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Rock My World
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00ICRU3J6.
Ruby Cameron is an ambitious reporter for a local paper where she is fed scraps of news, and lives with a man whose “idea of living dangerously is to leave the heating on when we pop out to the shops”. But after catching her squeaky clean boyfriend in flagrante delicto she ups sticks and moves into her own small home, only to discover the ghostly presence of a cheeky rock star who becomes her confidant as the dynamics of her small town, and her feelings about her dashing new boss, begin to throw up more questions than she can answer. Will Ruby discover who she really is, and perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be?
Ruby Cameron is an ambitious reporter for a local paper where she is fed scraps of news, and lives with a man whose “idea of living dangerously is to leave the heating on when we pop out to the shops”. But after catching her squeaky clean boyfriend in flagrante delicto she ups sticks and moves into her own small home, only to discover the ghostly presence of a cheeky rock star who becomes her confidant as the dynamics of her small town, and her feelings about her dashing new boss, begin to throw up more questions than she can answer. Will Ruby discover who she really is, and perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
9 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 12, 2014
Loved the humour in this book, very light but fun and self-deprecating for a young woman who is both strong-headed, passionate and a bit clumsy. This is a feel good romance that does exactly that.
February 13, 2014
This has all the right elements for a great chick lit. You me and all of us in all our quirkiness.
August 10, 2015
A really good story, but there was quite a bit of jumping around. It could be distracting from the main story line.
March 12, 2018
This book took me a while to finish because I simply struggled to get "into it" - not because it was particularly bad or even, perish the thought - boring, but simply because it felt like I'd read it before.
Phrases and symbolism used over and over again until they were paler and more bland than they were to begin with and tenuous pop culture references as well as out of character, cringeworthy "erotic" moments that genuinely made me grimace made it quite tiring at times.
HOWEVER - it is an original, easy to read story with a solid heart and relatable if not entirely likeable characters.
Short and not at all mentally or emotionally demanding this book is well worth losing a few hours on a Sunday afternoon in the company of.
Phrases and symbolism used over and over again until they were paler and more bland than they were to begin with and tenuous pop culture references as well as out of character, cringeworthy "erotic" moments that genuinely made me grimace made it quite tiring at times.
HOWEVER - it is an original, easy to read story with a solid heart and relatable if not entirely likeable characters.
Short and not at all mentally or emotionally demanding this book is well worth losing a few hours on a Sunday afternoon in the company of.
May 19, 2019
My review is 3.5 stars.
This one was little let down for me, as this is inconsistent in regards with the story and pace. It started in a good way but, I guess, lost the way in between but there was redemption in the end. The MC is good but I feel there is an ample space that she can become more than she already is. The scenes and dialogues were good. A fine read, I suppose!
This one was little let down for me, as this is inconsistent in regards with the story and pace. It started in a good way but, I guess, lost the way in between but there was redemption in the end. The MC is good but I feel there is an ample space that she can become more than she already is. The scenes and dialogues were good. A fine read, I suppose!
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Rock My World by Julie Shackman was a fantastically written story, not only involving romance and a scumbag of a boyfriend, but also including a brilliant dash of paranormal that managed to string the whole novel together.
As usual, I'm going to talk about the cover for Rock My World first, because as you all know, I am a SUCKER for a pretty cover. I really loved the whole out-of-this-world feel of Julie's cover, especially the shooting star just in the corner of the image. The two people watching the sky look close and comfortable together, but I can't help wondering if this is Julie's characters, Ruby and Matt, or Ruby and Stevie, who you'll find out more about later on. Either way, the cover still works perfectly alongside the story and it is gorgeous. I would love to be admiring that view, can you imagine?
Julie's characters were fantastic. Ruby was a fabulous woman, hoping to move up in her career as a junior reporter and finally snag a bigger and better role, involving bigger and MUCH better stories. I loved Ruby's persona as a whole. She made me laugh and was quite sarcastic at time, which I always find myself giggling at. There's nothing like some good sarcasm to make you love a fictional character, it's as if it speaks straight to my own heart. Ruby's live-in boyfriend, Luke, was a complete arsehole who I detested. For starters, I'm not really a fan of blonde guys (sorry!) I'm more of a dark-haired guy lover myself. Carrying on from that, I wanted to grab hold of Luke's face and repeatedly swing my fist into it. He may have been a gym-freak with a nice, muscled body but no. Just no. I knew from the moment that he was mentioned in Rock My World that Ruby deserved so much better than the little slimeball. As soon as the story gets going, you actually get a round-up of Ruby's relationship with Luke and it doesn't look good. Constantly running off to the gym and being a miserable git doesn't bode well with any woman. I kinda' had a feeling that what happened was coming, but I won't spill the beans too much, because I hope after this you'll want to read Rock My World for yourselves ;)
Another character that stood out to me was the gorgeous, brooding Matt! *SQUEAL* Urgh, this guy was just sex on legs. Matt strides into the story as someone who Ruby just can't deny her attraction for. In all seriousness, Matt is very, very hot. When they first meet, Matt appears right behind Ruby as she is slagging him off without realising his presence. Matt is described as "A tall figure with endless legs..." and said to have eyes that are almost "wolf-like." I think I was a bit besotted from the moment Julie introduced him to the plot. Okay. A lot besotted. He was intimidating, both looks-wise and mentally. Full of smart ideas and trying his hardest to dispel the impression that his rich background held over everybody that he met, Matt knows he wants to write for a living, all he needs to do is prove himself and that this isn't just another hobby that will eventually die out.
