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Luminescent Juliet #3
With the Band
When they get an offer to join a national tour, the musicians of Luminescent Juliet finally find their ticket to fame. But for Sam, the band's dazzling but troubled bassist, making sure his past stays locked away feels more important than winning the spotlight.
Then Peyton, a budding music journalist, joins the tour, tasked with chronicling the band's every move. She and Sam have a history, one that has made them enemies. Neither wants to deal with old pain and misunderstanding, and they agree to keep the past in the past. This is more than fine with Peyton?after all, it?ll only help reassure her picture-perfect boyfriend back on campus that following the band is all totally professional.
Yet being forced to look at Sam in a new way brings Peyton a different perspective on the past?and his magnetic baby-blues and rippling muscles are hard to ignore. When the tour kicks into high gear, the real truth about their shared past comes to light, and Peyton is rocked by forces as passionate and chaotic as the music she loves.
This book is intended for mature teen audiences due to strong language and some sexual content.
Then Peyton, a budding music journalist, joins the tour, tasked with chronicling the band's every move. She and Sam have a history, one that has made them enemies. Neither wants to deal with old pain and misunderstanding, and they agree to keep the past in the past. This is more than fine with Peyton?after all, it?ll only help reassure her picture-perfect boyfriend back on campus that following the band is all totally professional.
Yet being forced to look at Sam in a new way brings Peyton a different perspective on the past?and his magnetic baby-blues and rippling muscles are hard to ignore. When the tour kicks into high gear, the real truth about their shared past comes to light, and Peyton is rocked by forces as passionate and chaotic as the music she loves.
This book is intended for mature teen audiences due to strong language and some sexual content.
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First published May 13, 2014
68 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jean Haus
13 books530 followersWhen Jean Haus isn't writing, she's usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there’s at least a bit of romance, she'll load it on her Kindle. She also loves to cook. And someday she will create the world’s best potsticker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
I used to love all things New Adult, but lately it's become harder and harder to find a book that stands out and doesn't blend in with all the rest. You know what I'm talking about, it's the NA recipe; you start with angst, throw in a dash of sexual tension, a dollop of melodrama, perhaps a pinch of stupid childish miss-communication, then top it all off with a bad boy hero and the good girl (possibly virginal) heroine that shouldn't fall for him but does. Sound familiar? I bet it does. And this is exactly why I love this series and this author. Does it have some of those things? Sure. But Jean Haus manages to take a story that maybe may have been done before and throw her own unique spin on it, that I can't really compare it to any other books I've read. My favorite thing about it is the way she's able to fuse these books with music. I had my own soundtrack playing in my head as I was reading it. This is quickly becoming my go to NA series when I'm pretty much guaranteed a book that I will enjoy.
This story finally gives us a lot more insight on the reclusive and troubled bassist, Sam. Luminescent Juliet gets the opportunity of a lifetime when they're offered to join a national tour. But then Sam gets a blast from the past in the shape of a blonde he hoped to never see again, Peyton.
Peyton is not exactly thrilled to see Sam again either. She doesn't exactly have the fondest memories of their past. But when she's offered to chronicle the band's tour, it's not an opportunity she can turn her back on. No matter how much she dreads seeing Sam or having to think about what happened that have made them hate each other.
There's certainly no love lost between these two. But beneath their constant barbs and insults brews something...more. What starts out as hate, disdain, and loathing soon starts blurring into an undeniable attraction.
But can Sam and Peyton get over their past in order to deal with their future? You'll have to read to find out.
Telling you anything else would be spoiling the book for you, and I'd recommend reading it without reading many reviews in order to truly appreciate it. I can tell you that when the truth of what happened those years ago comes to life...well, it was the last thing I saw coming.
I simply couldn't put this book down. I was hooked from the very first chapter and got more and more drawn in with each new page. I love that Miss Haus made you really understand the characters and their past before she allowed the chemistry between them to truly shine through. It just made me all that more invested in their relationship. As much as I wanted to hate Peyton (since i think this would have been exactly the case in any other book), I simply couldn't. Her struggle was evident, and you can see how much she grew in the short span of the story.
Sam. Sam is that bad boy that completely broke my heart. God I loved him. Yet my heart hurt for him at the same time. He was just perfection. The author took a subject manner that I haven't seen in many books and wrote a brilliant story about love, loss, and learning to move on. It was a fantastic read with just the little amount of steam to make it that much better.
I loved catching up with the rest of the band, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be seeing Gabe's book next.
If you're a fan of well written NA rock star romances, I highly recommend this one. While it can easily be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading in order since it makes you appreciate each character that much more. Plus they're great books. What more reason do you need?
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
Even amid falling leaves
She was brighter
Than the summer sun
Fell under the spell of her
Smiling brown eyes
Faster than a breath
And when she's gone
It's always night
And I'm under a bleak moon
A bleak, bleak moon
I used to love all things New Adult, but lately it's become harder and harder to find a book that stands out and doesn't blend in with all the rest. You know what I'm talking about, it's the NA recipe; you start with angst, throw in a dash of sexual tension, a dollop of melodrama, perhaps a pinch of stupid childish miss-communication, then top it all off with a bad boy hero and the good girl (possibly virginal) heroine that shouldn't fall for him but does. Sound familiar? I bet it does. And this is exactly why I love this series and this author. Does it have some of those things? Sure. But Jean Haus manages to take a story that maybe may have been done before and throw her own unique spin on it, that I can't really compare it to any other books I've read. My favorite thing about it is the way she's able to fuse these books with music. I had my own soundtrack playing in my head as I was reading it. This is quickly becoming my go to NA series when I'm pretty much guaranteed a book that I will enjoy.
This story finally gives us a lot more insight on the reclusive and troubled bassist, Sam. Luminescent Juliet gets the opportunity of a lifetime when they're offered to join a national tour. But then Sam gets a blast from the past in the shape of a blonde he hoped to never see again, Peyton.
Peyton is not exactly thrilled to see Sam again either. She doesn't exactly have the fondest memories of their past. But when she's offered to chronicle the band's tour, it's not an opportunity she can turn her back on. No matter how much she dreads seeing Sam or having to think about what happened that have made them hate each other.
There's certainly no love lost between these two. But beneath their constant barbs and insults brews something...more. What starts out as hate, disdain, and loathing soon starts blurring into an undeniable attraction.
But can Sam and Peyton get over their past in order to deal with their future? You'll have to read to find out.
Telling you anything else would be spoiling the book for you, and I'd recommend reading it without reading many reviews in order to truly appreciate it. I can tell you that when the truth of what happened those years ago comes to life...well, it was the last thing I saw coming.
I simply couldn't put this book down. I was hooked from the very first chapter and got more and more drawn in with each new page. I love that Miss Haus made you really understand the characters and their past before she allowed the chemistry between them to truly shine through. It just made me all that more invested in their relationship. As much as I wanted to hate Peyton (since i think this would have been exactly the case in any other book), I simply couldn't. Her struggle was evident, and you can see how much she grew in the short span of the story.
