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The Boy in the Band #0.5

Death of a Rock Star

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This book is intended for a mature audience 18+
It contains strong language, sex and references to drug use.

“Troubled rock star Jamie Grimes found dead at his London home”

So Jamie is dead… and it's no surprise.
A victim of his addictions - his love of drugs and his love for her.

Sylvie Smith isn’t just any girl.
She was my best friend’s girl.
No, not just his girl, she was his downfall.
She’s the last woman on earth I should want,
but the instant I set eyes on her I know.
She will be my downfall too…

Thrown together in the aftermath of Jamie’s death, Blake and Sylvie's worlds are set to collide. Are they a disaster waiting to happen or an epic love story about to begin?

Find out in this prequel novella to THE BOY IN THE BAND.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2014

15 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read

About the author

N.J. Frost

2 books185 followers

NJ is an avid reader and obsessive writer, fuelled for the most part by chocolate and coffee.

During her postgraduate studies in English Lit NJ became a contemporary romance junkie and finally found her calling.

A twisted romantic at heart, NJ loves nothing more than losing herself in a good book with lots of passion and angst. She is always at the mercy of one book boyfriend or another, so creating her own book boyfriends and torturing them has been a wicked dream come true… but she may have lost her heart to her victims in the process.

Despite enjoying the darker side of romance NJ loves a ‘Happy Ever After’ and is eagerly pursuing her own!

Like her here on Facebook:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for S.M. West.
Author 38 books1,242 followers
January 22, 2016
4.5 SEX, DRUGS, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AND DEATH STARS

This was a sweet gem of a novella. I am now a FAN.

description

This prequel to The Boy in the Band (coming later this year) and is about the untimely death (by overdose) of Jamie Grimes, a young rock star.

This story is told in both Sylvie’s, Jamie’s ex-girlfriend, and Blake’s, Jamie’s best friend, POVs. Some authors have the ability to capture the voice of the sexes so well that the difference between the two is so apparent. N.J Frost does that amazingly well.

“So utterly and effortlessly stunning – even in her quiet grief, standing there in a dead man’s coat and shoes, she shines so fucking bright. I’m blinded.”

With Blake, the writing is raw, angry, filled with despair and on edge…he’s a recovering addict trying desperately to hang onto his sobriety as he deals with the loss of his friend. Whereas Sylvie's voice, also dealing with the same loss, was melodic, fret with grief, guilt and an ardent desire to numb the pain.

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Both Blake and Sylvie have so much in common, they are both broken, both overcome with grief and they both use sex as a means to shut out the pain and hurt.

I loved the writing and the raw, gritty nature of this story: Blake’s internal struggle with his desire for Sylvie but also his hate for her.

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“Sylvie Smith – heart breaker, mind fucker, soul destroyer...”

There was so much emotion, tension and yet, Sylvie and Blake have not met yet. This is not a pretty story and you can tell that when they do meet, they could be a train wreck waiting to happen or an epic love story to end all others. I can’t wait!!


Profile Image for ~ Becs ~.
672 reviews2,164 followers
February 24, 2014
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Death of a Rock Star is the warm up act to the Boy in the Band, due for release this summer.

This really was like no other rockstar novel I think I’ve ever read. You’re not going to find a rose-tinted glow here – it’s raw, it’s gritty, it’s even really rather seedy and kinda grungy and I totally loved it. In fact, it’s bloody brilliant!

As the title suggests, it starts with the death of a famous rock star – Jamie. We’ve all see this before – some drug-addled celebrity’s body being wheeled out of an apartment block in a black body bag to a waiting ambulance in front of a baying pack of the world’s press, being carted off for an autopsy with the inevitable results that we all know – that their veins were clogged to Hell and back with Class A substances. We’ve all seen the fall of the prodigiously talented at the hands of a life of excess with no one to tell them no.

What we don’t see is how the aftershocks ricochet ever outwards after such an event and this is what we are shown here in this novella. As Jamie dies he leaves behind his girl, Sylvie, – she’s his muse and she’s a self-confessed whore who finds oblivion in fucking the way Jamie found it at the end of a hypodermic. She’s incredibly beautiful and so very fragile and there’s a darkness here that is only lightly touched on – and it’s enough for me to be desperate to want to know more. Sylvie works as an A&R girl for an up and coming indie record label but this confident façade is masking something deep down inside that has so far only been hinted at.

Sylvie also has complicated relationships with Chris Kavanagh, lead singer of Vertigo, another successful band and her boss, Alex Denton. I really liked both of these guys, especially Chris who is there to catch Sylvie as she spirals out of control after Jamie’s death.

Jamie also leaves behind his best friend, Blake, who although shocked at Jamie’s death is not really surprised. He’s watched his friend fade away from drug use in recent months and there’s a sad inevitability about the events of that day. Blake is himself a frontman for the up and coming band, The Flood and he’s also a recovering addict, still craving that next one way ticket to oblivion only drugs can provide. He’s also never met Sylvie – Jamie had tried very hard to prevent these two from ever meeting. Blake sees her for the very first time at the shrine that Jamie’s doorstep has become and he at once despises her and adores her. He blames her but she appeals to him in a way that no other woman ever has before and despite Jamie’s attempts to keep them apart, their worlds are about to collide. He hates her yet her can’t resist her.

So this is an incredibly tantalising sneak peak at what we can expect from the upcoming Boy in the Band and I can’t freaking wait to get my hands on that one. It’s incredibly well written with a style that grabbed my attention right from page one and held me in it’s thrall right until the bitter end. It’s definitely a walk on the seedier side of the underbelly of the British indie rock scene, an unadulterated and bleak look at the lives of those involved. It’s dark and angsty and I honestly couldn’t get enough of this. I’m hooked – can’t wait for the main event in the summer. This is such a promising debut from NJ Frost who I think is a very talented up and coming British author that we’ll be hearing a lot about in the future.

It’s very, VERY rare for me to give 5 stars to a novella – I’m often left twitching with unsatisfied desire as I always want more but this richly intoxicating prequel completely wowed me so 5 stars it is!

5 good and angsty stars

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Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,611 reviews5,401 followers
February 25, 2014
4.5 ~ 5 Rock Star Stars

description

What a well done novella! I’m super excited to read the novel and am a bit bummed that the release date is listed as “summer of 2014”. This novella had it all for me and I would highly recommend this read for fans of rock star books.

This story is told in Sylvie’s pov and Blake’s pov. The death of Jamie, boyfriend of Sylvie and best friend of Blake delivers crushing heart break for both characters. Neither character has met the other BUT Jamie had made his feelings clear on the subject in the past…

”But, you’d really never touch her?” He asked this like the idea was unthinkable.

“I said I wouldn’t.”


From the moment Blake sees Jamie’s mystery girl from a far, he is torn between hate for the demise of Jamie and his undeniable attraction for her.

description

Through Sylvie’s pov a reader finds that she loves to use sex not unlike Blake to numb her grief and she has the super hottie Chris Kavanagh sharing her bed. (I really like Chris.)

Sylvie and Blake’s paths cross few times and the ending delivers an exciting starting point for the upcoming novel.

description

N.J. Frost’s writing and storytelling was extremely well done and I’ll be anxiously awaiting the release of The Boy in the Band (The Boy in the Band, #1).
Profile Image for Baba  .
858 reviews3,997 followers
August 3, 2016
2 stars. 1 one star for the story and characters and one extra star for the lyrics. It was the only thing that I actually enjoyed about this novella.

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The question mark is justified because it was bloody awful sex. I really need more than the use and mention of cock and pussy to feel anything close to excitement.

Yes, I read the warning. It contains strong language, sex and references to drug use. I didn't mind the strong language and I would have enjoyed the sex if it had been great. The drug use…that's another story. I guess it depends on several factors. While drugs are a definite no go for me, I can deal with it in a story but it depends on the protagonists, on condition that I can connect with them. Plus, I need an explanation why they are users and I'd like to see them going into rehab. In consequence, if I don't get a history I can't connect the dots. Granted, this is only a novella and there will be sequel in which, I assume, the reader will get more background information. But since this short story was such a turn-off already, I will be giving it a miss.

(…)Her arse is a thing of beauty, but it's those endless legs I need to see more of…Stripped bare. Wrapped. Around. Me. I mentally slap myself. What the hell am I thinking? I am truly fucking despicable. This is my best friend's ex that I'm having wholly inappropriate thoughts about. This is his funeral. (Baba: a f@ck in the church, why not? Of course I'm being sarcastic. And no, they didn't to the deed.) She's still wearing his jacket, which makes me think she's still his, and anyway, I made a promise. One I fully intend on keeping.

As mentioned above I really enjoyed the lyrics. The music, however, plays an incredibly minor role which I found very disappointing. Overall the story fell flat and the characters are as cold as a block of ice. They are focused on moping, getting wasted and f@cking everybody walking on two legs; drinking was more important than eating. In fact, they seem to need a fast and hard f@ck, drugs and booze more than air to breathe. Also, f@cking without protection is so dangerously thrilling. Yeah, as if. Honestly, I couldn’t care less. This story is riddled with shallow and pathetic f@ck ups. Let's not forget that we have yet another vilified step-mom. Considering the unlikable stepson, they deserve each other.

In consequence, Death of a Rock Star didn’t accomplish to evoke one little iota of emotion from me. You know some kind of romance is desirable but not a basic requirement to make me happy. However, something like this I will gladly return to Amazon for a refund of my money.

Onwards…
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
February 25, 2014
description

Jenny: Wow Gitte! What in introduction to a series!! I know I for one will be impatiently waiting the moment I can sink myself into the first novel, The Boy in the Band when it releases this year and I have this feeling of excitement because I think we’ve found a series I’m know I’m going to be addicted to. I bloody loved this book!

‘We all have our addictions and afflictions.’ – Blake

Death of a Rock Star is a gritty and raw novella that certainly packed a punch and allowed us just enough insight into the flawed, damaged and some would say, beyond repair, characters who each have a fascinating story to tell and I know I can’t wait to hear them!

‘I’m furious with a world that destroys the most beautiful of us without even stopping to pause on its axis for a moment.’ – Blake

This rock star book was riveting. The Death of a Rock Star is told through the POV’s of Sylvie and Blake and takes us to the seedier and desperate side fame. Where the sensitive souls perish in a haze of addictions, pain and torment and where feelings and hurt are doused with drugs, alcohol and sex, where oblivion is a coping mechanism.

Following the sad and untimely death of his good friend Jamie Grimes, a talented musician, through an overdose, Blake Nelson is at a crossroads. He’s 27 and fighting to stay clean from his addiction which, considering all that is going on around him, is a constant struggle you’re willing him to win. The death of Jamie hits him hard as he feels guilt at not being able to save his friend. He feels hatred towards Jamie’s girlfriend Sylvie, who he feels is somewhat responsible for Jamie’s demise, yet in the same breath he is inexplicably drawn to her beauty and something in her calls to him which really messes with his head. There’s no doubt Blake feels a connection to Sylvie, with his head screaming at him to steer clear and his body and soul feeling an irresistible pull towards her.

‘Sylvie Smith – heart breaker, mind fucker, soul destroyer…….’ – Blake

We follow the fallout from Jamie’s tragic death and the effect it has on those left behind. I loved this book and have I said that I NEED MORE!? My heart beats music and it’s as if NJ Frost reached into my soul with her music and vinyl references. Gitte, I think we’ve found ourselves a new favourite rock star series and new book boyfriend in Blake!

Gitte: Absolutely Jenny!! I just know this series is going to be a firm rock star favourite. I can tell from how unique and original this novella came across. It was superbly and intelligently written with just the right amount of grit, intrigue and raw emotion. I really found that it ticked all the boxes, it was exciting, passionate, sexy, harrowing and beautiful. I was hooked from the first page and just couldn’t let go until I’d finished. I am dying for the next book and it’s become my most anticipated new release, no question about it.

‘I think Jamie imprinted his insane need for Sylvie Smith on my fucking soul….’ – Blake

The characters had such depth and I loved them all as we get a snapshot of their trials and tribulations in the music business as well as their personal issues. This all through the shared tragic death of a lover and a friend; Jamie Grimes. Jamie who was in love with a girl named Sylvie who inhabited his very being.

“You’re Jamie. Fucking. Grimes – wunderkind of the rock world, for fuck’s sake. She’s just a girl. Don’t let a fucking girl sink you.” – Blake

We get just the right amount of background and introduction into who Blake, Sylvie and Jamie really are but we only scratch the surface, making me desperate to know how this is all going to play out. And let me tell you, I am really excited about this!! Like really excited!!

I fell in love with Blake from the onset; his character had such depth; he was a tortured soul and I was addicted to his voice!

‘I’ve seen first-hand how fame and expectation can fuck with your head. It’s a fucking dead-eyed beast. It annihilates good hearts and good intentions….’ – Blake

Sylvie Smith was a bit of an enigma, I really felt for her as she is clearly suffering and her actions are a consequence of her past. We’re given little nuggets of insight and I can’t wait to find out exactly what her story is.

‘All I care about is chasing that high that blacks out everything in its wake…’ – Sylvie

As for Jamie, his death brings such powerful emotions and romantic nostalgia through music. Despite only meeting him in his death I felt drawn to him and was in awe of how the bond of Sylvie and Blake; two broken souls felt and the strength of the connection through their love of Jamie in spite of their awareness being hampered by circumstance.

‘I’m in the arms of a beautiful dark angel; mirroring everything that I am, understanding every feeling that I’ve ever had, and have forgotten. My salvation. My forgiveness. Now I can rest.’ – Sylvie

J&G:
We do love our rock star reads that’s for sure. We also love our gritty reads as well, where everything doesn’t have to be perfect, where characters are flawed and where following their journey to either redemption and awakening or failure and downfall leaves you riveted and consumed with their stories. Well, based on this novella, it looks like this series may just deliver on all counts.

‘Jamie was beautiful and brilliant, but he wasn’t safe. Far from it. He led an explosion of an existence. He lit my heart up like a nuclear blast, and he annihilated it with the same force.’ – Sylvie

Jamie’s death is the catalyst for bringing Sylvie and Blake together and their story will continue with, we predict, lots of twists, angst and emotion along the way and we know we’ll be there on release day stopping everything to dig into this one because their story has us intrigued to say the least.

‘What a fucking mug! You can’t keep a girl like her. She’s like stardust, and us guys, we’re the star struck fools that she’s blazing past.’

This novella was brilliantly written, contained interestingly flawed and relatable characters, it gave us a glimpse into the sordid world of addictions, centred on the world of the rock star world with unfolding drama to come. Now THIS is what you call a ROCK STAR book!!

‘But I feel like a husk of a man. Empty. Soulless. Like nothing will ever be enough.’

So don’t hesitate! Add this one to your reading lists! NOW!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,908 reviews2,054 followers
February 25, 2014
description

Jenny: Wow Gitte! What in introduction to a series!! I know I for one will be impatiently waiting the moment I can sink myself into the first novel, The Boy in the Band when it releases this year and I have this feeling of excitement because I think we’ve found a series I’m know I’m going to be addicted to. I bloody loved this book!

‘We all have our addictions and afflictions.’ – Blake

Death of a Rock Star is a gritty and raw novella that certainly packed a punch and allowed us just enough insight into the flawed, damaged and some would say, beyond repair, characters who each have a fascinating story to tell and I know I can’t wait to hear them!

‘I’m furious with a world that destroys the most beautiful of us without even stopping to pause on its axis for a moment.’ – Blake

This rock star book was riveting. The Death of a Rock Star is told through the POV’s of Sylvie and Blake and takes us to the seedier and desperate side fame. Where the sensitive souls perish in a haze of addictions, pain and torment and where feelings and hurt are doused with drugs, alcohol and sex, where oblivion is a coping mechanism.

Following the sad and untimely death of his good friend Jamie Grimes, a talented musician, through an overdose, Blake Nelson is at a crossroads. He’s 27 and fighting to stay clean from his addiction which, considering all that is going on around him, is a constant struggle you’re willing him to win. The death of Jamie hits him hard as he feels guilt at not being able to save his friend. He feels hatred towards Jamie’s girlfriend Sylvie, who he feels is somewhat responsible for Jamie’s demise, yet in the same breath he is inexplicably drawn to her beauty and something in her calls to him which really messes with his head. There’s no doubt Blake feels a connection to Sylvie, with his head screaming at him to steer clear and his body and soul feeling an irresistible pull towards her.

‘Sylvie Smith – heart breaker, mind fucker, soul destroyer…….’ – Blake

We follow the fallout from Jamie’s tragic death and the effect it has on those left behind. I loved this book and have I said that I NEED MORE!? My heart beats music and it’s as if NJ Frost reached into my soul with her music and vinyl references. Gitte, I think we’ve found ourselves a new favourite rock star series and new book boyfriend in Blake!

Gitte: Absolutely Jenny!! I just know this series is going to be a firm rock star favourite. I can tell from how unique and original this novella came across. It was superbly and intelligently written with just the right amount of grit, intrigue and raw emotion. I really found that it ticked all the boxes, it was exciting, passionate, sexy, harrowing and beautiful. I was hooked from the first page and just couldn’t let go until I’d finished. I am dying for the next book and it’s become my most anticipated new release, no question about it.

‘I think Jamie imprinted his insane need for Sylvie Smith on my fucking soul….’ – Blake

The characters had such depth and I loved them all as we get a snapshot of their trials and tribulations in the music business as well as their personal issues. This all through the shared tragic death of a lover and a friend; Jamie Grimes. Jamie who was in love with a girl named Sylvie who inhabited his very being.

“You’re Jamie. Fucking. Grimes – wunderkind of the rock world, for fuck’s sake. She’s just a girl. Don’t let a fucking girl sink you.” – Blake

We get just the right amount of background and introduction into who Blake, Sylvie and Jamie really are but we only scratch the surface, making me desperate to know how this is all going to play out. And let me tell you, I am really excited about this!! Like really excited!!

I fell in love with Blake from the onset; his character had such depth; he was a tortured soul and I was addicted to his voice!

‘I’ve seen first-hand how fame and expectation can fuck with your head. It’s a fucking dead-eyed beast. It annihilates good hearts and good intentions….’ – Blake

Sylvie Smith was a bit of an enigma, I really felt for her as she is clearly suffering and her actions are a consequence of her past. We’re given little nuggets of insight and I can’t wait to find out exactly what her story is.

‘All I care about is chasing that high that blacks out everything in its wake…’ – Sylvie

As for Jamie, his death brings such powerful emotions and romantic nostalgia through music. Despite only meeting him in his death I felt drawn to him and was in awe of how the bond of Sylvie and Blake; two broken souls felt and the strength of the connection through their love of Jamie in spite of their awareness being hampered by circumstance.

‘I’m in the arms of a beautiful dark angel; mirroring everything that I am, understanding every feeling that I’ve ever had, and have forgotten. My salvation. My forgiveness. Now I can rest.’ – Sylvie

J&G: We do love our rock star reads that’s for sure. We also love our gritty reads as well, where everything doesn’t have to be perfect, where characters are flawed and where following their journey to either redemption and awakening or failure and downfall leaves you riveted and consumed with their stories. Well, based on this novella, it looks like this series may just deliver on all counts.

‘Jamie was beautiful and brilliant, but he wasn’t safe. Far from it. He led an explosion of an existence. He lit my heart up like a nuclear blast, and he annihilated it with the same force.’ – Sylvie

Jamie’s death is the catalyst for bringing Sylvie and Blake together and their story will continue with, we predict, lots of twists, angst and emotion along the way and we know we’ll be there on release day stopping everything to dig into this one because their story has us intrigued to say the least.

‘What a fucking mug! You can’t keep a girl like her. She’s like stardust, and us guys, we’re the star struck fools that she’s blazing past.’

This novella was brilliantly written, contained interestingly flawed and relatable characters, it gave us a glimpse into the sordid world of addictions, centred on the world of the rock star world with unfolding drama to come. Now THIS is what you call a ROCK STAR book!!

‘But I feel like a husk of a man. Empty. Soulless. Like nothing will ever be enough.’ >

So don’t hesitate! Add this one to your reading lists! NOW!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,943 followers
January 22, 2015
Hell yes!!!