As well as Ruby and the handsome Matt, there was Stevie, who inhabits Ruby's new house that she has just moved into. Stevie, and this idea was sensational, is the ghost of a rock-star that tragically died years ago. He roams Ruby's home day and night, his melodic voice bouncing back and forth between the walls of her new home. I really do think that the paranormal aspect of Rock My World was just fantastic. It added a whole other dimension to Julie's writing and seeing as I haven't really read anything paranormal before, Rock My World has given me a taste for it. Stevie's story of his passing was very emotional, and I loved how Julie took me right back to the very beginning and I was watching how it all happened through Stevie's very own eyes. There's also a HUGE twist involved in the story, something to do with Stevie, and it will blow your mind, I promise!
The plot in Rock My World was brill. It kept me guessing all the way through and I was hooked completely. Julie managed to include so many different subjects and narratives in her story it was constantly entertaining and I loved it. There were so many different things going on all at once, it was hard to not be interested in what was happening.
Becca's Books is giving Rock My World by Julie Shackman a sparkling rating of 5/5 stars! I loved everything about this novel and I cannot wait to see what Julie plans to bring out in the future. I'm sure it will be fantastic if Rock My World is anything to go by. It had everything. Romance, attraction, chemistry, mystery and everything in between. I promise you, you will love it!
I would also like to say a massive thank you to Julie herself for getting in touch with me about reviewing her book. There's nothing like an author sending you their work, and I cannot imagine how they are feeling when they hit the send button but I am so glad that she did because it was fabulous! So, thank you so much Julie, and don't forget, I'm here whenever you decide to write your next one ;)
Rock My World by Julie Shackman was a fantastically written story, not only involving romance and a scumbag of a boyfriend, but also including a brilliant dash of paranormal that managed to string the whole novel together.
As usual, I'm going to talk about the cover for Rock My World first, because as you all know, I am a SUCKER for a pretty cover. I really loved the whole out-of-this-world feel of Julie's cover, especially the shooting star just in the corner of the image. The two people watching the sky look close and comfortable together, but I can't help wondering if this is Julie's characters, Ruby and Matt, or Ruby and Stevie, who you'll find out more about later on. Either way, the cover still works perfectly alongside the story and it is gorgeous. I would love to be admiring that view, can you imagine?
Julie's characters were fantastic. Ruby was a fabulous woman, hoping to move up in her career as a junior reporter and finally snag a bigger and better role, involving bigger and MUCH better stories. I loved Ruby's persona as a whole. She made me laugh and was quite sarcastic at time, which I always find myself giggling at. There's nothing like some good sarcasm to make you love a fictional character, it's as if it speaks straight to my own heart. Ruby's live-in boyfriend, Luke, was a complete arsehole who I detested. For starters, I'm not really a fan of blonde guys (sorry!) I'm more of a dark-haired guy lover myself. Carrying on from that, I wanted to grab hold of Luke's face and repeatedly swing my fist into it. He may have been a gym-freak with a nice, muscled body but no. Just no. I knew from the moment that he was mentioned in Rock My World that Ruby deserved so much better than the little slimeball. As soon as the story gets going, you actually get a round-up of Ruby's relationship with Luke and it doesn't look good. Constantly running off to the gym and being a miserable git doesn't bode well with any woman. I kinda' had a feeling that what happened was coming, but I won't spill the beans too much, because I hope after this you'll want to read Rock My World for yourselves ;)
Another character that stood out to me was the gorgeous, brooding Matt! *SQUEAL* Urgh, this guy was just sex on legs. Matt strides into the story as someone who Ruby just can't deny her attraction for. In all seriousness, Matt is very, very hot. When they first meet, Matt appears right behind Ruby as she is slagging him off without realising his presence. Matt is described as "A tall figure with endless legs..." and said to have eyes that are almost "wolf-like." I think I was a bit besotted from the moment Julie introduced him to the plot. Okay. A lot besotted. He was intimidating, both looks-wise and mentally. Full of smart ideas and trying his hardest to dispel the impression that his rich background held over everybody that he met, Matt knows he wants to write for a living, all he needs to do is prove himself and that this isn't just another hobby that will eventually die out.
As well as Ruby and the handsome Matt, there was Stevie, who inhabits Ruby's new house that she has just moved into. Stevie, and this idea was sensational, is the ghost of a rock-star that tragically died years ago. He roams Ruby's home day and night, his melodic voice bouncing back and forth between the walls of her new home. I really do think that the paranormal aspect of Rock My World was just fantastic. It added a whole other dimension to Julie's writing and seeing as I haven't really read anything paranormal before, Rock My World has given me a taste for it. Stevie's story of his passing was very emotional, and I loved how Julie took me right back to the very beginning and I was watching how it all happened through Stevie's very own eyes. There's also a HUGE twist involved in the story, something to do with Stevie, and it will blow your mind, I promise!
The plot in Rock My World was brill. It kept me guessing all the way through and I was hooked completely. Julie managed to include so many different subjects and narratives in her story it was constantly entertaining and I loved it. There were so many different things going on all at once, it was hard to not be interested in what was happening.
Becca's Books is giving Rock My World by Julie Shackman a sparkling rating of 5/5 stars! I loved everything about this novel and I cannot wait to see what Julie plans to bring out in the future. I'm sure it will be fantastic if Rock My World is anything to go by. It had everything. Romance, attraction, chemistry, mystery and everything in between. I promise you, you will love it!
I would also like to say a massive thank you to Julie herself for getting in touch with me about reviewing her book. There's nothing like an author sending you their work, and I cannot imagine how they are feeling when they hit the send button but I am so glad that she did because it was fabulous! So, thank you so much Julie, and don't forget, I'm here whenever you decide to write your next one ;)
May 10, 2014
3.75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2014
Ruby Cameron is an ambitious reporter for a local paper where she is fed scraps of news, and lives with a man whose “idea of living dangerously is to leave the heating on when we pop out to the shops”. But after catching her squeaky clean boyfriend in flagrante delicto she ups sticks and moves into her own small home, only to discover the ghostly presence of a cheeky rock star who becomes her confidant as the dynamics of her small town, and her feelings about her dashing new boss, begin to throw up more questions than she can answer. Will Ruby discover who she really is, and perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be?
REVIEW: ROCK MY WORLD is a contemporary, paranormal, romance, suspense storyline focusing on twenty eight year old newspaper reporter Ruby Cameron and the ghost who resides in her new home. After she finds her boyfriend having sex with a younger woman, Ruby moves into a new housing development, built upon the grounds of a former theatre, where she is immediately assaulted by the familiar tones of 80s rock anthems. To Ruby’s surprise she is the only person who hears the music and with it will come the apparition of the long deceased Stevie V-front man and singer for the former Scottish rock group Legend who died close to twenty eight years earlier-on the very spot.
The storyline focuses on Ruby’s investigation into the death of Stevie V. The rocker has not been able to move on since his demise and pleads with Ruby to investigate what he believes was not an accident but a murder. As a reporter Ruby has more connections than the average person but what Ruby uncovers will shock everyone including herself. As if investigating Stevie’s death isn’t enough, Ruby will be introduced to a new reporter whose father owns the struggling paper and her attraction to Matt Jardine is immediate and unwelcome.
Julie Shackman writes an inviting storyline about one woman’s search for the truth but what she uncovers will change her life, as well. This is a story of suspense and mystery; betrayal and jealousy; losing and second chances. Our heroine Ruby will be given a second chance at love in the guise of a fellow reporter but what ensues is a game of push and pull.
The storyline is told from alternating first person (Ruby) and close third person POV. The writing style is simple and the backstory is revealed through investigation, interviews and reflection. A good portion of the storyline goes back and forth between present day and the past but not always in the same time period-the story spans over thirty years.
Julie Shackman references many of the songs, fads and happenings of the 1980s to give the storyline a familiar edge in reality. The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of family, friends and co-workers who add a little color and entertainment to the storyline.
ROCK MY WORLD is an entertaining and spirited story with a little bit of romance, a little bit of sex, a little bit of mystery and a little bit of suspense. If you like a mystery storyline with a little bit of romance woven throughout then ROCK MY WORLD will definitely entertain.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2014
Ruby Cameron is an ambitious reporter for a local paper where she is fed scraps of news, and lives with a man whose “idea of living dangerously is to leave the heating on when we pop out to the shops”. But after catching her squeaky clean boyfriend in flagrante delicto she ups sticks and moves into her own small home, only to discover the ghostly presence of a cheeky rock star who becomes her confidant as the dynamics of her small town, and her feelings about her dashing new boss, begin to throw up more questions than she can answer. Will Ruby discover who she really is, and perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be?
REVIEW: ROCK MY WORLD is a contemporary, paranormal, romance, suspense storyline focusing on twenty eight year old newspaper reporter Ruby Cameron and the ghost who resides in her new home. After she finds her boyfriend having sex with a younger woman, Ruby moves into a new housing development, built upon the grounds of a former theatre, where she is immediately assaulted by the familiar tones of 80s rock anthems. To Ruby’s surprise she is the only person who hears the music and with it will come the apparition of the long deceased Stevie V-front man and singer for the former Scottish rock group Legend who died close to twenty eight years earlier-on the very spot.
The storyline focuses on Ruby’s investigation into the death of Stevie V. The rocker has not been able to move on since his demise and pleads with Ruby to investigate what he believes was not an accident but a murder. As a reporter Ruby has more connections than the average person but what Ruby uncovers will shock everyone including herself. As if investigating Stevie’s death isn’t enough, Ruby will be introduced to a new reporter whose father owns the struggling paper and her attraction to Matt Jardine is immediate and unwelcome.
Julie Shackman writes an inviting storyline about one woman’s search for the truth but what she uncovers will change her life, as well. This is a story of suspense and mystery; betrayal and jealousy; losing and second chances. Our heroine Ruby will be given a second chance at love in the guise of a fellow reporter but what ensues is a game of push and pull.
The storyline is told from alternating first person (Ruby) and close third person POV. The writing style is simple and the backstory is revealed through investigation, interviews and reflection. A good portion of the storyline goes back and forth between present day and the past but not always in the same time period-the story spans over thirty years.
Julie Shackman references many of the songs, fads and happenings of the 1980s to give the storyline a familiar edge in reality. The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of family, friends and co-workers who add a little color and entertainment to the storyline.
ROCK MY WORLD is an entertaining and spirited story with a little bit of romance, a little bit of sex, a little bit of mystery and a little bit of suspense. If you like a mystery storyline with a little bit of romance woven throughout then ROCK MY WORLD will definitely entertain.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 30, 2014
As chick lit and contemporary romance novels are becoming more and more popular with readers, there has been an umbrage of new authors in this genre. To make your mark amongst the many, you must have a certain 'je ne sais quoi', for want of a better phrase, to set you apart from the rest.
New author, Julie Shackman has just this quality. I absolutely loved 'Rock My World'! I say this from the bottom of my heart and I would want readers everywhere to read the book. This is chick lit at its finest....this book has everything that the die hard chick lit fan wants, a beautiful, sassy, opinionated, endearing heroine, a charismatic, rich, handsome and arrogant hero who is head over heels for the heroine, lots of intrigue and interesting side characters as well as a a paranormal twist to the story. Julie's writing is heart-warming and I found the story-line riveting!
This book is about Ruby, who works as a reporter for a local paper and leads a fairly normal life until one fine day, she catches control freak boyfriend Luke doing the dirty with pretty young thing in their flat. As a result, she dumps the loser and moves to a new home, which is built on the site of an old theatre. Unfortunately the house comes with an added extra, its own resident ghost, a local rock star of yore, Stevie Vie AKA Valentine who died by accident at the very site while performing. Stevie Vie is convinced that his death was not an accident and wants to find out who was involved in causing his death in order to pass over to the other side. Ruby agrees to help him find the culprit, using her abilities as a reporter. Added to this, the newspaper where Ruby works gets an unwelcome addition to its staff (as far as Ruby is concerned) in form of the newspaper owner's son Matt Jardine, whom Ruby thoroughly resents as she feels that he is taking undue advantage of his position and is an incorrigible womaniser and flirt.
I loved the way this story flowed, I loved Ruby's quirks and feisty personality, I loved Stevie Vie's loud enactments of hit eighties anthems and I loved the chemistry, fights and sexual tension between Matt and Ruby. Ruby's easy acceptance and friendship with the ghostly Stevie Vie will charm the reader and the mystery of Stevie's death is interwoven ingeniously into the storyline. I also do love a novel where the hero does most of the chasing rather than the heroine, as our male protagonist Matt does in this novel. To the mix comes in a very villainous character, a mother with a colourful past, a homeless man who gives sage advice and a twist at the end of the novel that leaves the reader reeling, making this a novel unputdownable!
This is indeed an engrossing, compelling read and I predict that this author will definitely go places. I also took a trip right down memory lane, as the book has various references to songs and bands from 1980s and 90s, what with the ghostly Stevie Vie being from that particular moment in time.
This book earned its four and a half stars and I look forward to reading more of Julie's work, as I feel that she will continue to provide us avid chick lit fans with many more books like this one.
New author, Julie Shackman has just this quality. I absolutely loved 'Rock My World'! I say this from the bottom of my heart and I would want readers everywhere to read the book. This is chick lit at its finest....this book has everything that the die hard chick lit fan wants, a beautiful, sassy, opinionated, endearing heroine, a charismatic, rich, handsome and arrogant hero who is head over heels for the heroine, lots of intrigue and interesting side characters as well as a a paranormal twist to the story. Julie's writing is heart-warming and I found the story-line riveting!
This book is about Ruby, who works as a reporter for a local paper and leads a fairly normal life until one fine day, she catches control freak boyfriend Luke doing the dirty with pretty young thing in their flat. As a result, she dumps the loser and moves to a new home, which is built on the site of an old theatre. Unfortunately the house comes with an added extra, its own resident ghost, a local rock star of yore, Stevie Vie AKA Valentine who died by accident at the very site while performing. Stevie Vie is convinced that his death was not an accident and wants to find out who was involved in causing his death in order to pass over to the other side. Ruby agrees to help him find the culprit, using her abilities as a reporter. Added to this, the newspaper where Ruby works gets an unwelcome addition to its staff (as far as Ruby is concerned) in form of the newspaper owner's son Matt Jardine, whom Ruby thoroughly resents as she feels that he is taking undue advantage of his position and is an incorrigible womaniser and flirt.
I loved the way this story flowed, I loved Ruby's quirks and feisty personality, I loved Stevie Vie's loud enactments of hit eighties anthems and I loved the chemistry, fights and sexual tension between Matt and Ruby. Ruby's easy acceptance and friendship with the ghostly Stevie Vie will charm the reader and the mystery of Stevie's death is interwoven ingeniously into the storyline. I also do love a novel where the hero does most of the chasing rather than the heroine, as our male protagonist Matt does in this novel. To the mix comes in a very villainous character, a mother with a colourful past, a homeless man who gives sage advice and a twist at the end of the novel that leaves the reader reeling, making this a novel unputdownable!
This is indeed an engrossing, compelling read and I predict that this author will definitely go places. I also took a trip right down memory lane, as the book has various references to songs and bands from 1980s and 90s, what with the ghostly Stevie Vie being from that particular moment in time.
This book earned its four and a half stars and I look forward to reading more of Julie's work, as I feel that she will continue to provide us avid chick lit fans with many more books like this one.
