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Broken Strings: The on and off relationship of Audrey and Nicky: A bad boy rock star opposites attract romance
Audrey Thomas and Nicky Levin were the “it” couple of the eighties. The paparazzi followed every move of their glamourous jet-setting lives… until their break-up sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Thirty years later, the rockstar and the prima ballerina have been spotted together again… yet few know what truly happened.
Audrey was summering in the tiny town of Meadow Springs to contemplate her future in ballet. The last thing she needed to complicate things was a budding rockstar. But fate had other plans. Nicky Levin sauntered into her life with bad boy energy, dripping with talent, and undeniably drop-dead gorgeous.
Audrey never meant to fall for him. Still, the more time she spent with Nicky, the more she found her head and heart filled with thoughts of him. With both of their careers on the brink of stardom, they agreed to meet and make time for each other whenever they can. Then, tragedy struck and sent their epic romance into a tailspin.
Do the recent spotting by the media indicate their love story is getting a long-awaited sequel? Or has too much time passed for their second chance?
What to
✔ Rockstar
✔ Bad boy
✔ Ballet
✔ Insta love
✔ Duel point of views
✔ Second chance
✔ Substance abuse
✔ Sexual content
Audrey was summering in the tiny town of Meadow Springs to contemplate her future in ballet. The last thing she needed to complicate things was a budding rockstar. But fate had other plans. Nicky Levin sauntered into her life with bad boy energy, dripping with talent, and undeniably drop-dead gorgeous.
Audrey never meant to fall for him. Still, the more time she spent with Nicky, the more she found her head and heart filled with thoughts of him. With both of their careers on the brink of stardom, they agreed to meet and make time for each other whenever they can. Then, tragedy struck and sent their epic romance into a tailspin.
Do the recent spotting by the media indicate their love story is getting a long-awaited sequel? Or has too much time passed for their second chance?
What to
✔ Rockstar
✔ Bad boy
✔ Ballet
✔ Insta love
✔ Duel point of views
✔ Second chance
✔ Substance abuse
✔ Sexual content
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
9 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 2, 2024
4 stars
This is the first book of the series and I can say that I am pleasantly surprised. I liked that the story took us to the 80s and that we had the opportunity to feel what life was like without today's technology and mobile phones. I have the feeling that life was much more relaxed then, that people cared more for each other, that they showed emotions and compassion.The story is beautiful, emotional, realistic. I can't wait for the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book of the series and I can say that I am pleasantly surprised. I liked that the story took us to the 80s and that we had the opportunity to feel what life was like without today's technology and mobile phones. I have the feeling that life was much more relaxed then, that people cared more for each other, that they showed emotions and compassion.The story is beautiful, emotional, realistic. I can't wait for the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2024
This book should have been right up my alley as a former ballet and competition dancer who loves rockstar romance. I went in excited, it’s going to be a trilogy following an emotional roller coaster of their relationship!
The beginning really hooked me in with the magazine article about their relationship, and it was giving Daisy Jones and The Six vibes but it sadly does not live up to the expectations I had.
For starters, the lack of research is astounding. From ballet terms to drug references and everything in between.
He was offered a “bump” and received “a few grams of coke” but ONE Google search shows me that several grams of cocaine is an 8 ball and a LOT OF DRUGS to have (definitely not a bump). Weed is also referred to as smelling sweeter than tobacco and referred to as weed! This is the 80’s, and again a single Google search tells me it would have been called “mary Jane” “dope” or “grass”.
I also do not think this author knows how broken bones work because BOTH characters break their arm/wrist and are in casts for two weeks only.
Audrey is constantly referred to as a prima ballerina which the literal definition means first principal dancer which she absolutely would not have been in this company. She danced one principal role at that point in 1984 after seemingly being in the corps de ballet prior to that (the lowest level in the company). At the end of the book she is dancing another principal role so okay we’re getting closer to first principal status but at this point she would maybe be a soloist. She is also just always doing “poses” and moving her hands. She tells him “it’s called a first arabesque, a famous ballet move.” Ma’am that is one singular position. It continues “there is arabesque croisee, which means “facing the corner.”” And that is incorrect. Croisée is with the leg in the front and en croise means to the corner.
