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Sound Bites: A Rock & Roll Love Story
This is a previously-published edition of ASIN: B006YXB2GI. For all editions see here
Renee Evans has a knack for trouble. After walking in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed together, twenty-five year-old Renee flees sunny Los Angeles and her dream job as a music journalist and returns to her hometown of Boston – only to meet Dylan Cavallari, the mysterious, aspiring musician who lives in her apartment building. Dylan’s piercing gaze and womanizing demeanor make him exactly the type of guy that Renee should steer clear of – which is most likely the reason she falls for him. But when Renee’s troublesome ex comes back and threatens to drive her and Dylan apart, Renee is forced to face her past and save her relationship with Dylan before it's too late.
Sound Bites dramatizes what happens when Renee finds herself caught between a painful past and an uncertain future. Happiness turns out to be within her grasp, but it all depends on whether she can trust herself enough to make the right decisions. Sound Bites is a novel about love, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of music to help you find your way.
Renee Evans has a knack for trouble. After walking in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed together, twenty-five year-old Renee flees sunny Los Angeles and her dream job as a music journalist and returns to her hometown of Boston – only to meet Dylan Cavallari, the mysterious, aspiring musician who lives in her apartment building. Dylan’s piercing gaze and womanizing demeanor make him exactly the type of guy that Renee should steer clear of – which is most likely the reason she falls for him. But when Renee’s troublesome ex comes back and threatens to drive her and Dylan apart, Renee is forced to face her past and save her relationship with Dylan before it's too late.
Sound Bites dramatizes what happens when Renee finds herself caught between a painful past and an uncertain future. Happiness turns out to be within her grasp, but it all depends on whether she can trust herself enough to make the right decisions. Sound Bites is a novel about love, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of music to help you find your way.
245 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2012
96 people are currently reading
3304 people want to read
About the author
Rachel K. Burke
6 books209 followersRachel Burke is the author of three new adult novels, Sound Bites, Love Bites and Finding Mia.
In 2014, she created The Skinny Chick’s Cookbook, a health food blog that features all-natural recipes with 10 ingredients or less, which was published as a cookbook in 2017.
Rachel grew up in Boston, MA and now resides in Santa Monica, CA.
Her blog can be found at theskinnychickscookbook.com.
For more information on Rachel's fiction work, please visit www.rachelkburke.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/rachelkburkebooks
Twitter:
@rachelkburke
In 2014, she created The Skinny Chick’s Cookbook, a health food blog that features all-natural recipes with 10 ingredients or less, which was published as a cookbook in 2017.
Rachel grew up in Boston, MA and now resides in Santa Monica, CA.
Her blog can be found at theskinnychickscookbook.com.
For more information on Rachel's fiction work, please visit www.rachelkburke.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/rachelkburkebooks
Twitter:
@rachelkburke
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 4, 2012
”Renee, Maybe is not an acceptable answer. That’s like saying you’re a little bit pregnant and or caught a touch of the breast cancer. Deep dpwn, you know whether or not you love someone.”
This book popped up while I was looking at KA’s Rock Chicks.
As all my friends on her know I am a sucker for a great Cover! And I really liked this one.
This book was ok. Short but Ok.
It was kind of YA but they were mid 20’s.
Renee and Justine have been best friends for over 10 years. They even moved from Boston to California together. They did everything together and shared everything. Including the same boyfriend apparently.
Renee caught Justine in Bed with her then boyfriend David.
So she did the only thing she could think of. She ran home to Boston.
New Apartment, new job, new life. The n she wakes up in her new apartment and can’t help but follow the music upstairs:
”I woke up and heard one of my favourite Jeff Buckley songs but I had to come here as I have never heard that acoustic version of ‘Lover You Shouldn’t Have Come Over’ before. I have a few live albums of his but the you were playing was just.. Brilliant.”
Dylan raised his eyebrows. “Well I’m flattered.”
“Huh?”
“I’m flattered,” he repeated.
“What do you mean you’re flattered?”
“Well, you can search long and hard, but you’re never going to find that version of that song.”
“Oh okay, why not?”
“ Because that wasn’t Jeff Buckley’s version. It was mine.”
And so their friendship begins. Based on music. They have amazing chemistry. He’s a womanizer, she loves him but doesn’t want to ruin the relationship. He finally realises he wants more when he see’s her with another man.
This is friends tuned to Lovers story, mixed with Music and Rock’n’Roll, heartache, groupies, band turning big and everything.
It really was a cute story, how she helped him cure his fear of stage fright to start being one of the biggest underground Indie bands around. How their relationship turned to them not being able to get enough of each other. Rekindling the relationship with Justine. And fighting for their each other in a Renee and Dylan kind of way!
Renee’s friend Beth made me giggle at times. It was mainly a serious book without being too serious. If that makes sense..
Beth said the line at the start of this review also when they were teasing the Groupies at a gig.
“Look at their whore-drobes!” Beth said
“They’re whore-ible!” I replied.
“Whore-ific!” Beth said through uncontrollable laughter.
…………………….
As well as
Turtles are jogging past me as I am waiting.
This book popped up while I was looking at KA’s Rock Chicks.
As all my friends on her know I am a sucker for a great Cover! And I really liked this one.
This book was ok. Short but Ok.
It was kind of YA but they were mid 20’s.
Renee and Justine have been best friends for over 10 years. They even moved from Boston to California together. They did everything together and shared everything. Including the same boyfriend apparently.
Renee caught Justine in Bed with her then boyfriend David.
So she did the only thing she could think of. She ran home to Boston.
New Apartment, new job, new life. The n she wakes up in her new apartment and can’t help but follow the music upstairs:
”I woke up and heard one of my favourite Jeff Buckley songs but I had to come here as I have never heard that acoustic version of ‘Lover You Shouldn’t Have Come Over’ before. I have a few live albums of his but the you were playing was just.. Brilliant.”
Dylan raised his eyebrows. “Well I’m flattered.”
“Huh?”
“I’m flattered,” he repeated.
“What do you mean you’re flattered?”
“Well, you can search long and hard, but you’re never going to find that version of that song.”
“Oh okay, why not?”
“ Because that wasn’t Jeff Buckley’s version. It was mine.”
And so their friendship begins. Based on music. They have amazing chemistry. He’s a womanizer, she loves him but doesn’t want to ruin the relationship. He finally realises he wants more when he see’s her with another man.
This is friends tuned to Lovers story, mixed with Music and Rock’n’Roll, heartache, groupies, band turning big and everything.
It really was a cute story, how she helped him cure his fear of stage fright to start being one of the biggest underground Indie bands around. How their relationship turned to them not being able to get enough of each other. Rekindling the relationship with Justine. And fighting for their each other in a Renee and Dylan kind of way!
Renee’s friend Beth made me giggle at times. It was mainly a serious book without being too serious. If that makes sense..
Beth said the line at the start of this review also when they were teasing the Groupies at a gig.
“Look at their whore-drobes!” Beth said
“They’re whore-ible!” I replied.
“Whore-ific!” Beth said through uncontrollable laughter.
…………………….
As well as
Turtles are jogging past me as I am waiting.
July 19, 2014
First thing, download Jeff Buckley's album Grace
The book started a bit slow for me, but the mention of Jeff Buckley early on, and the take on the lack of quality in modern music had me hooked. This story could have easily just been pages of rants of the lack of talent and meaning of current artists and I would have given it 5 stars. I cried through my teenage heartache to this album. Last Goodbye was my official end of relationship anthem.
So the start of this had me worried, I was concerned that the start was going to be a high school romance, although I am just barely in my 30s - part of me feels too old for teen romance (well the part of my brain that remembers that I am a true living adult, that is). But it soon fast forwards through high school and college straight into a get your claws out moment.
This causes Renee, who uprooted to LA for school from Boston to find herself back home - and literally crashing into Dylan. Although Dylan does not come across overly hot - he has that skinny-soulful rocker look. I am hooked. Renee and Dylan form a friendship and before she knows it - she is in deep, but is it worth the risk of heart and friendship to reveal the truth? Damn straight it is.
The best part of this story is that it is still youthful and lacks the intense heart breaking rock n' roll drama that is typical of any story that has the word Rock Star or Band in the book's summary. There is drama, but it does not destroy your will to live or continue with the book. You ultimately don't end up disliking the characters, yelling obscenities into your e-reader or trying to figure out if throwing your e-reader against the wall is covered under your protection plan.
Overall, this was a very sweet romance. I was very pleased with the story and the book. It did not help that the theme of music was something I often scream at my radio as the most recent chart-topping-auto-tuned-product is playing. Seriously - do yourself a favor and listen to some Jeff Buckley - he is seriously underrated and the fact that we were given just a limited number of years to have had a chance to hear him is a real shame, but he left us with some amazing - real music.
The book started a bit slow for me, but the mention of Jeff Buckley early on, and the take on the lack of quality in modern music had me hooked. This story could have easily just been pages of rants of the lack of talent and meaning of current artists and I would have given it 5 stars. I cried through my teenage heartache to this album. Last Goodbye was my official end of relationship anthem.
So the start of this had me worried, I was concerned that the start was going to be a high school romance, although I am just barely in my 30s - part of me feels too old for teen romance (well the part of my brain that remembers that I am a true living adult, that is). But it soon fast forwards through high school and college straight into a get your claws out moment.
This causes Renee, who uprooted to LA for school from Boston to find herself back home - and literally crashing into Dylan. Although Dylan does not come across overly hot - he has that skinny-soulful rocker look. I am hooked. Renee and Dylan form a friendship and before she knows it - she is in deep, but is it worth the risk of heart and friendship to reveal the truth? Damn straight it is.
The best part of this story is that it is still youthful and lacks the intense heart breaking rock n' roll drama that is typical of any story that has the word Rock Star or Band in the book's summary. There is drama, but it does not destroy your will to live or continue with the book. You ultimately don't end up disliking the characters, yelling obscenities into your e-reader or trying to figure out if throwing your e-reader against the wall is covered under your protection plan.
Overall, this was a very sweet romance. I was very pleased with the story and the book. It did not help that the theme of music was something I often scream at my radio as the most recent chart-topping-auto-tuned-product is playing. Seriously - do yourself a favor and listen to some Jeff Buckley - he is seriously underrated and the fact that we were given just a limited number of years to have had a chance to hear him is a real shame, but he left us with some amazing - real music.
January 29, 2013
Put the words “rock and roll” together in a title and it’s almost sure to be a hit for me.
Betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend, Renee leaves her job as a musical journalist and returns to her hometown to mend her broken heart. That’s where she meets her new neighbor, Dylan, a very talented musician who is held back by stage fright. An almost instantaneous attraction occurs between them. He’s playing her song . . . and it’s speaking volumes to her. They share a passion for music and much more. They also have issues that must be dealt with in order to take the relationship further.
The mixture of sweet and sassy dialogue between Renee and Dylan flows smoothly making this one especially enjoyable. The move from friends to lovers status happened a little too quickly for my complete satisfaction. However, what a small price to pay for such an otherwise quality read.
Another tiny point of contention was the almost desperate need for an epilogue to this story. It ended much too quickly. I was left asking myself what sweet music Dylan and Renee might be living life to in their future together.
This reader is a sucker for a cool book cover, too. And those cute pink high tops caught my attention! And I’m really really glad they did because this was a really fun-to-read book! REALLY!!!
Betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend, Renee leaves her job as a musical journalist and returns to her hometown to mend her broken heart. That’s where she meets her new neighbor, Dylan, a very talented musician who is held back by stage fright. An almost instantaneous attraction occurs between them. He’s playing her song . . . and it’s speaking volumes to her. They share a passion for music and much more. They also have issues that must be dealt with in order to take the relationship further.
The mixture of sweet and sassy dialogue between Renee and Dylan flows smoothly making this one especially enjoyable. The move from friends to lovers status happened a little too quickly for my complete satisfaction. However, what a small price to pay for such an otherwise quality read.
Another tiny point of contention was the almost desperate need for an epilogue to this story. It ended much too quickly. I was left asking myself what sweet music Dylan and Renee might be living life to in their future together.
This reader is a sucker for a cool book cover, too. And those cute pink high tops caught my attention! And I’m really really glad they did because this was a really fun-to-read book! REALLY!!!
December 30, 2013
2.75 Stars.
I have to be honest and say that Sound Bites is probably the first HarperImpulse title I haven't totally enjoyed.
Don't get me wrong, it is OK and if you have a few hours to fill you could do alot worse. But I feel that the story has so much potential that is still screaming for release.
I have to say that it does contain the best "break the ice" line I have ever read, in the fact that it is also the worst "break the ice" line I have ever read as well....
"Nice child-molester van you got there".......LOL
The above had me laughing for a good couple of minutes, basically because it is so un-pc, blunt and wholly inappropriate that I absolutely loved it. There is alot of dialogue in the book that is pretty blunt (not so un-pc) and it is refreshingly funny in parts because of it, but on the whole the book just didn't gel together well for me.
Sound Bites is set around Renee and Dylan, the first 40% of the book was quite enjoyable, I liked their quirky similarities with music and Renee's determination to get Dylan's talent out in the mainstream also the fact that they both had feelings for each other but didn't realise it, made it cute and enjoyable. But then for some reason as soon as they actually "got together" they reverted from a couple of mid-twenty somethings back to teenagers. This transformation was pretty conclusive as well, dialogue, actions, reactions and their general behaviour towards each other just struck me as pretty juvenile, which is a shame as I was really enjoying the book up to that point.
In summary, I would definitely read another book by Rachel K. Burke, as I think she has extreme potential. Sound Bites was enjoyable, I just feel that the second half of the book was a little rushed and could have done with a little further editing/re-writes to keep up with the quality of the first half.
ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I have to be honest and say that Sound Bites is probably the first HarperImpulse title I haven't totally enjoyed.
Don't get me wrong, it is OK and if you have a few hours to fill you could do alot worse. But I feel that the story has so much potential that is still screaming for release.
I have to say that it does contain the best "break the ice" line I have ever read, in the fact that it is also the worst "break the ice" line I have ever read as well....
"Nice child-molester van you got there".......LOL
The above had me laughing for a good couple of minutes, basically because it is so un-pc, blunt and wholly inappropriate that I absolutely loved it. There is alot of dialogue in the book that is pretty blunt (not so un-pc) and it is refreshingly funny in parts because of it, but on the whole the book just didn't gel together well for me.
Sound Bites is set around Renee and Dylan, the first 40% of the book was quite enjoyable, I liked their quirky similarities with music and Renee's determination to get Dylan's talent out in the mainstream also the fact that they both had feelings for each other but didn't realise it, made it cute and enjoyable. But then for some reason as soon as they actually "got together" they reverted from a couple of mid-twenty somethings back to teenagers. This transformation was pretty conclusive as well, dialogue, actions, reactions and their general behaviour towards each other just struck me as pretty juvenile, which is a shame as I was really enjoying the book up to that point.
In summary, I would definitely read another book by Rachel K. Burke, as I think she has extreme potential. Sound Bites was enjoyable, I just feel that the second half of the book was a little rushed and could have done with a little further editing/re-writes to keep up with the quality of the first half.
ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 30, 2012
My Summary:
Renee is a music journalist living in LA with her childhood best friend. They both moved out there to go to UCLA and decided to stay once they graduated. Then Renee got involved with a co-worker, but she had some doubts about their relationship. One day, after Renee comes home from an out of town trip she finds her best friend and boyfriend in bed together. She flees the scene and moves home to Boston.
Once in Boston, she finds an apartment and is searching for a job. She meets Dylan, who is her upstairs neighbor. They don't hit it off right away, but Renee is definitely attracted to him. One night she hears music coming from upstairs, so she investigates. Turns out that Dylan is a talented musician, but has never performed live. Renee encourages him to take that step and as their friendship develops, he makes the move to join a band that Renee knows.
Renee and Dylan grow closer and closer, eventually getting together as a couple. Renee is still hurt by her best friend's betrayal so, she tends to be a bit paranoid about Dylan and other women. After a bad fight, Renee heads home to find her ex waiting on her doorstep. Dylan gets the wrong impression and they break up. During this time, Renee tries to heal from her past, so that she can move forward with Dylan. She just hopes it isn't too late.
My Take:
Anytime I see that a story involves romance and music, I'm pretty much sold. So when I saw this tour come up, I signed up right away. I loved that is was set in Boston. I lived there at one time and it's my favorite city. Even though the story was somewhat predicatable, I still enjoyed it.
I really liked Dylan. I mean, I wasn't swoony over him, but I liked him a lot. I liked the relationship that he and Renee develop. I think he was perfect for her and definitely helped her to realize what love was really supposed to feel like. As for Renee, I liked her, but wanted to smack her sometimes. I understand the feeling of wanting to run away from a bad situation, but I really had hoped she would have made a stronger statement with her friend. She was more hurt that her friend betrayed her than she was about her boyfriend cheating. I would be hurt too, but you can bet that I would've been vocal about it.
As I said before, it was predictable and I would've liked to see more music intergrated into the story, but I would recommend this book. Overall, it was a sweet, easy read. It's a good story to read if you're looking for quick romantic read.
Renee is a music journalist living in LA with her childhood best friend. They both moved out there to go to UCLA and decided to stay once they graduated. Then Renee got involved with a co-worker, but she had some doubts about their relationship. One day, after Renee comes home from an out of town trip she finds her best friend and boyfriend in bed together. She flees the scene and moves home to Boston.
Once in Boston, she finds an apartment and is searching for a job. She meets Dylan, who is her upstairs neighbor. They don't hit it off right away, but Renee is definitely attracted to him. One night she hears music coming from upstairs, so she investigates. Turns out that Dylan is a talented musician, but has never performed live. Renee encourages him to take that step and as their friendship develops, he makes the move to join a band that Renee knows.
Renee and Dylan grow closer and closer, eventually getting together as a couple. Renee is still hurt by her best friend's betrayal so, she tends to be a bit paranoid about Dylan and other women. After a bad fight, Renee heads home to find her ex waiting on her doorstep. Dylan gets the wrong impression and they break up. During this time, Renee tries to heal from her past, so that she can move forward with Dylan. She just hopes it isn't too late.
My Take:
Anytime I see that a story involves romance and music, I'm pretty much sold. So when I saw this tour come up, I signed up right away. I loved that is was set in Boston. I lived there at one time and it's my favorite city. Even though the story was somewhat predicatable, I still enjoyed it.
I really liked Dylan. I mean, I wasn't swoony over him, but I liked him a lot. I liked the relationship that he and Renee develop. I think he was perfect for her and definitely helped her to realize what love was really supposed to feel like. As for Renee, I liked her, but wanted to smack her sometimes. I understand the feeling of wanting to run away from a bad situation, but I really had hoped she would have made a stronger statement with her friend. She was more hurt that her friend betrayed her than she was about her boyfriend cheating. I would be hurt too, but you can bet that I would've been vocal about it.
As I said before, it was predictable and I would've liked to see more music intergrated into the story, but I would recommend this book. Overall, it was a sweet, easy read. It's a good story to read if you're looking for quick romantic read.
June 19, 2012
First I would like to thank AToMR tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour. When I first saw this book cover and then read the blurb I said I have to read this book ASAP and be a part of this tour. First the author Rachel is from Boston, MA AKA Bean Town and I live an hour from there but I am always in Boston hanging out enjoying all there is to enjoy and music is one of the things I love the most about Boston. Every summer they have music on the commons and all different bands play and people come from all over to hear them play.
Renee is happy she has everything she could want in life. Moving to a new place with her best friend and having the best boyfriend is great too but then Renee catches her best friend in bed with her boyfriend. It is a total douche move on his and her BFF's part but it jump starts something in Renee and she decides to go back to the only place she feels comfortable and that place is Boston. They say home is where the heart is and that becomes so true for Renee. When she goes home to Boston she moves into this place where she feels is best for her. Then she meets Dylan.
Dylan is playing this music and she thinks it is the artist but when she comments on the song she finds out it is Dylan who is singing it. Shocked that she could find someone who has the same love of music she and Dylan become friends. As time goes on she and Dylan develop romantic feelings for one another but as all relationships go if you have an ex and are trying to move on to the next there is always going to be problems and people putting their tow cents in when they don't even have a penny to rub together. Needless to say they have to fight through some things but through it all they learn what is right for themselves.
I really have to say that I LOVE LOVED this book! I love music and this book just drew me in and I could not put it down. Have you ever just connected with a person and had to fight to be with them? Well if you have this book is for you and if you haven't this book is for you. Music and Romance the two go hand in hand. What will you do for love? What will you do for Music? As I was reading this book three songs really came to mind a little's enough by Angels And Airwaves, I Can't Stay Away by The Veronicas, and Here By Me by Three Doors Down. This is a MUST read whether your on the beach at work r in the car you will not be disappointed I promise! So what are you waiting for go out and get it!
Renee is happy she has everything she could want in life. Moving to a new place with her best friend and having the best boyfriend is great too but then Renee catches her best friend in bed with her boyfriend. It is a total douche move on his and her BFF's part but it jump starts something in Renee and she decides to go back to the only place she feels comfortable and that place is Boston. They say home is where the heart is and that becomes so true for Renee. When she goes home to Boston she moves into this place where she feels is best for her. Then she meets Dylan.
Dylan is playing this music and she thinks it is the artist but when she comments on the song she finds out it is Dylan who is singing it. Shocked that she could find someone who has the same love of music she and Dylan become friends. As time goes on she and Dylan develop romantic feelings for one another but as all relationships go if you have an ex and are trying to move on to the next there is always going to be problems and people putting their tow cents in when they don't even have a penny to rub together. Needless to say they have to fight through some things but through it all they learn what is right for themselves.
I really have to say that I LOVE LOVED this book! I love music and this book just drew me in and I could not put it down. Have you ever just connected with a person and had to fight to be with them? Well if you have this book is for you and if you haven't this book is for you. Music and Romance the two go hand in hand. What will you do for love? What will you do for Music? As I was reading this book three songs really came to mind a little's enough by Angels And Airwaves, I Can't Stay Away by The Veronicas, and Here By Me by Three Doors Down. This is a MUST read whether your on the beach at work r in the car you will not be disappointed I promise! So what are you waiting for go out and get it!
April 25, 2013
To just give my opinion on the story first. So Rachel does a great job setting Renee and her BFF Justine up. They are friends, go to UCLA, live together and are inseparable for about 10 years. Then Justine sleeps with David, Renee's boyfriend while she is out of town. OK BAD enough but the girl goes to Boston because her grandfather dies and he sleeps with her room mate. What kind of imbeciles are they? Both very bad characters and this is what creates the current situation. Seriously need a virtual slap for both of them and maybe Justine a hair pulling too!
Enter Dylan Cavalleri, she bumps into his car, he lives in the new building she is moving to, and he is not the typical type for her. So there you have it. Enough said! It was a very real and emotional tale. All about growing up, trust, family, and friends. The lessons of life and life goals are there so read it and don't miss them. What I loved was Dylan and Renee. I liked the band guys, Beth and Boston. What I did not like .... it was too short. I needed more, maybe I am on a greedy trip but I find myself asking for sequels and secondary POV's lately. I want Beth to get a story and maybe Justine, give her a POV so I can hate her a little more.
Totally give 4 1/2 stars
Enter Dylan Cavalleri, she bumps into his car, he lives in the new building she is moving to, and he is not the typical type for her. So there you have it. Enough said! It was a very real and emotional tale. All about growing up, trust, family, and friends. The lessons of life and life goals are there so read it and don't miss them. What I loved was Dylan and Renee. I liked the band guys, Beth and Boston. What I did not like .... it was too short. I needed more, maybe I am on a greedy trip but I find myself asking for sequels and secondary POV's lately. I want Beth to get a story and maybe Justine, give her a POV so I can hate her a little more.
Totally give 4 1/2 stars
July 6, 2012
THAT WAS AWESOME! I got this book stewing for a long time, Im such an idiot that i didn't read it immediately, But this a read really worth staying late for! I just suck when there is music involved in a book or arrogant boys with a loving side(damn where are guys like that in real life?). Renee move was a damn good one and a very depressing thing too, but who would fault her right?. Her personality was really inspiring, her stubborn attitude to be followed( just a common we have) ,and her pushing of Dylan to the right path to be admired! I just love her spirit and was very thankful that she chanced herself of going to Manhattan to see Dylan. I love Dylan's no non-sense attitude when it comes to Renee's attitude or other girls, you just gotta love a guy who thinks for himself and just know when to not give you shit :)
August 3, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this book from the minute I started reading it I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I was up til 2 AM and 62% done and made myself put it down cause I wanted to look forward to getting up and reading more. It was absolutely perfect!!!! I loved all the characters. Renee was a GREAT main character. I liked watching her grow. I also of course LOVED Dylan!!! LOVED!!!!
Hoping there will be another cause I want to know how things turn out!!!!
Hoping there will be another cause I want to know how things turn out!!!!
dnf
May 22, 2013DNF :*(
I really didn't like the heroine in this, she was just too "poor me". And when I don't like the heroine I just can't keep going with the story.
I really didn't like the heroine in this, she was just too "poor me". And when I don't like the heroine I just can't keep going with the story.
June 24, 2013
Sound bites was not a good book in my opinion. Even with a cliche everything, it could have still been better executed.
Dylan is a confusing character at times, or maybe its the situations that we find ourselves in. He does give us some laughs throughout and I swear the boy is one road away from having tourettes.
Still, I guess that was suppose to be his difference from your usual characters. The straightforwardness and overall bad mannerisms. It's like he was disrespectful for fun. Sometimes I honestly believe he thought his actions were right or maybe he just didn't care all around.
Renee ... at least she wasn't stressing over a failed relationship. She seemed more angry than your usual female character and she never fawn over the ex on his return. She was totally in charge and handled it well ... or at least the conversation that is. Still, procrastination was her middle name and that became annoying quick.
This book started out as a blast from the past and unfortunately, the characters kept the emotional level of 14 year olds. The language, conversations, and decisions were childish and in the end parts of this novel, she decided to start talking like a teenager while he was acting like a spoiled one.
There was no structure. It's bad enough that it takes 60% into the book before they finally get together and it seemed all was going well until Dylan's clueless part tourettes kicked in and his nonchalant behaviour lead to one thing and her liquor consumption lead to another.
Next thing we know, the book is spiraling into a nose dive of crappy situations and decisions and by magic! (Because what else could it be), they were back together and then the cliches tumbled down hill and the story ended with two of the most unrealistic and cliche situations, portrayal and everything in between.
We also had the unfortunate pleasure of being stuck in Renee' s head more than having dialogues. She bounced from past to present and she still couldn't get it right.
Still, I honestly preferred her blasts from the past as they were the most excitingly written, followed by Dylan's banters with her.
Also, for a rock and roll love story, we had minimal rock and roll sightings or mentions. Mostly just angry rants and a couple Jeff Buckley songs. Rock and roll wasn't even the basis of their relationship so I honestly don't get the title. Muse was constantly mentioned in passing but that was it. Nice book cover though, so it wasn't all a fail.
I knew not when their love connection started, nor how it was fixed when it was broken. It was mostly secret looks passing between the two and I guess the author felt no need for us to know more than them looking in each other's eyes.
The minor characters were ... minor. And after awhile, they just faded until they weren't even mention again. It's like they just carved them out in the end.
I had real high hopes got this book, based on the synopsis and what seemed to be a good start, but then Renee met Dylan and it slowly spiraled into a sub par novel.
This could have been so much better because even with potential tourettes, I like Dylan's character the most and he's what kept me reading until he started behaving like a child.
Good enough story line, but poor execution!
Dylan is a confusing character at times, or maybe its the situations that we find ourselves in. He does give us some laughs throughout and I swear the boy is one road away from having tourettes.
Still, I guess that was suppose to be his difference from your usual characters. The straightforwardness and overall bad mannerisms. It's like he was disrespectful for fun. Sometimes I honestly believe he thought his actions were right or maybe he just didn't care all around.
Renee ... at least she wasn't stressing over a failed relationship. She seemed more angry than your usual female character and she never fawn over the ex on his return. She was totally in charge and handled it well ... or at least the conversation that is. Still, procrastination was her middle name and that became annoying quick.
This book started out as a blast from the past and unfortunately, the characters kept the emotional level of 14 year olds. The language, conversations, and decisions were childish and in the end parts of this novel, she decided to start talking like a teenager while he was acting like a spoiled one.