May 29, 2015
Romantic suspense is a sub-genre of romance I don’t normally read. So, when Julie kindly asked me to review her book I wasn’t too sure about the spooky-looking cover. But you know what they say about judging covers. Moments into the book I was surprised at how much I loved it and knew from the first page it was going to be a great read.
And so the story begins in 1989, introducing us to Stevie Vee, an upcoming rock star belonging to a group called Legend. The group are on the verge of making the big time and wait anxiously behind the curtain to go on stage in front of adoring fans. Once on stage, Stevie works the crowd beside his band mates, giving it his all and feeling great knowing he has his whole life ahead of him. He dreams of performing at bigger venues and living the rock star life. What happens hereafter came as a surprise and I couldn’t put the book down after that.
There was never a dull moment in this book. Every chapter, and I mean every chapter had something to prompt you onto the next one. I like Julie’s writing style. Her descriptions of light, imagery, the way she describes characters and places were so clear. The plot threw up a lot of questions in my head about certain characters and who they really were.
Ruby made a great lead character: feisty, strong and determined while giving Matt, her colleague, a run for his money – literally. Matt’s character grew on me as the story progressed and was keen to see if Ruby could actually change him from his Playboy ways. The middle of the story didn’t sag, it just kept going. The more you read, the more interesting it got. Following Ruby on her bizarre journey and getting to know the other characters, even the shady ones, was a pleasure. I’m glad to have discovered this new author and the amazing story of Stevie Vee and Ruby. It’s an engaging read with a huge twist at the end and lots of humour. Rock My World is a highly entertaining romantic comedy with kick. It’s also about second chances and finding love.
And lastly, the cover gives NOTHING away about the story. Download it today.
And so the story begins in 1989, introducing us to Stevie Vee, an upcoming rock star belonging to a group called Legend. The group are on the verge of making the big time and wait anxiously behind the curtain to go on stage in front of adoring fans. Once on stage, Stevie works the crowd beside his band mates, giving it his all and feeling great knowing he has his whole life ahead of him. He dreams of performing at bigger venues and living the rock star life. What happens hereafter came as a surprise and I couldn’t put the book down after that.
There was never a dull moment in this book. Every chapter, and I mean every chapter had something to prompt you onto the next one. I like Julie’s writing style. Her descriptions of light, imagery, the way she describes characters and places were so clear. The plot threw up a lot of questions in my head about certain characters and who they really were.
Ruby made a great lead character: feisty, strong and determined while giving Matt, her colleague, a run for his money – literally. Matt’s character grew on me as the story progressed and was keen to see if Ruby could actually change him from his Playboy ways. The middle of the story didn’t sag, it just kept going. The more you read, the more interesting it got. Following Ruby on her bizarre journey and getting to know the other characters, even the shady ones, was a pleasure. I’m glad to have discovered this new author and the amazing story of Stevie Vee and Ruby. It’s an engaging read with a huge twist at the end and lots of humour. Rock My World is a highly entertaining romantic comedy with kick. It’s also about second chances and finding love.
And lastly, the cover gives NOTHING away about the story. Download it today.
April 20, 2014
*I received this book by the author in exchange of an honest review*
Thank you very much Julie Shackman for offering me reading and reviewing your book.
In Rock My World, we meet Ruby Cameron. She is a reporter for a local newspaper in her town. Hearbroken she moves out of the flat she used to live with her boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend. Moving in a new place, weird things start to happen. Ruby is seeing a ghost. The ghost she is seeing is not just a oridinary ghost, he is the one and only Stevie Vee. Rock Singer of the 80's band "Legend" and described as Scotland’s answer to Jon Bon Jovi - or at least he was until he died suddenly at the age of 29 in 1989. He couldn't rest in peace since that day. Steve Vee suspects that he got killed and he needs Ruby's help to find out who did it. Will Ruby crack that case?
I have mixed feelings about this book. There are things I liked about it and things I didn't.
The idea for the plot is fantastic! I love rock music so it was great for me to read about it in a book. I'd love to have someone like Steve Vee in my house to sing songs to me. Steve Vee is a well drawn character. I liked him! Even though I had an issue to connect with the main character, Ruby. I coudn't create a bond between the story and myself. I was not completely hooked by it. Another issue for me, it was quite difficult to warm up with the writing style. Nevertheless it had some very quirky and funny moments in it. I absolutely loved the twist near the ending. I didn't expect this to happen at all. Very well done!
I know I am in miniority here with my opionion cause I've only seen 5 star reviews on Amazon for this book but ever reader is different. Overall, it was an enjoyable debut novel but not everthing worked for me.
Thank you very much Julie Shackman for offering me reading and reviewing your book.
In Rock My World, we meet Ruby Cameron. She is a reporter for a local newspaper in her town. Hearbroken she moves out of the flat she used to live with her boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend. Moving in a new place, weird things start to happen. Ruby is seeing a ghost. The ghost she is seeing is not just a oridinary ghost, he is the one and only Stevie Vee. Rock Singer of the 80's band "Legend" and described as Scotland’s answer to Jon Bon Jovi - or at least he was until he died suddenly at the age of 29 in 1989. He couldn't rest in peace since that day. Steve Vee suspects that he got killed and he needs Ruby's help to find out who did it. Will Ruby crack that case?
I have mixed feelings about this book. There are things I liked about it and things I didn't.
