Refrain

Tin Gods Rock Stars #2

by Gillian Archer

What happens on tour doesn’t stay on tour. Not when she’s your best friend’s little sister.

Ella Robinson

I’m kinda the definition of a flake. I’m on my—one, two three—fourth career. And I’ve had to ask my brother for help navigating through all of them. I thought I’d have my life together by now. But here I am, still leaning on my big brother. He’s hired me to be his social media photographer while he’s on tour with his band, The Tin Gods. The last thing I need right now is complications. Enter Jesse Mala.

Jesse Mala

She’s the definition of forbidden—my best friend’s little sister. I’ve known her since she was in kindergarten. She was always a pest to Chase, but it made me feel good to look out for her. Until her graduation party when I almost stepped over that invisible line. Since then I’ve done my best to put distance between us. Ella is just too damn tempting.

Good thing she’s going on tour with us. And following us around with her camera. And sleeping on our bus.

No way is this gonna end well.

Genres: Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

About the author

GILLIAN ARCHER has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better! When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found chasing her preschooler, or surfing the couch and indulging in her latest reality TV fixation, or reading awesome romance ebooks by her favorite authors. Gillian Archer lives in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, gorgeous little girl, and goofy dog.

Check out her website for updates on her latest releases.

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Jesse & Ella’s story! Jesse has known Ella since she was a child, as the little sister of his best friend Chase, it seemed she was always just a few steps away. Jesse knew Ella had a teenage crush on him - he just never knew that Ella never stopped loving him - now she is older and Jesse finally sees the sexy as hell woman that Ella has become.

Bro Code keeps Jesse from acting until one night when he finally can’t control it - Jesse kisses Ella - the chemistry between them is off the charts. Ella is everything Jesse could ever want. The question is - Can he have Ella and keep his best friend/band mate/brother from another mother? Will he be forced to choose between Ella and the band, Tin Gods? Will he even get the chance to tell Ella how he feels or will his spectacular partying, playboy, no strings attached past ruin their chances of HEA?

Gillian Archer does a fantastic job weaving together a rockstar romance with some twists that I didn’t expect. She has also created a bonus epilogue that I loved!

I can’t wait for Xander & Noah to each find the woman that tames them, it will make for some great books! 🎸🤘🏻👀🎵❤️‍🔥🎤

Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Contender for top 10 of 2024 🏆🏆

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
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[Lex Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Best friend’s little sister, who always had a crush on Jesse. Well, when she is given the chance to become apart of the band as a photographer for their social media. He hadn’t always wanted her, nor did he think that he would ever want her. However, she comes in and causes quite a lot of chaos for him. This duo was a fun, steamy read.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse & Ella

Okay. I loved book 1. This one was much harder for me. Partly bc we see A LOT of Jesse with other women in the beginning. Ella witnesses him with several, and while they're not together at those times, and Jesse's not doing anything wrong by being with those women, I don't want to read it in real time on the page. I'm also not a big fan of brothers acting like idiots in the brother's best friend trop, & Chase - who I adored in his book - acted like an idiot about it. That's a me thing, and not a dig on the story itself.

Anyway, the family dynamics of the band, and the banter with everyone, are great & I'll continue with the series bc I do really love all of them!

I'm happy for Ella & Jesse's HEA, & loved the resolutions to the various dramas that played out! When they're together, their l9ve & affection for each other does leap off the page & make for good story telling!! ❤️

😍

[ALR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella is living everyone’s fantasy. Imagine getting the job of your lifetime, taking photos of your favorite band and most especially your biggest crush. Alas, that band also has your brother as its lead singer. You know, the one who still thinks of you as a little kid that would constantly make mistakes. Oh and let’s not forget the passive aggressive behind the scenes moments from certain crew members and the groupies. Jessie is used to Ella tagging along after practically living with his best friend’s family growing up but all of the sudden his “little bug” doesn’t seem so little anymore. But what will happen to his relationship with his best friend if he goes against the “bro code?” This is book two in the Tin Gods series with a lot more rock and roll vibes than the first one. There’s also the whole childhood crush, brothers best friend, and reformed bad boy angle that is going on with plenty of heat and a little mysterious angle as well. To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the book because Jesse in book one was a jerk of the highest degree but I must admit he really redeemed himself and Ella really came into her own. I also liked the fact that they didn’t turn the rockeris into angels but showed the not so PC parts of stardom as well as the trials I’m sure famous people must dread. Those of you who’ve read book one will also get to see more of Shay and Chase’s story too. Overall this was a great hot and spicy book with lots of drama, so get your devils-horn ready for this rocking book. And as an asideI can’t wait for book three. 4.5 stars must read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an early copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Rock star romance, brother's best friend, best friend's sister. While Archer is not a new author to me, I did not read the first book in the series. However, she provides enough back story, so that is not a problem following the story line here. I have read Archer's motor cycle club books. Bad boys and the women who are attracted to them are her specialty; getting into their gritty lives and painting a picture. I don't particularly care for their language, which in their minds makes them seem tough, in my mind immature. It is how she paints that picture and develops her characters that makes her stories entertaining reads. Four stars instead of five for me because of the language. Best line: "Kissing an ashtray isn't exactly sexy"

Ella has watched her brother, Chase, his best friend, Jesse and their friends Noah and Xander, form their rock band from when she was little girl- and has had a crush on Jessie, as he was kind to her. Growing up she had watched all three of them turn into man whores. But then her brother married her best friend, Shay. She has also been struggling with what she wanted to do with her life, had discovered that she had an eye and talent for photography, and was recently hired to do the social media for Tin Gods. But Chase still thinks of her as a screw up. Who doesn't? That would be Jessie, who after watching what Chase has with Shay, realizes that he might want the same thing, with Ella. Meanwhile, someone is trying to blackmail him.

I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased, honest and voluntary review.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited Gillian continued this series! After getting to know both Jesse and Ella in the previous book, I was so excited that Gillian put them together, and their journey did not disappoint! Ella has always harbored a crush on her brother’s best friend and bandmate Jesse; however, she knows that nothing would ever happen, but it’s rough for her seeing him with all the other women, some even her so-called friends. With the help of her new sister-in-law, she finds that she is a great photographer and decides to try to make a career out of it by becoming the band’s social media photographer and go on tour with them. Jesse is starting to see Ella as a woman rather than the kid sister of his friend and the more time they spend together, the more he lets his guard down in regard to his feelings towards her, because unbeknownst to either of them, they both harbor feelings towards each other. I loved the entire storyline for these two, and while I wanted to punch Jesse a few times because of how he acts, I wanted to really throttle Ella’s brother for not only the comments regarding their relationship but also the comments he makes about Ella and her life choices and career goals. I love that the band supports Jesse and Ella, even more so Ella than Jesse, and I love that they get the HEA they both have ran from for years. I cannot wait to see what happens to the other bandmates – hopefully we get their stories soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second instalment in The Gods Rockstars series, "Refrain," is a captivating and irresistible read. This time, we delve into the electrifying relationship between Jesse, a member of the band Tin Gods, and Elle, the sister of his best friend and bandmate, Cade. Having known each other all their lives, Elle has always harboured a secret crush on the enigmatic Jesse. Now, fate has thrown them together, and Jesse is finding it increasingly difficult to keep his hands off the delicate yet strong-willed Elle.

The chemistry between Jesse and Elle is palpable, igniting sparks that light up every page and rocking the tour bus with their undeniable connection. Ms. Archer masterfully weaves a tale of forbidden love, adding twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The tension escalates and what will happen when Cade finds out invoking the dreaded bro code and adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.

