Kolton Royce is a tatted, bad boy rock star at the top of his game.
Mia Phoenix is an overly responsible nineteen-year-old striving for stardom since losing her parents in a house fire.
When Mia ends up on Kolton’s team for the debut of the new nationwide singing competition, The Stage, she’s not sure if it’s her or her voice that he’s hellbent to control.
After he takes special interest in her welfare, they’ve been warned, any contact between them outside of filming is strictly forbidden.
He has other ideas.
She’s a phoenix rising from the ashes, the only one who understands the pain that lies beneath the persona. Though he’s not sure if he’s too bad for her, he can’t stay away.
All sinners have a past. All saints have a future. But, does being born in fire make the fissures weak in all the wrong places, or stronger than they’ve ever known?
I fully believe that a book is nothing without a reader, and am so grateful when anyone reads one of my stories. Sadie's Mountain is my debut novel. The Phoenix Rising Series book one, The Stage, was released in summer of 2014. The Tour (Book 2)is scheduled to release in fall of 2014.
The Stage, A Phoenix Rising Novel: Book One, Rebecca Shelby Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: New Adult, Romance,
I hate reality TV – actually I’ve seen very little TV for around five years now, but somehow I’ve found I really enjoy novels set around the plot of IT...go figure ;- ) So of course when I saw this, and read the sample it was a must read for me. Its a great book, perfect blend of romance, drama and bits of the competition. there are some really interesting personalities and minor plots as well as the main ones of the romance and the competition. They're both very centred around Mia and Kolton of course, we do see other contestants, mentors, staff and others ,but it’s mostly just these two. Its clear very early on how Kolton feels about Mia, and its pretty quickly clear that she feels the same even though his intensity scares her, and of course the programme organisers prohibit any kind of personal interaction. Kolton’s a rock star though, a huge draw to the audience, and he uses that to get what he wants, which is Mia and Riley, under his protection. I could understand why she was scared at times, angry at others, he really was OTT sometimes, going all out for what he saw as needed. Turns out he was right in some respects, but in others it was his actions that brought the dangers. There’s parts of it, especially some of his actions, that were just so OTT they felt a little odd, and some of the Mia Phoenix name, the fires, the references to the Phoenix relevance felt a bit overdone and cheesy. Kind of milked for maximum impact but sometimes Less is More and that's the way I felt about how this part worked for me. Less would have felt more natural and less cheesy. Still, that’s me * shrug* I love NA reads for the drama, and that was here in spades. That worked really well for me, lost of interesting sub plots, behind the scenes bitchiness, Kolton’s past gossiped about, issues from jealous exes – it seemed there was always something going on. Mia’s younger sister Riley was great too, she felt so real and added another layer to Mia. I kind of wished both Mia and Kolton were a little older, she felt mature beyond 19 – maybe because of what she’d been through, and kolton too felt more like someone in his early thirties than 28. the book ends on a really good point and the story could finish there easily, making an excellent stand alone read, but there’s an intro to the next book, a continuation of their story and being me I had to read it....but luckily that’s already out so it’s now on my kindle ;- ) just need the time to read it – somehow my review list has grown a bit long again, all books I want to read of course and feel I need to before continuing with this story. So many books so little time!! Stars: Five, It’s a great read, full drama and action and a solid romance. ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, in case I've inadvertently added a spoiler and need to edit.
“The Stage” by Shelby Rebecca is not your typical rockstar romance. Though the expected level of sexual tension and hotness is present, there is more depth and emotion to it than you’d normally expect. The plot is unusual and the characters are original and unique.
Taking part in a casting show, Mia tries to get her life back on track. After the greatest loss a young girl could experience, she is left to pick up the pieces of her life and to take care of her younger sister. Despite the tragedy that overshadows her young life, she is extremely strong and under the circumstances quite optimistic. But she has a hard time letting anyone close and is bad at trusting others, as the past has offered her more than a fair share of heartache. Loving to sing, she figures giving a singing career a try could secure her and her sister’s financial future. Little does she know that her life will be flipped upside down and the contest itself is the smallest factor in it.
A much bigger reason in the chaos that ensues, is Kolton. Big rockstar and even bigger man-whore and party animal, he is one of the judges on the show. Kolton always has gotten what he wanted – except one tragic night. He’s mesmerized not only by Mia’s voice, but also by her story – feeling a connection between their souls and hearts. He’s interest quickly turns into more – making him protective, possessive and slightly obsessed, without being creepy. He wants to help Mia and makes it his mission to support her, while trying to keep their relationship professional – not of his own accord but for her benefit. But his feelings quickly turn into more than just professional interest and no matter how much she might fight it, Mia feels the same. For Kolton, Mia is the only person he can be himself with. The only person that sees there is more than his rockstar, sex-god persona. He is hell-bent on winning her heart and her trust – not matter how often she pushes him away.
Though there is instant attraction, their deeper feelings for each other develop step by step. It was good to see that Mia wasn’t swept away by his rockstar charms but made him work for her trust and love.
Their attraction and the sexual tension it created was enough to drive me insane. Their chemistry was incredible. There was just enough back and forth to keep it interesting but not so much that it got annoying. The fact that both characters were more than just pretty faces and beautiful voices made the story feel real – emphasizing that everyone carries pain inside that they don’t let the world see.
I really loved the story, but the ending is causing some sleepless nights. It’s the mother of all cliffhangers and I cannot wait for the next book.
***ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review**
I'm not big on singing competitions but this book has opened my eyes to them. What can I say about this book without giving much away?
I loved Kolton Royce! Loved him. Everything about him and I mean everything. Even when he was being a bit controlling and sometimes a bit arrogant (but not much) He was so very patient with Mia. Intense but so very patient. When he first saw her he knew she was it. Something clicked and then he hears her sing. She was what he was waiting for but it was not going to be an easy task of getting her to see things his way. My heart broke for him over and over in the story. So much he's been through and he was still broken. But I understood where he was coming from when I heard his story. I was rooting for him and Mia. They both have truly tragic childhoods and were stilling trying to piece together their lives. Together they could help heal one another. If only there weren't so many obstacles being pushed in their way. One in particular being a bat sh*t crazy ex! Man that chick is nuts! She really did not know how to let go. Then you had the jealous contestants and paparazzi everywhere. There was never a lack of drama to be found in this story. I loved that.
Other then being annoyed at times with Mia and her doubts/insecurities, I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for part two. I'm sure there will be plenty of drama but I wish they could just live happily ever after now. I feel like that deserve that after everything. Any who. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long for next book? 4 stars for me!
Mia was at the table to check in for “ The Stage” a new singing competition. Mia's best friend Kayla was also there with her for moral support. Mia tells the story of how a fire killed her parents a year ago and she is raising her nine year old sister Riley. Mia feels she must let go of her dignity and values as she was running out of money and everything was about Riley anyways. Mia did make it to the finals to be on the show. While at the first filming as Mia and Riley are leaving to return to the hotel they are staying at Holton Royce shows up. Kolton is a rock and roll God in today's world. He also goes over and talks to Mia and wishes her luck. Mia wins her spot on the show and has to pick a coach out of the very talented people there and she picks Kolton. He has his own record label so maybe he can help that way if she doesn’t win. Then Kolton hires a woman to act as a sort of Nanny for Riley, and also get an apartment where Kolton feels Mia and Riley will be safer. Soon feelings develop on both sides but Mia wants to keep it professional for the competition. But Kolton is feeling much more than professional interest for Mia. I loved this story it is an excellent story. The plot was great from the tragedy of Mia's and Riley's life to the competition to Kolton. I adored the characters . The twists and turns Mia and Kolton go through is so believable. I loved it. I highly recommend. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
from: The Stage: A Phoenix Rising Novel (Kindle Edition)
Wow! I loved this very well written story a ton. It wasn't your typical rock star romance.
Kolton Royce is a famous, hot, rock star. On the outside, he's the bad boy, but on the inside, Kolton has deep emotions. Mia Phoenix is a 19 year old, that had to grow up way too quickly. She has been taking care of her little sister since her parents died in a house fire. She has a dream of becoming a singer, and she becomes one step closer to that dream, when she makes a nationwide singing competition. It's there that she meets Kolton. Their attraction is instant, but it's against the rules, as Mia is on Kolton's team. Can Mia and Kolton stay away from each other?
Oh how I loved Mia and Kolton. Their chemistry was HOT, but it was the emotions developing between them, that had real depth. Both these characters had more to them than just their looks and talent. Even though Kolton was a rock god, and didn't need anything, he really didn't have the spoiled rock star attitude. Shelby Rebecca's writing style is fantastic, her characters have depth, and I was hooked from page one. I highly recommend The Stage.
Wow, Mia has got to be one of the most annoying heroine's ever! She's got this super attractive, super nice, super generous guy Kolton who does everything for her and her sister, and how does she pay him back? By doubting him and everything he tells her! That's basically the whole book, him trying to get together with her and her pushing him away and doubting him & his feelings for her. Ugh!!! So frustrating! Quite frankly, she annoyed me so much that by the mid point I didn't even want Kolton to end up with/have to put up with her. Believe me when I say you won't be missing anything if you skip this one.
I must start of by saying ,thank you to Shelby Rebecca...You're a really talented writer who has a very bright future ahead. You've taken me on a wonderful journey in this book ;I've experienced the entire gambit of emotions from sadness to joy and I now look forward to book 2 in this series where Mia and Kolton can finally have a HEA....:) This book was a breath of fresh air ....
This is such an amazing and well written story! I loved EVERY single minute of it. Colton and Mia create so much heat it will melt your Kindle. A DEFINITE MUST READ
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. It combines my two favorite things a romantic and rough love story with a music twist. I can not wait to read the next book!
I always say that the singing contests are lame but I still end up watching them. This is a book about a singing contest so obviously I thought it will be lame, but still read it. And boy, was I mistaken. I don't even mind that I was wrong and I hate being wrong.
I had very low expectations when I started. Usually when I have high expectations I end up being disappointed. So this time I was pleasantly surprised.
Mia Phoenix is an orphan. Her parents died at fire and now she's legal guardian of her little sister Riley. Mia is nineteen, she's struggling with money and she has the voice of an angel. She's one of the participants of a contest called The Stage. The winner gets million dollars and a contract. Winning this would mean that everything would change. Mia wouldn't have to worry about providing Riley anymore and she could give her everything she wants and needs.
All four judges chose her. That's how amazing her voice is. All she has to do now is to choose which one of them she wants.
Kolton Royce is a rockstar. He's a playboy, he's got the attitude. Kole get whatever he wants. And he wants Mia. In his team and in his bed. And slowly he wants her in his heart too.
He takes care of Mia's needs. He hires a nanny for Riley, he moves her to a bigger apartement more suitable for a nine year old. There's no question whether his feeling are genuine, they are and Mia is also drawn to him but the contract forbids a relationship between them. Not that Kole cares about it.
Kole was obviously more sure about his feelings and he waited for her, until she realized that they feel the same thing, that she can't fight it any longer.
The ending was both predictable and unpredictable. There were only two options - she was either gonna win or be runner up. And I was correct. But I'm not gonna tell you which one ;). I both expected it and thought it not possible, but it kind of made sense.
The prolog to the second book/epilog to this one just about killed me. If you don't want to read the next book don't read it. Ever.
I didn't believe it at first but this book sucked me in and didn't let me go until the very end. What I missed was Kole's point of view. There were many parts which I think I'd enjoy more from his side. There were part where I asked whether Mia is crazy, because she was so oblivious and scared and hurtful without even wanting it.
I loved Kolton from the very beginning. His tattoes and rockstar persona were hiding a terribly sweet and caring person. He brought the best out of Mia and he made her reborn from her ashes. With him she finally started to live again, feel again.
Wow what a story. I am a huge fan of The Voice and this book goes right along with that show. I felt from knowing what I see on television and now with Shelby Rebecca’s book I was back stage living the life of a contestant. The scenes were developed so well I could feel the heat from the lights, hear the music play and feel the beat in my chest and yes I could feel the eyes of Kolton burning holes in my soul like he did with Mia. Mia Phoenix was raising her little sister after a tragic loss of her parents. She wants a singing career not only to support her and Riley, but because it is the only comfort she feels for her broken soul. It is the lasting connection she has to her parents and she wants to keep that for as long as she lives. She is called in to try out for the hit show that could end up being her big break; she just has to share her story with the producers so they can use her heart break to make the viewer’s fall in love. Kolton is a mega pop star and a judge on the show. He has seen Mia behind the studios before the contest even began and that was the beginning as to what he was willing to do to get her to the top. After realizing she was trying to do this competition with a little sister in the hotel he took matters in his own hands and tried to make things easier, but what he was really doing was trying to gain her trust. Kolton has a history of pain as well but we are left wondering as he answers her questions, is he in love with her or her voice. During the book we watch as these two come to terms with their feelings and fears while maintaining the rules of the show. They can’t become involved or she will be kicked off. I was an instant fan of Mia, her honest morals and ethics made her someone I would cheer on if this were the real show. In the book she had me rooting for her dreams to come true. Riley was just adorable in her sweet innocent ways. There was a part of the story where she was watching a video that had me in tears. Kolton, while I am sure you will know who comes to mind when you are reading this, had me not liking him at first. He was just too sketchy, but the author did a wonderful job at unfolding his history and heart before our very eyes. I adore that man now. For me Mia and Kolton are an example of moving on, opening your heart again and learning to trust. It is also a story of facing your enemies and those who try to stand in your way of happiness and love. Fear and loss, anger and bitterness were ever present in their past, but could they both let that go to welcome love and acceptance from not only each other but a world around them demanding not only their music but a piece of themselves. Both of them had a never quit attitude, they just had to learn to do this together if happiness was going to be in their future. I would so recommend this book and I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. Shelby Rebecca never fails to amaze me in how she captures the reader soon and forces them to invest their hearts in her characters, leaving us with a message of hope and inspiration. This was a fun read full of ups and downs and suspense. Make sure you go get your copy NOW
This book came as quite a surprise for me. I read the synopsis and thought 'hmm this sounds interesting' and picked it up, and man am I happy I did! As soon as I started this book I was unable to put it down!
We meet Mia and her sister Riley, who have lost everything and everyone. Mia is trying out for "The Stage" singing competition to try and move her music career forward and to help support her young sister.
As soon as we met Mia, I knew she was a fighter, and I loved this about her, but when she lays eyes on Kolton, one of the coaches, she feels a pull towards him, but ignores it. When she's picked and chooses Kolton's team, she didn't realize how much her life was going to change.
Kolton is known as the bad boy of L.A., a manwhore, but something about how he looks at Mia makes her think that he sees past the barriers she has put up and can see her for who she is.
What happens next is a whirlwind romance of secrets and so many other crazy things. I loved watching Kolton work to earn Mia's trust, and Mia not treating him like the rock-god that he is, but a person who needs to prove to her that she can trust him. Though their is instant attraction for both of these characters, there is not an insta-love. Mia pushes Kolton away a lot, and as much as it frustrates him, he lets her be in control of everything that happens between these two.
Kolton may be a "bad boy" but the way he treats Mia and Riley makes him so endearing. I loved how he always made sure that Mia and Riley were taken care of, and did anything he could to keep them safe and protected, no matter what rules he broke. Seeing Deloris as well with Riley and Mia was something that I loved. She took these two broken sisters and with Kolton, made them all a family of sorts.
I loved how this story progressed, it wasn't too fast or too slow, and it is so much different than all the other rock star romance books out there. I loved Mia and how strong she was and how she wasn't afraid to go after her dreams, and I loved how Kolton was and how passionate and loving he was towards Mia.
This was an amazing story, and I can't wait for The Tour to come out so I can find out more of what is going on with Mia and Kolton now that "The Stage" is over and a winner has been announced. I have a feeling even though this one ended with a HEA, that there is much more in store for Kolton and Mia before they can have that forever HEA I hope they get!
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. There are things I disliked and things I liked. My first problem was the singing competition. I don't care the author used a singing competition as the basis, but I didn't care too much for the description. It sounded like "The Voice" and I could easily compare at least three (Pulse, Selma, & Danny) of the four coaches to coaches (Usher, Shakira, & Blake Shelton) on "The Voice." I would've like to see a bit more originality here. Unfortunately, the major point of the story also seemed a little cliché - the good girl tames the bad boy. It's been done over and over again, but I suppose most love stories are all the same. I had a little trouble making it through the first few chapters with some of the grammatical errors I saw, however once I got past my initial issues I hit parts I liked. The first thing I liked was a comment made by the main character, Mia Phoenix. All the coaches were obviously musical superstars. Theoretically we know things about superstars because we see articles posted about their lives or follow them on Face Book or Twitter, but no matter how much we know, we really don't know them. Mia said to Kolton (the other coach), "I hardly know you." She answers so honestly, it's the type of comment that just comes out of a person's mouth you don't intend to. This is a moment of truth that all of us can relate to. Despite some of the stereotyped characters, I happened to like the back-story for each of the main characters: Mia Phoenix and Kolton Royce. Their stories gave them physical scars as a representation of their emotional scars, but they are so much more. I like that this story was told from Mia's point of view. I think it enhanced what was learned and understood about her and Kolton's story. Despite the fact their stories were different, the whole of their tale was more than a forbidden romance. It was about the strength to heal and overcome tragedy. To me, this was what made the book. Kolton was able to recover from losing the love of a parent at such a young age. Mia realized she had more strength than she gave herself credit for. It simply took love for Mia and Kolton to find who they already were.
FAN-TASTIC!! Yep, sort of corny but I am definitely a fan this book & Ms. Rebecca. I did have this book in my library since last July. There is good & bad to that; the bad is that I waited way too long to read a really good story but the good part of waiting that long is that I am not going to have to wait long to read the second book in this series. And believe me after the little snippet that is given for The Tour at the end of this book, there is no way I could have waited that long to see what happens with Mia, Riley, Kolton, Manny, & Delores. I will be all over The Tour the second it comes out!
I read a lot of rock romance books and I have to say that this is one of the better ones I have read. Some people may be mad at Mia with how she handles the attention that Kolton gives her but I think the author does a great job with the storyline helping you to understand that with everything that Mia has been through there is good reason as to why she doesn't "trust" Kolton and his intentions. And of course there is the “hands off” policy that the singing competition show makes you agree to.
If you watch any of the singing competition shows that are out there and yes, I do watch all of them, I was impressed of how much this story reminded me of "The Voice" even though that particular show was never mentioned by name. It made it really interesting of how the author tied the Mia/Kolton storyline in to this show specifically. But if you are not a fan of these types of shows don't let that stop you from reading this book.
The Stage went way beyond the mirroring of a tv show and gave you people who felt real. Ms. Rebecca did an excellent job of making you "feel" what Mia was going through. You felt the build up to “the big moment” when Mia & Kolton finally gave in to each other. It was pretty hot & everything that you hoped it would be. I want to find myself a “Kolton”!
Since The Tour, which is the second book to this series comes out shortly, do yourself a favor and read The Stage and be ready for a great storyline that you won’t be able to put down.
A young singer left to raise her kid sister after their parents' death finds her place in a television singing competition compromised when one of the superstar judges fails to hide his attraction to her.
Mia is immediately likable. She's put everything she has into giving her sister a good life. But she's running out of money and so jumps at the chance to audition for a new talent competition. Mia has a clear, strong point of view, and Shelby Rebecca does a great job showing us her hopes, fears and confusion as this journey she sets out on takes a turn for the surreal.
Kolton Royce is a complicated character. As the book opens, his immediate interest in Mia's well being seems odd and then, well, it borders on creepy. Mostly because he refuses to explain himself. As the story continues and we learn why Kolton feels so drawn to Mia, his intensity makes sense.
There's a wonderful dynamic in this book between the reader and each of the lead characters. Mia has such a compelling voice that when she's confused, we're confused. When she feels smothered, we feel smothered. As she comes to understand Kolton, we feel more comfortable with him.
The reader's relationship with Kolton is more complicated. He's incredibly secretive. And even when he tries to communicate, he's not all that great at it. He's had a rough life and his experiences have silenced him--music is his only means of true expression. Mia doesn't always get this, and her not getting it kind of floors him, because he thinks he's being so direct...that everything important is right there in the lyrics he texts her. For me, it's how these two get past their own baggage and learn to "hear" each other that is the real story and what makes THE STAGE something more than just another rock-themed romance novel.
In short, with all the realistic details Shelby Rebecca gives us about reality television competitions, there's enough drama, glitz and glam here to satisfy rock romance lovers, but there's also plenty more to think about and enjoy.
Mia has lost everything but her little sister and her dads guitar. When she is contacted to be on a new show call The Stage. She is not sure if up and taking this challenge will really be worth it because she doesn't want to up and ruin her sisters life after they have lost so much. She decides maybe this is the best for them and that it will take them to places they could never go other wise. Things are thrown and them and she starts to feel like her life is falling a part and she is wondering if Riley and her will come out on the other side stronger or it they will loose even more. Kolton has the life most people have dreamed of he is famous has beautiful girls but he has secrets. He is set to be a coach on the new up coming show called The Stage he has his ideas of what will happen and no one can stop him. He just never expected what happened and sure as heck never expected someone from the past to seek him and those close to him out. Will him and those close be able to get through everything in one piece.
This book in some parts has you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages just to find out what happens next. Its amazing very suspenseful but and amazing love story. The love the loss and the over all chemistry is coming off the pages. The book ends perfect but the first chapter into the 2nd book ends with a cliff hanger and leaves you wanting so much more. If you are looking for a book that just leaves you up late wanting to know what happens next and draws you in this book is worth the read and worth the buy. Cant wait for book two. Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
I loved that the backdrop of this story (a singing competition) was new in my reading experience. So many premises have been overdone or just not plausable. While the competition closely resembled The Voice, art often imitates life (I did that on purpose) and I had no problems with those similarities. The rock star (Kolton) falls for a contestant (Mia). Many of us grow up with crushes on someone in the music industry. The chance to meet one and have them take an interest in you would be a dream come true - until reality crashes around you. Kolton and Mia have many more obstables to face and overcome aside from coach/contestant. As expected, Kolton has a wild and vivid past. Things like that are impossible to keep hidden. Real life and what is reported in the press are rarely the same thing. Mia is caring for/raising her little sister after the loss of their parents, so she not only has emotional baggage but she's part of her very own two for one special. Kolton make things worse for Mia during the course of the competition and alienates her from the other contestants. He doesn't want to cause undue stress, but he can't stay away and his filter seems broken at times. I loved the interactions between the main charaters as well as the contestants and staff of the show. This story was very refreshing compared to a lot that I have been reading lately. I look forward to reading more from Shelby in the future and would gladly recommend this read.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for an honest review. I have always loved having music playing in the background but this book made me think about the lyrics and how they have meaning.
This book is about Mia Phoenix trying to make it on a tv singing show. Mia is trying to win to give her younger sister Riley a better life. Their parents were killed in a fire but not before Mia was burned trying to save her sister. Mia gets on the show and the fun begins.
Kolton Royce is bad boy musician who is also a judge. He is use to going from woman to woman. He hears Mia sing for the first time and he is gone.
They end up having a connection that everyone sees and it is against the rules. He is this take charge, do as I say man who wants to protect Mia and Riley. He hires a nanny for Riley, moves them from the hotel to his house, and has a driver for them.
He just wants to earn Mia's trust. She doesn't know is she can with his past and hers.
Rumors start circling around the show of a relationship but Kolton and Mia are trying to stay apart. They do but something changes between them but can Mia get out of her head long enough to fall in love and enjoy being with Kolton?
This book has a sweet love story of finding love, holding onto it, and letting yourself live in the moment. This author shows a different side of a bad boy rocker and left me wanting more so I am one clicking the next book in this series.
The Tour by Shelby Rebecca is a lovely story. She brings us the story of Mia Phoenix, a 19 year old that has been left with sole responsibility of her sister, after her parent's are killed in a fire. Mia is scarred emotionally and psychically from the fire. She tries out for a singing competition called The Stage.
Mia - meets and chooses Kolton Royce - bad boy, tattooed, rock god. Mia doesn't know it but he is the reason she is even in the competition. Kolton has his own sad past that Mia learns about as they grow closer, even if it's not the right thing for either of them.
Of course their love story can't go smoothly, can a rock god and a 19 year old that has too much responsibility find the way through the obstacles thrown in their path, and keep the relationship out of the press while doing it?
Ms.Rebecca's writing is superb, her characters are strong, amusing at times, and the sex scenes are few but well written. If you are looking for a wonderful rock god, alpha dude, meets strong independent woman, this one is well worth the time. I will place a warning here - cliffhanger! I was screaming when I hit the last page.
I had a difficult time getting into this book. The main reason for this was because the reality show that these characters take part in is a very thinly veiled knock-off of The Voice. And my first impression of Kolton made me want to reach through my TV and slap Adam Levine. But Adam - wait, I mean Kolton - eventually grew on me. I did, however, roll my eyes when he morphed into Christian Grey and flew a helicopter.
And then there was Mia. A girl who quotes literature, but who has to count on her fingers to determine what half of 16 is. At age 19, she should really know her math facts. Her back story is ratings gold, and perfect for the viewing public. This history does endear her to me as well, even when she does some boneheaded things.
This book does get better once we finally get to the meat of the story. Kolton and Mia's attraction to each other is intriguing. Because of the show and because of their own respective hang-ups, it's also forbidden.
There are some scenes in here that I thoroughly enjoyed (see the aftermath of the night at the club) and ultimately I'm glad that I soldiered through the beginning.
I bought the next book in this series at the same time as The Stage, so ill get around to reading it, but I'm not going into it immediately. There are a few other books in my queue that I'm more eager to read. This wasn't bad; it just wasn't "edge of my seat, have to know what happens next right now" awesome.
This book was gifted to me in return for an honest review. ***Reviewing on behalf of Naughty and Devilish Book Blog*** This book is about a young girl, Mia Phoenix, who tries out for a singing competition. It is very much like the show on television called The Voice so it was very easy for me to read and vision this as it was happening. Mia is taking care of her younger sister and is looking for a better life for the two of them, which is why she went to try out. She advances and chooses Kolton Royce as her coach who is a bit of a bad boy, rocker. He is the reason she is on the show. They aren’t supposed to have any kind of a relationship during the show and it’s hard to ignore the chemistry that they have. He wants to protect her and take care of her, but he has a bit of a past that catches up to them. I don’t like doing a review with spoilers. I will say this was very well written, very believable and easy to read. The characters had a story line that was very realistic and I loved reading it! I was super shocked with the ending and can’t believe it left me hanging there, but they wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger if it didn’t… I am most definitely looking forward to the next book…patiently waiting…okay. Not so patiently. I need to see what happens! Shelby Rebecca did a wonderful job with this book.
Mia is a survivor of a devasting fire. She is also a singer that does gig in her local town. When she gets discovered from a You Tube video her life starts changing forever.
Kolten is a rock star. He is also known to a playboy of sorts. He was asked to be one of the judges on a new singing reality show called The Stage. When he agreed to do the show he already had in mind someone who he thought was going to be a star.
At the blind audition for this show Mia starts singing when one judge buzzer goes off she only needs one more. So she keep singing til the end off the song and all the judges are vying for her to be on their team. There is only one team she wants to be on though. That is Team Kolten.
As the competition goes on Mia and Kolten try to come to some sort of meeting of the minds about things that are going on. Mia has her sister that she has to think about through this whole competition but Kolten keeps making it hard for her. Will Kolten leave Mia be to compete at her best? Will Mia ever find a truce with Kolten? Does a romance between Mia and Kolten ever develop? How far does Mia go in the competition? All this plus both of their past in one form or another comes into play.
Branch the definition is a part of a tree that grows from out of the trunk. Taking this word one step further into our current lives we can see that the branch can be more of extension of one self. When meeting the right person our extension can grow not just within ourselves but as them as well. Branch can take on so many different meanings in our lives that we tend to forget the most obvious the branch within our heart. We extend our hearts out to those who become more than just a memory but a part of us all.
This is the 1st book in this series
To the author: You made me laugh, cry and scream at times in this one of a kind read. You not only showed what a reality can be like when one comes in contact with the right person no knowing that one did so but you also showed that the past with one can change if we are only open to it within ourselves. This journey between Kolton and Mia was not just original but heartwarming as well. To take care of one and for another to be open to the path laid before them is not just heartwarming but encouraging as well.
This story is about a 17 yr old girl who lost both her parents in a fire and is now raising her little sister. Mia loves to sing and when she gets a call from a producer to try out for a show called The Stage she goes for it hoping she will win and be able to put her little sister threw collage. Then she meets bad boy Kolton who is just a scarred as she is. Will she be able to overcome his past and hers and will she be able to trust him. This is what you will find out reading this story.
It is well written and will keep you turning the next page trying to find out what is going to happen next. You will find yourself connecting to Mia as she has a hard time trusting Kolton and being able to accept his help and finally his love. I hated how it ended as it leaves a lot of suspense making you want to buy the next book to see what happened. Shelby Rebecca really did a great job in writing this book. I will be looking forward to reading more of her work.
Two souls with traumatic pasts, meet on opposite sides of a singing competition, and are drawn to one another through a strong soulful connection. There is also a strong chemistry between the two as well. No matter how hard they fight their connection, it doesn't work, and they are constantly drawn to one another. They fall in love. There are some issues that they have to overcome to be together. This story kept me engrossed until the very last page. It was a good read. I really wish we could have had his pov throughout this book though. The ending in this book felt like a good ending,but turn the page and find that there is actually another and final book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Totally loved this book. Mia is such a sweet girl who has had a difficult thing happen in her family. She has stepped up to raise her younger sister and is taking a step to try and better herself. She is auditioning to be on a signing contest. One of the judges is a rock star and they immediately have a connection. He helps her along and tries to get her to trust him. Will he ruin her chances at winning by showing her special treatment? Will the two be able to follow the rules of their contract and not become involved? Can't wait for the next book to see what happens to these two...
Kolton could be so sweet and encouraging, "don’t cover yourself around me,” he demands. “I love your body. Someday, I’ll worship those breasts, so don’t deny me seeing them now." There are times he doesn't like his woman's choice of club outfits and Mia has the right idea to get him to drop the subject, "and that’s the last time you wear something like that out without me. Or ever.” I ignore him and pretend I’m asleep again." I liked this book I think Kolton and Mia were perfect for each other.