The idea for the plot is fantastic! I love rock music so it was great for me to read about it in a book. I'd love to have someone like Steve Vee in my house to sing songs to me. Steve Vee is a well drawn character. I liked him! Even though I had an issue to connect with the main character, Ruby. I coudn't create a bond between the story and myself. I was not completely hooked by it. Another issue for me, it was quite difficult to warm up with the writing style. Nevertheless it had some very quirky and funny moments in it. I absolutely loved the twist near the ending. I didn't expect this to happen at all. Very well done!
I know I am in miniority here with my opionion cause I've only seen 5 star reviews on Amazon for this book but ever reader is different. Overall, it was an enjoyable debut novel but not everthing worked for me.
June 29, 2015
Ruby Cameron is definitely a likeable character. A strong girl, focused on her career. Sure she got mixed up with douche bags such as Luke but at least she knows when to call it quits and move on. Who needs someone like that selfish prat ruining their lives? (Huh! I love using Brit slang! LOL)I am so glad that Ruby stood up to him and pointed his “arse” to the door.
Fast-forward a few chapters and Luke is out like yesterday's trash, Rubys roommate is a ghost rocker from the 80's and a hot new heir just became her coworker at the newspaper press. Things are getting interesting. Matt Jardine, heir to Scottish newspaper magnate has his eye on Ruby and I'm loving every second of it…but things never really get hot between the two and so my dire expectations sadly simmer out. Because of this, it seems the story drags a bit towards the middle and there's really no connection to Stevie or Matt so I really wouldn't agree with the tagline “A Ghostly Romance.” It’s more of a ghostly mystery of who done it.
Overall, the story kept enough of my attention to keep me going but it was too predictable for my taste. It was also too similar to Shackman’s novel, “Hero or Zero.” Chloe, the main character in Shackman’s later work, “Hero or Zero” is also a cute blonde close to age thirty. Raised by a single mom with some artsy dad who is too self-absorbed in his own life to worry about his responsibilities, and they both shop at Ikea and live in Glasgow. Peter de Marlow is too similar to the character Ethan in “Hero or Zero.” He’s detached himself from his working class family and banged any old cow with connections just to climb the social ladder. I’d definitely like to see more versatility between characters in future works.
Fast-forward a few chapters and Luke is out like yesterday's trash, Rubys roommate is a ghost rocker from the 80's and a hot new heir just became her coworker at the newspaper press. Things are getting interesting. Matt Jardine, heir to Scottish newspaper magnate has his eye on Ruby and I'm loving every second of it…but things never really get hot between the two and so my dire expectations sadly simmer out. Because of this, it seems the story drags a bit towards the middle and there's really no connection to Stevie or Matt so I really wouldn't agree with the tagline “A Ghostly Romance.” It’s more of a ghostly mystery of who done it.
Overall, the story kept enough of my attention to keep me going but it was too predictable for my taste. It was also too similar to Shackman’s novel, “Hero or Zero.” Chloe, the main character in Shackman’s later work, “Hero or Zero” is also a cute blonde close to age thirty. Raised by a single mom with some artsy dad who is too self-absorbed in his own life to worry about his responsibilities, and they both shop at Ikea and live in Glasgow. Peter de Marlow is too similar to the character Ethan in “Hero or Zero.” He’s detached himself from his working class family and banged any old cow with connections just to climb the social ladder. I’d definitely like to see more versatility between characters in future works.
May 6, 2014
Rock My World, does indeed rock worlds! A romance novel with a fabulous twist! What I loved about it was how you got everything you need, interesting characters, a fabulous setting inside one very fascinating village, twists and excitement are abundant but wait did I tell you about the sexy tall leading man that stole my heart? No, well Matt is a rich, playboy with a habit for falling out of taxis with the latest D list celebrity, but what woman doesn't love a bad boy, what woman doesn't want to be that one woman that makes the bad boy go good!
So we have Matt time to talk about my favourite Chick at the moment Ruby! Ruby the leading lady is a quirky woman who loves her antiques, loves her hippy chic skirts and loves rock music! After a disastrous end of one bad relationship she moves to her very own house where she can forbid all stainless steal appliances and be herself, finally, but once she is all moved in she meets Stevie Vee a dead rock star thats stuck in limbo. Whats a journalist to do? Investigate of course!
I really enjoyed this book, how the characters were full of life and surprises, the last few chapters of the book I was sitting with my legs crossed on my bed gripping my kindle with all I had, I must of forgot to blink as my eyes started to water, I just had to find out what was happening! what would become of the Ruby her ghost house guest and the player Matt!
So we have Matt time to talk about my favourite Chick at the moment Ruby! Ruby the leading lady is a quirky woman who loves her antiques, loves her hippy chic skirts and loves rock music! After a disastrous end of one bad relationship she moves to her very own house where she can forbid all stainless steal appliances and be herself, finally, but once she is all moved in she meets Stevie Vee a dead rock star thats stuck in limbo. Whats a journalist to do? Investigate of course!
I really enjoyed this book, how the characters were full of life and surprises, the last few chapters of the book I was sitting with my legs crossed on my bed gripping my kindle with all I had, I must of forgot to blink as my eyes started to water, I just had to find out what was happening! what would become of the Ruby her ghost house guest and the player Matt!
Read
May 15, 2014Thank you to Julie for sending me a review copy of Rock My World. As soon as I read the blurb for this book I had high hopes for it!
