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Make or Break
A writer, a musician, an unexpected love… and a killer who wants to destroy it all.
Abby never dreamed she'd meet her rock-n-roll fantasy, Seth Caldwell, by crushing his guitar under the wheels of her Jeep. Twice. Seth wants to strangle her, but soon the snarks turn to sparks, and he revokes his longstanding rule against getting involved with women on the road.
But when an attempt is made on Seth’s life, everyone’s a suspect. Abby’s determined to hang on to the tenuous ties they’ve developed, but Seth’s determined to keep her safe... even if he has to push her away in order to do it...
Abby never dreamed she'd meet her rock-n-roll fantasy, Seth Caldwell, by crushing his guitar under the wheels of her Jeep. Twice. Seth wants to strangle her, but soon the snarks turn to sparks, and he revokes his longstanding rule against getting involved with women on the road.
But when an attempt is made on Seth’s life, everyone’s a suspect. Abby’s determined to hang on to the tenuous ties they’ve developed, but Seth’s determined to keep her safe... even if he has to push her away in order to do it...
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2011
2 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Lori Whitwam
5 books157 followersLori spent her early years reading books in a tree in northern West Virginia. The 1980s and 90s found her and her husband moving around the Midwest, mainly because it was easier to move than clean the apartment. After seventeen frigid years in Minnesota, she fled to coastal North Carolina in 2013. She will never leave, and if you try to make her, she will hurt you.
She has worked in public libraries, written advertising copy for wastewater treatment equipment, and managed a holistic veterinary clinic. Her current day job, conducted from her World Headquarters and Petting Zoo (her couch) is as a full-time editor for indie authors and small publishing houses.
Her dogs are a big part of her life, and she has served or held offices in Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees rescues, a humane society, a county kennel club, and her own chapter of Therapy Dogs International.
She has been a columnist and feature writer for auto racing and pet publications, and won the Dog Writers Association of America’s Maxwell Award for a series of humor essays.
Parents of a grown son, Lori and her husband were high school sweethearts, and he manages to love her in spite of herself. Some of his duties include making sure she always has fresh coffee and safe tires, trying to teach her to use coupons, and convincing the state police to spring her from house arrest in her hotel room in time for a very important concert. That last one only happened once—so far—but she still really, really appreciates it.
She has worked in public libraries, written advertising copy for wastewater treatment equipment, and managed a holistic veterinary clinic. Her current day job, conducted from her World Headquarters and Petting Zoo (her couch) is as a full-time editor for indie authors and small publishing houses.
Her dogs are a big part of her life, and she has served or held offices in Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees rescues, a humane society, a county kennel club, and her own chapter of Therapy Dogs International.
She has been a columnist and feature writer for auto racing and pet publications, and won the Dog Writers Association of America’s Maxwell Award for a series of humor essays.
Parents of a grown son, Lori and her husband were high school sweethearts, and he manages to love her in spite of herself. Some of his duties include making sure she always has fresh coffee and safe tires, trying to teach her to use coupons, and convincing the state police to spring her from house arrest in her hotel room in time for a very important concert. That last one only happened once—so far—but she still really, really appreciates it.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 19, 2011
Passionate Romance + Dark Mystery = Superb Harmony!
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to have an amazing romance with a famous musician, “Make or Break” fills the bill and then some with an intense murder mystery backdrop that keeps you guessing clear to the end. The story is beautifully written with fun, relatable characters, clever, sometimes laugh-out-loud dialogue, intriguing, suspenseful plot twists, and fascinating glimpses into the secret lives of popular performers which pulled me in for a read that I simply couldn’t put down! Lori Whitwam’s unique style combines deliciously passionate romance with dark, unsettling mystery for story telling harmony in an octave all its own!
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to have an amazing romance with a famous musician, “Make or Break” fills the bill and then some with an intense murder mystery backdrop that keeps you guessing clear to the end. The story is beautifully written with fun, relatable characters, clever, sometimes laugh-out-loud dialogue, intriguing, suspenseful plot twists, and fascinating glimpses into the secret lives of popular performers which pulled me in for a read that I simply couldn’t put down! Lori Whitwam’s unique style combines deliciously passionate romance with dark, unsettling mystery for story telling harmony in an octave all its own!
February 27, 2012
Phenomenal. Amazing. Rockin' Romance! Read this book!
One thing I know for certain about musician's is that you NEVER touch their instruments without permission. A lesson our Abby learns quite quickly. Abby soon finds herself in the middle of a killer plot and a love story. Being a mystery writer, Abby should feel right at home, right? She soon finds out writing mysteries and living them are completely different. Maybe she will switch to writing romances?
I figured out who the killer is quite quickly...but through no fault of the author. I am simply naturally suspicious of everyone. One little thing and my gut screamed the person's name. I challenge you to see if you can figure it out before I did. There is plenty of suspicion to go around and it won't be easy. Keep me posted and let me know your vote for the suspected killer.
Lori Whitwam has created a wonderfully entertaining story full of mystery, hope, love and plenty of passion. This book is well written and edited beyond belief. I found one and I do mean ONE word spelled wrong in the whole book. I am seriously impressed! The characters are well thought out and full of details that bring them to life. Having been around bands myself, I can definitely say Lori nailed this one. She knows what she is talking about.
I hope there is a future story to follow. I'd love to see what happens next.
One thing I know for certain about musician's is that you NEVER touch their instruments without permission. A lesson our Abby learns quite quickly. Abby soon finds herself in the middle of a killer plot and a love story. Being a mystery writer, Abby should feel right at home, right? She soon finds out writing mysteries and living them are completely different. Maybe she will switch to writing romances?
I figured out who the killer is quite quickly...but through no fault of the author. I am simply naturally suspicious of everyone. One little thing and my gut screamed the person's name. I challenge you to see if you can figure it out before I did. There is plenty of suspicion to go around and it won't be easy. Keep me posted and let me know your vote for the suspected killer.
Lori Whitwam has created a wonderfully entertaining story full of mystery, hope, love and plenty of passion. This book is well written and edited beyond belief. I found one and I do mean ONE word spelled wrong in the whole book. I am seriously impressed! The characters are well thought out and full of details that bring them to life. Having been around bands myself, I can definitely say Lori nailed this one. She knows what she is talking about.
I hope there is a future story to follow. I'd love to see what happens next.
March 9, 2012
Disclosure - copy received by the author
I tend to avoid romance, but this story had a great little murder mystery/assassination plot to go along with some very steamy sex scenes.
Toss in a few interesting red herrings, and some great characters, and this was a real fun read.
The two main characters are nicely developed and the author has avoided the stereotype of brainless gushy heroine and irritating macho man, which I am truly thankful for.
Definitely not grandma-safe - the sex scenes are frequent and detailed - but if you're a fan of romance and like a bit of mystery, go for it!
I tend to avoid romance, but this story had a great little murder mystery/assassination plot to go along with some very steamy sex scenes.
Toss in a few interesting red herrings, and some great characters, and this was a real fun read.
The two main characters are nicely developed and the author has avoided the stereotype of brainless gushy heroine and irritating macho man, which I am truly thankful for.
Definitely not grandma-safe - the sex scenes are frequent and detailed - but if you're a fan of romance and like a bit of mystery, go for it!
April 4, 2012
Abby had long lusted over Seth Caldwall, the lead singer of a successful rock band, but she never expects to actually meet him - especially not by running over his favourite guitar! But as soon as the two meet, despite a few harsh words, the two form an instant connection. An intense, passionate romance starts, but is almost cut short by an attempt on Seth's life, in the form of a pipe bomb planted in his bag. The bomb starts a 'who-dunit' hunt of everyone they can think of, including the people closest to Seth; his band.
I really loved both characters in this novel. Abby was quirky and loveable, and Seth was downright sexy (and pretty much my perfect guy!). The sex scenes between the couple were smoking and if anyone likes their romance to leave them squirming in their seat, this one is definitely for them. Add in a whole heap of chemistry, some seriously high-tension scenes, and you get the perfect formula for a great novel.
I really loved both characters in this novel. Abby was quirky and loveable, and Seth was downright sexy (and pretty much my perfect guy!). The sex scenes between the couple were smoking and if anyone likes their romance to leave them squirming in their seat, this one is definitely for them. Add in a whole heap of chemistry, some seriously high-tension scenes, and you get the perfect formula for a great novel.
July 21, 2015
I've read Whitwam's zombie series and loved them! Make or Break has more romance, but I surprisingly loved that about it! I felt immediately connected to Abby and Seth, and was drawn in by their story. A shy, but tough, female character meets the edgy rock star with a tender side. There's also a darker mystery to the story, and the author did a fabulous job of weaving the romance and mystery together. Great character development, perfect pacing, and a duo you can't get enough of! Definitely 5 stars.
January 27, 2013
This is absolutely RIVETING!!!!!!! I loved, loved, loved this story! It had everything to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end! I love rock star romances but this was even more than that! The chemistry between Abby and Seth is totally palpable throughout the entire story! But it also has angst, murder lust, humor and love. It's top knotch! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good book!
October 16, 2013
I found this book to be slow, its a OK story line, but it gets very boring as if sometimes its being dragged out. I expected more excitement from it, but this one is based in a girls home in her home town where she falls for a pop star, he goes to stay with her, someone try s to kill them and a stray dog helps save them, thats basically it. Its not the best story line, it is slow at times.
January 17, 2016
Was lucky enough to get a free copy of this excellent book from the author. Great whirlwind romance with some steamy love scenes but with the added mystery of attempts on the life of rock star Seth. Great characters throughout with several suspects & leads to follow, including some red herrings. Would definitely recommend this book.
January 23, 2012
Sweet story. Love how they met for the first time. A great romance, mixed with a little excitement of a bomb thrown in. :) 300+ pages make for a nice read where we actually get to know the characters at an even base, no rushing involved.
April 12, 2012
Pleasant, kind of meandering romance with a not very exciting stalker. The characters were all very likeable and very in touch with their feelings. Mildly amusing heroine and sweet hero. I did enjoy this, but it was kind of bland.
September 23, 2011
Loved it! I liked the first draft when I was privileged to read it, but this, the final product, is excellent! It totally screwed with my study plans, but was well worth it. Congratulations, Lori!
January 26, 2012
In love with a rock star ;)
August 7, 2012
Loved the hero, loved the sex, loved the story.
September 3, 2012
This story is a great Romance Suspense book. I was not able to figure out the Who-Done-It until the end! The romance is very hot and the characters just went together like no other. Well done!
October 19, 2012
I found myself getting bored with the story, the characters were all likeable but I just wasn't drawn into the story and for this i give it 3/5 stars..
December 31, 2012
Lori, you're living the dream you've had ever since our Eagle Library years! I'm so proud of you!
March 24, 2014
Loved this book. It's the first rock and roll book I read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews