Scan barcode
jf_reads's review
emotional
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
4.0
dragonstar1974's review
5.0
This story is just .... Everything! And includes a sound track to die for
jscarpa14's review
3.0
High 3 almost 4
So I liked the slow burn of this, but here's the thing, there's the typical split scene that occurs over over promises broken and things not shared. I don't feel this is a spoiler because it's kind of a staple of romance. And James did this thing that instantly got my hackles up, even though he's the one in the wrong, her friends blamed her and she blamed herself, plus she sacrificed the things that made her life for him, though in this case I sort of understand the choice, but I hate when the girl gets blamed for not insta forgiving a guy whose fucked up and lied to her. Real people don't get over betrayals in an instant and if they do they're lying through their teeth in order to keep the peace. And what's more, no one, absolutely no one, should expect them to. And while I know it's not James's fault, but typically when you find this in romance, a character being guilted for not just falling into line, its always the girl. Nobody expects man real or fictional to just get over it when he's been betrayed or let down, but somehow they expect women too, the same way older generations often think wives should turn a blind eye to infidelity to save their marriage or what not. (Not that that occurs in the book, just using it as an example.) Younger generations have realized that's not okay, so when are we going to realize that women should not be okay with being let down and lied to? Women should not be okay with partners who keep secrets (excluding those related to career related confidentiality laws). It sets me off when I see it in fiction just as it sets me off when I see it in life. Granted I liked the grand gesture, but most of the characters don't acknowledge her right to be angry, her right to need time and the fact that Tess isn't the fucking bad guy. And it's a theme I see all too often in romance that I'm really not okay with.
Also I'm not sure I'll explain this next part well. The book is longer and takes place over a decent length of time, but at the same time whether the characters admit it to each other right away or not, it implies love at first sight which I think is a crock. And while there are some moments of just them, there's also a lot of sex and it comes across as though the sex is what makes their love story. It's not sex that makes love story, that just makes a lust story. Those moments being summarized, the conversations and casual glances, the butterflies in her stomach, his need to make her notice him, that's what makes a love story and there's not enough of that despite the length and the time this takes place over. I also feel like this story would have benefited a lot with more of Presley's point of view, besides the epilogue. Tess outright admits at numerous points in the story that she's in love with a man she doesn't really know. And because she's right, neither does the reader. And that's the problem, love isn't constantly being turned on by the sight of your partner or that way he has of bringing you to orgasm that no one else does. Love is knowing them inside and out, knowing their very soul, all the dark parts and flaws and still wanting to be right there beside them. It realizing when they need help and them trusting you enough to let you. Love isn't wanting someone perfect, expecting your relationship to be so, its knowing they aren't perfect and neither is your relationship and the ability to say to yourself fuck perfect, what I have is so much better. And knowing with every piece of you that what you've said is true. It's not sex, though that's always a nice benefit of being in love. And that's why I touch on sex in so many of my reviews because I can understand why people can't see that, why they skip and gloss over those parts to get behind closed doors as if those scenes are supposed to be the meat of the story when they're really only a side dish. And that's another big reason why I didn't rate higher is that while there are some emotional scenes the biggest focus in this relationship is on the couple sexually rather than emotionally.
That said I liked this characters and actually did like the story as a whole despite my obvious issues with it.
