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pattyfgd's review
5.0
Back Beat
The Heartbeat Series, Book 1
By: Ryleigh Sloan
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Zachary Webber
I know when I grab a Ryleigh Sloan book, I am in for hours of enjoyment. When I started this story, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Rockstar romances are all a little different. This one is right up my alley. I love to watch The Voice, and this simulates a reality TV show similar to that. Blair is live the dream and when she gets to pick her judge, she chooses the Dean Carter, the performer of her dreams. Dean see potential in Blair, but he is also attracted to her. The show forbids any romantic inclinations, so this season is going to be a tough one. Will they make it through undetected? Will their reputations survive? And will her live out her dream? It's funny, it's flirty, it's a little angsty(not too much) and a real good time. There are emotional tugs at your heart, and lessons of life to be learned. I love Sloan's writing, and can't wait to see what she has in store for Blair's friend Maddie next!
With a book like this and a powerhouse narration team of Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, it's impossible not to fall in love! Mallon brings her all to Blair, giving her confidence and insecurity all at the same time. Her talent brings out Blair and we can feel her learn and grow through her time on the show. Webber is perfectly cast as Carter. A little arrogant, a lot swoony and his talent shows through with a personality befitting the judge. These two bring it all to life!
The Heartbeat Series, Book 1
By: Ryleigh Sloan
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Zachary Webber
I know when I grab a Ryleigh Sloan book, I am in for hours of enjoyment. When I started this story, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Rockstar romances are all a little different. This one is right up my alley. I love to watch The Voice, and this simulates a reality TV show similar to that. Blair is live the dream and when she gets to pick her judge, she chooses the Dean Carter, the performer of her dreams. Dean see potential in Blair, but he is also attracted to her. The show forbids any romantic inclinations, so this season is going to be a tough one. Will they make it through undetected? Will their reputations survive? And will her live out her dream? It's funny, it's flirty, it's a little angsty(not too much) and a real good time. There are emotional tugs at your heart, and lessons of life to be learned. I love Sloan's writing, and can't wait to see what she has in store for Blair's friend Maddie next!
With a book like this and a powerhouse narration team of Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, it's impossible not to fall in love! Mallon brings her all to Blair, giving her confidence and insecurity all at the same time. Her talent brings out Blair and we can feel her learn and grow through her time on the show. Webber is perfectly cast as Carter. A little arrogant, a lot swoony and his talent shows through with a personality befitting the judge. These two bring it all to life!
bookdrgn's review
4.0
Music reality show. Talented ingenue meets seasoned judge and famous musician (also long time crush). Long time best friend, a great new friend, and a vindictive rival. There was enough of a plot to keep me entertained.
I loved the glimpses of South Africa, and that Blair hailed from the continent, and that she wasn't a waif. Reading her with the lion was awesome. She's music to her bones and this is evident in the way she talks about it and describes feeling it. Her relationship with her grandparents warms my heart.
Dean falls under Blair's spell before he knows what's happened. He should have waited until the show was over but Blair should have listened to him over Danielle.
Maddie and Jeremy are fantastic. Danielle comes across as intended. Immature, vindictive, and jealous on top of spoiled and probably narcissistic.
Sex was good, not too long or too ubiquitous, and served its purpose as a catalyst for everything to change.
A fun, fast read.
I loved the glimpses of South Africa, and that Blair hailed from the continent, and that she wasn't a waif. Reading her with the lion was awesome. She's music to her bones and this is evident in the way she talks about it and describes feeling it. Her relationship with her grandparents warms my heart.
Dean falls under Blair's spell before he knows what's happened. He should have waited until the show was over but Blair should have listened to him over Danielle.
Maddie and Jeremy are fantastic. Danielle comes across as intended. Immature, vindictive, and jealous on top of spoiled and probably narcissistic.
Sex was good, not too long or too ubiquitous, and served its purpose as a catalyst for everything to change.
A fun, fast read.
jlwright04's review against another edition
5.0
This author is new to me and I gave this a shot due to the narrators and a recommendation from a friend. I’m soooo glad I listened!! The story flowed really well!! I loved the nods to the show The Voice but the different twists on the show to give it a fresh feel. The main characters were fun and believable also. Riley was sweet and down to earth and so freaking adorable in her naïveté yet she has just enough backbone to do what she needed also. Dean is a rock god in this book but never once acts like it and that is a fun twist too! Down to earth rockstar for the win!! lol Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon I will follow you two anywhere you lead me you are fantastic narrators
amz101's review
5.0
I'm a sucker for a Rockstar Romance and this one ticked all the right boxes for me.
I'm ashamed to say this is the first book by this author, and I had heard great things about the author, so I am kicking myself for taking so long to actually read her work. Now? Now I have to go and read everything she has written and I can't wait to see what's ahead!
