Scan barcode
catgv's review
5.0
I must admit the tropes are awesome. A cinnamon roll hero? I'm in. A friends-to-lovers story? Perfect! Child free by choice? I support that. It's a wise and acceptable decision when both parties involved agree. If that is fine with them, I'm fine with it.
The humour in this book is amusing, light and quite realistic when you take in the rock star aspect. Like his little sister stumbling upon him shirtless in a magazine--i mean, the horror for a teenage girl, ha! It's hilarious!
Also, I love how Ilsa's decision to not have babies/children is described. It is honest, but very kind. It's not as if you cannot like said babies/children to not want to have them yourself. You can like them and still say no. That description is genuine and not mean, and I love it.
Plus, I love how Nathan thinks he isn't "jealous" or "protective" of Ilsa, but whenever other guys say things like "Ilsa is normal hot", that gets Nathan upset and defensive, which is both sweet and hilarious. He's cute too, how he loves and values their friendship... He truly is a cinnamon roll hero. He is lovely, and I wasn't disappointed!
The only negative point is minor: sometimes there are several repetitions of a word within two paragraphs here and there, and it's annoying. But it's nothing heavy.
All in all, the best part of this book (besides the romance, I mean, and the spicy scenes ;)) is how humane and well-developed the characters are. They have all these feelings and emotions and thoughts and righteousness and desires... it's amazing. Like we all wonder sometimes and all fight inner fights about different stuff; sometimes we want something but fight against it, anyhow--just like Ilsa and Nathan. I love their depth. That is truly the highest point of this book, which makes you care about them and you're cheering them on and going on this roller coaster ride of feels and expectations and twists and highs and lows. Very nice. I loved loving them? Yeah, that's what I wanna say. :)
Obviously, I will stay tuned for Linnea March's upcoming similar books (either rockstar or Hollywood-inspired romances) as I really enjoy her writing, and well, I might just have discovered a new pleasant sub-genre for me. :)
For all the fun I had reading this book, and all the squeals and gasps I uttered with these characters, I give it a rating of 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend it to romance readers looking for a good time and a lot of sweet feelings, and a great depth of characters.
The humour in this book is amusing, light and quite realistic when you take in the rock star aspect. Like his little sister stumbling upon him shirtless in a magazine--i mean, the horror for a teenage girl, ha! It's hilarious!
Also, I love how Ilsa's decision to not have babies/children is described. It is honest, but very kind. It's not as if you cannot like said babies/children to not want to have them yourself. You can like them and still say no. That description is genuine and not mean, and I love it.
Plus, I love how Nathan thinks he isn't "jealous" or "protective" of Ilsa, but whenever other guys say things like "Ilsa is normal hot", that gets Nathan upset and defensive, which is both sweet and hilarious. He's cute too, how he loves and values their friendship... He truly is a cinnamon roll hero. He is lovely, and I wasn't disappointed!
The only negative point is minor: sometimes there are several repetitions of a word within two paragraphs here and there, and it's annoying. But it's nothing heavy.
All in all, the best part of this book (besides the romance, I mean, and the spicy scenes ;)) is how humane and well-developed the characters are. They have all these feelings and emotions and thoughts and righteousness and desires... it's amazing. Like we all wonder sometimes and all fight inner fights about different stuff; sometimes we want something but fight against it, anyhow--just like Ilsa and Nathan. I love their depth. That is truly the highest point of this book, which makes you care about them and you're cheering them on and going on this roller coaster ride of feels and expectations and twists and highs and lows. Very nice. I loved loving them? Yeah, that's what I wanna say. :)
Obviously, I will stay tuned for Linnea March's upcoming similar books (either rockstar or Hollywood-inspired romances) as I really enjoy her writing, and well, I might just have discovered a new pleasant sub-genre for me. :)
For all the fun I had reading this book, and all the squeals and gasps I uttered with these characters, I give it a rating of 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend it to romance readers looking for a good time and a lot of sweet feelings, and a great depth of characters.
aimeecaitlin's review
3.0
The pick up lines in this book are everything, i repeated them the my partner and he hates them so 5/5 for that.
