En lo más bajo del Rock (ROCKEA MÁS FUERTE nº 1)

Rock Harder #1

by Kat Mizera, Elizabeth Garay (translator)

Mi familia me llama Zeke. En la industria de la música me conocen como “Big Z” ... y en todas partes, las mujeres saben por qué.

Ser el guitarrista principal de la banda más ardiente del mundo debería ser suficiente, pero no lo es. Nada nunca lo es. Y no sé por qué.

Dinero. Fama. Mujeres. Me estoy ahogando con los tres. Pero a la dulce y enérgica universitaria que ofrece su virginidad a cambio de una entrevista, no la puedo sacar de mi cabeza. Y desearía saber por qué.

Presley ha estado ocultando un secreto que lo puede cambiar todo. Ella se convierte en mi salvavidas. Y en lugar de alejarla, debería haberla retenido con más fuerza.

Porque toda la banda está en una espiral descendente, fuera de control.... y lo peor es que ninguno de nosotros sabía lo que se avecinaba.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Surprise Pregnancy, Slow Burn

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Pikolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

En realidad son 2.5*
No me ha convencido, esperaba otra cosa.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I enjoy my fiction with a bit of realism to it. Actually, I prefer it to be completely realistic but not always full of *real life* because then it can just bog down the story with more *angst* than necessary and I read as an escape so … all that is to say that Kat brought her word wizardry in full force when she wrote these two and I LOVED every moment. What happened, how it happened, the fall-out and the reconciliation all happened with an edge of realism and a whole lot of emotion and I felt the story that much more because of it. You know what I always say … how a story makes you feel is sometimes far more important than the story itself, and I was feeling it all with Rock Bottom.

This is the beginning of a series and while its main focus was Zeke & Presley, it also has a secondary plot (of sorts) which is all about the band itself, Onyx Knight. There is a whole bunch of turmoil with the band that needs to be resolved and dealt with and that’s going to, I think/predict, be a part of all the books in this series. Kat is a very talented storyteller and I have no doubt in my mind that she will continue to build this already highly addictive bunch of characters into more and more. As much as we discovered in Rock Bottom, my guess is that it is just the tip of the storm, and I am here for all of it!

Speaking of Kat's talent, I can't even remember the last time one of her stories did not rate 5 stars! Do with that tidbit what you will! :)

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really torn with this one. I liked Presley, but hated how she was a doormat for Zeke. Thought Zeke was a dick for most of the book, even after he found out, it seemed like he thought he could buy his way back into Presley's good graces. Didn't really care for Carter at first, seemed like the usual entitle rock star, but listening to him talk to Presley and with Aunt Meg, ended up liking him and hated how things ended there. Loved Aunt Meg, from start to finish, she was great support for Presley through everything.

Now with all this being said, I am intrigued with what happens next for the band, there are big changes ahead, it will be interesting how they all weather them.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Rock Romance

Onyx Knights are on top of their game with being one of the biggest rock bands in the world but they are falling apart from the inside out. All college student Presley wants is an interview with anyone from the band for her college final project. No one from the band wants to indulge the plain looking woman but things take a big turn when Zeke ends up at a resort that Presley works at. He has no idea that the barmaid is also the woman who wanted an interview just hours ago. All it took was one night and secrets not heard to change their lives forever.

This book was told with throwing everything at me with giving me hope and also breaking my heart. Zeke and Presley were two amazing people who were able to get their HEA with such a well told story. I highly recommend this book for all rock romance lovers out there.

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeke needs a break - from his tour, the band, his mother spending all his money - he just wants a break. So he heads to a resort in Minneapolis for two days. Where he becomes enamored with the bartender, Presley. Presley doesn't recognize him at first (hard to believe) but then when she realizes that he is the lead guitarist of the band that she tried to interview for college project she immediately decides to keep silent about that. They both are drawn to each other and they don't want the night to end after chatting during her entire shift. The next morning Zeke over hears her on the phone talking about if she got her interview. He then realizes she is the one that wanted the interview, so he assumes that she is like everyone else -just using him to get something she needs/wants. He tells her off and says he never wants to see her again. Which sets off a chain of events for Presley's life that sends her life in a tail spin with the ultimate bombshell being when she finds out she is pregnant with Zeke's baby.