As soon as I started reading this book I got completely hooked, the whole concept of the story was so engaging I just couldn't put it down, I even had to stop myself from having sneaky reads of it in work! As soon as I stopped reading all I could think about was when I could read next and what would be happening next. Even the cover was mesmerising, what I love is that it doesn't give anything about the novel away, even this made me wonder what might happen.
I loved Ruby instantly, there was just a likable factor that just drew me in straight away and I felt a huge connection to her. I found myself willing her and Matt to get together through the whole book!
I don't want to give too much away but I'm still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor after the HUGE twist in the story!
Although I'm a 90's baby I love 80's music so all of the references to 80's rock bands are exactly my kind of thing. I think even if I didn't know who the bands where it wouldn't of mattered because they don't make the story they are just an added bonus to see into the characters lives a little bit more.
I loved that this novel was a romance but with a heavy involvement of rock music, which you don't often get from this type of book. I think this would mean that it would appeal to a much wider audience and I would recommend anybody to read it!
10/10
As soon as I started reading this book I got completely hooked, the whole concept of the story was so engaging I just couldn't put it down, I even had to stop myself from having sneaky reads of it in work! As soon as I stopped reading all I could think about was when I could read next and what would be happening next. Even the cover was mesmerising, what I love is that it doesn't give anything about the novel away, even this made me wonder what might happen.
I loved Ruby instantly, there was just a likable factor that just drew me in straight away and I felt a huge connection to her. I found myself willing her and Matt to get together through the whole book!
I don't want to give too much away but I'm still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor after the HUGE twist in the story!
Although I'm a 90's baby I love 80's music so all of the references to 80's rock bands are exactly my kind of thing. I think even if I didn't know who the bands where it wouldn't of mattered because they don't make the story they are just an added bonus to see into the characters lives a little bit more.
I loved that this novel was a romance but with a heavy involvement of rock music, which you don't often get from this type of book. I think this would mean that it would appeal to a much wider audience and I would recommend anybody to read it!
10/10
June 12, 2014
Ruby Cameron, a local journalist, is so content with her life that when she finds her boyfriend shacking up with a girl who resembles Dora the Explorer, her whole world stops in its tracks. She moves into her own little house, built on what used to be a theater. Little does she know that once she moves in and starts hearing someone singing rock ballads her life will never be the same.
The book jumps around a bit between Ruby's office life and what's happening in her home. She is completely horrified to learn that her house is home to the ghost of a 29 year old rock star who wants to know who planned his murder. Being a journalist, Ruby is the perfect person to find out who did it. Meanwhile, there's a new senior reporter at her work that she believes is a total "tosser" (I came to love that word, we don't hear it in the US!). They eventually kindle a romance, although not easily, because Ruby has started to hate the entire male race.
I felt this was a good read, but there were times that I started to become uninterested. The parts about Stevie Vee's rock shows were a little confusing to me. When I started to think all hope was lost for the story, it surprised me by adding a little mystery and suspense towards the end that I didn't expect. Of course I felt happy for Ruby in the end. Overall I thought this book was decent and had an ending that gives both the reader and Stevie Vee relief!
The book jumps around a bit between Ruby's office life and what's happening in her home. She is completely horrified to learn that her house is home to the ghost of a 29 year old rock star who wants to know who planned his murder. Being a journalist, Ruby is the perfect person to find out who did it. Meanwhile, there's a new senior reporter at her work that she believes is a total "tosser" (I came to love that word, we don't hear it in the US!). They eventually kindle a romance, although not easily, because Ruby has started to hate the entire male race.
I felt this was a good read, but there were times that I started to become uninterested. The parts about Stevie Vee's rock shows were a little confusing to me. When I started to think all hope was lost for the story, it surprised me by adding a little mystery and suspense towards the end that I didn't expect. Of course I felt happy for Ruby in the end. Overall I thought this book was decent and had an ending that gives both the reader and Stevie Vee relief!
June 9, 2014
Ruby Cameron has high hopes of juicier headlines when the senior reporter job comes up for grabs but she didn’t count on Matt, the son of the owner, coming in and lording it over the office and stealing the job before the seat grew cold. She moves in to a new apartment but she realises she isn’t alone when the ghostly tunes of 80′s rock past echo from her bathroom. Could this be the break she has been looking for?
I really enjoyed this one, it grabs you from the first chapter. Ruby is a great character who says it like it is but still maintains likability. For a debut novel this is a bit of a winner; well told, good plot, laugh out loud moments. I loved the plot twists so I am not going to write too much and touch on any spoilers!
This is the type of book you intend to take on holiday but find yourself sneaking a few pages before you go and then finishing it. An easy read with a good plot. I have just seen Rock My World was selected as Ebook of the Week in The Sun newspaper on June 6th 2014.
I really enjoyed this one, it grabs you from the first chapter. Ruby is a great character who says it like it is but still maintains likability. For a debut novel this is a bit of a winner; well told, good plot, laugh out loud moments. I loved the plot twists so I am not going to write too much and touch on any spoilers!
This is the type of book you intend to take on holiday but find yourself sneaking a few pages before you go and then finishing it. An easy read with a good plot. I have just seen Rock My World was selected as Ebook of the Week in The Sun newspaper on June 6th 2014.
July 21, 2021
Heard good things about this book on Twitter so thought I would give it ago and I was not disappointed! It was easy to get into and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It didn't take me very long to read as I couldn't put it down and I when I wasn't reading it I wanted to I kept thinking about it. I could escape from the world reading and was rooting for Ruby from the beginning to get the job she really wanted and had worked so hard for. I was a bit unsure about the ghostly romance theme but I thoroughly loved it. It made me laugh and I felt like I was part of the story not just reading it, it took me in and kept me there until I had finished it. The twist was fab and I didn't even manage to guess it correctly before I was actually reading it I loved it!
There was the romantic theme running through the book with a bit of mystery thrown in as well and I loved the rock music references. I would recommend this book for something easy to read and not heavy. It is a lovely story and I can't wait for the next book from this author.
It didn't take me very long to read as I couldn't put it down and I when I wasn't reading it I wanted to I kept thinking about it. I could escape from the world reading and was rooting for Ruby from the beginning to get the job she really wanted and had worked so hard for. I was a bit unsure about the ghostly romance theme but I thoroughly loved it. It made me laugh and I felt like I was part of the story not just reading it, it took me in and kept me there until I had finished it. The twist was fab and I didn't even manage to guess it correctly before I was actually reading it I loved it!
There was the romantic theme running through the book with a bit of mystery thrown in as well and I loved the rock music references. I would recommend this book for something easy to read and not heavy. It is a lovely story and I can't wait for the next book from this author.
January 8, 2015
So sweet
Stevie Vee was on his way to rock n roll fame in 1989 when he was killed in a terrible accident.
2013 Beautiful quirky reporter Rose is having hard times. Her boyfriend is a cheater and the son of the newspaper owner takes the job she is after. Then she purchases the cutest house and finds it haunted by Stevie Vee.
Stevie needs Rose to find out who murdered him because he knows it wasn't an accident so Rose is off on the adventure of her life and maybe a love she never expected....loved this story!
Stevie Vee was on his way to rock n roll fame in 1989 when he was killed in a terrible accident.
2013 Beautiful quirky reporter Rose is having hard times. Her boyfriend is a cheater and the son of the newspaper owner takes the job she is after. Then she purchases the cutest house and finds it haunted by Stevie Vee.
Stevie needs Rose to find out who murdered him because he knows it wasn't an accident so Rose is off on the adventure of her life and maybe a love she never expected....loved this story!
August 10, 2014
I loved this book! Ruby and Matt are wonderful characters.
The mystery surrounding 80s rock singer Stevie Vee's death is compelling and kept me turning pages. The small-town British newspaper setting, as well as Ms Shackman's familiarity with that world, added a nice dimension of realism and bite to the story. The secondary characters were great too, particularly Felix.
Altogether a very enjoyable read and an absorbing mystery. Highly recommended!
The mystery surrounding 80s rock singer Stevie Vee's death is compelling and kept me turning pages. The small-town British newspaper setting, as well as Ms Shackman's familiarity with that world, added a nice dimension of realism and bite to the story. The secondary characters were great too, particularly Felix.
Altogether a very enjoyable read and an absorbing mystery. Highly recommended!
February 5, 2015
A good fast read with realistic dialogue and a good idea about 1980s music. It failed to get 4 stars because on at least 2 occasions the characters are told something only for them to react and be surprised when retold it as if for the first time. The 2nd reason is because it was often unclear whose thoughts we were following when the novel changed time periods. All in all the characters were likeable and understandable which made this a good late night read.
May 26, 2014
An unexpected laugh-out-loud story about love, loss and finding happiness where you least expect it!
Full review on Agents of Romance...
http://www.agentsofromance.com/events...
Full review on Agents of Romance...
http://www.agentsofromance.com/events...
June 16, 2014
I loved it!
I loved it!
I really liked this book, I gave it 5 stars b/c the story was good. It started off pretty slow, but once things started rolling it never stopped.
I loved it!
I really liked this book, I gave it 5 stars b/c the story was good. It started off pretty slow, but once things started rolling it never stopped.
January 19, 2015
Fun read
Enjoyable light novel that's the perfect beach read. I liked the idea of finding that you are sharing your new house with a handsome ghost. I enjoyed and recommend this book.
Enjoyable light novel that's the perfect beach read. I liked the idea of finding that you are sharing your new house with a handsome ghost. I enjoyed and recommend this book.
February 3, 2015
I really wanted this to be a good book, it's got a rock star two of my favorite thing. It was a let down however the only good part was the last 1/4, if it all had been good she would have had one great book.
June 13, 2015
This book surprised me. It was funny, and easy to read, and made me want to keep reading until the end. I really enjoyed it. The characters were easy to like and understand. You root for them. The author did a good job of making an unbelievable silly idea believable and fun.
May 30, 2016
Amazing Story
The moment I started reading, I couldn't put down... I really love this story. This book has everything I love - ghost story, mystery, romance and 80's music!! Love the main character, "Ruby!' Great story.
The moment I started reading, I couldn't put down... I really love this story. This book has everything I love - ghost story, mystery, romance and 80's music!! Love the main character, "Ruby!' Great story.
November 29, 2015
This book was not what I expected. I am glad it wasn't.
October 4, 2015
Wonderfully funny and endearing. A light-hearted and enjoyable romance book.
January 20, 2015
What a fantastic read, haven't had a cry at a book in ages. I will definitely read that one again!
August 20, 2015
I'm 5 chapters in and bored nothing gripping at all so giving up
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