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The Hometown Heartless
Of Heartbreak and Harmony
He burned me once.
This time, I won’t be the one consumed by the flames.
Torren King is rock-and-roll’s broodiest bachelor.
Mysterious, moody, and coveted by nearly everyone.
But to me, he’s just the sad boy who set fire to my heart,
then reduced me to ashes in the desert.
For four sweltering nights, I burned for him,
and he conquered my heart one whispered lyric at a time.
But on the fifth night, he shattered me in the way only a flawless rock god can:
irreparably, and with devastating finesse.
Four years later, the last place I expect to be is sitting before him,
reading through a contract with a pen poised in my fingertips.
A favor for a favor, he says.
A US tour and a fake relationship in exchange for the answer to all my problems.
I hate him. I hate that I need him.
And what I hate the most?
He doesn’t remember me. At all.
But despite the burning chemistry between us,
the rapidly blurring lines and the suffocating attraction,
he’s still the rock star who ruined me,
and I refuse to let myself forget.
****
Of Heartbreak and Harmony is the second standalone in The Hometown Heartless series. It has a guaranteed HEA. It is not necessary to read Between Never and Forever before reading Of Heartbreak and Harmony.
This time, I won’t be the one consumed by the flames.
Torren King is rock-and-roll’s broodiest bachelor.
Mysterious, moody, and coveted by nearly everyone.
But to me, he’s just the sad boy who set fire to my heart,
then reduced me to ashes in the desert.
For four sweltering nights, I burned for him,
and he conquered my heart one whispered lyric at a time.
But on the fifth night, he shattered me in the way only a flawless rock god can:
irreparably, and with devastating finesse.
Four years later, the last place I expect to be is sitting before him,
reading through a contract with a pen poised in my fingertips.
A favor for a favor, he says.
A US tour and a fake relationship in exchange for the answer to all my problems.
I hate him. I hate that I need him.
And what I hate the most?
He doesn’t remember me. At all.
But despite the burning chemistry between us,
the rapidly blurring lines and the suffocating attraction,
he’s still the rock star who ruined me,
and I refuse to let myself forget.
****
Of Heartbreak and Harmony is the second standalone in The Hometown Heartless series. It has a guaranteed HEA. It is not necessary to read Between Never and Forever before reading Of Heartbreak and Harmony.
436 pages, Unknown Binding
Published August 16, 2024
627 people are currently reading
3955 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
20 books1,877 followersBrit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 703 reviews
August 27, 2024
'O𝐅 𝐇E𝐀R𝐓B𝐑E𝐀K A𝐍D H𝐀R𝐌O𝐍Y' Is a full length rockstar fake relationship romance book. Spoken in dual perspectives. Torren 🎶 Callie This book had been on my radar since the cover dropped, to the blurb, throw in the early teaser reviews and my anticipation levels were beyond normal, one clicked, plus if you've not read a book by this author your missing out, then I dived in and inhaled it in no time at all, this author has such a unique storytelling ability which pulls you in effortlessly, her characters are unforgettable and relatable.
August has so far been my favorite month for releasing the books I've been craving..
I haven’t read a rockstar romance in a long time so this definitely hit the right spot, and definitely has me wanting to read the next book coming in this series.
Once I started this I was pulled in
I couldn’t put it down
I loved these two together
Sav and Torren were toxic, Torren and Callie were made for each other, a past that pulled them into the future, a fire that never extinguished. Their story wrung havoc on my nerves and put my heart through the wringer, but what love story doesn't have their fair share of angst, and this was no different, it scorched the pages..
March 19, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Rockstar romance
- Second chance
- Fake dating
- Forced proximity
- Hate to love
- Slow burn
If Brit Benson writes it, I'm going to read it.
The tension and the angst in this one was top notch! I really enjoyed the characters and the build up.
I did find the book to be a little lengthy and drawn out. I also didn't understand why it kept mentioning that Sav was eyeing Callie up like she was competition, like she was sizing her up when Sav found her happily ever after with Levi in book 1. I got a little annoyed by that.
Overall, I really liked this book, it had a lot of my favorite tropes and it was written by one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Brit and The Author Agency for the ARC!
3/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Rockstar romance
- Second chance
- Fake dating
- Forced proximity
- Hate to love
- Slow burn
If Brit Benson writes it, I'm going to read it.
The tension and the angst in this one was top notch! I really enjoyed the characters and the build up.
I did find the book to be a little lengthy and drawn out. I also didn't understand why it kept mentioning that Sav was eyeing Callie up like she was competition, like she was sizing her up when Sav found her happily ever after with Levi in book 1. I got a little annoyed by that.
Overall, I really liked this book, it had a lot of my favorite tropes and it was written by one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Brit and The Author Agency for the ARC!
August 27, 2024
5 Stars!
Brit Benson is an author I discovered this year and I really can't believe it because it feels like l've been reading her work for years. And every time she releases a book, it becomes my new favorite.
Of Heartbreak and Harmony was no different!
This is a gritty, angsty, second-chance romance and I devoured it. After reading that prologue, I was not able to put this book down. Talk about a hook!
This book can be read as a standalone, though I highly recommend reading Between Never and Forever first as we first meet Torran there. He was such a complex and volatile character. He and Callie met years ago at a music festival and shared a few brief days together. But it was during a time when Torran was using, so he doesn't really remember her.
A chance encounter and a struck deal later and these two are thrusted into each other's lives again.
I enjoyed every page of this story. The pacing was perfect and Brit's writing is perfection.
OMG...the piano scene at the end?! Dead!!!
Vibes:
Almost Famous with Kate Hudson
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I cannot recommend this book highly enough if you're looking for a gritty, angst-fest of a read that doesn't hold back! And a kick ass love story!
"You're mine, Firebird, and he knows it. I'm just waiting on you."
"In your dreams, King."
He nods. "Yep. Every single one of them."
Brit Benson is an author I discovered this year and I really can't believe it because it feels like l've been reading her work for years. And every time she releases a book, it becomes my new favorite.
Of Heartbreak and Harmony was no different!
This is a gritty, angsty, second-chance romance and I devoured it. After reading that prologue, I was not able to put this book down. Talk about a hook!
This book can be read as a standalone, though I highly recommend reading Between Never and Forever first as we first meet Torran there. He was such a complex and volatile character. He and Callie met years ago at a music festival and shared a few brief days together. But it was during a time when Torran was using, so he doesn't really remember her.
A chance encounter and a struck deal later and these two are thrusted into each other's lives again.
I enjoyed every page of this story. The pacing was perfect and Brit's writing is perfection.
OMG...the piano scene at the end?! Dead!!!
Vibes:
Almost Famous with Kate Hudson
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I cannot recommend this book highly enough if you're looking for a gritty, angst-fest of a read that doesn't hold back! And a kick ass love story!
October 16, 2024
10/15/2024 Re-read (audiobook)
OMG I DID NOT THINK THAT I COULD LOVE THIS BOOK MORE! Stella and Stephen totally brought Callie and Torren to life and made me fall in love with them all over again.
The narration of these characters is done in duet style and that brings out the absolute best and worst emotions to life for them. I could feel their absolute high highs and low lows just from their voices.
I highly recommend this audiobook, along with the first one in the series!
******************************************************
I AM OBSESSED. I never want to leave this world. EVER.
”She quiets the storm in my head, and that’s how I know for sure. What’s happening between us is something real. Something solid. We’re not headed for heartbreak. We’re not dissonance. We’re harmony, and I have to let myself trust it.”
🖤Hate to love
🖤Fake dating
🖤Rockstar romance
🖤Second chance romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Slow burn
Torren is the bassist is one of the world’s biggest rock bands. He can get anything in the world that he wants. And quite frankly, he does.
When he runs into our FMC Callie for the first time, the attraction is instant, for both of them. But our girl Callie makes him work for it. And they have the best few days together. Until it all goes up in flames.
Now here we are years later and they are being brought together in the worst way. Torren needs Callie and only her to be his fake girlfriend. And he makes her a proposition that she can’t turn down.
How will these two tour together for months without any drama?
Torren is an absolute rockstar in all types of the word and the way he slowly falls in love with Callie and supports her unconditionally is beautiful. Callie has always had a crush that turned into hate, and seeing her fall back in love with Torren was so powerful.
I loved seeing all of the members of The Hometown Heartless and I am chomping to get my hands on Jonah’s story because I know that’s going to be an emotional one!
OMG I DID NOT THINK THAT I COULD LOVE THIS BOOK MORE! Stella and Stephen totally brought Callie and Torren to life and made me fall in love with them all over again.
The narration of these characters is done in duet style and that brings out the absolute best and worst emotions to life for them. I could feel their absolute high highs and low lows just from their voices.
I highly recommend this audiobook, along with the first one in the series!
******************************************************
I AM OBSESSED. I never want to leave this world. EVER.
”She quiets the storm in my head, and that’s how I know for sure. What’s happening between us is something real. Something solid. We’re not headed for heartbreak. We’re not dissonance. We’re harmony, and I have to let myself trust it.”
🖤Hate to love
🖤Fake dating
🖤Rockstar romance
🖤Second chance romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Slow burn
Torren is the bassist is one of the world’s biggest rock bands. He can get anything in the world that he wants. And quite frankly, he does.
When he runs into our FMC Callie for the first time, the attraction is instant, for both of them. But our girl Callie makes him work for it. And they have the best few days together. Until it all goes up in flames.
Now here we are years later and they are being brought together in the worst way. Torren needs Callie and only her to be his fake girlfriend. And he makes her a proposition that she can’t turn down.
How will these two tour together for months without any drama?
Torren is an absolute rockstar in all types of the word and the way he slowly falls in love with Callie and supports her unconditionally is beautiful. Callie has always had a crush that turned into hate, and seeing her fall back in love with Torren was so powerful.
I loved seeing all of the members of The Hometown Heartless and I am chomping to get my hands on Jonah’s story because I know that’s going to be an emotional one!
October 28, 2024
I am not normally a Rock Star Romance girlie, which is due usually to the content that comes with the life style. See Content Warnings. Yet, the tropes and other readers fervor for this series had me intrigued. I'm really glad I gave it a chance because this was a very moving story.
Callie and Torren were drawn to each other. They pulled each other in like gravity and even though they have some history to unravel and some challenges to overcome, they were just so compelling. It was hard to take a break from the story to spend time with my family.
Something that I think does lead musicians to lead harsher lives is all the feelings they have flowing through them. I think we really see that in this story. It was also deeply romantic at times. Torren especially, at the end of this book had me tearing up.
Narrated in Duet Style with Stephen Dexter & Stella Hunter. They did an amazing job and kept me sucked in all the way through.
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: drug and alcohol use, traumatic car accident with fatalities, accident recovery, depression, stalking, financial insecurity, stroke care for a parent,
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
Callie and Torren were drawn to each other. They pulled each other in like gravity and even though they have some history to unravel and some challenges to overcome, they were just so compelling. It was hard to take a break from the story to spend time with my family.
Something that I think does lead musicians to lead harsher lives is all the feelings they have flowing through them. I think we really see that in this story. It was also deeply romantic at times. Torren especially, at the end of this book had me tearing up.
Narrated in Duet Style with Stephen Dexter & Stella Hunter. They did an amazing job and kept me sucked in all the way through.
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: drug and alcohol use, traumatic car accident with fatalities, accident recovery, depression, stalking, financial insecurity, stroke care for a parent,
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
August 20, 2024
yeah it’s a no.💀💀
October 25, 2024
Of Heartbreak indeed.
Heartbroken that this novel, the second in the series, was such a weak follow-up.
2.5⭐️
Heartbroken that this novel, the second in the series, was such a weak follow-up.
2.5⭐️
August 18, 2024
*Full ARC Review*
Let's just start of this review by saying once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop.
I rarely read many books with fake dating but this book definitely became a favorite. Callie & Torren's relationship was just filled with angst, tension & all the feels. I was unsure about Torren but once the dust settled he definitely became a favorite book boyfriend of mine.
I love Brit's writing, how she makes us fall in love with her characters but also leaving us at the edge of our seats. I was in her DMs she's knows. 👀👀
This book can be read as a standalone, however I would suggest reading Between Never and Forever first.
"And I like you, Calla Lily Sunrise James."
Tropes
🎸Fake Dating
🖤Slow burn
🎸 Rockstar
🖤Angsty
🎸Forced Proximity
🖤Hate to love
Let's just start of this review by saying once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop.
I rarely read many books with fake dating but this book definitely became a favorite. Callie & Torren's relationship was just filled with angst, tension & all the feels. I was unsure about Torren but once the dust settled he definitely became a favorite book boyfriend of mine.
I love Brit's writing, how she makes us fall in love with her characters but also leaving us at the edge of our seats. I was in her DMs she's knows. 👀👀
This book can be read as a standalone, however I would suggest reading Between Never and Forever first.
"And I like you, Calla Lily Sunrise James."
Tropes
🎸Fake Dating
🖤Slow burn
🎸 Rockstar
🖤Angsty
🎸Forced Proximity
🖤Hate to love
December 21, 2024
I really enjoyed book 1 so I had some expectations for this one. Sadly it didn’t work for me. Callie and Torren were great but that’s just it. I think it’s because there was a disconnect between them, the story and me. I sadly didn’t feel chemistry or a connection. I could see there was attraction but again I didn’t feel it in the words. It was surface level and lust. The overall story was okay. I’m very intrigued by Jonah so I’m going to continue reading the series.
September 19, 2024
All through the book, Torren was murderously jealous of Jonah's interest in Callie and then all of a sudden, he suggested a threesome? I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
Second time reading: will I ever move on?
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and with the happiest smile on my face - because there’s no way I couldn’t be happy to see this couple thrive.
There isn't enough words to describe how this book, this series and these characters will stay with me forever - and I truly wish that I could find a way to express how I feel everytime I go back to Hometown Heartless world.
Torren King has one of the best character development I ever saw - it’s INSANE. Let me just get something clear really quick: I was not a Torren’s fan, I didn’t hate him but I was not on my knees for him either. And I regret every bad word I ever said about him - I was oblivious, that’s obvious.
Torren is someone that proves the old saying “nothing is what it seems” true, and his build up shows exactly that. I hated him until I read his version of everything and I just wanted to slap myself to judge him wrongly so many times. He just became one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER and I don’t say this lightly - I am very selective and he just made his way to the top.
He was giving little glimpses of his true self and when he finally opened the game and showed us everything, I was a lost cause and completely in love with him already.
This book could be amazing just for Torren himself but Brit decided to create one of the most amazing female characters to lead this story and I will be forever grateful to her for creating Callie Lily.
I could live in Callie’s mind my whole life and I would never - not even once - complain about it. She is just that character that brings something to the table and catches us in the first chapter of the book.
I was a Callie Stan from the start until the end and I was rooting for her the whole time. She was truly a badass without being rude or mean. She was loyal. Fearless. Strong. And I don't think there was anyone that I could hug more in this whole book like I wanted to hug her. She was the reason behind my tears but I could never hate her for that.
Besides the perfect main characters this book has, the plot and the scenarios were amazing like in Between Never and Forever. I could live in this world forever and never be sick of it. Brit Benson writing has something that I couldn’t describe even if I tried, and I think that is what makes this series so amazing and peculiar - make us feel like these characters are real, existing in the same world as us and we could easily text or call them.
The side characters are something that will always mesmerize me in Brit’s books: the way she makes me wish that I could see everyone's POV all the time, even the Torren King - the dog, was someone I would love to know more lol.
I am completely in love with this series and I will cry myself to sleep just because I needed and wanted to listen to them, so badly and real life sucks sometimes.
BRIT, I couldn't be happier to cross paths with you in my little journey as a reader. Your books make me love reading even more and, for that, I will be forever grateful. 🫶🏻
"I’m in love with you. Don’t you know that by now? I’d set myself on fire if I knew you’d rise from the ashes, Firebird. I would do anything for you. I’m in love with you. I’m not going anywhere.”
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and with the happiest smile on my face - because there’s no way I couldn’t be happy to see this couple thrive.
There isn't enough words to describe how this book, this series and these characters will stay with me forever - and I truly wish that I could find a way to express how I feel everytime I go back to Hometown Heartless world.
Torren King has one of the best character development I ever saw - it’s INSANE. Let me just get something clear really quick: I was not a Torren’s fan, I didn’t hate him but I was not on my knees for him either. And I regret every bad word I ever said about him - I was oblivious, that’s obvious.
Torren is someone that proves the old saying “nothing is what it seems” true, and his build up shows exactly that. I hated him until I read his version of everything and I just wanted to slap myself to judge him wrongly so many times. He just became one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER and I don’t say this lightly - I am very selective and he just made his way to the top.
He was giving little glimpses of his true self and when he finally opened the game and showed us everything, I was a lost cause and completely in love with him already.
This book could be amazing just for Torren himself but Brit decided to create one of the most amazing female characters to lead this story and I will be forever grateful to her for creating Callie Lily.
I could live in Callie’s mind my whole life and I would never - not even once - complain about it. She is just that character that brings something to the table and catches us in the first chapter of the book.
I was a Callie Stan from the start until the end and I was rooting for her the whole time. She was truly a badass without being rude or mean. She was loyal. Fearless. Strong. And I don't think there was anyone that I could hug more in this whole book like I wanted to hug her. She was the reason behind my tears but I could never hate her for that.
Besides the perfect main characters this book has, the plot and the scenarios were amazing like in Between Never and Forever. I could live in this world forever and never be sick of it. Brit Benson writing has something that I couldn’t describe even if I tried, and I think that is what makes this series so amazing and peculiar - make us feel like these characters are real, existing in the same world as us and we could easily text or call them.
The side characters are something that will always mesmerize me in Brit’s books: the way she makes me wish that I could see everyone's POV all the time, even the Torren King - the dog, was someone I would love to know more lol.
I am completely in love with this series and I will cry myself to sleep just because I needed and wanted to listen to them, so badly and real life sucks sometimes.
BRIT, I couldn't be happier to cross paths with you in my little journey as a reader. Your books make me love reading even more and, for that, I will be forever grateful. 🫶🏻
“I’m rooting for us, you know? Me. You. Mabes and Jo. I’m rooting for us.”me too, Sav. Me too.
August 23, 2024
I’ve literally have never read a Brit Benson book that I haven’t absolutely loved, but I have to say this one was disappointing. I really wasn’t feeling the chemistry at all between these characters. Torren and Callie’s personalities really didn’t seem to fit together. And you could really see Callie’s insecurities in this book. (Long past the time where they were warranted) I found her character a bit insufferable honestly.
I felt like we didn’t have enough moments actually building up their relationship, it was just an insta attraction at the festival, they had sex, then they met again, Torren did some grovelling, then all of a sudden they both like each other. I just felt these two were really bland which is crazy as I felt that Torrens character had so much potential. But they were very dry honestly.
The threesome scene was spicy, but their relationship just didn’t make sense to me, and it was so boring. I felt like a lot of time was wasted in this book on the conflict with Jonah, and him being incorporated instead of having bonding moments between Torren and Callie. Jonah just didn’t need to be in this as much, his part in this book was weird.
I kept expecting Torren to let his walls down from the start of this book, (as when Callie first meets him he’s distant and doesn’t say too much) but it turns out he’s just a boring character. Even when they got to know each other I felt they just didn’t have that chemistry, and Callie didn’t seem to fit with Tors personality. Like what is he, this druggie rebel rockstar, or actually a kind nice guy with flaws, I felt like they didn’t actually explore that in the book.
This book just honestly gave me the ick, instead of feeling like Torren actually loves Callie, I honestly just felt he viewed her as a sexual object throughout this book. It really seemed out of nowhere that he now “loves” her. I truly think this book had potential to be angsty, but I feel the author got confused along the way, and I just really wasn’t feeling the chemistry or interested in the story. Which is sad because I absolutely ADORED between never and forever! There was SO much chemistry in that book, and the characters really developed their relationship, and you truly felt that Levi loved Sav.
This book had absolutely no angst, and by the end of the book, I just couldn’t bring myself to care about Callie and just wanted to finish the book. I have to say not one of my favourites from Brit Benson, which I really never thought i would say. Here’s to hoping for better ones in the future! 🫡🫨
I felt like we didn’t have enough moments actually building up their relationship, it was just an insta attraction at the festival, they had sex, then they met again, Torren did some grovelling, then all of a sudden they both like each other. I just felt these two were really bland which is crazy as I felt that Torrens character had so much potential. But they were very dry honestly.
The threesome scene was spicy, but their relationship just didn’t make sense to me, and it was so boring. I felt like a lot of time was wasted in this book on the conflict with Jonah, and him being incorporated instead of having bonding moments between Torren and Callie. Jonah just didn’t need to be in this as much, his part in this book was weird.
I kept expecting Torren to let his walls down from the start of this book, (as when Callie first meets him he’s distant and doesn’t say too much) but it turns out he’s just a boring character. Even when they got to know each other I felt they just didn’t have that chemistry, and Callie didn’t seem to fit with Tors personality. Like what is he, this druggie rebel rockstar, or actually a kind nice guy with flaws, I felt like they didn’t actually explore that in the book.
This book just honestly gave me the ick, instead of feeling like Torren actually loves Callie, I honestly just felt he viewed her as a sexual object throughout this book. It really seemed out of nowhere that he now “loves” her. I truly think this book had potential to be angsty, but I feel the author got confused along the way, and I just really wasn’t feeling the chemistry or interested in the story. Which is sad because I absolutely ADORED between never and forever! There was SO much chemistry in that book, and the characters really developed their relationship, and you truly felt that Levi loved Sav.
This book had absolutely no angst, and by the end of the book, I just couldn’t bring myself to care about Callie and just wanted to finish the book. I have to say not one of my favourites from Brit Benson, which I really never thought i would say. Here’s to hoping for better ones in the future! 🫡🫨
July 3, 2025
Four years ago, Torren King changed my life. Now, I’m forced into a fake relationship to deter a potential threat by being in the public eye. The offer is too good to refuse, and it will help support my family. But will Torren remember what happened between us? Or do I go on as if nothing ever did?
I enjoyed this read. At first, I was trying to figure out how she knew him, with flashbacks from the past dropping clues. When the full story was revealed, I was shocked—poor Callie. But by the end, I loved them together, and he fell hard. It was a fantastic audiobook, and I highly recommend it. I will say, though—I guessed the stalker early on!
If you love:
🔹Rockstar Romance
🔹Fake Relationship
🔹Second Chance
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Past and Present
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 40mins
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Stella Hunter - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Hometown Heartless Duet
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Fake Relationship, Second Chance, Slow Burn, Intimate, Past and Present, Intimate Tattoo, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Virgin (Flashback), Praise, Dirty Talk, MFM Scene, Impact Play, Backdoor Play, Mark Play and Breath Play.
Mentions: Drug Use and Depression
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
I enjoyed this read. At first, I was trying to figure out how she knew him, with flashbacks from the past dropping clues. When the full story was revealed, I was shocked—poor Callie. But by the end, I loved them together, and he fell hard. It was a fantastic audiobook, and I highly recommend it. I will say, though—I guessed the stalker early on!
If you love:
🔹Rockstar Romance
🔹Fake Relationship
🔹Second Chance
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Past and Present
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 40mins
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Stella Hunter - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Hometown Heartless Duet
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Fake Relationship, Second Chance, Slow Burn, Intimate, Past and Present, Intimate Tattoo, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Virgin (Flashback), Praise, Dirty Talk, MFM Scene, Impact Play, Backdoor Play, Mark Play and Breath Play.
Mentions: Drug Use and Depression
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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August 18, 2024
A mess…
May 7, 2025
นี่แหละ 5 ดาวแบบไม่ปัดขึ้นเล่มแรกของปี 😭
เป็นเล่มที่มีหลากหลายอารมณ์มากกกก fake dating & second chance ที่เล่าสลับพาร์ทอดีต-ปัจจุบันได้ไม่น่าเบื่อเลย(ปกติไม่ค่อยชอบ แต่เรื่องนี้ไม่ติดเลยสักนิด) เสิร์ฟทุกอย่างที่ต้องการเลยแบบที่อ่านจบแล้วยังติดอยู่ในหัว ไม่อยากให่จบเลยสักนิด ชอบพัฒนาการตัวละครในเรื่องนี้มาก โดยเฉพาะพระเอกคือได้คะแนนเต็ม ที่สุดของที่สุด Torren f*cking King 🧎
อ่านจบแล้วรู้เลยว่าต้องหาเล่มมาเก็บ ชอบมากจริงงง
ปล. เดี๋ยวมารีวิวใหม่แบบดี ๆ นะ แปะความรู้สึกหลังอ่านจบไปก่อน 😂
เป็นเล่มที่มีหลากหลายอารมณ์มากกกก fake dating & second chance ที่เล่าสลับพาร์ทอดีต-ปัจจุบันได้ไม่น่าเบื่อเลย(ปกติไม่ค่อยชอบ แต่เรื่องนี้ไม่ติดเลยสักนิด) เสิร์ฟทุกอย่างที่ต้องการเลยแบบที่อ่านจบแล้วยังติดอยู่ในหัว ไม่อยากให่จบเลยสักนิด ชอบพัฒนาการตัวละครในเรื่องนี้มาก โดยเฉพาะพระเอกคือได้คะแนนเต็ม ที่สุดของที่สุด Torren f*cking King 🧎
อ่านจบแล้วรู้เลยว่าต้องหาเล่มมาเก็บ ชอบมากจริงงง
ปล. เดี๋ยวมารีวิวใหม่แบบดี ๆ นะ แปะความรู้สึกหลังอ่านจบไปก่อน 😂
October 28, 2024
This is the second book in a series and I was totally fine reading it on its own. The author always delivers on the emotional front, she writes some of the best angst and longing and this was no exception. It’s a great balance of complex emotions and steam, one chapter in particular had me sweating 🥵 Both narrators were fantastic, Callie has a big personality and Stella Hunter was perfect! Stephen Dexter was Toren, I can’t imagine hearing him any other way!
August 19, 2024
I stg that brit benson is a genius. Her books are always so insanely good
4.5 ⭐️
Tropes:
• fake dating
• rockstar
• second chance
• forced proximity
brit wrote torren and i immediately fell in love. 10/10 would bang torren motherfucking king.
one of my favorite parts of the book is the sibling relationship between the fmc and her sister glory. it’s so realistic 🤣 glory bell was such a sassy icon. i hope brit writes a book for her eventually.
My only con of the book is that like halfway thru it felt like there was a pace change? and I just wanted a tad more angst between the characters getting together.
4.5 ⭐️
Tropes:
• fake dating
• rockstar
• second chance
• forced proximity
brit wrote torren and i immediately fell in love. 10/10 would bang torren motherfucking king.
one of my favorite parts of the book is the sibling relationship between the fmc and her sister glory. it’s so realistic 🤣 glory bell was such a sassy icon. i hope brit writes a book for her eventually.
My only con of the book is that like halfway thru it felt like there was a pace change? and I just wanted a tad more angst between the characters getting together.
November 2, 2024
“Torren Fucking King made me fall head over feet in love with him. He gave me strength when mine was faltering. He played my bass notes when I couldn’t. He was my harmony when all I heard was dissonance. He’s my love song.”
Another day, another story that has left me a stumbling, fumbling, loss for words, emotional, lovesick, bookish hungover mess. One of my favorite reads of 2024!
I am so utterly and irrevocably obsessed with Brit’s words and worlds. Being back inside one of her worlds was just pure absolute bliss.
I was prepared for broody, sexy rock star Torren. But, broody, sexy, in love, completely head over heels gone for his girl Torren, baaaaaaby!!!
Nothing could have prepared me for that man. There was so much more to the man behind the brood. Romantic Torren, pour out his heart and soul Torren is a force to be reckoned with. That man put in overtime work for Callie’s forgiveness, affection and heart. His incredibly heartfelt words touched my soul and at one point brought me to tears with their beauty.
Brit knows if it’s one thing she’s a skillful beast at, it’s giving good angst and I was here for every second of it with Torren and Callie. Their story was passion, emotion, messy, humor, heartbreak, strength, courage, love and just every feel that’s possible to feel.
Calla Lily Sunrise James was an absolute spitfire full of independence, grit and determination. Although, we definitely had beef at times. She was like an onion, so many layers to be peeled. Prickly to where you wanted to keep your distance. But, at the same time, it was completely impossible not to adore and love her. Though, I’ve come to expect nothing less from a Brit Benson heroine. Callie had nothing but hate for Torren and everything Hometown Heartless. But, I swear it was something about that hate that made for this delicious back and forth between Torren and Callie.
The flashbacks were done in a way that was seamless and gave the perfect insight as to how things ended up in the present. They also did a perfect job as the supporting foundation for Torren and Callie’s love story. Their growth from the beginning to the end was absolutely incredible.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give mention to chapter 33-35 cause Brit maam, exsqueeze TF out of me…you did not come to play. Lemme find out some. (IYKYK) The spice was spicing off the charts.
I loved being reunited with the band…it was like being back with family. Their bickering, their fun, their camaraderie, their love, their fights and the way they rode hard for each other. My gawd it just melted my heart.
This book completely consumed me wholeheartedly from the first word of the prologue to the last word in the epilogue.
My heart hurt so bad when I got to that last page and had to say goodbye cause I already NEED back in this world BAAAAAD.
BUT THEE AUDIO. Oh the audio is an absolute masterpiece of epic proportion!! Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter were in freaking credible!! This book already packs an angsty, emotional punch but having their narration just takes it to another level! Then the musical accompaniment and performance at the end courtesy of Zachary Webber and Juno Cooper was just the icing on the cake!
Another day, another story that has left me a stumbling, fumbling, loss for words, emotional, lovesick, bookish hungover mess. One of my favorite reads of 2024!
I am so utterly and irrevocably obsessed with Brit’s words and worlds. Being back inside one of her worlds was just pure absolute bliss.
I was prepared for broody, sexy rock star Torren. But, broody, sexy, in love, completely head over heels gone for his girl Torren, baaaaaaby!!!
Nothing could have prepared me for that man. There was so much more to the man behind the brood. Romantic Torren, pour out his heart and soul Torren is a force to be reckoned with. That man put in overtime work for Callie’s forgiveness, affection and heart. His incredibly heartfelt words touched my soul and at one point brought me to tears with their beauty.
Brit knows if it’s one thing she’s a skillful beast at, it’s giving good angst and I was here for every second of it with Torren and Callie. Their story was passion, emotion, messy, humor, heartbreak, strength, courage, love and just every feel that’s possible to feel.
Calla Lily Sunrise James was an absolute spitfire full of independence, grit and determination. Although, we definitely had beef at times. She was like an onion, so many layers to be peeled. Prickly to where you wanted to keep your distance. But, at the same time, it was completely impossible not to adore and love her. Though, I’ve come to expect nothing less from a Brit Benson heroine. Callie had nothing but hate for Torren and everything Hometown Heartless. But, I swear it was something about that hate that made for this delicious back and forth between Torren and Callie.
The flashbacks were done in a way that was seamless and gave the perfect insight as to how things ended up in the present. They also did a perfect job as the supporting foundation for Torren and Callie’s love story. Their growth from the beginning to the end was absolutely incredible.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give mention to chapter 33-35 cause Brit maam, exsqueeze TF out of me…you did not come to play. Lemme find out some. (IYKYK) The spice was spicing off the charts.
I loved being reunited with the band…it was like being back with family. Their bickering, their fun, their camaraderie, their love, their fights and the way they rode hard for each other. My gawd it just melted my heart.
This book completely consumed me wholeheartedly from the first word of the prologue to the last word in the epilogue.
My heart hurt so bad when I got to that last page and had to say goodbye cause I already NEED back in this world BAAAAAD.
BUT THEE AUDIO. Oh the audio is an absolute masterpiece of epic proportion!! Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter were in freaking credible!! This book already packs an angsty, emotional punch but having their narration just takes it to another level! Then the musical accompaniment and performance at the end courtesy of Zachary Webber and Juno Cooper was just the icing on the cake!
November 2, 2024
Update: I listened to the audiobook, and it is absolutely incredible! The duet style between Stephen Dexter and Stella Hunter is perfection! I’m dying to go back and listen again already. Their voices paired together so well, and they did an awesome job at bringing out the personalities, emotion, and allll the tension and angst.
And you do not want to miss the epilogue!!
No one does angst better than Brit Benson, and she has easily become one of my favorites. The stories she creates are so addicting, and her characters are complex and amazing. If you’ve read the first book in this series, then you know Torren and that he is the bassist for one of the most popular bands. He was a conflicting character, but also so intriguing, and I was excited for his story. It did not disappoint! His redemption arc was just what I needed. Every time I read the first book in one of Brit’s series, I kind of think to myself no way can she top this… and then she does.
Another second chance romance? Don’t mind if I do. I will never get tired of them. And I loved that in this one there’s a catch - Torren barely remembers Callie four years after their initial meeting, when he spent four nights with her 🙄 This is an emotional story, full of the best character development, and I couldn’t put it down. And don’t get me started on those spicy scenes 🔥 I can’t wait for the next! 🥰
Read if you like ⇣
🖤Second Chance
🤍Hate to Love
🖤Fake Dating
🤍Forced Proximity
🖤Rockstar Romance
🤍Slow Burn
🖤Dual POV
🤍Spice
And you do not want to miss the epilogue!!
No one does angst better than Brit Benson, and she has easily become one of my favorites. The stories she creates are so addicting, and her characters are complex and amazing. If you’ve read the first book in this series, then you know Torren and that he is the bassist for one of the most popular bands. He was a conflicting character, but also so intriguing, and I was excited for his story. It did not disappoint! His redemption arc was just what I needed. Every time I read the first book in one of Brit’s series, I kind of think to myself no way can she top this… and then she does.
Another second chance romance? Don’t mind if I do. I will never get tired of them. And I loved that in this one there’s a catch - Torren barely remembers Callie four years after their initial meeting, when he spent four nights with her 🙄 This is an emotional story, full of the best character development, and I couldn’t put it down. And don’t get me started on those spicy scenes 🔥 I can’t wait for the next! 🥰
Read if you like ⇣
🖤Second Chance
🤍Hate to Love
🖤Fake Dating
🤍Forced Proximity
🖤Rockstar Romance
🤍Slow Burn
🖤Dual POV
🤍Spice
October 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by Brit Benson, and I was immediately hooked from the beginning. I am not usually a big fan of rockstar romance, but this is one of the best I have read. I loved the second chance part of this and how the flashbacks were sprinkled in throughout the book.
Callie met famous and sexy bassist Torren King at a music festival four years ago, and they had an immediate and heated connection. Things ended bad for Callie, and she has hated Torren and his band for years. She runs into Torren again, and the media takes notice, so Torren's PR team offers her a lot of money to enter a fake dating contract for his tour. They need to stop the rumors of Torren and his ex-girlfriend/bandmate being back together. Callie has to agree to this offer to help out her family since they have really struggled with her mom's health issues.
Torren doesn't remember his history with Callie, but it doesn't take him long to figure it out. I really loved his character and how hard he went for her. This boy was obsessed, and he was dealing with a lot of issues with his band and family. He had such a toxic relationship with Sav, but he was perfect for Callie. I loved the way the flashbacks were sprinkled throughout the first half of the book and showed their connection and fallout. The third act was more emotional than I was expecting, and I loved how devoted Torren was to Callie.
Side note: I was absolutely loving chapters 33-35, and the spice was next level!
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook deserves all the stars with fantastic duet narration. It was performed by Stephen Dexter and Stella Hunter. They both brought the heat and amazing banter. Stephen Dexter has been one of my favorite narrators since I discovered him when listening to Choosing Theo. He was perfect as the sexy and dominant Torren King. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by Brit Benson, and I was immediately hooked from the beginning. I am not usually a big fan of rockstar romance, but this is one of the best I have read. I loved the second chance part of this and how the flashbacks were sprinkled in throughout the book.
Callie met famous and sexy bassist Torren King at a music festival four years ago, and they had an immediate and heated connection. Things ended bad for Callie, and she has hated Torren and his band for years. She runs into Torren again, and the media takes notice, so Torren's PR team offers her a lot of money to enter a fake dating contract for his tour. They need to stop the rumors of Torren and his ex-girlfriend/bandmate being back together. Callie has to agree to this offer to help out her family since they have really struggled with her mom's health issues.
Torren doesn't remember his history with Callie, but it doesn't take him long to figure it out. I really loved his character and how hard he went for her. This boy was obsessed, and he was dealing with a lot of issues with his band and family. He had such a toxic relationship with Sav, but he was perfect for Callie. I loved the way the flashbacks were sprinkled throughout the first half of the book and showed their connection and fallout. The third act was more emotional than I was expecting, and I loved how devoted Torren was to Callie.
Side note: I was absolutely loving chapters 33-35, and the spice was next level!
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook deserves all the stars with fantastic duet narration. It was performed by Stephen Dexter and Stella Hunter. They both brought the heat and amazing banter. Stephen Dexter has been one of my favorite narrators since I discovered him when listening to Choosing Theo. He was perfect as the sexy and dominant Torren King. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC.
March 6, 2025
★★★★★
-Rockstar romance
-Fake dating
-Second chance
-Enemies to Lovers
สนุกมากกกก ชอบมาก ไม่มีช่วงที่รู้สึกแผ่วเลย เป็นการอ่านร็อคสตาร์เล่มที่2 (คนละนักเขียนกันนะ) มันถูกจริตอีกแล้วอ่า 🫠
เล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่2ของซีรีส์ พระเอกของเรื่องเป็นมือเบสของวงร็อคที่ดังมากๆ ส่วนนางเอกของเรื่องเป็นอดีตมือคีย์บอร์ดของวงดนตรีวงนึง พระนางเคยเจอกันในเทศกาลดนตรี มีความสัมพันธ์กันในช่วงเวลาของวีคเทศกาลดนตรีนั้น
ปัจจุบัน Callie ออกจากวงแล้วเพราะต้องมาทำงานหาเงินเพื่อดูแลแม่และน้อง จนวันนึง Hometown Heartless วงของพระเอกเกิดปัญหาบางอย่างขึ้นทำให้ Torren ต้องจ้างนางเอกเพื่อมาเป็นแฟนปลอมๆ แต่Torren ดันจำนางเอกไม่ได้สักนิด ส่วนตัว Callie เองก็เกลียดพระเอกและวงHeartless มาก แต่ด้วยความที่ต้องการเงินทำให้ยอมตกลงรับงานนี้ หลังจากตกลงดีลนางเอกก็ต้องไปทัวร์คอนกับวงพระเอก พร้อมรับบทแฟนสาวของร็อคสตาร์หนุ่ม 🤭
สนุกมากๆๆๆ ในเล่มจะมีการสลับพาร์ทอดีตปัจจุบัน แต่เล่าได้ไม่น่าเบื่อเลยมันทำให้มีเหตุผลซัพพอร์ทเหตุการณ์ทุกอย่างในปัจจุบัน ระหว่างอ่านเราสงสัยตลอดว่าทำไมนางเอกต้องเกลียดพระเอกกับวงขนาดนั้น จนได้รู้ความจริงในมุมของนางเองถึงได้เข้าใจ เออมันสมควรเกลียดจริงๆแหละ แต่ที่เซอไพร์สเรามากกว่าคือความเข้าใจผิดของพระ-นางที่มีต่อกัน ฉากที่เถียงระเบิดอารมณ์ใส่กันคือดีมากกกก ไอเลิฟฟฟสุดๆ 🥰อีกอย่างที่เราชอบมากคือ Character development ของพระนาง มันดีมากกกก ทั้งคู่เปลี่ยนไปจริงๆ ยิ่งตัวพระเอกทำให้เราเชื่อเลยเค้าว่ารักนางมากจริงๆ ยอมหมดค่ะเพื่อ baby คนนี้
สรุปชอบมากกกกก มีครบทุกอารมณ์ในเล่ม ซีนซึ้ง ดราม่าก็ทำถึง😭 เชียร์ๆให้ไปลองอ่าน ส่วนทางนี้อยากอ่านเล่มของ Jonah แล้ว ฮีดูมีความลึกลับซับซ้อนที่อธิบายไม่ถูก🤔
🌶️ Spice 3/5 จริงๆไม่ได้มีเยอะนะ แต่มีซีนกี้ดๆๆๆๆๆๆมาก ไม่เคยอ่านแบบนี้มาก่อน🥵
-Rockstar romance
-Fake dating
-Second chance
-Enemies to Lovers
สนุกมากกกก ชอบมาก ไม่มีช่วงที่รู้สึกแผ่วเลย เป็นการอ่านร็อคสตาร์เล่มที่2 (คนละนักเขียนกันนะ) มันถูกจริตอีกแล้วอ่า 🫠
เล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่2ของซีรีส์ พระเอกของเรื่องเป็นมือเบสของวงร็อคที่ดังมากๆ ส่วนนางเอกของเรื่องเป็นอดีตมือคีย์บอร์ดของวงดนตรีวงนึง พระนางเคยเจอกันในเทศกาลดนตรี มีความสัมพันธ์กันในช่วงเวลาของวีคเทศกาลดนตรีนั้น
ปัจจุบัน Callie ออกจากวงแล้วเพราะต้องมาทำงานหาเงินเพื่อดูแลแม่และน้อง จนวันนึง Hometown Heartless วงของพระเอกเกิดปัญหาบางอย่างขึ้นทำให้ Torren ต้องจ้างนางเอกเพื่อมาเป็นแฟนปลอมๆ แต่Torren ดันจำนางเอกไม่ได้สักนิด ส่วนตัว Callie เองก็เกลียดพระเอกและวงHeartless มาก แต่ด้วยความที่ต้องการเงินทำให้ยอมตกลงรับงานนี้ หลังจากตกลงดีลนางเอกก็ต้องไปทัวร์คอนกับวงพระเอก พร้อมรับบทแฟนสาวของร็อคสตาร์หนุ่ม 🤭
สนุกมากๆๆๆ ในเล่มจะมีการสลับพาร์ทอดีตปัจจุบัน แต่เล่าได้ไม่น่าเบื่อเลยมันทำให้มีเหตุผลซัพพอร์ทเหตุการณ์ทุกอย่างในปัจจุบัน ระหว่างอ่านเราสงสัยตลอดว่าทำไมนางเอกต้องเกลียดพระเอกกับวงขนาดนั้น จนได้รู้ความจริงในมุมของนางเองถึงได้เข้าใจ เออมันสมควรเกลียดจริงๆแหละ แต่ที่เซอไพร์สเรามากกว่าคือความเข้าใจผิดของพระ-นางที่มีต่อกัน ฉากที่เถียงระเบิดอารมณ์ใส่กันคือดีมากกกก ไอเลิฟฟฟสุดๆ 🥰อีกอย่างที่เราชอบมากคือ Character development ของพระนาง มันดีมากกกก ทั้งคู่เปลี่ยนไปจริงๆ ยิ่งตัวพระเอกทำให้เราเชื่อเลยเค้าว่ารักนางมากจริงๆ ยอมหมดค่ะเพื่อ baby คนนี้
สรุปชอบมากกกกก มีครบทุกอารมณ์ในเล่ม ซีนซึ้ง ดราม่าก็ทำถึง😭 เชียร์ๆให้ไปลองอ่าน ส่วนทางนี้อยากอ่านเล่มของ Jonah แล้ว ฮีดูมีความลึกลับซับซ้อนที่อธิบายไม่ถูก🤔
🌶️ Spice 3/5 จริงๆไม่ได้มีเยอะนะ แต่มีซีนกี้ดๆๆๆๆๆๆมาก ไม่เคยอ่านแบบนี้มาก่อน🥵
August 11, 2024
Holy shit cakes Batman! Brit has freaking done it again. I’m in awe of the flawless way she takes a character that wasn’t a fan fave and creates magic. The layers of this fictional character shine through as if they’re tangible. And brick by brick you are shown someone worthy of everything…It’s a gift that Ms Benson has perfected. And scorching hot scenes that bring the level of p to the v to extraordinary heights. 🔥🔥 all the tingles lol. I loved this story and can’t wait to see what she brings next. LOVE!!
April 16, 2025
It’s been 5 days since I’ve read and I loved this book but can I just say this spice was 🥵🥵🥵🥵
September 4, 2024
I forgot how much I love a good Rockstar Romance and this one was perfect! I simply could not put this book down, which shouldn’t be a surprise since Brit Benson has become a one click author for me.
When Callie literally crashes into Torren there’s just something about her that makes him want to know more so when he ends up needing a fake girlfriend she seems like the perfect choice. Callie has some mysterious damage with him and the band but she can’t turn down the money they’re offering her to go on tour with them and enter into this PR relationship.
This book has all the fake dating, forced proximity, hot as hell rockstar goodness. And when Torren ultimately decides that Callie is his, there is no changing his mind. And his devotion to her in the second half of this book is the epitome of romance. I’m truly obsessed with that man.
And the spice? There is a scene in this book that will forever live in my head rent free and has me so excited for Jonah’s book!
I highly recommend this one (and Brit Benson in general of course)
If you haven’t read Between Never and Forever yet definitely read that one first! It’s also amazing!
When Callie literally crashes into Torren there’s just something about her that makes him want to know more so when he ends up needing a fake girlfriend she seems like the perfect choice. Callie has some mysterious damage with him and the band but she can’t turn down the money they’re offering her to go on tour with them and enter into this PR relationship.
This book has all the fake dating, forced proximity, hot as hell rockstar goodness. And when Torren ultimately decides that Callie is his, there is no changing his mind. And his devotion to her in the second half of this book is the epitome of romance. I’m truly obsessed with that man.
And the spice? There is a scene in this book that will forever live in my head rent free and has me so excited for Jonah’s book!
I highly recommend this one (and Brit Benson in general of course)
If you haven’t read Between Never and Forever yet definitely read that one first! It’s also amazing!
November 4, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
♾️
Torren King just grabbed my soul and hasn’t let it go. I am reeling after just finishing, Of Heartbreak and Harmony by Britt Benson, with tears still running down my cheeks I don’t know if I can adequacy put into words how much I love this book. The angst, the love, the toxicity, the tears, the songs, the feelings between this found family and all the emotions throughout this journey and Britt Benson’s writing, making u feel every single one of them. Torren King, rockstar lead bass guitarist for Hometown Heartless, with a toxic past viewed by all his fans, And Callie James, an up and coming artist trying to find her way, but giving into temptation that ultimately paves the way for her future. This was a beautiful angsty second chance love story between Torren and Callie with stories being told in the past and present sorting through the secrets, the lies and trying to trust the future. The growth in each character throughout this story was really beautiful, I loved Callie’s openness throughout this book, being brave, asking the hard questions and standing up for herself, Torren was fighting his own inner battles and when Callie came into his world, things started to free his mind and open up to the possibility of true utter happiness. It was fun to have Sav and Levi back from book 1 Between Never and Forever, you really got an understanding of how their troubled past and the positive steps they have taken, got the band where they are today. Of Heartbreak and Harmony took you through some serious twist and turns between not only Callie and Torren but so many incredible side characters and the story just had you entranced leaving me balling happy tears and once again falling more in love with Britt Benson’s writing and the Hometown Heartless Series.
Thank you The Author Agency and Britt for the opportunity to READ and REVIEW.
AUDIO REVIEW
🎧Let’s talk narration.
Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter narrate Of Heartbreak and Harmony in duet, giving you an instant connection to the characters through their voices. I listened to this audio after I had already eyeball read the E•Book and it’s amazing what a voice can do to the story. When reading I thought Torren was angry, hurt, and a little bitter but listening to Stephen narrate Torren gave me a different perspective of the emotions behind his words, he opened my eyes to a different side to Torren, one that cared and had a softness to him which was reassuring when I feel so hard for Callie and what she had been through, you really felt the love Torren had for her through Stephen’s words. Stella Hunter did a beautiful job bringing Callie to life for me, I loved the inner monologue with moments of vulnerability, and every sassy comment, she put so much trust into Torren and I could feel each and every emotion behind Stella’s voice, she brought that extra angst I felt when eyeball reading this book and I loved every minute of her performance.
THANKS MLA and The Author Agency for the opportunity to listen and review.
♾️
Torren King just grabbed my soul and hasn’t let it go. I am reeling after just finishing, Of Heartbreak and Harmony by Britt Benson, with tears still running down my cheeks I don’t know if I can adequacy put into words how much I love this book. The angst, the love, the toxicity, the tears, the songs, the feelings between this found family and all the emotions throughout this journey and Britt Benson’s writing, making u feel every single one of them. Torren King, rockstar lead bass guitarist for Hometown Heartless, with a toxic past viewed by all his fans, And Callie James, an up and coming artist trying to find her way, but giving into temptation that ultimately paves the way for her future. This was a beautiful angsty second chance love story between Torren and Callie with stories being told in the past and present sorting through the secrets, the lies and trying to trust the future. The growth in each character throughout this story was really beautiful, I loved Callie’s openness throughout this book, being brave, asking the hard questions and standing up for herself, Torren was fighting his own inner battles and when Callie came into his world, things started to free his mind and open up to the possibility of true utter happiness. It was fun to have Sav and Levi back from book 1 Between Never and Forever, you really got an understanding of how their troubled past and the positive steps they have taken, got the band where they are today. Of Heartbreak and Harmony took you through some serious twist and turns between not only Callie and Torren but so many incredible side characters and the story just had you entranced leaving me balling happy tears and once again falling more in love with Britt Benson’s writing and the Hometown Heartless Series.
Thank you The Author Agency and Britt for the opportunity to READ and REVIEW.
AUDIO REVIEW
🎧Let’s talk narration.
Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter narrate Of Heartbreak and Harmony in duet, giving you an instant connection to the characters through their voices. I listened to this audio after I had already eyeball read the E•Book and it’s amazing what a voice can do to the story. When reading I thought Torren was angry, hurt, and a little bitter but listening to Stephen narrate Torren gave me a different perspective of the emotions behind his words, he opened my eyes to a different side to Torren, one that cared and had a softness to him which was reassuring when I feel so hard for Callie and what she had been through, you really felt the love Torren had for her through Stephen’s words. Stella Hunter did a beautiful job bringing Callie to life for me, I loved the inner monologue with moments of vulnerability, and every sassy comment, she put so much trust into Torren and I could feel each and every emotion behind Stella’s voice, she brought that extra angst I felt when eyeball reading this book and I loved every minute of her performance.
THANKS MLA and The Author Agency for the opportunity to listen and review.
May 11, 2025
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 4/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Rockstar Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Hate to Love
- Second Chance
- Hidden Identity
- Secret Tattoo
- Fake Dating
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Tension, Angst, Heat
- Suspense
- Dual Timeline
- Duet Narration
WOW! This book deserves all the stars. I am UNWELL! Of Heartbreak and Harmony had me locked in from the start. A rockstar, second chance romance with all the feels? Yes, thank you, more please.
I was not prepared for how much I would love this story. Callie and Torren's delicious slow-burn, second-chance romance is so good. The tension, angst, and undeniable chemistry between Callie and Torren is palpable. The spice was spicin' in this story! There were ups and downs, and some of their actions were rage-inducing, but I loved the development of their relationship. Based on the previous book, I did not have a good impression of Torren, but his redemption arc and how hard he fell for Callie has me obsessed. Callie and Torren were always going to be each other's endgame, and I couldn't help but root for them. I felt so many emotions while reading this story. I was kicking my feet, fanning myself, laughing, screaming, and crying. Callie and Torren's romance is definitely an emotional ride. My heart was shattered into pieces and then put back together. I am still recovering. This book is perfect, and I can't wait for what's next.
Narration:
Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter perform this audiobook in duet-style narration. This duo absolutely nailed it. Stella and Stephen were the perfect voices for Callie and Torren and expertly portrayed the essence of each character. They brought emotion, tension, angst, and heat. This audiobook had an amazing flow, and the narrators complemented each other well. Stella and Stephen's performances enhanced my experience with the story, and I highly recommend reading the book and listening to the audiobook in tandem.
Thanks to Brit Benson, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Heat Rating: 4/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Rockstar Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Hate to Love
- Second Chance
- Hidden Identity
- Secret Tattoo
- Fake Dating
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Tension, Angst, Heat
- Suspense
- Dual Timeline
- Duet Narration
WOW! This book deserves all the stars. I am UNWELL! Of Heartbreak and Harmony had me locked in from the start. A rockstar, second chance romance with all the feels? Yes, thank you, more please.
I was not prepared for how much I would love this story. Callie and Torren's delicious slow-burn, second-chance romance is so good. The tension, angst, and undeniable chemistry between Callie and Torren is palpable. The spice was spicin' in this story! There were ups and downs, and some of their actions were rage-inducing, but I loved the development of their relationship. Based on the previous book, I did not have a good impression of Torren, but his redemption arc and how hard he fell for Callie has me obsessed. Callie and Torren were always going to be each other's endgame, and I couldn't help but root for them. I felt so many emotions while reading this story. I was kicking my feet, fanning myself, laughing, screaming, and crying. Callie and Torren's romance is definitely an emotional ride. My heart was shattered into pieces and then put back together. I am still recovering. This book is perfect, and I can't wait for what's next.
Narration:
Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter perform this audiobook in duet-style narration. This duo absolutely nailed it. Stella and Stephen were the perfect voices for Callie and Torren and expertly portrayed the essence of each character. They brought emotion, tension, angst, and heat. This audiobook had an amazing flow, and the narrators complemented each other well. Stella and Stephen's performances enhanced my experience with the story, and I highly recommend reading the book and listening to the audiobook in tandem.
Thanks to Brit Benson, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2024
10/26
I re-read this on audio and I just love Callie and Torren’s story even more. This audio was so soooo good. Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life, I felt all the emotions and loved it so much. I highly recommend the audio.
————————————————————————————-
Brit’s writing is so amazing I couldn’t put this book down. Torren and Callie’s story was full of angst, love, and so much emotions. I loved being back in this world and seeing all the characters again. I can’t wait for Jonah’s story.
Tropes:
🖤Hate to Love
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Rockstar
🖤Fake Dating
🖤Angsty
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Second Chance-ish
I re-read this on audio and I just love Callie and Torren’s story even more. This audio was so soooo good. Stella Hunter and Stephen Dexter did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life, I felt all the emotions and loved it so much. I highly recommend the audio.
————————————————————————————-
Brit’s writing is so amazing I couldn’t put this book down. Torren and Callie’s story was full of angst, love, and so much emotions. I loved being back in this world and seeing all the characters again. I can’t wait for Jonah’s story.
Tropes:
🖤Hate to Love
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Rockstar
🖤Fake Dating
🖤Angsty
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Second Chance-ish
October 23, 2024
This audiobook was absolutely captivating, taking me on an emotional journey from start to finish. Torren, the broody rock star, surprised me with his tender side and his unwavering love for Callie. Her strength and independence made her the perfect match for him, and their story was filled with touching moments and undeniable chemistry. The flashbacks added depth, showing how much they had grown and how far their love had come. The narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters' emotions to life, making this an unforgettable and heartwarming listen. It’s definitely one to add to your tbr!
Thank you, Brit Benson and The Author Agency for the ALC.
Thank you, Brit Benson and The Author Agency for the ALC.
January 29, 2025
rockstar romance พระเอกเป็นมือเบสวงร็อคชื่อดัง นางเอกเป็นอดีตสาวน้อยนักดนตรีที่วงไปไม่รอดเลยต้องมาทำงานงกๆๆๆ หาเงินเลี้ยงแม่กะน้องสาว พอวงพระเอกมีปัญหานิดหน่อย พระเอกเลยมาจ้างนางเอกที่เพิ่งเจอกันไปเป็นแฟนปลอมๆ เพื่อสร้างข่าว แต่พระเอกไม่รู้เลยว่าจริงๆ แล้วเคยเจอนางเอกมาก่อน! นางเอกจำได้อยู่ฝ่ายเดียว แถมยังเกลียดขี้หน้าพระเอกด้วย แต่ก็กัดฟันยอมรับจ๊อบเป็นแฟนปลอมๆ เพราะค่าจ้างสูงลิบ
โอ้โห เล่มนี้สนุกกว่าเล่มแรกมากกกก ตอนอ่านเล่มแรกยังไม่ค่อยรู้สึกถึงความ rockstar เท่าไหร่ เหมือนความ rockstar ต่างๆ เป็นแค่ส่วนเสริมในชีวิตนางเอกเฉยๆ แต่เล่มนี้ความ rockstar ใดๆ มาเต็มมม เนื้อเรื่องส่วนใหญ่เกิดขึ้นช่วงที่วงของพระเอกตะลอนทัวร์คอนเสิร์ตทั่วอเมริกา นางเอกก็โดนหนีบไปทัวร์ด้วย คนอ่านเลยได้เข้าไปสู่โลกของชาวร็อกเต็มรูปแบบ เล่าเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับดนตรีคู่ขนานไปกับความรักของพระเอกนางเอก มีซีนเล่าความฟินที่ได้จากดนตรีทั้งในฐานะแฟนเพลงและศิลปินเต็มไปหมด แบบนี้ค่อยรู้สึกถึงความ rockstar หน่อย เป็นเล่มที่เล่าเรื่องดนตรีสนุกมาก มีดราม่าเรื่องค่ายเพลงขัดขาวงดนตรีเล็กๆ ไรงี้ด้วย ฮู้ย สนุก
ในส่วนของ romance ก็ดีเกินคาดมาก คาดไม่ถึงจริงๆ เพราะตอนอ่านเล่มแรกไม่ค่อยชอบ Torren ที่เป็นพระเอกเล่มนี้เท่าไหร่ (ไม่ถึงกับเกลียด แต่ก็ไม่ชวนให้อยากอ่านเล่มของเขาต่อเลย เกือบเทไปแล้วแต่คิดถูกที่อ่านต่อ) Torren เป็นแฟนเก่าของ Sav ที่เป็นนางเอกเล่มแรก มีความสัมพันธ์แบบ toxic สุดๆ ในเล่มแรกและช่วงต้นของเล่มนี้ Torren เลยดูเป็นหนุ่มคลั่งรักใจสลายที่ไม่ยอมตัดใจซะทีทั้งๆ ที่สาวเขาไปมีคนใหม่แล้ว แต่การปูพื้น Torren มาแบบนี้กลับกลายเป็นเรื่องดีไปซะงั้น เพราะมันทำให้เห็นพัฒนาการของ Torren ที่เปลี่ยนจากแบดบอยจอมตัดพ้อไปเป็นแฟนหนุ่มแสนดีที่พร้อมจะทำทุกอย่างให้เธอขามีความสุข พร้อมจะแก้ไขความผิดพลาดในอดีตของตัวเอง พร้อมจะเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้นเพื่อ the love of his life อ่านจบแล้วคะแนนความชอบตัวละครนี้พุ่งปรอทแตก ไม่อยากจะเชื่อเลยจริงๆ ว่าตัวละครนี้จะมีความ book boyfriend ได้ขนาดนี้
ส่วนนางเอกก็เป็นอีกคนที่มีพัฒนาการที่ดี ตอนแรกๆ แอบน่าหงุดหงิดนิดหน่อยตรงที่ชอบมองวงพระเอกในแง่ร้าย อคติว่าวงนี้เลวร้ายต่างๆ นานา ชอบวีนเหวี่ยงใส่พระเอก แต่พออ่านๆ ไปจะพบว่ามันมีเหตุการณ์เบื้องหลังในอดีตที่อธิบายพฤติกรรมของนางเอกได้ และตอนหลังนางเอกก็มีการปรับปรุงตัวในจุดนี้ คือนอกจากความสัมพันธ์กับพระเอกแล้ว การได้เห็นนางเอกพัฒนาความสัมพันธ์กับเพื่อนๆ ในวงของพระเอกไปด้วยก็เป็นอีกส่วนที่ compelling คิดว่าเล่มนี้เล่า dynamic และรูปแบบความสัมพันธ์ในวงของพระเอกได้ชัดเจนกว่าเล่มแรกด้วย เพราะต้องไปไหนมาไหนด้วยกันทั้งวงอยู่ตลอดเวลา
btw ไม่แน่ใจว่าจะเป็นการสปอยล์หรือเปล่าแต่ซ่อนเผื่อไว้ก่อน WARNING: เล่มนี้มีฉาก
สรุปว่าชอบมาก หลากหลายอารมณ์สุดๆ อยากอ่านเล่ม Jonah มากๆๆๆๆ
โอ้โห เล่มนี้สนุกกว่าเล่มแรกมากกกก ตอนอ่านเล่มแรกยังไม่ค่อยรู้สึกถึงความ rockstar เท่าไหร่ เหมือนความ rockstar ต่างๆ เป็นแค่ส่วนเสริมในชีวิตนางเอกเฉยๆ แต่เล่มนี้ความ rockstar ใดๆ มาเต็มมม เนื้อเรื่องส่วนใหญ่เกิดขึ้นช่วงที่วงของพระเอกตะลอนทัวร์คอนเสิร์ตทั่วอเมริกา นางเอกก็โดนหนีบไปทัวร์ด้วย คนอ่านเลยได้เข้าไปสู่โลกของชาวร็อกเต็มรูปแบบ เล่าเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับดนตรีคู่ขนานไปกับความรักของพระเอกนางเอก มีซีนเล่าความฟินที่ได้จากดนตรีทั้งในฐานะแฟนเพลงและศิลปินเต็มไปหมด แบบนี้ค่อยรู้สึกถึงความ rockstar หน่อย เป็นเล่มที่เล่าเรื่องดนตรีสนุกมาก มีดราม่าเรื่องค่ายเพลงขัดขาวงดนตรีเล็กๆ ไรงี้ด้วย ฮู้ย สนุก
ในส่วนของ romance ก็ดีเกินคาดมาก คาดไม่ถึงจริงๆ เพราะตอนอ่านเล่มแรกไม่ค่อยชอบ Torren ที่เป็นพระเอกเล่มนี้เท่าไหร่ (ไม่ถึงกับเกลียด แต่ก็ไม่ชวนให้อยากอ่านเล่มของเขาต่อเลย เกือบเทไปแล้วแต่คิดถูกที่อ่านต่อ) Torren เป็นแฟนเก่าของ Sav ที่เป็นนางเอกเล่มแรก มีความสัมพันธ์แบบ toxic สุดๆ ในเล่มแรกและช่วงต้นของเล่มนี้ Torren เลยดูเป็นหนุ่มคลั่งรักใจสลายที่ไม่ยอมตัดใจซะทีทั้งๆ ที่สาวเขาไปมีคนใหม่แล้ว แต่การปูพื้น Torren มาแบบนี้กลับกลายเป็นเรื่องดีไปซะงั้น เพราะมันทำให้เห็นพัฒนาการของ Torren ที่เปลี่ยนจากแบดบอยจอมตัดพ้อไปเป็นแฟนหนุ่มแสนดีที่พร้อมจะทำทุกอย่างให้เธอขามีความสุข พร้อมจะแก้ไขความผิดพลาดในอดีตของตัวเอง พร้อมจะเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้นเพื่อ the love of his life อ่านจบแล้วคะแนนความชอบตัวละครนี้พุ่งปรอทแตก ไม่อยากจะเชื่อเลยจริงๆ ว่าตัวละครนี้จะมีความ book boyfriend ได้ขนาดนี้
ส่วนนางเอกก็เป็นอีกคนที่มีพัฒนาการที่ดี ตอนแรกๆ แอบน่าหงุดหงิดนิดหน่อยตรงที่ชอบมองวงพระเอกในแง่ร้าย อคติว่าวงนี้เลวร้ายต่างๆ นานา ชอบวีนเหวี่ยงใส่พระเอก แต่พออ่านๆ ไปจะพบว่ามันมีเหตุการณ์เบื้องหลังในอดีตที่อธิบายพฤติกรรมของนางเอกได้ และตอนหลังนางเอกก็มีการปรับปรุงตัวในจุดนี้ คือนอกจากความสัมพันธ์กับพระเอกแล้ว การได้เห็นนางเอกพัฒนาความสัมพันธ์กับเพื่อนๆ ในวงของพระเอกไปด้วยก็เป็นอีกส่วนที่ compelling คิดว่าเล่มนี้เล่า dynamic และรูปแบบความสัมพันธ์ในวงของพระเอกได้ชัดเจนกว่าเล่มแรกด้วย เพราะต้องไปไหนมาไหนด้วยกันทั้งวงอยู่ตลอดเวลา
btw ไม่แน่ใจว่าจะเป็นการสปอยล์หรือเปล่าแต่ซ่อนเผื่อไว้ก่อน WARNING: เล่มนี้มีฉาก
สรุปว่าชอบมาก หลากหลายอารมณ์สุดๆ อยากอ่านเล่ม Jonah มากๆๆๆๆ
August 11, 2024
Rating: 10/10⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶
Tropes:rockstar romance; fake dating; past/present time line; second chance (ish)
Favorite Quote:
Callie and Torren first meet at Artfest and have a whirlwind romance filled fire and substances that ends in total heartbreak.. fast forward 5 years Callie runs into him (literally) and he has no idea who she is but he does know he needs a fake girl friend to help with a PR situation and she's the girl for the job. She hates him but she doesn't hate the 80k he's willing to make her for the role. she needs the money.. he needs the GF..
IDK how Brit does it EVERY TIME BUT SHE DOES. How can she make a 480 page book read like a fcking novella? it read SO FAST and I simply couldn't put it down til I finished it. It was so fast paced and so addictive that it had you running to the next chapter to know how it was going to play out.
Callie my sweet sweet Callie I wanted to give her the BIGGEST hug so many times with all she went through.. she didn't know how broken the man she was falling for was until it was to late and Torren man I wanted to shake the ever loving shiz out of that man but also i wanted to give him a huge hug because we know from reading the first book how broken he was over Sav.
I could literally keep talking on and on about this book but all you need to know is it's a MUST read.. ok?
Spice: 2/5🌶
Tropes:rockstar romance; fake dating; past/present time line; second chance (ish)
Favorite Quote:
Callie and Torren first meet at Artfest and have a whirlwind romance filled fire and substances that ends in total heartbreak.. fast forward 5 years Callie runs into him (literally) and he has no idea who she is but he does know he needs a fake girl friend to help with a PR situation and she's the girl for the job. She hates him but she doesn't hate the 80k he's willing to make her for the role. she needs the money.. he needs the GF..
IDK how Brit does it EVERY TIME BUT SHE DOES. How can she make a 480 page book read like a fcking novella? it read SO FAST and I simply couldn't put it down til I finished it. It was so fast paced and so addictive that it had you running to the next chapter to know how it was going to play out.
Callie my sweet sweet Callie I wanted to give her the BIGGEST hug so many times with all she went through.. she didn't know how broken the man she was falling for was until it was to late and Torren man I wanted to shake the ever loving shiz out of that man but also i wanted to give him a huge hug because we know from reading the first book how broken he was over Sav.
I could literally keep talking on and on about this book but all you need to know is it's a MUST read.. ok?
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