Opening Strains: Opposites Attract, He Falls First, Found Family Rockstar Romance

by Arell Rivers

Rehab and Restraints: A Bad Boy’s Reckoning

One stupid jump onstage at Untamed Coaster’s rockumentary premiere, and I'm out of commission. Pulled groin? More like a damn disaster. And the only person who can fix me is Jenna Westfield. Jenna. The ex of our late keyboardist, who added her to the Do Not F*^% list that survives even though he’s no longer here. And the only woman who made me question my no-strings rule from the moment I met her.

Two weeks in the Hamptons at her clinic, and I'm a goner. Falling not only for her, but also her warm, welcoming mom, a whole damn life I never knew I wanted. But she's holding back, those haunted eyes telling a story I can't quite read. Professional ethics, ghosts of the past, and my own mother's constant nagging keep us apart. Then, one stolen kiss changes everything.

Suddenly, I believe we could have an actual relationship. Almost buy into her ideal that UC is my “found family.” However, the paparazzi are vultures, branding her a “Black Widow”—and she splits.

Now, I'm alone on tour, wondering if I blew my only chance at something real.



OPENING STRAINS is the first book in the Passionate Beats trilogy. This story ends on a cliffhanger, but the trilogy has an HEA. It is told exclusively from Untamed Coaster’s lead singer Bennett Hardy’s point of view. If you crave a slow burn, found family rockstar romance filled with the delightful angst of a playboy’s heart being reformed, then buckle up for UC!

Genres: Amazon, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

For as long as Arell Rivers remembers, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a romance novel … and instantly was hooked.

She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.

She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!

Reviews

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m Hooked!!

I love rock romances and this book was a huge page turner even though it ended with a cliffhanger. Bennett is the frontman for The Untamed Coaster and gets a little crazy on stage which ends in an injury that he will need to do rehab.

Jenna is the woman who who be helping Bennett with his issue. Jenna was the girlfriend to one of his now deceased bandmates so would she still be considered hands off? Bennett doesn’t think so. Jenna is judged and just can’t handle it so she disappears. Is this the end of Bennett and Jenna?

The cliffhanger has left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in Passionate Beats Trilogy.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening Strains (book one in the Passionate Beats trilogy) by Arell Rivers is about Bennett Hardy, the lead singer of a previously famous rock band Untamed Coaster, looking to make a comeback by having a movie documentary made about their journey from losing their keyboardist Darren Hilliard to an overdose after a wrist injury. Jenna Westfield was Darren’s physical therapist, who became his girlfriend after he was no longer his patient. Darren’s best friend, 007, the bassist, blames Jenna for his death, as well as some of the rabid fans of Darren. In the concert given after viewing the Band Documentary named “Untamed Coaster Unleashed,” Bennett jumped at the end of the last song, where he landed badly, which caused a painful grade 3 groin pull or strain. With the group heading out for an extended tour in the US and Europe, Bennett needs intense physical therapy, so he travels to the Hamptons, where Jenna has two clinics, hoping she can help him. Both Bennett and Jenna have insecurities from past circumstances that cause trust issues. Add in band drama, including the gossip magazines adding their spin on why Bennett is in the Hamptons, and that develops into a chaotic mess with Bennett falling for Jenna, whom he is keeping his bandmates in the dark about. For Bennett to be cleared for his upcoming tour, he needs a physical therapist to go on tour with him. He wants Jenna to accompany him as the therapist, but that might not happen. Opening Strains (book one in the Passionate Beats trilogy) ends on a cliffhanger, but Arell Rives promises the trilogy's final book will end with a HEA. The next book, Extended Bridge, will be out on May 22, and the final book in the trilogy, Mic Drop, will be published on June 26. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the premiere of the rockumentary about Untamed Coaster's (UC) comeback after tragedy (the making of which is covered in Sinful Beats UC #1), lead singer Bennett Hardy sustains an injury which brings physical therapist Jenna Westfield reluctantly back into his orbit.
After being vilified in the media as the ex-girlfriend of Untamed Coaster's late keyboardist, Jenna has worked hard to build her PT business and to put all the unpleasantness behind her. The last thing she wants or needs is to be thrust back into the media spotlight by her association with Bennett - albeit professionally. Bennett has always been attracted to Jenna but never pursued it out of respect for his bandmate, but is this the right time to act on the attraction?

