Successful children's musician Shelley Taylor sings for all kids, but especially the sick ones. After her little sister died in childhood, Shelley founded the music charity KC's Kidz to entertain hospitalized children.
She didn't sign up to babysit a rockstar.
Irish bad boy superstar Liam Smith is in trouble with the law--again--and needs to perform community service. KC's Kidz seems like the perfect fit, especially since Shelley's as curvy as his favorite guitar and he wants to play her.
Liam's deep green eyes strike a chord in Shelley, and she makes him want to sing a different tune. But Liam lives in a spotlight so white hot it might burn them both before they discover the true music inside their hearts.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Malia Mallory lives in Hawaii with her husband and daughter. She's been working with words since alphabet blocks rolled into her crib, not only writing her own work but copy editing and proofreading the work of others. She has loved to read about relationships since she first sneaked off with her mother's Harlequin.
A short, sweet love story that makes a nice weekend read. I enjoyed reading about Shelley and Liam, but I felt like there was so much more that I was missing. Like seeing only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
Admittedly, I can be overly critical of the characters I read about. You may not care one way or the other, but I invest myself fully in every book or I abandon it. Having said that, this is not a story I would abandon. In fact, it has a lot of potential, but mostly unrealized.
SPOILERS IN REMAINDER OF THE REVIEW BELOW
Note: The author provided me a review copy in exchange for posting an unbiased review.
It's a wonderful and rare thing when I can write a 5 star review without any reservations. Malia Mallory is an author that is relatively new to me. I've read two of her books previously and she has yet to disappoint. I'm typically not the biggest fan of "Rock Star" romances as they tend to be riddled with gratuitous angst...not surprising considering the inherent obstacles that a couple would have to negotiate in such a relationship...the screaming groupies, the paparazzi, the time apart when the band is on tour, the temptation of readily accessible drugs, alcohol and one night stands, and, potentially most damaging, the inflated ego that comes with fame...The list goes on and on...
This book is refreshing, offering a different outlook on such a relationship. While the difficult aspects of the lifestyle are mentioned, they remain only a small part of the story. Liam, the band's frontman, is grounded, loyal, passionate and capable of commitment. Having already "lived the dream" through overindulgence in both sex and substances, he does something rare...He comes out on the other side with a few bumps and bruises, but remains essentially unaffected, with his ego in check and his integrity intact.
Shelly is a great female protagonist. She is noble, hard working, charitable, and of course, very sexy. She is not easily drawn in by Liam's charms or the trappings of his success. But even she is not immune to the blatant sexual magnetisim that Liam exudes. It seems an unlikely pairing at first, but it eventually becomes clear how they are so right for each other.
"Something True" is a fitting title for this smart and sexy story. Highly recommend.
This was a short but very sweet book, of a guy Liam Smith a well-known Rock Star. Who was once again in trouble with the law? So, to look better in court his agent wants him to do volunteer for a charity. He had already gone to rehab and give up his drug addiction although he still had drinks but not as much, same as with his partying. He ended up crashing his Ferrari through the front window of a restaurant. He did however already paid for all repairs. Although he was playing it off it did scare him sh__less. The ironic thing is sheer speed caused this accident not drugs or alcohol. He hopes that would be a plus in his favor. His agent called Shelley Taylor’s agent to talk her into helping him out. He knows her client (Shelley) is the founder and operator of KC’s Kidz, he thinks since both he and Shelley are singers that they would gel. Let’s just say it was not an easy sell. Not too long ago Shelly had been dumped by her ex saying she has too much hip action so that is the reason they’re not having as much sex and then dumped her with not warning. So even though she was talented in her own right she was too shy, she would shy away from life, and pour herself into KC’s Kidz. It seems all that changes once she meets Liam. They each share the real them. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Shelley finds her sex kitten with Liam and he finds his way in life a path. The only negative if there really is one is that at the end it feels a little rushed. I give this 5 stars. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
This is my 4 star review for Something True by Malia Mallory. Something True is about Shelley Taylor and Liam Smith, two musicians on totally different paths. Shelley is a beautiful young lady but she has no idea because she has had so many men hurt her in her lifetime. Something True is her journey after she meets the infamous Liam Smith, a bad boy rock star. She doesn’t think that she is anything special and doesn’t believe that someone like Liam would be interested in her. All she cares about is her charity, KC’s Kidz. She doesn’t want the attention or the publicity that comes with fame and fortune. She just wants to entertain and take care of the sick kids that thrive on her visits. When Liam takes her life by storm she finds herself falling more and more every day. Will she be able to open up her heart to him? Will she be able to deal with all the publicity that comes along with his way of life? Liam is a superstar but he wasn’t always so privileged. He has made some bad choices but in the recent months has started to realize that he wants something real. Will Shelley end up being what he is looking for? Will he be able to convince her that he isn’t all bad? I found myself really liking Shelley and Liam’s story. I also felt that it left me wanting more of their story. I hope that the author will consider doing another book continuing their journey together. I would love to see where they are now. I would also like to have a look into the other members of Liam’s band as well….and maybe even Shelley’s sister! Hint, Hint!!
I received this book from the author in exchange for feedback, and such a wonderful story it is.
I first read Malia Mallory's work in her "Dominating Billionaires" series, and I found her to be a caring writer, giving her readers the characters and stories they wanted. When she asked me if I wanted to read some of her new works, I naturally agreed.
"Something True" is not like "Dominating Billionaires," but the differences make for a sweet and beautiful story.
In a nutshell, we have Shelly the children's musician running a charity in memory of her deceased sister, we have Liam the rocker-in-recovery. They intersect through machinations by their respective agents, and the story unfolds.
Do NOT think this is "chick-lit." It is not nearly cliched enough to qualify. Shelly is neither the bitter woman who strikes out at men nor is she weeping and fawning. She is interested in her charity and her own music. Liam is not the washed up rocker, and he is not the crazed party animal.
The most touching things in this story to me are Shelly's reaction to the photograph on the boat (I loved how she reacted) and of course the whole sequence around the song in the concert. While that might have been a little too "on-point," it was exactly what was needed to make the whole story come to a close.
Read this book. The love and joy it contains are heart-melting.
Honestly, this is a personal issue that I have with books right now. I miss the story...
The blurb for this story caught my attention, a baby boy rocker story with a different twist...there was so much story to tell. There were so many paths this story could have gone down - we could have discovered more about Liam. We sort of know why he went down the path he did but I felt like there was more story to tell.
Shelley's feelings about Liam turned so quickly I almost lost my head.
I am personally not a fan of the growing trend of the novella or short story as a whole real story. The worst part for me, was that there was SO MUCH MORE story this author could have told. She had so many pieces of the puzzle she could have drawn from and made this the type of story you could get lost in.
I just felt like we had an introduction, a "let's be friends" type of storyline which quickly moved to a physical relationship and then the story was over.
I guess if you are looking for a quick read without any drama - this is a good one.
Shelly Taylor created KC Kidz where she sings to children in the hospital. She created this charity in the name of her sister who died at age seven with cancer. Music seems to make the children smile and forget where they are for a short time. When her agent tells her that she is getting a new volunteer, Liam Smith. Liam is a mega rock star and Shelly thinks he is not volunteering for the right reasons. When she meets him, the electricity between them is there. When one of her songs hits number one and she is invited to appear and sing on an awards show, does she go and not to the annual charity fundraiser? Can she get past the hurt of past boyfriends and give Liam a chance? Or will Liam stick to his womanizing ways? This is a great story and I have read many from Malia Mallory and have loved them all. If you are looking for a great contemporary romance with a rock star, then this one is for you. Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Something True drew me in and made me wish it was longer. Much of the issues revolve around Shelley and whether she can trust Liam. Not to mention she feels that she isn't going to fit in his lifestyle or Liam will lost interest. The internal battle was good to watch as I'm not sure about you but I always seem to have an internal battle about pretty much anything and everything. So it was cool to see that and recognize it as something that I do myself. When that happens you find an instant connection with Shelley.
The writing was interesting and easy to read. It blended well and you could see the distinct voices of both Shelley and Liam.
It's a great read, one that I found was too short. But then again I say that about many books I read and enjoy. So maybe I just didn't want it to end. It was a great read though.
SOMETHING TRUE was light and airy. It was predictable and an easy, quick read. In SOMETHING TRUE was have two musical people whose worlds are forced to collide and neither one of them prepared for the romance or self-discovery that follows.
This book, in essence, was a filler book. It won’t put you in or take you out of a book hangover. It won’t rock your world or make it crumble, it simply is. The problems that arose were easily mended and the writing was decent. If anything the book was a bit rushed. The two main characters seemed very. . .laid back?
SOMETHING TRUE was an easy read. In the end it’s not something that I’d really recommend or really re-read.
Shelley Taylor is a singer who devotes much of her time a charity that helps sick children. Liam Smith is a rock star that has gotten into trouble one too many times. His lawyer talks him into volunteering at Shelley's charity to make a better impression with a judge. Once he meets Shelley, he can't resist her and tries to win her over and prove he's not as bad as he used to be. Considering it's a rock star story, this was a fairly light read. Liam was really charming and sincere. Shelley isn't in the market for any romantic entanglements, especially one that would have as much baggage as Liam's. I was happy to see, unlike some rock star books, the author didn't try throwing in every possible bad scenario that could happen.
this is one of the best love stories i have read in a while and it is a hot and steamy tale what can i say i love the rocker bad boy turning a new leaf Liam is finally realizing it's time to get his prioritizes straight and after he is forced to do community service and meats Shelly hes surprised when she has him sort toys and clean the store room see he thought it was just playing music but Shelly doesn't treat him like everyone else and Liam like that and soon hes falling for her just hope he can convince Shelly he wants her not some actress or model i hop Malia makes this into a series i'd love to see more from Shelly and Liam
Shelley is a musician who does children's music but also use music for a charity called KC's Kidz. Liam is a rock star who is cleaning up his act. Shelley try's to keep her distance from Liam but she has a attraction for him. Liam does what he has to, to make Shelley see that he is the real thing not some fake rocker dude. Liam makes sure he tells her how beautiful she is and raise her confidence with herself. The only problem coming between them is Shelley's fear of being hurt and able to live in Liam's world. Will Shelley get over her fear and will Liam and Shelley have a future?
**I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Something True is a very quick, short read. I thought the premise of the story sounded wonderful, there just wasn't enough story for me.
Shelley is a musician who writes children's songs and also is the founder of a charity called KC's kids. Liam is a rock star, who starts doing work in her charity to make himself look good before the judge.
I didn't really connect to the characters. The writing felt choppy and disjointed to me, with no sense of flow or transition.
Something True is a very sweet, touching and quick read that many fans of the genre will enjoy. I've read many of Malia's works and I've always walked away a happy reader. This time around is no different. She created two very likable characters and spun them within a memorable story that reader's will want more of. I know this reader sure did! I hope that Malia will consider continuing on with this duo's story. I found myself desiring a lot more background of both characters, more so Liam than Shelley. That right there is a hint ;)
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by Malia and I can honestly say I have found another favorite author. Even though this was a short story it didn't feel rushed and the storyline flowed smoothly. I also like the fact that Shelly was not your average skinny girl she actually had so e curves to her and that Liam didn't care what she looked like. At first I didn't care too much for Liam but in the end I could see that he was trying to better his life and it seemed to me that it was due to Shelly that he was doing it.
I received this as an ARC for a honest review in a box set called Alphas Prefer Curves: A Curvy Girl Romance BBW Anthology (Volume One) I will attempt not to post any spoilers but there is always the chance!
Well, I have to say that this has been a interesting read. It was not really what I expected of this book, but it a sweet read. Not very hot and there are no major twists to get lost in or have to think about.
I would love to give it more stars but for 3 but the "hot" scenes are not that hot, very tame in fact.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC for this free, honest review!
This is my first read by Malia Mallory, and its not bad! It’s a light and fluffy type of read, that’s quick and perfect for a vacation! It’s not a read that you just can’t put down, but maybe that’s what you need—something you can read while the baby isn’t sleeping, or while you’re constantly having to stop for something else. (like with me!)
Overall, its not bad, but its not something that I think I'd re-read. Happy reading!
***ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review***
I've read novellas that are truly engaging and ones that are there simply to pass the time (say while you're waiting at the doctors or dentist)..this is one of the latter. It felt too rushed, too short, not enough back-story, not enough meat. Didn't get to know either character well enough to relate so it was kind of a blah read for me. Sorry.
'Something True' is a great fast read. So full of emotion. The impact from taking chances has such a great outcome. I love Shelley and Liam, great characters. The story line is one that I could guess the outcome, but the journey was fun. I look forward to reading more of Malia Mallory's work. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.
What a great story by Malia Mallory. Liam the rock star meet Shelley the local musician, Liam is the bad boy rocker who gets in trouble and has to do community service. Shelley is the community service so to speak. She has a charity that helps kids with music. This a sweet love story that will warm your heart. Enjoy.
This story is a bout Mila who's a singer and been hurt in her life in the past and Liam the bad boy rocker who needs to make a better image for himself. As they meet and learn more about each other their feelings begin to grow but can they learn to move past the bad and see the good. To lean to love and be happy?
I received a copy of this story through Net Galley. Yay books!
Ok, I have to say that this story felt really rushed. It was short, and pretty much to the point. But I could see it being a lot longer.
Overall, the story was enjoyable. Was it the best thing I've read? No, not by a long shot. But I do believe in everyone who comes across it, giving it a chance.
A cute quick read. I enjoyed the way Shelley and Liam came to work together. Their relationship was fun to read.
I would have loved the story to be longer. There were parts I feel needed to be expanded on to get a better feel for it. It felt as though something was missing.
I read this book as part of the mulit author pack Alphas Prefer Curves. Its a sweet romance between a bad boy singer/ guitar player and a singer/songwritter/ charity worker. Now romance takes its time in this book but its a great love story the question is will it last? Well only one way to find out..........Buy this book i highly recommend it :-)
Shelley Taylor is a sucessful children's musician who founded KC's Kidz where she sings to children in the hospital. Liam Smith is a badboy rock musician who got into trouble and now has to do community service. What Shelley didn't expect was to fall in love.
This book was amazing! It is once again a perfect tale about prejudices and love. I also really enjoy Malia Mallory's books a lot and this one didn't disappoint me in the least. In fact, I find it one of her best books and you all should read it!
Liam needs to do some community service so he gets set up with Shelley. She sings children's music and runs a charity for kids. This is a real sweet story but there are no ups and downs you would expect from a bad boy rocker and a nice girl like Shelley. Still in all a good read.
Well paced sweet romance featuring two musicians in their prime. However each one stands at different ends of the spectrum in terms of their professional persona. But in the back storage room they find common ground.