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Nicole Wilde #0.5
One Way or Another
Behind the music…
Being best friends with a mega-star has its perks and Nicole Wilde, music journalist, laps them up. But when said friend, Dylan King, gorgeous lead singer of The Burnouts, has zero sense of self-preservation once a drop of alcohol hits his blood stream and an inability to keep ‘little Dylan’ in his pants, it also comes with responsibilities.
Now, Nicole has to track down Dylan in time to play a charity gig tomorrow. Half a dozen groupies, a haunted hotel, a tattoo parlour, a reality show runner-up and a crazy bed-hopping, sleepless night later – will she find him before the tour bus leaves town? And when she does, is it time to head home? Or to jump on the tour bus and go along for the ride?
Being best friends with a mega-star has its perks and Nicole Wilde, music journalist, laps them up. But when said friend, Dylan King, gorgeous lead singer of The Burnouts, has zero sense of self-preservation once a drop of alcohol hits his blood stream and an inability to keep ‘little Dylan’ in his pants, it also comes with responsibilities.
Now, Nicole has to track down Dylan in time to play a charity gig tomorrow. Half a dozen groupies, a haunted hotel, a tattoo parlour, a reality show runner-up and a crazy bed-hopping, sleepless night later – will she find him before the tour bus leaves town? And when she does, is it time to head home? Or to jump on the tour bus and go along for the ride?
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2012
307 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
48 books2,055 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 31, 2025
oh divas we are reaching our reading goal one way or another….
November 30, 2016
The author provided me with a link to netgalley!
This was such a fun and quick read. I just couldn't leave it be. I didn't exactly know what I was expecting, but I was mesmerized by the stunning covers and the word 'rockstar' in the title. This was a novella, it had less than 100 pages and I read it in an hour or something. It was a really cool read. I would definitely recommend it, if you're also planning to go read the full novel, which I definitely am going to do soon.
This was cute. It was such a cute little novella. Nicole Wilde is a music journalist, but also friends with a band, The Burnouts. Nicole keeps frontman, Dylan King, under control. But Dylan disappears one night, drunk. Nicole has to track down Dylan from a haunted hotel, to a tattoo parlor and a lot of crazy bed-hopping. Dylan is a crazy guy. I'm just. I wonder how he does it all.
My sister's name is actually Nicole, so I thought it was really funny to read, because well I kept thinking Nicole Wilde was my sister. And she is a big, big Dylan O'Brien fan. So that was pretty funny. But that aside.
I thought this was cute. I didn't know what to expect. I was glad to read a New Adult-y book that was nice and not filled with detailed descriptions of sex. And I'm hoping the full novel is also something that I will enjoy. I enjoyed Portia Macintosh's writing a lot, she writes in a way like you're one of Nicole's friends, trying to find Dylan as well.
I highly recommend this novella if you enjoy band stories, and fun and quick reads. It was super fluffy and there was even a hint of romance and I hope this romance is developed in the full novel. I have heard that this is kind of a prequel. Have you heard of this novella? If you have read it, did you enjoy it?
This was such a fun and quick read. I just couldn't leave it be. I didn't exactly know what I was expecting, but I was mesmerized by the stunning covers and the word 'rockstar' in the title. This was a novella, it had less than 100 pages and I read it in an hour or something. It was a really cool read. I would definitely recommend it, if you're also planning to go read the full novel, which I definitely am going to do soon.
This was cute. It was such a cute little novella. Nicole Wilde is a music journalist, but also friends with a band, The Burnouts. Nicole keeps frontman, Dylan King, under control. But Dylan disappears one night, drunk. Nicole has to track down Dylan from a haunted hotel, to a tattoo parlor and a lot of crazy bed-hopping. Dylan is a crazy guy. I'm just. I wonder how he does it all.
My sister's name is actually Nicole, so I thought it was really funny to read, because well I kept thinking Nicole Wilde was my sister. And she is a big, big Dylan O'Brien fan. So that was pretty funny. But that aside.
I thought this was cute. I didn't know what to expect. I was glad to read a New Adult-y book that was nice and not filled with detailed descriptions of sex. And I'm hoping the full novel is also something that I will enjoy. I enjoyed Portia Macintosh's writing a lot, she writes in a way like you're one of Nicole's friends, trying to find Dylan as well.
I highly recommend this novella if you enjoy band stories, and fun and quick reads. It was super fluffy and there was even a hint of romance and I hope this romance is developed in the full novel. I have heard that this is kind of a prequel. Have you heard of this novella? If you have read it, did you enjoy it?
September 9, 2021
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Firstly thank you to Portia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
This was a fun and hilarious read.
As cool as it sounds to be best friends with a Rockstar Dylan seems like a pain in the backside. He acted a little selfishly and I felt sorry for Nicole having to run around after him.
Nicole seemed like a fun girl. She clearly enjoys her job and being part of the music scene. I'm not sure I could have been as loyal as she was to Dylan. I think I would have given up looking for him.
Dylan seemed to be having a great time all over this tiny little town. Apart from having to look for him I think being his friend would most definitely be interesting. I'm sure there would never be a dull day.
Troy seems nice. He also pretty hot. He clearly enjoyed tagging along on Nicole's little adventure. I hope we see more of him in Starstruck.
This book is a quick, fun read that sets you up for the follow up, Starstruck. It brings you in and makes you need to know more about each character. I feel like I'm going to be getting my own backstage pass to life on tour. I can't wait!
This was a fun and hilarious read.
As cool as it sounds to be best friends with a Rockstar Dylan seems like a pain in the backside. He acted a little selfishly and I felt sorry for Nicole having to run around after him.
Nicole seemed like a fun girl. She clearly enjoys her job and being part of the music scene. I'm not sure I could have been as loyal as she was to Dylan. I think I would have given up looking for him.
Dylan seemed to be having a great time all over this tiny little town. Apart from having to look for him I think being his friend would most definitely be interesting. I'm sure there would never be a dull day.
Troy seems nice. He also pretty hot. He clearly enjoyed tagging along on Nicole's little adventure. I hope we see more of him in Starstruck.
This book is a quick, fun read that sets you up for the follow up, Starstruck. It brings you in and makes you need to know more about each character. I feel like I'm going to be getting my own backstage pass to life on tour. I can't wait!
February 10, 2014
Seriously I was sold on this book at the word ROCKSTAR. Top that with Portia MacIntosh’s real life experience working in the music industry I knew this was going to be my kind of book :)
I don’t usually get girl crushes but I totally wannabe Nicole or at least her BFF. Music, festivals all the elements the crazy rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle topped off with a cutting edge humour.
This novella sets the background for Starstruck brilliantly, giving a glimpse of the characters and their lifestyle. All the way through I kept wondering who the characters could be based on :)
The story shows both the glamorous and downright nasty elements of life on the road, music festivals and groupies. As well as a hyper-active, self-destructive yet totally loveable rock star. For all his faults and bad behaviour Dylan is truly adorable and I can’t wait to get to know him and Nicole better in Starstruck.
I don’t usually get girl crushes but I totally wannabe Nicole or at least her BFF. Music, festivals all the elements the crazy rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle topped off with a cutting edge humour.
This novella sets the background for Starstruck brilliantly, giving a glimpse of the characters and their lifestyle. All the way through I kept wondering who the characters could be based on :)
The story shows both the glamorous and downright nasty elements of life on the road, music festivals and groupies. As well as a hyper-active, self-destructive yet totally loveable rock star. For all his faults and bad behaviour Dylan is truly adorable and I can’t wait to get to know him and Nicole better in Starstruck.
Want to read
March 28, 2013Amazon freebie 3/28/13
June 1, 2024
A nice short read and lighthearted.
March 30, 2018
Before my quiet life of a book reviewer began I was a music reviewer. Music is probably my great love and when I was in my twenties and following bands around the country I often dreamed of the day that I would get to travel around with a band rather than just looking for my next gig hit.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love reviewing books and I know for a fact that my auto-immune riddled body would not be able to handle the rock and roll life anymore but if someone said to me today that I would be able to travel around with my favourite bands without feeling any physical pain or repercussions then hot diggity dog I would do it.
Sadly, I can’t which is why I absolutely loved this little gem of a story. Between a Rockstar and a Hard Place by Portia Macintosh is based on Portia MacIntosh’s own experiences on the road with bands. It was witty, entertaining and everything I hoped that spending time with musicians would be like.
The fact that this short story is a precursor to a longer novel just makes it all the more fantastic.
Between a Rockstar and a Hard Place by Portia MacIntosh is available now.
For more information regarding Portia MacIntosh (@PortiaMacIntosh) please visit www.portiamacintoshbooks.wordpress.com.
For more information regarding Carina (@CarinaPress) please visit www.carinapress.com.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love reviewing books and I know for a fact that my auto-immune riddled body would not be able to handle the rock and roll life anymore but if someone said to me today that I would be able to travel around with my favourite bands without feeling any physical pain or repercussions then hot diggity dog I would do it.
Sadly, I can’t which is why I absolutely loved this little gem of a story. Between a Rockstar and a Hard Place by Portia Macintosh is based on Portia MacIntosh’s own experiences on the road with bands. It was witty, entertaining and everything I hoped that spending time with musicians would be like.
The fact that this short story is a precursor to a longer novel just makes it all the more fantastic.
Between a Rockstar and a Hard Place by Portia MacIntosh is available now.
For more information regarding Portia MacIntosh (@PortiaMacIntosh) please visit www.portiamacintoshbooks.wordpress.com.
For more information regarding Carina (@CarinaPress) please visit www.carinapress.com.
July 27, 2021
Ok, I own up I made a mistake when I selected this book. I saw the author was Portia MacIntosh and because she is one of my all time favourite authors I just clicked to buy it. I didn't realise it was a novella and was only 67 pages long. This hardly seemed long enough to introduce the characters let along enough to make a good story. The final 11% of the book is the first chapter of the follow on story, "If We Ever Meet Again". What can I say it's a very short story about a music journalist, Nicole Wilde, who spends much of her life baby sitting her best friend and rock star Dylan King. Following a music festival Dylan goes off on yet another drunken hunt for yet another woman or in his case several women. This boy must have some stamina! Nicole is the only woman that can find him before he has to be at his next charity gig but can she get him back on the bus in time? An OK, light-hearted and quick to read story, but really, in my opinion, only useful as a way of setting up the next book.
January 21, 2023
Fab! A short and witty read about Nicole, a music journalist, who spends the night trying to find her friend Dylan, the front-man for a popular band. Unfortunately Dylan isn't that easy to track down and leads her in a merry dance all over town.
Loved the antics naughty Dylan got up to and the characters Nicole met in the hunt. The writing style and humour was right up my alley. Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
Loved the antics naughty Dylan got up to and the characters Nicole met in the hunt. The writing style and humour was right up my alley. Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
December 21, 2025
I listened to this one over at spotify, but I had 20 min left when my hours were over so I waited over 21 days to finish this novella. Yeah maybe spotify is not the place for audiobooks.
Anyway a short novella about Nicole who is besties with a rockstar. He goes missing after a gig and she needs to find him. She has some funny situations and with her is another rockstar and sparks fly.
Short and good.
Good narration too
Anyway a short novella about Nicole who is besties with a rockstar. He goes missing after a gig and she needs to find him. She has some funny situations and with her is another rockstar and sparks fly.
Short and good.
Good narration too
May 6, 2021
Brilliant funny and compelling short read it turns out this was book one and I had read book two first it didn’t spoil the story for me though reading this book defintley filled in some gaps that I thought where there from reading them the wrong way around light hearted good old fashioned fun perfect holiday read or just to cheer to u up if feeling down Nicole is so funny
May 25, 2021
I've became a huge fan of Portia Macintosh since discovering her last year, there's only 1 of her books I haven't liked. This was a cute little story, I chose it to fill a gap between books because it was short, not realising there was a second one so now of course I'll need to add the next one to my ever growing list 😂
May 19, 2025
Prequel in the "Nicole Wilde" series.
Her BF is a rock star who needs constant supervision. He has an event the next day but can't be found so his manager has Nicole retrace his steps. A young reality TV Star gets drawn into her search and it becomes fun, and sexy, before her friend, Dylan King, is found in his room the next morning.
Her BF is a rock star who needs constant supervision. He has an event the next day but can't be found so his manager has Nicole retrace his steps. A young reality TV Star gets drawn into her search and it becomes fun, and sexy, before her friend, Dylan King, is found in his room the next morning.
November 26, 2025
This was labeled a “rockstar rom-com” which it is very much not. There is a small romance element between Nicole and Troy, but it is the most unimportant thing that happens in the story. The premise is cute, and it reminds me a bit of the movie Get Him to the Greek, but I thought I was getting something different. I’m interested in reading the book that follows though since this is a prequel.
December 4, 2025
Listened to this whilst working and it was sweet and fast and satisfied the itch. Only issues really are 1. after like the 6th time you leave the hotel and have to come back why did we not think of just waiting at the hotel????
Other than that it was silly as hell and just kinda nice to listen to , nothing life changing but definitely got me interested in the characters
Other than that it was silly as hell and just kinda nice to listen to , nothing life changing but definitely got me interested in the characters
September 28, 2020
One Way or Another is a short story that acts as a prequel to If we Ever Meet Again. This is an hour’s romp where music journalist Nicole tries to trace rockstar Dylan down after a gig. A slapstick comedy to the extreme. A fun, easy read if you don’t take it seriously.
February 17, 2021
A fun, quick read. Nicole is a journalist and best friends with Dylan, lead singer in a rock band. This brings its own pros and cons and after a festival she finds herself chasing all over town trying to track Dylan down.
June 24, 2021
Weird
Read two other books so far and loved them. This was just strange and not believable. I don't like how often it was mentioned that Nicole 'controls' Dylan, and she didn't even do that. I won't let it put me off her other books though but I'd give this a miss.
Read two other books so far and loved them. This was just strange and not believable. I don't like how often it was mentioned that Nicole 'controls' Dylan, and she didn't even do that. I won't let it put me off her other books though but I'd give this a miss.
November 13, 2021
A Fun Adventure of Searching for a Star
Take a ride with Nicole as she tries to find that elusive star... Rock star gone AWOL that is. With the help of a new friend they have an adventure of a lifetime. Well one night that feels like a lifetime.
Take a ride with Nicole as she tries to find that elusive star... Rock star gone AWOL that is. With the help of a new friend they have an adventure of a lifetime. Well one night that feels like a lifetime.
February 7, 2022
good story
A great quick story to read after finishing a longer story previously. The story hooked me in from the beginning which is something I enjoy because if I can’t get into it from the beginning then chances are I’m not going to enjoy and will stop reading.
A great quick story to read after finishing a longer story previously. The story hooked me in from the beginning which is something I enjoy because if I can’t get into it from the beginning then chances are I’m not going to enjoy and will stop reading.
November 14, 2025
Listened to this on audio over an hour and half whilst wrapping some birthday gifts. It was actually a really fun listen. It’s just like a game of cat and mouse of Nicole trying to catch Dylan. I enjoyed.
December 3, 2025
Boring, fade to black space filler. No time for character or story development. It felt like an episode of a Disney Channel show back when the kids used to go on wild side quests for 22 minutes and then life would go right back to normal.
July 10, 2020
Good short read
Good short read. Which was fun to read will continue to books by this writer . A good summer read
Good short read. Which was fun to read will continue to books by this writer . A good summer read
November 3, 2020
Brill little short read.
Read in less than an hour, great story for this short read of 76 pages! Very comical in places too.
Read in less than an hour, great story for this short read of 76 pages! Very comical in places too.
March 21, 2021
Good fluff read
Enjoyed this. Typical plot but cute. I enjoy simple fluff reads occasionally and this one was pretty good. Would read more from this author.
Enjoyed this. Typical plot but cute. I enjoy simple fluff reads occasionally and this one was pretty good. Would read more from this author.
April 22, 2021
Short but funny. Wish there was more
May 23, 2021
Quick read
Read in about one hour. Easy to read, . . . . . . . . . . . .
Read in about one hour. Easy to read, . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 30, 2021
Short but sweet... This was an excellent introduction to Nicole Wilde's character!
October 14, 2021
Good quick light reading
Just the sort of funny escapism needed. A light enjoyable read to take you away from the realism of ordinary life
Just the sort of funny escapism needed. A light enjoyable read to take you away from the realism of ordinary life
November 29, 2021
There's not a whole lot to say about this story seeing as it was only 60ish pages, however, it was a great introduction to the characters in If We Ever Meet Again! I'll definitely be reading it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews