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Settle Up: A friends-to-lovers, rockstar romance.
Their separation is inevitable…but their connection is undeniable.
Jared may look rough around the edges, with his tattoos and intense good looks, but he's a golden retriever at heart—he’s loyal, energetic, and possesses a heart of gold. His band is on the cusp of a breakthrough, and he wants nothing more than to be the rockstar his teenage self always dreamed of becoming.
Enter Evie—she’s just passing through Chicago with her bright clothing and even brighter personality. She knows a thing or two about social media and thinks she can help put Jared’s band on the map. She's bubbly and always down for something fun, which immediately captures Jared’s attention.
While opposite on the outside, Jared and Evie are drawn to each other. But she's a nomad at heart who’s leaving soon, and a relationship is the last thing on his mind. So, naturally, they decide it would be best just to be friends.
If only it were that easy...
Jared may look rough around the edges, with his tattoos and intense good looks, but he's a golden retriever at heart—he’s loyal, energetic, and possesses a heart of gold. His band is on the cusp of a breakthrough, and he wants nothing more than to be the rockstar his teenage self always dreamed of becoming.
Enter Evie—she’s just passing through Chicago with her bright clothing and even brighter personality. She knows a thing or two about social media and thinks she can help put Jared’s band on the map. She's bubbly and always down for something fun, which immediately captures Jared’s attention.
While opposite on the outside, Jared and Evie are drawn to each other. But she's a nomad at heart who’s leaving soon, and a relationship is the last thing on his mind. So, naturally, they decide it would be best just to be friends.
If only it were that easy...
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2023
100 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Allison Speka
9 books607 followersAllison Speka's stories are light on the spice and heavy on the banter. She delivers realistic characters that you'll instantly root for, taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. With moments of passion, humor, and a fast-paced plot, her books will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put them down.
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 2, 2024
A solid 3.75/5
It was a cute read that would definitely get me out of a reading slump. Predictable but I enjoyed it.
It was a cute read that would definitely get me out of a reading slump. Predictable but I enjoyed it.
August 28, 2023
The cover of this book intrigued me so much that I new I had to read it! It's so pretty! This book had me on a roller coaster the entire book but I was enjoying every minute of it! It has awesome tropes such as one bed, opposite attracts, slow burn, found family, forced proximity and rockstar. The attraction and tension between Evie and Jared was off the charts. I can't wait to start reading Allison Speka's back log! I really enjoyed reading this.
Settle Up will be released on August 30 so be sure to check it out!
Settle Up will be released on August 30 so be sure to check it out!
August 21, 2023
*ARC Review*
5/5 🌟
1.5/5 🌶
Read if you enjoy:
🪻One Bed Trope
🪻Opposites Attract
🪻Golden Retriever MMC
This story follows Evie, a video game streamer and social media savant, and Jared, the frontman of his band on the cusp of breaking into the music scene. Evie, passing through Chicago for a couple of months before heading out on her dream trip, is hired by Jared's band to help them out with their socials to get their name out there and gain some traction. While the two of them are seemingly very different people, there is an undeniable connection.
Thoughts: I am sucker for an amazing cover, and I absolutely adore this one. It is what drew me to reading it. This book was absolute perfection. Everything from the characters to the relationships to the storyline; I loved all of it. I DEVOURED it in one night and definitely stayed up way longer than I should have. This is a really satisfying, slow-burn novel. I'm a huge fan of these, and this is easily my favourite slow burn this year. The tension between the FMC and the MMC was so good. From giddy giggling to screaming at my kindle, I was feeling all the emotions with this one. Throw in some of my favourite tropes; found family, one bed, a sprinkling of forced proximity; amazing. If this sounds like a book you would read, do yourself a favour and pick this one up when it comes out on August 30th. I will definitely be adding the rest of Allison’s books to my TRB 🔥
Thank you, Allison, for providing me with a free copy of Settle Up in exchange for an honest review ❤️
5/5 🌟
1.5/5 🌶
Read if you enjoy:
🪻One Bed Trope
🪻Opposites Attract
🪻Golden Retriever MMC
This story follows Evie, a video game streamer and social media savant, and Jared, the frontman of his band on the cusp of breaking into the music scene. Evie, passing through Chicago for a couple of months before heading out on her dream trip, is hired by Jared's band to help them out with their socials to get their name out there and gain some traction. While the two of them are seemingly very different people, there is an undeniable connection.