Wow! What a great start to this trilogy following Bennett and Jenna's very slow burn romance. Both carry guilt and so much baggage from the past that at first it is hard to imagine them ever getting together. Slowly the layers are peeled back amidst therapy that is tough and intensive as they work to get Bennett fit enough to take the stage in UC's upcoming tour. A friendship and fledgling romance are born, but just when it looks like things might be going to work out for them the past comes crashing in to spoil it all.

As this is a trilogy, the cliffhanger was expected but came without warning. Boom! I did not see it coming and I now wait very impatiently for the second book - Extended Bridge - which will be told from Jenna's POV.
Well done Ms Rivers - 5 very big, golden stars!

This is my honest and voluntary review after receiving an ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start… slow burn rock romance.
There are a few things I really liked about this. Untamed Coasters, the band at the heart of the story, are at the start of their comeback moment after the death of their keyboardist Darren, two years prior from a drug overdose. I think this will give us a unique perspective once they get on tour which is due to start two weeks after the premiere of their documentary film, the same night the lead singer, Bennett, damages his groin muscle jumping awkwardly at the end of the set they play at the conclusion of the film. This is where the story starts.
The fact they lost their bandmate to an accidental drug overdose means none of the other guys partake, they have a no drugs pact, which is really refreshing in a rock star romance. Doesn’t stop the bad boy rep that Bennett has though despite no one really knowing this broken man with major trust issues.
The therapist engaged to help his intensive rehabilitation is none other than Jenna, Darren’s former girlfriend.
Bennett and Jenna’s is a slow burn romance where he falls first and we experience his walls crumbling as he slowly lets others into that part of himself, he keeps hidden from the world. Both carry so much baggage from the death of Darren, and it makes for interesting reading seeing this play out both privately and in the glare of the relentless media presence.
This part finishes on the eve of the tour, Jenna undecided if she’s coming along, and I think we’ll be in for some fascinating and emotional reading once the band is on tour and Jenna is back within that circle.

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Strains (Passionate Beats #1) by Arell Rivers is a slow-burn contemporary opposites-attract forbidden rock star romance told from the first person perspective of Bennett Hardy, the male lead. The story follows the relationship between Bennett Hardy, front man for the rock band Untamed Coaster, and physical therapist Jenna Westfield, the off-limits former girlfriend of their deceased keyboardist, as she helps him rehab a painful injury in preparation for a worldwide stadium tour. Opening Strains is book one of a trilogy and, as such, it ends on a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed part one of Bennett and Jenna’s story. Since this book is entirely from Bennett’s POV, the reader gets to know and understand him best. Despite being the lead singer of a famous rock band, he’s a loner who doesn’t do relationships—not even friendships—and keeps everyone at arm’s length as a means of self-protection. But things are different with Jenna, because for the first time, Bennett finds himself wanting to let someone in, beyond the rock star facade to see the real person beneath. When the paparazzi comes sniffing around, their situation becomes even more complicated.

I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next in Extended Bridge, book two of the Passionate Beats trilogy, entirely from Jenna’s POV.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[Stephanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett and Jenna are no strangers, but she is on the bro code list of DO NOT well to keep it PG lets say DO NOT MESS WITH list. She dated a fellow band member who passed away and the whole band was still trying to move on. Their comeback is when things start to get interesting as to why Jenna is back in the fold of things. Bennett being who he is injured himself and she so happen to be in the right place at the right time. Neither of them could predict what would happen when they come face to face again.

Jenna has been living her life and pursuing her passion in PT and opening clinics. She had long given up treating patients and focused on the back end for running her business but this new opportunity she could not pass up came along put her in the center of the scope per say back in the spotlight which is a place she never wanted to be back in.

As we all know media can twist a different tale of what is going on and this was causing some issues for Jenna that she needed to face and figure out if this is what she wants for herself.

Well, that is just a tidbit and the story is juicy!!! But let me say when I hit the end of the book, and there were no more pages..... I almost screamed. Arell Rivers left me hanging, I mean I know it is a trilogy and should have expected it, but DANG, she really left it on a good part like I need book 2 now!!!!!!