SEX
DRUGS
AND SOME TOTALLY F*UCKED UP CHARACTERS...

I BLOODY LOVED THIS !!

I've been putting off reading this until the novel was out but totally caved in and just had to read it...

Central characters are Sylvie and Blake and to a lesser extent Chris

Sylvie was 'girlfriend ' of dead rock star Jamie, he was obsessed with her, she didn't want commitment....

Blake, best friend of Jamie, becomes just as obsessed with her but hates her...he blames her for Jamie's death...

Chris, another rock star, and f*uck buddy of Sylvie....


So far I actually don't like the characters of Sylvie and Blake, but you know what ,some of the best books have characters you love to hate....

This is definitely not a fluffy rock star romance, far from it , it's dark and Gritty and I can't wait for more !!
Profile Image for Jess-i-ca .
792 reviews771 followers
March 7, 2014

3.5. -She has the Golden Poonanny - Stars

Sylvie likes her sex. She has sex with many different guys. One of those guys was Jamie. Unfortunately for him, he fell in love with her. When he offered commitment, Sylvie ran away.

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This led Jamie to go back to drinking and drugs. And he wound up killing himself.

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Ok that's probably not funny but really....



Sylvie is upset when she hears the news, but obviously not enough since she goes and sleeps with Chris Kavanaugh of the band Vertigo right afterward.

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Blake is Jamie’s best friend. They both have had the struggle with drugs but luckily for now he is sober. Jamie’s death is really testing him though. Blake has never met Sylvie but previously promised Jamie never to touch her.



That was until he saw her in person. He is automatically mesmerized. But here is this girl who drove his best friend to suicide. He should not care for her but he does! He wants this girl! Bad!



He sees her drowning her sorrows at the bar and she’s obviously wasted so he does the right thing and gets her home. He leaves when Chris is on his way to her apartment.



Blake knows this girl is no good for him and promises himself to stay away from her.



How long can he keep his promise to his best friend though??? What will happen when she shows up to his concert a year later??

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This book kinda sets the stage for a love triangle that will take place between Sylvie, Blake and Chris in The Boy in the Band.


Profile Image for Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog'.
487 reviews59 followers
November 10, 2014
Now that my friend is what you call a Rock 'n' Roll prelude! If this demo is anything to go by with regards to the quality here, then yeah...This book is sound!

Take a walk on the wild side and delve into this serial introductory novella that tells of bitter loss, heartache and overwhelming grief. Ride the euphoric highs of success and crash and burn in the bitter lows. This story gives a sordid and darker insight to the price of fame and the devastation left in the wake of a love gone wrong.

Sylvie is portrayed as the villain here, a beautiful and successful woman who uses sex as a means of escape - shutting off her emotions from a shady past we are yet to discover. Jamie was a small beam of light in her darkness, her reprieve... until he did the unthinkable and fell in love. In her panic she ran into the many arms of others. Crushed, bereft, Jamie sought comfort in drugs, until it eventually killed him.

Blake was Jamie's best friend and fellow musician. His band ‘The Flood,’ are starting to make waves in the industry but right now all he can think about is his last moments with Jamie, a month before his death. All he spoke about was her, the girl unlike any other. Jamie was a mess and each day his self-destructive ways paved the path to a wooden box. Blake is angry with her, at Jamie for being weak, and at himself, because after just one look at Sylvie fucking Smith, he knows that whatever hold she had on Jamie, he was going to be her next victim.

*

Lyrical genius right here, people! Beautifully written if not just a little dark and profound. Death of a Rock Star is a brilliant novella depicting the highs and lows of fame. It didn’t focus on the music as such, but more what happens behind the scenes after the death of a young, successful, notorious and much loved Rock Star. This story is one we all recognise and because of that it was easy to relate to. I’ve been there, sobbing into my Kleenex as one of my rock idols is carted away on the 8 o’clock news in a black body bag. It hurts, but nowhere near as much for those who knew him, who witnessed the downward spiral into the pit of despair, knowing there was nothing they could do but wait. The grief, the anger, the frustration and the overwhelming guilt consume those left behind - believing they could have done more to prevent this devastating outcome is all portrayed in this short story.

I also liked the fact that both main protagonists were not particularly likeable – they both use and abuse others as a means of escape, so naturally, I loved them and I’m excited to get to know them better in the full-length novel (The Boy in the Band, #1), that is out this Summer.

There are no love ballads here, this is heavy and brutal, and I loved every fucking moment! Give me a front row ticket because this novella sets the scene for what is going to be one hell of a show!

Please forgive all the musical puns, couldn’t resist! \m/

ROCK ON AND READ IT!

5-CROWNS
www.perusingprincesses.com
Author 11 books260 followers
February 25, 2014
An unexpected, knockout start to the Boy in the Band story!
Death of a Rock Star gives us the beginning of what is to be a dark, gritty and somewhat grubby world of Indie Rock Stars.
It is totally raw from the very beginning, unapologetic in the descriptions and explanation of this seedy world of sex drugs and rock and roll.
Death of a Rock Star is a welcome change of pace, showing us the much less than glamorous Rock world that we are used to being shown. There is no glitz and glamour here. No dressing things up.

The story revolves around the death of Rock Star Jamie Grimes. His death is not unexpected, but it is deeply felt. His profound drug use, ravaged his body and took his life. Leaving behind many questions that are still unanswered.
Sylvie, Jamie's girlfriend. She's a real mystery. She makes no apologies for who she is. If you don't like it, do one! But, she's not fierce or nasty or unlikable at all. In fact, she's unusually beautiful and I felt drawn to her. There's an underlying feeling of fragility about her. Her troubles run deep and I feel she needs rescuing and just needs to find the right person.

Blake was Jamie's best friend. He thinks Sylvie was Jamie's downfall. He hates what she represents but can't find it in himself to hate her.All he knows is that he watched his friend spiral out of control and to his demise and that this girl had a part to play in it somewhere, somehow. Jamie kept them apart for reasons only he knows. There is an instant attraction, not only physical but spiritual. you feel it, and although we can't understand it just yet, I am dying to find out more!

A totally compelling Novella, superbly well written and an exciting prequel to 'The Boy in the Band' to come in the summer. NJ Frost is going to be one to watch, for sure.
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2023
False advertisement. This is a stand-alone without an ending and not a prequel, since the next book is 9 years past due with no word from the author regarding the release date.

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A short book that packs an emotional punch, and it ended with a cliffhanger...
Profile Image for Lorie.
750 reviews113 followers
August 3, 2014
This story is gritty, raw, and dirty and I LOVED EVERY SINGLE FILTHY MINUTE OF IT!

This is how a rock star story should be told. NJ Frost lays it all out. We see and feel every little seedy ounce of what happens in the wake of Jamie’s death.

It’s hard to find a well done, articulate, and genuine rock star book. I was pulled in to the sordid world of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll from page one. It’s not often that a book literally digs its claws in to me from the very start, and it’s even more exhilarating when a blurb can cast a spell to put me in the mindset to enjoy the f*ck out of a book.

But, I'm definitely a bit spoiled now. Death of a Rock Star is a rare treat. This is an unbelievable debut!! The writing and descriptiveness is utterly mind blowing. A book isn’t just about the words or the story, it’s about how the author strings those words together to create the story and set the tone of the book. NJ’s writing will send chills coursing through every pore of your body – the feeling she portrays is just that real. Books like this make it hard to pick up another that isn't on the same level. It's almost unfair being the next book in line on my reading list after this one.

Do yourself a favor and look at NJ's Pinterest boards while you read this. They portray the story perfectly. I am a visual reader and the boards just make the experience extra mind blowing. If this small taste is a sneak peek of things to come, then NJ Frost is a writing genius!

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! READ IT, READ IT, READ IT!!!
Profile Image for Kelly  O'Connor.
926 reviews23 followers
February 24, 2014
Wow this book has left me begging for more !!!

This book is a prequel for A boy in a band, which is due out summer 2014, it sets the scene and introduces the characters in anticipation for the next book.

Jamie Grimes is dead, he was a trouble rock star who had found the love of his life in Sylvie Smith but When Sylvie doesn't respond in the way Jamie wants his life spirals out of control resulting in his death. Jamie's best friend Blake is the lead singer of a band and is also fighting his own demons including blaming Sylvie for Jamie's demise, although he has never met her.
When Blake see's Sylvie he is instantly drawn to her beauty, Blake wants her, he feels he needs her but he won't go down the same path as his best friend.

Sylvie Smith will not be the death of him !

I instantly loved this book, the writing is deliciously dark, sensual and real. You feel as if you are living the feelings of the characters through the powerful words of the author. As you get to see both sides of the story I really felt that Sylvie is misunderstood and we know nothing of her real relationship with Jamie. Blake is trying to keep a promise to his dead best friend, but how long will he be able to keep away from Sylvie ?

What a fantastic start to this series the next book can't come soon enough !
Profile Image for Joy.
639 reviews80 followers
March 3, 2014
Holy shit! Excellent novella
Profile Image for TC.
222 reviews
March 4, 2014
Death of a Rock Star is the prequel to what I can see being an amazing book. Told through the POV of both Blake and Sylvie, were dragged into the world of Rock Stars but from the other side of the fence. Where the grass isn't greener. This is the side of the parties and drugs and everything in between. This novella starts with the aftermath of Rock Star Jamie's death and how it affects those around him. Mainly his girlfriend Sylvia and band member Blake who have never met.

In some sense you really feel for both the characters, Blake is battling his own addiction with drugs and wants to stay clean. But with everything going on around him, this is proving harder and harder. He puts the blame on Sylvie who he feels is in some way responsible for Jamie's downfall and death. Yet, he is also drawn to her, to her beauty and he wants to find out why she fascinates him. Again, messing with his head. Even though there were times when I didn't really warm up to Sylvie, you can understand why she acts the way she does and I want to know more about them both and how their story will progress.

This is an amazing introduction to this book and provides a really good back story to the upcoming book. It has everything you need to whet your appetite and have you wanting more. The characters are both flawed yet relatable to everyday situations, and this book places and interesting spin on the genre of Rock Star books. Usually its all happy days and everyone is fine, this book shows the other side of the fame. The slow decline and constant pressure taking its toll and the aftermath when it all explodes. I am very much looking forward to the next book being released. So dont hesitate one single bit, this book is going to be amazing so add it to your reading lists right away.
Profile Image for Khanique McDaniel.
1,199 reviews36 followers
March 25, 2014
Have you ever read a book that just left you with this buzz where you just can't wait to share it with the world and waiting on the conclusion is ripping you to pieces? Well, So have I and I can't wait until I get to read more!

