. Derek definitely makes some poor choices, and I was annoyed with him at times. But deep down, he cares about Violet so much, and he’s not sure how to handle the situation.
I Want You To Want Me is a fantastic contemporary romance. It’s not light and airy, but it’s not heavy and dark either. It’s the perfect balance. I cannot wait to read more from this series.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
I Want You to Want Me is about Derek, a member from new and upcoming band Blue Fire. The band is on tour, and some of the members of the band are getting a little wild and generating some bad press. So Violet is brought in. She is sort of like a sober companion, but a step above. She’s there to help out the band members to find better ways to relieve the energy and stress from the grueling touring schedule.
I was a bit apprehensive for about the first 50 pages of the book. I wasn’t sure if I could get behind Derek, because he seemed a bit like a womanizer. But whoa, was I wrong. I totally fell for Derek. He is a pretty nice guy, and he wants more than anything for his band to succeed and for people to think he is a great musician. And although he initially isn’t happy about this babysitter, it’s more because he feels like he should be able to take care of his band mates, than him just wanting to party. And once he accepts that Violet really does know what’s best, he backs her up 100% and I loved that.
Violet is totally awesome! I love how calm and competent she is, and how she doesn’t let anyone from the band push her around. She doesn’t yell at them or shame them; she just talks to them and tries to get them to understand that this is in their best interest. Violet is dealing with some personal stuff, though, and what she ultimately wants to do is return to her wildflower farm on Long Island and live there. But first she needs to earn enough money to pay it off. Hence this whole sober companion job.
Violet and Derek have so much chemistry. It’s clear from the first time they meet, and I was rooting for them right away. But things are complicated, because Violet refuses to sleep with Derek because he is a client. And Derek is frustrated that she won’t sleep with him because it’s clear that she really likes him. Derek definitely makes some poor choices, and I was annoyed with him at times. But deep down, he cares about Violet so much, and he’s not sure how to handle the situation.
I Want You To Want Me is a fantastic contemporary romance. It’s not light and airy, but it’s not heavy and dark either. It’s the perfect balance. I cannot wait to read more from this series.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
avidbookreader's review against another edition
5.0
I really love this series by Erika Kelly! These books are filled with characters that have their own distinct personalities and battle real-life issues. She paints such a compelling picture of a behind-the-scenes look at a rock band, I'd swear she actually drew on real experiences. Definitely worth the read if you're looking for a rocker story to satisfy your reading itch.
dkgreads's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m totally loving the family dynamic that Blue Fire (the artists formerly known as Snatch) has! Though this book revolves around Derek and Violet, the rest of the band remains a strong presence and anchor for the couple as they navigate their new connection. Not quite as angsty as the first book, Derek and Violet’s story was still pretty emotional and a little bit sweeter than Emmie and Slater’s. I’m not gonna lie, the Christmas scene had me in tears, y’all!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, and Drug use
laurabenson's review against another edition
4.0
It dragged at times, but I really liked Derek and Violet. Curious to see who next book is about.