[Only.ever.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
✨Opening Strains✨
Passionate Beats Trilogy #1

By Arell Rivers

✨ Rockstar Romance
✨ Opposite Attract
✨ Found Family

⭐ 4/5

Bennett and Jenna pt1

This trilogy will follow the journey of Bennett and Jenna. This book is only told in Bennett’s POV and ends in a cliffhanger.
As the frontman of a famous band Bennett got himself injured while he went a little over. And now he has to go to rehab because of that.
And of all things Jenna is the one to help him recover. The one who was the girlfriend of his deceased band member.
There is a lot in the past of both characters. Bennett has huge trust issues because he always ended up hurting when he let people close.
Jennais marked because something happened on her watch that cost not only her a lot.
But circumstances, knowing each other and caring makes her want to help him, and in return he wants only her help.
Not everyone is pleased by Jenna’s reappearance and Jenna actually wanted not being in that orbit again. But we don’t always get what we want, until someone caught wind of her new involvement with Bennett and brings her into the bad spotlight again.
And that is too much for Jenna.
I really liked the characters and also could relate to them. And now I can’t really wait to read the story from Jenna’s POV.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett Hardy is the lead singer and face of Untamed Coaster. When Bennett pulls his groin after an ill-advised jump during UC's concert after the premiere of their documentary, Jenna Westfield is asked to get Bennett back on stage in 2 weeks when UC's tour begins. Jenna stopped treating patients after her ex, Darren Hilliard, the original keyboardist of UC died of an overdose and has been focusing on the administration side of her business. Jenna agrees to be Bennett's physical therapist with his agreement to do his therapy at her clinic. As Jenna and Bennett spend time together, their feelings for each other grow. Will Bennett confess his feelings to Jenna? Will Bennett trust Jenna with his past? Can Bennett convince Jenna to give their relationship a chance? Will an interview with Bennett's ex and Darren's family regarding Jenna, the Black Widow, going out on tour with UC and looking to attach herself to Bennett have Jenna running away from Bennett? I loved Opening Strains by Arell Rivers. I love Bennett and Jenna. They are a great couple with great chemistry. Bennett and Jenna have lots of baggage to work through if they can make their relationship work. Can't wait for Extended Bridge. I would highly recommend getting Opening Strains by Arell Rivers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Theresa Natole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in a new series and all I can say is holy cliffhanger. Jenna is the ex-girlfriend of former bandmate of Untamed Coaster. She is also a physical therapist. She fell for Darren when he was a client of hers but didn’t get involved until after his PT was over. Now that Bennett is need of a PT Jenna is hired to make sure he is able to go on tour in 2 weeks.
She is the complete opposite of the band. Quiet and reserved unlike Bennett. She is a professional through and through. There is also the Do Not F*<% list whereby preventing him to taking things to any level with her. The more time he spends with her the more his feelings grow and list be damned. Bennett does not have friends even his bandmates are just that his bandmates. This only best friend, his dad, passed years ago. He doesn’t trust easily. But Jenna is different. She makes him want to open up. But what will his bandmates say if he chooses to pursue Jenna. Now that Darren is gone is the list still relevant.
Most importantly how does Jenna feel. Are his feelings reciprocated. Darren is gone, can they move forward beyond his memory. Can they make it work?
So excited for book 2 especially after the cliffhanger. May cannot come fast enough.

[Andrea Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Passionate Beats Trilogy…Opening Strains. This book is all told in Bennetts POV. After learning Untamed Coasters was going back on tour…lead singer Bennett Hardy gets a little too excited and ends up pulling his groin. Now he’s out of commission until he rehabs his injury. The person to help him, Jenna, his deceased band mates girlfriend. The one that no one was to touch. Until…
This is only book one so we do end in a cliffhanger.

I was intrigued with Bennett from the first few pages of this book. He may seem like he’s good but that man has a ton of luggage to unpack with himself. Getting the injury wasn’t on his list but his whole world starts to change when he starts the PT with Jenna. Jenna herself is carrying a lot of grief, her boyfriend overdosed a few years before and she’s not one to be in the limelight like Bennett. But that changes when she agrees to rehab him.

This story takes us on a bit of a rollercoaster 😉 These two have a spark from the first interaction. I was entertained with Bennett and I can’t wait for book two so I can get Jenna’s POV. This trilogy is going to be so good! I already can’t wait for book 2.

There’s a bit of spice in here and it’s enough to leave us wanting more.

A*R*C team review.

[Abbie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett Hardy, the bad boy playboy lead singer of the band Untamed Coaster. Making a comeback after the tragic loss of one of their band mates, a rockumentary on the bands last few years launches them back into the spotlight. During the evening of the film Premier, Bennet the main man himself over does it and gets a groin pull rendering himself unable to walk, let alone perform on the upcoming tour in 2 weeks time!. Queue Jenner Westfield, the ex girlfriend of the late keyboardist, who is on the bands DO NOT F**K list. The only woman fit for the job to help Benett get back on stage, the catch 2 weeks away from the band in a rental to attend her clinic.

OK, I'm going to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure about this when I started. But, I really enjoyed it! I liked the POV of Bennett, and LOVED how he has been written, I really felt I understood him.

I really liked how the beginning of the book spent time helping the reader have a better understanding of the dynamics and history of the band "Untamed Coaster", a short intro to the good and the bad that the band have gone through.

I really felt this book was so well paced, it made it a joy to read, it was easy to pick up and jump into the story, and I am DEFINITELY looking forward to reading rhe next book.

Thank you Arell Rivers & The Author Agency for this ARC, looking forward to the next one!

[Little Blue Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies and Gentlemen…..Please welcome to the stage UNTAMED COASTER!!!!!! We first met this amazing band in Arell’s Sinful Beats series. I’m really glad we’re getting their story. Unfortunately, this is a band who has experienced tragedy, especially the lead singer, Bennett Hardy 🥺 He wears a mask to hide his unhappiness. When Bennett injures himself at Untamed Coaster’s rockumentary premiere, he is told he needs aggressive physical therapy, before he can get back onstage. Bennett’s physical therapist isn’t a complete stranger though…….
Jenna Westfield is also hiding behind her pain. Her ex has passed away and she’s just trying to get through the days. Her ex just happens to be the former keyboardist of Bennett’s band. She has been put on the band’s “official” “DON’T EVEN GO THERE” list. (Keeping it clean folks 😉). HOWEVER……Bennett doesn’t know how he can stay away!! He starts developing feelings for Jenna. Does he follow his heart?? ♥️ Or stick to “Bro Code??”
This new series is amazing so far!! I really like Bennett and Jenna, and my heart goes out to them both!! I can’t wait to see what’s next, ESPECIALLY after that cliffhanger 🫢 This book is told strictly from Bennett’s POV, and I can’t wait to see what’s going on in Jenna’s head!!
I highly recommend this book 🩵🦋💙

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of Bennett and Jenna’s story. Written entirely from Bennett's perspective, this book provides a deep and nuanced understanding of him. Despite being the charismatic lead singer of a renowned rock band, Bennett is, at his core, a loner. He consciously avoids forming relationships—friendships included—and maintains a barrier between himself and others as a form of self-defense against emotional vulnerability.

However, everything changes when he meets Jenna. For the first time, Bennett feels an undeniable urge to let someone in, to allow her to see beyond the rock star facade and connect with the genuine person underneath. Their budding relationship introduces a new layer to his character, highlighting his struggles and desires.

As the story unfolds, their connection faces unexpected challenges when the paparazzi begin to encroach on their lives, complicating their situation further and putting their newfound bond to the test.

I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their journey in *Extended Bridge*, the second book of the *Passionate Beats* trilogy, which is told entirely from Jenna's point of view. I can't wait to see how her perspective will enrich the story and reveal more about their intertwined fates.

[Carey S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Bennett Hardy and Jenna Westfield have been acquainted for a couple of years. She is the former girlfriend of a rock band member who accidentally overdosed and died, forcing the band to reevaluate their future. Bennett happens to be the frontman for this band, yet he has always been a bit of a loner, due to some serious betrayals in his past. Jenna is a physical therapist who is called upon when Bennett jumps a bit too enthusiastically while performing and pulls a groin muscle. Their tour starts in two weeks and he needs to get better quickly! Spending time with Jenna helps Bennett find some deeper meaning in his life and gives him a more meaningful purpose. But there are some forces working against them.