Thoughts: I am sucker for an amazing cover, and I absolutely adore this one. It is what drew me to reading it. This book was absolute perfection. Everything from the characters to the relationships to the storyline; I loved all of it. I DEVOURED it in one night and definitely stayed up way longer than I should have. This is a really satisfying, slow-burn novel. I'm a huge fan of these, and this is easily my favourite slow burn this year. The tension between the FMC and the MMC was so good. From giddy giggling to screaming at my kindle, I was feeling all the emotions with this one. Throw in some of my favourite tropes; found family, one bed, a sprinkling of forced proximity; amazing. If this sounds like a book you would read, do yourself a favour and pick this one up when it comes out on August 30th. I will definitely be adding the rest of Allison’s books to my TRB 🔥
Thank you, Allison, for providing me with a free copy of Settle Up in exchange for an honest review ❤️
September 29, 2024
3.5
Evie, my lil crochet queen, you deserve the world
Evie, my lil crochet queen, you deserve the world
October 27, 2023
This was my first ARC and it did not disappoint!
It was such a cute story, a delightful palate cleanser. I'm not typically a fan of strangers to lovers, but this one had a nice progression, you could feel the connection forming, it didn't happen out of the blue. From the first chapter I was worried Jared is going to be a prick, but he turned out to be a true golden retriever!
Tropes:
strangers to friends to lovers
dual pov
one bed
found family
It was such a cute story, a delightful palate cleanser. I'm not typically a fan of strangers to lovers, but this one had a nice progression, you could feel the connection forming, it didn't happen out of the blue. From the first chapter I was worried Jared is going to be a prick, but he turned out to be a true golden retriever!
Tropes:
strangers to friends to lovers
dual pov
one bed
found family
September 17, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from Booksirens and this review is based on my own opinion.
Two months before Evie will leave for her trip to Bali, she has to leave her appartment.
In between she stays with her cousin Cam in Chicago, where she meets his friends who are in a band, about to break through.
They just need to be more active on social media and Evie is just the right person to help them.
Jared and Evie may be complete opposites, they do feel drawn to eachother but Evie is leaving soon and Jared isn't even thinking about relationships so they decide to be friends.
But it isn't that easy.
'You're like my new favorite person, I love hanging out with you.'
When I first saw the cover of this book with the tattooed guy with a guitar, mixed with the blurb of a bandmember combined with a girl who manages their social media, I was super excited to read it.
And it definitly did not disappoint, right from the first chapter I was immediatly drawn to the story and I couldn't stop reading.
Jared has such golden retriever behaviour and it made me squeal every time he did or said something cute.
The dynamic between the main characters is lovely and the teasing between the main and side characters made me smile every time.
It was such an easy read for me so I didn't even hesitate about giving it a big 5 star rating.
Two months before Evie will leave for her trip to Bali, she has to leave her appartment.
In between she stays with her cousin Cam in Chicago, where she meets his friends who are in a band, about to break through.
They just need to be more active on social media and Evie is just the right person to help them.
Jared and Evie may be complete opposites, they do feel drawn to eachother but Evie is leaving soon and Jared isn't even thinking about relationships so they decide to be friends.
But it isn't that easy.
'You're like my new favorite person, I love hanging out with you.'
When I first saw the cover of this book with the tattooed guy with a guitar, mixed with the blurb of a bandmember combined with a girl who manages their social media, I was super excited to read it.
And it definitly did not disappoint, right from the first chapter I was immediatly drawn to the story and I couldn't stop reading.
Jared has such golden retriever behaviour and it made me squeal every time he did or said something cute.
The dynamic between the main characters is lovely and the teasing between the main and side characters made me smile every time.
It was such an easy read for me so I didn't even hesitate about giving it a big 5 star rating.
August 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. One of the best lines in it was "You're going to walk away from the guy of your dreams because you were too dumb to buy refundable airfare". Its the story of Evelyn who builds virtual homes and runs her social media, and loves travelling, goes to live with her cousin Cam before starting a round the world trip. He is friends with a band, that had no name lol! He volunteers Evelyn (oh how she hates Cam calling her that lol!) to help with her social media. In comes Jared, who is part of the band (lead). He and Evie hit it off, but there quite a slow burn, 50% in and they kissed, although, it wasn't painful as a reader as there was so much going on in the story! felt this book was more than a rockstar HEA story, as the band was upcoming, and Evie had such a strong storyline as did Jared, and they equally supported each other with their pasts. Al makes an appearance, and seems like the little sister Jared needed! Hope either Cam or Max have their stories next! The other tropes are living your dreams, overcoming the past, hiding from love, friendship, family and realising dreams are a fluid as life! You get a lot out of this book, along with a witty storyline and colourful characters!
August 18, 2023
4.75/5! ⭐️’s This was my first ever ARC that I’ve received, and it did. Not. Disappoint!
This story follows Jared and Evie. Jared is the frontman of his band. They’re needing help with their social media presence… Until a friend decides that Evie is just the girl for the job. Evie is a free spirit, who has a nomadic heart and doesn’t stay in one place for very long. Jared may seem rough around the edges but has a heart of gold and exudes golden retriever energy. They hit it off from the very beginning but they both agreed to stay just friends. Jared is in no rush to be in a relationship and Evie is about to embark on a backpacking trip to Bali. These two have undeniable chemistry but is that enough to keep Evie from leaving? This rockstar romance has friends to lover, one bed trope and found family. If you’re looking for a sweet and cute read, then this book is for you! I’m looking forward to reading more from Allison Speka in the future!
This story follows Jared and Evie. Jared is the frontman of his band. They’re needing help with their social media presence… Until a friend decides that Evie is just the girl for the job. Evie is a free spirit, who has a nomadic heart and doesn’t stay in one place for very long. Jared may seem rough around the edges but has a heart of gold and exudes golden retriever energy. They hit it off from the very beginning but they both agreed to stay just friends. Jared is in no rush to be in a relationship and Evie is about to embark on a backpacking trip to Bali. These two have undeniable chemistry but is that enough to keep Evie from leaving? This rockstar romance has friends to lover, one bed trope and found family. If you’re looking for a sweet and cute read, then this book is for you! I’m looking forward to reading more from Allison Speka in the future!
August 19, 2023
Evie and Jared, two souls, destined to meet...
Evie lived a sheltered life with structure control from her parents until she turned 18 and took a leap into the world on her own.
Jared has had a turbulent few years, but with the help of some very good friends, he's turned it around.
Evie finds herself needing to fund a new place to live after her landlord promised her place to her grandson. Cam Evie's cousin invites her to live with him in Chicago. Not only does he offer her a place to stay, but he's also gotten her a job helping Jared's band with social media.
Without giving too much away, this book shows the growth of both Jared and Evie. It shows their growing love and the navigation around past trauma.
It's a beautiful love story which I throughly enjoyed.
Definitely recommend
Evie lived a sheltered life with structure control from her parents until she turned 18 and took a leap into the world on her own.
Jared has had a turbulent few years, but with the help of some very good friends, he's turned it around.
Evie finds herself needing to fund a new place to live after her landlord promised her place to her grandson. Cam Evie's cousin invites her to live with him in Chicago. Not only does he offer her a place to stay, but he's also gotten her a job helping Jared's band with social media.