I enjoyed this one. It was all very insta and there were some awkward moments (shaving her on their ONS - weird) but I was pulled into their story. I really liked Zeke. I felt he genuinely like Presley and was hurt by what he thought was her betrayal but when he finally listed to her he was devastated for her, him and their son. When Zeke came back into her life, I really struggled to like Presley. After knowing how he felt about his family and abusing his generosity with his money it really irked me that she just kept demanding more and more money. Didn't endear me to her at all and kinda felt icky. And of course the more money he threw at her the more she started to warm up to him. Eventually it stopped feeling like it was all about the money and she genuinely loved him but it did leave a bad taste in my mouth. But when his world went into a tail spin she really proved her love. Standing by him and being strong for him even when he was shutting her out. I really enjoyed this one and immediately pre-ordered the next book in the series.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Zeke and Presley’s story! It was an emotional roller coaster ride that had me all over the place. Their chemistry was explosive! They were perfect for each other! I’m eager to get my hands on Rock God, the second book in the Rock Harder series! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke, known as Big Z to the music industry, is the lead guitarist for the hottest band in the world, Onyx Knight. Zeke is swimming in money, fame, and girls but is needing some downtime from the exhaustion of touring and drama surrounding the band. Zeke is surprised to find himself attracted to the bartender at the resort he is staying at, not realizing she is the reporter he and the others in the band blew off. Presley lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her Aunt Meg. With her aunt being diagnosed with MS, Presley is struggling with taking care of her aunt, school, and work. Presley needed an interview with members of Onyx Knight to complete her project to graduate from college. Presley and Zeke have an instant connection that has them spending the night burning up the sheets. When Zeke overhears Presley talking on the phone about not getting an interview with Onyx Knight, Zeke yells and leaves Presley heart broken. Presley reaches out to Onyx Knight's management company when she realizes she is pregnant and is shut down by Aurora, who is sleeping with Zeke. How will Zeke react when he learns about the son he has with Presley? Will Zeke feel any guilt when he learns Presley didn't graduate, and she lost her job at the resort because someone overheard their argument regarding their night together? Can Zeke convince Presley that he wants a family with her and their son? Will Presley hold onto her anger or will she open her heart to Zeke again? When tragedy strikes, will the members of Onyx Knight go their separate ways or continue on as a band? Will secrets revealed tear the band apart or make them stronger? I LOVED Rock Bottom by Kat Mizera! Zeke and Presley have great chemistry that burns brightly between them. I loved how Aunt Meg and Carter bonded after she and Presley move in with Zeke. Carter's story breaks my heart. Rock Bottom is full of twists and turns that will leave the reader at the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Rock Bottom is a great start to the Rock Harder series by Kat Mizera. I would highly recommend getting Rock Bottom by Kat Mizera. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Story - Rock Bottom

Get ready to hit Rock Bottom with the band Onyx Knight. 🎵🎸🎤✨ Five friends have risen to fame together however fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Through this story the band members battle personal demons and decisions are made that impact each of them individually and together as a band. This is the first book I have read from author Kat Mizera and I am hooked! This story is an emotional rockstar romance that doesn’t hide the dirty side of the fast life including greed, loneliness, failure, secrets, mental illness such as depression, alcohol and substance abuse, addiction, and even death. In addition to all of the aforementioned Mizera weaves a romance between a rockstar and a non-celebrity - she delivers the falling in love, angsty separation, and hot as hell reunion! Although the “falling in love” aspect was kinda rushed - it works! I totally fell in love with Zeke & Presley. ❤️‍🔥 Can’t wait for the next book of the series.

It should be noted there is content in this story that may be triggering and without spoiling specific content of the story please be aware one of the characters is battling addiction and he chooses the way the battle ends, permanently.

Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4.5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️‍🔥 | Top Contender for 2023’s Top 10 Books 🏆🏆

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story! I got to the end and felt like I’d been on such an emotionally challenging yet satisfying journey. Wow isn’t sufficient to cover how powerful this story is. Let me be clear, this book will rip your heart out and then slowly, very carefully and incrementally it will put it back together.

Presley and Zeke’s (Big Z) strong connection gets derailed unexpectedly after an overheard conversation out of context. From that one moment a devastating chain reaction is triggered.

Presley goes through an incredibly rough year and when Zeke comes back in her life she has to overcome some many turbulent emotions.

Beyond enjoying and being ripped apart by the journey the romance between Presley and Zeke travels, I feel the n live with Onyx Knight. The relationship between the band members is incredible. This new series is going to be stellar. I already can’t wait for Book #2, Rock God.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild rock star romance

Zeke the brooding rock star. Presley the shy girl who needed an interview for a class grade. Who knew the two of them would hit it off so well?
Kat Mizera has a loving story intertwined with tough issues. Drug abuse. Friendships. And family heartache. A great story I can’t wait to read again.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!
Oh man, hard to put into words how this book made me feel. What a roller coaster ride of emotions & I absolutely loved every word.

[Downward dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock Bottom is an emotional story about Zeke, a rock star and Presley, a college student. I enjoyed their encounters and thought they were wonderful together, when they were together. I wanted to yell at Zeke a few times and felt bad for Presley, but I was hopeful they would work everything out in the end. I enjoyed reading Zeke and Presley’s story and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Leah Dynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book broke my heart! It was SO good, and I’d one click this one immediately.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining & Addictive

✅ Sexy Rockstar
✅ Sweet Heroine
✅ Explosive Chemistry
✅ Emotional Rollercoaster
✅ Twists and Turns

Once again Kat Mizera has ticked all the boxes with her latest release ROCK BOTTOM. A rock star romance that sent my emotions on a twisting and turning rollercoaster from beginning to end. It is the first book in the Rock Harder series, and begins the story of Onyx Knight, a successful rock band who are on the pathway to destruction. William 'Zeke' Zerkesian is the lead guitarist, and this is his story.

Presley Figueroa is a college student, and in order to graduate she needs an interview with the band members from Onyx Knight, but she's unsuccessful. She unexpectedly meets Zeke when he walks into the bar where she works. She instantly recognizes him, but he doesn't recognize her. After an evening of friendly and flirty banter they share a steamy night together, one that will change everything. A misunderstanding the morning after results in Zeke and Presley not seeing or contacting each other for another year.

I fell hard for Zeke. Yes, in the beginning he was a total 'ahole', but he grew on me. He struggles with everything that is happening within the band, leading him to question his life and ask himself just what he really wants. He may come across as gruff, but he's really a marshmallow inside. When this man loves, he loves big. Presley was simply beautiful. With everything that she has going on in her life she has an amazing inner strength. She is a fighter, a carer, a woman who has standards when it comes to what she will and will not accept in her life.

A year has passed since their night together and Zeke and Presley find themselves in each other's lives once again. This time things are different as a lot of things have occurred during that year. I loved that Presley didn't immediately fall into Zeke's arms, she hates him, and her reasoning is justified. Zeke must do some major groveling to win back Presley's trust, and he does it brilliantly. Their journey is emotional, heartbreaking, and at times, joyous, bringing both laughter and tears.

While everything is going on between Zeke and Presley, he is also attempting to bring some form of unity back to the band. Confronting situations, lies, betrayals, and a devastating incident will change them all.

Kat Mizera has produced a powerful story, one that explores different relationships, connections, drug and alcohol usage, friendships, and love. She has shown that life always has pitfalls, involves unexpected twists and turns, and finding happiness which was once thought unattainable.

ROCK BOTTOM was an entertaining, addictive read, and to think it is only the first book in the series. Bring on the rest of the Onyx Knight men!!!

Top Read for 2023.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction


✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ADDICTIVE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one for me. I really enjoyed the story but a few things happened that dropped the rating for me. Gentle thoughts -

I adored aunt Meg’s character. She became the guardian for Presley when Presley’s mother passed away when she was 15. Aunt Meg was an absolute gem and just had a great personality. Enjoyed reading on her character/

As for our main characters, Zeke and Presley… I generally liked Presley’s character, she is a young 22 year-old who has worked for everything she had in life. Due to her circumstances, she is working to help afford a living for her and aunt Meg. Presley had to grow up quick and, because of that, never had the chance to date around (she’s very inexperienced). What I didn’t like was that Presley was an absolute doormat. For someone who’s worked for everything she has and has never had the easy path, I hated that she was a doormat when it came to Zeke. She always let him call the shots and never really put up much of a fuss. She forgave him too easily for me after everything that happened after their night together. She was forced to be a single mother, lost her job and failed her last college class all due indirectly to Zeke. Her and aunt Meg had to skip meals in order provide for Presley/Zeke’s child. I get he didn’t know, however, I felt like she got over the hardships and started dating him too quickly. Wish she forced him to coparent for longer before jumping into dating. Instead, he very easily convinces her and aunt Meg to drop everything and move to LA to be near him. She leaves her job, etc. and they haven’t even been back in each other’s lives for more than a few weeks. He also rushes her into marriage, which she doesn’t question. Who gets married before they even say I love you to each other? And then Zeke omitted that he used to be fuck buddied with Aurora, the manager who wouldn’t let Presley contact him about her pregnancy. Presley had to find out at a gala from Aurora. To me that’s beyond embarrassing but Presley hardly held Zeke accountable. Just wish she had more of a backbone.

As for Zeke, I didn’t mind his character but I did feel like he used money to solve all of his problems. He also is constantly passing Jeremey off on other people to watch. Wish he tried to incorporate him a little bit.

I also was frustrated that they made Aurora and her lack of loyalty for the band such a big part of the story yet they didn’t even show us the scene where the band fired her… was very anti climactic. I feel like majority of readers would want to see karma come back around to Aurora, yet it was skipped over.

I also wish they gave insight into the will reading. Felt like that was skipped over as well and then they disbanded the band and then reinstated the band like 5 minutes later. Don’t think that was necessary.

I truly think this book could have been reworked to be a 4 start story but, as it stands, it’s a 2.5/3 story at best.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of rockstar romances I gobbled this one up from the first page to the last. Though the storyline seen here is one we've seen before, I still found myself captivated as my emotions were played with at every turn. The first part of this book introduces readers to college girl Presley Figueroa who's trying to finish her degree and get a job as money is tight for her and her entertaining Aunt Meg. From that moment on, from the moment she meets guitarist Zeke of Onyx Knight, her life takes unexpected turns of highs and (mostly lows) that broke my heart. She's a tough heroine, one I rooted for every step of the way, in hopes that she makes Zeke work for forgiveness when the time comes.

William Zerkesian "Zeke" seems to be at the top of the rockstar world when readers first meet him, but the cracks in his rock god facade are starting to show. The partying, the drugs, and the women are starting to lead to dangerous and hurtful behaviors. The moment he meets Presley though he's drawn to her, and together they have an unforgettable night, one that leads to a morning of miscommunication and anger that lingers for over a year. His year away from Presley is one that sees his bandmates in dire straits, has him feeling guilty for the condition they're in, as well as having a desperate need for Presley’s forgiveness that he has every reason to grovel for since he has a lot to atone for. Throughout this story there were many instances where I hated Zeke! I hated his behaviors and his ease in believing a lie. I hated his ongoing relationship with a viperish woman who only wants the outer shell he shows the world. She's a toxic part of his world and doesn't have the band's best interest at heart and I cringed whenever the two of them were together.

With each turn of the page my heart hurt more and more. I felt broken down by all that befell Presley, her Aunt, and the band, and was grateful for the second half of the book that slowly built me back up. I'm not gonna lie...this book will rip your heart out! But the longer Zeke is on the scene the more he earns my forgiveness, earns my heart as he becomes just who Presley needs him to be.

Along the rocky journey that Presley and Zeke undertake is a slew of emotions that readers will be feeling right alongside the characters. I ached when they ached and wanted to spit with the number of miscommunications that hurt this couple repeatedly. I adored the connection between Aunt Meg and Presley, the unconditional support they gave one another in scenes that warmed my heart. The glimpses of Onyx Knight kept me glued to the pages, watching the bandmates unravel while hoping they put themselves back together soon. After reading this entertaining and compelling series starter, I look forward to where we readers will be taken next!

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In this book we are introduced to the band Onyx Knights and that includes Kingston, Zeke, Tommy, Carter and Kellan and their tour manager Ross and Manager Aurora.

In this book we also get to see some of other rock bands that the author has written about like Tyler and Lexi and Casey is also mentioned.

This book is told in two parts. The first 12 chapters of this book take place about 14 months before and we get to know the band and our main female lead, Presley and Zeke.

The second part of the book takes place a year later and we get to see how Presley has struggled and we get to meet the important people in her life.

As the second part begins I ABHOR and HATE Zeke so very much. But I HATE Aurora just as much. In this part of the story we find out that Zeke and Aurora have been sleeping together casually over the years they have known each other and in the last few months often. In fact Aurora and Zeke are sharing hotels rooms on the road when Zeke gets news about Presley. At that point he stops sleeping with her but the fact that they have been having sex and sharing rooms for months to me seems very intimate and so gross. She is older than Zeke and someone even says she is as old as his mother. We never get an age on her, but we know Zeke is 29. So she is for sure older than 29. I do want to say there is no cheating in this book but the fact that they are sharing hotel rooms on the road was an intimacy I hated, and it made me hate Zeke especially after we see how he treated Presley in the first part of the book.

In this part of the book Presley is doing really awfully and she HATES Zeke and I loved that when they meet again she HATES him so much. I totally cheered for her not accepting his little too late apology. I love that he knows that she HATES him and he has a lot to atone for. I wanted her to hate him some more and maybe date another guy and torture him more. But the author doesn't go there and I had an issue with that because he needed to suffer more.

But she lets her anger go and when she needs him, he is there for no question, which made me hate him a little less. At this point we start to see a new Zeke. The HOT rock star but also the good guy and that's who Presley and I fall for.

This book was a romantic story and by the end of the book I started to like Zeke again and maybe forgive him. This book also deals with several serious issues that I feel should have warnings. They are drug use, overdosing, suicide, rehab and also heart attacks.

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Zerkesian aka "Zeke" or Big Z as he is know to the public is a guitarist for the Onyx Knights. They are a hot, rock band that has been together for years putting out albums and going on tours. Zeke though is exhausted and a bit sick of the drama going on with the group so takes short break so separated from the band for a few days at a place in Minneapolis. What he doesn’t expect though is to be instantly attracted the bartender, Presley. The connection those two have is amazing and when they spent the night together it has him thinking of things a little different. But things do not end well and he leaves. For the next year he struggles…a lot with a lot of questions. Then when he finds out she has a baby, he knows it is his. This is giving him a second chance to fix things, not only in just his life, in multiple lives.

Presley Figueroa hasn’t had an easy life, she lost both of her parents, she was raised by her Aunt Meg who has MS and she is trying to finish her degree. But for that she needs to interview members of a rock band, when her opportunity doesn’t happen with the Onyx Knights she never imagines that the guitarist Big Z will show up at the bar she works at on a snowy night. She also never imagines that the connection they have or that he will leave her with some other things she will never forget….a shattered heart and a baby. When he shows back up in her life she is very apprehensive. He did a number on her, now will she forgive him and take a chance again or will she keep holding her heart closed to love.

Big Z was a jerk the way he handled things at first and to be honest it didn’t help that their manager Aurora should have been gone a long time before. She was controlling the band a lot more than each of them realized and causing so many issues on the stage and off.

There is love, sex, music, jealousy. We have this idea in our minds that the singers and bands we follow and adore have an easy life. This book shows us that they are dealing with a lot of their own issues, especially when it comes to things like drugs and alcohol. It is definitely a book that you want to add to your reading list and one thing is you have to be prepared for something not often talked about. How some people can be out of control in their lives and do something we often don’t talk about. I can’t wait to see where this will go. The only problem I had with it, is I am finding a lot of books are shorter now than before but the same price or more expensive. I wish this one had expanded some more and added a few more chapters in. While I love buying them all, it is getting hard on the budget sometimes.

[Jill Kerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SO excited to start Kat Mizera's new rock and roll series since I got caught up in the men of Nobody's Fool and saw very brief glimpses of Onyx Knight in her newest hockey series but nothing could have prepared me for this wild ride. If book one is this good, I'm going to lose my mind by book four!
Big Z is a guitarist with Onyx Knights and after blowing off a reporter at a Minneapolis show, he escapes to a resort for some rest and relaxation. What a coincidence when the bartender is the college reporter that he blew off and while Big Z doesn't recognize her, Presley knows who it is at her bar. After a couple of hours of talking and flirting, these two head up to Big Z's room for the evening. Despite a scorching hot night for the couple, an overheard conversation and assumptions has Zeke lashing out at Presley and leaving her. Of course the unexpected happens and Presley finds herself pregnant and tries to reach out to Zeke only to be shut down by the band manager.
Insert here the dreaded chapter title that I hate "One year later" UGH!!!
We find that Zeke is still thinking of Presley and she is busy taking care of a newborn. Now that the baby has arrived, Presley once again tries to get into contact with Zeke to share the news and this time she is successful and this is where the love story starts.
Zeke never forgot his night with Presley and wants the family and all that comes with it. Presley has been through too much and seen too much loss to jump into anything, so slow and steady for these two.
I enjoyed reading about Zeke and Presley reconnecting and falling in love as well as getting to know Aunt Meg a little better. She can be quite the spit fire and when she meets up with Zeke's bandmate, Carter, all bets are off. A little side story of their own and they are just what the other needs at the time.
Nothing is ever easy in life or rock and roll so this story takes many twists and turns, rips your heart out, gets you angry and then finally the HEA Zeke and Presley both need and want so badly. No spoilers here but despite KNOWING what was going to happen, I still had tears in my eyes.
Whew! and only book one.....I'm in for quite a ride with Onyx Knight!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Harder Book #1

Presley Figueroa has had it rough. She's living with her Aunt who has health issues and they are barely getting by. Presley just needs to do her senior project for her college class so she can graduate and then get a job. She wanted to write an article on the Onyx Knight rock band but was blown off, so now she fails the class and doesn't graduate.

William Zerkesian, "Zeke" known as Big Z is the lead guitarist for Onyx Knight, one of the hottest bands in the world.
He decides to take a couple days off and heads to a hotel where he runs into Presley tending bar. He doesn't recognize her but she knows who he is. They spend the evening talking and at the end of the night with the heavy snow she is staying at the hotel and he invites her to his room where they spend the night together.
He overhears something the next day and leaves and won't talk to her.

Presley had tried to contact Zeke but he kept blowing her off and wouldn't take her calls. After a year has passed he has been given some info and now contacts her. But will she talk to him?

Zeke has so much going on. The band is spiraling and he feels as if he's being pulled in a lot of directions. Not everyone is on the same page and at this point the band might break up.

5 stars
This story is an emotional roller coaster with some twists and turns. You have to love Aunt Meg and how she is there for Presley no matter what. She's willing to give everyone a chance. Her and Carter are too funny and the bond they have.
You'll scream NO and wonder why but you already know why. You'll be in tears and those twists have you wishing you had the next book already.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things could describe this amazing storyline: Gut Wrenching, Heartbreaking, Heartwarming, Lies, Misunderstandings, Romantic and the list could go on and on. Ms. Mizera broke my heart in so many places only to put it back together as only she can do. Her gift for the written word is one this reader simply loves. I can’t recommend this book enough and being book 1, you’d be wise to grab it up and get in on the ground of what I can only assume is going to be another outstanding series. We meet new friends and get to see old ones in this story (characters from the prior series Rock Hard - you don’t need to have read the Rock Hard series to enjoy this book, but I highly recommend the series as it is awesome).

In Rock Bottom, that is exactly what we have. Presley has pretty much hit rock bottom. Seems like one pitfall after another from the loss of her parents in her teens, her Aunt who took her in is now sick and needs her ,and her job/college career are over thanks to a one night stand Zeke better known as Big Z from the rock band Black Onyx. The same glorious one night stand that has changed her life in both good and bad ways. As for Zeke, he walked away from her the next day after their fight, but he can’t seem to forget her. So what happens when they finally reconnect over a year later? Well it’s not all sunshine and roses and the best/worst just might be still to come.

Grab up Rock Bottom asap, you won’t regret it. Just make sure to have some tissues on hand. As for this reader, she can’t wait for the next chapter for Black Onyx as well as book 2 in the series.

2 Thumbs Up and 5++ Stars

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for an emotional roller coaster! Onyx Knight is at the top of their career, but it’s exhausting. Zeke, the lead guitarist, is tired of the grind. He checks into a resort to relax, where he meets Presley, working as a bartender. Zeke doesn’t recognize her as the student reporter he brushed off after the concert, especially when she is called Lee, is wearing contacts, and dressed up for her job. They end up spending the weekend together and he feels a real connection, until he overhears a conversation and believes she was only after him to get an interview.

I felt bad for Presley, she was struggling to earn enough to just barely get by while finishing her degree and trying to help her ill aunt. Not getting the interview meant she didn’t graduate, plus she got fired from her job at the resort, and then finds out she is pregnant. She blames all of this on Zeke. It gets worse when she tries to contact Zeke to tell him she is pregnant and just gets blown off by the band’s manager.
Zeke never forgets Presley, but goes on with his band, touring, and dealing with his bandmates, especially Carter who has had multiple trips to rehab. And then there is his family who seems to see him as their personal ATM.

My biggest surprise was the wonderful relationship between Presley’s Aunt Meg and Carter, I loved the two of them together. I admired how Zeke worked to develop a level of trust with Presley, with an end goal of a real family relationship

This is a great start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what direction the Rock Harder series takes. Thanks to Kat Mizera for allowing me to read an ARC of Rock Bottom; this is my honest review.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This book captured my heart, squeezed every emotion out of me and didn’t even let go after I finished. “Rock Bottom” is an emotional, heartfelt and gripping story that I could put down because I was so enraptured with Zeke and Presley’s story.

Presley hasn’t had it the last couple years with losing her parents, taking care of her elderly Aunt who’s been sick and all while trying to go to college and get her degree. Presley tries to score an interview with super band, Onyx Knight but with no luck. At her job, she gets snowed and makes a connection with a bar patron. The patron is none other than Zeke, aka Big Z, the front man of the band. The two have an incredible night but a secret drives them apart but also brings them back together.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked on Zeke, Presley and the whole crew of Onyx Knight. There is just so many layers to this story and I loved each one. I seriously went through all the emotions. Happy, sad, angry and a few tears here and there. I loved how genuine Presley was and she truly loved Zeke the man, not just the rockstar. After their disagreement, he truly hurt and she stood strong on making sure that he wouldn’t do it again. Zeke is a complex man who went through so much during this story. The band was at the height of popularity but also had its struggles. There is so much I want to say but I won’t give up any spoilers. This is a must read and I cannot wait for the next book.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this story so much. I adore Rockstar Romances and Kat Mizera has written a really wonderful one with Rock Bottom. I am already anticipating what will come next. Zeke/big Z is the lead guitarist in one of the biggest rock bands in the world Onyx Knight...But the band is in trouble their life as you can imagine is chaotic. On the outside Zeke appears to have everything, but he is very unhappy and the band is on the verge of breaking up. Presley is on the opposite side of the spectrum than Zeke, while he is wealthy she has nothing. Her life is basically going down hill she is unable to graduate college and is in desperate need of a job. She needs money to help her aunt pay medical bills etc... When she unexpectedly meets Zeke they have a passionate one night stand, where Zeke disappears afterwards. Little do they both know is that this one night puts them on a course to change both of their lives forever. This book was so heart wrenching and emotional. There are lots of steam, chemistry and romance and a story that will captivate you throughout...There are some surprises too. Kat Mizera's writing is so perfect, the story is so well written. The angst was frustrating at times and it gave me numerous amounts of the feels. Sometimes it was tough to read but the happy times are worth the heartache. Rock Bottom is a fabulous story that I highly recommend, especially if you love a good rocker romance. You will easily fall in love with Zeke and Presley. Excellent book.- Cat W.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start and more importantly can I do Rock Bottom (Rock Harder #1) by Kat Mizera justice. First let me say I love this authors hockey series but now she has shown she can also be the Queen of rock star romance with William Zerkesian aka Zeke or Big Z and Presley Figueroa’s entertaining and very emotional journey.
Zeke is lead guitarist with Onyx Knight one of the worlds most successful rock groups but all is not good for the group and Zeke is struggling watching the group fall apart around his ears.
Presley needs an interview with the group to graduate and get a job, she supports her Aunt Meg who suffers with MS but the group keep blowing her off. A chance meeting with Zeke leads to a night of passion and so much more ….. but in the morning he is gone.
One night has changed Presley’s life so what happens when Zeke finds out he has missed out on something that should have been so important in his life.
This is an emotional roller coaster and I found myself smiling one moment and then shedding a tear the next. I fell hard and fast for the members of Onyx Knight and I adored Presley and the love she has for her Aunt Meg but it was watching Zeke step up and prove everybody wrong as his life took a tumble that took this book to another level. I can’t wait to really get to know the rest of this band and the women that bring them to their knees.

[BiblioDarling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating System (as of 9/19/2024):
1 Star: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
2 Star: This could have been so much better.
3 Star: Average
4 Star: Good book. I will probably reread it.
5 Star: I absolutely loved this book. “You got me all up in my feels.”

Rating: 3 Stars

Triggers:
Drug use
Mental health

Trope:
Rockstar romance
Virgin
Single parent
Second chance
Grovel
HEA
Surprise pregnancy
OW drama

Summary:
The FMC and the MMC meet and have a long one-night stand. A misunderstanding on the MMCs part leads to him being horrible to the FMC. She leaves him and her life is altered in a bad way. The FMC realizes she is pregnant but is thwarted from telling the MMC by his management. Months later the MMC discovers that he has a child.

The MMC grovels his way not only to his child's life but also into the FMCs life as well.

Review:
This wasn't the typical rockstar romance book to me. With that being said I found it hard to really rate it. I enjoyed how the MMC groveled and how the FMC stood her ground. But I wasn't sure about those giving advice to the FMC. Sometimes I felt they were more on the MMC side. Which made no sense to me because they are her family. I didn't mind the journey to their HEA.

[Andrekia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke is the lead guitarist for Onyx Knight. Presley is a student, living with her aunt who has health issues. Presley's sentor project is to interview the band, but they blow her off and don't meet with her. Zeke and Presley meet at the resort where she works, but he of course doesn't know that she is the one that wanted to interview the band. The sparks between the two of them are instant and they spend the night together. The next morning things fall apart when he finds out she is the one who wanted to interview the band and they part not in a good way. Presley tries to contact him to tell him that their night together has consequences but she is unable to reach him. Fast forward a year and Zeke finally learns of their child.

Zeke and Presley did not have an easy reconciliation. He never forgot about Presley but she is angry and doesn't trust him easily. I felt the emotions of both of them and I loved their chemistry. I adored Presley's Aunt Meg and was so happy that she was supportive of the relationship between the two of them. One might even say that Aunt Meg was Zeke's champion. I loved the story and can't wait to see what comes next for Onyx Knight.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Bottom is the first book in the new Rock Harder series and wow, it packs a punch from love to loss, family and friends and secrets and lies.
William Zerkesian, Zeke, Big Z, is the lead guitar player for Onyx Knight is a complex man with one persona being his public rockstar one to a man with a big heart that is a good friend and now also a good dad. He has always needed to protect himself from all the groupies and others who take advantage of such a famous public figure, but when the sweet, innocent bartender talks to him like just a normal guy and doesn’t have stars in her eyes, he is enthralled by her until he feels betrayed.
Presley is a college student who needed this interview to complete her final article for her senior project, but when Zeke shows up at her bar he doesn’t recognize her as the reporter from before and it is a simple conversation and a one night of passion that starts their relationship ball rolling. However, things fall apart with a misunderstanding that one night stand changes both of their lives.
This story also deals with addiction with one of its integral band members and when all the secrets are revealed the bands future takes a turn.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Rock Hard Series and it is a page turning, terrific read. Presley is a young, inexperienced woman who is looking to graduate from college. All she needs is to complete her senior project and she proposed writing an article about a band, Onyx Knight, who was in town. However, things do not go as planned as the band members are in no mood for the interview. The following evening, Presley is bartending and guess who shows up, none other than Zeke, aka Big Z, from the band. He does not recognize her and as they begin to converse, Zeke’s attraction to Presley grows. One thing leads to another, and they wind up together and their togetherness will lead to some unforeseen consequences. Overall, this is one page turning read that feels like whiplash at times with the onslaught of emotions. The connection that Presley has with her aunt just shows the depth of her feelings and something that can be emulated in real life when dealing with older adults. This highly engaging book will keep any reader engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley is trying to do it all – college, care for her aunt and work. Part of Presley’s assignment is to get an interview with a band or band member, she gets so far as to see Onyx Knight, but they refuse the interview.
Working at the resort Presley can’t believe when Zeke turns up at the bar, not only does he order but he’s flirty and she decides right there that she wants to lose her V card to him.
Zeke can’t believe the bartender thinks that she’s not that beautiful, he knows she’s innocent but doesn’t realise how much until she tells him, he knows it’s a gift and treats it as such.
Waking up for the first time Zeke wants to see more of Presley but she’s just vanished.
Fast forwards with the band dealing with issues and Presley struggling to hold on to life, working, looking after her Aunt and her baby, the baby she never expected.
Zeke couldn’t forget Presley and the one night they had, it even inspired songs.
Finding out that Presley had his son, one thing Zeke knows is that he will do anything to have Presley in his life, but when he sees her he realises just how much he has to make up for.