The Girl on the Half Shell

The Half Shell #1

by Susan Ward

People think Chrissie Parker has a picture-perfect life. She leads an opulent lifestyle in Santa Barbara, her father, Jack, is a beloved music icon from the sixties, and she possesses a wealth of musical talent that will certainly lead to a promising future. But behind the façade, everything is far from perfect.

When Chrissie journeys from Santa Barbara to New York City for an audition at Juilliard, romance is the last thing on her mind. She never anticipated encountering British Superstar Alan Manzone, a musician fresh out of Rehab, tormented by his own weakness and troubled past. Alan's life is everything Chrissie's is not; exciting, glitzy, and an all-out train wreck.

Chrissie is soon consumed by Alan's shocking pursuit of her, his dark secrets, and his desires. Determined to save Alan from himself, is it possible Alan, this beautiful and brilliant musician, is really rescuing Chrissie from her artfully concealed secret addiction that even her best friend is unaware of?

Swept away in a passion she is unable to resist, Chrissie is forced to choose between her life in California and Alan's love for her. Can two lost people find a love meant to last a life time in only three weeks?

Edgy and tender, THE GIRL ON THE HALF SHELL is a moving portrait of first love and the thrill of the unexpected. Pack with steamy sex scenes, characters that jump off the page, love and tragedy, this first installment in the four book THE HALF SHELL series will take the reader on a page turning journey of what it means to be a girl in love.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Music, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Fiction

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

Award-Winning author Susan Ward is a #1 bestselling author of Rock Star Romance and New Adult Fiction. Known for complex, gritty, and unpredictable emotional reads, to the delight of her readers she is always expanding her fictional universe.

She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.

She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.

For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...

Reviews

[Dilek VT]

She is a virgin. She has lived a traumatic experience and she has self-esteem issues. She is prone to self-harm.

He is a troubled rock star and a drug addict 10 years older than her. He is abusive, controlling and manipulative.

[CeCe · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

The writing was too descriptive. Too much about everything. Then the hero - ugh.

The heroine does seek intimacy and harms herself (self-mutilation), but the verbal abuse from the hero makes this more of a dark read than a contemporary romance or a new adult. I love books where the hero is tortured and can be a bit cruel, but this guy was just crazy. He would smoke weed and then blow it into the heroine's mouth out of spite. He was nice one minute and cruel the next with no purpose. She just lost her virginity to him and he would say nasty things to her.

I love stories that are roller coaster rides, but this one felt sad. I love angst, but this felt all kinds of wrong.

It may work for you, but it did not work for me.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (6/26/2018)!💝

This book was first released titled: The Girl on the Half Shell.

[Vanessa Wester · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... I am emotionally drained. This book has it all. What an incredible story.

Chrissie Parker is the daughter of famous rock star, Jack Parker. She is a very confused and traumatised 18-year-old girl, who carries a burden from years earlier. She believes that she had something to do with the death of her brother, Sam, and has self-harmed numerous times to help deal with the guilt that she feels. This is so sad and is portrayed brilliantly in the writing.

She is about to audition at Julliard to become a cellist, like her mother, and heads to New York with her crazy best friend. However, before she does she meets Alan Manzone, a rock star on the brink of disaster, who has been helped back to the road of recovery by Jack for the last few months. The attraction is instant and fate decides to give them a helping hand by cancelling her flight the next day. Alan comes to her rescue and gives her a lift on her private jet to NYC.

Chrissie is out of control and Alan is frankly too old for her (10 years older) but the chemistry that develops between them is unstoppable. I was totally hooked and loved how their story develops.

There are a few scenes that annoyed me a bit. She has a lot of baths, he washes her a lot, and the sex develops too fast and becomes too extreme considering her limited experience. I would have thought that if Alan truly loved her he would have realised she was really just out of being a school girl. These issues could have been avoided if she’d been in her early twenties, but I understand why it worked better to catch her when most vulnerable. Even so, at times I honestly thought he had pushed the boundaries in the relationship too far.

Saying this, Chrissie acts irrationally a lot. She is not a stereotypical girl. She does not do what you’d expect. I love this about her. We can all act a bit insane at times.

The ending is fantastic. I will not give a spoiler, but it is not what you would usually expect. Chrissie grows up and makes the right decision. Alan has helped her on many levels and it’s wonderful to see so many issues potentially resolved.

Overall, I found the author on Goodreads and asked to review her book! I am SO glad she let me do this and am so lucky to have come across this book. Definitely recommended, but not for those who can’t stand references to ‘Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll!’

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. The main female character Chrissie Parker didn’t have the ideal childhood. Her father is a rock star. Everyone thinks she has the perfect life because of that but she feels the exact opposite. She feels disconnected from everyone. Like she never can let anyone is to really know her. She feels that her father doesn’t like her and they have almost no relationship. She meets another rock star, Alan Manzone while on spring break at her father’s house. She is a senior in high school and while on spring break she is to have an audition at Julliard. Alan and Chrissie continue to see each other while she is on spring break in New York. She never expected to feel the way she does for him. They both have a wealth of problems but maybe they can help each other in some way. Chrissie and Alan go through so much during the book. They are an unlikely match but seem to work. Chrissie is kinda swept away by Alan. She has never really dated before and is a virgin. Alan is a recovering addict. Her dad was helping him get clean. Someone always wants something from him. Chrissie is the only person in his world how only wants him for him and not what they can get from him. Alan has never met anyone like her and isn’t sure how to act all the time. I really liked this book. It was very emotional and moving. Chrissie grows so much throughout the book. Just from like experience and because of Alan. He helps her come out of her shell. He gets her to talk and confront her feelings about things. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Salem Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, I loved this book. This is not a typical romance, not by a long shot. I was drawn in right from the beginning by the poetic language. This author can turn a phrase. But, more than beautiful phrasing, her characters won my heart.

Upon first glance, Crissie Parker lives in a Gatsbyesque-rich-and-famous-behaving-badly world. She and her friend seem to be spoiled brats. However, succinctly timed revelations take the reader deeper into her psyche and that of Alan Manzone, the hot and troubled rock star that she loves. The result is gut-wrenching and emotionally charged reading. I occasionally had to break for 10 or 15 just to process and remember to breathe.

This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. It’s less of reading a book and more of an emotional journey. There is something very beautiful in its raw and dark complexity. I will absolutely read more from Susan Ward.

[Lost Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy f*ckedupness but I loved every minute of it.

Chrissie Parker looks like she has it all. A music Icon as a father. Enough money to have just about anything she wants. On the inside she is a emotionally destroyed girl.

Alan Manzone a musician with a drug problem. He has his own set of issues.

One night together on the beach starts a rollercoaster of a relationship.
When they fight they fight hard. When they love they love harder.

I have never seen two people who are more perfect yet completly horrible for each other.

The author brings us an amazing journey filled with angst, drama and love. My only issue while reading this book was Chrissie's best friend. She needs to be punched in the face a time or two. That girl really pissed me off.

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Outrageous, Amazing Stars

I was given this book for my honest review

“You are the light beyond the darkness” Alan to Chrissie

“You were afraid to let anyone see you nude. That’s why you’re beautiful at eighteen and still a virgin. That’s why you playact to keep the world away. You think your body is repulsive and you’d rather hide and playact than let anyone see your pain. But I’m not repulsed, and I find you so beautiful.” Alan to Chrissie

Chrissie-18 yr. old Catholic school girl that plays the cello, pretty and raw

Jack-Chrissies dad, kind of like a 60’s dad

Renee-thinks the world revolves around her

Alan- musician

This journey between Chrissie and Alan reminded me of the puzzle Rubik’s cube. It has all the pieces but in order to get the right fit of each you have to be precise to make it complete.

Chrissie is the girl that everyone wants to touch. No one really sees her for whom she is just what they expect her to be. She has a shell on the outside of her true self. When looking deep within does she not cry, hurt, wonder like everyone else? Can she find what she so richly seeks? Can she find the one man that thinks she is over the moon despite of her family?

Alan is the guy that everyone wanted to be near. People demand greatness from him but with such greatness comes hurt and despair that leads to problems within him. How can this man show the world that his life is much more than pretty lights, smoke and mirrors and yet become the man that he longs to be? Having a normal conversation is hard for him but, when he actually listens to the music that Chrissie plays does he not long for what could have been or what could be?

Can a walk on the beach changes these two lives forever? Can they find happiness within the world and themselves to become one together? The fights and struggles that go on within each ones own self can it be destructive or can it be healing? Can two damaged souls become one and trust in each other to complete themselves?

And what about Renee does she find what she is seeking or will she find despair?
To the author this was one amazing journey that was memorable, exciting and new. The outspokenness that you created between these two characters was like a breath of fresh air on the first day of fall. As the leaves turn to colors that are joyful yet sorrowful at times it is the new beginning that we all seek but can well all find?

Happy Reading

[Miranda F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh.

This book tore my heart out in a ridiculously self-indulgent get-in-touch-with-your-inner-angst-monster way. Wounded rock star meets broken daughter-of-a-rock-star. What else could I have asked for?

As strange as it may seem, this book felt like a retelling/modernization of The Great Gatsby. The similarities were mostly in the characters both seeming real and occasionally artificial, and the dialogue was artful/artificial/constantly at a slant, the way it is in Fitzgerald. Plus, there were lots of parties with drugs, super heightened emotion and relationship drama, and a fair amount of status/class commentary, too. Not to mention the fact that some of the writing is nearly divine, and I teared up on multiple occasions.

The one thing I don't like was how wishy-washy Chrissie is. It plays into this trope of women being uncertain, weak, and hot-and-then-cold. And she fell apart at the drop of a hat. Sure, there's a lot of trauma she's been through, but I would have liked this book even more if she'd been a bit more of an actual heroine.

This book is one of at least four about Chrissie and Alan, and then there are more that take place in the same universe. How much sleep will I be getting in the next few days?

[Andrea Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Rock Stars! Okay, Book 1 of the Half Shell series is typical of my Book 1 in a couple of my series. It is so imperative to hook the reader, and yet a writer has to balance that with "seasoning the griddle" or laying the foundation for the rest of the series. This involves character development and a plot line that moves at a reasonable pace--not too fast and not too slow. Readers need to engage with the characters and the plot. It is essential to get the reader invested to the point where they care about the characters and they need to know what happens to them because they care.

Book 1 moved a bit slow for me in the beginning. I couldn't connect with Chrissy until the second half of the book. I'm not sure if it was because she kept so much turmoil inside rather than speaking her mind when appropriate, or the fact that she seemed to cry at the drop of a hat, or that her inner voice was always questioning why someone did or said something, and what it meant. But then I considered the fact that the author might have intentionally written the character to be irritating initially, so the reader could follow her growth and maturity through the series. By the second half of the book, I was totally invested. I warmed up to Chrissy, and I could at times feel her pain and understand her reluctance to change course. Chrissy had a plan, and despite her emotional walls, she really is a strong girl morphing into adulthood in her own unique way.

Alan Manzone (Love that name!) - What can I say? He's every woman's wet dream of a rocker and throughout this book, with the exception of one incident where I wanted to throat punch him, I was definitely Team Alan! He's damaged perfection. He's brilliant. He's complicated, but he's an open book at the same time. He's devoted to Chrissy--that much was evident, but Chrissy is too young and immature to fully appreciate the depth of that devotion just yet. I mean she's 18. She is ready to start college, experience life, and figure it all out. So, yes, I went straight into Book 2 with a vengeance!!

Love this author!

[Christy Pastore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a hot minute since a book has made me feel such a plethora of emotions. There were times in this book that were so emotionally painful it made my own heart ache. The Girl On The Half Shell is gripping, edgy and deeply emotional. As the story begins, you find yourself drawn into Chrissie Parker's world of snotty rich kids in wealthy Santa Barbara. Immediately you get a sense of how Chrissie, who sees herself as pristine, feels out of her element, like she doesn't quite fit in, but not the way you might think. That is where Ward does an excellent job of making you feel like the story will go one way but then takes a completely different turn, leaving you feeling like -- "what the hell just happened." One night changes everything for Chrissie - ENTER Alan Manzone, Rock God extraordinaire. She is broken, and he is broken. This is a typical theme in a lot of contemporary romance books, but again this is where Susan Ward masterfully turns the table on the reader making the storyline "Atypical." Alan is able to draw Chrisse out of her shell... and she is able to break down his walls as well... Together they open up to each other and stamp out the demons that haunt their everyday lives, including dealing with painful and personal struggles such as drug abuse and self harm. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book, because it was so much more than I ever expected... and it leaves you wanting more. Ward does an amazing job capturing the intensity of a first love -- trust me you will feel it. The ending had me reeling, and I want more.