Without giving too much away, this book shows the growth of both Jared and Evie. It shows their growing love and the navigation around past trauma.
It's a beautiful love story which I throughly enjoyed.
Definitely recommend
August 19, 2023
Jared is a musician and the frontman of his no name yet band. The band needs help with picking name and more importantly, some help with their social media presence. Evie just got into town and is staying with her cousin for two months before she goes off to travel the world. Her cousin offered her expertise with social media marketing to his friend Jared and that’s how these two meet. It was love at first sight or even instant attraction, but there was definitely a little spark. Their time together turns to more than a spark but Evies childhood has her fully engulfed in her wanderlust. So now that her heart is involved and Jared’s will she stay or will she go?! This story is sweet and romantic, I haven’t been able to put it down. The ending was so good it had me smiling. I love, love, love this book, I’m giving it five stars and highly recommend it. I’d love to read about the other three band members.
August 28, 2023
I was smitten with this book. I received this as an ARC and when I tell u I wanted more of this love story? I’m not kidding. OBSESSED. Allison is becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. THIS is a breath of fresh air. Her books are like coming out of the darkness (I’m an avid dark romance reader) and taking a deep breath. I just love them. Quick reads with witty humor and down to earth characters that leave you wanting more. Deep main characters with side characters that aren’t too overdone and the romance isn’t too steamy. It’s a great balance. A perfect pallet cleanser for the soul. Evie and Jared were amazing characters and their love story is one of my favorites I have read. Thank you so so much for sharing this with me!
August 26, 2023
Well its official- I love anything and everything written by Allison Speka.
This book was fantastic. Everything I could have wanted from a RomCom. Absolutely adorable and loveable MCs and just as wonderful an endearing side characters. I found myself invested in every single one of them, like they were becoming my new friend group as they were becoming Evie's. So much so I hope the next book is about Max and his nurse lady.
This book had me smiling so hard my face hurts. I laughed with them, my heart broke and healed with them. And even though the spice was minimal- the one scene we got did not disappoint. 10/10 would recommend!
This book was fantastic. Everything I could have wanted from a RomCom. Absolutely adorable and loveable MCs and just as wonderful an endearing side characters. I found myself invested in every single one of them, like they were becoming my new friend group as they were becoming Evie's. So much so I hope the next book is about Max and his nurse lady.
This book had me smiling so hard my face hurts. I laughed with them, my heart broke and healed with them. And even though the spice was minimal- the one scene we got did not disappoint. 10/10 would recommend!
September 1, 2023
Settle Up by Allison Speka
I received a digital copy of this book from BookSirens for review. My opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
I read this entire book in one day. I could not stop!
If you’re a romance fan, specifically friends to lovers trope, this book has you covered. It features a budding rockstar and a woman just passing through Chicago who helps the band with their social media while she’s in the city. Their friendship grows, sparks fly, and you can perhaps guess what happens next.
This book was released to Amazon on August 30, 2023.
This isn’t the first Allison Speka book that I’ve lived and I’m guessing it won’t be the last.
I received a digital copy of this book from BookSirens for review. My opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
I read this entire book in one day. I could not stop!
If you’re a romance fan, specifically friends to lovers trope, this book has you covered. It features a budding rockstar and a woman just passing through Chicago who helps the band with their social media while she’s in the city. Their friendship grows, sparks fly, and you can perhaps guess what happens next.
This book was released to Amazon on August 30, 2023.
This isn’t the first Allison Speka book that I’ve lived and I’m guessing it won’t be the last.
August 21, 2023
This book had me so enthralled emotions were there throughout the book there is a bit of spice in the book and it was just right the author really made this story feel real Jared and evie meeting and just following their story was truly amazing I loved how they met and evie helped with the bands social it is a very happy ending after evie goes back home and then decides she is done running truly amazing
September 3, 2023
This is my first book by this author and it was so cute! I will definitely be reading more.
This book follows Evie who is a video game streamer and a social media influencer. After always traveling the world she decides to stay with her cousin for awhile. There she meets Jared who is a rockstar on the rise and he finds that he needs help with his band and making sure they are more seen on social media. So Evie takes over their social media to help the band rise to stardom. There they both fall in love and learn that they can’t live without each other.
This was a really sweet and cute story watching them fall in love💗
Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read this book!
This book follows Evie who is a video game streamer and a social media influencer. After always traveling the world she decides to stay with her cousin for awhile. There she meets Jared who is a rockstar on the rise and he finds that he needs help with his band and making sure they are more seen on social media. So Evie takes over their social media to help the band rise to stardom. There they both fall in love and learn that they can’t live without each other.
This was a really sweet and cute story watching them fall in love💗
Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read this book!
September 5, 2023
Sweet, feel good romance:
A slow-burn novel with low heat, this was still an enjoyable read. The characters were likeable enough and whilst there wasn't an awful amount going on, it still held my attention. I liked Evie and Jared together and I thought they both displayed good growth individually and as a couple. A good book to read if you just want a nice, feel good story without too much angst or drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A slow-burn novel with low heat, this was still an enjoyable read. The characters were likeable enough and whilst there wasn't an awful amount going on, it still held my attention. I liked Evie and Jared together and I thought they both displayed good growth individually and as a couple. A good book to read if you just want a nice, feel good story without too much angst or drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2023
Settle Up by Allison Speka is a good, and enjoyable opposites attract friends to lovers rock star romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, well development, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning romance read with enthralled emotions. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
Rockstar Romance 💘
Strangers to friends to lovers
One bed trope 🛏️
Dual POV
I love the cover!! This is what got me at first!!! And who does not love rockstar romance’s?! The whole strangers to friends to lovers!!! Ugh… this story had me up and down. The slow burn of it but it all came together so good!!!! Evie and Jared are so good together!!!! Allison’s writing is so amazing I cannot wait to read another one of her stories!!!
Strangers to friends to lovers
One bed trope 🛏️
Dual POV
I love the cover!! This is what got me at first!!! And who does not love rockstar romance’s?! The whole strangers to friends to lovers!!! Ugh… this story had me up and down. The slow burn of it but it all came together so good!!!! Evie and Jared are so good together!!!! Allison’s writing is so amazing I cannot wait to read another one of her stories!!!
April 9, 2024
This was so cute! I loved Evie’s character so much!! Literally one of my favorite FMCs in a while! And I adored getting to know Jared more & seeing Dean and Al pop up from Comfort Zoned! Ugh, just so good! The character development, the romance, the banter! And just a liiiittle bit of spice! Such a perfect book to get you out of a reading slump!
August 24, 2023
Was lucky enough to get this as an ARC and oh my goodness it did not disappoint. It grabbed me from the get go and was such an easy read. Enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and was nice that it was minimal spice. It was such a wholesome read everyone needs a lovely romance book in their lives and this sure does hit that spot. I would highly recommend this book, was an easy 5 star rating from me.
August 29, 2023
I would highly recommend this book. I got the ARC copy and absolutely loved it. I’d rate it 4.5 stars overall. The character development was amazing and so thought out . I can’t wait to read more by this author.
The characters each had there own POVs which I love when reading.
The characters each had there own POVs which I love when reading.
September 23, 2023
Settle Up is a truly delightful opposites attract romance. It is a stand-alone read with a hea.
Jared is the lead singer in a band who dreams of making it big. He loves music and tattoos. Evie is a free spirit who never settles in one place for long. She loves bright colours and hand crochet sweaters. On the surface they could not be more different.
All the characters in this book are wonderful and well rounded. They are people you want to be friends with. The storyline is great with depth and and unexpected honesty.
I loved this book and highly recommend it it.
Jared is the lead singer in a band who dreams of making it big. He loves music and tattoos. Evie is a free spirit who never settles in one place for long. She loves bright colours and hand crochet sweaters. On the surface they could not be more different.
All the characters in this book are wonderful and well rounded. They are people you want to be friends with. The storyline is great with depth and and unexpected honesty.
I loved this book and highly recommend it it.
November 19, 2023
I was drawn to this book by the cover and the rockstar, it was drawn to an absolute golden retriever of a hero, with a one bed, forced proximity trope.
I’m so glad that the MFC has a new found family. This is my first novel by Speka and I cannot wait to read the backlog.
I’m so glad that the MFC has a new found family. This is my first novel by Speka and I cannot wait to read the backlog.
August 16, 2023
I have received an Arc of this Book and read it in less than a DAY. I love the MCs and their personalities. From the beginning i was so invested in the dynamic between the characters, i couldn't put the book down. I highly recommand this book for anyone who's craving a sweet romance with music to binge.
August 17, 2023
This was a cute book. The characters were fun and they made me want more. I enjoyed every moment of it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
September 4, 2023
Evie and Jared's story is well written with a good storyline that I enjoyed reading. The cover is very interesting. I enjoyed reading their story. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed this follow up in the series! I enjoyed following Jared’s story!
I’m also so glad that we got to see Dean, Al, Cam & Nora from the previous book and get updates on them.
This was a slow burn but it did pick up! This I would describe as Jared being in denial about his feelings, Evie letting her past hold her back but knowing deep down she has feelings. I also appreciate how this started off as a friendship, flirting and didn’t jump right into to it. Made it more realistic for me!
As always, loved Allison’s writing and story telling! I am gonna need Cam to have his own book though!!
August 17, 2023
I read this SO fast!! It is SOO good! Had me kicking my legs like a little girl! Such a sweet story that had me in my feelings. Definitely recommend!
September 7, 2023
For any lovers of romance books, especially those including 'opposites attract' and 'one bed' tropes, I would absolutely recommend picking this up! From the start the attraction between the main characters, Evie and Jared, is clear, but with a deadline on their time together they are understandably hesitant to act. The story follows them as they try to focus on the more professional side of their relationship, but discover that ignoring the sparks isn't as easy as they would like.
The characters themselves are developed enough to hold interest while reading, and I enjoyed seeing how their budding relationship affected them individually in other aspects of their lives - particularly Evie who has always been so hesitant to make strong connections or stay in one place for too long.
A solid four stars from me for this light-hearted new book from Allison Speka - I will definitely be adding her previous works to my tbr.
Settle Up is due for release on 30th August and is currently available for pre-order.
The characters themselves are developed enough to hold interest while reading, and I enjoyed seeing how their budding relationship affected them individually in other aspects of their lives - particularly Evie who has always been so hesitant to make strong connections or stay in one place for too long.
A solid four stars from me for this light-hearted new book from Allison Speka - I will definitely be adding her previous works to my tbr.
Settle Up is due for release on 30th August and is currently available for pre-order.
November 1, 2023
I received this arc for an honest review
It took me a little while to get into this book, I loved the concept of the characters, the story building and duel pov. Once I was hooked into the storyline while reading it was great but when I had to put it down I didn’t have the urgency to pick it straight back up. Which is the only reason for the 4* not 5.
I don’t want to add spoilers, it is a great story and I’m looking forward to reading Dean and Al’s story next.
I’m also excited to see if the rest of the group gets their own stories
It took me a little while to get into this book, I loved the concept of the characters, the story building and duel pov. Once I was hooked into the storyline while reading it was great but when I had to put it down I didn’t have the urgency to pick it straight back up. Which is the only reason for the 4* not 5.
I don’t want to add spoilers, it is a great story and I’m looking forward to reading Dean and Al’s story next.
I’m also excited to see if the rest of the group gets their own stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews