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Prevalent Notion #3
Ruinous Notion: Discreet Edition
“The music was a reminder of you and I couldn’t face that.”
“You never wanted to think about me and I never want to forget.”
Some people might work to avoid their ex-boyfriends, but no one has it worse than Matilda Lewis. After all, how do you avoid the man who broke your heart at eighteen when he’s the lead singer in the world’s biggest rock band? Mattie worked hard to erase Theo Blake from her life. Career, check, beautiful house in a safe community, check, marriage to a good man—well, that didn’t work out, but she got an amazing daughter. Living on a small island in the Pacific Northwest, Mattie never envisioned a day when she would see Theo again.
Theo Blake knows a thing or two about sacrifice. Devoted to becoming the biggest star in rock music, he sacrificed sleep, friendships, and worked his fingers to the bone to get ahead. The women, the partying, the expensive cars—nothing felt as good as being on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. Nothing except the one person he left behind. After twelve years apart, he never thought he would redeem himself to Mattie.
Until fate stepped in, bringing the two lovers back together.
Now that Theo has seen Mattie, he’ll ruin the world for another chance.
The heart-wrenching conclusion to the Prevalent Notion series asks, how far would you go to win back the only person you ever loved?
Ruinous Notion is a second chance, single mother, rock star romance.
It can be read as a stand-alone or as the conclusion and book three in the Prevalent Notion Series.
“You never wanted to think about me and I never want to forget.”
Some people might work to avoid their ex-boyfriends, but no one has it worse than Matilda Lewis. After all, how do you avoid the man who broke your heart at eighteen when he’s the lead singer in the world’s biggest rock band? Mattie worked hard to erase Theo Blake from her life. Career, check, beautiful house in a safe community, check, marriage to a good man—well, that didn’t work out, but she got an amazing daughter. Living on a small island in the Pacific Northwest, Mattie never envisioned a day when she would see Theo again.
Theo Blake knows a thing or two about sacrifice. Devoted to becoming the biggest star in rock music, he sacrificed sleep, friendships, and worked his fingers to the bone to get ahead. The women, the partying, the expensive cars—nothing felt as good as being on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. Nothing except the one person he left behind. After twelve years apart, he never thought he would redeem himself to Mattie.
Until fate stepped in, bringing the two lovers back together.
Now that Theo has seen Mattie, he’ll ruin the world for another chance.
The heart-wrenching conclusion to the Prevalent Notion series asks, how far would you go to win back the only person you ever loved?
Ruinous Notion is a second chance, single mother, rock star romance.
It can be read as a stand-alone or as the conclusion and book three in the Prevalent Notion Series.
- GenresSecond Chance
286 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 31, 2024
Loved the Second Chance Rock Romance
If you love rock romances and have a couple you really want to see reach their HEA this is a book you want to get your hands on. For her own good, Theo left the girl he loved years ago to follow his dream of being a rock star. Mattie was beyond heartbroken but continued on with her life never really feeling that same intense feelings she had for the man who left her behind. Their worlds were totally different now but their love was still the same as it was years ago.
It was a book that wouldn’t let me put it down because I just had to find out if this couple would find the HEA, they each deserved. There were so many ups and downs that had me falling into their lives and devouring every word written.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves rock romances.
If you love rock romances and have a couple you really want to see reach their HEA this is a book you want to get your hands on. For her own good, Theo left the girl he loved years ago to follow his dream of being a rock star. Mattie was beyond heartbroken but continued on with her life never really feeling that same intense feelings she had for the man who left her behind. Their worlds were totally different now but their love was still the same as it was years ago.
It was a book that wouldn’t let me put it down because I just had to find out if this couple would find the HEA, they each deserved. There were so many ups and downs that had me falling into their lives and devouring every word written.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves rock romances.
September 17, 2023
I found this to be a really intense read with moments of angst which I am not keen on! This story is about Theodore Blake, the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Prevalent Notion and Matilda Lewis the girl who Theo left behind in his search for fame and fortune. Moving on a few years Mattie was dating a guy who she met at law school and they married and had a daughter, Kamari. Unfortunately the marriage didn't work out and they divorced but stayed friends and co parented their daughter. Mattie still had feelings for Theo who she had called Teddy but as much as she loved him she was still brokenhearted with the way he had ended their relationship. She lived in a home on the island of Manzanita and unknown to her, Keller from the same band as Theo, and his wife Eloise had moved into a home next to her. It was at their home that she laid her eyes on Theo for the first time since he left her behind with a broken heart, 12 years earlier. Mattie and Theo were shocked to see each other and Mattie left immediately.
Seeing him had brought up the pain she felt when he left her. When Theo saw Mattie he knew that he wanted to build a relationship with her but that was easier said than done. A push and pull between them started, each with legitimate reasons for not seeing each other, Mattie and wanting to start again, Theo. The emotions and deep feelings for each other were palpable, I could feel it myself like a tightening in my chest as I read what they were saying to each other and how it affected them. Their relationship started to change and it wasn't long before they became intimate but Mattie had her daughter to think about even though Theo told her he wanted to start over.
Theo asked Mattie to go to LA with him for a party, she wasn't sure that she wanted to go but decided to put herself out there and see what happened. It was a disaster for many reasons. Theo wanted to spoil her and give her everything he couldn't when they were first together but Mattie wasn't interested, she wanted Theo but not there in LA where she didn't fit in. It took Mattie leaving and a long talk with Eloise for Theo to realize what he should do to win Mattie back and to live as a family with her and her daughter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seeing him had brought up the pain she felt when he left her. When Theo saw Mattie he knew that he wanted to build a relationship with her but that was easier said than done. A push and pull between them started, each with legitimate reasons for not seeing each other, Mattie and wanting to start again, Theo. The emotions and deep feelings for each other were palpable, I could feel it myself like a tightening in my chest as I read what they were saying to each other and how it affected them. Their relationship started to change and it wasn't long before they became intimate but Mattie had her daughter to think about even though Theo told her he wanted to start over.
Theo asked Mattie to go to LA with him for a party, she wasn't sure that she wanted to go but decided to put herself out there and see what happened. It was a disaster for many reasons. Theo wanted to spoil her and give her everything he couldn't when they were first together but Mattie wasn't interested, she wanted Theo but not there in LA where she didn't fit in. It took Mattie leaving and a long talk with Eloise for Theo to realize what he should do to win Mattie back and to live as a family with her and her daughter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2023
Ruinous Notion is the story of Theo Blake and Matilda Lewis. Theo and Matilda were madly in love in high school and dreamed of the day Theo would be a famous musician, allowing them to spend the rest of their lives together. Sadly, real life isn't a fairy tale. Struggling to survive, Theo does the right thing and breaks up with Matilda before she decides to drop out of high school, skip college, and move to LA with him. Twelve years later, after becoming a lawyer, a mother, and getting a divorce, Matilda runs into Theo, and the sparks reignite.
Disclaimer - I was sent a free copy of this book as an ARC reader.
The plot of this book had a lot of potential because the premise is fantastic! Unfortunately, the characters are flat, immature, and unrealistic.
Something that bothered me way more than it should have - was the Kim Kardashian had a 20-carat-ring, and that was only 3 million.
First, let's talk about Theo.
Coming from a difficult childhood of food scarcity, housing instability, and lack of a support system, Theo does not get enough credit for becoming a world-famous rockstar with fairly low-stakes issues. Theo is pressured by his record label to keep up appearances in a way none of his bandmates seem to experience. If I could compare this band to another trio, it's as if all of the emphasis, attention, and pressure of the Jonas Brothers was on Joe - while Nick and Kevin were rarely ever seen in public, scrutinized by the media, or expected to take one for the team.
Theo also has a selective type of disassociation. For someone with that amount of financial trauma to possess an Elon Musk-sized ego makes sense, but what doesn't make sense is
Next, we go to Matilda. I hate Matilda. What kind of a person carries such a chip on her shoulder that for 12 years, she completely neglects all pop culture news and blames her high-school boyfriend for her failed marriage and the state of her life? Get over yourself.
Matilda spends the entirety of the book complaining that Theo abandoned her,
Disclaimer - I was sent a free copy of this book as an ARC reader.
The plot of this book had a lot of potential because the premise is fantastic! Unfortunately, the characters are flat, immature, and unrealistic.
Something that bothered me way more than it should have - was the Kim Kardashian had a 20-carat-ring, and that was only 3 million.
First, let's talk about Theo.
Coming from a difficult childhood of food scarcity, housing instability, and lack of a support system, Theo does not get enough credit for becoming a world-famous rockstar with fairly low-stakes issues. Theo is pressured by his record label to keep up appearances in a way none of his bandmates seem to experience. If I could compare this band to another trio, it's as if all of the emphasis, attention, and pressure of the Jonas Brothers was on Joe - while Nick and Kevin were rarely ever seen in public, scrutinized by the media, or expected to take one for the team.
Theo also has a selective type of disassociation. For someone with that amount of financial trauma to possess an Elon Musk-sized ego makes sense, but what doesn't make sense is
Next, we go to Matilda. I hate Matilda. What kind of a person carries such a chip on her shoulder that for 12 years, she completely neglects all pop culture news and blames her high-school boyfriend for her failed marriage and the state of her life? Get over yourself.
Matilda spends the entirety of the book complaining that Theo abandoned her,
October 3, 2023
A beautifully written Rockstar’s second chance with a first love.
This is my first read from author Linnea March and in RUINOUS NOTION she has paired together my two most favourite tropes in the romance world – Rockstars and Second Chances. Written in third person, RUINOUS NOTION is the story of a now jaded Rockstar who had left his first and only love behind in their small town to pursue his dream.
While this is my first Linnea March romance, it is third in the PREVALENT NOTION Rockstar series and with succinct introductions to the earlier characters, I believe it stood easily as a stand-a-lone book.
I’ll also add here that I dearly love romance books written in a Dual first person POV so I was somewhat disappointed in discovering it written in third POV and I felt as though I was stood watching the characters play out their romance in a movie, albeit a beautifully written one, that was in MY head instead of feeling as though I was in their heads with them. I do repeat here what an amazing story it was.
