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Revolver #1
Babydoll
It’s the Fall of 1986, and Phoebe Miller is a rock journalist for Titanium Magazine. Her newest assignment involves following Damien Bell and his band, Revolver, on their last North American tour before they head back into the studio to record their sophomore album.
Damien is loud, obnoxious, has a reputation for excess, and he hates journalists, but he seems to have a soft spot hidden beneath all of that bravado.
Phoebe prefers to be a fly on the wall, but she has a nasty habit of falling for men who she knows will break her heart.
Quickly, Damien and Phoebe find themselves pulled into a tumultuous and fiery mutual attraction that can’t be ignored— one that puts Phoebe’s job and her journalistic integrity on the line.
Babydoll is book one in The Revolver Duet.
Content warnings are available on my website, listed in my bio.
Damien is loud, obnoxious, has a reputation for excess, and he hates journalists, but he seems to have a soft spot hidden beneath all of that bravado.
Phoebe prefers to be a fly on the wall, but she has a nasty habit of falling for men who she knows will break her heart.
Quickly, Damien and Phoebe find themselves pulled into a tumultuous and fiery mutual attraction that can’t be ignored— one that puts Phoebe’s job and her journalistic integrity on the line.
Babydoll is book one in The Revolver Duet.
Content warnings are available on my website, listed in my bio.
Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
80 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Thea Lawrence
9 books163 followersThea Lawrence is a neurodivergent PhD dropout turned romance author. After spending almost a decade in academia studying criminology (with a focus on carceral studies and prison theatre), she decided to shift gears for her mental health.
A lifelong storyteller, Thea has been an actor, burlesque dancer, screenwriter, and even dabbled in painting. Now, she focuses on romance stories with heart, grit, a dash of the forbidden, and a hell of a lot of spice.
Her hobbies include: Reading, binge watching Criminal Minds, reading comic books, coloring, and taking long walks around neighborhood.
She currently lives in Ontario with her partner.
INSTAGRAM: @thealawrenceauthor
TIKTOK: @thealawrenceauthor
WEBSITE: thealawrenceauthor.com
A lifelong storyteller, Thea has been an actor, burlesque dancer, screenwriter, and even dabbled in painting. Now, she focuses on romance stories with heart, grit, a dash of the forbidden, and a hell of a lot of spice.
Her hobbies include: Reading, binge watching Criminal Minds, reading comic books, coloring, and taking long walks around neighborhood.
She currently lives in Ontario with her partner.
INSTAGRAM: @thealawrenceauthor
TIKTOK: @thealawrenceauthor
WEBSITE: thealawrenceauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 20, 2023
BOOKREVIEW 📚🤍
BOOK 1
STARS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
First of all, I want to congratulate Thea, who is now officially a published Author! And when I tell you - they did NOT disappoint. Babydoll is their debut Novel and it ate and left no crumbs.
Babydoll was a rollercoaster of emotions, connections, attraction and fun. I loved the banter between the characters and how all of them got their time to shine throughout the pages. I fell in Love with all of them (Except Chris…).
The story mainly follows journalist Phoebe Miller, and Lead-Singer of ‘Revolver’ Damien Bell on their journey from “dislike” to falling for each other and facing the struggles that come with their connection.
I loved that the book itself, the feeling the characters described, the fears and hopes they had were extremely close to reality. I was able to relate to almost everything described and that’s probably one of the many reasons why I fell hard for this book.
The realism, which was found in all sorts of situations throughout the book, the deep connections, the characters, the writing style, the layout and the whole plot are absolutely impeccable. I truly can’t wait for the second book, to see where Damien and Phoebes relationship goes from where the first book ended.
My age rating: 18+
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, Rockstar Romance, 80s-Setting
Would I recommend: YES
Notes: Please check the triggers. Some topics may (!) be hard on some people.
Available: Via KU or to buy on Amazon.
BOOK 1
STARS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
First of all, I want to congratulate Thea, who is now officially a published Author! And when I tell you - they did NOT disappoint. Babydoll is their debut Novel and it ate and left no crumbs.
Babydoll was a rollercoaster of emotions, connections, attraction and fun. I loved the banter between the characters and how all of them got their time to shine throughout the pages. I fell in Love with all of them (Except Chris…).
The story mainly follows journalist Phoebe Miller, and Lead-Singer of ‘Revolver’ Damien Bell on their journey from “dislike” to falling for each other and facing the struggles that come with their connection.
I loved that the book itself, the feeling the characters described, the fears and hopes they had were extremely close to reality. I was able to relate to almost everything described and that’s probably one of the many reasons why I fell hard for this book.
The realism, which was found in all sorts of situations throughout the book, the deep connections, the characters, the writing style, the layout and the whole plot are absolutely impeccable. I truly can’t wait for the second book, to see where Damien and Phoebes relationship goes from where the first book ended.
My age rating: 18+
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, Rockstar Romance, 80s-Setting
Would I recommend: YES
Notes: Please check the triggers. Some topics may (!) be hard on some people.
Available: Via KU or to buy on Amazon.
March 14, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!
Phoebe was such a likable FMC, I loved her voice and thought process throughout the book. This was such a well fleshed out, detailed, and cute story! I eat slowburn up every time, and jealous Damien was like a cherry on top of the already perfect cake. Phoebe and Damien’s relationship was MY FAVORITE. I’m so excited for the next book in the series.
Everyone say thank you Thea for making another book boyfriend to add to the list!!
If you like:
— strangers to frenemies to lovers
— forbidden romance
— spice 🫠🥰
— one bed!!!!
Then I highly recommend reading this. 🫶🏼
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!
Phoebe was such a likable FMC, I loved her voice and thought process throughout the book. This was such a well fleshed out, detailed, and cute story! I eat slowburn up every time, and jealous Damien was like a cherry on top of the already perfect cake. Phoebe and Damien’s relationship was MY FAVORITE. I’m so excited for the next book in the series.
Everyone say thank you Thea for making another book boyfriend to add to the list!!
If you like:
— strangers to frenemies to lovers
— forbidden romance
— spice 🫠🥰
— one bed!!!!
Then I highly recommend reading this. 🫶🏼
January 10, 2024
I got the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the Revolver Duo and I would like to thank the author Thea for this amazing opportunity.
Babydoll is the debut novel of the Revolver Duo and it’s followed by Doll House. This book follows journalist Phoebe Miller and lead singer of the rock band Revolver Damien Bell and their “enemies to lovers” love story.
The story is set in the 80s and while reading i was immersed in the story and it felt like a movie was playing in front of me. Thea writing’s style is amazing: the plot, the characters, the relationship, the deep connections is everything you look for in a book. The spice of this book will definitely make you blush I know I did!! You will laugh out loud and then ugly cry this book is a rollercoaster but you wish the ride never ends. I can’t wait to read Dollhouse!
Check TW before reading it!!
🌶️ spice:
5/5
Read if you like these tropes:
•he falls first
•rockstar x journalist
•one bed
•forced proximity
•open door spice
•found family
•secret relationship
•third person POV
Babydoll is the debut novel of the Revolver Duo and it’s followed by Doll House. This book follows journalist Phoebe Miller and lead singer of the rock band Revolver Damien Bell and their “enemies to lovers” love story.
The story is set in the 80s and while reading i was immersed in the story and it felt like a movie was playing in front of me. Thea writing’s style is amazing: the plot, the characters, the relationship, the deep connections is everything you look for in a book. The spice of this book will definitely make you blush I know I did!! You will laugh out loud and then ugly cry this book is a rollercoaster but you wish the ride never ends. I can’t wait to read Dollhouse!
Check TW before reading it!!
🌶️ spice:
5/5
Read if you like these tropes:
•he falls first
•rockstar x journalist
•one bed
•forced proximity
•open door spice
•found family
•secret relationship
•third person POV
March 9, 2023
“ 𝘉𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, “ 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦. “ 𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. “
Phoebe Miller is a journalist for a rock magazine. For her next big time article, she’s following the band members of Revolver on their two months tour and she’s over the moon for the opportunity. The lead singer Damien Bell is handsome and simply breathtaking, but he’s also known for not being a fan of journalist according to the media. But it doesn’t take long for her so see that there’s more behind his rockstar facade. Something she didn’t plan to let take over her and her work.
I would simply offer Phoebe Miller my jacket to walk over a puddle. She’s funny, kind and sweet all at once! I loved her all the way from the beginning to the end. She’s truly determined and interested in showing the best side of the band members and I just loved to read how each of them got closer. She’s so easy to like! She’s also fighting with her own mind to not fall for another rockstar AGAIN, the tension building up between her and Damien I was like okay I’m hooked! Each chapter left me like that because the story is so captivating and I just wanted to get further into it.
It wasn’t hard to fall for so many other characters as well. The way Thea describes each character feels like I know them on a personal level, along with the 80’s vibe going through so perfectly through the whole book! I could really feel it and it’s brilliant!
Let me just say that I so needed an ice bucket with Damien Bell. Charming is his middle name and he has a mouth that makes it hard to breathe (dom/sub hello?!) but he’s also the softest man ever, so tender with the warmest heart. To follow Phoebe’s and Damien’s love story and see it getting stronger and stronger is heart swelling ( also the nose rubs and adorable little kisses yes please?! ) and the spice is just…wow you need to hold on to something because this ride has no breaks at all!
Phoebe Miller is a journalist for a rock magazine. For her next big time article, she’s following the band members of Revolver on their two months tour and she’s over the moon for the opportunity. The lead singer Damien Bell is handsome and simply breathtaking, but he’s also known for not being a fan of journalist according to the media. But it doesn’t take long for her so see that there’s more behind his rockstar facade. Something she didn’t plan to let take over her and her work.
I would simply offer Phoebe Miller my jacket to walk over a puddle. She’s funny, kind and sweet all at once! I loved her all the way from the beginning to the end. She’s truly determined and interested in showing the best side of the band members and I just loved to read how each of them got closer. She’s so easy to like! She’s also fighting with her own mind to not fall for another rockstar AGAIN, the tension building up between her and Damien I was like okay I’m hooked! Each chapter left me like that because the story is so captivating and I just wanted to get further into it.
It wasn’t hard to fall for so many other characters as well. The way Thea describes each character feels like I know them on a personal level, along with the 80’s vibe going through so perfectly through the whole book! I could really feel it and it’s brilliant!
Let me just say that I so needed an ice bucket with Damien Bell. Charming is his middle name and he has a mouth that makes it hard to breathe (dom/sub hello?!) but he’s also the softest man ever, so tender with the warmest heart. To follow Phoebe’s and Damien’s love story and see it getting stronger and stronger is heart swelling ( also the nose rubs and adorable little kisses yes please?! ) and the spice is just…wow you need to hold on to something because this ride has no breaks at all!
October 6, 2025
Rating : ☆☆☆☆☆
———
“𝘐… 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴. “𝘖𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨.”
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
- 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙓 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧
- 𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩
- 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮
- 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
———
Now where do I start? I. AM. OBSESSED.
I love a book when I can fall in love with the FMC straight away, Phoebe was just so relatable from the beginning. Also when it was mentioned that her fave band was queen I knew we would be the best of friends because same!
Apart from our main two, Ophelia and Troy are my absolute favourite people, Troy had me belly laughing the whole through I absolutely love a grumpy character with a heart of gold.
Damien JAMES Bell, what can I say about that man, UGH. I want to squish him he’s the sweetest! He’s been reading Phoebes stuff for 6 months and has EVERY copy at home? Consider me married to my new book boyfriend! The nickname babydoll made me SWOON everytime. When he got jealous and kissed her I was dying.
The dom/sub dynamics WITH AFTERCARE? It’s so important to show aftercare with these scenes cause it shows that deeper bond and how much they care for eachother. Also him making her call him sir? Yes please.
Forehead kisses? I’d buy this book 100 times for that!
The ending with Phoebe leaving to tell her boss about it so they can be together publicly? The last chapter was perfect with it being in Damien’s POV! I cannot wait to see where their story goes with dollhouse!
The 80’s references and timings were on point! I love that the characters used safe sex throughout the book as the 80’s was the start of the peak in the aids epidemic, it shows how much effort Thea put into this story to make sure it was all accurate!
———
“𝘐… 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴. “𝘖𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨.”
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
- 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙓 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧
- 𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩
- 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮
- 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
———
Now where do I start? I. AM. OBSESSED.
I love a book when I can fall in love with the FMC straight away, Phoebe was just so relatable from the beginning. Also when it was mentioned that her fave band was queen I knew we would be the best of friends because same!
Apart from our main two, Ophelia and Troy are my absolute favourite people, Troy had me belly laughing the whole through I absolutely love a grumpy character with a heart of gold.
Damien JAMES Bell, what can I say about that man, UGH. I want to squish him he’s the sweetest! He’s been reading Phoebes stuff for 6 months and has EVERY copy at home? Consider me married to my new book boyfriend! The nickname babydoll made me SWOON everytime. When he got jealous and kissed her I was dying.
The dom/sub dynamics WITH AFTERCARE? It’s so important to show aftercare with these scenes cause it shows that deeper bond and how much they care for eachother. Also him making her call him sir? Yes please.
Forehead kisses? I’d buy this book 100 times for that!
The ending with Phoebe leaving to tell her boss about it so they can be together publicly? The last chapter was perfect with it being in Damien’s POV! I cannot wait to see where their story goes with dollhouse!
The 80’s references and timings were on point! I love that the characters used safe sex throughout the book as the 80’s was the start of the peak in the aids epidemic, it shows how much effort Thea put into this story to make sure it was all accurate!
February 28, 2024
painful to get thru
April 4, 2023
Somewhen in the beginning Ophelia said to Phoebe that Damien Bell is actually a teddy bear.
It was so amazing to get to know Damien as exactly that. To see the different personas he balanced to maintain: the cocky Rockstar, the amazingly talented writer and music-lover, the loving boyfriend and the secret-keeper.
I reserved a special place in my heart for Damien the moment I realized how much of a cute softie he actually is. Although his "having s*x will make everything fine again"-attitude is a bit problematic. Not gonna lie!
Both characters are in a very interesting place at the end of "Babydoll" and I am curious how their story continues in "Dollhouse". If things turn out the way Phoebe hopes for and if their relationship has a chance after the end of the tour.
By the way I can't decide who of the strong female side characters is my favorite. Although Erin and Janis don't have a big role in the book, I like them a lot. But Ophelia is probably my favorite.
For the male side characters it's a hard battle between Troy and Johnny. Shaun does not really have much screen time, so he's just there.
Oh and one last comment: I am so glad that you are not allowed to smoke indoors nowadays. Holy shit was that a lot of smoking back then. xD
It was so amazing to get to know Damien as exactly that. To see the different personas he balanced to maintain: the cocky Rockstar, the amazingly talented writer and music-lover, the loving boyfriend and the secret-keeper.
I reserved a special place in my heart for Damien the moment I realized how much of a cute softie he actually is. Although his "having s*x will make everything fine again"-attitude is a bit problematic. Not gonna lie!
Both characters are in a very interesting place at the end of "Babydoll" and I am curious how their story continues in "Dollhouse". If things turn out the way Phoebe hopes for and if their relationship has a chance after the end of the tour.
By the way I can't decide who of the strong female side characters is my favorite. Although Erin and Janis don't have a big role in the book, I like them a lot. But Ophelia is probably my favorite.
For the male side characters it's a hard battle between Troy and Johnny. Shaun does not really have much screen time, so he's just there.
Oh and one last comment: I am so glad that you are not allowed to smoke indoors nowadays. Holy shit was that a lot of smoking back then. xD
June 1, 2025
I am about 90% done with this book and I’ve been waiting for more substance, but it’s just not happening. Anyone who knows me knows I love smut as much as the next person but - wow. Believe me when I tell you that’s ALL this book is. Character development is very minimal, random insignificant things are put in there (Phoebe asking Damien to keep an eye on Alex - excitement that a twist is approaching, nope, another letdown), things start developing and I begin to get excited that there will be more substance, then oh look….just more sex. Honestly I was bored. I will not be reading the second book - this one was painful enough. 🥴
Update: I finished the book… And while there ended up being a little more substance at the very end, I stand by my rating and still don’t think I can bring myself to read the second book… Even though this one leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Update: I finished the book… And while there ended up being a little more substance at the very end, I stand by my rating and still don’t think I can bring myself to read the second book… Even though this one leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger.
February 28, 2023
An amazing read! The author is incredibly talented, writing complex and compelling characters, whilst building a vivid and emersive world and atmosphere! Such a beautiful love story with the perfect amount of exciting spice! A love letter to rock 'n' roll!
April 24, 2023
I already knew what to expect with Thea's writing but this ..this blew me away. I don't think I can put my thoughts into words. It was absolutely perfect and call me biased but in my eyes, Thea can do no wrong. Can't wait to read more.
September 29, 2023
NON PARLATEMI FINCHÉ NON ESCE IL SEQUEL.
ma che è sto cliffhanger? roba da pazzi raga, sto morendo.
non metto 5 stelle solo perché ad un certo punto il ritmo narrativo è diventato molto lento e le dinamiche nella coppia tra phoebe e damien risultano un po’ ripetitive, ma comunque non mi riprendo.
ma che è sto cliffhanger? roba da pazzi raga, sto morendo.
non metto 5 stelle solo perché ad un certo punto il ritmo narrativo è diventato molto lento e le dinamiche nella coppia tra phoebe e damien risultano un po’ ripetitive, ma comunque non mi riprendo.
January 25, 2024
5/5
An instant classic, Babydoll is a must read. Author Thea Lawrence masterfully creates an engaging story with romance and smut to die for while set against a historical backdrop of the 1980s rock scene. All the characters pop off the page with distinct personalities and voices.
If you need convincing, this is your sign to read this book.
An instant classic, Babydoll is a must read. Author Thea Lawrence masterfully creates an engaging story with romance and smut to die for while set against a historical backdrop of the 1980s rock scene. All the characters pop off the page with distinct personalities and voices.
If you need convincing, this is your sign to read this book.
July 25, 2023
Damien and Phoebe hold my whole heart! This book was so incredibly written and told their story so well! I am so excited for the next instalment!
November 13, 2024
Omg loved loved loved this. Can't wait for book 2 and more Thea
August 10, 2024
Why the sappy ending though- WHY
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 8, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/3/2023)! 🎁
January 22, 2024
DNF at 82%. This book wasn’t doing it for me. I enjoyed the smut and enjoyed parts of the story line but the main characters irked me in a way I cannot describe.
April 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
October 5, 2025
An only partially biased but enthusiastically honest review
I've never been big on romance novels. I always had some on hand growing up because my mom, her mom, and her aunts used to pick them up from used book stores, initial inside the front cover once they had read one, then passed it on to the next person. I was such a voracious reader, I'd finish my own selections from the library or the Scholastic Book Fairs, then go nuts if I didn't have pages to turn until I could select my next read. Prior to Baby Doll, I hadn’t read a romance novel in probably twenty years, if not more.
Now, my bias: Author Thea Lawrence has been a dear friend whom I adore to pieces for just shy of eighteen years. I've read short stories she's written, I've read papers she wrote in Academia, and I've shared my own pieces with her, as well. It is my love and respect for her that led to me picking up a romance book again for the first time in two decades and for the sake of full transparency, she is likely the only person I would have done so for. It is that same love and respect that also leads me to tell you, dear readers, that I would never disrespect my friend by giving her any less than a full and honest review.
I expected to struggle reading this book just because of the genre, friend of the author or not. I can't tell you how guilty I felt for that. I struggled with the early chapters because it did feel a little slow to start and I wasn't connecting with the main character. (The irony of an English major studying both journalism and creative writing while photography is a hobby not engaging with a journalist and photographer...). But then something shifted. As I progressed through the chapters, Phoebe Miller, a young woman with ambition to succeed in her writing career, who tries desperately to keep herself closed up while telling herself she's being 'objective,' starts to peek out of her shell, and find her rhythm while getting to know the members of the band she's been aside to write a full piece on.
The more Phoebe's personality came out throughout the story, the more enticed I was to keep reading. I could relate to Phoebe; to her past that broke her heart, to her fears of being hurt again, and her anxiety and excitement mingled with intoxicating heat she feels as she gets to know Damien Bell.
What I wasn't expecting, despite AMPLE warning, was the intrigue of the insatiable sexual relationship that plays out so vividly that a few moments after I finish writing this, I'm immediately opening the sequel to Babydoll, titled Doll House.
I do feel that maybe this story felt like it ended too soon. If I didn't have the next to immediately read at my fingertips, I'd be fairly disappointed, as it felt a bit anticlimactic. But that and the feeling just a bit slow to start are my only hang-ups.
If you're one who really enjoys x-rated sex scenes in your romance novels that you can't help but fan yourself while reading, this book is going to be your next favorite. I mean, this non-romance reader has all of Thea's current works and I'll be reading them all. How's that for unexpected?
I've never been big on romance novels. I always had some on hand growing up because my mom, her mom, and her aunts used to pick them up from used book stores, initial inside the front cover once they had read one, then passed it on to the next person. I was such a voracious reader, I'd finish my own selections from the library or the Scholastic Book Fairs, then go nuts if I didn't have pages to turn until I could select my next read. Prior to Baby Doll, I hadn’t read a romance novel in probably twenty years, if not more.
Now, my bias: Author Thea Lawrence has been a dear friend whom I adore to pieces for just shy of eighteen years. I've read short stories she's written, I've read papers she wrote in Academia, and I've shared my own pieces with her, as well. It is my love and respect for her that led to me picking up a romance book again for the first time in two decades and for the sake of full transparency, she is likely the only person I would have done so for. It is that same love and respect that also leads me to tell you, dear readers, that I would never disrespect my friend by giving her any less than a full and honest review.
I expected to struggle reading this book just because of the genre, friend of the author or not. I can't tell you how guilty I felt for that. I struggled with the early chapters because it did feel a little slow to start and I wasn't connecting with the main character. (The irony of an English major studying both journalism and creative writing while photography is a hobby not engaging with a journalist and photographer...). But then something shifted. As I progressed through the chapters, Phoebe Miller, a young woman with ambition to succeed in her writing career, who tries desperately to keep herself closed up while telling herself she's being 'objective,' starts to peek out of her shell, and find her rhythm while getting to know the members of the band she's been aside to write a full piece on.
The more Phoebe's personality came out throughout the story, the more enticed I was to keep reading. I could relate to Phoebe; to her past that broke her heart, to her fears of being hurt again, and her anxiety and excitement mingled with intoxicating heat she feels as she gets to know Damien Bell.
What I wasn't expecting, despite AMPLE warning, was the intrigue of the insatiable sexual relationship that plays out so vividly that a few moments after I finish writing this, I'm immediately opening the sequel to Babydoll, titled Doll House.
I do feel that maybe this story felt like it ended too soon. If I didn't have the next to immediately read at my fingertips, I'd be fairly disappointed, as it felt a bit anticlimactic. But that and the feeling just a bit slow to start are my only hang-ups.
If you're one who really enjoys x-rated sex scenes in your romance novels that you can't help but fan yourself while reading, this book is going to be your next favorite. I mean, this non-romance reader has all of Thea's current works and I'll be reading them all. How's that for unexpected?
January 11, 2024
★★★★★
4.75/5🌶️
Tropes:
He falls first
One Bed/Forced Proximity
Forbidden Romance
Strangers to frenemies to lovers
Dom/Sub dynamic
Rock Star x Journalist
Bisexual/Poly Representation
Falling for the Bad Boy
Warnings:
Mild misogyny
Self-Doubt
Anxiety
Blackmail (ish)
Alcohol, Drugs, and Cigarettes
I don't even know where to begin. Look, I am about to destroy this book. If you haven't read this book and you want to know if it's worth it, I'm going to be straight with you; YOU NEED TO READ IT!!! Also, I am going to spoil the book when I get into the characters. Which is the second half of this review. (I like to give in-depth reviews okay.)
Okay, straight off the bat, this book is set in 3rd person. Now, I know how certain people feel about 3rd person, but can I be frank with you for a minute, I kept forgetting that it was 3rd person. Like, my brain read this with ease. I personally don't care for the 3rd person, but I kept forgetting I was reading it in 3rd person. The fact that this book managed to trick my mind about it being 3rd person, I think it says that the writing was extremely well done.
Now this book does have some DUAL-POV, but it's mainly the main character, Phoebe Miller, POV. The only time it does do a shift in POVs is in the very last chapter, which I will be speaking about in a few short sentences.
Did I mention that this book doesn't have a 3rd act break-up? No? Well... There isn't any. I swear on my life, that if it did, I was throwing this book across the room. I was on the edge of my seat whenever I felt that there was going to be some type of breakup. I swear that I was literally crying that there wasn't, because I didn't need my heartache.
I am so beyond happy about how it was handled and I didn't suffer. 'Til the cliffhanger. I want the second book already. But for now, I have to be patient... while also losing my mind.
All the side characters will be discussed because they need their moment.
I am going to be talking about the spice real quick. I'm not joking when I say I was shocked by the spice. Like, I wasn't at all expecting that. And by the way, the collar scene. I thought I have read everything. Nope. That scene will forever be imprinted in my head. And I am happy that it will.
Now I am about to start talking spoilers so, shoo if you haven't read this book yet. Go read it. But if you want to read it, that's cool with me.
Phoebe Lynn Miller is just, extraordinary. Like, I love her character. She's a journalist, which for the 80s (this book is set in 1986), is showing empowerment. Her humor is the best, I laughed a lot at her banter with Damien. And bro, don't even get me started on when she's "taking charge". I think I died right there and then. I related to her on a lot of things. Mainly her wittiness. That is very much me. I loved how the interviews she had with the bandmates, felt real. Like I was there witnessing her interviewing them. Well, except for the one with Damien. Best not to say why...
I love her. And I loved what her thought process was like. It might be my favorite part of her character.
Now, her only flaw? She isn't confident in herself, which I think we can all relate to, so is it really a flaw? So love that representation in her, which fits into her character development. And I hope that in the second book, we get to see more growth with her.
God, anyways, Phoebe is a freaking queen, and boy, Damien makes that very apparent. She is by far, on my top five most loved Main Female Characters.
Damien James Bell. No words are able to describe this man. He is everywhere when it comes to loving a Main Male Character. (For me anyways.)
First off, this man!!! I’m baffled by that mouth of his. I died like more than 20x while reading this and it was all because of this man. I’m surprised by how I’m still breathing.
Look, Damien can be the bad boy that perceives by the media, but he’s just a soft boy at heart and y’all, there were times my heart ached for him. I’m still here questioning why this man has to be fictional.
His personality is just hilarious. I love like 99% of his dialogue in this book. And this man goes and says it. "Babydoll". I died the first time he said it. I enjoyed reading (from Phoebe's perspective) how his character was two sides of a coin. Though he does have character growth, I am crossing my fingers that it will be a big part of the sequel.
Look, if you like the pompous asshole character, that's a softie at heart, this man is your new book lover. I know for me he is.
All right, let's get talking about the relationship dynamic, where for everyone, it's where the spoilers will be very prominent.
Look, when I say I was caught off guard by the spice, I mean it. Like, there is a semi-slow-burn, but once that’s gone, it’s full throttle. But not to point that it’s overwhelming the storyline. It’s literally a perfect balance between the plot and romance/spice for the book.
Look, when he said the line (which I will be posting a reel of the line that I am talking about) I died and just stay looking at my ceiling. I was shocked.
Now, I did know that there was going to be a Dom/Sub dynamic cause the author has said it, but still, I was left speechless.
Anyways, I love their relationship. And I swear, I don’t think I’ve read a book that has the character being very open with each other. What I am saying is that they have strong communication. And I literally love that. Like I am obsessed with that.
Okay, so like in the last five-ish chapters, I was about to throw the book. Oh my God, I didn't want them to break up. I was literally Damien for a second there.
And basically, the main conflict was, coming out as a couple. And I believe that Thea got a perspective on how actors/musicians/celebrities feel when they come out in a relationship. Many fans will attack the partner of the said famous person. And I hope we get to dive into more on how Thea perceives the fandom of celebrities being somewhat toxic and see how the future for Damien and Phoebe will be if they were ever to come out as a couple.
Another thing was the somewhat blackmail for a co-worker of Phoebe's, which he is the worst. I don't like him. And I swear, I cannot wait to see what happens to him.
Overall, I was happy dancing that there wasn't a 3rd act breakup. I was screaming at the book because I wanted to know more. I'm just craving the second part of this duet.
Okay, the side characters are the best. But if I had to pick favorites, I'm sorry but I am picking Troy. This man made me laugh way too much. I love him. He is such a mood honestly. I would die for this character. I don't care if he is a side character, I love him to death. He is my favorite side character by far.
Ophelia is another character that I love. Another thing that I like about how Thea wrote this book is when it came to Ophelia and Phoebe. We kept getting these hints that Ophelia and Shaun were together, but soon she hooks up with Phoebe's best friend, Janis, and we get a new light. Ophelia and Shaun are in an Open Relationship. And remember this book is set in the 80s when relationships like this back then were seen as "bad" so I loved that Phoebe was kind enough to understand. Oh and Janis is bisexual. I need to mention that for the next part that I am about to say.
Basically, Shaun is in a relationship with Ophelia, and she's also in a relationship with Janis. Shaun and Janis are cool with each other. Ophelia and Shaun don't like to keep this from each other. Hence the Open/Poly relationship. I love them all <333
Johnny and Erin are two other side characters. I love the two of them and I want to see more of them in the sequel. Especially since they are coming out as a couple. :)
Anyways, I loved this book and the writing in it was amazing. I do believe that Thea did an amazing job creating this story and I cannot wait for what the future holds for Damien and Phoebe.
There isn't a release date for the Second book for The Revolver Duet, but trust me, I'm ordering that immediately.
4.75/5🌶️
Tropes:
He falls first
One Bed/Forced Proximity
Forbidden Romance
Strangers to frenemies to lovers
Dom/Sub dynamic
Rock Star x Journalist
Bisexual/Poly Representation
Falling for the Bad Boy
Warnings:
Mild misogyny
Self-Doubt
Anxiety
Blackmail (ish)
Alcohol, Drugs, and Cigarettes
I don't even know where to begin. Look, I am about to destroy this book. If you haven't read this book and you want to know if it's worth it, I'm going to be straight with you; YOU NEED TO READ IT!!! Also, I am going to spoil the book when I get into the characters. Which is the second half of this review. (I like to give in-depth reviews okay.)
Okay, straight off the bat, this book is set in 3rd person. Now, I know how certain people feel about 3rd person, but can I be frank with you for a minute, I kept forgetting that it was 3rd person. Like, my brain read this with ease. I personally don't care for the 3rd person, but I kept forgetting I was reading it in 3rd person. The fact that this book managed to trick my mind about it being 3rd person, I think it says that the writing was extremely well done.
Now this book does have some DUAL-POV, but it's mainly the main character, Phoebe Miller, POV. The only time it does do a shift in POVs is in the very last chapter, which I will be speaking about in a few short sentences.
Did I mention that this book doesn't have a 3rd act break-up? No? Well... There isn't any. I swear on my life, that if it did, I was throwing this book across the room. I was on the edge of my seat whenever I felt that there was going to be some type of breakup. I swear that I was literally crying that there wasn't, because I didn't need my heartache.
I am so beyond happy about how it was handled and I didn't suffer. 'Til the cliffhanger. I want the second book already. But for now, I have to be patient... while also losing my mind.
All the side characters will be discussed because they need their moment.
I am going to be talking about the spice real quick. I'm not joking when I say I was shocked by the spice. Like, I wasn't at all expecting that. And by the way, the collar scene. I thought I have read everything. Nope. That scene will forever be imprinted in my head. And I am happy that it will.
Now I am about to start talking spoilers so, shoo if you haven't read this book yet. Go read it. But if you want to read it, that's cool with me.
Phoebe Lynn Miller is just, extraordinary. Like, I love her character. She's a journalist, which for the 80s (this book is set in 1986), is showing empowerment. Her humor is the best, I laughed a lot at her banter with Damien. And bro, don't even get me started on when she's "taking charge". I think I died right there and then. I related to her on a lot of things. Mainly her wittiness. That is very much me. I loved how the interviews she had with the bandmates, felt real. Like I was there witnessing her interviewing them. Well, except for the one with Damien. Best not to say why...
I love her. And I loved what her thought process was like. It might be my favorite part of her character.
Now, her only flaw? She isn't confident in herself, which I think we can all relate to, so is it really a flaw? So love that representation in her, which fits into her character development. And I hope that in the second book, we get to see more growth with her.
God, anyways, Phoebe is a freaking queen, and boy, Damien makes that very apparent. She is by far, on my top five most loved Main Female Characters.
Damien James Bell. No words are able to describe this man. He is everywhere when it comes to loving a Main Male Character. (For me anyways.)
First off, this man!!! I’m baffled by that mouth of his. I died like more than 20x while reading this and it was all because of this man. I’m surprised by how I’m still breathing.
Look, Damien can be the bad boy that perceives by the media, but he’s just a soft boy at heart and y’all, there were times my heart ached for him. I’m still here questioning why this man has to be fictional.
His personality is just hilarious. I love like 99% of his dialogue in this book. And this man goes and says it. "Babydoll". I died the first time he said it. I enjoyed reading (from Phoebe's perspective) how his character was two sides of a coin. Though he does have character growth, I am crossing my fingers that it will be a big part of the sequel.
Look, if you like the pompous asshole character, that's a softie at heart, this man is your new book lover. I know for me he is.
All right, let's get talking about the relationship dynamic, where for everyone, it's where the spoilers will be very prominent.
Look, when I say I was caught off guard by the spice, I mean it. Like, there is a semi-slow-burn, but once that’s gone, it’s full throttle. But not to point that it’s overwhelming the storyline. It’s literally a perfect balance between the plot and romance/spice for the book.
Look, when he said the line (which I will be posting a reel of the line that I am talking about) I died and just stay looking at my ceiling. I was shocked.
Now, I did know that there was going to be a Dom/Sub dynamic cause the author has said it, but still, I was left speechless.
Anyways, I love their relationship. And I swear, I don’t think I’ve read a book that has the character being very open with each other. What I am saying is that they have strong communication. And I literally love that. Like I am obsessed with that.
Okay, so like in the last five-ish chapters, I was about to throw the book. Oh my God, I didn't want them to break up. I was literally Damien for a second there.
And basically, the main conflict was, coming out as a couple. And I believe that Thea got a perspective on how actors/musicians/celebrities feel when they come out in a relationship. Many fans will attack the partner of the said famous person. And I hope we get to dive into more on how Thea perceives the fandom of celebrities being somewhat toxic and see how the future for Damien and Phoebe will be if they were ever to come out as a couple.
Another thing was the somewhat blackmail for a co-worker of Phoebe's, which he is the worst. I don't like him. And I swear, I cannot wait to see what happens to him.
Overall, I was happy dancing that there wasn't a 3rd act breakup. I was screaming at the book because I wanted to know more. I'm just craving the second part of this duet.
Okay, the side characters are the best. But if I had to pick favorites, I'm sorry but I am picking Troy. This man made me laugh way too much. I love him. He is such a mood honestly. I would die for this character. I don't care if he is a side character, I love him to death. He is my favorite side character by far.
Ophelia is another character that I love. Another thing that I like about how Thea wrote this book is when it came to Ophelia and Phoebe. We kept getting these hints that Ophelia and Shaun were together, but soon she hooks up with Phoebe's best friend, Janis, and we get a new light. Ophelia and Shaun are in an Open Relationship. And remember this book is set in the 80s when relationships like this back then were seen as "bad" so I loved that Phoebe was kind enough to understand. Oh and Janis is bisexual. I need to mention that for the next part that I am about to say.
Basically, Shaun is in a relationship with Ophelia, and she's also in a relationship with Janis. Shaun and Janis are cool with each other. Ophelia and Shaun don't like to keep this from each other. Hence the Open/Poly relationship. I love them all <333
Johnny and Erin are two other side characters. I love the two of them and I want to see more of them in the sequel. Especially since they are coming out as a couple. :)
Anyways, I loved this book and the writing in it was amazing. I do believe that Thea did an amazing job creating this story and I cannot wait for what the future holds for Damien and Phoebe.
There isn't a release date for the Second book for The Revolver Duet, but trust me, I'm ordering that immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Upon completion of this book, I tried to find the right words that would do this review justice to the amazing story I had just finished. I used to be one who read what everyone else was reading and it never crossed my mind about other authors out there who were where these bestsellers once were. I truly believe that Thea is one of these authors. She has put her heart and soul into this story, and it clearly presents itself from the beginning to the last page.
The 80’s vibes and music references throughout the story as well bad boy vibes, then this is definitely a must read! The right amount of story with spice :) This was one of my most anticipated reads of the start of the year and did not disappoint!
Phoebe Miller is one heck of a badass FMC. I like her voice, passion, and her confidence. I like her internal thoughts and how we get to see what makes her tick. I love how she pushes back against Damien and his bull. I love the slow burn build up and the tension!
I love Damien and his no-nonsense attitude. But as time went on, we got more and more of a look behind the rock star persona. How protective, spontaneous, and rebellious he is. His jealousy is perhaps the icing on the cake too :)
She also has this way of making the other characters just as important: Johnny, Ophelia, Shaun, Janis, Troy, even Brian. They’re all family and it shows. Phoebe’s respect and admiration for the band, not just as a band, but as individuals as well, shows from the very start.
5 stars! I won’t stop recommending this and I cannot wait for Dollhouse!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
The 80’s vibes and music references throughout the story as well bad boy vibes, then this is definitely a must read! The right amount of story with spice :) This was one of my most anticipated reads of the start of the year and did not disappoint!
Phoebe Miller is one heck of a badass FMC. I like her voice, passion, and her confidence. I like her internal thoughts and how we get to see what makes her tick. I love how she pushes back against Damien and his bull. I love the slow burn build up and the tension!
I love Damien and his no-nonsense attitude. But as time went on, we got more and more of a look behind the rock star persona. How protective, spontaneous, and rebellious he is. His jealousy is perhaps the icing on the cake too :)
She also has this way of making the other characters just as important: Johnny, Ophelia, Shaun, Janis, Troy, even Brian. They’re all family and it shows. Phoebe’s respect and admiration for the band, not just as a band, but as individuals as well, shows from the very start.
5 stars! I won’t stop recommending this and I cannot wait for Dollhouse!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
March 15, 2023
I’ve waited for this book for SO long. I literally counted down the days until its release. It was probably one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2023 and I absolutely loved it.
The 80’s vibes are AMAZING. I lived for the setting and the overall vibe of the book. It really makes me wish I could go on tour with a rock band in the 80s and fall in love.
DAMIEN BELL is my newest book boyfriend. I’m in love. He’s so precious and sweet. He definitely lives up to the rock star reputation, but he’s also a big softy, especially with Phoebe.
Phoebe is an amazing character. I love how strong and intelligent she is. She knows what’s important to her and she fights for it.
The TENSION. Damien is so alluring, and Phoebe knows she can’t fall for him. Them being together is forbidden, it would cause too many problems. But the tension is undeniable. It has you dying for one of them to make a move.
The band is so sweet! I loved how the book didn’t just focus on Phoebe and Damien, but also on Phoebe’s friendship with the band and finding a place within their little found family. The relationships between all the characters are so sweet and it is great to see Phoebe fit into the band dynamic.
This book was the perfect mix between sweet and spicy. Lots of cute moments but also so much spice.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you like secret relationships, forbidden romance, frenemies to lovers, and spice, then this is a perfect book for you.
I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out and I'll be counting down the days once we know the release date!
The 80’s vibes are AMAZING. I lived for the setting and the overall vibe of the book. It really makes me wish I could go on tour with a rock band in the 80s and fall in love.
DAMIEN BELL is my newest book boyfriend. I’m in love. He’s so precious and sweet. He definitely lives up to the rock star reputation, but he’s also a big softy, especially with Phoebe.
Phoebe is an amazing character. I love how strong and intelligent she is. She knows what’s important to her and she fights for it.
The TENSION. Damien is so alluring, and Phoebe knows she can’t fall for him. Them being together is forbidden, it would cause too many problems. But the tension is undeniable. It has you dying for one of them to make a move.
The band is so sweet! I loved how the book didn’t just focus on Phoebe and Damien, but also on Phoebe’s friendship with the band and finding a place within their little found family. The relationships between all the characters are so sweet and it is great to see Phoebe fit into the band dynamic.
This book was the perfect mix between sweet and spicy. Lots of cute moments but also so much spice.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you like secret relationships, forbidden romance, frenemies to lovers, and spice, then this is a perfect book for you.
I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out and I'll be counting down the days once we know the release date!
April 18, 2023
The story is about Phoebe Miller, a journalist for a magazine called Titanium, who’s next big assignment is to follow the newest rockstar band Revolver around on tour to get a great insight to their band. Not only is she excited about living the rockstar life but also about the frontman of the band: Damien Bell. A rebellious bad boy who gets into every fight there is and is known as a reckless playboy - at least that’s what the media says. The second she meets Damien though, she knows that there’s more to the story than he lets on and soon, she can’t tear her eyes away from him.
Rating: 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all: WOW. This book was so good! Thea is an amazing author through and through. Not only her writing but the way she is telling the story of Damien Bell and Phoebe Miller is incredible and so thought through - there wasn’t a time where I thought the plot could be a little more interesting because every chapter had its own character (if that makes sense).
Obviously I loved the romance and the story of Damien and Phoebe but what I really liked about Babydoll was also the aspect that Thea included lots of other characters and introduced them to the reader in a way that made the reader fall in love with them! (I loved Janis so much 🫠)
I can’t wait for the series to continue and to read more about Damien, Phoebe and Revolver. ❤️
Make sure to read Babydoll to find out about the love story of Damien and Phoebe, available on amazon and kindle now 🎸❤️
Rating: 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all: WOW. This book was so good! Thea is an amazing author through and through. Not only her writing but the way she is telling the story of Damien Bell and Phoebe Miller is incredible and so thought through - there wasn’t a time where I thought the plot could be a little more interesting because every chapter had its own character (if that makes sense).
Obviously I loved the romance and the story of Damien and Phoebe but what I really liked about Babydoll was also the aspect that Thea included lots of other characters and introduced them to the reader in a way that made the reader fall in love with them! (I loved Janis so much 🫠)
I can’t wait for the series to continue and to read more about Damien, Phoebe and Revolver. ❤️
Make sure to read Babydoll to find out about the love story of Damien and Phoebe, available on amazon and kindle now 🎸❤️
January 1, 2024
I received Babydoll as an ebook from the author for an honest review. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 and 5/5 stars. I haven't enjoyed a book this much since Haunting and Hunting Adeline and no this is not a dark romance. I love Damien he is a good bad boy Rockstar and he falls in love with Phoebe the journalist. The whole band is a family of friends. He wants the world to know about her and she wants it kept secret until after her article is published. This is a great young love story and how they are finding themselves through each other. I cannot wait for the next book to know what happens with Damien and Phoebe. Ends on a cliffhanger, but the reader knows what is going on so it's not a cruel cliffhanger. The next book comes out in February. I highly recommend this book. The book starts as a slow burn but heats up fast. One of my favorite things in the book is the titles of the chapters are all songs. The author also listed the chapters with spice along with a page of trigger warnings. She also gives a play list at the beginning which I love when authors do this. I will purchase all of her books instantly.
April 24, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
5/5 🌶️
I rarely find a book that I can't put down. Sure, there are some I don't really want to but do. This book was an absolute struggle to stop reading and, oh, I don't know, sleep. I read it in three sittings. It's even rarer for me to find a book I want to re-read. The minute I finished the ebook, I went to my friendly neighborhood romance/feminist bookstore and ordered a physical copy because I'm gonna re-read this one—a ton.
I loved the characters, they were well thought out, and they all just worked perfectly together. I thought the locations, the music references, and the atmosphere the author built were all spot on. I loved so much about this book, and I think my favorite part might be the last three words, "to be continued," because YES, PLEASE!
The only super tiny thing I would have loved a bit more was conflict. It could have been pushed juuuuust a bit more, but it didn't need to be, which was fine because that still totally worked. I'm also a sucker for putting MCs through the wringer, so that's just a personal hangup, really. LOVED THE BOOK.
5/5 🌶️
I rarely find a book that I can't put down. Sure, there are some I don't really want to but do. This book was an absolute struggle to stop reading and, oh, I don't know, sleep. I read it in three sittings. It's even rarer for me to find a book I want to re-read. The minute I finished the ebook, I went to my friendly neighborhood romance/feminist bookstore and ordered a physical copy because I'm gonna re-read this one—a ton.
I loved the characters, they were well thought out, and they all just worked perfectly together. I thought the locations, the music references, and the atmosphere the author built were all spot on. I loved so much about this book, and I think my favorite part might be the last three words, "to be continued," because YES, PLEASE!
The only super tiny thing I would have loved a bit more was conflict. It could have been pushed juuuuust a bit more, but it didn't need to be, which was fine because that still totally worked. I'm also a sucker for putting MCs through the wringer, so that's just a personal hangup, really. LOVED THE BOOK.
July 7, 2023
I have so many wonderful things to say about this book.
1) Damien is the PERFECT romance hero. He’s is the perfect example of how to write the bad boy archetype without him being an unforgivable asshole
2) the third-act conflict is worked out with healthy communication!!!! Damien and Phoebe’s relationship develops rather quickly but they lay out their boundaries pretty early on and they have healthy conversations throughout the whole book. Even during the spicy scenes, they lay down boundaries before EVERY scene.
3) the WRITING???? HELLO??? Thea Lawrence has a talent for characterization. Every character, especially the side characters, was distinctive and interesting. You really fall in love with the whole band.
the best way that I can describe this is if Christina Lauren wrote Daisy Jones and the Six. This feels like the TV Show but it’s equal parts smut and plot. Overall, the perfect romance!
1) Damien is the PERFECT romance hero. He’s is the perfect example of how to write the bad boy archetype without him being an unforgivable asshole
2) the third-act conflict is worked out with healthy communication!!!! Damien and Phoebe’s relationship develops rather quickly but they lay out their boundaries pretty early on and they have healthy conversations throughout the whole book. Even during the spicy scenes, they lay down boundaries before EVERY scene.
3) the WRITING???? HELLO??? Thea Lawrence has a talent for characterization. Every character, especially the side characters, was distinctive and interesting. You really fall in love with the whole band.
the best way that I can describe this is if Christina Lauren wrote Daisy Jones and the Six. This feels like the TV Show but it’s equal parts smut and plot. Overall, the perfect romance!
December 11, 2023
Oh be still my 80s rocker lover heart! I mean…
80s rocker heartthrob: ✔️.
Sexy banter: ✔️
Independent FMC: ✔️.
80s vibes: ✔️
LGTBQIA rep: ✔️.
Dom/sub relationship portrayed beautifully:✔️✔️✔️!
What else do you need!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I loved the overall vibes. It was so fun to be thrust into the 80s rocker world. And Damian! 🫠 he is so amazing and I just loved him more and more throughout this book. I loved our FMC Phoebe as well! She’s young and so independent working her butt off to make it.
Their relationship was so fun to watch develop, and good lord the spice was absolute 🔥.
I also loved the detail that all the chapter names were 80s song titles! I thought it was such a fun detail.
The only thing I wished for was a bit more build up to their relationship. There was so much amazing banter and tension. And I could have ate that up all day.
I enjoyed this so so much, and I CANNOT wait for Dollhouse!
80s rocker heartthrob: ✔️.
Sexy banter: ✔️
Independent FMC: ✔️.
80s vibes: ✔️
LGTBQIA rep: ✔️.
Dom/sub relationship portrayed beautifully:✔️✔️✔️!
What else do you need!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I loved the overall vibes. It was so fun to be thrust into the 80s rocker world. And Damian! 🫠 he is so amazing and I just loved him more and more throughout this book. I loved our FMC Phoebe as well! She’s young and so independent working her butt off to make it.
Their relationship was so fun to watch develop, and good lord the spice was absolute 🔥.
I also loved the detail that all the chapter names were 80s song titles! I thought it was such a fun detail.
The only thing I wished for was a bit more build up to their relationship. There was so much amazing banter and tension. And I could have ate that up all day.
I enjoyed this so so much, and I CANNOT wait for Dollhouse!
August 4, 2024
Wow, I could not put this book down and read it every chance I got over the past couple of days to get to the end!!
I loved how the author got in depth with each of the characters, even the non main characters, so you could truly immerse yourself into the world and feel like you know each of these people. I also appreciated how the characters stepped out of the cliches one would expect them to be a part of and ended up being truly unique and realistic.
The 🌶️🌶️ was on point with what I would want in anything smutty, and although it was frequent (which I am not complaining about at all), it didn’t over shadow the plot or character building which I find can happen in some books - so that was great!
Overall I found the story thoroughly engaging and it built and built without having moments where I found myself bored or disengaged.
I need to know what happens though so I am going to end this here so I can start book 2 :)
I loved how the author got in depth with each of the characters, even the non main characters, so you could truly immerse yourself into the world and feel like you know each of these people. I also appreciated how the characters stepped out of the cliches one would expect them to be a part of and ended up being truly unique and realistic.
The 🌶️🌶️ was on point with what I would want in anything smutty, and although it was frequent (which I am not complaining about at all), it didn’t over shadow the plot or character building which I find can happen in some books - so that was great!
Overall I found the story thoroughly engaging and it built and built without having moments where I found myself bored or disengaged.
I need to know what happens though so I am going to end this here so I can start book 2 :)
March 22, 2023
💙Babydoll 💙
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- strangers to frenemies to lovers
- forced proximity/ one bed
- forbidden / secret romance
- he falls first
- bi/poly representation
- slowburn
✨Review:✨
What can I say. I adored this book!
I’m such a sucker for a slow burn, I eat it up every time.
Damien is so chaotic, but I love him. He’s the sweetest! The continued use of the nickname ‘Babydoll’- I just had to highlight it every time.
Jealous Damien, oh my, just the best! 🫠
Phoebe is the perfect match for him.
I fell in love with her from the beginning.
She’s so determined, as well as being so kind and interested in everything the band members say.
The tension between the two of them was just *chefs kiss*
I’m so excited for Dollhouse, I can’t wait to see what happens with these two and the rest of the band!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- strangers to frenemies to lovers
- forced proximity/ one bed
- forbidden / secret romance
- he falls first
- bi/poly representation
- slowburn
✨Review:✨
What can I say. I adored this book!
I’m such a sucker for a slow burn, I eat it up every time.
Damien is so chaotic, but I love him. He’s the sweetest! The continued use of the nickname ‘Babydoll’- I just had to highlight it every time.
Jealous Damien, oh my, just the best! 🫠
Phoebe is the perfect match for him.
I fell in love with her from the beginning.
She’s so determined, as well as being so kind and interested in everything the band members say.
The tension between the two of them was just *chefs kiss*
I’m so excited for Dollhouse, I can’t wait to see what happens with these two and the rest of the band!
September 27, 2025
Phoebe and Damien… where to begin.
This book has been the cause of one of my worst reading slumps ever.
The book is smut heavy, explores BDSM, and is very liberal for the time period it is set in.
The relationship between the characters is okay, however there is no plot.
I know it is a part one of a duet but I know I won’t be reading the next one.
I was just bored. The extent of the story was a journalist sleeps with a rockstar whose band she is travelling with to write a piece on and that story is the same right up until the last moment.
It was a long read for not much to happen.
Part two will be Damien goes to find Phoebe, they get back together, go public, or someone will leak a story about them and force them to go public. Phoebe will probably lose her job but conveniently find a new one. They will fart rainbows and live kinky ever after.
Not a bit of me.
This book has been the cause of one of my worst reading slumps ever.
The book is smut heavy, explores BDSM, and is very liberal for the time period it is set in.
The relationship between the characters is okay, however there is no plot.
I know it is a part one of a duet but I know I won’t be reading the next one.
I was just bored. The extent of the story was a journalist sleeps with a rockstar whose band she is travelling with to write a piece on and that story is the same right up until the last moment.
It was a long read for not much to happen.
Part two will be Damien goes to find Phoebe, they get back together, go public, or someone will leak a story about them and force them to go public. Phoebe will probably lose her job but conveniently find a new one. They will fart rainbows and live kinky ever after.
Not a bit of me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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