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Roll of the Dice #1
Rocket Man
Serena Colby wants one thing. Dillon Hamilton wants everything. Steady, focused graphic artist Serena has her life perfectly planned out. After a childhood being moved from one place to another, she craves the permanence of a home that’s hers and hers alone. And everything is lining up just right. That is, until disruptive copywriter Dillon comes blasting into her workplace and spins her personal life out of control. Though order-loving Serena shies away from Dillon’s messy complications, she can’t escape her fantasies. When Dillon’s determined pursuit leaves Serena breathless, it might just be ‘all systems are go’ for ROCKET MAN.
ebook
First published July 8, 2014
About the author
Melanie Greene
26 books146 followersMelanie Greene lives in a tiny woodland cottage in a big skyscraper city. She shares her life with her hunk of a husband and children so amazing they defy superlatives.
She writes smart, sizzling contemporary romance.
She writes smart, sizzling contemporary romance.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 12, 2014
I really, really enjoyed this book. It is hard for me to believe that it is the author's first published book- to me, it is right on par with the authors I read on a regular basis, and I am a heavy reader of contemporary romance.
I am going to be honest and confess that I am a bit squeamish when it comes to workplace romances. I suppose it is because in my misguided youth, I had a couple of bad experiences with them myself, and know firsthand the potential awkwardness that can happen if/when it doesn't work out, but that's my own issue/baggage. Rocket Man does center around a workplace romance, so it was necessary for me to work through my own issues with the premise, but I went into it knowing that. I'm happy to say that I got past it, and found myself drawn into the story and the compelling character development and the fact that the romance was workplace-based was not a problem for me at all.
Serena and Dillon have an instant mutual attraction when they meet at work, and you can feel the sizzle between them from the very start. They try to deny it at first, but it is so palpable that everyone around them can perceive it. Despite that, they at first fall into a comfortable work/buddy relationship that includes sports banter as well as mild flirting. When they finally begin to acknowledge the big purple elephant in the room that is their attraction to one another, they both have ghosts from their pasts to deal with and figure out how to fit into each others' lives, while still maintaining their working relationship. These are very real, flawed characters, and the road to togetherness is a bumpy one for them. Dillon is all about full speed ahead, but Serena is far more cautious about letting anyone into her highly-organized life, and that includes letting herself fall in love. They both have a lot of soul-searching and self-analysis to do, often with the help of close friends or family, before they can finally understand each other enough to be what they were meant to be- together.
The greatest strength of this story, and of this author, I think, is the amazing character development- each and every character is multi-dimensional and very real to the reader, and you feel right at home with old friends when reading the dialogue between characters. I love that ALL of the characters are this way and not just 2 or 3 of the main ones, while the rest are flat and serve only to prop up the main characters. It feels like a real community, a real family, because you don't see only the characters developed, but also the relationships between them, even the peripheral ones that are not necessarily central to the main storyline but certainly add to that feeling of being in the story, not just watching it from the sidelines. Along with the rich character development are vivid descriptions of the scenes: the places, the colors, the clothing, the environment. Again, it really puts you "there".
This is the first in a series, so the beginning is devoted to some scene-setting and character introductions, and once past that, the romantic tension ratchets up as the reader anticipates the main characters finally getting to their HEA. The pacing is great- just when you start to think "come ON already, you KNOW you want each other", they are right there with you. And when they finally get there, have a fan ready, because the love scenes are STEAMY!!
I will anxiously await the rest of this series- if this book is any indication, they will be worth the anticipation!
I am going to be honest and confess that I am a bit squeamish when it comes to workplace romances. I suppose it is because in my misguided youth, I had a couple of bad experiences with them myself, and know firsthand the potential awkwardness that can happen if/when it doesn't work out, but that's my own issue/baggage. Rocket Man does center around a workplace romance, so it was necessary for me to work through my own issues with the premise, but I went into it knowing that. I'm happy to say that I got past it, and found myself drawn into the story and the compelling character development and the fact that the romance was workplace-based was not a problem for me at all.
Serena and Dillon have an instant mutual attraction when they meet at work, and you can feel the sizzle between them from the very start. They try to deny it at first, but it is so palpable that everyone around them can perceive it. Despite that, they at first fall into a comfortable work/buddy relationship that includes sports banter as well as mild flirting. When they finally begin to acknowledge the big purple elephant in the room that is their attraction to one another, they both have ghosts from their pasts to deal with and figure out how to fit into each others' lives, while still maintaining their working relationship. These are very real, flawed characters, and the road to togetherness is a bumpy one for them. Dillon is all about full speed ahead, but Serena is far more cautious about letting anyone into her highly-organized life, and that includes letting herself fall in love. They both have a lot of soul-searching and self-analysis to do, often with the help of close friends or family, before they can finally understand each other enough to be what they were meant to be- together.