I did find Ms May’s writing style could be a little formal in it’s narration of Teddy and Mattie’s story at times and quite relaxed in others. Full of all the feels, I loved the poignant scenes of reflection and regret, the loss of a past love, and the recounting of treasured memories, but I still couldn’t help but feel like I was an observer, not going along for the ride in our character’s heads. The scenes were shown, not told, in intricate detail without the onerous use of words, and because this is a romance, you know there is the requisite HEA that did bring me to tears.
Mattie was well written as a dedicated now single mother who knew she’d loved and lost and was never to love again. She’s tried to move, got married and had a daughter, but it was clearly evident that she was drifting along on the current of life just settling for mediocre and never reaching for the best.
Theo was every bit the stereotypical rock star who had availed himself of ALL freely offered vices to the point of saturation. He’d sacrificed his only chance at true love he thought, so he had to make the fame, the women and the trappings worth it all to have instead. Somehow though, it was never enough. There was always more publicity needed to remain current, more endorsement deals, more money to be made and more women to have even as it all felt empty. I felt the emptiness of his soul.
Bumping into Mattie again was his second chance to make it work with his first love.
The blurb asked if Theo would ruin the world for a chance at redemption, but I’m wondering if he will he ruin his chance at redemption because he still wants the world??? 4.5 Ruinous-Rocker-Stars!!!! 🎵🎤💞
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
This is my first read from author Linnea March and in RUINOUS NOTION she has paired together my two most favourite tropes in the romance world – Rockstars and Second Chances. Written in third person, RUINOUS NOTION is the story of a now jaded Rockstar who had left his first and only love behind in their small town to pursue his dream.
While this is my first Linnea March romance, it is third in the PREVALENT NOTION Rockstar series and with succinct introductions to the earlier characters, I believe it stood easily as a stand-a-lone book.
I’ll also add here that I dearly love romance books written in a Dual first person POV so I was somewhat disappointed in discovering it written in third POV and I felt as though I was stood watching the characters play out their romance in a movie, albeit a beautifully written one, that was in MY head instead of feeling as though I was in their heads with them. I do repeat here what an amazing story it was.
I did find Ms May’s writing style could be a little formal in it’s narration of Teddy and Mattie’s story at times and quite relaxed in others. Full of all the feels, I loved the poignant scenes of reflection and regret, the loss of a past love, and the recounting of treasured memories, but I still couldn’t help but feel like I was an observer, not going along for the ride in our character’s heads. The scenes were shown, not told, in intricate detail without the onerous use of words, and because this is a romance, you know there is the requisite HEA that did bring me to tears.
Mattie was well written as a dedicated now single mother who knew she’d loved and lost and was never to love again. She’s tried to move, got married and had a daughter, but it was clearly evident that she was drifting along on the current of life just settling for mediocre and never reaching for the best.
Theo was every bit the stereotypical rock star who had availed himself of ALL freely offered vices to the point of saturation. He’d sacrificed his only chance at true love he thought, so he had to make the fame, the women and the trappings worth it all to have instead. Somehow though, it was never enough. There was always more publicity needed to remain current, more endorsement deals, more money to be made and more women to have even as it all felt empty. I felt the emptiness of his soul.
Bumping into Mattie again was his second chance to make it work with his first love.
The blurb asked if Theo would ruin the world for a chance at redemption, but I’m wondering if he will he ruin his chance at redemption because he still wants the world??? 4.5 Ruinous-Rocker-Stars!!!! 🎵🎤💞
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
November 12, 2023
Rockstar meets mama bear in this second chance romance.
Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time…and sometimes you’re lucky enough to make the second chance stick for good.
Theo left behind his meager life in pursuit of rock stardom. Living in a roach-infested apartment and eating stale sandwiches wasn’t the life he wanted to give his high school sweetheart—Mattie. He knew she would follow him anywhere, but he wasn’t willing to sacrifice her comforts while he worked for his big break. Theo did the only thing he could to save Mattie, breaking her heart by walking away as he pursued his dream.
Twelve years later, Mattie is an attorney, a single mom, and a divorcee, living in a small town in Washington. Her life is centered around her daughter and taking care of her home—a peaceful life. Doesn’t mean that her heart doesn’t ache every time the name Theo Blake is plastered across the gossip magazines or one of his band’s songs come on the radio. Her quiet world gets shook up when her new neighbors invite her for a little party at their home, only for her to realize too late the new neighbor is the band mate of her ex—Theo.
When Theo arrives and locks eye with the only woman he every loved, the gloves come off—Theo is breaking down Mattie’s walls and fighting for keeps. It doesn’t matter if they live in separate worlds, Theo will make Mattie and her daughter fit. There’s just one problem. Mattie is a mama bear not willing to uproot her daughter’s life to fit into Theo’s celebrity lifestyle. If Theo wants his forever woman, he’s the one who will need to fit into her world.
Can this rockstar walk away from the shiny lights and celebrity high life of L.A. to live a more peaceful existence or will his greed for the spotlight outshine the love of his life?
I loved so many things about this rockstar romance. It was so refreshing to see a healthy co-parenting relationship between the heroine and her ex-husband—bravo. I also loved how Mattie had a backbone and wouldn’t bend to Theo’s demands. The sensory descriptions made me feel like I was living in the story. The angst had me by my heartstrings the whole book. The steam had me blushing. And Theo’s come-to-light moment had me applauding.
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time…and sometimes you’re lucky enough to make the second chance stick for good.
Theo left behind his meager life in pursuit of rock stardom. Living in a roach-infested apartment and eating stale sandwiches wasn’t the life he wanted to give his high school sweetheart—Mattie. He knew she would follow him anywhere, but he wasn’t willing to sacrifice her comforts while he worked for his big break. Theo did the only thing he could to save Mattie, breaking her heart by walking away as he pursued his dream.
Twelve years later, Mattie is an attorney, a single mom, and a divorcee, living in a small town in Washington. Her life is centered around her daughter and taking care of her home—a peaceful life. Doesn’t mean that her heart doesn’t ache every time the name Theo Blake is plastered across the gossip magazines or one of his band’s songs come on the radio. Her quiet world gets shook up when her new neighbors invite her for a little party at their home, only for her to realize too late the new neighbor is the band mate of her ex—Theo.
When Theo arrives and locks eye with the only woman he every loved, the gloves come off—Theo is breaking down Mattie’s walls and fighting for keeps. It doesn’t matter if they live in separate worlds, Theo will make Mattie and her daughter fit. There’s just one problem. Mattie is a mama bear not willing to uproot her daughter’s life to fit into Theo’s celebrity lifestyle. If Theo wants his forever woman, he’s the one who will need to fit into her world.
Can this rockstar walk away from the shiny lights and celebrity high life of L.A. to live a more peaceful existence or will his greed for the spotlight outshine the love of his life?
I loved so many things about this rockstar romance. It was so refreshing to see a healthy co-parenting relationship between the heroine and her ex-husband—bravo. I also loved how Mattie had a backbone and wouldn’t bend to Theo’s demands. The sensory descriptions made me feel like I was living in the story. The angst had me by my heartstrings the whole book. The steam had me blushing. And Theo’s come-to-light moment had me applauding.
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 22, 2023
The final book in the Prevalent Notion series, Ruinous Notion, has a wonderful premise and storyline, multiple locations and settings that are fully realized and moves at a solid pace from the beginning to end. Where it fails for me is in the character of Theo Blake, lead singer and guitarist of the band Ruinous Notion. Theo and his high school girlfriend, Matilda, had a future before them until Theo decided that his difficult search for his dream of becoming a famous musician was too much for Mattie and he didn't want to hold her back. Just great! Another shining example of the hero who is going to spare the little lady an uncomfortable life by telling her he never wants to see or speak to her again, never giving her a choice. He's gone for 12 long years before they see each other when his bandmates buy the house next door to hers and one of the first people she sees is "her Teddy." It was actually sweet and the way they reunited was very emotional, but it went downhill fast. For as justifiably angry she was toward seeing him again, she contracted a serious case of BBS. She was not the bada$s I expected, but fell into his arms within minutes. When they finally decide to take a chance on finding what they once had, Theo becomes an even more self-centered, oblivious bad boyfriend. He's thrilled to get Mattie into his world in LA, but he doesn't even notice how uncomfortable and out of her element she feels. He can give her everything! Money solves all problems! She's more beautiful than every supermodel and actress (even if she feels like a frump). Oh, and he's had women throwing themselves at him for more than a decade, and he's just brushed it off, knowing it means nothing. Try to explain that to your "fiancee" when you and your "ex" are caught on camera all tangled up with smiles on your face. I began to feel more uncomfortable than Mattie because he was so clueless and, dare I say, stupid to not see through his own desires to understand what Mattie really needed and wanted to be happy. There was a happy ending, but it felt hollow and abrupt. Mattie really never got a true apology from Theo, but his grand gesture was very nice.
September 25, 2023
Ruinous Notion (Prevalent Notion Book 3) by Linnea March is about Theo, the lead singer and a guitarist for the rock bank Prevalent Notion, and a hometown girlfriend named Mattie that he left behind 12 years ago. Theo told Mattie in a phone call not to see him and that he no longer wanted to see or be with her. At that time, Theo had difficulty surviving before he met his other bandmates, Nathan and Keller. Since then, the boys found a label to represent their band, Prevalent Notion, who became famous as their songs became loved and enjoyed by many. Theo dated models and had a fake girlfriend with benefits for many years. Mattie becomes a lawyer and has a surprise pregnancy, which leads to marrying the baby’s father and divorcing two years later. Keller met Mattie and invited her to join him and his wife next door to a housewarming party with a few of his friends to celebrate their move. Mattie stops by with a bottle of wine and sees Theo there for the first time in 12 years. Instead of staying, she leaves the house with Theo close behind. Theo now sees fate giving him a 2nd chance with Mattie, as she is the only woman he has ever loved. Theo still loves Mattie, but can he give up the rockstar culture of parties, photoshoots, and nightclubs for a single mother and her little girl? What does Theo expect from Mattie? Will Mattie give up her and five-year-old Mari’s life on the island to adapt to Theo’s rockstar lifestyle? What choices and decisions will finally transpire? Read Ruinous Notion to discover what happens in Theo and Mattie’s love story. At times, the reader may desire to hit the back of a character’s head and say, “Don’t act so stupid,” then breathe a sigh of relief when, finally, that character appears to listen to you yelling at them. Linnea March writes books that come from the heart, elicit real emotion, and have scorching-hot scenes.