There was no structure. It's bad enough that it takes 60% into the book before they finally get together and it seemed all was going well until Dylan's clueless part tourettes kicked in and his nonchalant behaviour lead to one thing and her liquor consumption lead to another.
Next thing we know, the book is spiraling into a nose dive of crappy situations and decisions and by magic! (Because what else could it be), they were back together and then the cliches tumbled down hill and the story ended with two of the most unrealistic and cliche situations, portrayal and everything in between.
We also had the unfortunate pleasure of being stuck in Renee' s head more than having dialogues. She bounced from past to present and she still couldn't get it right.
Still, I honestly preferred her blasts from the past as they were the most excitingly written, followed by Dylan's banters with her.
Also, for a rock and roll love story, we had minimal rock and roll sightings or mentions. Mostly just angry rants and a couple Jeff Buckley songs. Rock and roll wasn't even the basis of their relationship so I honestly don't get the title. Muse was constantly mentioned in passing but that was it. Nice book cover though, so it wasn't all a fail.
I knew not when their love connection started, nor how it was fixed when it was broken. It was mostly secret looks passing between the two and I guess the author felt no need for us to know more than them looking in each other's eyes.
The minor characters were ... minor. And after awhile, they just faded until they weren't even mention again. It's like they just carved them out in the end.
I had real high hopes got this book, based on the synopsis and what seemed to be a good start, but then Renee met Dylan and it slowly spiraled into a sub par novel.
This could have been so much better because even with potential tourettes, I like Dylan's character the most and he's what kept me reading until he started behaving like a child.
Good enough story line, but poor execution!
January 26, 2013
I will admit, I got sucked into reading this one!! I was browsing through my store on my e-reader and this book was one that they recommended for me, but being the studious reader that I am, I had to check it out on Goodreads and see what other readers were saying about it and low and behold there was a "Read Now" button so I hit it and started reading and when I had finished the excerpt (no I didn't realize I wasn't going to get to read the whole thing when I hit the button) I had to know what happened so I bought it. I wasn't disappointed with my purchase, in fact I sat down and read the entire book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Dylan and Renee obviously belonged together, but getting them both to realize and admit it to one another was difficult. They both had insecurities and were scared of what would happen to their friendship if they took it to the next level. I enjoyed the themes of forgiveness, finding true love, and strength to realize your dreams, but I almost felt like the author rushed a few situations. For instance, the whole first part of the book was about how betrayed Renee felt by what her best friend Justine had done and how she could/would never forgive her, and yet the minute Justine shows up on her doorstep she invites her right in and they are friends again. I wish Renee had made Justine work harder for her friendship and that they would've had the conversation where Renee was able to express to Justine all the pent-up feelings she had when Justine ultimately betrayed her, but instead it was more like an "it's okay, you're my best friend, just don't do it again" resolution. Definitely not the same Renee we were introduced to at the beginning of the book. Also, the return of her ex David was just too cliche. I mean really, if he had truly loved her like he was professing, he would've never betrayed her and he would have came after her immediately, not several months down the road. I loved Dylan and the fact that he was more mature than alot of guys and wouldn't fall for Renee's childish tendencies to try and get her way, although it would have been nice for him to occasionally make her heart truly melt and follow after her and give her the attention she obviously needed (especially since he knew what she wanted him to do!) I think every woman wants the man they love to run after them and tell the what they need and want to hear, not create self-doubt. Regardless though, I loved him and wouldn't mind reading another book about how their life continued. Although the book was predictable in spots it still made for a good read with a HEA for the characters.
May 28, 2012
Sounds Bites did not disappoint as a cute and convincing contemporary romance. I loved it! I could not put the book down. I had some errands I needed to run so I told myself that I would read for 2 hours and then I could run to the store, post office etc. Well, as you can probably guess- I didn't make it to any store that day. Once my two hours were up, I just couldn't bring myself to set the book aside. Not even for a few hours. I just kept on reading into the night.
I loved that at first glance Renee seems to be such a contradiction. (at least, that's how she seemed to Dylan- and I tend to agree with him) She seems like your typical blond hair, blue eyed pretty, preppy girl. But once you get to know her, she is so much more. She is selfless and sensitive, and boy can she hold a grudge. She is certainly not someone that I would want to make mad, because she would never let me forget about it. But she is so passionate about music.
This book centers around music and two people's love of all things music. It is so cute to see Renee and Dylan together because they just have so much in common. You can tell that they both live and breathe music. Music is what they love. Dylan is a complex guy. So much of what he is thinking or feeling is simmering just below the surface. He kind of makes you work for it, and he is a typical cocky guy. Sometimes he does dumb things and to say he is a player is putting it mildly.
But then you throw in the meant to be together aspect, (which is pretty predictable, I will give you that. It has been done before- good girl reforms the players ways. But it is not overly cliche or annoying. I thought the story was rich and detailed enough that it got away from the cliche for me) and I was hooked. There is something about the way Rachel writes and describes things that made me just fall in love right along with them and made me want to keep reading. I wont say that I absolutely loved every single second of the book, because there was one thing that I didn't particularly love (but it isn't something that I think would bother most people- AND no I won't tell you what it is, you will have to find out for yourself) but other than that little situational detail- I LOVED everything about this book. It wasn't overly predictable, the writing was great and the characters are so likable that you will be rooting for them the whole way. I fell in love with Sound Bites and I think you will too!
I loved that at first glance Renee seems to be such a contradiction. (at least, that's how she seemed to Dylan- and I tend to agree with him) She seems like your typical blond hair, blue eyed pretty, preppy girl. But once you get to know her, she is so much more. She is selfless and sensitive, and boy can she hold a grudge. She is certainly not someone that I would want to make mad, because she would never let me forget about it. But she is so passionate about music.
This book centers around music and two people's love of all things music. It is so cute to see Renee and Dylan together because they just have so much in common. You can tell that they both live and breathe music. Music is what they love. Dylan is a complex guy. So much of what he is thinking or feeling is simmering just below the surface. He kind of makes you work for it, and he is a typical cocky guy. Sometimes he does dumb things and to say he is a player is putting it mildly.
But then you throw in the meant to be together aspect, (which is pretty predictable, I will give you that. It has been done before- good girl reforms the players ways. But it is not overly cliche or annoying. I thought the story was rich and detailed enough that it got away from the cliche for me) and I was hooked. There is something about the way Rachel writes and describes things that made me just fall in love right along with them and made me want to keep reading. I wont say that I absolutely loved every single second of the book, because there was one thing that I didn't particularly love (but it isn't something that I think would bother most people- AND no I won't tell you what it is, you will have to find out for yourself) but other than that little situational detail- I LOVED everything about this book. It wasn't overly predictable, the writing was great and the characters are so likable that you will be rooting for them the whole way. I fell in love with Sound Bites and I think you will too!
June 23, 2012
When I read the first sentence, I was like yup exactly how I felt, as it starts out with, "Going from Catholic school to public school is like living in a fishbowl your whole life, and then being dumped into the Mississippi River." Yes this is exactly how I felt, when I went to public school, so I knew I was going to like this story, as I already felt like I could relate to Renee, and I love to connect some way to the characters. Speaking of, I really liked her character. We first see her as someone who had high dreams/hopes, and then they were immediately squished when an unthinkable and most hurtful situation happens-the one worst situation that just stops the clock in your head: catching the best friend with the boyfriend. Yeah that's pretty awful, so Renee flees Los Angeles, flees her aspirations, and goes back to her hometown of Boston. Being back to a place where she hoped not to be again, might not be so bad when her neighbor is Dylan: a cute, ok, Hot, aspiring musician who definitely has talent, a rocking voice, of which I really wish I could hear, as it sounds amazing as described. Dylan was a likable guy with an interesting sense of humor, but is also mysterious and has some sort of arrogant attitude, but you like him; you just do. These two become friends, and perhaps become even more....
I really enjoyed the story; there is a pretty good flow, and you will definitely want to read more and more as you start. I liked how Burke is descriptive, especially in location, as you feel as if you're there. I enjoyed in the beginning when she describes LA, as it's very familiar to me, as I live near by, so easily I can picture Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, and yeah even The Ivy. Another aspect I enjoyed was of course the talk of music! Both Renee and Dylan are passionate about music, about the words, about how it makes you feel, how it can just transport yourself to somewhere else and so on. Burke wrote this story really really well. We read from Renee's POV, and it just seems fitting, but I don't know, it would also have been nice to read what Dylan was thinking ;) So, anyways, this was a wonderful story, and I hope you read it, as it dealt with all sorts of emotions that we can all relate to, especially frustration, friendship and love, and you don't want to miss arrogant but sweet Dylan! This was great, and I recommend this novel! :)
I really enjoyed the story; there is a pretty good flow, and you will definitely want to read more and more as you start. I liked how Burke is descriptive, especially in location, as you feel as if you're there. I enjoyed in the beginning when she describes LA, as it's very familiar to me, as I live near by, so easily I can picture Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, and yeah even The Ivy. Another aspect I enjoyed was of course the talk of music! Both Renee and Dylan are passionate about music, about the words, about how it makes you feel, how it can just transport yourself to somewhere else and so on. Burke wrote this story really really well. We read from Renee's POV, and it just seems fitting, but I don't know, it would also have been nice to read what Dylan was thinking ;) So, anyways, this was a wonderful story, and I hope you read it, as it dealt with all sorts of emotions that we can all relate to, especially frustration, friendship and love, and you don't want to miss arrogant but sweet Dylan! This was great, and I recommend this novel! :)
July 14, 2012
From the start I was captivated by how Justine and Renee met. Now you can read over and over again someone bonding over the usual mainstream music that is thrown around today. But since Rachel K. Burke based the beginning of this friendship in the 90's and how Renee sees the initials J.B. etched by Justine, you see from there that these two girls had found a musical soul-mate in one another. But it goes to show as the novel progresses actually quite quickly which is what I liked about the introduction, stating almost a fact on fact basis of here is what happened, it happened, I'm moving on. Which is a bit of shock for the reader because you are so use to deviling into the despair of how one is feeling after their best friend slept with your boyfriend. Right there is where all boundaries were tested and Renee's life that she knew untangled until she had to move back to were she grew up in Boston. Without missing a beat Renee's character is at a continuous evolution pattern, yeah she's depressed about it and we see that when she's eating ice cream and watching an untamed amount of television. The wit and humor of this twenty-five year old woman is something to admire. As she gears her life back from the dust of a failed and ending of not one but two relationships. She stumbles or hears the voice of a man she has savored from the start, Jeff Buckley.
No doubt that Dylan is the blue eyed, dark haired brother of our beloved Buckley but he turns out to be what Renee not only needed but Dylan in return needed her too. Whether Rachel K. Burke was trying to get the point across that life can always start over and be better than you intended, with a few obstacles in the road; you not only make the most of it but embrace everything that is thrown at you. Also with the fact that we have more than one soul-mate, it could be in love or a friendship or just an mutual understanding between two people. Sound Bites: A Rock & Roll Story is one of the closest ideas to the truth. Music can bring people back together and jump start love in all the right places.
No doubt that Dylan is the blue eyed, dark haired brother of our beloved Buckley but he turns out to be what Renee not only needed but Dylan in return needed her too. Whether Rachel K. Burke was trying to get the point across that life can always start over and be better than you intended, with a few obstacles in the road; you not only make the most of it but embrace everything that is thrown at you. Also with the fact that we have more than one soul-mate, it could be in love or a friendship or just an mutual understanding between two people. Sound Bites: A Rock & Roll Story is one of the closest ideas to the truth. Music can bring people back together and jump start love in all the right places.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2014
Firstly thank you to Rachel for getting in touch about taking part in my blog anniversary giveaway. I downloaded this book after she got in touch because as with many Harper Impulse titles it sounded ideal for me. Check back on the 24th of June to win a copy of Sound Bites as well as some other Harper Impulse titles!
As I've said I thought this sounded ideal for my reading tastes, I loved the cover and the title interested me too because I also love music.
The story is all about female main character Renee and her life. She's just gone through a pretty crappy break up and finds herself back in her hometown after living her dream in LA, where she meets music man Dylan.
Renee is quite an easy character to get to like. She's been through this break up which was like a double whammy because not only did her boyfriend cheat on her he cheated with her best friend so it's like a double break up. There's empathy present straight away and that sort of all female "sisters before misters" ethos developed because of her situation.
Renee has a thing about bad boys but is always on the look out for that good guy that she knows she should be with. Dylan, with his capturing eyes and musical prowess is the epitome of bad boy but when Renee gets to know him, he has a softer, down to earth side to him making him the perfect guy for her.
The music industry is stereotypically famous for its bed hopping nature where all the good looking guys in bands find girls throwing themselves at their feet and that element of Renee and Dylan's relationship makes it hard for Renee to trust Dylan after her last "good guy" boyfriend's escapades.
I really enjoyed this story and read it in a couple of hours as I couldn't put it down. The story itself is charming, romantic and because you get totally swept up in their friendship and then romance it's fast paced. I also found out that there will be a sequel which I am looking forward to aswell!
As I've said I thought this sounded ideal for my reading tastes, I loved the cover and the title interested me too because I also love music.
The story is all about female main character Renee and her life. She's just gone through a pretty crappy break up and finds herself back in her hometown after living her dream in LA, where she meets music man Dylan.
Renee is quite an easy character to get to like. She's been through this break up which was like a double whammy because not only did her boyfriend cheat on her he cheated with her best friend so it's like a double break up. There's empathy present straight away and that sort of all female "sisters before misters" ethos developed because of her situation.
Renee has a thing about bad boys but is always on the look out for that good guy that she knows she should be with. Dylan, with his capturing eyes and musical prowess is the epitome of bad boy but when Renee gets to know him, he has a softer, down to earth side to him making him the perfect guy for her.
The music industry is stereotypically famous for its bed hopping nature where all the good looking guys in bands find girls throwing themselves at their feet and that element of Renee and Dylan's relationship makes it hard for Renee to trust Dylan after her last "good guy" boyfriend's escapades.
I really enjoyed this story and read it in a couple of hours as I couldn't put it down. The story itself is charming, romantic and because you get totally swept up in their friendship and then romance it's fast paced. I also found out that there will be a sequel which I am looking forward to aswell!