The greatest strength of this story, and of this author, I think, is the amazing character development- each and every character is multi-dimensional and very real to the reader, and you feel right at home with old friends when reading the dialogue between characters. I love that ALL of the characters are this way and not just 2 or 3 of the main ones, while the rest are flat and serve only to prop up the main characters. It feels like a real community, a real family, because you don't see only the characters developed, but also the relationships between them, even the peripheral ones that are not necessarily central to the main storyline but certainly add to that feeling of being in the story, not just watching it from the sidelines. Along with the rich character development are vivid descriptions of the scenes: the places, the colors, the clothing, the environment. Again, it really puts you "there".
This is the first in a series, so the beginning is devoted to some scene-setting and character introductions, and once past that, the romantic tension ratchets up as the reader anticipates the main characters finally getting to their HEA. The pacing is great- just when you start to think "come ON already, you KNOW you want each other", they are right there with you. And when they finally get there, have a fan ready, because the love scenes are STEAMY!!
I will anxiously await the rest of this series- if this book is any indication, they will be worth the anticipation!
Want to Read
July 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/22/2019)! 🎁
July 14, 2014
Rocket Man by debut author Melanie Greene hits all the right spots. At times, it made me chuckle, grab a hankie, sigh happily and squirm in my seat! Her characters are true to life and each lends to the overall quirkiness of Ms. Greene’s writing style. She introduces us to a plethora of secondary characters whom I hope we will see in future books. This novel is definitely series worthy. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 20, 2014
Yes, there's sizzle and yes there's sass, but what makes this ultra-contemporary romance so compulsively readable is the quality of the writing. The descriptions--especially the atmospheric Houston settings--are vivid, the characterizations sharp, and the dialogue whip-smart. Wit and fun abound in this polished debut performance from Ms. Greene. Nothing is sexier than intelligence. Another roll of the dice, please.
August 7, 2014
Melanie, very steamy! I had no idea you wrote such sizzling romantic stuff!
March 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this audio book. It was really long, but once I was into it, I didn't care. Serena, a graphic artist, is so in control of her life that there's really no room for anything or anyone who is going to alter it in anyway. The control freak meets Dillon, a man she has a part in hiring for her company. He is immediately attracted to Serena and wants to pursue it. She is also attracted to Dillon, but has no interest in altering her life in any way to include him. The attraction finally wins out, but it's not an easy path for Serena to follow.
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly really, really enjoyed it. The narrator, Amy Rubinate did a great job. The voices of the characters were good, the pace was good and the humor came across very well. I especially enjoyed the girlfriend/boyfriend fight. It was great!
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly really, really enjoyed it. The narrator, Amy Rubinate did a great job. The voices of the characters were good, the pace was good and the humor came across very well. I especially enjoyed the girlfriend/boyfriend fight. It was great!
July 12, 2014
Modern love - it is a complicated thing. Serena and Dillon negotiate some pretty dicey rapids in their path toward love, but it is all worth it in the end. Kudos to Melanie Greene, author, for creating a cast of characters that are rounded and finished, ready for a chapter of their own. With this cast of characters alone, Greene has a long and promising future in the world of modern romantic fiction.
Now I'm wondering who's next in the roll of the dice. . .
Now I'm wondering who's next in the roll of the dice. . .
Read
July 10, 2014Rereading my own novel in advance of print and audio editions. Making myself tear up over characters. Probably there's something very hubristic going on, but I'm enjoying it a lot!
July 16, 2014
I don't read romance novels, but could not resist reading something that a friend has published. I loved the sense of place that she gave Houston and enjoyed the characters.
February 4, 2015
Review to follow
August 3, 2016
I couldnt get far....
Good grief! All
these inane stupid conversations and mindless detail! Get on with the story!!! Delete!!! Just too corny for me!
Good grief! All
these inane stupid conversations and mindless detail! Get on with the story!!! Delete!!! Just too corny for me!
November 9, 2017
Almost didn't finish this book. I actually really like the writer's style, with fun bickering back and forth between Dillon and Serena, and other characters too.
I love Justin and Shannon, and little Toby, and the way characters pay attention to the kids is great.
Where this book falls down is in the plot. There is way too much guessing about peoples' feelings, too much strange behaviour, followed by leaving. Serena's cat allergy was stupid, with her thinking it was Dillon she was allergic to. She ran away, but didn't even talk about it, very immature.
Then, she freaks out about her furniture, but doesn't explain why it's a problem, and wants him to apologize. Again, she's too immature.
The story goes on and on, and although some parts are good, there's a lot of extraneous stuff that happens.
Wish it was better, just too silly of a book.
I love Justin and Shannon, and little Toby, and the way characters pay attention to the kids is great.
Where this book falls down is in the plot. There is way too much guessing about peoples' feelings, too much strange behaviour, followed by leaving. Serena's cat allergy was stupid, with her thinking it was Dillon she was allergic to. She ran away, but didn't even talk about it, very immature.
Then, she freaks out about her furniture, but doesn't explain why it's a problem, and wants him to apologize. Again, she's too immature.
The story goes on and on, and although some parts are good, there's a lot of extraneous stuff that happens.
Wish it was better, just too silly of a book.
May 20, 2017
The author's an Internet Friend, so I'm totally biased in my review, but of course that also means I started this knowing the jokes and the nerdy references would line right up with what I like! I also dig how real and down-to-earth the conflict is, and that Serena liking her Plans didn't lead to some oversimplified "uptight lady needs to loosen up" conclusion. Her love of order gets to be something important about her that she needs to adjust to let this guy into her life, not a problem to solve.
March 21, 2018
A good story. I can't wait to read more in the series. Once in a while I did think Dillon was a little immature and Serena was a little controlling, but I still loved them. I also loved the secondary cast of characters. I felt like I got to know their friends and family easily without being bombarded with too much info. I did feel that the book could have been pared down just a bit, especially in the first half.
June 29, 2026
I got this book for free on Chirp…I know why it was free 😆 Serena was a bitch, she sucked at communication and if you were that allergic to cats, why wouldn’t you ask before going to a new house or if you are breaking out in hives in said new house, have that be the first freaking question?! And a chair? Really? Girl, bye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
Although much of it was very sexual, I appreciated the complex characters, realistic relationship issues, and character growth. Happy ending but doesn't feel like fairy tale. 3 star
October 1, 2018
I haven't been writing reviews of romances this year for a variety of reasons. However, I want to give a shout out to Melanie Greene. She shared this wonderful story with me for free. I had a great time reading this and look forward to more of her stories.
August 9, 2019
Okay read
Okay read but found it to be a bit slow and sluggish at times. A fair bit of waffling and wandering when there was a really decent story to tell. Sorry.
Okay read but found it to be a bit slow and sluggish at times. A fair bit of waffling and wandering when there was a really decent story to tell. Sorry.
April 6, 2021
Really cute story about falling in love and trying to keep it from moving too fast. lots of laughs. Several explicit scenes. The story doesn't need them.
June 15, 2024
Such a cute read. I love how Dillon and Serena are both flawed because of their pasts but they are perfect for each other even though it takes them a bit to realize it.
March 3, 2015
A long listen that feels like a long listen.
I am a sucker for romance in just about any form, though I prefer contemporary romance that is not New Adult -- I'm no longer a New Adult myself and prefer smarter, more experienced, thoughtful women with more common sense than often found in NA. Ms Greene provides those qualities in her MCs in this book! I would categorize this as romantic comedy. While the banter isn't necessarily laugh-out-loud funny, the overall tone remains light throughout the story, even in the serious heart-to-heart moments.
I received this book in audio form from the author in exchange for a review. As I listened rather than read, I cannot comment on the book's state of edit, but can only assume the grammar, punctuation, etc is in a "finished" state based on what the narrator read.
Please refer to the book blurb or other reviewers' synopses if you wish to learn about the story summary. This review is spoiler-free and focuses on the audio book format.
The audio book is 12 1/2 hours in length and is narrated by Amy Rubinate. It took me at least 2-3 hours to "get used" to the narrator performance as her characters' voices have only slight differences, one character's voice being barely distinguishable from another, especially within a gender -- the male voices sound identical and the female voices sound identical. Initially, I even had a difficult time distinguishing the male main character's voice from the female main character's voice. I think my challenges in hearing the subtle voice differences is why this good story felt like a long listen. There are instances peppered throughout the book in which our female MC "thought" and then "spoke" without the narrator using her voice to distinguish -- this is something a reader can see by way of quotation marks and possible italicized thought words, but the listener cannot and, thus, must rely on the narrator's voice whether it is by way of change in pitch, or simply giving a MC an "internal" voice that sounds different than their "spoken" voice.
By the second half of the story, either I figured out the understated differences or I just went with the flow of the book to let the words sort themselves out. This isn't a reason to pass on book, author or narrator -- just know that this narrator doesn't "perform", per se, but "reads". Her voice is fine, her pace is good, the production of the audio book is good, too. There are no extraneous noises or tinny, empty-room sound to the recording.
This is the first book of a four-series. The series will continue with at least three more stories bringing into the spotlight the three college friends of Serena. As of this review, this book is followed by a novella, bringing a secondary character, a work colleague, from this first book into the forefront. As of today, this novella is available in Kindle form for no charge. Yes, I have snatched a copy and look forward to reading Janice and Miquel's story.
I am a sucker for romance in just about any form, though I prefer contemporary romance that is not New Adult -- I'm no longer a New Adult myself and prefer smarter, more experienced, thoughtful women with more common sense than often found in NA. Ms Greene provides those qualities in her MCs in this book! I would categorize this as romantic comedy. While the banter isn't necessarily laugh-out-loud funny, the overall tone remains light throughout the story, even in the serious heart-to-heart moments.
I received this book in audio form from the author in exchange for a review. As I listened rather than read, I cannot comment on the book's state of edit, but can only assume the grammar, punctuation, etc is in a "finished" state based on what the narrator read.
Please refer to the book blurb or other reviewers' synopses if you wish to learn about the story summary. This review is spoiler-free and focuses on the audio book format.
The audio book is 12 1/2 hours in length and is narrated by Amy Rubinate. It took me at least 2-3 hours to "get used" to the narrator performance as her characters' voices have only slight differences, one character's voice being barely distinguishable from another, especially within a gender -- the male voices sound identical and the female voices sound identical. Initially, I even had a difficult time distinguishing the male main character's voice from the female main character's voice. I think my challenges in hearing the subtle voice differences is why this good story felt like a long listen. There are instances peppered throughout the book in which our female MC "thought" and then "spoke" without the narrator using her voice to distinguish -- this is something a reader can see by way of quotation marks and possible italicized thought words, but the listener cannot and, thus, must rely on the narrator's voice whether it is by way of change in pitch, or simply giving a MC an "internal" voice that sounds different than their "spoken" voice.
By the second half of the story, either I figured out the understated differences or I just went with the flow of the book to let the words sort themselves out. This isn't a reason to pass on book, author or narrator -- just know that this narrator doesn't "perform", per se, but "reads". Her voice is fine, her pace is good, the production of the audio book is good, too. There are no extraneous noises or tinny, empty-room sound to the recording.
This is the first book of a four-series. The series will continue with at least three more stories bringing into the spotlight the three college friends of Serena. As of this review, this book is followed by a novella, bringing a secondary character, a work colleague, from this first book into the forefront. As of today, this novella is available in Kindle form for no charge. Yes, I have snatched a copy and look forward to reading Janice and Miquel's story.
March 8, 2015
This was a new to me author and narrator. I was introduced to the author when she sent me an inquiry about reviewing her new audiobook. From the brief blurb she sent me, I was intrigued. So I went to audible and listened to a sample. I was intrigued enough to say yes.
Serena lives a very creative but orderly existence. Although she likes colors and fabrics and playing with design layouts, she also is very punctual and rarely deviates from her regimented schedule. She as very definite opinions on what she wants from life and has mapped out how and when she will achieve her goals. Most of this can be attributed to the craziness of her childhood, what with 7 step-parents and bouncing from house to house dependent on the whims of her parents. Her parents have each created new lives for themselves and Serena feels that she is on the outskirts of each others lives.
Dillon, has recently moved to the Houston area from California. He followed his sister and brother-in-law, and even bought their town-home when they moved to a bigger place to accommodate their desire for a family. Dillon is a bit of a nerd, with plenty of scifi posters and books throughout his home. After his parents died in a car accident when he was a teenager, his soon to be brother-in-law became a strong influence on him. He continues to be very close to them and with a nephew on the way, remains close with his family.
These characters had some very nice contrasts and individual idiosyncrasies that made them very real. Though they had some instant attraction, this was a long term romance. From Dillon's fumbling first date request and shoot down, through their friendship then romance, the near misses and mistakes on both their parts, we get to see them grow. Not only as a couple, but as individuals.
The narrator, Amy Rubinate, did a good job with the voices and emotional undercurrents in the book. Sometimes secondary characters voices can begin to bleed together, but each was made distinct enough to easily identify. Each one having a different pitch, speed or accent.
When I found out the two characters were both fans of the Houston Rockets basketball team, I figured that was the basis of the title of the book. Super duper wrong. It's not until the dice started being rolled, that I got it. Tricky, tricky author! Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and will be adding book two, Ready to Roll, to by TBR pile. I gave this book 4 stars.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen and review this book.
Serena lives a very creative but orderly existence. Although she likes colors and fabrics and playing with design layouts, she also is very punctual and rarely deviates from her regimented schedule. She as very definite opinions on what she wants from life and has mapped out how and when she will achieve her goals. Most of this can be attributed to the craziness of her childhood, what with 7 step-parents and bouncing from house to house dependent on the whims of her parents. Her parents have each created new lives for themselves and Serena feels that she is on the outskirts of each others lives.
Dillon, has recently moved to the Houston area from California. He followed his sister and brother-in-law, and even bought their town-home when they moved to a bigger place to accommodate their desire for a family. Dillon is a bit of a nerd, with plenty of scifi posters and books throughout his home. After his parents died in a car accident when he was a teenager, his soon to be brother-in-law became a strong influence on him. He continues to be very close to them and with a nephew on the way, remains close with his family.
These characters had some very nice contrasts and individual idiosyncrasies that made them very real. Though they had some instant attraction, this was a long term romance. From Dillon's fumbling first date request and shoot down, through their friendship then romance, the near misses and mistakes on both their parts, we get to see them grow. Not only as a couple, but as individuals.
The narrator, Amy Rubinate, did a good job with the voices and emotional undercurrents in the book. Sometimes secondary characters voices can begin to bleed together, but each was made distinct enough to easily identify. Each one having a different pitch, speed or accent.
When I found out the two characters were both fans of the Houston Rockets basketball team, I figured that was the basis of the title of the book. Super duper wrong. It's not until the dice started being rolled, that I got it. Tricky, tricky author! Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and will be adding book two, Ready to Roll, to by TBR pile. I gave this book 4 stars.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen and review this book.
August 8, 2016
The story lost me when it explained the family tree and where all the co-workers lived. Too much detail about everyday work operations. Who is Carter and why did I need detail about his buyers and his step-parents???? (loc page 41)
The constant "toots" irritated me.
I could not connect after reading all the unnecessary detail. Every thought, every movement, and conversation was documented. Details can be provided, but when it is necessary. Do not add mindless conversations and details just to make sure that you have the minimal amount in word count for the editor. I found myself skimming just to get to something significant in the story.
The constant "toots" irritated me.
I could not connect after reading all the unnecessary detail. Every thought, every movement, and conversation was documented. Details can be provided, but when it is necessary. Do not add mindless conversations and details just to make sure that you have the minimal amount in word count for the editor. I found myself skimming just to get to something significant in the story.
March 25, 2016
A faster pace would make this a page-tuner!
Could've been a page-tuner contemporary romance if it wasn't for the lengthy and slow going of the story. There was a good plot there with both hero and heroine had some hang-ups of their own to make a story more complex and intrigue. But do we really need to know all about what's going on at work, and all the lingo in graphic design business? We aren't that interested in what they did at lunch break everyday, or the weekly routine. Skip some of that and we would be more into the story, make it move faster and harder to put the book down.
Could've been a page-tuner contemporary romance if it wasn't for the lengthy and slow going of the story. There was a good plot there with both hero and heroine had some hang-ups of their own to make a story more complex and intrigue. But do we really need to know all about what's going on at work, and all the lingo in graphic design business? We aren't that interested in what they did at lunch break everyday, or the weekly routine. Skip some of that and we would be more into the story, make it move faster and harder to put the book down.
January 17, 2015
I received this book free from Goodreads FirstReads. Thank you.
LOL - I am still laughing at alot of things in this book. How Serena could mistake an allergy reaction to a thing as being allergic to Dillon - The closeness of the girls after all those years together is real life - The relationship between Dillon, Shannon & Justin is real life as well. The writing just moved along.
Would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an easy reading book
LOL - I am still laughing at alot of things in this book. How Serena could mistake an allergy reaction to a thing as being allergic to Dillon - The closeness of the girls after all those years together is real life - The relationship between Dillon, Shannon & Justin is real life as well. The writing just moved along.
Would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an easy reading book
January 30, 2015
[I got this book for free from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.]
August 1, 2016
It is a great book to read
August 17, 2016
Sweet
4 stars
This book is sweet, romantic and very tissue worthy.
Great anytime read. Very surprising that the characters told you there story from within.
Happy Reading
4 stars
This book is sweet, romantic and very tissue worthy.
Great anytime read. Very surprising that the characters told you there story from within.
Happy Reading
Read
February 4, 2019I read five of this series in a week and they were lightweight but comforting insomnia companions. Feminist, sex-positive, realistic depiction of modern women with lives and body image issues that nevertheless don't slow them down. They're quite sexually explicit. Moreover, everyone has the sense to use condoms. I wasn't expecting to see that in romances (not my genre).
Yep, I'll probably read #6 when it comes out.
Yep, I'll probably read #6 when it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews