Rock Star

Rockers of Storm Crow #1

by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

A ten-year commemorative edition of the first interracial rock star romance. This multi-award winning bestseller makes frequent appearances on Favorites lists and continues to stand the test of time. Callie Lawson is a small-town business owner with few plans that don’t involve a spreadsheet, a clipboard and a PowerPoint presentation. When Bryan Spencer, renegade rock star leader of the legendary band Storm Crow shows up in her store those plans are rapidly derailed. Bryan, reeling from the drug overdose death of his best friend and band mate has been exiled to the Alabama town before he succumbs to guilt and his self-destructive tendencies. LA sin and southern comfort collide in an explosive conflagration that neither is prepared for but are unable to resist. A passion this intense will not be denied, even when Bryan’s own personal Gollum steals away his newfound love. He’s prepared to do what it takes to get her back, even if it means taking on their worst the one within.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Music, Chick Lit

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2006

Reviews

[Miranda]

I don't read books written by transphobic jerkfaces.

[Bluecreek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite IR romance featurign a BW/WM. Far too often the books in that genre are too short or filled with language that just isn't my preference. Rock Star is a real jewel in the genre though. The plot may be far-fetched, but the characters themselves feel as real as they could possibly be. If this type of situation were to actually occur, I could see it playing out EXACTLY as the author wrote it. I never read a book a second time immediately after having just finished it, and while I did't this time either, I came a whole lot closer than I have to just turning right back to page 1 and digging in again.

Bryan takes the perfect approach to Callie and does such a subtle and perfect job of winning her. Callie has a realistic view on what such a relationship would be like, so accepts the friendship willingly but keeps enough distance to keep it from growing beyond that. When they do get together, the steady build leads to such a great pay-off. They have to earn their relationship, but the path is genuine and well worth the ride.

[Demelza · Rating 3 out of 5]

If only every book could reference Chris Cornell! How awesome would that be?
I found this book during my search for a romance with a hot rock star, and I was only mildly disappointed.

Pros:
The hero -- Bryan -- was well done and didn't end up being cheesy.
It mentions Chris Cornell.
I couldn't put it down, and felt very glowy at the end.

Cons:
Typos.
The waiting game and indecision that Callie puts Bryan through would drive any regular guy to madness. It bothered me that she didn't give him the benefit of the doubt when **SPOILER ALERT*** the tabloids hit. Her mantra seemed to be "I want my life to stay the same" rather than "how can you and I make it work together because I love you".
She did come around in the end though.

I didn't find the interracial romance aspect to be too overwhelming, although Callie's insistence that everyone would think she was "Bryan's whore" was a bit much. Really, that could have been a danger with any woman he was dating, whether she was black or not. In this, I think Callie was very insecure. Even her own Mother, and Granny down the street didn't seem to see the problem, and they certainly came from an even more traditional generation.

In any case, if you need a rock star fix, pick up this book!
It gets bonus points for also mentioning: Kurt Cobain, left-handed guitarists and Alice in Chains.

[B*tchy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complete DNF. The writing is not bad, but I just could not get with the lead. Who says "gosh gee wilikers"? That alone gave me enough for a "bye, Felicia". I am so confused how a woman in this day and age can still be hung up on so many things, including race. Dating out of your race is just like dating anyone else. Why harp on it in this day and age? It's not like we're talking dismantling systemic racism or oppression. It's just a love story. I dunno. Either way, I really wanted to like the heroine, but I do not abide silliness.

[SassyMama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just An Okay Read

Callie has worked fervently on her five year plan and it is now time to start a new five year plan. Owning her own bookstore with her best friend in her small town home of Mapel Fork, Alabama has been her biggest challenge, but a rewarding one nonetheless. However, when Bryan Spencer, a rock star, comes into her book store, Callie will find a new focus to dwell on finding unconventional love. Thus ROCK STAR is the story of two people from different backgrounds who find the mind cannot stop what the heart feels. Initially Callie kept her friendship with Bryan platonic, but as they began to spend more time together and Bryan opened up emotionally, feelings could not be denied. As Callie became more comfortable with their relationship, she also got to experience the celebrity lifestyle. When Bryan went back on tour, Callie was able to join him and keep their budding romance alive. However, when the tabloids write an unflattering story about her relationship with Bryan things for the couple take a turn for the worse. Now the couple must decide if their relationship is worth saving it when the people they most care about seem to be against them and whether Callie can weather the tabloid storm. It was an okay debut from Rosylyn Hardy Holcomb, but it just didn't thrill me like some of the other IR novels I've read. Based upon the reviews, I bought Rock Star and I had high hopes for it but, the story just didn't hold my attention. I found myself skipping over paragraphs and peeking ahead to see if it would get better. When I finally finished I was relieved it was over. Strange, because I did enjoy Bryan's character and the depth of his feelings for Callie but, I just did not enjoy the entire ride. I couldn't even bring myself to care about the so called romance that was supposed to be blossoming between him and Callie. It's definitely not the worst romance I've ever read, but, in good consciousness couldn't give it a higher rating than 2 stars.

[Theodora Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description: When Bryan Spencer, the lead singer of Storm Crow, moves to a small southern town to recover from his best friend’s death, he meets Callie Lawson, a bookstore owner who helps him to heal. But can their small town romance survive within the world of his big time career?

The Good: The story is very compelling, and it was so nice to read an IR romance with a hero that leaned beta. Not every author can pull a beta off, but Holcomb does it well, and crafts a very attractive hero in Bryan Spencer. It was also refreshing to see two characters bond over a mutual love of reading. On a setting note, ROCK STAR has really great local flavoring. And, on a crafting note, if you’re going make the controversial decision to head hop, look at ROCK STAR. Ms. Holcomb does it so well, I didn’t even notice it was happening most of the time, because the progression to another character’s head seemed completely natural. I’m happy to have found this author and will definitely be seeking out more of her work. Oh, and I love the cover!

The Bad: The heroine doesn’t have a clear arc. She’s kind at times, but also judgmental, stubborn, and indecisive. Her negative character traits never get fully resolved or explored. Although many people are indecisive in real life, this character trait is extremely hard to pull off in story. It becomes hard to root for Callie, because throughout the book one feels that Bryan wants and is fighting for the relationship while Callie is somewhat mulishly flip-flopping.

The Naughty: Steamy heat level.

Editing issues: Minor. I counted five typos.

Publisher: Indigo Love Spectrum

Length: 320 pages

Final Grade: B

Happy Reading,
Theodora from IRbookreviews.com

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thing I have to mention is the love I have for the way Holcomb dealt with the issue of an interracial relationship, which is actually the main reason this book wound up on my list in the first place. It's a very real problem that just doesn't show up in fiction very often, and it was handled with an eye to realism, creating an effective stumbling block for Bryan and Callie without demonizing the people who raised the race issue. It wasn't something that was raised and then swept neatly under the carpet; it continued to be an issue the two of them had to come to terms with, not so much because they had problems with the interracialness, but because people close to them didn't approve.

I did wish, though, that Bryan would stand up for himself a little more. So much of the story focused on him patiently wooing Callie through her hesitation, proving himself worthy, and basically running around in circles to please her. For her part, Callie treated him with suspicion, even when he didn't deserve it, and essentially blamed him for the price of fame. I know there's generally a little wish fulfilment in romance, especially one that pairs an average girl with a rock star, but this veered into spineless territory.

I loved that Bryan and Callie spoke differently, and snorted (in a good way; it was a gigglesnort) when Bryan had to ask her about her father's terminology, not being familiar with the expressions. This made perfect sense to me. They're from different worlds, they would speak differently. Unfortunately, this didn't translate to standout dialogue for the entire book. There was a lot of exposition, both through dialogue and narration, more than I think there needed to be. Habitually, there would be one scene between Bryan and Callie, leading up to some event, and then the event in question would be summarized as the characters reflected on it after the fact. I felt like I'd missed half the book, that a lot had happened off stage (so to speak) where I couldn't see it.

Constant headhopping was the other issue I had. In the space of a conversation, we'd jump around to four or five different perspectives, usually with no warning. I found it distracting, especially when the perspective would jump from one of the protagonists to a smaller character.

For all that, though, Rock Star managed to have fun with itself while it touched on some significant social issues, and I've gotta give serious kudos for that. It had a message without stooping to preachiness, and stands out for throwing at least a little bit of the real world at the characters.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all, it was a pretty good book.I liked the fact that the characters were seemingly polar opposites.Callie is a bookstore owner and Bryan is (duh!)a rock star, but they were able to bond because Callie helps Bryan go through a difficult time in his life and because of their common interests.They really had some sweet and intimate moments and I could see how and why they fell in love.The writing was also really good,I had an insight on the characters's past but I was sometimes tired of reading about their thoughts,I wanted to see less thinking and more action/talking!!!!!...I could relate to Callie's doubts on the relationship and I realy sympathized with the hardships she had to go through...but Bryan was here to convince her that they were meant for each other.The ending was very satisfying, but the only question that remains is "what did bryan do with the crunchy peanut butter??"
I look forward to reading other books by the author.

[Anino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this Interracial Romance novel, however there were a few lags in the story. Overall, it was a good story that deserves to have a sequel & perhaps be told on the big screen? (Hint, Hint)

[Faithc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Loved Bryan a lot^^

[AmiNickris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally

And I mean finally in two ways... Finally I read this book, it took me forever to and finally she made a darn decision. Loved the book but her uncertainty started to wear very very thin.i loved the story...his intensity ..and most of all...his hair!!!

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a refreshing book which not only deals with interracial relationships but also explores the emotions and problems that can occur when a woman gets romantically involved with a celebrity. Callie Lawson is a owner of a bookstore in Maple Fork,Alabama while Bryan Spencer is a lead singer of the L.A. rock band Storm Crow. Callie and Bryan meet when Byran goes to Callie's bookstore, Books and So Forth, to find science fiction books. Although
Callie is intrigued by Bryan, she feels that he probably isn't interested in her since he is white and she is black.
As time passes, Bryan starts coming by the bookstore more often and they start to become close. It is during that time that Callie finds out that Bryan was sent to stay at his manager's cabin to deal with the grief of his best friend and band mate Brodie's untimely death by a drug overdose. Bryan blames himself for Brodie's death and Callie helps him to get through his grief. While Bryan enjoys Callie's company and want to pursue a romantic relationship with her, Callie still views their relationship as just being friends. After a heated kiss in her parent's kitchen at a family gathering,Callie begins to view Bryan as a romantic prospect. While Callie sisters are excited at the idea of the their big sister dating a famous rock star, her parents are worried about not only the type of job he does but also the fact that he's a white man that they feel may be only trying to use her until he goes back to California.
When the time comes for Bryan to return to California, his and Callie's bond is so strong, he can't bare to leave her in Alabama so he asks he to go with him to California. Callie is excited to go to California with Bryan yet, she is worried that Bryan will expect for their relationship to become sexual which is something she isn't ready for.
During her time in California, Callie and Bryan grow even close and eventually, they take their relationship to the next level. Callie and Bryan become inseparatable which makes it even harder when Callie has to return to Maple Fork and Bryan has to resume his tour which Storm Crow. In the course of their time apart, they both realize how much they love and need each other.Throughout the novel, the reader gets to know the characters so intimately, you really want to know if Callie and Bryan will be together or will they let others pull them apart?
There are so many reasons why I liked this book. I really enjoyed this book because I like the realistic dialogue between the characters. I was also impressed by how quick a read it was. I was drawn into the story from the first paragraph and was addicted. I also liked that the author chose to make the story about more than their racial difference; she chose to focus on how fame can effect a relationship. In addition, I was happy to see that that in reading the book, you can tell that the author has done her background work on life in the south in the way she writes about interactions in southern towns. This was truly a wonderful book that I could read again and again.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize it was the 10th anniversary of this book. Time surely flies! If the original foreword is there, I'm the Teri (name spelled wrong, it should be "Terri") thanked in the foreword. I remember when Roz was writing this and there was a group of us all giving her feedback. Somewhere on one of my old hard drives I have the complete original manuscript with the ORIGINAL ending that didn't make the final cut before publication. I'm also the one that told her which publisher to submit it to. They accepted it right out the gate.

I'm glad to see it's done well. The book emerged out of messagboard discussions about the old UPN TV series Legacy which featured and interracial romance. Of course the show didn't last, so we fans were commisserating. And the idea for this book was born. I'm glad it's turned into a franchise. That's the way to go nowadays.

What do I think of it? I think it's a solid romance for a (then) first time writer. There are things I would have done differently (I also write and used to be a copy editor) but at the time the point was for Roz to get it done and to support her through that. I've learned that's REALLY important for a writer.

Congratulations on 10 years.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan and Callie were so sweet. The rock star and southern belle make an interesting pair. Pretty much from they met, they were attracted to each other, and both of them are people who strive for what they want and can be really stubborn which worked for Bryan's advantage. Although it was clear there was chemistry between them, Callie was in forced denial making excuses and reasoning that they're just friends and that's all they can be. Bryan sure showed her because through patience, endurance, and determination he finally convinced her they should be together. Yet his career got between them when he had to resume his bands tour and not only that but a tabloid magazine wrote a slanderous article about Callie that almost broke up the couple. Bryan still didn't give up and with the help of his manager-who was partly to blame for the whole mess, a string of talk shows, and a song written just for Callie, he was able to win her back although she was reluctant at first to countiune their relationship. I'm glad she didn't throw away her love and everything worked out in the end. >_<

[Dinese E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I'm just going to give this book 3 stars. Callie's mind set was in the 50s. And I know what she was going through in terms of her family and southern life. I grew up in a strict, bible belt community. Callie irked me to death though. To the nth.

She cared too much about what people thought about her and a "white man". So what? Big deal. When you fall in love with someone you don't see color. My mom taught me and my sister that. An adult who owned a bookstore, she let society and her family dictate who she should fall in love with and she fought her attraction to Bryan tooth and nail which irked me even more. Gee whiz, her brain was just blocked with doing the right thing because she wanted everyone else's approval before she did it. It's a wonder her bookstore ever got off the ground.

What more did he have to do? Who's lucky enough for a man to sing a song for you on television? And then she STILL wondered, "What am I going to do?"

Her stupidly did not help the book to flow and it almost stopped me from reading this book.

[iamGamz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read from Roslyn Hardy Holcomb. I didn't know what to expect but I really loved her work.

Callie and Bryan met at her bookstore in a small town in Alabama. Bryan was taking some time off to get himself together after the death of a close friend and band member.

Watching the relationship develop between these two characters was thrilling. Callie fought her attraction while Bryan was patient giving her time to come to terms with her fears.

I loved Bryan. For a rock god, he was sweet, loving, loyal, just an all round nice guy. Callie was a bit paranoid over any perceived difference between them. She was so fearful of what her family and the people in her town would think that she almost lost the most amazing guy.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from Ms. Hardy Holcomb.

[Genney Blass · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was interesting. I fell in love with Bryan and his story. But with Callie story, I know small towns are always in your business as well as your family but honestly. Her dad was very cold towards her after the situation and I honestly she had a good heart to accept his apology because I sure hell will not do it. She also did it very wrong not to speak to Bryan until he showed up, that is being a coward; and not having her head together besides of being a business woman. love Taylor and Callie's mom and twin sisters. But she was very naive and a little bit ignorant, Bryan only wanted her and only her. To the author, if I have offended you, I apologize for my comment. Very well written.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Great story. I read Dark Star first and I was intrigued by Callie. On Dark Star she seemed so confident and strong, she was such an interesting supporting character. I was expecting more of the same in her story. But, she was more naive and innocent than I was prepared for. I LOVED Bryan! This was a really great read, and it stands on its own which I really love. Dark Star and Rock Star feature two best friends their stories support each other, both stories are equally good in their own right. Just the way best friends should be!

[PT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first contemporary interracial novels that I read and it secured my love of the genre. The couples evolution was so natural in the beginning of the story that all the twists and turns just make you root for them to get their HEA even more. Callie reminded me so much of myself that could see the plausibility in every decision/mistake that she made. The is one of my favorite novels. It's definitely a novel to get swept away with.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that the story had a good concept and a good beginning. In the middle it started getting flaky and some of the conversations that were had could have been edited better or deleted all together because it didn't enhance the story (i.e.-the sherriff). The indecision was overly drawn out to the point that I started to believe that he should have told Callie that they were through. The book could have been about 20 pages shorter and it would have made it better.

[Chantavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that has been sitting in my To Be Read pile forever and now I don't know why. This was such an awesome read. Bryan and Calli are characters that the reader can relate to.

I laughed out loud and cried at various parts of this story which makes this a great story. I must admit at times I became frustrated with Calli but it was not a deterrent to this story.

Another great read from this author.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it. Liked it. Very much a romance. Touching at points. While the barriers seem contrived, I can believe them if you really think about where these characters are supposed to come from. Very few sex scenes, and they felt more like they were required then wanted. The story was definitely in the emotional and relationship drama. I only wish we got to see them grow as a couple more.

[Donna Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the first rocker romance books I ever read. Nice dialogue, some witty parts, heroine resilient and a honest hardworking women. She's taking each day as it comes. Enter our hero... he's just trying to escape all the crap. Loved the building chemistry. c'est fini with an HEA.... nothing more needed xxx
3 Rock my tiny town world xxx

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have read it multiple times. The characters are well developed. I routed for the lead characters and the secondary characters were fun. This was one of my first Interracial romance novels that I read. I continue to look for books that were as good as this one.

[A.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book a couple years ago because the cover intrigued me.To my surpirse this was one of the best books I had read in a long time.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!!!!!!

[EJ MACK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like it but thought that Callie was way to hard on Bryan and taking her advice from her DAD was crazy when she was that old. Once you leave to nest you make your decisions yourself!

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
It would have been great if not for Callie and her father acting a fool for most of the story.

[natalie paul-seemungal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hardy Holcombbbbbbbbbbbb

I savored every morsel of this book and did not want it to end... I yearned to be Callie, OMG, and I enjoyed the consistency of her ornery character.... this was no lazy work... you pulled out all the stops..... every plot flowed seamlessly into the other - totally did not want it to end.... had me all up in my feelings.... damn girl, this is the first time reading your work and I can most definitely tell you, you were born for this....

BEAUTIFUL

MASTER STORYTELLER

DESERT ISLE KEEPER

ONE OF THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD

ENCORE

ENCORE

ENCORE

I WISH THEY WERE REAL

THANKS FOR THIS WONDERFUL READ....

[⭐️MidnightSun⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Sweet and simple. Callie inability to make up her mind got on my nerves and she cared about what others thought way too much. Granny was lovable character. Bryan was beautifully patient. All the characters were believable. I really enjoyed reading this love story.