Blair and Dean's story addictive! The chemistry between the two was kindle meltingly hot, but it wasn't just full of heat. It carried so much more. It gave me all the feels! From laughter, pain and sadness and right back to happy again. I was strung the hell out and it sure as hell was not what I was expecting when I started this book, but I am glad it wasn't. The author certainly knows how to keep your emotion on a rollercoaster. I love love love Rockstar romances, but I'm picky when it comes to them... And well this one is going into the Must-Read-Again pile.
Blair is strong, gorgeous and talented, she is fierce but in a way that you wouldn't expect. She comes off as shy but she is anything but when she steps on stage, a character I couldn't help but fall in love with. She has her dream and that's to be a singer. So when put to the test she proves to everyone that she has what it takes, she even proved that to herself... She's not one to bow down and give up and fights everything that comes her way in the process of becoming everything she has dreamed of... While she knew this journey wouldn't be easy, and it wasn't but she never expected to find the love of her life in the process...and then that's when things start to become crazy and complicated.
Dean is every woman's dream... Okay well, he was mine. He's hot, he's a charmer, he's swoony, a sweetheart... Seriously, I'm not big on sweethearts but when I find one like Dean? Yes, please!
He wasn't looking for someone, and he certainly wasn't looking for love, but when Blair comes into his life. The moment he lays eyes on her, he was a goner... Sounds romantic right? It is but when another character in the book tries to get between the two and jealousy and emotions start to come into play... It becomes a complicated mess, especially when it feels as though history has come back and wants to repeat itself.
will these two have a chance? or will with it all become too messy and complicated for them?
This book was awesome. Not only was it a kind of sweet romance, but it was also a little angsty, and full of chemistry that was on fire and off the charts. The sexual tension and push and pull with these characters was undeniably intense and had me flipping pages needing to know how this ends!
Highly recommend this book. I'm so glad I gave it a chance!
5 Stars!
I'm ashamed to say this is the first book by this author, and I had heard great things about the author, so I am kicking myself for taking so long to actually read her work. Now? Now I have to go and read everything she has written and I can't wait to see what's ahead!
Blair and Dean's story addictive! The chemistry between the two was kindle meltingly hot, but it wasn't just full of heat. It carried so much more. It gave me all the feels! From laughter, pain and sadness and right back to happy again. I was strung the hell out and it sure as hell was not what I was expecting when I started this book, but I am glad it wasn't. The author certainly knows how to keep your emotion on a rollercoaster. I love love love Rockstar romances, but I'm picky when it comes to them... And well this one is going into the Must-Read-Again pile.
Blair is strong, gorgeous and talented, she is fierce but in a way that you wouldn't expect. She comes off as shy but she is anything but when she steps on stage, a character I couldn't help but fall in love with. She has her dream and that's to be a singer. So when put to the test she proves to everyone that she has what it takes, she even proved that to herself... She's not one to bow down and give up and fights everything that comes her way in the process of becoming everything she has dreamed of... While she knew this journey wouldn't be easy, and it wasn't but she never expected to find the love of her life in the process...and then that's when things start to become crazy and complicated.
Dean is every woman's dream... Okay well, he was mine. He's hot, he's a charmer, he's swoony, a sweetheart... Seriously, I'm not big on sweethearts but when I find one like Dean? Yes, please!
He wasn't looking for someone, and he certainly wasn't looking for love, but when Blair comes into his life. The moment he lays eyes on her, he was a goner... Sounds romantic right? It is but when another character in the book tries to get between the two and jealousy and emotions start to come into play... It becomes a complicated mess, especially when it feels as though history has come back and wants to repeat itself.
will these two have a chance? or will with it all become too messy and complicated for them?
This book was awesome. Not only was it a kind of sweet romance, but it was also a little angsty, and full of chemistry that was on fire and off the charts. The sexual tension and push and pull with these characters was undeniably intense and had me flipping pages needing to know how this ends!
Highly recommend this book. I'm so glad I gave it a chance!
5 Stars!
fsmeurinne's review
5.0
Flock review. I loved this reality tv story, Blair and Dean's story is quite good, their chemistry, connection, and everything in between was brilliant. It got me hooked from the start and didn't let me go until I was done. The narrators Erin Mallon and Zackary Webber did a fantastic job narrating the story, they are both on my top favorite narrators and the editing and mixing was done pretty well. Definitely would recommend the audiobook over the book.
nean's review
5.0
The minute Dean hears her singing he hits his button; she’s taking chances and nailing it on everything. Hearing her voice, he knows he’s toast, jealous that the smile she gave wasn’t just for him. Blair is going to win the competition he knows it, but the minute he tells her to pick him, he knows it would be best for her not to, they would be amazing together, but he’s not thinking professionally.
Blaire can’t believe three judges turned or Dean Carter hit the button for her. Maddie her friend that came with her admits she’s worried, she knows that Blaire has been crushing on Dean for years and saw how he looked at her, knowing his reputation she doesn’t want her to get hurt.
With Blair having to head home for a family emergency, Dean knows if she leaves her dreams with be gone, so he offers her a solution of him returning with her.
Something changed between them after Dean helped her with the lion, his attitude is different, reserved, he even seems impatient with her. Apologising to Dean she doesn’t expect him to say he wants her and that it would mess everything up, keeping distance from her.
After their night, he doesn’t regret it but knows it can’t happen again while the show is on, a phone call from Kade changes everything. Danielle has caused problems, saying that he’s been favouring Blair, he lets Kade know he went with her because he loves her. He knows Kade is right, she deserves better, now she might not have the chance, he has to tell Blair and hopes he doesn’t lose her in the process telling her why he has a contract in the first place. Heading to a meeting he going to try everything he can to keep Blair on the show. Will Blair ever be able to forgive Dean when she finds out what he’s done.
Blaire can’t believe three judges turned or Dean Carter hit the button for her. Maddie her friend that came with her admits she’s worried, she knows that Blaire has been crushing on Dean for years and saw how he looked at her, knowing his reputation she doesn’t want her to get hurt.
With Blair having to head home for a family emergency, Dean knows if she leaves her dreams with be gone, so he offers her a solution of him returning with her.
Something changed between them after Dean helped her with the lion, his attitude is different, reserved, he even seems impatient with her. Apologising to Dean she doesn’t expect him to say he wants her and that it would mess everything up, keeping distance from her.
After their night, he doesn’t regret it but knows it can’t happen again while the show is on, a phone call from Kade changes everything. Danielle has caused problems, saying that he’s been favouring Blair, he lets Kade know he went with her because he loves her. He knows Kade is right, she deserves better, now she might not have the chance, he has to tell Blair and hopes he doesn’t lose her in the process telling her why he has a contract in the first place. Heading to a meeting he going to try everything he can to keep Blair on the show. Will Blair ever be able to forgive Dean when she finds out what he’s done.
theestherhadassah's review
5.0
Grab it while its hot!
I can never turn down a good rockstar romance. Also, I've read a few of Ryleigh Sloan's other books in the past, so it was a guaranteed win-win for me. I fell in love with Blair and Dean. I enjoyed this book a lot, especially because I love singing shows in real life. Such a great read. Grab it while its hot!
I can never turn down a good rockstar romance. Also, I've read a few of Ryleigh Sloan's other books in the past, so it was a guaranteed win-win for me. I fell in love with Blair and Dean. I enjoyed this book a lot, especially because I love singing shows in real life. Such a great read. Grab it while its hot!
literary_ya's review
5.0
Ryleigh nailed this story!
I had the pleasure of Beta Reading Back Beat.
I devoured this book. I read over half of it in one sitting. It’s unputdownable! Blair & Dean’s story is a little different than usual. He is a superstar, she is trying to become one. One mistake could ruin it all.
Ryleigh did an incredible job portraying the hectic lives of people in show business. Boundaries get crossed. Lives get upturned. But in the end dreams prevail.
This book will make you laugh out loud. Just enough heat to make you want to melt & a love story to die for.
I had the pleasure of Beta Reading Back Beat.
I devoured this book. I read over half of it in one sitting. It’s unputdownable! Blair & Dean’s story is a little different than usual. He is a superstar, she is trying to become one. One mistake could ruin it all.
Ryleigh did an incredible job portraying the hectic lives of people in show business. Boundaries get crossed. Lives get upturned. But in the end dreams prevail.
This book will make you laugh out loud. Just enough heat to make you want to melt & a love story to die for.
bqueb's review
5.0
This is my first Ryleigh Sloan and I can not wait to read more. Erin & Zachary are two of my absolute faves throw in Rockstar Romance and this was a no brainer.
Erin portrays Blair perfectly. Just the right amount of naïve mixed with a heady strong personality. Gah & Zachary is all sex god swoony as Dean
Erin portrays Blair perfectly. Just the right amount of naïve mixed with a heady strong personality. Gah & Zachary is all sex god swoony as Dean
voracious_book_addict's review
4.0
Backbeat by Ryleigh Sloan is a fun and flirty rockstar romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Narrated by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, it is a story of a girl trying to live out her dream on a singing reality show, similar to The Voice. I enjoyed almost everything about this book, it had enough drama without being outrageous, and I loved seeing Blair and Dean get to know each other, and try to resist the pull they had towards each other. The narrators gave great performances infusing emotion into the characters as well as appropriate depth and humor.
There were a few technical things that bothered me, but did not affect my review or enjoyment of the audiobook and story. The heroine and her family are from South Africa and none of the characters had accents in the audiobook. Also there was something going on with the editing during Zachary Webber's chapters where there were longer than normal pauses which seemed like something to do with the editing and not the performance.
I fully recommend this book if you enjoy the rockstar sub-genre.
There were a few technical things that bothered me, but did not affect my review or enjoyment of the audiobook and story. The heroine and her family are from South Africa and none of the characters had accents in the audiobook. Also there was something going on with the editing during Zachary Webber's chapters where there were longer than normal pauses which seemed like something to do with the editing and not the performance.
I fully recommend this book if you enjoy the rockstar sub-genre.