February 24, 2025
Theo left Mattie behind when when he took off for LA, hoping to make a career in music. He shattered her heart but she carried on, went to law school, and carved out a comfortable life which included a five year old daughter and a friendly ex-husband. She never expected to see him again, twelve years later, at her new neighbor’s house.
Theo had achieved everything he wanted. He was successful and famous and had more money than he could ever want but life was empty without Mattie at his side. When fate put them together again he knew this was his chance to make everything right, to make her his, but Theo had a wake up call coming.
I was caught up in this absorbing, emotional romance from the start. The writing is great and Mattie’s realistic view of what a future together, without major changes, would look like, rang true, as opposed to Theo’s view through rose colored glasses. As much as I cared for both characters, the fact remains that Theo chose music over Mattie but I tried not to hold that against him. I felt for both characters and I really wanted them to find a way to be together. This is the third and final book of a very enjoyable series and I liked it a lot. It’s a happy ending for Theo and Mattie and for the series as a whole. 4.5 stars.
i received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theo had achieved everything he wanted. He was successful and famous and had more money than he could ever want but life was empty without Mattie at his side. When fate put them together again he knew this was his chance to make everything right, to make her his, but Theo had a wake up call coming.
I was caught up in this absorbing, emotional romance from the start. The writing is great and Mattie’s realistic view of what a future together, without major changes, would look like, rang true, as opposed to Theo’s view through rose colored glasses. As much as I cared for both characters, the fact remains that Theo chose music over Mattie but I tried not to hold that against him. I felt for both characters and I really wanted them to find a way to be together. This is the third and final book of a very enjoyable series and I liked it a lot. It’s a happy ending for Theo and Mattie and for the series as a whole. 4.5 stars.
i received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
Narcissistic Love Bomber
Struggled to understand why she "loved" him, I just got told alot that he has bright eyes and presence.
He really came across as creepy at times because I don't believe anyone can spend twelve years away from someone and still be in love.
Kinda saddens me when people choose to have children with others when they "have always felt" another way about someone else.
Nobody would be able to just love bomb you out of that and come on, lifting her over his shoulder like shes a fire man.
Holy shit the Victorians and Edwardians ruined romance.
Instead of being turned on, I was turned to creep.
I don't believe he loves her, I just believe he hates the fake people more. Love is an action, that is diluted by distance. Attachment is not the same as love.
Mattie is a supporting character in her "own story".
I mean, ok, romantic or something.
By the end, the whole book feels like his excuse so he can admit what he needs, just like 12 years ago, its pathetically all about him and what he needs, and everyone letting him his impulses.
Try to make love sound less like a Night Out.
Struggled to understand why she "loved" him, I just got told alot that he has bright eyes and presence.
He really came across as creepy at times because I don't believe anyone can spend twelve years away from someone and still be in love.
Kinda saddens me when people choose to have children with others when they "have always felt" another way about someone else.
Nobody would be able to just love bomb you out of that and come on, lifting her over his shoulder like shes a fire man.
Holy shit the Victorians and Edwardians ruined romance.
Instead of being turned on, I was turned to creep.
I don't believe he loves her, I just believe he hates the fake people more. Love is an action, that is diluted by distance. Attachment is not the same as love.
Mattie is a supporting character in her "own story".
I mean, ok, romantic or something.
By the end, the whole book feels like his excuse so he can admit what he needs, just like 12 years ago, its pathetically all about him and what he needs, and everyone letting him his impulses.
Try to make love sound less like a Night Out.
September 11, 2023
Theo and Mattie had been high school sweethearts but he left their small town to make his dream a reality. He was a gifted musician and songwriter, he was twenty and Mattie was still in high school. Their plans had been he’d move to LA and after graduation Mattie would join him, he dumped her and went on with his life without her. Now she’s a lawyer, divorced and single mom and he’s a world famous rockstar. Now life is about to put him right smack in her life where she’s avoided anything to do with him, his music, his band and his life. I found it a little disappointing how fast she allowed him to kiss her, but he had to work really hard for the cookie. Still, he’s trying to get to her and you can almost feel the train wreck headed their way. Honestly I can’t put this book down. This couple is so sexy, romantic and hot rolled into one. Mattie is a little annoying, she goes from hot to cold constantly. It’s a great love story, lots of ups and downs with plenty of feels. I’m giving this book five starts and highly recommend it.
October 4, 2023
Read If You Enjoy:
🎶 Rockstar Romance
🎶 Second Chance Steamy Romance
🎶 Dual POV
I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't find anything I liked about Theo; except maybe his flithy mouth.
This story follows Theo and Mattie, high school sweethearts, until Theo leaves for LA to pursue his dreams of being a rock star. Twelve years later, they find themselves in each other's lives again, and Theo is determined to win Mattie back for good this time around.
I loved Mattie's character. Brilliant lawyer and single mom, she was easy to love. Theo, a self-absorbed rock star, was much more difficult to love. Mattie deserved so much more than he was willing to give her.
The story was still good with it twists and turns and steamy romance, but I spent most of my time while reading, really hoping Mattie would kick him to the curb.
The supporting characters were great, and I enjoyed it reading their parts of the story.
I received an ARC copy of Ruinous Notion in exchange for an honest review.
🎶 Rockstar Romance
🎶 Second Chance Steamy Romance
🎶 Dual POV
I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't find anything I liked about Theo; except maybe his flithy mouth.
This story follows Theo and Mattie, high school sweethearts, until Theo leaves for LA to pursue his dreams of being a rock star. Twelve years later, they find themselves in each other's lives again, and Theo is determined to win Mattie back for good this time around.
I loved Mattie's character. Brilliant lawyer and single mom, she was easy to love. Theo, a self-absorbed rock star, was much more difficult to love. Mattie deserved so much more than he was willing to give her.
The story was still good with it twists and turns and steamy romance, but I spent most of my time while reading, really hoping Mattie would kick him to the curb.
The supporting characters were great, and I enjoyed it reading their parts of the story.
I received an ARC copy of Ruinous Notion in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
“I don’t want closure with you.”
No secret, I’ve never really liked Theo much. Although I know he didn’t necessarily encourage Eloise‘s crush on him I also don’t think he tried to discourage her. I believe he secretly liked having her be so crazy about him, feeding his ego. Learning what I did about him in this book, I did warm to him and ended up really liking him, but he will never come close to stealing my adoration for Keller. Unlike the first two books, this time I really liked the fmc. Mattie to me was a much stronger woman and in some ways I think she could do better than Theo. But ultimately, she loves him, so I’m happy she got her HEA with him. She certainly deserved it. The shortest book in the series, fifty pages less than book one, I did feel it was a bit rushed in places, especially at the end. Still, I really did love this series and hate to see it end. Hopefully Linnea has another band planned for us in the future.
No secret, I’ve never really liked Theo much. Although I know he didn’t necessarily encourage Eloise‘s crush on him I also don’t think he tried to discourage her. I believe he secretly liked having her be so crazy about him, feeding his ego. Learning what I did about him in this book, I did warm to him and ended up really liking him, but he will never come close to stealing my adoration for Keller. Unlike the first two books, this time I really liked the fmc. Mattie to me was a much stronger woman and in some ways I think she could do better than Theo. But ultimately, she loves him, so I’m happy she got her HEA with him. She certainly deserved it. The shortest book in the series, fifty pages less than book one, I did feel it was a bit rushed in places, especially at the end. Still, I really did love this series and hate to see it end. Hopefully Linnea has another band planned for us in the future.
October 18, 2023
3.5 stars
I've been eagerly awaiting this book in the hope Theo could redeem himself & his past be explored. I hate to say it but he didn't change or I didn't see him prove he'd change enough.
I knew there would have to be a big shock before Theo would see that he couldn't just make Mattie 'fit his life'. That was there and he said all of the right things, the epilogue agrees but I was disappointed that it jumped from apologising to the epilogue. There was no time spent with them as a family, we didn't see Theo as Teddy. I'm not sure what the timeline was, the housewarming was June, the rest seems to happen fairly quick including the pregnancy symptoms but Elio is born mid July.
I did like the book and Theo's lack of emotional maturity in the previous books makes sense now. I think my lower rating was because of the lack of time with improved Theo compounded by the 3rd person pov.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've been eagerly awaiting this book in the hope Theo could redeem himself & his past be explored. I hate to say it but he didn't change or I didn't see him prove he'd change enough.
I knew there would have to be a big shock before Theo would see that he couldn't just make Mattie 'fit his life'. That was there and he said all of the right things, the epilogue agrees but I was disappointed that it jumped from apologising to the epilogue. There was no time spent with them as a family, we didn't see Theo as Teddy. I'm not sure what the timeline was, the housewarming was June, the rest seems to happen fairly quick including the pregnancy symptoms but Elio is born mid July.
I did like the book and Theo's lack of emotional maturity in the previous books makes sense now. I think my lower rating was because of the lack of time with improved Theo compounded by the 3rd person pov.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2023
If you are a fan of first loves, heartbreak and second chances, then Ruinous Notion is a sure thing! At 20 Teddy was sure the right thing to do for 18 year old Mattie was to leave her behind to find a better life than the one he could provide for her as a starving, wanna be rock star. Unfortunately for him, she did just that. Putting her broken heart aside, she found what passed for love, started a family, built a career. Going through the motions only takes you so far though, and when Mattie - now a single mother with her daughter the center of her world and Teddy - still a driven rock-star committed to maintaining his place in the spotlight meet again...sparks fly. It's obvious the connection between them is still there, but will it be enough? Or will their vastly different lives rip them apart again?
October 4, 2023
Theo left Cape Rose 12 years ago and Mattie, his high school sweetheart to find a career in music. He refused to let Mattie join him in LA, she had to go on and become a lawyer.
Mattie gave up on Theo and married Jay after becoming pregnant. She had Kamari and co parented her with Jay after their divorce, which came a few months after Kamari's birth.
Theo came back to the area with his 2 band mates who were settling down in the old hometown area and he connected right away with Mattie. Theo eventually won over Mattie's heart, which belonged to him anyway, and she tried seeing what a week in LA was like for Theo. It was definitely not for Mattie. She returned home and Theo's manager finally spoke with him about arranging his life differently, like his band mates. Was happy with the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mattie gave up on Theo and married Jay after becoming pregnant. She had Kamari and co parented her with Jay after their divorce, which came a few months after Kamari's birth.
Theo came back to the area with his 2 band mates who were settling down in the old hometown area and he connected right away with Mattie. Theo eventually won over Mattie's heart, which belonged to him anyway, and she tried seeing what a week in LA was like for Theo. It was definitely not for Mattie. She returned home and Theo's manager finally spoke with him about arranging his life differently, like his band mates. Was happy with the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
Ruinous Notion is the third and final book in the series. It was the first book I read. I haven’t read the first two in this series but I am looking forward to reading it! 🤩 This is a second chance romance, with great 🌶️! Theo sounds soooo scrumptious! No wonder Mattie lost all her rationality when it came to Mr. Theo Blake! Can’t say I blame her. 🤣 I also love Mattie and Theo’s backstory, which takes place 12 years before. Mattie is a independent, single mother of a beautiful girl, Kamari, divorced from Jay (Kamari’s) father, with a great coparenting relationship. Mattie is also a lawyer who gardens in her free time. Theo is Mattie’s first love 12 years ago who became a rockstar. Want to know how the story unfolds? Go grab your copy NOW! I loved Theo and Mattie’s story, a love that weathered the storm! “As the rain”! IYKYK ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2023
Final book in the series.
Theo and Mattie's romance.
Finally we find out about Theo's past.
Theo and Mattie were high school sweethearts.He broke her heart at 18.
He is a world famous rockstar,she is a single mother.
Mattie has been avoiding anything to do with Theo.Theo has never forgotten his first love.
Now 12 years later they come face to face.
Theo wants to win mattie over.Mattie has to think of her daughter as well as guarding her heart from Theo.
He does eventually redeem himself,wins Mattie over and they get to their happily ever after.
An enjoyable read with humour,heat,tears,friendships,romance,
emotions and a happily ever after.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Theo and Mattie's romance.
Finally we find out about Theo's past.
Theo and Mattie were high school sweethearts.He broke her heart at 18.
He is a world famous rockstar,she is a single mother.
Mattie has been avoiding anything to do with Theo.Theo has never forgotten his first love.
Now 12 years later they come face to face.
Theo wants to win mattie over.Mattie has to think of her daughter as well as guarding her heart from Theo.
He does eventually redeem himself,wins Mattie over and they get to their happily ever after.
An enjoyable read with humour,heat,tears,friendships,romance,
emotions and a happily ever after.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 7, 2024
Cute Second Chance Rockstar Romance
This is a second chance rockstar romance about a now rockstar who broke off with his then high school sweetheart with good intentions and fate stepping in and crossing their paths again many years later after he is successful and she is recently divorced. Theo takes seeing her again as a sign and works hard to woe her. Mattie is very pragmatic and guards her heart closely. Will Theo come down to reality for Mattie? Will Mattie let Theo back into her heart and life? If you enjoy second chance romance, enemies to lovers, head over heels for her, and spice - this book is for you! I had trouble first getting into it but was hooked once I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a second chance rockstar romance about a now rockstar who broke off with his then high school sweetheart with good intentions and fate stepping in and crossing their paths again many years later after he is successful and she is recently divorced. Theo takes seeing her again as a sign and works hard to woe her. Mattie is very pragmatic and guards her heart closely. Will Theo come down to reality for Mattie? Will Mattie let Theo back into her heart and life? If you enjoy second chance romance, enemies to lovers, head over heels for her, and spice - this book is for you! I had trouble first getting into it but was hooked once I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
Theo was not smart in high school but had a talent for music. He dropped out to pursue his desired career leaving Mattie devastated. He wanted Mattie to go to college, so he needed to let her go. Now he is in a rock band, very successful and she hopes to avoid him forever. That won’t work because one of his band mates moves into the house next door to Mattie and Theo is spending the summer there. Mattie got pregnant in college and Jay, the father, married her. Their marriage lasted for a couple of years, but they divorced. I really liked the way they parented Kamari together, always thinking of her first. I enjoyed Theo’s efforts to win Mattie's heart back. Great romance.
September 25, 2023
This is book 3 in March's Prevalent Notion series and while I haven't yet read book 1, I have read Treacherous Notion, book 2 and I have to say that this series just gets better and better and can be read as standalones. Matilda and Theo are our main characters and truly captured my heart. This book was well written and for me an intense read. Full of heartbreak and hope. A sweet and steamy romance read that has a smooth flowing storyline. I was captivated from the very beginning and loved every minute of this second chance romance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2023
I love a good tortured soul story, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting Theo’s story. Ms. March did not disappoint! If you love angst, second chances, and a couple who struggle (and fail) to keep their hands off each other, look no further than Ruinous Notion.
Theo and Mattie’s story had me all up in my feels and I loved the way the couple pushed each other to learn that what you think you want isn’t always what you need, and their HEA is beautiful. I’m so sad this series in complete, but I can’t wait to see what story Ms. March comes up with next!
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Theo and Mattie’s story had me all up in my feels and I loved the way the couple pushed each other to learn that what you think you want isn’t always what you need, and their HEA is beautiful. I’m so sad this series in complete, but I can’t wait to see what story Ms. March comes up with next!
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 13, 2023
ARC review
I really loved the other books in this series. I'm glad that Theo's story came last, though. Theo was always a character I really hated and wasn't sure if I'd like this story about him. He continued to be the worst. I felt about this book the way I felt about Happy Place. I just wanted the FMC to see her worth and leave this man on the curb and find someone who would treat her well.
I also wish this one were longer. The other two stories felt wrapped up by the end, but this one felt so rushed. I am excited to read other things by this author, just nothing to do with Theo.
I really loved the other books in this series. I'm glad that Theo's story came last, though. Theo was always a character I really hated and wasn't sure if I'd like this story about him. He continued to be the worst. I felt about this book the way I felt about Happy Place. I just wanted the FMC to see her worth and leave this man on the curb and find someone who would treat her well.
I also wish this one were longer. The other two stories felt wrapped up by the end, but this one felt so rushed. I am excited to read other things by this author, just nothing to do with Theo.
September 24, 2023
This was a turbulent and heartfelt story with much focus on the negative aspects of fame and fortune experienced by actors/musicians trying to be successful. It is interesting though- what is success measured by? I really enjoyed watching such a personal and emotional journey experienced by Maddie and Theo. Struggling with the idea of success and priorities, we certainly saw how very different views can be. True love is never completely gone- it alway circles around again… as the rain. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 2, 2023
For Theo Mattie is the one that got away. A high school love that he had to leave behind for her sake and for his. For both of them to achieve their dreams. Now years later, both single and Theo is ready to try for a second chance; Mattie is not a one-night stand. Mattie has a child and Theo needs to be sure he’s ready to handle the responsibility. I love Theo and Mattie’s story, it’s a quick read and a perfect final book in the “Prevalent Notion” series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
this second chance rockstar romance wasnt what I was expecting, in a good way.
When I saw this was a second chance romance, Matilda and Theo don't have the star-crossed lovers vibe I expected.
What they do have is a tumultuous relationship due to a sudden break up and a man whos head is so far up his..., anyway.
a decent book but not as good as the first two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I saw this was a second chance romance, Matilda and Theo don't have the star-crossed lovers vibe I expected.
What they do have is a tumultuous relationship due to a sudden break up and a man whos head is so far up his..., anyway.
a decent book but not as good as the first two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2023
3.25
Theo is not my favorite character, it took a sledgehammer to knock some sense into him. I like Mattie, but she seemed to logical to let love sweep her up that intensely.
It wasnt terrible, but it was easily my least favorite of the 3 book series.
Spoilers...
Take my opinion with a grain of salt if you love pregnancy stories. I started skimming the second she complained about her boobs lol.
Theo is not my favorite character, it took a sledgehammer to knock some sense into him. I like Mattie, but she seemed to logical to let love sweep her up that intensely.
It wasnt terrible, but it was easily my least favorite of the 3 book series.
Spoilers...
Take my opinion with a grain of salt if you love pregnancy stories. I started skimming the second she complained about her boobs lol.
October 16, 2023
Such a good second chance, rockstar romance. The setting fit the PNW so well, it made me feel at home. Mattie’s character was so well written from a mothers perspective, with the dilemma of choosing personal happiness or her childs. Theo, while he is hot, is such a man child. He is so wrapped up in becoming/being famous, he doesnt have a chance to realize that he doesnt need to be famous or successful in order to deserve Matties love. If he did though, Mattie would never have had Kamari.
September 5, 2023
This was a good read. I enjoyed the second book in this series (haven’t read the first) as well as this one (the third). They work great as standalones. The characters are interesting and draw you in. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
October 8, 2023
Mattie had her heart broken by the one she trusted the most. Her ex Theo is now the lead singer in a world famous rock band making him very hard to forget. Now out of no where Theo is back in her life after many years. Should Mattie forgive him and move on with her life or should she give him a chance as she's not the only one, any more with more to lose? A good read.
October 15, 2023
This is a second chance rock star romance. It is so good and is about Theo and Matilda. They were in love in high school and focusing on the future until he breaks things off. Fast forward twelve years they run into each other again. Things have changed, life has been lived and mistakes have been made. I enjoyed the story.
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