Nate and Illy are an easy to read friends to lovers couple. Their relationship really develops throughout the book and drives the whole thing forward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nate and Illy are an easy to read friends to lovers couple. Their relationship really develops throughout the book and drives the whole thing forward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
grinningcat's review
3.0
H/h: Nathan and Ilsa
POV: 3rd person
Genre: rockstar romance
Heat level: medium
Standalone?: N
Cliffhanger?: N, includes teaser for next book in series
HEA: Y
Triggers: language, explicit sensual scenes
Tropes: Friends to Lovers
Nathan is the bassist for Prevalent Notion, a hit band. Ilsa is a struggling fashion designer. They became friends over a year ago, when she was working as the band’s stylist. Now their attraction is getting too hot to handle!
This is a cute friends to lovers rockstar romance. Because Ilsa is a fashion designer, each chapter title is a word that relates to sewing. Ilsa’s inner struggles and Nathan’s self-reflection give them a little development, but nothing unexpected.This is not a bad book, but it didn’t really stand out to me. It was cute, but nothing new or different.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV: 3rd person
Genre: rockstar romance
Heat level: medium
Standalone?: N
Cliffhanger?: N, includes teaser for next book in series
HEA: Y
Triggers: language, explicit sensual scenes
Tropes: Friends to Lovers
Nathan is the bassist for Prevalent Notion, a hit band. Ilsa is a struggling fashion designer. They became friends over a year ago, when she was working as the band’s stylist. Now their attraction is getting too hot to handle!
This is a cute friends to lovers rockstar romance. Because Ilsa is a fashion designer, each chapter title is a word that relates to sewing. Ilsa’s inner struggles and Nathan’s self-reflection give them a little development, but nothing unexpected.This is not a bad book, but it didn’t really stand out to me. It was cute, but nothing new or different.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
mylastromancenovel's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Short summary: Ilsa and Nathan are friends, really good friends. Such good friends that Ilsa really doesn't want to mess it up. Her mother taught her that love was transactional, all about what the other person could give you until they tired of you. And Ilsa doesn't want to risk losing Nathan. But with attraction flying between both of them, how can she not give them a try? But is it worth it? Nathan is a rockstar in love with his best friend, and he'll pull out all the stops to convince her to give him a try.
General Thoughts: The middle third of this book was extremely well done. I also loved that while this one easily could have fallen into a trope I don't love, it didn't and showcased people actually working through that thing in a great reasonable, adult manner. (That vague enough for you? Trying not to give any spoilers.) I really liked that the characters seemed realistic in many ways. The ending fell a little flat for me, but the middle was really great here. Linnea has created an interesting world full of great main characters.
This is an interconnected standalone, so read the first one if you don't want spoilers (also on KU). The book focuses pretty heavily on the main characters. Linnea's writing was pretty good, and if you like romance and the friends-to-lovers and scarred heroine/chivalrous man pairings, this is worth giving a go.
Steam Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 Steamy and for over 18 but not the most frequent or detailed.
Romantic Tropes
-friends to more
-dual pov
-realistic romance
-he falls first
-contemporary romance
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Short summary: Ilsa and Nathan are friends, really good friends. Such good friends that Ilsa really doesn't want to mess it up. Her mother taught her that love was transactional, all about what the other person could give you until they tired of you. And Ilsa doesn't want to risk losing Nathan. But with attraction flying between both of them, how can she not give them a try? But is it worth it? Nathan is a rockstar in love with his best friend, and he'll pull out all the stops to convince her to give him a try.
General Thoughts: The middle third of this book was extremely well done. I also loved that while this one easily could have fallen into a trope I don't love, it didn't and showcased people actually working through that thing in a great reasonable, adult manner. (That vague enough for you? Trying not to give any spoilers.) I really liked that the characters seemed realistic in many ways. The ending fell a little flat for me, but the middle was really great here. Linnea has created an interesting world full of great main characters.
This is an interconnected standalone, so read the first one if you don't want spoilers (also on KU). The book focuses pretty heavily on the main characters. Linnea's writing was pretty good, and if you like romance and the friends-to-lovers and scarred heroine/chivalrous man pairings, this is worth giving a go.
Steam Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 Steamy and for over 18 but not the most frequent or detailed.
Romantic Tropes
-friends to more
-dual pov
-realistic romance
-he falls first
-contemporary romance
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
hardbacklife's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great friends to lovers book. The MMC is a rockstar cinnamon roll and will have you falling for him from the beginning, plus his dirty talk my lord. The FMC is such a strong and independent character, loved her! These two characters care for each other on such a deep level that when they take their relationship to the next step is feels like such an honest progression once they stop fighting it. Not to say there isn’t conflict but it’s realistic and honest with their histories and background.
A great friends to lovers book. The MMC is a rockstar cinnamon roll and will have you falling for him from the beginning, plus his dirty talk my lord. The FMC is such a strong and independent character, loved her! These two characters care for each other on such a deep level that when they take their relationship to the next step is feels like such an honest progression once they stop fighting it. Not to say there isn’t conflict but it’s realistic and honest with their histories and background.
kayes12's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3rd person POV
Friends to lovers
Rockstar romance
This was my first Rockstar romance and I gotta say, it was soooo good. Ilsa is an independent woman and Nathan is ready to settle down, my favorite dynamic. Excellent story and writing. I can't wait for the next one
Friends to lovers
Rockstar romance
This was my first Rockstar romance and I gotta say, it was soooo good. Ilsa is an independent woman and Nathan is ready to settle down, my favorite dynamic. Excellent story and writing. I can't wait for the next one
az_green's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.4 The mutual pining, y'all 🤤
Nathan has consistently been dumped by women who have told him they couldnt see anything serious with him. Hes a man who wants serious, so he has self-worth issues the size of Manhattan. He knows he wants Ilsa, but cant risk her leaving him like the rest because shes his best friend.
Ilsa was raised by a mother who used men as the fix in life - which ultimately left Mitzie heartbroken and destitute time-and-time-again. This gives Ilsa a prideful independence streak wider than the Atlantic. She wants Nathan, but she cant risk losing herself in his fame.
These two idiots, man. This was a lot of fun to read. It was in third person, which doesnt bother me in the slightest but inknow bothers some so if thats a deal breaker for you this is your warning.
josmely_'s review
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
This was definitely a great read. I loved Ilsw she was very independent. She didn't let anyone fight her battles for her. Even though she's always had a hard time when it comes to being in a relationship I like how little by little she was opening up to Nathan. Nathan was a sweetheart and was very respectful. Loved the fact that they were able to talk and that there wasn't any miscommunication. Even when something did happen they were mature enough to give each other space and be respectful about it.
Friends to loves is not one of my favorite tropes but this book definitely deserves the hype. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. The way they all supported each other. The character growth for both Nathan and Ilsa was freaking amazing.
beegreads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A rockstar romance that pushes the limits on the reasons we choose the people we do, how we accept their faults/flaws without changing them, and how we confront our own shortcomings - all in the name of love.
I really enjoyed this next installment of the series, picking up with a different star of the band and leaving us with the third wheel, odd man out (hey book 3 I see you!)
Linnea March has thoughtfully curated a sweet, caring man that comes from a small town and learns the ultimate lesson on how to really care for a strong, independent woman. I can totally relate - I am this “don’t need a man” woman and, there’s a beauty in finding those people you can rely on, even if you don’t “need” them. This book really had me thinking about societal pressures, and how we bring that into relationships.
Further, she’s created a stubborn, strong, independent, and SELF MADE woman, driven by her past to be better than she was given.
Loved the use of dirty pickup lines — “Are you a taxidermist? I have a beaver I need stuffed.” 😂 🦫 that’s just one of many friends. They are pure gold. This friends to hot and heavy lovers with real life tension will leave you fully satisfied, but also ready for Book 3!
Thank you Linnea March for the ARC ❤️
I really enjoyed this next installment of the series, picking up with a different star of the band and leaving us with the third wheel, odd man out (hey book 3 I see you!)
Linnea March has thoughtfully curated a sweet, caring man that comes from a small town and learns the ultimate lesson on how to really care for a strong, independent woman. I can totally relate - I am this “don’t need a man” woman and, there’s a beauty in finding those people you can rely on, even if you don’t “need” them. This book really had me thinking about societal pressures, and how we bring that into relationships.
Further, she’s created a stubborn, strong, independent, and SELF MADE woman, driven by her past to be better than she was given.
Loved the use of dirty pickup lines — “Are you a taxidermist? I have a beaver I need stuffed.” 😂 🦫 that’s just one of many friends. They are pure gold. This friends to hot and heavy lovers with real life tension will leave you fully satisfied, but also ready for Book 3!
Thank you Linnea March for the ARC ❤️
More...