So I liked the slow burn of this, but here's the thing, there's the typical split scene that occurs over over promises broken and things not shared. I don't feel this is a spoiler because it's kind of a staple of romance. And James did this thing that instantly got my hackles up, even though he's the one in the wrong, her friends blamed her and she blamed herself, plus she sacrificed the things that made her life for him, though in this case I sort of understand the choice, but I hate when the girl gets blamed for not insta forgiving a guy whose fucked up and lied to her. Real people don't get over betrayals in an instant and if they do they're lying through their teeth in order to keep the peace. And what's more, no one, absolutely no one, should expect them to. And while I know it's not James's fault, but typically when you find this in romance, a character being guilted for not just falling into line, its always the girl. Nobody expects man real or fictional to just get over it when he's been betrayed or let down, but somehow they expect women too, the same way older generations often think wives should turn a blind eye to infidelity to save their marriage or what not. (Not that that occurs in the book, just using it as an example.) Younger generations have realized that's not okay, so when are we going to realize that women should not be okay with being let down and lied to? Women should not be okay with partners who keep secrets (excluding those related to career related confidentiality laws). It sets me off when I see it in fiction just as it sets me off when I see it in life. Granted I liked the grand gesture, but most of the characters don't acknowledge her right to be angry, her right to need time and the fact that Tess isn't the fucking bad guy. And it's a theme I see all too often in romance that I'm really not okay with.
Also I'm not sure I'll explain this next part well. The book is longer and takes place over a decent length of time, but at the same time whether the characters admit it to each other right away or not, it implies love at first sight which I think is a crock. And while there are some moments of just them, there's also a lot of sex and it comes across as though the sex is what makes their love story. It's not sex that makes love story, that just makes a lust story. Those moments being summarized, the conversations and casual glances, the butterflies in her stomach, his need to make her notice him, that's what makes a love story and there's not enough of that despite the length and the time this takes place over. I also feel like this story would have benefited a lot with more of Presley's point of view, besides the epilogue. Tess outright admits at numerous points in the story that she's in love with a man she doesn't really know. And because she's right, neither does the reader. And that's the problem, love isn't constantly being turned on by the sight of your partner or that way he has of bringing you to orgasm that no one else does. Love is knowing them inside and out, knowing their very soul, all the dark parts and flaws and still wanting to be right there beside them. It realizing when they need help and them trusting you enough to let you. Love isn't wanting someone perfect, expecting your relationship to be so, its knowing they aren't perfect and neither is your relationship and the ability to say to yourself fuck perfect, what I have is so much better. And knowing with every piece of you that what you've said is true. It's not sex, though that's always a nice benefit of being in love. And that's why I touch on sex in so many of my reviews because I can understand why people can't see that, why they skip and gloss over those parts to get behind closed doors as if those scenes are supposed to be the meat of the story when they're really only a side dish. And that's another big reason why I didn't rate higher is that while there are some emotional scenes the biggest focus in this relationship is on the couple sexually rather than emotionally.
That said I liked this characters and actually did like the story as a whole despite my obvious issues with it.
iuliatr's review
3.0
I'm starting by saying I hid the review because I didn't want to bother writing spoiler everywhere.
I really really really wanted to like this book. The reviews were spectacular and, let's be serious - it's a rock star romance, who doesn't like those?
I've read my fair share of rock star romances and I liked most of them, so I had high hopes for this one. Not gonna lie though, I actually liked it at first, until I reached the 30% mark. It started really well, I loved Tessa from the very beginning, she was really funny (though I didn't like the fact that she thought every girl that came into the bar with Presley was a bimbo...). However, her character seemed to be centered around Presley. Literally, from the age 11 she thought just about him. He's literally her world. She exists for him, that's how obsessive it looked to me.
I have a lot of problems with this book, but I'll start with the good.
I enjoyed every scene with Molly, Bourbon, Julia and even Rhett where in - I'd rather read a book about any of them *wink, wink Rhett&Julia* . I loved the fact that her bff wasn't a back-stabbing b.... or that hes boss always had her back and genuinely cared about Tessa. Julia seemed really badass, I hope she won't disappoint me.
And Rhett, oh Rhett, had the best line in the whole book:
Now... the issues with this book.
Sigh... I really disliked Presley. There, I said it. I'm sorry, ok? I don't think he was good enough for Tessa, even though she had flaws on her own.
1. He's an alcoholic and he takes drugs and his reason for that is not good enough, in my opinion. He literally has daddy issues and that's it - that's his only problem. He isn't a damaged hero, he is a spoiled brat. He literally has the world at his feet and he only thinks about the smallest inconvenience. Yes, his mom sucks. Yes, he needs a real family. No, his dad didn't deserve this. Is it a good enough reason to turn into an addict? No, it is not .
2. He slept with every woman he found slightly attractive - another night, another woman. He kept babbling about how much Tessa means to him, how she changed his life, how much he likes her. I know they weren't in a relationship, but that doesn't look like caring to me.
He even had sex with the one woman he should've never had sex with and he hid it from Tessa.
3. He took her on a tour against her will (meaning he never asked her if she wanted to, he just kinda made her accept), putting her life on hold for a month. He even carried her against her will on the stage just to confess in front of the whole world how much he loves her. He didn't even think about the consequences of his actions and how much it will affect her future.
4. Speaking of love, where was it in his case? We knew from the very beginning she's in love with him, and we found out pretty quickly he was in love with her too... But why? She didn't know a thing about him except for the fact that he is attractive, talented and had family issues. And he didn't know a thing about him except for the fact that she is hot and funny. Literally that's it. And he keeps mentioning how much he adores....her body.
There wasn't another thing to convince me how much they love each other. They did convince me they were attracted to each other since they had sex 80% of the book.
5. She had a legit reason to leave him since he literally had sex with a reporter who came back to destroy his life and he told her...this:
And by the way, what kind of reporter does that? She's making the media look worse than it does already. It's illegal to record something without the other person permission and it's illegal to leak photos that could destroy one's reputation.
Also, this quote is really... weird for me. This woman literally fired herself from the job she loved so much with this statement.
They did get back together, and that chapter with Bryan Adams was amazing, not gonna lie. I would have liked it more if Presley deserved to be forgiven. He never gave a proper explanation nor did he apologize, yet every person that matters in her life told her she is the bad one in this story.
I really struggled to finish this book, it almost became unbearable in the last chapters.
I could go on and on about what's wrong with it, but I might have to lower my rating.
2.5/5
I really really really wanted to like this book. The reviews were spectacular and, let's be serious - it's a rock star romance, who doesn't like those?
I've read my fair share of rock star romances and I liked most of them, so I had high hopes for this one. Not gonna lie though, I actually liked it at first, until I reached the 30% mark. It started really well, I loved Tessa from the very beginning, she was really funny (though I didn't like the fact that she thought every girl that came into the bar with Presley was a bimbo...). However, her character seemed to be centered around Presley. Literally, from the age 11 she thought just about him. He's literally her world. She exists for him, that's how obsessive it looked to me.
I have a lot of problems with this book, but I'll start with the good.
I enjoyed every scene with Molly, Bourbon, Julia and even Rhett where in - I'd rather read a book about any of them *wink, wink Rhett&Julia* . I loved the fact that her bff wasn't a back-stabbing b.... or that hes boss always had her back and genuinely cared about Tessa. Julia seemed really badass, I hope she won't disappoint me.
And Rhett, oh Rhett, had the best line in the whole book:
“I’m just saying,” he squeaked in a very un-Rhett like way. “We’re rock stars, folks. This isn’t a pleasant romance you two are playing out. It’s wild, and it’s in front of the world. If you’re looking for a quiet life, you ain’t gonna get it. I’m not sure why that would even be a surprise to you. The world is watching, waiting, begging for you to show them a glimpse of more. Especially after that declaration of love on the stage in Paris. What did you expect? For them to just coo and move on? Not a chance. We’re slap bang in the middle of the most invasive generation to ever exist. Either learn how to handle that or walk away now. It’s never going to get easier than this.”
Now... the issues with this book.
Sigh... I really disliked Presley. There, I said it. I'm sorry, ok? I don't think he was good enough for Tessa, even though she had flaws on her own.
1. He's an alcoholic and he takes drugs and his reason for that is not good enough, in my opinion. He literally has daddy issues and that's it - that's his only problem. He isn't a damaged hero, he is a spoiled brat. He literally has the world at his feet and he only thinks about the smallest inconvenience. Yes, his mom sucks. Yes, he needs a real family. No, his dad didn't deserve this. Is it a good enough reason to turn into an addict? No, it is not .
2. He slept with every woman he found slightly attractive - another night, another woman. He kept babbling about how much Tessa means to him, how she changed his life, how much he likes her. I know they weren't in a relationship, but that doesn't look like caring to me.
He even had sex with the one woman he should've never had sex with and he hid it from Tessa.
3. He took her on a tour against her will (meaning he never asked her if she wanted to, he just kinda made her accept), putting her life on hold for a month. He even carried her against her will on the stage just to confess in front of the whole world how much he loves her. He didn't even think about the consequences of his actions and how much it will affect her future.
4. Speaking of love, where was it in his case? We knew from the very beginning she's in love with him, and we found out pretty quickly he was in love with her too... But why? She didn't know a thing about him except for the fact that he is attractive, talented and had family issues. And he didn't know a thing about him except for the fact that she is hot and funny. Literally that's it. And he keeps mentioning how much he adores....her body.
Your smart mouth would sort them all out—keep them focused. You could be the Sharon Osbourne of our tour, only sexier. Not that I wouldn’t bang Shazza.
I miss your tits in the palm of my hands.
That leather-clad arse.
Your pretty green eyes.
Dammit, Cherry.
There wasn't another thing to convince me how much they love each other. They did convince me they were attracted to each other since they had sex 80% of the book.
5. She had a legit reason to leave him since he literally had sex with a reporter who came back to destroy his life and he told her...this:
“You’re persuasive and persistent. I like women like that. I’m drawn to confidence… to seeing the real version of whoever is put in front of me, whether that version is bad or good. You remind me of a girl back home. A sweet girl. A girl I watched transform in front of my eyes. The only difference between the two of you is that she’s too scared to live and you aren’t.” Presley paused, his eyes narrowing as a look I couldn’t decipher washed over his face.
“This girl sounds like she meant a lot to you.”
He blinked hard. “She will again one day. When I need her. When things get dark. I’ll seek her out when she’s useful to me.” He looked up into Janey’s eyes, his charm back in place. “Until then, I’ll focus on women like you. Women who know what they want. Women who don’t make you work so damn hard for every little thing. Women who like to live on the edge. You like to live on the edge, don’t you, Janey?”
And by the way, what kind of reporter does that? She's making the media look worse than it does already. It's illegal to record something without the other person permission and it's illegal to leak photos that could destroy one's reputation.
Also, this quote is really... weird for me. This woman literally fired herself from the job she loved so much with this statement.
“And for those of you who are wondering what happened with Presley and I that night, the answer is yes. It happened. I sometimes think I’m the inspiration for the band’s bestselling song My Greatest Mistake.” She laughed smugly. “I guess we’ll never know. Something tells me Presley West won’t be rushing to sit beside me again after this. I’m Janey Dominic, bringing you the latest celebrity news. Thanks for watching.”
They did get back together, and that chapter with Bryan Adams was amazing, not gonna lie. I would have liked it more if Presley deserved to be forgiven. He never gave a proper explanation nor did he apologize, yet every person that matters in her life told her she is the bad one in this story.
I really struggled to finish this book, it almost became unbearable in the last chapters.
I could go on and on about what's wrong with it, but I might have to lower my rating.
2.5/5
melanievg's review against another edition
5.0
What a read. I repeat, what a read. Presley and Cherry were absolutely delicious together. So many feelings written in this book. So much depth in those characters. Such a great view on the rock star world. It was amazing.
These characters were soulmates, love and pure after they dealt with all of there problems.
I loved this book so much!
These characters were soulmates, love and pure after they dealt with all of there problems.
I loved this book so much!
esthibess's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
eloisearchangelo's review
2.0
I had to DNF at about 20% in. It’s not a bad book- it just didn’t hold my attention. Wasn’t my cup of tea.