May 30, 2012
The first thing that drew me into this story was the cover. I am a total Converse girl, so I of course thought this cover was adorable. Then, I saw that this was a "Rock & Roll Love Story" and knew I had to be a part of this blog tour. A story about a girl who falls for a musician? When can I start??
Renee's story turned out to be funny, adorable, sweet, and just straight up enjoyable. Renee had walked in on her best friend and boyfriend together, so she moves back to where she's from to start fresh without remembering the betrayal of the two closest people in her life.
I loved Renee's character from the beginning and how she slowly fell for Dylan, the quirky, often cocky musician from the floor above her. Despite her feelings for Dylan, Renee doesn't want to lose the friendship she's built with him, especially when it comes to his music. Renee has been helping Dylan finally get over his stage fright and share his talents with the world, and admitting her feelings could take him away from her. So Renee settles for the best friend position.
Dylan's journey to success and Renee's struggle to deal with her feelings creates such a sweet story and I was so sad to see it end. Renee was just getting over losing the two most important people in her life when they betrayed her, so she couldn't bear losing someone else. But just staying friends is much harder than it sounds, especially with how devilishly charming Dylan can be. Those darn musicians!
Some parts were a bit predictable, but other than that this was a great story with really great characters. Not only did I like Renee and Dylan, but their friends and family were really interesting characters too. The side stories were also cute and there wasn't really ever a dull moment in the story. For a cute, fun story about love and music, Sound Bites is definitely a book to check out.
Renee's story turned out to be funny, adorable, sweet, and just straight up enjoyable. Renee had walked in on her best friend and boyfriend together, so she moves back to where she's from to start fresh without remembering the betrayal of the two closest people in her life.
I loved Renee's character from the beginning and how she slowly fell for Dylan, the quirky, often cocky musician from the floor above her. Despite her feelings for Dylan, Renee doesn't want to lose the friendship she's built with him, especially when it comes to his music. Renee has been helping Dylan finally get over his stage fright and share his talents with the world, and admitting her feelings could take him away from her. So Renee settles for the best friend position.
Dylan's journey to success and Renee's struggle to deal with her feelings creates such a sweet story and I was so sad to see it end. Renee was just getting over losing the two most important people in her life when they betrayed her, so she couldn't bear losing someone else. But just staying friends is much harder than it sounds, especially with how devilishly charming Dylan can be. Those darn musicians!
Some parts were a bit predictable, but other than that this was a great story with really great characters. Not only did I like Renee and Dylan, but their friends and family were really interesting characters too. The side stories were also cute and there wasn't really ever a dull moment in the story. For a cute, fun story about love and music, Sound Bites is definitely a book to check out.
July 13, 2012
Renee is back in her hometown of Boston, not because she wants to be but because while in LA with her supposed best friend she walked in on her sleeping with her boyfriend. And on her homecoming from her grandfather's funeral. Fleeing seems like the best option but means leaving her writing job that she loves and her friend she has had for over a decade. Her first day at her new apartment and she rams her car into her neighbor's van, this is her first introduction to Dylan. The next few interactions are just as unpleasant but humorous to Dylan. One night she hears her favorite Jeff Buckley song playing from his apartment and just has to go say something to him. (I immediately had a hankering to listen to JB myself). Dylan reveals that as much as he likes to write and play music, and is supposedly talented, that he cant play in front of people. Renee decides this is her crusade. This is where I got a little annoyed. I understand her wanting to be supportive and pushing him out of her comfort zone, but she acted like it was a personal affront when he wasnt thrilled with it. I had a hard time relating to that I guess, especially because it seems actually like a good way to push someone away. Anyway their relationship develops, in large part to his musical talent and her musician friends who give Dylan a chance. For some reason it felt like something was missing, it was like the whole middle was not there, like one second they are suddenly a full fledged deeply involved couple but we get no real view of this. So it was like I was just waiting for the next shoe to drop rather than enjoying the supposed happy coupledom. I did actually enjoy that she was realistic in her obviously not being over or having closure with the whole cheating ex and best friend thing and acts out, and drunkenly, because of it. Overall I enjoyed it quite a bit but just needed a little bit more.
December 9, 2013
A great little book about love and friendship.
After walking in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed together, twenty-five year-old Renee flees sunny Los Angeles and her dream job as a music journalist and returns to her hometown of Boston – only to meet Dylan, the mysterious, aspiring musician who lives in her apartment building. However Dylan is normally the type of guy Renee would steer clear of. They develop a close friendship overtime. But when Renee’s troublesome ex comes back and threatens to drive her and Dylan apart, Renee is forced to face her past and save her relationship with Dylan before it's too late.
The blurb interested me in this book as I love a good rock star story. I really enjoying reading this story. It moves along at a good pace. I liked the little flashbacks that were placed in first half of the book as it really added to the story and you were able to connect Renee's emotions and actions. The story is told from Renee's POV but it would have been nice to get Dylan's POV at times. I loved the banter between Renee and Dylan. This was another book where I didn't want to put down as I wanted to find out what happens. This book is a little tamer to some of the usual books I have read as it does not contain any what I like to call steamy scenes. It might have been nice to have at least a kiss or something. However this didn't effect the story and when I had finished I would have liked more. Maybe a little epilogue showing them a year or so after the book finished.
Overall a light, sweet read with a little bit of angst, friendship and love.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
After walking in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed together, twenty-five year-old Renee flees sunny Los Angeles and her dream job as a music journalist and returns to her hometown of Boston – only to meet Dylan, the mysterious, aspiring musician who lives in her apartment building. However Dylan is normally the type of guy Renee would steer clear of. They develop a close friendship overtime. But when Renee’s troublesome ex comes back and threatens to drive her and Dylan apart, Renee is forced to face her past and save her relationship with Dylan before it's too late.
The blurb interested me in this book as I love a good rock star story. I really enjoying reading this story. It moves along at a good pace. I liked the little flashbacks that were placed in first half of the book as it really added to the story and you were able to connect Renee's emotions and actions. The story is told from Renee's POV but it would have been nice to get Dylan's POV at times. I loved the banter between Renee and Dylan. This was another book where I didn't want to put down as I wanted to find out what happens. This book is a little tamer to some of the usual books I have read as it does not contain any what I like to call steamy scenes. It might have been nice to have at least a kiss or something. However this didn't effect the story and when I had finished I would have liked more. Maybe a little epilogue showing them a year or so after the book finished.
Overall a light, sweet read with a little bit of angst, friendship and love.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
July 1, 2012
Four & 1/2 STARS--Don't you enjoy a book that keeps you up at night? Then you wake up early to go finish reading, not caring if you're the least bit tired. That's what "Sound Bites" was for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, how they met (hilarious car accident though I'm sure they didn't think so), Renee's back story as to why she moved (best friend sleeping with her boyfriend) and Dylan.
Dylan.
I enjoyed his character especially when Renee acted pigheaded and he let her stew on her own and didn't give into her sometimes immature behavior. He enjoyed his non-response to her antics. Renee was not a TSTL heroine but a young adult still finding her way and sometimes she made some poor choices. But she did not annoy me while reading.
I found the story to be pretty realistic and heartwarming. I definitely would recommend to other romance readers.
P.S. (SPOILERISH) My only complaint was Walter telling Renee he was at the concert in NYC to support his brother's band. And then later that evening he said he was the only boy in his family. Weird detail but it stuck out to me.
Dylan.
I enjoyed his character especially when Renee acted pigheaded and he let her stew on her own and didn't give into her sometimes immature behavior. He enjoyed his non-response to her antics. Renee was not a TSTL heroine but a young adult still finding her way and sometimes she made some poor choices. But she did not annoy me while reading.
I found the story to be pretty realistic and heartwarming. I definitely would recommend to other romance readers.
P.S. (SPOILERISH) My only complaint was Walter telling Renee he was at the concert in NYC to support his brother's band. And then later that evening he said he was the only boy in his family. Weird detail but it stuck out to me.
August 4, 2012
Renee Evans was happy with the life she was leading with her best friend by her side, dream job, and boyfriend she thought she had it all, until she walked in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed. Moving back to Boston was a humbling experience, Renee begins to take a long look at her life past, present and future and wonders where it will lead.
After a few unpleasant bump in's with neighbor Dylan Cavallari, she discovers the man sings like her favorite rock star. Dylan is shy about performing in front of others, but begins to find comfort in his time with Renee. As they discover they have moved from friendship to something more, they both have to wade through issues from their past if they want any future at all.
I am not exactly sure how I feel about this one, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I thought Renee was pushy in the beginning with Dylan and got so mad at him, I just didn't see the connection or get the feeling as to why. I liked the overall concept but there were other things that left me scratching my head. I did feel the author made a realistic setting and visually I could imagine everything in the story.
After a few unpleasant bump in's with neighbor Dylan Cavallari, she discovers the man sings like her favorite rock star. Dylan is shy about performing in front of others, but begins to find comfort in his time with Renee. As they discover they have moved from friendship to something more, they both have to wade through issues from their past if they want any future at all.
I am not exactly sure how I feel about this one, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I thought Renee was pushy in the beginning with Dylan and got so mad at him, I just didn't see the connection or get the feeling as to why. I liked the overall concept but there were other things that left me scratching my head. I did feel the author made a realistic setting and visually I could imagine everything in the story.
June 8, 2012
Hmmmmm.....this was actually good, not perfect but good enough that I want you guys to read it. What caught my attention was of course the cover (again, what the heck I'm a sucker for cute covers, arent we all?), it is about music (which is one of my favorite topics) and of course the male MC is a man whore (which we all love, don't we girls?), so I have to give it a try. Glad I did coz I was not disappointed. Yes, it was a short read and the story was rather common but I loved Dylan and Renee, for me they clicked from the start individually as a character and together as a couple. I enjoyed their banter, their connection when it comes to music and just the friendship they have. So, as I've said earlier it's not perfect but it's good enough to give your time and attention to it. =)
May 13, 2013
This was a sweet and easy story. Renee returns to her hometown after finding her boyfriend cheating on her. It kinda funny how Dylan and Renee first meet. It is not a friendly encounter. Dylan is a closet musician (Renee's words) and Renee helps him to step out his shyness and embrace the gift that he has.
This is all from Renee's POV and I wish that there was Dylan's as well. Dylan's character could have been fleshed out more. It felt like there was so much more to him and you just barely scratch the surface with him. But I did like the angry and brooding musician. Renee she felt at times immature and quick to get angry over little things. She was confident and snarky one moment and then unsure and shy the next.
The ending was very sweet and very them. I hope that there will be a follow up with this couple later.
This is all from Renee's POV and I wish that there was Dylan's as well. Dylan's character could have been fleshed out more. It felt like there was so much more to him and you just barely scratch the surface with him. But I did like the angry and brooding musician. Renee she felt at times immature and quick to get angry over little things. She was confident and snarky one moment and then unsure and shy the next.
The ending was very sweet and very them. I hope that there will be a follow up with this couple later.
November 28, 2013
Dylan is rough around the edges, "Christ, I know we didn't exactly get off on the right foot," he continues. "But I'm trying to be cordial and say hello. The least you could do is reciprocate." And don't even think about dissing his apartment he goes all ape sh**, "listen," he said. "I know it's a mess, but I don't want to hear one complaint out of your mouth or I'm kicking your a** out. Understood?" When he comes home at night he expects his woman to be there, "listen to me," he instructed. "I want to come home later and crawl into that bed with my girl." He pointed to the direction of his bedroom. "And when I wake up, I want to have a few round of kick-a** morning sex. Understood?" I thought this book was a cute read, and I'm hoping other characters get a story as well.
July 24, 2012
Based on the reviews, I was excited to read "Sound Bites," by Rachel K. Burke; I too have had a tumultuous love affair with the music industry and it's bad boy rockers. I was hoping to connect with some part of this romantic view of the rock n' roll scene, and to be honest some parts were true to life as I knew it: the girls, the clubs, and the venues.
The main problem with this work is the writing. I felt as though i had flashed back to high school lit, and instead of reading the assigned works, I was sitting in class secretly reading "Sound Bites."
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to my sixteen year old niece, not to serious literature lovers.
The main problem with this work is the writing. I felt as though i had flashed back to high school lit, and instead of reading the assigned works, I was sitting in class secretly reading "Sound Bites."
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to my sixteen year old niece, not to serious literature lovers.
June 2, 2012
I loved Sound Bites! This was a cute fun contemporary romance. The writing was great, the characters were interesting and I was able to connect with Renee throughout the entire book. I read Sound Bites in one sitting because I could not put it down and the end left me sighing and saying "Awwwwh!" Lately, all I have been reading are YA books (which I love) and I have to say that Sound Bites had a YA "feel" to it but had some adult situations. Great read and I hope to read more from Rachel K. Burke!
July 5, 2012
Love the cover for this book!!
Rock Star Romance - my favorite word combination so I was excited to read this one. It was a good read but I didn't love it. There was quite a detailed and well written build up to the crux of the story of Renee and Dylan but once together it was rushed and we didn't get to revel in it.
It was however quite a convincing contemporary romance and the characters of Dylan and Renee were very well written.
Rock Star Romance - my favorite word combination so I was excited to read this one. It was a good read but I didn't love it. There was quite a detailed and well written build up to the crux of the story of Renee and Dylan but once together it was rushed and we didn't get to revel in it.
It was however quite a convincing contemporary romance and the characters of Dylan and Renee were very well written.
September 7, 2012
Rachel? I really love your book on Sound Bites: A Rock and Roll Love Story. This book was the best Rock and Roll love story I ever read. The story had Friendship, Romance, Heartbreaks, and finally and at least Forgiveness. I love how two people who love the same thing fell in love. I love how she and him got engaged with a Baby coming along. I was touched when I was reading this amazing book. You done a really good job on this book. I am going to read it again.
May 26, 2012
This book had me laughing, grinning stupidly, and sad all the time! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it. Dylan was hysterical with all the shit he pulled throughout the novel. He angered me a lot throughout the novel but he was still amazing. Renee was a great MC and I loved her boldness. I wish this book could have been longer though!!!
January 3, 2015
Loved this book! I spent a rainy day reading it and couldn't put it down. I really got into the characters and enjoyed the book thoroughly.
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