Ms. Archer's storytelling prowess shines through as she deftly navigates the rocky terrain of love, loyalty, and passion. There were moments when I wanted to throw my device across the room out of sheer frustration with Cade's antics, but that only attests to the depth of immersion in the story. "Refrain" is a testament to Ms. Archer's ability to create characters that resonate deeply with readers, leaving them glued to their seats, eagerly awaiting the perfect happily ever after.

In summary, "Refrain" is a deliciously mesmerising read that romance enthusiasts won't want to put down. Prepare to be blown away by the sizzling chemistry, intricate plot twists, and heartfelt moments that define this unforgettable tale.

[Lindsay Broadwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this book was so close to five stars but I just couldn't do it. I would put it around 4.75. I absolutely love the rockstar trope and this one had a lot more rockstar elements to it compared to the first book which I enjoyed. In the first book the band was on a break but in this book they were on tour and I love reading about all the craziness that goes on while on tour.

The thing that prevented this from a 5 star read for me was how Jesse felt about Ella. I believed Ella's love for him because she had been in love with him since she was young. But he didn't really notice her when they were younger and then all of a sudden he had fallen madly in love with her and I just didn't connect so much with that. If there would have been more written about his inner thoughts and feelings and how they evolved I think the connection from him would have been much better.

I really enjoyed the band dynamic in this book. The first book didn't have too much band interaction since they were on a break. But I loved reading about their friendships and how some sides were taken in this book and how ultimately they had each other's backs. Chase's sudden forgiveness and acceptance of Ella and Jesse's relationship was a little abrupt. I would have liked a little more resistance from him given how he reacted when he found out about his sister and his best friend. But overall, I will be going onto the next book and can't wait to continue to read about these band members.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Donna for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

This book was really good. I really like the feel of the story. It had just enough drama, passion, and fight in it. This story built further from book 1, where we first saw these characters. I loved that we got to see the relationship from book 1 develope too.

Jesse and Bella are brilliant. I wasn't sure the rogue would change his ways, but once he had a taste of her, he couldn't pull away. I enjoyed the chemistry between this couple and the way they see each other. I'm glad they both see the real people that they are.

This book had the normal brother losing his cool, but this had a little added rage to it. Which made it more believable. There is something that runs through this story that is creepy, but when revealed, it makes someone make a necessary decision.

This book and series is a huge recommend from me.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rockstar romance..It is one of my most favourite tropes so I was excited that Gillian Archer continued with her Tin Gods series.
It is a BRILLIANT story and a fabulously addictive read and I was so pleased that Ella and Jesse got together.
They have known one another for a very long time,because Ella is Jesse's best friend and band mate Chase's little sister...She used to be annoying,but now she has grown into a stunningly beautiful and talented woman.
Ella has always harboured a crush on Jesse but nothing could ever happen between them because of her brother Chase....Plus I think seeing Jesse with numerous woman over the years taints her confidence.
But in an act of fate Ella becomes the bands social media photographer,and this is were Jesse sees Ella in a whole new light.
They become close and feelings of more than friends get involved..and things get hot,heavy and steamy between them.
I loved reading this story it had all the drama,steam and romance..and I loved the way the band supported the relationship when it was exposed...Her brother took some time though.
I think fans of sexy rockstars will enjoy Refrain by Gillian Archer,I am a fan and I did very much I can't wait for more.
Fantastic read.
5 Stars.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh holy wow. Jesse is so far from who I thought he was in the first book. Yeah, he’s got a past. He’s rich and famous, so of course he does. Yeah, Rowan is still 100% petty and mean girl and awful. And yeah, Chase still does dumb stuff. But the antics of the band, the love that Jesse and Ella have, and the support to be had when all the truths come out? Those all make this an excellent read that has me wanting more.

Ella and Jesse may think they’re slick, but they’re sort of not. And Chase gets himself in trouble with friends and family alike when he spews nonsense and cruel words before ever stopping to think. I especially love how he’s taken to task for the things he says. Every single time. Xander is awesome, Noah is like a kid with a sugar rush but even quicker wit, and Jesse proves that he’s all in with Ella both before and after the secret is out. Even when it all looks like it may fall apart, these two stick together and have the backing of the band and everyone who actually knows them. So of course it has to work out in the end.

Now I wait. For Noah. For Xander. For whichever one finds and keeps their woman next.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

             Reviewed For Saucy Review
                    On Kinky Korner

This book was really good. I really like the feel of the story. It had just enough drama, passion, and fight in it. This story built further from book 1, where we first saw these characters. I loved that we got to see the relationship from book 1 develope too.

Jesse and Bella are brilliant. I wasn't sure the rogue would change his ways, but once he had a taste of her, he couldn't pull away. I enjoyed the chemistry between this couple and the way they see each other. I'm glad they both see the real people that they are.

This book had the normal brother losing his cool, but this had a little added rage to it. Which made it more believable. There is something that runs through this story that is creepy, but when revealed, it makes someone make a necessary decision.

This book and series is a huge recommend from me.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

If you are into rock star romances with a bit of best friend's little sister thrown in, then look no further. I will say this is the second of the series, but I read this without reading the first book and I wasn't lost (I will be going back and reading the first but that's just so I can read Chase and Shay's story). Ella has had a crush on Jesse for as long as she can remember, but that's as far as it has gone, just a huge crush. When she ends up being hired as the social media photographer for the band, she is now with Jesse almost 24/7 since they are on tour and sharing the same tour bus. Jesse has tried his best to not really notice Ella, but all of a sudden, she is everywhere he looks and these feelings he has tried to deny are overpowering him. Can he keep his distance from Ella? Or will she become his biggest weakness? A really good rockstar story, giving us drama and loads of chemistry. I give this 4 stars.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It felt like we were approaching the point of no return."

Hmm... Brother's best friend/best friend's sister is definitely not one of my favorite tropes, especially when they've known each other for years. Too often these stories are either awkward or unbelievable and the brother/best friend ends up way over the top when he finds out.

Since the brother/bff is Chase, there was no escaping his dramatics. So I can't really hold that against Gillian. She did manage to take the awkward mostly out and I admit I really believed it all. I don't know how Ella's was able to accept Jesse's promiscuous past but I guess when you truly love someone you have to love them completely, warts and all.

I thought this book would have more conflict and angst but it ended up being a great love story with all the rockstar packaging. I'm excited that Xander is up next and can't wait for Noah. This is a great series and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I'm such a Tin Gods fan!

[Jill Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting patiently for this book release and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend reading Rocked - Book 1 in the Tin Gods series! These could be stand alones but the story is so much better with the background in my opinion.

Ella and Jesse are just so drown to one another. The classic big brother Chase doesn’t think anyone will even be good enough for his baby sister - even his best friend and bandmate. It was so fun to travel with the band back stage, on the bus and on the road.

I devoured this one! The story itself, the tension, scandal, spice so so so good! Next up checking out the corresponding Spotify playlist!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Also a great extra chapter if you signup for the email list!

Book 3 Ballad (Xander and Harper) is due out in January 2025 which is way too long to wait!

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refrain is the second in the Tin Gods series. I read the first one when it came out, so I was very keen to start this second book.
This story features bassist Jesse and the sister of frontman Chase (who we met in the first book) Ella. This is a rockstar romance, but it's also a best friends sister romance. Both genres that I enjoy.
This was an enjoyable romance between these two well-matched characters. I loved the way that they fell for one another and became more than the friends that they had previously been. There were, as you might expect, some fireworks when Chase found out about what they were getting up to. It was around this that my only slight (very slight) hesitation with this book comes. For me, it was all cleared up a little bit too quickly. That didn't really matter though and I really enjoyed this story. I'm looking forward to more from the Tin Gods soon.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Gillian Archer is delivering forbidden love in all it's glory! The second book in her Tin Gods Rock Stars series brings us Jesse's story of falling for his best friend and bandmates little sister. The connection is electrifying and super sweet between Jesse and Ella and the background of the book taking place during a tour makes it even more attention grabbing. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot and the emotional depth. Looking forward to more in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a good rock star romance with lots of drama, tons of emotion and a sexy happily ever after.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this was terrible. Mediocre writing, character development non existent, dialogue was as basic as it can get, main female character was childish it almost verged on cringe and her being photographer was because she likes taking pictures and that was it that was the only reason given. She was acting like a teenager most of the times and was not even able to do her job as she was constantly thinking about Jesse dude, her whole existence on that tour was about him and it was boring. I honestly was not able to finish this nonsense of a story. People need to stop giving 5 stars to poorly written books.

[Celeste Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

🛑Spoilers🛑

I like book two’s character better. A torcher artist falls for the baby sister of a band mate. Clearly she is off limits but ya know stuff happens. Her brother is the guy from the first book and he is just a tool even with the wife making him better. Anyway this is not re-inventing the wheel here.. they fall in love and live happily ever after the end. I do like the girl she comes into her own no thanks to her tool of a brother alway knocking her confidence back down. But yeah it was entertaining.

Off to the next book in the series

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the band more than the romance

For me, the band antics were more fun than the romance in this one, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I didn’t really care for Jesse in the first novel and my opinion didn’t change much in this one. I loved Chase and Shay in the first book but here she is reduced to a footnote and Chase and Ella have a seriously dysfunctional dynamic. I liked him a lot less here. But the individual personalities of the guys really shined through and I loved the band interactions.

[Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding rockstar romance from Gillian Archer! Jesse & Ella’s love story is a quasi friends-to-lovers trope with Jesse being Ella’s older brother’s friend/bandmate. There’s a little bit of angst plus lots of closets & storage rooms. Their relationship is hard won and a fun read. This is 2nd in a series and it was great to visit with all the characters again. I’m looking forward to the next one - Ballad out in January 2025! Highly recommend!

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is a falling for my brother's best friend, and I must say that I loved it. The Tin Gods are on tour again and this time Ella is with them to do her job. The old feelings come alive for Ella and Jesee can't keep hands from her. The story starts weak, but what I love the most is the very strong end and I really loved the love and support from both Ella and Jesse.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgalley

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! Love, love, love, Jesse and Ella together. They’ve known each other since they were little kids. She’s had stars and hearts in her eyes for him since then. He was attracted, but knew he couldn’t do anything about it because he was best friends with her brother. She went on tour with them and he finally saw the light. He realized he couldn’t live without her. Chaos ensued. Love all the characters in this series. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a long time fan of Gillian Archer and I did not even have to read a blurb of the series to get all the books and I have not been disappointed. I loved Jesse's and Ella's story they had great chemistry and I pretty much devoured the book. I would suggest you read the books in order so you get to know all the characters. I am ready for book 3 and I can't wait to get started. Fun and entertaining read with lots of steamy moments.

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refrain is book two in the Tin Gods Rockstar. Ella and Jesse must refrain from the lies that are starting to blur. Being on a tour bus with these men doesn't help especially when hired to work for them. She may be forbidden, but don't refrain yourself from this story cause bro code isn't always bro code. You will enjoy this read and band.

[Em Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

i honestly thought there would be more spice? for a brothers best friend x bad boy rock band novel, i expected a bit more drama and spice than there was. i did enjoy it, but i could have used some more pizzazz, as the kids say.

[Linda Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

I like the band and their story, but these guys are old. I think Chase was 35 in his book, so why are they beating each other up all the time? Good story can't wait to read the next one of the band members.

[Abigail Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. Love Jesse and Ella’s romance story. Jesse is Ella’s brother’s best friend. Ella ends up going on tour with Jesse and they start a forbidden romance. Love how these two end up together. Worth the read

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Jesse and Ella. Be warned before they get together there is OW scenes with Jesse

however once they were together I really liked the story. but Chase was an idiot over their relationship and that annoyed me

[Coralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. Loved it