Sam. Sam is that bad boy that completely broke my heart. God I loved him. Yet my heart hurt for him at the same time. He was just perfection. The author took a subject manner that I haven't seen in many books and wrote a brilliant story about love, loss, and learning to move on. It was a fantastic read with just the little amount of steam to make it that much better.
I loved catching up with the rest of the band, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be seeing Gabe's book next.
If you're a fan of well written NA rock star romances, I highly recommend this one. While it can easily be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading in order since it makes you appreciate each character that much more. Plus they're great books. What more reason do you need?
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
June 28, 2014
4- Rock Star Life - Stars
Peyton is a journalist and music lover.
She gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go on tour with Luminescent Juliet and blog and write about the tour and the members of the band.
Only problem is Sam is in the band.
Peyton used to date Sam's brother Seth and it didn't end well.
They got in a big fight and broke up and then Peyton was found in a compromising situation.
When the relationship ended so did Peyton and Sam's friendship as well.
They haven't talked in years and have a mutual dislike for each other.
Will she be able to survive six weeks of living with him?
OK so this was an okay read and I love how the author always incorporates bands and songs I like into the books. That being said I did not like the cheating in this book. Even though they aren't married I still thought it was stupid. It lowered my opinion of not only Peyton but
Anyways, I still overall enjoyed the book and story line so I would recommend.
Peyton is a journalist and music lover.
She gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go on tour with Luminescent Juliet and blog and write about the tour and the members of the band.
Only problem is Sam is in the band.
Peyton used to date Sam's brother Seth and it didn't end well.
They got in a big fight and broke up and then Peyton was found in a compromising situation.
When the relationship ended so did Peyton and Sam's friendship as well.
They haven't talked in years and have a mutual dislike for each other.
Will she be able to survive six weeks of living with him?
OK so this was an okay read and I love how the author always incorporates bands and songs I like into the books. That being said I did not like the cheating in this book. Even though they aren't married I still thought it was stupid. It lowered my opinion of not only Peyton but
Anyways, I still overall enjoyed the book and story line so I would recommend.
August 14, 2015
This was kind of a big step down for the series. I ended up liking it okay, and was never tempted to stop reading, but it wasn't near the same quality as the first two in the series.
I think my main problem was with Peyton. Haus tries to enlist us on her side by describing her trepidation in approaching Sam to tell him she was going to join the band on tour. She's obviously hurt by the years he has spent scowling at her every chance he got. What we come to learn relatively quickly, however, is that she had it coming. While it's true that the full scope of what we learn happened to her in high school was rather beyond the pale harsh, Sam's reaction personally was pretty ripely earned.
Haus was good enough to make the events flow out of a consistent part of her character, but that was almost worse. It meant you could see her fundamental emotional selfishness even in the midst of her otherwise accommodating nature. It meant that you could see the pain coming and knew it wasn't going to be pretty.
That isn't helped by our early knowledge that Sam is nine kinds of awesome. I think he saved the book for me as he is thoroughly crush-worthy. He's funny and kind and only retreats into a thin shell of indifference when he's been hurt almost beyond bearing. I almost cried in frustration when .
And it didn't help that I didn't much care for the central conflict in this story, either.
So anyway, Sam made this book. Peyton was kind of a loss, though she came around in the end enough that I'm okay with them working it out together. Still, I wish Sam had fallen for someone who deserves him.
A note about Steamy: About the middle of my tolerance, which was quite a surprise, actually. There were three and a half explicit scenes, which is three and a half times more than the previous books. Yeah, one was a flashback, but it was rather fully described and felt as present as the others. And
I think my main problem was with Peyton. Haus tries to enlist us on her side by describing her trepidation in approaching Sam to tell him she was going to join the band on tour. She's obviously hurt by the years he has spent scowling at her every chance he got. What we come to learn relatively quickly, however, is that she had it coming. While it's true that the full scope of what we learn happened to her in high school was rather beyond the pale harsh, Sam's reaction personally was pretty ripely earned.
Haus was good enough to make the events flow out of a consistent part of her character, but that was almost worse. It meant you could see her fundamental emotional selfishness even in the midst of her otherwise accommodating nature. It meant that you could see the pain coming and knew it wasn't going to be pretty.
That isn't helped by our early knowledge that Sam is nine kinds of awesome. I think he saved the book for me as he is thoroughly crush-worthy. He's funny and kind and only retreats into a thin shell of indifference when he's been hurt almost beyond bearing. I almost cried in frustration when .
And it didn't help that I didn't much care for the central conflict in this story, either.
So anyway, Sam made this book. Peyton was kind of a loss, though she came around in the end enough that I'm okay with them working it out together. Still, I wish Sam had fallen for someone who deserves him.
A note about Steamy: About the middle of my tolerance, which was quite a surprise, actually. There were three and a half explicit scenes, which is three and a half times more than the previous books. Yeah, one was a flashback, but it was rather fully described and felt as present as the others. And
May 22, 2014
First, I have to start off by saying I love this series. I somehow stumbled upon Jean Haus's In The Band, I figured I would give it a try. I fell in love with the book. In The Band has to be one of my favorites. Then I read Ink My Heart.. then that was my favorite (it might still be). After reading With The Band, I have come to realize that Jean Haus has to be my favorite Young Adult writer out there. I am not a huge fan of YA, but somehow Jean Haus makes it work for me. When I see she has another book coming out, I start to get super excited and might even squeal a little.
The bands story continues with Luminescent Juliet heading out on tour. The band is not making a name for themselves are are going on bigger tour. The guys have invited Peyton along with them to be their journalist. She will help with blogging and press. I thought it was a brilliant idea of Romeo to have Peyton work for them. He realizes they could uses someone with a music and journalism background to help get the world out about the band. Romeo always seem to know exactly what the band needs. He is a genius when it comes to this kind of stuff.
There is a drawback though. Peyton has a past with Sam, on of the members of the band. See, Peyton used to date Sam's twin brother. Peyton liked being with the outgoing twin Seth when in high school. He was in a band, the life of the party and popular. But when things went bad, things turned really ugly for Peyton. Seth made a fool out of her in front of an entire party. He was horrid to her and called her all sorts of names. It took a long time to get over what happened.
Sam has sided with his brother and has hated Peyton ever since. They have kept their distance from each other. No one in the band knows these two know each other. That is what both Peyton and Sam want. Sam makes it clear to Peyton that he does not want her on the tour. Sam even tries to talk Peyton out of going on tour with them. Peyton is very assertive and stands up for herself. She doesn't back down to Sam. And thank goodness she doesn't!
The two have an intense relationship. It is not hate. More like they are hating that they have feelings for each other. Sam has always seemed to have feelings for Peyton, even though she was his brother's girlfriend. Even now, he can't seem to stay away from Peyton.
No matter how hard they try, they can't seem to stop thinking about each other. I absolutely adored how Sam always seemed to want to be with Peyton. He would invite her out with the band , or go with her to do laundry. It was almost like he was trying to be with her, but making excuses to include her. It was very enduring. It made me fall a little for Sam. A bad boy rocker with a crush on a girl, but too afraid to admit it.
This story is not all sunshine and roses. Not. At. All. Sam has some drug issues. He uses to help cope with what is going on. His doesn't want to talk about it, but there is a lot going on with his twin brother and he has not dealt with it. In fact, he has distanced himself from the whole situation. Sam is afraid to face his bother's mental issues. Especially since they are twins.
Jean Haus has written another book that make you fall in love with the characters as well as not want the story to end. The only thing that keeps me going in hoping Gabe gets his own book and soon!!
The bands story continues with Luminescent Juliet heading out on tour. The band is not making a name for themselves are are going on bigger tour. The guys have invited Peyton along with them to be their journalist. She will help with blogging and press. I thought it was a brilliant idea of Romeo to have Peyton work for them. He realizes they could uses someone with a music and journalism background to help get the world out about the band. Romeo always seem to know exactly what the band needs. He is a genius when it comes to this kind of stuff.
There is a drawback though. Peyton has a past with Sam, on of the members of the band. See, Peyton used to date Sam's twin brother. Peyton liked being with the outgoing twin Seth when in high school. He was in a band, the life of the party and popular. But when things went bad, things turned really ugly for Peyton. Seth made a fool out of her in front of an entire party. He was horrid to her and called her all sorts of names. It took a long time to get over what happened.
Sam has sided with his brother and has hated Peyton ever since. They have kept their distance from each other. No one in the band knows these two know each other. That is what both Peyton and Sam want. Sam makes it clear to Peyton that he does not want her on the tour. Sam even tries to talk Peyton out of going on tour with them. Peyton is very assertive and stands up for herself. She doesn't back down to Sam. And thank goodness she doesn't!
The two have an intense relationship. It is not hate. More like they are hating that they have feelings for each other. Sam has always seemed to have feelings for Peyton, even though she was his brother's girlfriend. Even now, he can't seem to stay away from Peyton.
No matter how hard they try, they can't seem to stop thinking about each other. I absolutely adored how Sam always seemed to want to be with Peyton. He would invite her out with the band , or go with her to do laundry. It was almost like he was trying to be with her, but making excuses to include her. It was very enduring. It made me fall a little for Sam. A bad boy rocker with a crush on a girl, but too afraid to admit it.
This story is not all sunshine and roses. Not. At. All. Sam has some drug issues. He uses to help cope with what is going on. His doesn't want to talk about it, but there is a lot going on with his twin brother and he has not dealt with it. In fact, he has distanced himself from the whole situation. Sam is afraid to face his bother's mental issues. Especially since they are twins.
Jean Haus has written another book that make you fall in love with the characters as well as not want the story to end. The only thing that keeps me going in hoping Gabe gets his own book and soon!!
January 22, 2015
Swoon.....
Just as awesome as the other 2. I recommend this series to anyone who likes a good love story. One word...Applesauce.
Just as awesome as the other 2. I recommend this series to anyone who likes a good love story. One word...Applesauce.
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
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Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Sometimes a book comes along and there is a side element that captures you more than the main characters love story. This book did that for me. My mother is bi-polar/schizophrenic and I've dealt with every type of side effect of that illness that could come my way. Sometimes I felt like the parent instead of the child. Mental illness to me can be more devastating then a physical illness because you simply can't see what is wrong so you can fix it. When things are good the patient will stop taking their meds and then the cycle begins all over again.
Seth is the character in this book that broke my heart in so many ways. I cried for the boy that suddenly no longer existed and for the brother that lost his other half. This story was just tragic in so many ways. I applaud Jean Haus for her bravery and her compassion. As I know she knows exactly how I feel because we both know the devastation and heartache this illness can reap on so many people
I loved Sam, he was the perfect book boyfriend. Loyal, funny and romantic. He deserved so much better than Peyton.
Sorry but I've read lots of books and I can honestly say she wins the award hands down of the most irritation and selfish heroine I've ever read.
Jean Haus writes beautifully and this shouldn't reflect on her as a writer. Characters are like people, flawed but still real to their creator. So I am sure she knows better than I how hard it was to write a character with these traits. So again, kudos to you Jean. You are still one of my favorites and I'll keep reading. That's a promise.
Thank you for the paperback ARC I had the pleasure of reviewing. *My first paperback ARC* :)
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Sometimes a book comes along and there is a side element that captures you more than the main characters love story. This book did that for me. My mother is bi-polar/schizophrenic and I've dealt with every type of side effect of that illness that could come my way. Sometimes I felt like the parent instead of the child. Mental illness to me can be more devastating then a physical illness because you simply can't see what is wrong so you can fix it. When things are good the patient will stop taking their meds and then the cycle begins all over again.
Seth is the character in this book that broke my heart in so many ways. I cried for the boy that suddenly no longer existed and for the brother that lost his other half. This story was just tragic in so many ways. I applaud Jean Haus for her bravery and her compassion. As I know she knows exactly how I feel because we both know the devastation and heartache this illness can reap on so many people
I loved Sam, he was the perfect book boyfriend. Loyal, funny and romantic. He deserved so much better than Peyton.
Sorry but I've read lots of books and I can honestly say she wins the award hands down of the most irritation and selfish heroine I've ever read.
Jean Haus writes beautifully and this shouldn't reflect on her as a writer. Characters are like people, flawed but still real to their creator. So I am sure she knows better than I how hard it was to write a character with these traits. So again, kudos to you Jean. You are still one of my favorites and I'll keep reading. That's a promise.
Thank you for the paperback ARC I had the pleasure of reviewing. *My first paperback ARC* :)
November 12, 2015
When they get an offer to join a national tour, the musicians of Luminescent Juliet finally find their ticket to fame. But for Sam, the band’s dazzling but troubled bassist, making sure his past stays locked away feels more important than winning the spotlight.
Then Peyton, a budding music journalist, joins the tour, tasked with chronicling the band’s every move. She and Sam have a history, one that has made them enemies. Neither wants to deal with old pain and misunderstanding, and they agree to keep the past in the past. This is more than fine with Peyton—after all, it’ll only help reassure her picture-perfect boyfriend back on campus that following the band is all totally professional.
Yet being forced to look at Sam in a new way brings Peyton a different perspective on the past—and his magnetic baby-blues and rippling muscles are hard to ignore. When the tour kicks into high gear, the real truth about their shared past comes to light, and Peyton is rocked by forces as passionate and chaotic as the music she loves.
This book is intended for mature teen audiences due to strong language and some sexual content.
- - - - -
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: close examination of human nature/personal growth/familial and friend relationships; steamy, breath-stealing moments; a fine balance of drama and resolution; author explores mental illness with a delicate, respectful touch
Once again, Jean Haus has enraptured me with her characters, story, and flair for heart-wrenching drama! (I read this on audiobook, so will also be talking about that in this review)
First off, though... I want to know why we keep switching from single perspective novels, to dual, and back again? Because this third book is single, as the first book was, where book two had EACH story told in their own voices. I don't understand why we keep switching between them—why was book two written differently from the others so far in this series? Also, I'm curious what book 4 is like—is it a dual perspective, or does it stay with just one point of view? This is one of the most confusing things ever for me!
Moving on, though—Jean Haus has a penchant for crafting emotionally-wrenching postulations on human nature, on relationships, and on the discovery of self that I haven't seen in many other reads. These books focus on more than just the steamy heart-melting romance and hot bedroom scenes. Instead, Jean Haus takes her readers on a journey for each book, whirling them through the same sense of discovery and self-understanding her characters face. Her characters are so realistic, you'll feel as if you're friends with them, listening to their stories unfold over dinner or drinks. Listening to these via audiobook makes the experience even more surreal, and helps connect you to the story she's crafting almost immediately.
She also tackles some pretty heavy-handed subjects, touching on the realities of the world around us in a way that's at times endearing and still surprising. For this specific book, that main plot line touches on a personal subject for Jean Haus: mental illness. I won't go into detail, as I feel it's a journey readers need to go into without expectations—but I will say she handles the topic with a delicate, respectful touch, and makes sure to explain her reasons behind the writing at the end of the novel.
The narrator for this book—Kristin Watson Heintz—did a spectacular job bringing Peyton to life. The nuances of her reading are subtle and perfect, just the right amount of emotion for each scene. She did everything she could to ensnare readers in the story and keep them listening, emoting and sneaking peeks into Peyton's head that go beyond just what's written on the page.
This series is about so much more than that reconnection; that second chance at missed opportunities; that swept-off-my-feet, crazy-head-over-heels love. Each character brings their own moral to the story. In this instance, things like self-acceptance, self-understanding, and courage, among others. There is something to be found by EVERYONE reading these—a message to take home with them, something to learn from. I absolutely love this series for that!
I can't wait to break into the fourth book. I still recommend to lovers of romance/contemporary fiction/new adult—and readers looking for a focus on human nature. If any of these appeal to you, you should check this series out—they're all SO WORTH your attention!
Then Peyton, a budding music journalist, joins the tour, tasked with chronicling the band’s every move. She and Sam have a history, one that has made them enemies. Neither wants to deal with old pain and misunderstanding, and they agree to keep the past in the past. This is more than fine with Peyton—after all, it’ll only help reassure her picture-perfect boyfriend back on campus that following the band is all totally professional.
Yet being forced to look at Sam in a new way brings Peyton a different perspective on the past—and his magnetic baby-blues and rippling muscles are hard to ignore. When the tour kicks into high gear, the real truth about their shared past comes to light, and Peyton is rocked by forces as passionate and chaotic as the music she loves.
This book is intended for mature teen audiences due to strong language and some sexual content.
- - - - -
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: close examination of human nature/personal growth/familial and friend relationships; steamy, breath-stealing moments; a fine balance of drama and resolution; author explores mental illness with a delicate, respectful touch
Once again, Jean Haus has enraptured me with her characters, story, and flair for heart-wrenching drama! (I read this on audiobook, so will also be talking about that in this review)
First off, though... I want to know why we keep switching from single perspective novels, to dual, and back again? Because this third book is single, as the first book was, where book two had EACH story told in their own voices. I don't understand why we keep switching between them—why was book two written differently from the others so far in this series? Also, I'm curious what book 4 is like—is it a dual perspective, or does it stay with just one point of view? This is one of the most confusing things ever for me!
Moving on, though—Jean Haus has a penchant for crafting emotionally-wrenching postulations on human nature, on relationships, and on the discovery of self that I haven't seen in many other reads. These books focus on more than just the steamy heart-melting romance and hot bedroom scenes. Instead, Jean Haus takes her readers on a journey for each book, whirling them through the same sense of discovery and self-understanding her characters face. Her characters are so realistic, you'll feel as if you're friends with them, listening to their stories unfold over dinner or drinks. Listening to these via audiobook makes the experience even more surreal, and helps connect you to the story she's crafting almost immediately.
She also tackles some pretty heavy-handed subjects, touching on the realities of the world around us in a way that's at times endearing and still surprising. For this specific book, that main plot line touches on a personal subject for Jean Haus: mental illness. I won't go into detail, as I feel it's a journey readers need to go into without expectations—but I will say she handles the topic with a delicate, respectful touch, and makes sure to explain her reasons behind the writing at the end of the novel.
The narrator for this book—Kristin Watson Heintz—did a spectacular job bringing Peyton to life. The nuances of her reading are subtle and perfect, just the right amount of emotion for each scene. She did everything she could to ensnare readers in the story and keep them listening, emoting and sneaking peeks into Peyton's head that go beyond just what's written on the page.
This series is about so much more than that reconnection; that second chance at missed opportunities; that swept-off-my-feet, crazy-head-over-heels love. Each character brings their own moral to the story. In this instance, things like self-acceptance, self-understanding, and courage, among others. There is something to be found by EVERYONE reading these—a message to take home with them, something to learn from. I absolutely love this series for that!
I can't wait to break into the fourth book. I still recommend to lovers of romance/contemporary fiction/new adult—and readers looking for a focus on human nature. If any of these appeal to you, you should check this series out—they're all SO WORTH your attention!
July 15, 2014
I watch the guys onstage while music at megawatt volume vibrates in my rib cage. It’s loud, it’s in my face, and I love it. This is my sunny day. Sleeping in. Chasing butterflies. Making snow angels. Riding a roller coaster. The live music is all awesome things rolled into one.
I want to be With the Band. I want to trade places with Peyton. I want that experience of travelling across the country, taking in the sights, and having a front row seat to watch an up and coming indie band perform and work hard for their dreams. And I swear, I won't complain once about being on a tour bus for days on end with a group of hormonal, sweaty, guys. Well, at least not much!
I do have to admit that Peyton frustrated me at times. She tended to run instead of face her feelings. She would sway one way, and then sway back the other. I don't know how many times I wanted to shout at her to just stop for a minute and take a look at what was in front of her. But then it was me that I was getting frustrated with for expecting something different, because her past has made her that girl that runs. She's been hurt and humiliated by someone that she thought loved her and cared about her. It's never easy to get over something like that.
“We’re hardly friends, you and me,” I snarl.
“Friends?” he repeats, ignoring my anger.
"We’re friends, Peyton. I care about you. You seem to care about me.”
“But as far as being 'hardly friends'... maybe you’re right. I don’t want to f**k my friends.”
Sam... Sweet, loving, caring, broken Sam. Hot and incredibly sexy Sam! His imperfections are, for me, what makes him perfect. He broke my heart!! This loss and pain that he's feeling. The responsibilities. I loved him completely. When you've got Sam in your life, you can rest assured that you will always have his love, care and loyalty. Even when things were at there most rocky between him and Peyton, he would drop everything if he thought for a minute that she needed him. But he could also be so flirty and fun.
The attraction between Sam and Peyton was undeniable. Right from the very start is was simmering there in the background just waiting to jump up and take a hold. Their time together was filled with angst, bickering and misunderstandings. But it also had so many fun and sweet moments.
I also really enjoyed the presence of the rest of the band. I can't say that I've been a huge fan of Gabe, but by the end of this book I was really starting to see his charm coming through, and I can't wait to get to know him better in the future.
I'm sure you all know by now how much I love Jean Haus and her writing. She gets me, and what I like. She knows how to deliver a great storyline. Her leading men are always deliciously swoony. But it's that her stories seem to carry a deeper meaning. We all like those books that we can just sit and read and not have to think too much about. They are our escape. But more often that not, I want something that gives me a little bit more. With Jean Haus, I get more. It's that depth that will have me always coming back time and again.
I've said it before in my reviews, that I'm finding the New Adult reads that I pick up lately, a little bit predictable. There are a few authors who I find manage to get it right each time, and one of them is this author. As with all books written by Jean Haus, I read it in one sitting. Her books have come to represent the meaning of unputdownable. And this series is right up there amongst my absolute favourites!! I'm just sorry that it took me so long to get to it!!
With so many books out there at the moment that centre around music, this is one series that I cannot recommend highly enough!
5/5 Gorgeous, Sam Stars.
Thank you so much to the wonderful author Jean Haus for providing me with the stunning paperback copy for review.
I want to be With the Band. I want to trade places with Peyton. I want that experience of travelling across the country, taking in the sights, and having a front row seat to watch an up and coming indie band perform and work hard for their dreams. And I swear, I won't complain once about being on a tour bus for days on end with a group of hormonal, sweaty, guys. Well, at least not much!
I do have to admit that Peyton frustrated me at times. She tended to run instead of face her feelings. She would sway one way, and then sway back the other. I don't know how many times I wanted to shout at her to just stop for a minute and take a look at what was in front of her. But then it was me that I was getting frustrated with for expecting something different, because her past has made her that girl that runs. She's been hurt and humiliated by someone that she thought loved her and cared about her. It's never easy to get over something like that.
“We’re hardly friends, you and me,” I snarl.
“Friends?” he repeats, ignoring my anger.
"We’re friends, Peyton. I care about you. You seem to care about me.”
“But as far as being 'hardly friends'... maybe you’re right. I don’t want to f**k my friends.”
Sam... Sweet, loving, caring, broken Sam. Hot and incredibly sexy Sam! His imperfections are, for me, what makes him perfect. He broke my heart!! This loss and pain that he's feeling. The responsibilities. I loved him completely. When you've got Sam in your life, you can rest assured that you will always have his love, care and loyalty. Even when things were at there most rocky between him and Peyton, he would drop everything if he thought for a minute that she needed him. But he could also be so flirty and fun.
The attraction between Sam and Peyton was undeniable. Right from the very start is was simmering there in the background just waiting to jump up and take a hold. Their time together was filled with angst, bickering and misunderstandings. But it also had so many fun and sweet moments.
I also really enjoyed the presence of the rest of the band. I can't say that I've been a huge fan of Gabe, but by the end of this book I was really starting to see his charm coming through, and I can't wait to get to know him better in the future.
I'm sure you all know by now how much I love Jean Haus and her writing. She gets me, and what I like. She knows how to deliver a great storyline. Her leading men are always deliciously swoony. But it's that her stories seem to carry a deeper meaning. We all like those books that we can just sit and read and not have to think too much about. They are our escape. But more often that not, I want something that gives me a little bit more. With Jean Haus, I get more. It's that depth that will have me always coming back time and again.
I've said it before in my reviews, that I'm finding the New Adult reads that I pick up lately, a little bit predictable. There are a few authors who I find manage to get it right each time, and one of them is this author. As with all books written by Jean Haus, I read it in one sitting. Her books have come to represent the meaning of unputdownable. And this series is right up there amongst my absolute favourites!! I'm just sorry that it took me so long to get to it!!
With so many books out there at the moment that centre around music, this is one series that I cannot recommend highly enough!
5/5 Gorgeous, Sam Stars.
Thank you so much to the wonderful author Jean Haus for providing me with the stunning paperback copy for review.
May 23, 2014
“The past will not affect my future.”
I have been a fan of Jean Haus’ Luminescent Juliet series for awhile now and devour each book as soon as it is released! Not only do I own all of them in book form (either ebook or paperback) but I have them all in audio as well. This series as a whole is one I can read over and over again and never get bored. With The Band, the third installment, was absolutely no different. I loved every drama filled moment and read it straight through in one sitting.
“Sam should be the one person who was aware I wasn’t a slut. Usually virgins aren’t considered sluts.”
Sam and Peyton have a past, a dramatic and regret filled past, that has left them not talking to each other for years. When Sam’s bandmate, Romeo, asks aspiring rock journalist Peyton to join their tour to help document it she cannot say no but how can these two live together on a tiny bus with all the hostility between them. Can they work through this to become friends or even more?
“Thirty pounds more would never take away your beauty.”
There are times in this story where I was wanting to wring Sam’s neck and then there are times where a big bear hug is not enough for the sweetness that comes out of his mouth. I don’t want to dwell in what the history between Sam and Peyton is because I think figuring that out as you read is part of the fun but even when Sam is seeming to hate Peyton he still somehow comes across as funny, protective and kind . . . you know for an ass.
“You finally got an ass. A seriously hot ass,”
Jean Haus’ writing is both fun and emotional. She knows how to be super sexy without ever making it overkill which in the New Adult genre can be very difficult to do. So many of these books are either too sexy or too dry but with her books I love the build up and the pay off is always worth the wait. Of all the men she has written, Sam has been the most emotional and also the sexiest. His protective nature towards Peyton is a serious turn on.
“Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. If the good is that freaking good.”
As much I wanted Peyton and Sam together this whole book, I still understood why they let their past affect them. Things like what went down between them are not easy to overcome and the details surrounding it are complicated and ongoing. This is not something that you can just easily move past and have a happily ever after. This is something that will continue to affect them even in the future. This book is not a happy go lucky rocker band story. It deals with many serious issues and at times your heart will break but, don’t worry, give it a few chapters and Jean will have you laughing and rooting for these two all over again. Once again, this is a Luminescent Juliet story I can see myself reading over and over again.
~miranda
I have been a fan of Jean Haus’ Luminescent Juliet series for awhile now and devour each book as soon as it is released! Not only do I own all of them in book form (either ebook or paperback) but I have them all in audio as well. This series as a whole is one I can read over and over again and never get bored. With The Band, the third installment, was absolutely no different. I loved every drama filled moment and read it straight through in one sitting.
“Sam should be the one person who was aware I wasn’t a slut. Usually virgins aren’t considered sluts.”
Sam and Peyton have a past, a dramatic and regret filled past, that has left them not talking to each other for years. When Sam’s bandmate, Romeo, asks aspiring rock journalist Peyton to join their tour to help document it she cannot say no but how can these two live together on a tiny bus with all the hostility between them. Can they work through this to become friends or even more?
“Thirty pounds more would never take away your beauty.”
There are times in this story where I was wanting to wring Sam’s neck and then there are times where a big bear hug is not enough for the sweetness that comes out of his mouth. I don’t want to dwell in what the history between Sam and Peyton is because I think figuring that out as you read is part of the fun but even when Sam is seeming to hate Peyton he still somehow comes across as funny, protective and kind . . . you know for an ass.
“You finally got an ass. A seriously hot ass,”
Jean Haus’ writing is both fun and emotional. She knows how to be super sexy without ever making it overkill which in the New Adult genre can be very difficult to do. So many of these books are either too sexy or too dry but with her books I love the build up and the pay off is always worth the wait. Of all the men she has written, Sam has been the most emotional and also the sexiest. His protective nature towards Peyton is a serious turn on.
“Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. If the good is that freaking good.”
As much I wanted Peyton and Sam together this whole book, I still understood why they let their past affect them. Things like what went down between them are not easy to overcome and the details surrounding it are complicated and ongoing. This is not something that you can just easily move past and have a happily ever after. This is something that will continue to affect them even in the future. This book is not a happy go lucky rocker band story. It deals with many serious issues and at times your heart will break but, don’t worry, give it a few chapters and Jean will have you laughing and rooting for these two all over again. Once again, this is a Luminescent Juliet story I can see myself reading over and over again.
~miranda
September 1, 2014
When one impulsive choice wrecks your reputation and your self-image, when an angry ex-boyfriend uses every possible venue to smear you and is believed by almost everyone, it's pretty hard to bounce back. It has been three years since Payton's crash and burn night. She's avoided Sam and her ex-boyfriend, his twin brother, Seth ever since, focusing on getting her college education.
When the manager of the band Luminescent Juliet, which is about to go on a national tour as the opening act for a couple more popular bands, offers her a chance to do blogging and publicity for the band while they're on tour. she jumps at the chance. It's the perfect experience to put on her resume because her dream is to become a writer for a rock magazine. There's one problem, however. The group's bass player, Sam still hates her and she feels the same way about him...or does she? She needs to confront him before they go on tour and lay down some ground rules or things are likely to blow sky high.
After surviving the confrontation which leaves her shaken, but determined, Payton embarks on what could be the adventure that will allow her to chase her dream. It could also turn into the trip from hell.
As the tour progresses, several odd things begin to happen. Payton starts wondering why calling her boyfriend isn't a priority. Sam seems to spend an awful lot of time with her, even going with her to do the band's laundry. It isn't long before both of them find it too difficult to keep up the animosity, but before they can move to what it seems both of them want...each other, things need to be said and the air needs to be cleared.
They get part of that opportunity when Seth suddenly shows up and you realize just how much his influence, even in his absence, has affected both Sam and Payton. There comes a point where she has to tell her boyfriend that it's over (Sam and the other band members sorta help that uneasy process along), while Sam has to come clean about his brother's mental illness and how he felt about her when she was dating Seth.
Watching these two really likable people struggle through old stuff and new realizations makes for addictive reading. Yes, there's sex and some strong language, but neither should be a deal breaker for libraries who are open to providing mature reading experiences to teens.
When the manager of the band Luminescent Juliet, which is about to go on a national tour as the opening act for a couple more popular bands, offers her a chance to do blogging and publicity for the band while they're on tour. she jumps at the chance. It's the perfect experience to put on her resume because her dream is to become a writer for a rock magazine. There's one problem, however. The group's bass player, Sam still hates her and she feels the same way about him...or does she? She needs to confront him before they go on tour and lay down some ground rules or things are likely to blow sky high.
After surviving the confrontation which leaves her shaken, but determined, Payton embarks on what could be the adventure that will allow her to chase her dream. It could also turn into the trip from hell.
As the tour progresses, several odd things begin to happen. Payton starts wondering why calling her boyfriend isn't a priority. Sam seems to spend an awful lot of time with her, even going with her to do the band's laundry. It isn't long before both of them find it too difficult to keep up the animosity, but before they can move to what it seems both of them want...each other, things need to be said and the air needs to be cleared.
They get part of that opportunity when Seth suddenly shows up and you realize just how much his influence, even in his absence, has affected both Sam and Payton. There comes a point where she has to tell her boyfriend that it's over (Sam and the other band members sorta help that uneasy process along), while Sam has to come clean about his brother's mental illness and how he felt about her when she was dating Seth.
Watching these two really likable people struggle through old stuff and new realizations makes for addictive reading. Yes, there's sex and some strong language, but neither should be a deal breaker for libraries who are open to providing mature reading experiences to teens.
April 24, 2015
Sam is probably my favorite! I felt for him and the hurt he was dealing with.
To have to deal with life, school and his brother he had a lot weighing on his shoulders. And to be in love with someone who walked away from him twice in that way was heartbreaking and pissed me off.
Peyton honestly annoyed me alot, she was selfish and self centered and never gave a second thought about Sam's feelings, yea she admitted to it but still she annoyed me.
Sam is such a sweetheart and I absolutely fell for him.
"YOU. ME. WE'RE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER. I'VE FELT IT FROM THE BEGINNING."
Now the huge problem I have woth this book is that Justins book was both POV and unfortunately this one was only from Peytons POV. I would have loved to read how Sam was feeling what was going through his head, how he was dealing with everything. But even despite not being dual POV, I couldn't give this book anything less than 5 stars.
Amazing!
Although I am still really curious about Gabe, I feel he has a story that hasn't been told and am wondering if he will get his?!
Also one more thing that I wished this book had, an epilogue of some sorts, just to see how they were doing with all the issues they have to deal with and how Seth wad doing.
To have to deal with life, school and his brother he had a lot weighing on his shoulders. And to be in love with someone who walked away from him twice in that way was heartbreaking and pissed me off.
Peyton honestly annoyed me alot, she was selfish and self centered and never gave a second thought about Sam's feelings, yea she admitted to it but still she annoyed me.
Sam is such a sweetheart and I absolutely fell for him.
"YOU. ME. WE'RE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER. I'VE FELT IT FROM THE BEGINNING."
Now the huge problem I have woth this book is that Justins book was both POV and unfortunately this one was only from Peytons POV. I would have loved to read how Sam was feeling what was going through his head, how he was dealing with everything. But even despite not being dual POV, I couldn't give this book anything less than 5 stars.
Amazing!
Although I am still really curious about Gabe, I feel he has a story that hasn't been told and am wondering if he will get his?!
Also one more thing that I wished this book had, an epilogue of some sorts, just to see how they were doing with all the issues they have to deal with and how Seth wad doing.
January 4, 2015
I liked this story as much as the first one in the series. It was witty, fast-paced, and the characters were great. I honestly wasn't sure I'd like Sam all that much based on how he was portrayed in the previous books, but there were such awesome layers of him beneath the surface that you just didn't get before. His and Peyton's story was a great friends to enemies to friends to lovers story that kept you rooting for them all the way through. I enjoyed that things weren't always as simple as they seemed between them, and of course I loved all the music references throughout the book, including their song title game. Great read.
November 18, 2014
This 3rd book of Luminescent Juliet was brilliant :- raw, gutsy, full of emotion. There is so much more to Sam than the charming rogue we saw in the 2 earlier books. His story is poignant, sadly beautiful & Jean Haus deals with tough situations, as well as joy with grace & skill. Her characters are real, as are their lives. Loved the series. It's certainly one that I'll reread
There is still a band member whose story remains untold, so I hope there is a Gabe book on the way. The band & it's members have a future: here's hoping that Jean wants to share more with us.
There is still a band member whose story remains untold, so I hope there is a Gabe book on the way. The band & it's members have a future: here's hoping that Jean wants to share more with us.
May 15, 2014
I am a huge fan of this series and this author, so I could not wait to get my hands on Sam's story.....
He truly did not disappoint and I loved his character. However I may not have been too big a fan of Peyton. She was far to yo-yo for me....up down, up down.....still I guess she got her shit figured out eventually and I still loved reading ever minute of the book.
Cant wait for the next book!!!
He truly did not disappoint and I loved his character. However I may not have been too big a fan of Peyton. She was far to yo-yo for me....up down, up down.....still I guess she got her shit figured out eventually and I still loved reading ever minute of the book.
Cant wait for the next book!!!
November 15, 2015
Here is a wonderful book...i would recommend anyone to definitely look into this series..its a great book...i had a blast on my adventure with Peyton & Sam....they were just as amazing as the other characters in the other books...this book is also well written...and my hats off to Jean Haus in future writing...:)
January 27, 2015
I really like Ms Haus' work. Each book in this series is well crafted and a quick read. Love the band name, a lot of what bands deal with is very accurately represented, and the romance is wonderful. I'll pick up her next book the day it comes out.
July 3, 2014
This band and the back stories of its members just keeps getting better and better.
June 15, 2014
Love this series!
April 30, 2014
I have loved this series. Full review to come.
May 25, 2014
Loved this book. Touched on a medical condition and how that can touch lives. Loved the character development and plot. Can't wait for more in this series.
September 3, 2014
I thought it was ok. It's probably better than the last one, but the first book remains my favorite so far.
August 13, 2015
Awesome book . I think it's now one of the best books I have ever read. LOVE Sam he is litteraly the best , he and Peyton are so cute toughether
March 8, 2015
Review by Lisa Kane
This is a series where the installments are consistently good. Great plot line and I love the Romeo and Justin involvement.
This is a series where the installments are consistently good. Great plot line and I love the Romeo and Justin involvement.
March 10, 2015
The MC " Peyton" was so unlikeable I found it hard to get into this book. She is selfish, bitchy , and immature. Not sure why authors write such awful female characters, DNF.
April 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book as I love second chance romances and this was just perfect. Sam and Peyton are perfect together.
May 27, 2014
Really beautiful book. I also enjoyed the exert about her grandmother. So beautiful
August 5, 2014
I loved the other books in this series but this one was by far my favorite!!!
May 13, 2014
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 “I’m With The Band” Stars!
A Past Gone Wrong But Life Is All About Second Chances!
The Review:
I fell in love with this series on the first book, In The Band and my love kept going strong all the way through the second book Ink My Heart and reading With the Band only cemented how great this author is and how fantastic this series is.
Story...
Luminescent Juliet is going on tour! Asked to fill a spot on a pre-existing tour, the hottie from book one, lead guitarist, band manager and occasional songwriter, Romeo, accepts the spot without hesitation, knowing that this is their shot at getting some much deserved band attention. Along with touring, he knows they’ll need someone with writing experience to propel them into the spotlight using social networking sites to help promote them, so he contacts Peyton to manage and relate their tour experience to their fans with pictures and blog posts.
Peyton, a music journalist major from their campus, agrees to join them but she has history with their bass player, Sam, and it’s not exactly a pretty past. Six weeks cramped on a tour bus with someone who you think hates you is the least of Peyton's problems. What happens when old feelings resurface, anger is revisited and forgiveness seems unattainable.
Characters...
Peyton and Sam have a complicated past. Peyton once dated Sam’s fraternal twin brother, Seth, and Sam and Peyton were great friends during that time... until one night that changed everything.
Three and a half years later, Peyton is in college and studying to be a music journalist, as music is her passion and has this singular chance to gain experience in something she loves. I really liked Peyton. She was strong and brave and she stood up for herself. But she didn’t have the best self image. Being a few pounds overweight in her youth has left a permanent impression of herself in her own mind. She knows she’s in a better place now, but those old insecurities have left their mark. She was very relatable.
Sam and his fraternal twin Seth, knew Peyton from their high school years. While Seth loved being the center of attention at parties and singing in their small garage band, Sam was content with being in the background playing bass and sitting in a corner, reading and being friends with his brothers girlfriend, who only seemed to have eyes for Seth. But Sam is all grown up now and behind that cocky exterior lurks a darkness that seems to be leading him down a very wrong path.
Right from the start Peyton and Sam’s relationship was intense and angsty. They have this chasm between them but in order to make the band’s tour successful, they have to find a way to work around their issues.
It was obvious Sam had feelings for Peyton, even early on. While on the tour bus, he tried to deny those feelings but they resurfaced and grew and together, he and Peyton forged a new kind of relationship. But Peyton has a boyfriend and Sam is keeping secrets.
Things get sticky, quick!
The Tour...
Sam and Peyton had a lot to resolve and six long weeks trapped on a tour bus, in hotel rooms with a different city almost every night, to accomplish this. But just when you think things might get resolved and they might be heading towards friendship with the possibility of more, the past comes back to haunt them. Sam seems to be using drugs to cope and he’s heading in a bad direction, taking Peyton right along with him. It was interesting seeing her try to pull him from the brink when he clearly only wanted escape.
I loved the slow build between these two. Of course, behind all the angst and sarcasm, there were heated looks, sexy comebacks and an underlying sexual tension. Their chemistry was undeniable.
The Wrap Up:
This book also touches on three very important topics. Drug use, self image and mental health issues. I thought the author did an incredible job with all of these.
This was a wonderfully written book I know I’ll read time and again. But Oh. Emm. Gee...I can’t wait for playboy, Gabe’s story. It’s going to take a strong, independent, secure woman to break his man-whore, party habits but I’m confident Jean Haus, with her amazing storytelling talent will do just that.
Some of My Favorite Quotes From the Book!
Quote Spotlight...
... I watch the guys onstage while music at megawatt volume vibrates in my rib cage.It’s loud, it’s in my face, and I love it. This is my sunny day. Sleeping in. Chasing butterflies. Making snow angels. Riding a roller coaster. The live music is all awesome things rolled into one.
Quote Spotlight...
“We’re hardly friends,you and me,” I snarl.
....
“Friends?” he repeats, ignoring my anger. He leans down, and one of his hands releases my arm and begins sliding up to my shoulder. His heated gaze, more than his touch, pins me to the door. "We’re friends, Peyton. I care about you. You seem to care about me...
....maybe you’re right. I don’t want to fuck my friends.”
Quote Spotlight...
His eyes continue to travel over me slowly - too slowly. My arms itch to wrap around me body for cover because his deliberate gaze is starting to flutter in my stomach, butterfly wings gone crazy...I resist tugging my shirt down over the inch of skin showing above my belt and glare at him.
“Nice shirt,” he says with a grin.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 “I’m With The Band” Stars!
A Past Gone Wrong But Life Is All About Second Chances!
The Review:
I fell in love with this series on the first book, In The Band and my love kept going strong all the way through the second book Ink My Heart and reading With the Band only cemented how great this author is and how fantastic this series is.
Story...
Luminescent Juliet is going on tour! Asked to fill a spot on a pre-existing tour, the hottie from book one, lead guitarist, band manager and occasional songwriter, Romeo, accepts the spot without hesitation, knowing that this is their shot at getting some much deserved band attention. Along with touring, he knows they’ll need someone with writing experience to propel them into the spotlight using social networking sites to help promote them, so he contacts Peyton to manage and relate their tour experience to their fans with pictures and blog posts.
Peyton, a music journalist major from their campus, agrees to join them but she has history with their bass player, Sam, and it’s not exactly a pretty past. Six weeks cramped on a tour bus with someone who you think hates you is the least of Peyton's problems. What happens when old feelings resurface, anger is revisited and forgiveness seems unattainable.
Characters...
Peyton and Sam have a complicated past. Peyton once dated Sam’s fraternal twin brother, Seth, and Sam and Peyton were great friends during that time... until one night that changed everything.
Three and a half years later, Peyton is in college and studying to be a music journalist, as music is her passion and has this singular chance to gain experience in something she loves. I really liked Peyton. She was strong and brave and she stood up for herself. But she didn’t have the best self image. Being a few pounds overweight in her youth has left a permanent impression of herself in her own mind. She knows she’s in a better place now, but those old insecurities have left their mark. She was very relatable.
Sam and his fraternal twin Seth, knew Peyton from their high school years. While Seth loved being the center of attention at parties and singing in their small garage band, Sam was content with being in the background playing bass and sitting in a corner, reading and being friends with his brothers girlfriend, who only seemed to have eyes for Seth. But Sam is all grown up now and behind that cocky exterior lurks a darkness that seems to be leading him down a very wrong path.
Right from the start Peyton and Sam’s relationship was intense and angsty. They have this chasm between them but in order to make the band’s tour successful, they have to find a way to work around their issues.
It was obvious Sam had feelings for Peyton, even early on. While on the tour bus, he tried to deny those feelings but they resurfaced and grew and together, he and Peyton forged a new kind of relationship. But Peyton has a boyfriend and Sam is keeping secrets.
Things get sticky, quick!
The Tour...
Sam and Peyton had a lot to resolve and six long weeks trapped on a tour bus, in hotel rooms with a different city almost every night, to accomplish this. But just when you think things might get resolved and they might be heading towards friendship with the possibility of more, the past comes back to haunt them. Sam seems to be using drugs to cope and he’s heading in a bad direction, taking Peyton right along with him. It was interesting seeing her try to pull him from the brink when he clearly only wanted escape.
I loved the slow build between these two. Of course, behind all the angst and sarcasm, there were heated looks, sexy comebacks and an underlying sexual tension. Their chemistry was undeniable.
The Wrap Up:
This book also touches on three very important topics. Drug use, self image and mental health issues. I thought the author did an incredible job with all of these.
This was a wonderfully written book I know I’ll read time and again. But Oh. Emm. Gee...I can’t wait for playboy, Gabe’s story. It’s going to take a strong, independent, secure woman to break his man-whore, party habits but I’m confident Jean Haus, with her amazing storytelling talent will do just that.
Some of My Favorite Quotes From the Book!
Quote Spotlight...
... I watch the guys onstage while music at megawatt volume vibrates in my rib cage.It’s loud, it’s in my face, and I love it. This is my sunny day. Sleeping in. Chasing butterflies. Making snow angels. Riding a roller coaster. The live music is all awesome things rolled into one.
Quote Spotlight...
“We’re hardly friends,you and me,” I snarl.
....
“Friends?” he repeats, ignoring my anger. He leans down, and one of his hands releases my arm and begins sliding up to my shoulder. His heated gaze, more than his touch, pins me to the door. "We’re friends, Peyton. I care about you. You seem to care about me...
....maybe you’re right. I don’t want to fuck my friends.”
Quote Spotlight...
His eyes continue to travel over me slowly - too slowly. My arms itch to wrap around me body for cover because his deliberate gaze is starting to flutter in my stomach, butterfly wings gone crazy...I resist tugging my shirt down over the inch of skin showing above my belt and glare at him.
“Nice shirt,” he says with a grin.
April 28, 2020
Great! I’m happy I found this author. Although some readers seem not appreciate so high, I feel this book absolutely worth five stars! The story is told in so talented way: everything in balance, no rushing too much forward, not focusing too much in less important details. Sometimes I have read a rock band romance where the events have kind of taken author with them, and either the band music or the romance has just forgotten. This was a book where the plot was very interesting, very well in author’s control and kept its reader hooked. ”Luminescence Juliet” - serie is worth reading more than once.
May 16, 2017
3-1/2 ***
I know I really like a series when every interruption annoys the crap out of me. That's what happened with this one. The characters are fully fleshed out and their problems just sucked me in. Can't wait to read about Gabe.
I know I really like a series when every interruption annoys the crap out of me. That's what happened with this one. The characters are fully fleshed out and their problems just sucked me in. Can't wait to read about Gabe.
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