This is part 1 of a trilogy. I dislike cliffhangers, and this ends with one, but the remaining two books will be out shortly, so I’m tolerating this one. The next story will be told from Jenna’s POV, so it almost feels like the cliffhanger will only get resolved in the third book.

Both of these protagonists have scars. They are flawed and damaged, but both have goodness within them that the other brings out. I’m excited to see where this story goes!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Westfield is on the Do Not F*^% list as she is the ex girlfriend of your deceased keyboardist Darren and she is the ONLY ONE that can guarantee I will be able to perform in two weeks for our tour since Darren past and I can’t let our fan or the BAND down !!

Darren Hardy is the voice behind Untamed Coaster and when he gets groin pull from an excitement and stupid jump he knows where he has to go and The Hamptons are it !! If he wants to be able to show the world the band is back and regrouped after Darren’s death he needs to be 100% in perfect shape and right now he is NOT ….

Trying to stay under the radar in The Hampton is turning into a fiasco .. Can he keep his were about’s under wrap or will people see him with the “” Black Widow”” ?? which is NOT what he wants .. Jenna being called or and people NOT finding him .. he just wants to be Darren from New Jersey just for a little while and Jenna sees that !!

So when a friendship insuits .. bahmmmmm .. a CLIFFHANGER !! Ok I can say with 100% uncertainty I DID NOT SEE THIS COMING !!

Arelle knocked it out of the stadium fast and hard with an opening book with this one !! Is it April 29th yet ??

[Candy76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a way to start a new series that ends with drama. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed reading about Bennett, Jenna and the band along with the other characters that bring it together. So far the characters are a wonderful bunch and I can't wait to read more.
Silly Bennett decided to jump in the air and land....wrong. He has pulled a muscle and needs PT.
In the audience is the deceased keyboardist girlfriend Jenna who is here viewing the movie about Untamed Coaster, which she is showcased in. Luke gets her to determine the extent of Bennett's injury, no one is happy.
It is what it is, and Jenna is the best physical therapist.
They are stuck together to get Bennett ready for a tour in a short amount of time. Bennett's progress is good but will still need PT during the tour and Jenna is the one he wants to continue with.
Well sh!t happens and all hell breaks loose.
I will always recommend Arell as an author to read because she is great at putting together a great storyline. She gives you all the feelings you could ever need to laugh, cry and be happy plus the in between feelings.
~ARC provided in return for an honest review~

[gemma.louise.xx.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untamed Coaster’s lead singer Bennett pulls his groin doing a jump at the bands movie premiere, just two weeks before they embark on their comeback tour. He needs to undertake intense physical therapy and his therapist is none other than Jenna, the former girlfriend of the bands late keyboardist. Bennett has wanted Jenna for years but she was with someone else, a bandmate on top of that. But now he can’t fight his attraction to her anymore. But Jenna is reluctant to get involved with him. As they spend time together Bennett’s feelings only grow but when the press catch wind of them spending time together they brand her the Black Widow. Bennett is leaning on tour but can he persuade Jenna to join him or will the negative press drive her away?

Ok so I love Bennett first and foremost. He’s so broken and needs fixing and that’s what I like clearly! Poor Jenna isn’t having an easy time of any of it! The fact this finished on a cliffhanger has me desperate for the next book!

This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Arell Rivers has certainly sucked me into the wild world of “Untamed Coaster” with the first book in her “ Passionate Beats” Trilogy. Bennett Hardy and Jenna Westfield’s story is epic. Bennett never shuts down his public persona. He does not do friends. And he likes his life that way till Jenna challenges him. She does not care that he is a rock star with legions of fans. She does not let him get away with anything. They are polar opposites. He finds himself being more real with her than anyone in his memory. He wants to allow her beneath the surface. Till the paparazzi ruin everything. This is a well written slow paced emotional rock star romance that grabbed onto my heart. These two passionate characters both have scars that need mending. I cannot wait to read “Extended Bridge” to find out what happens after the cliffhanger Arell left us on. Plus now we will get Jenna's view of things rather than just Bennett's. I also loved how Arrell brought characters from her other series into this new series.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearing characters and heartfelt emotions! Arell Rivers shines when it comes to creating a rockstar hero we can really sink our teeth into! Bennett Hardy is the front man for The Untamed Coasters who we've met in previous books from Rivers and this book kicks off a trilogy between Bennett and Jenna. There is an abrupt ending and a cliffhanger, but we're set up for much more drama and angst to come on that way towards happily ever after! The set up of the book quickly held my attention and had me turning page after page to figure out how this was all going to play out. The angst from the past is a heavy burden for the characters to carry, but the connection they have together goes a long way in giving the reader something else to grasp onto and rally around. I really loved their story and I'm on pins and needles waiting for book two.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a rocker romance with lots of heart. Must be okay with a cliffhanger, but it should all play out well in the end.

[Toni Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett Hardy is the face of Untamed Coaster. He’s the voice that everyone recognizes & the frontman that everyone fawns over. But with a group riddled with drama in the past, he wants no wind of his most recent injury hitting the presses. After pulling a groin muscle scarily close to the start of their next tour, he hunkers down in The Hamptons to try to make a miraculous recovery. The only physical therapist he trusts enough to bring him back faster than ever is the completely off limits former girlfriend of his deceased bandmate (Darren), Jenna Westfield.
Two weeks of rigorous PT & lots of togetherness with a beautiful woman no matter how off limits finds Bennett seeing her differently than any woman before.
Is the woman that the media has dubbed “The Black Widow” going to be the one to change it all? Will she be the one to show Bennett there’s more to healing him than just a muscle?
This is book 1 in a trilogy, to secure your harnesses on this “Untamed Coaster”…it’s going to take you for a ride you won’t forget & just might leave you hanging.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening Strains ( passionate Beats Book 1 ) ⭐️opposites attract ⭐️rockstar romance ⭐️He falls first ⭐️found family and all the feels. Bennet and Jenna . OMG Guys !! The way these two hooked me so completely , the the way their story pulled at all my heartstrings and had me laughing out loud , smiling like crazy even sobbing like a baby , yelling outta pure frustration and kept me cheering so freaking hard . Well I honestly do not think there really are any perfect words to express how in love with this story I fell . Bennett is the lead singer of the Untamed Coaster and Jenna is the girlfriend of their deceased keyboard player . After Injuring himself on stage , Jenna is the one right there by his side and offering to help . What Jenna isn’t aware of is the fact that Bennett has been harboring feelings for her . Feelings that have gone unspoken because of the loss of his friend and bandmate . Could this be their chance at love and a happy ending.? To someone overcome all the loss and hurt they have gone through and find love together.
a few seconds ago

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of book 1 and 2 of a 3 part series.
OPENING STRAINS is the first book in the Passionate Beats trilogy. If you crave a slow burn, found family rockstar romance filled with the delightful angst of a playboy’s heart being reformed, then buckle up for UC!
One stupid jump onstage at Untamed Coaster’s rockumentary premiere, and I'm out of commission. Pulled groin? More like a damn disaster. And the only person who can fix me is Jenna Westfield. Jenna. The ex of our late keyboardist, who added her to the Do Not F*^% list that survives even though he’s no longer here. And the only woman who made me question my no-strings rule from the moment I met her.

I'm reviewing books 1 & 2. Good story, great characters, even some characters from the author's other books. Both characters have a lot of baggage to work out, they are constantly followed by the paparazzi and some internal band drama.
Book 1 is from Bennett's POV , book 2 from Jenna's.
Both end in cliffies 👀
GO GRAB YOUR COPIES TODAY! Book 3 is coming soon.

[Alison Macpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett Hardy is the front man of the band Untamed coaster, a band trying to move forward following the death of bandmate Darren from an unintentional OD of painkillers. They have found a replacement keyboard player and are now starting to perform again with a tour looming.
An injury to Bennett following an awkward jump on stage brings in physio Jenna Westfield the girlfriend of their dead bandmate. A girl who the paps call the Black Widow.
Bennett and Jenna obviously have a deep attraction that they try to fight/navigate. A certain member of the band is so against Jenna having any contact with the band. I feel there’s a lot more to come there.
Don’t want to say too much but the book builds beautifully. The right amount of hotness and throw in some angst and a crazy ex high school girlfriend and an epic ending that left me shouting no! Need more now, book 2 can’t come soon enough. Brilliant book.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Arell's rockstar reads and this new series is no different.
Told from Bennetts POV.
When Bennett injures himself at the relaunch /comeback concert for the band at the rockumentary about Untamed Coasters (UC), Jenna (a physical therapist) is the only one who can help.
But Jenna is the ex of his deceased bandmate and completely off limits.
The last thing either of them needs is to cause scandal by being thrust into the spotlight together. Even if it is just innocent.
But Bennett has always had a thing for Jenna.
Working so closely together but still both carrying guilt of the past. They build a solid friendship and are headed for a slow burn romance.
But as usual, the past wont stay buried. Just as things seem to start going well, drama ensues and then we are left with a cliff hanger we knew was coming but didn't expect.
This is book 1 in the trilogy, can't wait to see what happens next.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.

[Kimberly Stamiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockstar, rehab and romance!

An epic movie followed by a high energy rock concert, about to kick off a world tour. It seems that Untamed Coaster is finally all the way back from a devastating loss, until...

Front man Bennett Hardy ends the show with an ill advised spontaneous jump, resulting in a painful injury and jeopardizing the tour. Trying to keep the truth out of the media, the best choice of physical therapist is the "Black Widow", Jenna, the off limits girlfriend of their late keyboardist and the one woman who makes Bennett want to break the rules.

Rehab is rigorous and rushed. Their relationship is strictly professional, gradually evolving into talking, trusting, friendship and fun. It's a sweet slow burn romance with a wrenching cliffhanger ending...

Book One of Arell Rivers' Passionate Beats Trilogy, Opening Strains is a five star must read emotional ride!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new trilogy, and this is Bennett and Jenna’s story.
Bennett is lead vocalist in Untamed Coaster, and one jump on stage results in a strained groin, and he knows that Jenna will help him. Jemma is the ex of the band’s late keyboardist, and two weeks at her clinic in the Hampton’s and he knows she is the one for him. However, the media are not kind to Jenna.
This story ends in a heartwrenching cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy!
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, with found family, friendships, emotions, opposites attract, angst, tension, forbidden love, and reformed bad-boy, which ends in an entertaining, heartwrenching, and riveting addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kelly Baroletti · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers - but keep in mind this is book one of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger.

Untamed Coaster is one of the hottest bands on the planet. They were riding high until their keyboardist Darren dies from a prescription drug overdose. UC makes a documentary about finding a new keyboardist and is kicking off a new world tour. Only problem is lead singer Bennett Hardy require physical therapy from a muscle pull and the one person uniquely qualified to help is Jenna Westfeild, who was Darren’s PT therapist. Jenna has guilt over Darren’s death and Bennett was always smitten with Jenna. As their relationship grows, the past won’t stayed buried. When it comes crashing in, can they survive it?

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When life throws you unexpected surprises, hold them tight and never let go...

Dedicated and driven best describes Bennett, Rockstar extraordinaire. When he makes a foolish move on stage and pulls his groin, he definitely is not a happy camper. Bennet does not take being out of commission very well at all. He needs to get better before his upcoming tour. He inherits Jenna a Physical Therapist to perform a miracle. The downside is she is Darren's ex, his keyboardist who overdosed which has had a huge impact on the band.

Bennett and Jenna develop strong feelings for each other but they both have a mountain of emotional baggage to face and sort out. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending! I'm a fan of cliffhangers!

The story was good. I loved the cross-over, the band nicknames, how he hurt himself (sorry but leave it to a superstar to be injured like a normal person), but a few things..

Jenna constantly touching/pulling on her ponytail. There didn't seem a reason why, she was just always doing it.

Bennett's inability to grow up. Dude, it was high school, move on and mature. And his family issues were brought up all the time and, unless I missed it, there wasn't a full explanation as to what and why those issues exist. Well, his Dad issue was apparent.

A few smexy times seemed disjointed. Just thrown in there to make sure the "romance" label could be preserved.