If the prequel and the preview of the first novel in this series is anything to go by then sign me up! I was beating on my kindle, wanting more, even knowing that all I was getting was a preview.

I think this will be my first real, gritty, rock star romance novel. It's not glamorous, it's full of history, truth, angst and a playlist that's to die for!! (Sorry Jamie)

I spent a hour, before going to bed, to start and complete this novella. I was hooked from the first word and I never want to let go. There is a raw passion and vibe in both the characters and their works. I wanted to experience life with Jamie around, get in the mind of Sylvie (hate her name btw) and experience every high with Blake. I want it all, even knowing the outcome for Jamie.

N.J. Frost even went as far as to give us a Jamie POV. It is sad, haunting and strikes a nerve. This novella was jam packed with emotions and I can just imagine what a roller coaster ride the story itself will be.
The current characters are filled with conviction and spice. The drama is real and constant. I was extremely emotional for a few pages, that's really suppose to help get me ready for the main event.

This group of characters are eclectic and I am waiting to see where this will all go. I won't say there is potential, because that's a given! I just really hope the final product lives up to this unmistakingly good preview. I am excited, buzzed and waiting on the release of this story, that drags you throw the dark side of rock and roll, all the way across the pond!

It will be epic!!
Profile Image for Amanda .
432 reviews178 followers
March 13, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Death of a Rock Star is a book filled with loss, addiction, guilt and lust. It gives you an addicts point of view on dealing with death. A very raw book filled with some really heavy emotions. There is some really good character development, and it is a very realistic portrayal of an addict. The conflicting emotions that Blake has about using is what you would expect from someone suffering so much pain. Everyone grieves differently and I am glad that this book showed the different reactions people have after suffering a loss.

This book hits me on a much more personal level as I recently lost my boyfriend, and several of my friends to addiction. This wasn't just a book I wanted to read, this was the book that I needed. That being said I think that reading this was rather therapeutic for me, reading about how others deal with these kinds of losses. I really relate to the characters in this book. I did have to put it down a few times because I was overwhelmed with the emotions of my own losses.

I wanted to list some of my favorite quotes from this book:

"She's that kind of beautiful. The kind of beautiful you'd die for."

"... recognize that no one is invincible, that drugs can destroy anyone, at any time."

"And now you're gone and I can't believe
There's a reason to breathe
Or carry on"

"The pain and sadness there are tempered by a vacant look I know all too well."
Profile Image for Fiona Wilson.
Author 2 books57 followers
December 31, 2015
This is a novella and prequel to the soon to be published The Boy In The Band.

The story starts with a death, quite a public one at that. It then turns into a love/hate story between Sylvie, the dead mans on/off girlfriend, and Blake, his best friend.

Even though it is a novella it has a lot packed into it. There is strong language throughout but I feel it does work well due to the storyline.

It is a quick read but one I absolutely loved.

The story ends with the first few chapters of The Boy In The Band and I cannot wait to read it as this novella has certainly set the scene very well. Bring it on!
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,884 reviews432 followers
September 8, 2014
After the death of Jamie Grimes, Blake and Sylvie's lives are changed, there has always been a love hate relationship between Blake and Sylvie, Sylvie was Jamie's girlfriend, his best mate.

The story has a good round feel to it, its how you would imagine a Rock Life to be, raw, raunchy, wild and explicit. I LOVED IT.

This is only the prequel, so if this is anything to go by, then I can't wait for the complete series to come my way!
Profile Image for Tangerine.
642 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2014

4 ★s

I am a sucker for a book about musicians. This one has been on my e-reader for quite some time taunting me. I told myself I wouldn't give in because I knew the next one wasn't out yet and my brain couldn't handle another series without all the books out yet. But, like I said, it's been taunting me and I caved like the sucker I am.

I really liked it. Really, really liked it. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out. Now, the wait starts for the next...
Profile Image for Khulood.
206 reviews46 followers
March 6, 2015
2.5 stars.

This novella didn't do much for me. I still want to read The Boy in the Band when/if it comes out (There is no expected publication date as I write this). I'm hoping it would be better though, the novella felt like a typical NA for me. The lyrics were great, so lets hope that there will be more music in the next book.
Profile Image for Jenni.
563 reviews52 followers
August 4, 2014
4.5 Raw Rocking Stars

An intriguing start to what I think will be one hec of a rock series. I love a series about delicious rock band bad boys and something tells me this is going to knock me off the stage. I'm absolutely keeping my eye open for the day The Boy in the Band is released!
Profile Image for Natalie.
6 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2014
Great novella. Can't wait to read Boy in the Band to see what happens.
Profile Image for Ash Johnson.
Author 9 books83 followers
January 24, 2014
I was lucky enough to beta read this novella and I can't explain how excited I am for this author's story. The characters are strong and the storyline is very clever. Can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Laura.
85 reviews18 followers
August 22, 2015
I was also fortunate enough to read a beta copy of this novella. I loved it! The two main characters are explosive and volatile by themselves, I can't wait to see what happens to them in the series!
Profile Image for Gina.
304 reviews29 followers
May 20, 2016
Well written with believable characters. Loved the gritty feel to it.
Oh yes I'll definitely be reading The Boy in the Band.
4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Euge_.
404 reviews27 followers
February 15, 2015
I’m furious with a world that destroys the most beautiful of us without even stopping to pause on its axis for a moment.

Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.






Even though it is short, I could feel all the emotions the characters were feeling on every page. It is beautifully well written.
This novella is very moving and emotional.



It’s dark, raw, passionate, wild, gritty, a real depiction of the seedier side of rock stardom.
Espectacular.

Blake and Sylvie are two tortured souls with their own path to self destruction.



JAIME:


Jamie Grimes. Mad man, genius, lover, artist, nihilist… too fucking beautiful and too fucked up for this world.


Take my heart and crush it
Take my love and push it
Push it away
Take my life and watch me
Mainline it
Mistime it
Throw it all away




The after of Jamie's death…

Blaine:
The fucking idiot!
I feel fucking furious – with him for being so weak,
with her for slowly taking him apart piece by piece.

I liked Blake very much, even with his flaws. Blake is the lead singer of The Flood and Jamie’s best friend.



Blake has never met Sylvie but he knows all about her from conversations with Jamie’s before his death.
Sex and booze is how I’m dealing with Jamie’s death, but it’s the only way I know how…

Sylvie is the one who broke Jamie and he blames Sylvie for the overdose. He thinks that Jamie used because of her.

He hates her without even knowing her until he actually sees her for the first time.
I thought Jamie was crazy for letting a girl get to him like she did.
Now I get it. She’s that kind of beautiful. The kind of beautiful you’d die for.

Her beauty combined with her sadness does something to him.
I have to remember that I should hate this girl – that she and her fucking around destroyed my best friend.



She is ingrained in his mind, he can’t stop thinking about her. Even If he doesn’t want to, he can’t help himself.
I want to hurt her for what she’s done. I want to see her heartbreak.

Holding true to his promise to Jamie it takes all of his effort to stay away from her.
You can’t keep a girl like her. She’s like stardust, and us guys, we’re the star struck fools that she’s blazing past.

Sylvie:
I've always been a sucker for a boy in a band, specifically a bad boy in a band -the badder the better.

She was the girl that Jamie was so enthralled with.
Being everything to someone like him was way too much pressure for someone as broken and flawed as me.

She is so broken up by Jamie's death.
She hide her grief with sex. That's what Sylvie does when her emotions are out of control, she has sex.
I need to anaesthetise the only way I know how. I need to stop this horrible bruising feeling that’s blooming in my chest. I’ve always used sex this way.



I can’t wait to know more about her, why is Sylvie the way she is. Why sleep around when you had Jamie? Why Jamie was not enough? Why so promiscuous? What is her story?


This story is told through both of their points of view. There is a raw passion and vibe in both the characters that I absolutely loved it.
I think Jamie imprinted his insane need for Sylvie Smith on my fucking soul or something.
A twisted, fucked up legacy of epic proportions.

I’m desperate to read The Boy In The Band.
BRING IT OOONNNN!!!



5+ STARS.-
Profile Image for JG.
1,075 reviews68 followers
February 24, 2014
***ARC received from the author in return for an honest review***

What an introduction to NJ Frost's new "A Boy in the Band" series. This novella is written as a prequel to the main event "The Boy in the Band" which is to be released during the summer of 2014.

Meet Sylvie Smith, the dynamic Head of A&R at Artemis Records who captured the late Jamie Grimes' heart. Unable to love him solely and unconditionally Sylvie breaks his heart.

Blackness starts to wrap itself around me, but it's not filled with nightmares and regrets, it's blissful and completely empty. I let it take me. I'm standing on a cliff edge with my back to the drop. I lean further and further back and then let myself fall.


Meet Blake Nelson, front-man with The Flood and long term friend of Jamie who has had his own problems with drink and drugs and who also becomes obsessed with Sylvie albeit initially from a distance.

My heart misses a beat as she curls herself around me. It feels like being wrapped in pure, unfiltered grief and it pulls and frays at my own pain.


Meet Chris Kavanagh, the lead singer of Vertigo and Sylvie's occasional fuck buddy.

I do so like to fuck boys in bands, and Chris Kavanagh is such a prime specimen.


Mix them all together and you have what promises to be a really exciting storyline with a raw edge to it. The rest of the supporting cast look to be as exciting as the main characters and will hopefully add an extra dimension to this series.

I love my band based books and this one looks extremely promising but if you don't like your sex, drugs, drink and hard-edged characters then this book may not be for you.

Personally, I would have preferred to have read this book after The Boy in the Band as prequels always fare better in my opinion once you have an experienced the characters through an in-depth story-line but it also gives you a delicious insight of what is yet to come.

I really hope The Boy in the Band turns out as well as it promises to and that the summer release date is earlier than planned. I need to know where this story is heading, NOW!!!!

Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends....

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