BLOW (Virtuous Paradox #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-a review

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About the book: Release Date November 8, 2016

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Bodhi McKnight has always had everything handed to him on a silver platter: fame, success, money, girls. The raven-haired, blue-eyed hottie is the son of Hollywood A-listers, and when he’s asked to join the boy band Virtuous Paradox, his star shoots even higher. But so do expectations, leading Bodhi down a destructive path of addiction—until a drop-dead gorgeous guardian angel shows him her sizzling brand of tough love.

When Bodhi ends up in rehab, he doesn’t expect to meet someone as cool and down-to-earth as Kimberly Gordon. Although he’s enjoyed the company of beautiful, charming women before, none of them have tried to get to know the “real” Bodhi. But Kimberly isn’t fazed by his stardom. She’d rather go horseback riding, teach Bodhi to play guitar, or ask him about his feelings. Soon Bodhi realizes he’s fallen head over heels for her. He just hopes that he’s strong enough to protect what they have from all the pressures and temptations of the outside world.

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REVIEW: BLOW is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult VIRTUOUS PARADOX erotic, rocker romance series focusing on the boy band Virtuous Paradox. This is front man Bodhi McKnight, and psychologist/rehab counselor Kimberly Gordon’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bodhi and Kimberly) BLOW is a story of forbidden romance. Bodhi McKnight is an addict and has thirty days to clean up or he is out of the band. Rehab finds our hero withdrawn and unable to trust including the woman who calls to his heart-psychologist and counselor Kimberly Gordon. What ensues is the building relationship between Bodhi and Kimberly, and the reality of life as Bodhi returns to world of rock and roll.

BLOW is a story of insta lust/love ; a forbidden relationship between patient and mentor. Bodhi is struggling to get clean but finds himself attracted to the woman assigned to his care. Kimberly is a woman who refuses to let Bodhi’s fame and stardom enter into the equation but is also a woman who has fallen for the man who is battling more than one outside demon. The $ex scenes are erotic and graphic. Bodhi likes to talk dirty both in and out of the bedroom. Although the attraction between the couple is immediate I did not feel the connection-the palpable energy was missing, and the lack of build up made for a less than explosive coupling.

We are introduced to the other members of the band including their manager Rebel Van Zandt, Brayden Copeland, and Carson Monroe, as well as Brayden’s best friend Natalie and her young daughter Maggie. Kimberly’s father Dr. Gordon heads the San Diego treatment center where Brodhi meets the love of his life; Dr. Rosenberg who handles Brodhi’s group, and one on one sessions; and Bodhi’s repentant and equally famous parents Hollywood director Roger McKnight and actress Gabriela Laura. Aspen Lawrence is Brodhi’s ‘friend’ and the woman who sets out to destroy our hero’s life.

The world building focuses on Brodhi’s treatment for addiction-the withdrawal, the hallucinations, and the steps in his recovery. We are also witness to the strained friendships between the members of the band including a manager who pushes the boys to be perfect in an imperfect world.

BLOW is a story about addiction and recovery; love and misunderstanding; friendship and family. The over the top insta-lust/love premise is a little disconcerting considering our hero is a train wreck in his personal and professional life, and the actions of Kimberly Gordon are questionable under the circumstance-but BLOW is a fictional story line with fictional characters meant to entertain. The premise is dramatic; the characters are passionate and broken but immature; the romance and Bodhi’s need for Kimberly Gordon is akin to switching from one addiction to another.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Review by Sandy