Second this is supposed to be the 80s… the only reason I know the time period is because they keep saying it in article clippings, and threw in like 3 references of Whiskey a Go Go, Mick Jagger, and a Walkman. There was no real 80s vibes or actual accuracies of clothing or slang or anything (see weed vs grass comment above)
Third is the writing. This also read weirdly similar stylistically to a book I read earlier this year. Basically it’s a brain dump of actions and short sentences with so little emotion. I felt so disconnected while reading it, it’s too much telling and NO showing. The dialogue is stunted and lacks depth. There are a bunch of flashbacks of childhoods that invoke zero emotion despite trying to give the characters depth. The description of this book has more emotion and is better written than the book. I’m so disappointed. It ends on a cliffhanger and I have no desire to see where this goes.
Maybe I’m being too harsh and picky about the lack of research, sure, I take this personally as a dancer. But the writing style is really what killed it for me. It has no heart and I don’t feel the love between the characters at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The beginning really hooked me in with the magazine article about their relationship, and it was giving Daisy Jones and The Six vibes but it sadly does not live up to the expectations I had.
For starters, the lack of research is astounding. From ballet terms to drug references and everything in between.
He was offered a “bump” and received “a few grams of coke” but ONE Google search shows me that several grams of cocaine is an 8 ball and a LOT OF DRUGS to have (definitely not a bump). Weed is also referred to as smelling sweeter than tobacco and referred to as weed! This is the 80’s, and again a single Google search tells me it would have been called “mary Jane” “dope” or “grass”.
I also do not think this author knows how broken bones work because BOTH characters break their arm/wrist and are in casts for two weeks only.
Audrey is constantly referred to as a prima ballerina which the literal definition means first principal dancer which she absolutely would not have been in this company. She danced one principal role at that point in 1984 after seemingly being in the corps de ballet prior to that (the lowest level in the company). At the end of the book she is dancing another principal role so okay we’re getting closer to first principal status but at this point she would maybe be a soloist. She is also just always doing “poses” and moving her hands. She tells him “it’s called a first arabesque, a famous ballet move.” Ma’am that is one singular position. It continues “there is arabesque croisee, which means “facing the corner.”” And that is incorrect. Croisée is with the leg in the front and en croise means to the corner.
Second this is supposed to be the 80s… the only reason I know the time period is because they keep saying it in article clippings, and threw in like 3 references of Whiskey a Go Go, Mick Jagger, and a Walkman. There was no real 80s vibes or actual accuracies of clothing or slang or anything (see weed vs grass comment above)
Third is the writing. This also read weirdly similar stylistically to a book I read earlier this year. Basically it’s a brain dump of actions and short sentences with so little emotion. I felt so disconnected while reading it, it’s too much telling and NO showing. The dialogue is stunted and lacks depth. There are a bunch of flashbacks of childhoods that invoke zero emotion despite trying to give the characters depth. The description of this book has more emotion and is better written than the book. I’m so disappointed. It ends on a cliffhanger and I have no desire to see where this goes.
Maybe I’m being too harsh and picky about the lack of research, sure, I take this personally as a dancer. But the writing style is really what killed it for me. It has no heart and I don’t feel the love between the characters at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2024
The Bad Boy & The Good Girl
This is the first book in a trilogy of a bad boy rock star and the budding ballerina which is set in the 1980’s. Nicky is living the part of a rock star with sex, drugs and rock and roll. When he is told to go to a small town to write some new music is when he sees the beautiful Audrey in a dance studio.
These two are all about following their career dreams but just how will that work into their budding relationship. Time to dive into Damaged Strings to see this author will take me.
This is the first book in a trilogy of a bad boy rock star and the budding ballerina which is set in the 1980’s. Nicky is living the part of a rock star with sex, drugs and rock and roll. When he is told to go to a small town to write some new music is when he sees the beautiful Audrey in a dance studio.
These two are all about following their career dreams but just how will that work into their budding relationship. Time to dive into Damaged Strings to see this author will take me.
May 22, 2024
2.5 🌟
Nicky and Audrey
— rockstar/ballerina
— opposites
— good girl/bad boy
Nicky is in an up and coming band, and he believes that means he definitely should live the rockstar lifestyle. The band manager tells him he needs to focus on writing songs for the band though and tells him to go stay in a small town with his uncle and focus on writing for awhile.
Audrey has been dancing in the ballet in New York, but she has recently come home after being told she doesn’t have what it takes. She notices Nicky in town, and although they are opposites there is an attraction and they begin to spend time together.
The book starts at the beginning of Nicky and Audrey’s on again off again relationship back in 1983. Nicky is the epitome of a rockstar lifestyle with drugs, partying, and women.
While this portrayed the rock and roll life, I had trouble connecting to their relationship. Nicky was still indulging in all of the rockstar behavior, and I wasn’t sure if their feelings for each other were real or if Audrey was simply a novelty. He kept saying how beautiful she was, but like why else did he like her?
The writing style was unique, and overall it was a pretty quick pace. Some of the writing was a little disjointed, and it made it difficult to follow. I struggle with the “romance” in this, but if you’re looking for an 80s vibe rock and roll story then you might enjoy this. It did offer lots of real life struggles, and this is by no means a picture perfect relationship.
I’m really struggling with my rating for this one. . . I don’t feel their romance. Personally, I don’t think he can be in love with her while every time they are apart he’s with countless women. They never defined their relationship because they didn’t want to hold each other back, but I still hate it. But at the same time, something did keep me invested in their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nicky and Audrey
— rockstar/ballerina
— opposites
— good girl/bad boy
Nicky is in an up and coming band, and he believes that means he definitely should live the rockstar lifestyle. The band manager tells him he needs to focus on writing songs for the band though and tells him to go stay in a small town with his uncle and focus on writing for awhile.
Audrey has been dancing in the ballet in New York, but she has recently come home after being told she doesn’t have what it takes. She notices Nicky in town, and although they are opposites there is an attraction and they begin to spend time together.
The book starts at the beginning of Nicky and Audrey’s on again off again relationship back in 1983. Nicky is the epitome of a rockstar lifestyle with drugs, partying, and women.
While this portrayed the rock and roll life, I had trouble connecting to their relationship. Nicky was still indulging in all of the rockstar behavior, and I wasn’t sure if their feelings for each other were real or if Audrey was simply a novelty. He kept saying how beautiful she was, but like why else did he like her?
The writing style was unique, and overall it was a pretty quick pace. Some of the writing was a little disjointed, and it made it difficult to follow. I struggle with the “romance” in this, but if you’re looking for an 80s vibe rock and roll story then you might enjoy this. It did offer lots of real life struggles, and this is by no means a picture perfect relationship.
I’m really struggling with my rating for this one. . . I don’t feel their romance. Personally, I don’t think he can be in love with her while every time they are apart he’s with countless women. They never defined their relationship because they didn’t want to hold each other back, but I still hate it. But at the same time, something did keep me invested in their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
This might go down as one of my favourite reads for 2024. Grateful for the ARC copy to read in advance, Booksirens and S. J. Sullivan!
This story is raw and very real for the context within which it is set.
Nicky is an up-and-coming rockstar in the 1980s who battles with the vices that can often come with that world - drugs, sex and rock n’ roll. Until he meets Audrey. She’s the small town girl who is making her own mark, but draws Nicky in. Nicky can (and does) overcome a lot of his struggles when he is with Audrey but can’t seem to get it to stick when she’s not around.
Audrey is struggling too with her future as a ballerina. Her experience is real and grounded - and as Nicky points out, in her hands to change. Audrey may be slightly naive but she isn’t a wilting flower or blindsided by Nicky’s lifestyle. He tells her how it is and she takes him (and their relationship) at face value. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t hurt by the “realities” of dating a rockstar either.
I also fiercely love that neither one seems to want to hold the other back. They both have dreams and aspirations that take them down separate (but often converging) paths (until that shocker of a twist at the end - no spoilers!!)
The way book 1 ends has me hooked! I can’t wait to read the others!
This story is raw and very real for the context within which it is set.
Nicky is an up-and-coming rockstar in the 1980s who battles with the vices that can often come with that world - drugs, sex and rock n’ roll. Until he meets Audrey. She’s the small town girl who is making her own mark, but draws Nicky in. Nicky can (and does) overcome a lot of his struggles when he is with Audrey but can’t seem to get it to stick when she’s not around.
Audrey is struggling too with her future as a ballerina. Her experience is real and grounded - and as Nicky points out, in her hands to change. Audrey may be slightly naive but she isn’t a wilting flower or blindsided by Nicky’s lifestyle. He tells her how it is and she takes him (and their relationship) at face value. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t hurt by the “realities” of dating a rockstar either.
I also fiercely love that neither one seems to want to hold the other back. They both have dreams and aspirations that take them down separate (but often converging) paths (until that shocker of a twist at the end - no spoilers!!)
The way book 1 ends has me hooked! I can’t wait to read the others!
April 3, 2024
The rockstar and the ballerina
Rockstars are my favorite and I was intrigued with the premise of the book, but I found the wording awkward at times. Therefore I found it hard to connect with the characters. But I did like that even though Nicky was smitten with Audrey ... he lived true to the saying "drugs, sex and rock & roll".. I'm glad that Audrey didn't follow him because he was a rockstar ... that she remained true to her own dreams of being a ballerina.
It's the 1980s and Nicky is in an up and coming rock band. His manager forces him to visit his uncle in a small town so that he can concentrate on writing songs for their next album. When Nicky sees a beautiful ballerina through the window of a dance studio, he is smitten. Audrey is a struggling ballerina in New York and she's told she's not good enough, so she flees to her hometown. When she meets Nicky with his big hair and jewelry, she is drawn to him because she has ever encountered anyone like him before. Even though there is instant chemistry between them, they are total opposites. Will the chemistry between them be enough? Or will Nicky's demons keep them apart?
I received an early copy courtesy of BookSirens.
Rockstars are my favorite and I was intrigued with the premise of the book, but I found the wording awkward at times. Therefore I found it hard to connect with the characters. But I did like that even though Nicky was smitten with Audrey ... he lived true to the saying "drugs, sex and rock & roll".. I'm glad that Audrey didn't follow him because he was a rockstar ... that she remained true to her own dreams of being a ballerina.
It's the 1980s and Nicky is in an up and coming rock band. His manager forces him to visit his uncle in a small town so that he can concentrate on writing songs for their next album. When Nicky sees a beautiful ballerina through the window of a dance studio, he is smitten. Audrey is a struggling ballerina in New York and she's told she's not good enough, so she flees to her hometown. When she meets Nicky with his big hair and jewelry, she is drawn to him because she has ever encountered anyone like him before. Even though there is instant chemistry between them, they are total opposites. Will the chemistry between them be enough? Or will Nicky's demons keep them apart?
I received an early copy courtesy of BookSirens.
May 28, 2024
WooHoo! I’m reading a brand new series. A new author to some but, I have reviewed this author for a while. Because she is writing in a new genre she has adopted a new pen name. I’m not going to spoil it because I think if you really want to know you might be able to do a little research and find out for yourself. The author’s name is S. J. Sullivan.
This is a three book series called The On and Off Again Relationship of Audrey and Nicky. This first book is titled Broken Strings. Audrey is a Ballerina and Nicky is a Rockstar. I really have to be upfront with you and tell you I had my doubts about this series right from the git go. At my age I am not really into rock music anymore and I have never followed ballet. I do have to admit that I took an interest in these two characters and can’t wait to finish their story. This three book series is being released all at once on May 28th. I am making myself write the review for each book as I read them so I can keep them separate.
Audrey is young and innocent because she has poured all of her energy into her dance and has not had a lot of dating experience. Her mother was a single mom and it was just the two of them her whole life. Nicky on the other hand has had an absentee father and a mother who didn’t take time for him growing up. He was pretty much on his own most of his life. He does what he wants when he wants. That is the reason Audrey and Nicky have an on again off again relationship. They care for one another but their careers come first.
The character development seems great for the two main characters. The lesser of the characters isn’t there as much. That is ok. I think you’ll find that you really only care about what is going on with Audrey and Nicky anyway.
Well, I really want to get to the next book in the series. In the meantime, please check out the pre-order price on this series. You can’t go wrong if you think you might have some interest in them. I was shocked when I saw how much these books were going for. Until next time…Happy Reading.
This is a three book series called The On and Off Again Relationship of Audrey and Nicky. This first book is titled Broken Strings. Audrey is a Ballerina and Nicky is a Rockstar. I really have to be upfront with you and tell you I had my doubts about this series right from the git go. At my age I am not really into rock music anymore and I have never followed ballet. I do have to admit that I took an interest in these two characters and can’t wait to finish their story. This three book series is being released all at once on May 28th. I am making myself write the review for each book as I read them so I can keep them separate.
Audrey is young and innocent because she has poured all of her energy into her dance and has not had a lot of dating experience. Her mother was a single mom and it was just the two of them her whole life. Nicky on the other hand has had an absentee father and a mother who didn’t take time for him growing up. He was pretty much on his own most of his life. He does what he wants when he wants. That is the reason Audrey and Nicky have an on again off again relationship. They care for one another but their careers come first.
The character development seems great for the two main characters. The lesser of the characters isn’t there as much. That is ok. I think you’ll find that you really only care about what is going on with Audrey and Nicky anyway.
Well, I really want to get to the next book in the series. In the meantime, please check out the pre-order price on this series. You can’t go wrong if you think you might have some interest in them. I was shocked when I saw how much these books were going for. Until next time…Happy Reading.
May 24, 2024
I liked this story and cannot wait to read books 2 and 3 about Audrey and Nicky's relationship.
I like that it takes us back to the beginning of them, while peppering in articles and interviews with their friends. You can tell its leading us up to the reunion and we get to see everything in between, the good and the bad.
While it's hard to believe at times that Nicky loves Audrey, due to how he acts when he's not around her with drugs and women, it's clear he does care about her. But its unsure if its more than that. Can he love her and does he? Or does he love how he feels around her, the quiet and the calm?
It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here, what ups and downs they will hit in their solo lives and in their relationship.
I like that it takes us back to the beginning of them, while peppering in articles and interviews with their friends. You can tell its leading us up to the reunion and we get to see everything in between, the good and the bad.
While it's hard to believe at times that Nicky loves Audrey, due to how he acts when he's not around her with drugs and women, it's clear he does care about her. But its unsure if its more than that. Can he love her and does he? Or does he love how he feels around her, the quiet and the calm?
It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here, what ups and downs they will hit in their solo lives and in their relationship.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed Broken Strings. The way it’s written it feels like a music documentary with all the nostalgia mix in.
This is the first book in the series and it showcases how they first met and started to fall for each other with flashbacks from when they were growing up. How throughout their time apart they still kept in touch. They both had their own personal obstacles along the way. This really pulled on my heart strings. It’s written in a way you feel like you’re apart of it. The way it ended ����😭 I need the second book for my heart’s sake.
This is the first book in the series and it showcases how they first met and started to fall for each other with flashbacks from when they were growing up. How throughout their time apart they still kept in touch. They both had their own personal obstacles along the way. This really pulled on my heart strings. It’s written in a way you feel like you’re apart of it. The way it ended ����😭 I need the second book for my heart’s sake.
June 4, 2024
This is a three book series called The On and Off Again Relationship of Audrey and Nicky. This first book is titled Broken Strings. Audrey is a Ballerina and Nicky is a Rockstar. I like that it takes us back to the beginning of them, while peppering in articles and interviews with their friends. This book delves into their complicated relationship over the course of several years and how they overcome many challenges. The writing style was unique, and overall it was a pretty quick pace. I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3 about Audrey and Nicky's relationship.
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May 28, 2024Audrey and Nicky's story is slow-burn. I liked how they met, as well as their backstories. Great settings and details. I liked the start to the series and want to know how things will develop in the other books.
Thanks to S.J. Sullivan
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thanks to S.J. Sullivan
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2024
This was my first read from this author. I really liked it however the reason I am giving it 4 stars is because it was written in the third person, which is a deal breaker for me. I loved the dual point of view, the characters were interested, however I couldn't get into the story as much as I would have wanted due to the third person. I will continue the series though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2024
A unlikely romance between Audrey, a ballerina, and Nicky, lead singer of a rock band. This story takes place in the 80’s in Southern California and delves into their complicated, years long relationship. This is Book 1 in the series and it mainly focuses on Audrey and Nicky along with Audrey’s family, who disapprove. Thank you to the author for this preview copy.
May 18, 2024
Loving it! If this series stays as great at this book this will be an author I will be adding to my to follow list. Wow! I thought the story was absolutely fantastic.
August 26, 2024
I really really liked this novel. I did not know that it was a 3 book series, so I was surprised at the cliffhanger. But, with that being said, the story flowed and kept my interest. On to book 2.
April 25, 2024
Their story took place in the 80s when rock and roll was at its highest. She was a ballerina. He made it as a rock star. They are the definition of opposites attract. Their relationship quickly became complicated because who they were. No one wanted to see Audrey get hurt and no one wanted Nicky to hurt her BUT they always found their way back to each other. No matter what the distance was.
The characters were believable and I enjoyed the growth and real life setbacks that took place in the story. I would like to see where this series goes.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were believable and I enjoyed the growth and real life setbacks that took place in the story. I would like to see where this series goes.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews