Tag Archives: rock and roll

Untwisted/Destroyed (Lost in Oblivion) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Reviews

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UNTWISTED / DESTROYED (Lost in Oblivion ) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Reviews

Destroyed

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: May 12, 2015

Only one woman has ever refused him…and she’s the only one he wants.

Now that he’s successful beyond his wildest dreams with his band Oblivion, Simon Kagan is happy to enjoy his all-access pass to the groupie train. After getting more fists in the ribs than hugs growing up, he discovers having a warm female in his bed is an easy way to escape the loneliness.

Until Margo.

From the moment the classy, buttoned up violinist entered his sphere, he knew she was different. After one amazing night in the studio, he feels like he’s finally connected with someone on a deeper level—only to have her walk away without a backward glance.

As a member of the Boston Symphony orchestra, Margo Reece’s life revolves around the regimented structure of a second chair violinist. But Simon’s uncanny ability to crawl into a song and create a smoky, sin-filled experience translated into the hottest night of her life. She walked away afterward because that’s what she was supposed to do.

And Margo always does what she’s supposed to.

Until Simon.

When she’s called on again to blend her sound with Oblivion’s, she has to make the decision to play it safe or let her wild side free. Especially when her first meeting with Simon shows that sometimes rigidly contained passions create the most dangerous sparks…

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DESTROYED is the third full length installment in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, new adult LOST IN OBLIVION erotic romance rock series focusing on the members of the rock band Oblivion. This is lead singer and front man Simon Kagan, and classical violinist Margo Reece’s storyline-a second chance for two people who never forgot the one that got away.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Simon and Margo) DESTROYED follows the rebuilding of a relationship; a friendship between Simon and Margo that was all but destroyed following a one night stand wherein Margo walked away without a backwards glance. What ensues is sexually tense and continuously toxic confrontations between our leading couple. From name calling to disgust, Margo and Simon have issues whenever either one is in the same room with the other. Margo is about to head out on tour, to accompany the band on stage, and in this neither Simon or Nick are thrilled with the prospect: Nick doesn’t like change and Simon’s attraction to Margo finds our leading singer in a precarious predicament.

The relationship between Margo and Simon is fraught with bitter memories of their one night together. Margo wanted Simon but walked away knowing that Simon would never settle for one woman, and Simon found himself wondering where it all went wrong. Fast forward several months and Simon has tried to forget Margo and her curvaceous body. Our hero’s reputation as a manwhore is not without some disappointing moments. Sex and alcohol are Simon’s vises-he is a sexual beast both on and off the stage. Coming face to face with his past finds Simon’s aggression towards Margo amplified by the return of a former bandmate. The $ex scenes are graphic, intense, dramatic, sometimes combative, and bold. The sexual tension is palpable but their tug –o-war, and cat and mouse games of ‘want you/want you not’ was frustrating. The back and forth was continuous; I felt the romance was missing-it was all about the $ex and in this the love connection was almost non existent. At this point I never thought I would see Simon Kagan settle down.

LOST IN OBLIVION is an ensemble series. All of the previous storylines characters and members of the band play a secondary and supporting role throughout the novel. Jazz and Harper’s pregnancies have advanced wherein Gray and Deacon have just about lost their minds as it pertains to the impending births of their first born children. The band’s popularity has made OBLIVION a star on the rock and roll circuit; and Snake comes back looking for his piece of the pie.

DESTROYED does not end with a happily ever after but a cliffhanger that will focus on Simon’s future and the band’s past. Lost in Oblivion is gritty, graphic and not without some controversial moments but it is a series about rock and roll, and the lifestyle that is conducive to controversy and trouble-sex, drugs, alcohol, infighting with the band, and of course, their public image and private lives. I am a fan of Quinn and Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION series, but not a fan of the drawn out, back and forth between a couple whose need for one another is dangerous and dark. I want some romance in my romance storylines but the gritty reality of fame pushes love and romance down the list of priorities and wants.

Reviewed by Sandy

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UntwistedUNTWISTED
Lost in Oblivion 2.5
by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
Release Date: February 12, 2015

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE February 12, 2015

Falling in love was easy…figuring out the rhythm of being a couple, not so much.

Now that they’ve pressed play, life is going way too fast for Gray Duffy and Jazz Edwards. A super hot video has boosted their band Oblivion’s popularity even higher, and suddenly Gray and Jazz are the reigning prince and princess of rock. But as their private wedding ceremony in their most special place approaches, they realize they can’t go forward without facing their roots.

With new family members coming into the mix and old unresolved dramas coming to a head, one thing is for sure—the harder they rock, the bigger the drop.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNTWISTED is the latest novella in Cari Quinn’s and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult LOST IN OBLIVION erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock back Lost in Oblivion. UNTWISTED is Jazz Edwards and Gray Duffy’s continuing story.

Planning a surprise wedding for he and Jazz, Gray didn’t count on Jazz’s estranged seventeen year old half sister showing up in the mix. When Jazz got a letter a few days earlier from Molly, asking if they could meet, it was all Gray could do not to surmise that Molly wanted money based on the timing and the media information. And true to his assumptions, Molly was everything and more that Gray had suspected-now if he could only convince Molly to walk away and never look back.

The storyline follows Jazz and Gray in the few days prior to their ‘surprise’ wedding. Jazz wants to meet her long lost sister and Gray wants nothing more than to marry the woman that he loves. Things go from bad to worse when Jazz walks away after hearing the truth behind Molly’s attempt to reconcile and Gray’s attempts to get Molly out of their life.

The $ex scenes are seductive, provocative and a little bit exploratory-Jazz and Gray’s hotel offers a married couple’s kink package !!

The world building continues to follow LOST IN OBLIVION as they work on their next album; Gray’s foray into writing and mixing it up with another band; and the need to provide a stable environment for the next generation.

UNTWISTED is a storyline that adds a new dimension to Jazz and Gray’s relationship- a sister from the past who is no longer the baby girl Jazz remembers. All of the previous storyline couples and members of the band are present as well as Gray’s mother who is beginning to accept the choices Gray has made in his life.

Once again, Cari and Taryn get up close and personal with the members of the band; their loves; and the people in their lives.

Copy supplied by Author’s Pal

Reviewed by Sandy

Rocked

Want to get started on the series? ROCKED (Lost in Oblivion  #1) ebook is FREE:
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READING ORDER
0.5 Seduced
1.0 Rocked
1.5 Rock, Rattle and Roll
2.0 Twisted
2.5 Untwisted
3.0 Destroyed
4.0 Shattered

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You Really Got Me (Rock Star Romance #1) by Erika Kelly-a review

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YOU REALLY GOT ME (Rock Star Romance #1) by Erika Kelly-a review

You Really Got Me

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2015

Emmie Valencia has what it takes to be the music industry’s hottest band manager. She just needs to prove it. Determined to discover a killer new band, Emmie is ready to make her move. First stop: Austin, Texas.

As a sizzling-hot lead singer, Slater Vaughn has no trouble raising heart rates—but his band’s been flat-lining for years. When Emmie, his bandmate’s sister, crashes with them in exchange for some free management, her industry know-how lands them a spot in the biggest music festival in Texas. But it isn’t just her business acumen that catches Slater’s attention. Emmie is sexy and warm, and—for the first time in his life—he wants more.

But as irresistible as Slater is, Emmie is done with musicians. In her experience, a man can’t be a rock star and someone to trust with your heart—but Slater is determined to show her he’s both.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: YOU REALLY GOT ME is the first installment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult Rock Star Romance erotic romance series focusing on the rock band currently known as Snatch. This is song writer and front man Slater Vaughn and industry assistant Emmie Valencia’s storyline. When Emmie’s shot at a promotion is passed over for someone with less experience, Emmie takes it upon herself to make the up and coming rock band Snatch a household name. What Emmie never expected was to fall in love with Slater Vaughn-a man who would break her heart and destroy her faith in love.

Told from several third person points of view the storyline follows the rise and fall of Slater Vaughn- a talented song writer whose star is on the rise. Enter Emmie Valencia, a woman whose own success has yet to make it in the music industry and the person who would pull her brother’s band Snatch into the spotlight. But like all rising stars, there are people waiting in the wings, riding the road to success and willing to do anything to make it big. As Slater and the boys slowly rise to the top, Emmie realizes that her relationship with Slater will suffer the fall out from notoriety, the media circus and a woman who sees Slater as her ticket to the big leagues.

Already reeling from a disastrous relationship with another rock star, Emmie is unwilling to let her heart be trapped by another wanna be star. Slater’s reputation with groupies and women precedes his introduction to the band’s newest manager, but that doesn’t stop Slater from trying everything in his power to grab Emmie’s attention. Mistakes will be made, jealousy will rear its’ ugly head, and Emmie and Slater’s slow building relationship will take a back seat to all the trappings of a public relations nightmare. The sex scenes are intimate, sensual and spontaneous.

The secondary and supporting characters ( Snatch band members-Cooper, Ben, and Derek) are colorful, well developed and add an emotional depth to the story. Derek is Emmie’s over protective big brother and with good reason when Slater begins to spiral out of control. As the band members ride the ‘high’ of success, too much excess will bring the band crashing back to reality with no apologies. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll is not only a line but a lifestyle that will interfere with music and the band.

Erika Kelly writes an imaginative, no nonsense, gritty storyline about the uglier side of rock and roll. No one is safe from social media gossip; the PR machines work hard to manipulate a reputation that has yet to see the light of day; and one woman will lose her heart to a man who sees himself a failure in the eyes of the people he loves. There are destructive moments of anguish and heartbreak followed by intense passion and provocative love. Erika Kelly will captivate your imagination with her introductory Rock Star Romance storyline YOU REALLY GOT ME.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Twisted (Lost in Oblivion #2) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

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TWISTED (Lost in Oblivion #2 ) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Twisted

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2014

He’s always saved her. Now she’s going to return the favor…

Gray Duffy never thought he’d end up as the co-lead guitarist of Oblivion, one of the hottest rock bands in the country. Even better? He’s sharing the experience with his best friend, Jazz. Since the day she’d showed up as his family’s new foster kid, Gray has protected her. Loved her. And not just platonically either. After all these years of wanting her in his bed, he still doesn’t know what it would be like to have her mouth on his.

Except for that one time. The time he’d shared her with Nick. The best worst night of his life.

Now they’re living their dream. They’re making music together and spending every waking moment trapped in tight quarters. With success at their fingertips, the time is right for him to finally make his move toward the woman he needs.

He just never figured he would lose control. Or that she would find out.

They’ve loved each other through everything. But what if this time love just isn’t enough?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TWISTED is the second full length storyline in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s Lost in Oblivion series focusing on the members of the rock band Oblivion. This is drummer Jasmine (Jazz) Edwards and guitarist Gray Duffy’s storyline-a friends to lovers trope that looks at second chances and forgiveness. TWISTED can be read as a stand alone but for background information, the band’s beginnings and cohesion I would strongly suggest reading in order.

Told from third person point of view alternating between past and present TWISTED follows the introduction between fourteen year old foster child Jasmine Edwards and Grayson Duffy-the young man who would one day break her heart-to present day. Jasmine grew up in foster care and at fourteen found herself living with the Duffy’s. Long story short, Gray and Jazz were attracted to one another immediately with Gray playing the protector and big brother to Jazz’s fragile ego. But a caustic and dangerous moment in time found an eighteen year old Jazz on the run, leaving Gray heartbroken and lost. Two years would pass before Jazz reconnected with the Gray and Gray was a changed man. Now that both were members of the up and coming rock band Oblivion, Gray’s life will begin to spiral out of control following a night he will never forget between Nick, Jazz and himself.

TWISTED is a storyline that follows present day with the rock band Oblivion alternating with a story about the past. Jazz never had an easy life and thought she had found a loving family with the Duffy’s but like many families there is a dark and dangerous side, one that Jazz would experience first hand. Even with Gray’s love and protection, Jazz would find herself alone again, on the run, with no one to care. While the members of Oblivion find themselves in lock down to get over their attitude and destructive egos, Jazz and Gray will take the next step in their relationship. The realization that Gray is falling deeper into addiction and despair comes with a darker threat against the woman that he loves.

All of the members of Oblivion (Simon, Nick, Deacon and Harper) including new PR manager Lila play an active role throughout the premise of TWISTED. As manager, Lila is the one who will have to take control when the band begins to implode and slowly destroy what is left of their image. Social media, addiction, inflated egos and revenge will take center stage for a band on the cusp of making it big.

Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott pull from the reality that is the rock and roll lifestyle. There is betrayal, jealousy, excess and love. Everyone will be affected by the fall out of one night of passion between three friends, resulting in a tense relationship between the members of the band. LOST IN OBLIVION is an intense, dramatic and addicting series with moments of passion, heartbreak and erotic imagery.

Lost in Oblivion

READING ORDER
0.5 Seduced
1.0 Rocked
1.5 Rock, Rattle and Roll
2.0 Twisted
2.5 Untwisted (Feb 2015)
3.0 Destroyed
4.0 Shattered

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Best Kind of Trouble (The Hurley Boys #1) by Lauren Dane-a review

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THE BEST KIND OF TROUBLE (The Hurley Boys #1) by Lauren Dane-a review

The Best Kind of Trouble

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 26, 2014

She has complete control… and he’s determined to take it away

A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton’s world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley….

And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for.

Even after years of the rock and roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more… even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there’s a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEST KIND OF TROUBLE is the first book in Lauren Dane’s new, adult, contemporary The Hurley Boys erotic romance series focusing the members (and brothers) of the rock group Sweet Hollow Ranch. This is Patrick “Paddy” Hurley and Natalie Clayton’s storyline-a somewhat second chance at love storyline for two people who have reconnected over coffee and home town life in Hood River.

Told from third person POV the premise focuses on the building relationship between Natalie –the Hood River librarian- and bad boy rocker and lead singer of Sweet Hollow Ranch, and home town phenom Paddy Hurley. Paddy and Natalie had spent two sex filled weeks together before the band made it big and reconnecting years later with Natalie (back in his home town) rekindles all kinds of emotions and needs in Paddy. He is a man possessed to claim Natalie as his own but Natalie has many reasons to not accept and refuse Paddy in her life.

Natalie is a product of her past. Destroyed by the actions of her parents, Natalie is not very forthcoming with Paddy. She is a woman with a history that continues to control her present and in this her actions and responses to Paddy were questionable on many levels. Natalie is quick to judge; quick to assume; and quick to run when the going gets tough-not that Paddy didn’t have some demons of his own.

Paddy lived the rock and roll life style-drugs, alcohol and women-but he has left that all behind. As he and his brothers prepare for their upcoming tour, he will begin to fall in love with a woman whose past will eventually come crashing back and into Sweet Hollow Ranch’s path. Paddy is a man who believes he should be the one to rescue and save the woman that he loves-but when he believes someone has interfered his reactions are so out of character I wondered what I had missed early in the storyline.

The secondary characters include the Hurley Boys-Damien, Ezra and Vaughan, as well as their parents-Michael and Sharon Hurley. We get a glimpse into a loving family unit that has weathered a few dark times throughout the band’s rise to fame. We are also introduced to Natalie’s former college friends and besties, including her room mate Tuesday whose story will be told when Ezra finds the woman that saves his soul.

The world building takes the reader from the past to the present; from family dysfunction to family unity; from friendship to love. We are pulled into a story where four brothers have made it big in the world of rock and roll but with it comes all of the perks and problems that one could imagine.

Lauren Dane writes a story of family love, troubled pasts and moving on. I did have a few issues with the jumpy feel of the story; the focus seem to scatter on occasion as though there something was missing. I also had a difficult time with some of the reasoning and issues our leading couple allowed to bleed into their lives. Small things seem to set them off, yet bigger issues were brushed aside as though they were expected and not unforeseen which added to the already uneasy feel of the story.

THE BEST KIND OF TROUBLE introduces four brothers whose lives have changed and are about to change once again. It is a story that reveals some of the seedier side of rock and roll, as well as the promise of greater things to come. Everyone needs a rock; an anchor; a soul mate; and The Hurley Boys series will find each of the members of Sweet Hollow Ranch find their Happily Ever After.I am looking forward to Ezra and Tuesday’s story-Broken Open (November 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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