My favorite character was Linda Rowan. She was brash, sass and full of life--I LOVED her!! I want to be friends with someone like her.

Susan Ward's storytelling is beautiful, engaging and passionate. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading a lot more from the Author.

[Azlesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Эта книга наверное лучшее, из того что я читала о музыкантах. Правдоподобно до безобразия. Не исключено, что атмосфера книги так увлекла меня потому что я эмоционально вовлечена когда речь заходит о музыкальных направлениях того периода. Они формировали меня. В старших классах я реально была счастлива лишь на репетициях, концертах моих друзей музыкантов или когда удавалось заполучить касету, футболку или постер любимых групп. Сейчас это смешно вспоминать, а тогда в начале 90х это было целое дело, рокшоп был далеко не в каждом миллионнике. Читая эту книгу, словно снова погрузилась в атмосферу тех времен, вспоминая о том как на мне отразилась новость о самоубийстве Курта. Скажем так, с того самого дня Нирвану я больше не слушала. Просто не могла себя заставить. Чтоб никого не вводить в заблуждение - эта книга не об этой группе конкретно. Она о тех временах, и о лучшем и худшем, что может с тобой случится, когда тебя окружают музыканты - чувствительные, сумасбродные, неземные, капризные, притягательные создания, скользящие по грани.

[Kristen Luciani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This was a wonderful read! I love books that give a glimpse into the lives of celebrities...the media frenzy that surrounds them, the way in which they live and the challenges that they face in the public eye.

Susan has a real talent for creating complex and engaging characters. Chrissie and Alan had depth and dimension and I found myself fully entrenched in the development of the love story amid their own internal conflicts.

I loved reading the story of two tortured souls finding solace in one another and watching them each grow as individuals and face their issues head-on. Susan is an excellent writer and her storytelling capabilities elicit a great deal of emotion.

I would absolutely read more from Susan Ward!

[Shirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the start. The characters just drew me in. The storyline flows smoothly. You won't want to put this book down until your done. When you get to the end you will wish you had the next book in the series right there. I hope the author releases it soon!! The characters in this book you would think lead a charmed perfect life but they are imperfect. They are dealing with demons. They are figuring themselves out. Finding out knew things about people they have known all their lives. There is still so much more to learn. Even secondary characters in this book are intriguing. I will buy all the books in the series to learn more. I've found a knew favorite author!!

[Ravenna Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic rock star romance blew me away. Christie and Manny are hot but their love isn't easy. Hot romance with mystery and oodles of angst. Well written story with original developed characters that you can't help but adore. I started this book and read the entire series plus Broken Crown in three days. That's how much I loved it.

[shannonbookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was very emotional and moving. Chrissie grows so much throughout the book. Just from like experience and because of Alan. He helps her come out of her shell. He gets her to talk and confront her feelings about things. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Joanne Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan has a way of writing a story that completely captivates you from start to finish! Absolutely loved this whole series!

[Laurie Boris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of my favorite books have featured broken characters looking for redemption. I think I see that in Chrissie, but I'm not sure yet. It took me a while to get from "Wow, this girl is messed up and do I want to spend an entire book with her" to "Hmm, I see why and maybe I'll stick around." I'm willing to give the next book in the series a chance, just to see where Ms. Ward goes with this.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little iffy about starting this blook as the back blurb asked "Can two lost people find a love meant to last a lifetime in only three weeks". I tend to be wary of any book that the romance is on the fast track or a timetable. I'm not sure why since it has taken me less time to fall head over heels... Maybe I am just a book snob that needs to get over myself.
Girl on the Half Shell surprised me due to the deeply flawed characters and the entertaining way it was written. Ward breathes life into her people, who run the emotional gauntlet, making you love them one second and hate them the next. It was easy to spot pieces of one's self in at least one of Ward's creations as they were each afflicted with very realistic problems. Yeah, part of the book reads like chick-fantasy but instead of dragons or magical powers, it is a world of rock stars and money. But just because I don't live like that doesn't mean it isn't real or can't happen.

At times, I truly didn't get Chrissie or her actions but I know girls like her. I'm too strong-willed to have the patience she possessed or what appears to be a lack of self-respect.
Alan drove me crazy with his mood swings and his overwhelming sense of entitlement that had people falling into place, where ever he wanted them, but I understood it as I have been accused of being bitchy and expecting everyone to go with the flow as long as it is my flow.
Rene was hard to pin down due to Chrissie's wishy-washy opinion of her but I think Rene is a book of her own.
Jack was still Jack, from previous books, just not the center of the story.

Having read book #1 & 2 of Affair without End I was confused by the name Linda but nothing so major that I got distracted from the story. It did make me wonder how things in the novellas turn out due to the absence of Jack's Linda.

I felt that the pacing of the story was smooth and made for a very linear story. I know there is a followup book to this one but I kinda liked how it ended. The only distraction that got to me was the overuse of "proletarian" in its different forms. It was a new term for me, one I had to look up which was kind of interesting but then it just kept popping up.

I enjoyed this book and it is one that I'm going to recommend to all my friends that devour any and all things romance as this one seems different to me. Guess it is because in all seriousness... it dies not read like most " will they or won't they get together? " stories because in those books you KNOW they will but with this one you just can't be sure if how it is going to play out. Hell, I wasn't sure everyone would even live to see the end and that is a feeling I love getting when I read.

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check out my full review @ http://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2014/...

“The Best Men are like the ocean: They lure you in quietly and drown you. And if you are really lucky you stay lost at sea.”

Chrissie Parker, daughter of an American icon, is seduced by British Superstar in crisis, Alan Manzone. Their relationship is rocky at the very best. Alan Manzone is broody, a (slightly) recovered drug addict, and his every move is tracked by the tabloids. Chrissie find herself swallowed up by his world.

“I jumped into the hole willingly. I wanted to, and I want him.”

They are both addicts in their own way, and they both use each other to numb their pain. Nothing in their lives is certain, and the reader is left to wonder, who is really rescuing who?

I’m at a loss for words on how to describe this book. It is an edgy new adult, erotic, and at times romantic story. The Girl on the Half Shell will tear at your emotions, and leave you thinking, WTF. Their pain is raw, and the story might just move you to tears. Susan Ward crafted a story that is easy to get lost in. I know there were a few moments where I was tearing up, myself!

Chrissie is the anti-heroine. Where we expect, in a romance, the heroine to be, “I am woman hear me roar!”, Chrissie is not. She is weak, and addled with problems. This really is not a true romance, although I expected it to be.

*Spoiler Alert* Chrissie owes Neil the other half of that dollar! To those who read this and didn’t figure it out, that was NIRVANA who was playing on that stage at Peppers!!!! I was so excited when the Author referenced a three piece grunge band, with the lead singer named Kurt! My FAVORITE band growing up! :) That got a big smile outta me!

Two things that bothered me about this book: 1.) Why on earth was a virgin taking birth control pills for two years, other than to irritate the pope as she said?! That was kinda random. She just conveniently happened to have the pill. C’mon! 2.) She went back and forth, calling her father “Daddy”, and “Jack”…. Somebody who regards their father by his first name, does NOT call the man “Daddy”. -But, Chrissie was a pretty confused girl! *End of Spoiler Alert.*

I think the cover is stunningly beautiful, and when you finish the book you will appreciate the cover in a whole new way. After reading, I looked at it again and I went, ahhhh…. Clever, clever!!

I never got that “ah ha!” moment as far as what the title meant. I wonder if it was in reference to Venus emerging from the sea, brought forth on a half shell, as a woman and not a child.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I am giving it 4/5 stars.

***I was given an E-Copy of The Girl on the Half Shell, by the Author, in exchange for a thoughtful, fair, and honest review.

[K.L. Shandwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Ward, The Girl On The Half Shell. This is a peer review. For me, this book had everything that makes the book an excellent read. The characters were very well developed, the anguish of the young female protagonist Chrissie was; at times,very raw. I loved the introspective analysis of herself and her analysis of the other characters. Although, very young, there was a strength in her that I would have expected from someone of the character's background. Very mature and worldly, yet with insecure attachments, which made her highly suspicious of those around her.In my view, this author's writing was amazing, she made a storyline that initially could have gone either way;from an ordinary story, into and extraordinary and highly addictive romantic read for me personally. Her descriptive writing style was very credible, well researched and gave the book substance. Having read Rewind a spin off novella of this series, I had to go and find this book to understand more about the main character in that. When I picked this book up I was hooked! There were layers to the characters,of which, all sides of them were described and aired. Shrewd,inexperienced, insecure, suspicious,vulnerable, compassionate, gentle, angry, domineering, controlling. Alan, the male protagonist was portrayed with a sensitivity and gentleness that made him instantly likeable. An Alpha male in his domain never-the-less, but during his time with Chrissie there were so many scenes where his vulnerabilities and feelings were apparent. Conflict and love, desire and rejection, want and need, all of the qualities that made the complex relationships interacting both between the main characters in their relationship and with those who surrounded and mattered to them. I can't finish this review without talking techically about the author's skill in creative writing, her use of language and clever choices of descriptive words all had an impact on the delivery of the story. This book is a read of quality and Ms.Ward's demonstrates a level of understanding of relationships and the experiences of the characters which; for them, impact on all relationships. My honest opinion is that I want to stick my neck out and say this is one of the best books I have ever read because,I completely connected with the story,saw it vividly and felt it emotionally with every page.I can't wait for the next part of the series.

[Save Your Money For Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book using my Kindle Unlimited subscription and quickly found myself swept away into this world that Susan Ward created.

Crissie is the daughter of rock legend Jack Parker, but growing up with a famous father isn't all it's cracked up to be. So close to graduating from the boarding school she has been attending for the last eight years she make a Spring Break trip to NYC and reconnects with recently rehabbed rockstar Alan Manzone, the first guy to capture her interest. They begin a whirl wind romance, but with the issues both of them have in their past the push- pull of their relationship becomes tedious.. is their love enough to keep them together?

Our heroine is 18, indecisive and there is a lot of internal banter within herself. Our hero is just out of rehab and has issues a mile long, if you don't like emotionally damaged characters this might not be the read for you. If you love to feel while you are reading, this is not to be missed! This story emotionally sucked me in and kept me turning the pages.

CLIFFHANGER WARNING- -and you will want to keep reading, so be prepared in advance there are four books in this series. . I started this book last night and just finished the fourth and final installment. If you love an emotional story with a love triangle that is a little light, a little dark and a whole lot addictive I recommend checking out this series! (PS> If you have Kindle Unlimited the first four books in this series are available via KU).

PS> I would love this story from the alternate POV. Alan Manzone is a little out there at times.. I would love a glimpse inside his head!

[Amandajane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series. I somehow stumbled across and I am so glad I gave it a go. I was a bit put off by the weird title which I believed to be referring to Botticelli's Venus. I didn't realise that it was lyrics from "Diamonds and Rust", the Judas Priest version skips those verses.

Anyway, Chrissie is the daughter of rock legend, Jack. She is a musical prodigy and is expected to follow in her mother's footsteps as a classical cellist. In one night meets two men, both also musicians, who will affect her life. She meets the gorgeous and mysterious Neil at a concert. Later at her home she meets Alan Manzone, larger-than-life, superstar musical genius, who her father is helping in his recovery from heroin addiction. She and Alan form a connection and fall in love. Their love is intense and passionate. It is both empowering and toxic at the same time. The romance ends abruptly and Chrissie returns home to start college. At college she meets Neil again and they begin a life together. Throughout the story Alan moves in and out of Chrissie's life, their addiction and love for each other was unstoppable.

If you like drama with a side of drama, compelling characters and a series that just when you thought it was done and nothing else could happen, hey presto- here is another book of the same characters with more drama. Loved, loved it. Cheating warning. As I mentioned- lots of drama.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! The Girl on the Half Shell is the first book in a long while that I have stayed up all night for - It is angsty, emotionally twisting, gut wrenching, young love between two very lost and broken souls (at its finest).

Ward puts it all out there with her debut novel. Chrissie is fractured, unable to understand who or what she should be now or in the future, and Alan is not just a bad boy, but every dad's worst nightmare.

Yet, Alan lures you into his lair. He's bad, but not really. What can I say? I fell in love with Alan Manzone. The rock star, the man, the lover.

The book is gorgeously written, the words making the reader stop and digest along the way.

In each conversation and at each setting, I felt as though I was transported to that time and place.

"Let's go to bed and be good to each other"- oh, Alan.

This is a stellar read. A re-read, and a definite problem for me because the ending leaves it open for more Alan and Chrissie, and now I have to be patient and wait.

Come on, Susan Ward! :)

[hugsandcookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess Amazon wouldn't post my review as seeing what I probably wrote. Oh well. I have to here and I did say I was going to post my review when all 4 books were done.

But here goes.

Damnnnn

Now this story took me awhile to get into it and let me tell you. I liked it at first to maybe just maybe loving it. I see Chrissie 's POV more here and understanding her as a young adult.

When I read Broken Crown before this I couldn't understand Chrissie but now I do.

There is so much in this story that you could hate. I mean I did at first cause maybe I'm judging there age gap (honestly I'm not a huge fan of younger girls and older guys but hey if the story is good I can bypass that) but here you feel the intensity of Alan and what an asshole he can be. Also Chrissie is not so perfect. At times she can be annoying but you realise that she's more than you think.

The whole lead up to Alan and Chrissie is worth every heartache and you want different feelings but I guess this is the better ending cause I can't wait for the next book.

[Olivia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to begin. How do you write a review for a book that made you speechless at the end? A book that made you smile, cry, scream, laugh? Hands down, this is one of the best books I've ever read in my life. I'm not exaggerating, only speaking the truth. Susan Ward seems to blow me away with every book of hers I read.

Chrissie is a broken, lost girl. She doesn't know who she is or who she wants to be. The daughter of a Rock God, she's always living in the spotlight.

Alan IS the Rock God of this century. He's emotionally broken, but knows exactly what he wants when it comes to Chrissie.

Meeting by chance, falling in love by accident, Alan and Chrissie embark on a emotional roller coaster of a relationship. These two are exactly the same; dealing with issues that control their life.

I'm looking forward to reading book two in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dark rockstar romance. Five stars!

[Terri Gostola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissie has troubles that run far deeper than simple teenage angst. On the surface she has it all - beauty, talent, and a famous father. But Chrissie has secrets and pain in her "lock boxes."

Alan is a shooting star. His fame is so immense one would assume he lives a charmed life, but Alan's life is a consuming ball of fire. His fame and lifestyle become a trap that is not easily escaped in spite of Alan's struggles to extricate himself.

The story unfolds on many levels and does not give up it's secrets until the reader is thoroughly immersed in the world of the rich and famous. The love story is poignant, and although the sex scenes are scorching it is clear there is a soul touching love being played out within the sheets.

I stayed up all night to finish the story because I could not put it down! I shall be anxiously awaiting future books by this author.

[Liz johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a trilogy ending on cliff hangar. The next books are already out though. The h is 18 and has lots of issues which come out over time. The H is pretty amazing. He was just what the h needed to help her grow up and face her problems. He also had demons of his own. I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded. A lot of the issues were due to the h being only 18 and to be honest unable to cope with both her past and the also the sudden rush into adulthood and a very intense relationship. So although she could be frustrating in her reactions, it was also understandable. The end is a cliff hangar and even she questioned whether she was making the right decision at the end, but after thinking on it, it was probably the right decision to give herself thinking time. A pity she did not explain this to the H.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win and receive this book through GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway Program. Thank you!

I would also like to thank Susan Ward for this autographed copy! Your amazing!

I loved this book. Troubled alpha rockstar- who can ask for more in a book!? I read this book until 5:30 in the morning. I couldn't put it down. Such a heartbreaking and emotional read. Two lost souls who find and save each other. It was a beautiful love story. I loved the Main characters. I really felt for both of them. The emotions and angst in this book was off the charts! I can't wait for the next one!

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Washington Bridge Bronx Expressway. That's just hysterical. If the author was going to use NYC as a setting and many of the places truly existed in the 80s such as BCBG and central park then why not refer to it as the George Washington bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway. I'm just saying. It makes it seem like the author didn't research very well and as a native NYer it's a little off-putting. I get tht it's fiction and she can make it whatever she wants but the mixin of fact and fiction doesn't sit well with me.
Anyhow I will not be reading any more in this series. I just didn't like us enough to spend more time on it. It was all predictable and anti-climactic!!