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The Hometown Heartless
For Wrath and Redemption
This temptation is my punishment.
His redemption is my penance. Jonah Hendrix is the bad boy of the music industry.
As lead guitarist of The Hometown Heartless, negative press follows him like a scorned lover.
And even his fans fuel the flames of his torched reputation.
Despite his permanent residence in the media, he’s never been on my radar.
Not until my boss comes to me with a
Join The Hometown Heartless on tour to redeem Jonah in the public eye, and finally get the promotion I’ve been working toward.
I’m not a PR specialist, and it’s not my career ambition, but I’m determined to see this job through.
As long as I treat the surly rock star like a brand, I’ll succeed in rehabbing his reputation and survive the tour with my sanity intact.
The problem?
Jonah and I have more in common than either of us realized.
And that desire for connection?
It’s proving to be irresistible.
FWAR is Jonah's book.
It is the third standalone in The Hometown Heartless series and contains a crossover character from The Next Life series.
This book DOES contain spoilers for The Next Life duet and The Hometown Heartless series.
While it is not necessary to listen to any of the previous books, listening to them will enhance your appreciation of this story as well as provide a better understanding of the depth of the character dynamics, personalities, and backstories.
For clarification, FWAR takes place chronologically as the next story in both The Hometown Heartless series and The Next Life series.
Title, Cover, and Blurb reveal in January.
His redemption is my penance. Jonah Hendrix is the bad boy of the music industry.
As lead guitarist of The Hometown Heartless, negative press follows him like a scorned lover.
And even his fans fuel the flames of his torched reputation.
Despite his permanent residence in the media, he’s never been on my radar.
Not until my boss comes to me with a
Join The Hometown Heartless on tour to redeem Jonah in the public eye, and finally get the promotion I’ve been working toward.
I’m not a PR specialist, and it’s not my career ambition, but I’m determined to see this job through.
As long as I treat the surly rock star like a brand, I’ll succeed in rehabbing his reputation and survive the tour with my sanity intact.
The problem?
Jonah and I have more in common than either of us realized.
And that desire for connection?
It’s proving to be irresistible.
FWAR is Jonah's book.
It is the third standalone in The Hometown Heartless series and contains a crossover character from The Next Life series.
This book DOES contain spoilers for The Next Life duet and The Hometown Heartless series.
While it is not necessary to listen to any of the previous books, listening to them will enhance your appreciation of this story as well as provide a better understanding of the depth of the character dynamics, personalities, and backstories.
For clarification, FWAR takes place chronologically as the next story in both The Hometown Heartless series and The Next Life series.
Title, Cover, and Blurb reveal in January.
Audible Audio
Published March 14, 2025
330 people are currently reading
2576 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
19 books1,873 followersBrit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
March 10, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'𝐅O𝐑 𝐖R𝐀T𝐇 𝐀N𝐃 𝐑E𝐃E𝐌P𝐓I𝐎N' Is the third full length romance book within (The Hometown Heartless) series. Spoken in dual perspectives. Get ready to have your heartstrings pulled by Claire & Jonah.
Once my cover hoe eyes zeroed in on that 🔥 cover, my anticipation levels went up a notch!
As soon as this landed on my iPad, I jumped right in, seconds, minutes, and hours just disappeared. This pulled me in effortlessly and kept me hooked throughout.
These two were so well suited, and I couldn’t imagine a better pairing. From the first moment she stated her intentions with saving his career and the hoops he’d have to jump through, a synchronised game of chess was underway. Checkmate..
I loved how Claire wasn't a pushover she went head to toe with her opponent and came out the winner, and our button pusher man Jonah knew how to get under her skin.
The push and shove, the broken parts of themselves, and the slow burn definitely got its hooks into me..
Even with their daily demons chasing their tails they were still easy to connect with and at the same time showcasing how easy it can be to lose oneself but with the right coping mechanisms these two conquered their struggles.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
March 14, 2025
4.5 stars.
before diving into For Wrath and Redemption, I had my apprehensions, but to say it took me by surprise would be an euphemism. I devoured this beast of a book in mere hours.
the narrative was the perfect balance of taboo, forbidden desire, and characters who are beautifully damaged, toxic, and utterly self-destructive; the kind of chaos that had me hanging on every word from start to finish. If I had to resume it in one word? addictive.
Claire, the female lead, was hired as Jonah’s PR manager after some compromising images of him were leaked, an already complicated task made even trickier by the fact that Jonah wasn’t just any client; he was a member of a world-famous band. their first encounters were absolute fiascos but with time they learned that they had more in common than either of them expected.
both characters were tormented with their own ghosts and past traumas, forced to exorcise their anterior demons as they forged their relationship. i especially appreciated how the storyline poetically depicted them as soulmates with how their darkness felt intertwined—distinct yet deeply connected—. and how they simply saw and understood each other in ways no one else could.
I loved their chemistry, the push-and-pull tension of their dynamic, and most of all, the rawness of their journey; not just in their highs, but in their lowest moments, too.
many thanks to The Author Agency from providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
”she calms the storm in my head. the blood in my veins.”
before diving into For Wrath and Redemption, I had my apprehensions, but to say it took me by surprise would be an euphemism. I devoured this beast of a book in mere hours.
the narrative was the perfect balance of taboo, forbidden desire, and characters who are beautifully damaged, toxic, and utterly self-destructive; the kind of chaos that had me hanging on every word from start to finish. If I had to resume it in one word? addictive.
Claire, the female lead, was hired as Jonah’s PR manager after some compromising images of him were leaked, an already complicated task made even trickier by the fact that Jonah wasn’t just any client; he was a member of a world-famous band. their first encounters were absolute fiascos but with time they learned that they had more in common than either of them expected.
both characters were tormented with their own ghosts and past traumas, forced to exorcise their anterior demons as they forged their relationship. i especially appreciated how the storyline poetically depicted them as soulmates with how their darkness felt intertwined—distinct yet deeply connected—. and how they simply saw and understood each other in ways no one else could.
I loved their chemistry, the push-and-pull tension of their dynamic, and most of all, the rawness of their journey; not just in their highs, but in their lowest moments, too.
many thanks to The Author Agency from providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 11, 2025
This series has been a great surprise to me. Rock Stars and their drama are not usually up my alley but this is the second book I've read in this series and I was just as riveted this time around. After I got a peek at Jonah in the previous book, I knew he was going to bring a tangled knot of drama and pain.
I didn't know what to expect from Claire, as I had not read the books that included her backstory, but I could tell she was someone who had been through a lot. She might not even know she's looking for redemption but her and Jonah find it together.
There were a lot of hard topics to examine in this one and I found myself welling up with emotions multiple times. There are many different things that break us, and "villains" in someone else's story are rarely just one note as they may seem.
I loved listening to their journey and through it's ups and downs they find healing and hope. Though not just on their own. Therapy and self examination is needed. I feel like that was very realistic and not too easy of an answer. There were things that *hurt* and we all had to feel it.
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark in Duet style, which was very moving and kept me sucked in throughout the whole story. They made me feel everything and I loved that.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorder w/ purging, forced edging, restraints, accidental pregnancy, rehab, loss of a parent, gas-lighting from a parent
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
I didn't know what to expect from Claire, as I had not read the books that included her backstory, but I could tell she was someone who had been through a lot. She might not even know she's looking for redemption but her and Jonah find it together.
There were a lot of hard topics to examine in this one and I found myself welling up with emotions multiple times. There are many different things that break us, and "villains" in someone else's story are rarely just one note as they may seem.
I loved listening to their journey and through it's ups and downs they find healing and hope. Though not just on their own. Therapy and self examination is needed. I feel like that was very realistic and not too easy of an answer. There were things that *hurt* and we all had to feel it.
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark in Duet style, which was very moving and kept me sucked in throughout the whole story. They made me feel everything and I loved that.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorder w/ purging, forced edging, restraints, accidental pregnancy, rehab, loss of a parent, gas-lighting from a parent
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
March 14, 2025
The rating system is way to small for a book this big. All the stars.
Messy. Heartbreaking. Raw. Extraordinary. Everything.
Jonah and Claire chemistry from the very start is insane and so palpable. As the story goes on, you feel you are there right next to them, testifying in first-hand two broken people finding their match. Two amazing and incredible human beings that were so lost and so far away from their true self that you wish in every dialogue and chapter to hug and protect them at all costs.
This story is one of those that you’ll, for sure, want to throw away your kindle, to cry and scream with frustrating feelings. It will break you, especially when you're least expecting. It will make you hate. Love. But especially: feel. That’s the word that I would use to describe FWAR: feeling.
I am not saying this lightly, but this story is truly one that I want inked in my body and soul. One that deserves so much love. So much appreciation. So much EVERYTHING.
Claire is one of my favorite female main characters, and I truly do not accept anyone talk sh*t about her. EVER. She was one of the most real and raw characters I have ever met - right since the beginning. We meet her previously in the Next Life duet and we are so fast to jump to conclusions: to hate her, to despise her actions and to just rip her apart that we forget how real she was after all. Claire is the perfect example for a redemption, and for us, readers, to understand that we will ALWAYS have someone who’s our villain that, indeed, is not a villain at all. She showed us everything about forgiveness, self love, trying to be by yourself for years even when the easiest way was to give up. Living with the hate of your loving ones. Searching for love in the wrong places. But, even there, we all could relate to her. We all wished her to succeed. To fall in love. To have the love that she deserved after everything that she's been through. I will defend her until the day that I die and believe me that after that, I will probably come from the grave if someone decides to hate her.
Even though I love Claire, I could never stop mentioning how marvelous Jonah's arc was in this book. Jonah - the way I adored you, hated you, and ended up loving you is incredibly deep to describe. I am always such a believer that your actions matter more than your words and Lord how it was difficult to forget some Jonah’s actions throughout this book. Really. I hated him right before loving him, but it was a freaking huge journey. He’s one of those characters with so many layers, with so many demons, fears, and struggles that you truly find it hard to believe that he will face it anytime. But his redemption was… Indescriptible. After all, when he finally decided to fight not for Claire, not for the band or anything else, but for himself, he truly gave everything to be the best version of himself and that… That is the reason why Jonah is such a loveable character. The reason why he’s the best example of fighting for yourself, accepting your flaws, and battling your demons. Jonah is one of those persons who were real.
Besides the main characters, this band is still one of my favorite fictional things ever. The friendship, the found family, the moments, and truly everything that surrounds them made me believe in the old saying that you, at the end of the day, choose your family. And I will never stop fangirling over them. NEVER.
And now, let’s make another emotional note about Brit and her talent: the awareness that she addresses some topics and everything she always brings to the table in such an awesome and amazing way. She always writes the best heartbreaking scenes and the most hateful moments, and it’s always with a purpose. It's always making sense in the end. And if there’s anything that she can do is make all of us sob but specially to: understand. To understand that fictional characters, even if they are fictional, at the end of the day are messy with flaws and a lot of demons to battle. Just like all of us. And, for that, I will be forever grateful.
For Wrath and Redemption is undoubtedly the book that made me scream from the top of my lungs how thankful I am for in a world full of books, I crossed paths with one that fits my heart perfectly.
The book that marked my soul in the most unbelievable way. That made me wish to read it again for the first time even before I finished it.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Every time I pick a Brit Benson book on audio I just know it will be everything. But this one? It was even more than that.
Jonah and Claire have a real special place in my heart and it’s, truly, a forever kind of thing.I love them deeply and I never thought I could love them more. Until I listened to this audio. I just want to scream to everyone PLEASE LISTENING TO THIS ONE.
The chemistry between Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark is superb. It was so real and raw. The dialogues and the banter were brought to life in such a perfect and amazing way - it was truly amazing and I don’t think ANYONE could do it better than these two.
Mollie Stark is amazing. Outstanding. Marvellous. She gave everything to Claire - her voice, the way she expressed Claire’s feelings and even the sassy side of Claire - pure perfection and no one can deny that. In every argument, in every inner dialogue and especially in her fears and insecurities Mollie brought so much more to this audiobook than only her voice. I try to find words for how amazing this performance was and the only thing that I can come up with is: where have you been my whole life Mollie Stark? A favorite from now on.
Jason Clarke needs no presentations but let me tell you in my most honest opinion: this is his best performance to date. And no one will ever change my mind. The brokenness he brought to Jonah, the wrath and, at the end, the most vulnerable sides of the character were executed in such a perfect and marvellous way that I was speechless. Jonah was meant to be narrated by him. Truly.
This audiobook was one of those audios that I am so grateful that I was able to listen to. This is one of those stories that are inked in my soul forever. And this audio is, undoubtedly, an audiobook that I will FOREVER force everyone to listen to.
Messy. Heartbreaking. Raw. Extraordinary. Everything.
Jonah and Claire chemistry from the very start is insane and so palpable. As the story goes on, you feel you are there right next to them, testifying in first-hand two broken people finding their match. Two amazing and incredible human beings that were so lost and so far away from their true self that you wish in every dialogue and chapter to hug and protect them at all costs.
This story is one of those that you’ll, for sure, want to throw away your kindle, to cry and scream with frustrating feelings. It will break you, especially when you're least expecting. It will make you hate. Love. But especially: feel. That’s the word that I would use to describe FWAR: feeling.
I am not saying this lightly, but this story is truly one that I want inked in my body and soul. One that deserves so much love. So much appreciation. So much EVERYTHING.
Claire is one of my favorite female main characters, and I truly do not accept anyone talk sh*t about her. EVER. She was one of the most real and raw characters I have ever met - right since the beginning. We meet her previously in the Next Life duet and we are so fast to jump to conclusions: to hate her, to despise her actions and to just rip her apart that we forget how real she was after all. Claire is the perfect example for a redemption, and for us, readers, to understand that we will ALWAYS have someone who’s our villain that, indeed, is not a villain at all. She showed us everything about forgiveness, self love, trying to be by yourself for years even when the easiest way was to give up. Living with the hate of your loving ones. Searching for love in the wrong places. But, even there, we all could relate to her. We all wished her to succeed. To fall in love. To have the love that she deserved after everything that she's been through. I will defend her until the day that I die and believe me that after that, I will probably come from the grave if someone decides to hate her.
Even though I love Claire, I could never stop mentioning how marvelous Jonah's arc was in this book. Jonah - the way I adored you, hated you, and ended up loving you is incredibly deep to describe. I am always such a believer that your actions matter more than your words and Lord how it was difficult to forget some Jonah’s actions throughout this book. Really. I hated him right before loving him, but it was a freaking huge journey. He’s one of those characters with so many layers, with so many demons, fears, and struggles that you truly find it hard to believe that he will face it anytime. But his redemption was… Indescriptible. After all, when he finally decided to fight not for Claire, not for the band or anything else, but for himself, he truly gave everything to be the best version of himself and that… That is the reason why Jonah is such a loveable character. The reason why he’s the best example of fighting for yourself, accepting your flaws, and battling your demons. Jonah is one of those persons who were real.
Besides the main characters, this band is still one of my favorite fictional things ever. The friendship, the found family, the moments, and truly everything that surrounds them made me believe in the old saying that you, at the end of the day, choose your family. And I will never stop fangirling over them. NEVER.
And now, let’s make another emotional note about Brit and her talent: the awareness that she addresses some topics and everything she always brings to the table in such an awesome and amazing way. She always writes the best heartbreaking scenes and the most hateful moments, and it’s always with a purpose. It's always making sense in the end. And if there’s anything that she can do is make all of us sob but specially to: understand. To understand that fictional characters, even if they are fictional, at the end of the day are messy with flaws and a lot of demons to battle. Just like all of us. And, for that, I will be forever grateful.
For Wrath and Redemption is undoubtedly the book that made me scream from the top of my lungs how thankful I am for in a world full of books, I crossed paths with one that fits my heart perfectly.
The book that marked my soul in the most unbelievable way. That made me wish to read it again for the first time even before I finished it.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Every time I pick a Brit Benson book on audio I just know it will be everything. But this one? It was even more than that.
Jonah and Claire have a real special place in my heart and it’s, truly, a forever kind of thing.I love them deeply and I never thought I could love them more. Until I listened to this audio. I just want to scream to everyone PLEASE LISTENING TO THIS ONE.
The chemistry between Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark is superb. It was so real and raw. The dialogues and the banter were brought to life in such a perfect and amazing way - it was truly amazing and I don’t think ANYONE could do it better than these two.
Mollie Stark is amazing. Outstanding. Marvellous. She gave everything to Claire - her voice, the way she expressed Claire’s feelings and even the sassy side of Claire - pure perfection and no one can deny that. In every argument, in every inner dialogue and especially in her fears and insecurities Mollie brought so much more to this audiobook than only her voice. I try to find words for how amazing this performance was and the only thing that I can come up with is: where have you been my whole life Mollie Stark? A favorite from now on.
Jason Clarke needs no presentations but let me tell you in my most honest opinion: this is his best performance to date. And no one will ever change my mind. The brokenness he brought to Jonah, the wrath and, at the end, the most vulnerable sides of the character were executed in such a perfect and marvellous way that I was speechless. Jonah was meant to be narrated by him. Truly.
This audiobook was one of those audios that I am so grateful that I was able to listen to. This is one of those stories that are inked in my soul forever. And this audio is, undoubtedly, an audiobook that I will FOREVER force everyone to listen to.
March 21, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Tropes & what to expect:
- Rockstar romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Dad's girlfriend/ex
- Forced proximity
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden love
If you like rockstar romances, you HAVE to go read this one. Better yet, go listen to the audiobook because it was absolutely phenomenal.
I've been waiting for Jonah's book & it completely exceeded all expectations, especially since Claire was the FMC! I was not expecting that. If you've read The Next Life duet then you know exactly who Claire is, and if you haven't.. go read that first. ;)
Devoured this and left no crumbs. I love Brit Benson!
3/5 🌶️
Tropes & what to expect:
- Rockstar romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Dad's girlfriend/ex
- Forced proximity
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden love
If you like rockstar romances, you HAVE to go read this one. Better yet, go listen to the audiobook because it was absolutely phenomenal.
I've been waiting for Jonah's book & it completely exceeded all expectations, especially since Claire was the FMC! I was not expecting that. If you've read The Next Life duet then you know exactly who Claire is, and if you haven't.. go read that first. ;)
Devoured this and left no crumbs. I love Brit Benson!
May 8, 2025
Reread: Still so perfect the second time around! And having now reread the Next Life Duet, I feel like I do have just an overall deeper understanding of Claire and it answered some of my questions.
I just love Jonah & Claire so so much!! I could read so much more of these two and this world and I'm hoping we get more!
-------------------------------------------
Ratings:
6+ Stars
2.5 Spice
Format: Immersive Physical ARC & ALC
Narrators: Mollie Stark & Jason Clarke
Expect:
Rockstar, Redemption Stories, Broken Characters, Trauma, Hurt People Hurt People, Substance Abuse, Mental Health Rep, Forced Proximity, Forbidden, Workplace, Enemies to Lovers
Thoughts:
First. I'm begging you to read this world Brit Benson has crafted in order. Start with the Next Life series (yes, Sam's book too. I promise she's a badass!). Then read the first two books in the Hometown Heartless series. THEN you may read this book. I promise it will be worth it to get the full picture and everyone's growth ❤️
Now....I'm absolutely obsessed. I have not had a book hit me this hard in a long time. I was constantly thinking about them for days. I can't remember the last time I finished a book and immediately needed to reread (I promptly reread the Next Life Duet and then FWAR haha). This was phenomenal. I'm struggling to even put into words how exactly this book made me feel but I went through all the emotions and was literally so distraught after finishing haha.
If you had asked me before reading if I thought I would fall in love with Claire and Jonah as fast as I did, I would have told you there was no way. I was someone who could have been the president of the I hate Claire club lol and honestly was very wary of Jonah from the previous books. But I trusted Brit's process and I'm so glad I did because she crafted a perfect story for them!
Claire and Jonah were two damaged souls that were absolutely meant for each other. My heart broke for both of them and their stories. From the prologue I had an idea about Jonah's story, but didn't know the depth of it all and how he dealt with everything. I loved seeing his journey and how Claire helped him, despite all of his protests and how much of an ass he could be haha.
And my girl, Claire. I'm so glad we got her story and that I did reread the Next Life Duet after this. Everything together truly gave me an even better picture of her struggles and state of mind. While what she did was still not okay, my heart just still aches thinking about everything she went through and I fell in love with her so fast. I'm so glad she was able to find her own found family with the Hometown Heartless and Jonah!
And despite all of the heavy topics, this book was also just so fun too!! The setup of Claire being his babysitter was perfect. Their banter was top notch. The spice!?? Hot 🔥 When they started falling, I adored how they treated each other and grew to lean on each other. When they started opening up to each other my heart was so happy. Ugh I just love them so so much and so glad they found each other 🥹
This world from Brit is so incredible and has become a top favorite of mine. This story will be one I won't forget. Love love love. Everyone should go read (in the recommended reading order of course 😉)
Thank you so much to Brit Benson, Must Love Audio, and The Author Agency for the advanced copies!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immediate Thoughts:
Why are my eyes watering?
I like don't know what to do with myself now lol. My heart is still with them and I want more!
Full review to come, but this made me feel so much, and I am just in awe of the world Brit Benson has put together here ❤️
I just love Jonah & Claire so so much!! I could read so much more of these two and this world and I'm hoping we get more!
-------------------------------------------
Ratings:
6+ Stars
2.5 Spice
Format: Immersive Physical ARC & ALC
Narrators: Mollie Stark & Jason Clarke
Expect:
Rockstar, Redemption Stories, Broken Characters, Trauma, Hurt People Hurt People, Substance Abuse, Mental Health Rep, Forced Proximity, Forbidden, Workplace, Enemies to Lovers
Thoughts:
First. I'm begging you to read this world Brit Benson has crafted in order. Start with the Next Life series (yes, Sam's book too. I promise she's a badass!). Then read the first two books in the Hometown Heartless series. THEN you may read this book. I promise it will be worth it to get the full picture and everyone's growth ❤️
Now....I'm absolutely obsessed. I have not had a book hit me this hard in a long time. I was constantly thinking about them for days. I can't remember the last time I finished a book and immediately needed to reread (I promptly reread the Next Life Duet and then FWAR haha). This was phenomenal. I'm struggling to even put into words how exactly this book made me feel but I went through all the emotions and was literally so distraught after finishing haha.
If you had asked me before reading if I thought I would fall in love with Claire and Jonah as fast as I did, I would have told you there was no way. I was someone who could have been the president of the I hate Claire club lol and honestly was very wary of Jonah from the previous books. But I trusted Brit's process and I'm so glad I did because she crafted a perfect story for them!
Claire and Jonah were two damaged souls that were absolutely meant for each other. My heart broke for both of them and their stories. From the prologue I had an idea about Jonah's story, but didn't know the depth of it all and how he dealt with everything. I loved seeing his journey and how Claire helped him, despite all of his protests and how much of an ass he could be haha.
And my girl, Claire. I'm so glad we got her story and that I did reread the Next Life Duet after this. Everything together truly gave me an even better picture of her struggles and state of mind. While what she did was still not okay, my heart just still aches thinking about everything she went through and I fell in love with her so fast. I'm so glad she was able to find her own found family with the Hometown Heartless and Jonah!
And despite all of the heavy topics, this book was also just so fun too!! The setup of Claire being his babysitter was perfect. Their banter was top notch. The spice!?? Hot 🔥 When they started falling, I adored how they treated each other and grew to lean on each other. When they started opening up to each other my heart was so happy. Ugh I just love them so so much and so glad they found each other 🥹
This world from Brit is so incredible and has become a top favorite of mine. This story will be one I won't forget. Love love love. Everyone should go read (in the recommended reading order of course 😉)
Thank you so much to Brit Benson, Must Love Audio, and The Author Agency for the advanced copies!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immediate Thoughts:
Why are my eyes watering?
I like don't know what to do with myself now lol. My heart is still with them and I want more!
Full review to come, but this made me feel so much, and I am just in awe of the world Brit Benson has put together here ❤️
March 20, 2025
Although we’re a far cry from the magic that permeated the first book in this series, I still had a good time with it. Benson tackles tough topics with a lot of empathy and doesn’t fall into the trap of moral perfectionism being a requirement for two people to fall in love.
Notes on the audio
Both narrators smashed it. I’m not that familiar with Mollie’s other work (I think?) and look forward digging into some of her older audios.
As for Jason Clarke, I’d bet this is his most emotional performance yet. He’s displaying a broad range incredibly naturally. Nothing about his performance feels forced. The moments of softness—when Jonah waves the proverbial white flag—are his best.
Notes on the audio
Both narrators smashed it. I’m not that familiar with Mollie’s other work (I think?) and look forward digging into some of her older audios.
As for Jason Clarke, I’d bet this is his most emotional performance yet. He’s displaying a broad range incredibly naturally. Nothing about his performance feels forced. The moments of softness—when Jonah waves the proverbial white flag—are his best.
March 16, 2025
Well I cried…multiple times might I add.
This book was messy and vulnerable, it was toxic and beautiful. I did NOT like Claire in Brits other books, and I was really interested to see where she would take Claire’s story.
The fact that her story was woven into the Hometown Heartless books was brilliant. It was such a great way to intertwine the series and bring all these characters and lives together.
I love that Brit has been slowly pulling the three series I’ve read from her, together and adding cameos from characters. It makes it so much fun to read.
Claire & Jonah’s story had so many ups and downs. They both struggled and had their own demons. But I was loving every single piece of this book.
The audiobook was amazing. The narrators moved me and hearing the emotion they put into their voices had tears in my eyes.
This is one of my favourite Brit Benson books I’ve read! Top 2 at least and I’ve read 10 of them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was messy and vulnerable, it was toxic and beautiful. I did NOT like Claire in Brits other books, and I was really interested to see where she would take Claire’s story.
The fact that her story was woven into the Hometown Heartless books was brilliant. It was such a great way to intertwine the series and bring all these characters and lives together.
I love that Brit has been slowly pulling the three series I’ve read from her, together and adding cameos from characters. It makes it so much fun to read.
Claire & Jonah’s story had so many ups and downs. They both struggled and had their own demons. But I was loving every single piece of this book.
The audiobook was amazing. The narrators moved me and hearing the emotion they put into their voices had tears in my eyes.
This is one of my favourite Brit Benson books I’ve read! Top 2 at least and I’ve read 10 of them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 20, 2025
Claire’s redemption arc was so good. She had a lot to make up for and she did. Her and Jonah were incredible. I enjoyed their journey towards a better version of themselves. To be at peace . It took work but they made it. Individually and as a couple.
Their banter and connection were amazing. I had so much fun with them but I was also sad because of how broken they both were. Their past trauma had left a mark on them and it was obvious they both struggled to erase it. But they did and it was well written by the author. The angst and the struggle of being an addict or having an eating disorder. It was tough but it only made their road to recovery that more authentic and at times difficult.
For Wrath and Redemption was fabulous. The hate/dislike trope was so freaking well done and how it evolved into more was just mwah.
The HEA made me smile and so happy for Claire and Jonah. They deserve it.
Their banter and connection were amazing. I had so much fun with them but I was also sad because of how broken they both were. Their past trauma had left a mark on them and it was obvious they both struggled to erase it. But they did and it was well written by the author. The angst and the struggle of being an addict or having an eating disorder. It was tough but it only made their road to recovery that more authentic and at times difficult.
For Wrath and Redemption was fabulous. The hate/dislike trope was so freaking well done and how it evolved into more was just mwah.
The HEA made me smile and so happy for Claire and Jonah. They deserve it.
July 23, 2025
LOVED. new fav of the series!! claire im sorry i ever doubted u queen. after this series i fear i can no longer say i dislike rockstar romances oop. brit benson is a heartbreaker and a POET. it’s sickening!!!!
two hot people + one hotel room!!!!
two hot people + one hotel room!!!!
March 14, 2025
For Wrath and Redemption by Brit Benson
5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For seeing my ugliest parts and loving me anyway."
"Every part of you is beautiful to me."
Oh my goodness, this book truly touched my heart! It was such an emotional journey, leaving me with a sense of deep heartache, yet I wouldn’t change a single moment. I honestly wish I could experience the thrill of reading this for the first time over and over again. The main characters were beautifully flawed, each battling their inner demons, and I was genuinely moved by their determination to grow and heal by the end.
Claire's role as Jonah's PR manager felt so pivotal. She was brought in to help repair his reputation, and it was fascinating to see how their initial clash slowly transformed into a profound connection. Jonah, the talented guitarist of a renowned rock band, made it clear he was a whirlwind of impulsiveness and defiance—he didn't want Claire around at all. But as they spent time together, they discovered they had more in common than they initially thought, leading to deeper feelings that blossomed in unexpected ways.
"You fit so perfectly in my hand, Trouble. I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your breathing. Everything I need right in my palm."
This was my first read by this author, and I felt a strong sense of hope for Claire's character. While I may not have fully grasped the extent of her past actions, it was clear that her journey was a meaningful redemption arc. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning. Yes, she had made significant mistakes, but her experiences shaped her, and I truly believed she deserved happiness. Jonah's backstory was heartbreaking; learning about his childhood revealed why he struggled with his parents' indifference. It was gut-wrenching to watch his story unfold, and my heart ached for him.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing characters who made mistakes and faced their flaws head-on. Their pain and struggles felt incredibly genuine and relatable. I was inspired by their journey toward healing—it was challenging but ultimately so fulfilling. The character development was remarkable. Seeing them commit to improving not just for the sake of others but for their well-being was genuinely rewarding. I appreciated how the story emphasized forgiveness—not only from others but also the importance of self-forgiveness. Learning to love oneself lays the foundation for being able to love others.
If you’re searching for a story that feels raw and real, filled with imperfect characters who undergo significant transformations, then definitely give this one a try. Initially, it might be hard to warm up to these characters, but by the end, you'll root for them wholeheartedly. The ending was beautiful, and that epilogue left me feeling hopeful and warm. I do not doubt that this book has earned a special place among my favorites this year.
"Do you still love me, Trouble?"
"Yes. Do you still love me?"
"Endlessly. I love you endlessly."
5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For seeing my ugliest parts and loving me anyway."
"Every part of you is beautiful to me."
Oh my goodness, this book truly touched my heart! It was such an emotional journey, leaving me with a sense of deep heartache, yet I wouldn’t change a single moment. I honestly wish I could experience the thrill of reading this for the first time over and over again. The main characters were beautifully flawed, each battling their inner demons, and I was genuinely moved by their determination to grow and heal by the end.
Claire's role as Jonah's PR manager felt so pivotal. She was brought in to help repair his reputation, and it was fascinating to see how their initial clash slowly transformed into a profound connection. Jonah, the talented guitarist of a renowned rock band, made it clear he was a whirlwind of impulsiveness and defiance—he didn't want Claire around at all. But as they spent time together, they discovered they had more in common than they initially thought, leading to deeper feelings that blossomed in unexpected ways.
"You fit so perfectly in my hand, Trouble. I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your breathing. Everything I need right in my palm."
This was my first read by this author, and I felt a strong sense of hope for Claire's character. While I may not have fully grasped the extent of her past actions, it was clear that her journey was a meaningful redemption arc. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning. Yes, she had made significant mistakes, but her experiences shaped her, and I truly believed she deserved happiness. Jonah's backstory was heartbreaking; learning about his childhood revealed why he struggled with his parents' indifference. It was gut-wrenching to watch his story unfold, and my heart ached for him.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing characters who made mistakes and faced their flaws head-on. Their pain and struggles felt incredibly genuine and relatable. I was inspired by their journey toward healing—it was challenging but ultimately so fulfilling. The character development was remarkable. Seeing them commit to improving not just for the sake of others but for their well-being was genuinely rewarding. I appreciated how the story emphasized forgiveness—not only from others but also the importance of self-forgiveness. Learning to love oneself lays the foundation for being able to love others.
If you’re searching for a story that feels raw and real, filled with imperfect characters who undergo significant transformations, then definitely give this one a try. Initially, it might be hard to warm up to these characters, but by the end, you'll root for them wholeheartedly. The ending was beautiful, and that epilogue left me feeling hopeful and warm. I do not doubt that this book has earned a special place among my favorites this year.
"Do you still love me, Trouble?"
"Yes. Do you still love me?"
"Endlessly. I love you endlessly."
March 20, 2025
3.9999 stars ✨ they found redemption within each other.
June 7, 2025
“Trouble is my weakness.”
Absolutely brilliant. Five stars. Everything in this book aligns with my reading style and what I love—captivating, emotional, raw, intimate, and beautifully sexy. A rollercoaster of a story with two characters battling their own demons, clinging to each other like a lifeline—two hurting souls who mend as one. Hands down, one of my favorite audiobooks. Jacob and Mollie absolutely nailed this duet-style narration, so if you pick it up, make sure it’s in this format. It’s incredible.
Starting with character depth—because I loved these two so much. When they got emotional, I felt it in my heart. When they shared intimate, beautiful moments, I smiled. And when you could feel the weight of their burdens, I felt that weight too. The chemistry and tension were delicious. Claire was a firestorm stepping into Jonah’s life, making him feel again, while Jonah saw straight through the brick wall Claire put up. These two are perfection.
One of my favorite things in a romance is a fiery love—where yelling and screaming at each other is the only way to get the message across—and this book delivered. With themes of substance abuse and an eating disorder, the story had me completely invested. At times I was shocked with revelations to smiling in the last 20%. Please, just listen to or read this book—I don’t want to give too much away but don’t sit on this book.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 14hrs 10mins
Narrators: Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book Three In The Hometown Heartless Series
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Enemies To Lovers, Ex Boyfriends Son, Workplace, Accidental Pregnancy, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Emotional, Chemistry, Tension, Challenge Each Other, Obsessive MMC, Trauma, Cheating Ex, Grief, Guilt, Secrets, Vomiting, Eating Disorder, Self Harm, Alcoholic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Bondage, Crawl, Edge Play and Breath Play
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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Absolutely brilliant. Five stars. Everything in this book aligns with my reading style and what I love—captivating, emotional, raw, intimate, and beautifully sexy. A rollercoaster of a story with two characters battling their own demons, clinging to each other like a lifeline—two hurting souls who mend as one. Hands down, one of my favorite audiobooks. Jacob and Mollie absolutely nailed this duet-style narration, so if you pick it up, make sure it’s in this format. It’s incredible.
Starting with character depth—because I loved these two so much. When they got emotional, I felt it in my heart. When they shared intimate, beautiful moments, I smiled. And when you could feel the weight of their burdens, I felt that weight too. The chemistry and tension were delicious. Claire was a firestorm stepping into Jonah’s life, making him feel again, while Jonah saw straight through the brick wall Claire put up. These two are perfection.
One of my favorite things in a romance is a fiery love—where yelling and screaming at each other is the only way to get the message across—and this book delivered. With themes of substance abuse and an eating disorder, the story had me completely invested. At times I was shocked with revelations to smiling in the last 20%. Please, just listen to or read this book—I don’t want to give too much away but don’t sit on this book.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 14hrs 10mins
Narrators: Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book Three In The Hometown Heartless Series
Tropes or Themes: Rockstar, Enemies To Lovers, Ex Boyfriends Son, Workplace, Accidental Pregnancy, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Emotional, Chemistry, Tension, Challenge Each Other, Obsessive MMC, Trauma, Cheating Ex, Grief, Guilt, Secrets, Vomiting, Eating Disorder, Self Harm, Alcoholic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Bondage, Crawl, Edge Play and Breath Play
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
April 29, 2025
(4.5 ดาว) หนุ่มกีตาร์ x สาวมาร์เก็ตติ้ง พระเอกเป็นร็อคสตาร์เจ้าปัญหา ไปก่อเรื่องวุ่นวายจนโดนตำรวจจับ พ่อพระเอกท��่เป็นเจ้าของบริษัทมาร์เก็ตติ้งเลยส่งนางเอกมาช่วยสร้างภาพ
พระเอกนางเอกเล่มนี้คือ broken สุดๆ เป็นคนสองคนที่หอบหิ้วบาดแผลจากอดีตไว้กับตัวเองมานานจนมันกัดเซาะบั่นทอนตัวเองไปเรื่อยๆ ถึงอย่างนั้นภายนอกก็ยังแสร้งทำเป็นเหมือนไม่เป็นไร ทำเหมือนควบคุมทุกอย่างได้ และด้วยความเป็นคนประเภทเดียวกัน พอมาเจอกันเองเลยมองกันและกันออกทะลุปรุโปร่ง แต่แทนที่รู้แล้วจะใจดีต่อกัน ช่วงแรกๆ พระเอกนางเอกคือจี้ปมกันและกันสุดดด ถ้าจะพูดจาแทงใจดำขนาดนี้แกเอามีดมาแทงกันเลยเถอะ
แต่น่าแปลกที่ถึงพระเอกนางเอกจะพูดจาร้ายกาจใส่กันแค่ไหน เรากลับอ่านแล้วรู้สึกเข้าอกเข้าใจทั้งคู่ ทั้งพระเอกนางเอกต่างก็เป็นตัวละครที่ complex เป็นคนที่โดนคนอื่นทำร้ายมาก่อนเลยเผลอทำร้ายคนอื่นโดยไม่ตั้งใจ แต่โดยเนื้อแท้ก็ไม่ใช่คนเลวร้ายอะไร จริงๆ ทั้งสองคนต่างก็อยากหลุดพ้นจากอดีตและพยายามเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้น พยายามไถ่บาปของตัวเอง เพราะอย่างนั้นถึงบางครั้งตัวละครจะทำตัวไม่น่ารักไปบ้าง เราก็ยังรู้สึกอยากเอาใจช่วยทั้งพระเอกนางเอกอยู่ดี ชอบพัฒนาการของทั้งสองคนมากๆ พออ่านไปถึงตอนท้ายๆ แล้วรู้สึกซาบซึ้งใจไปกับการเติบโตของทั้งคู่ ดีใจที่เขาและเธอได้มาเจอกันและกัน (ช่วงท้ายเล่มซีนซึ้งเยอะมาก น้ำตาซึมเลย🥹)
btw นางเอกเล่มนี้เป็นตัวร้ายในเซ็ต Next Life ตอนอ่านเซ็ตโน้นเลยสงสัยมากๆๆ ว่าคนเขียนเขาจะ redeem ตัวละครนี้ยังไง เพราะในเซ็ตโน้นชี Claire ร้ายกาจมากกก พอได้อ่านเล่มนี้ก็รู้สึกว่าโอเค รับได้ ชอบที่เขาไม่ได้ดีเฟนด์ให้ตัวละครนี้แบบกลับดำเป็นขาว แต่เขียนให้ตัวละครสำนึกเสียใจกับการกระทำของตัวเองแบบต่อให้หมั่นไส้มาก่อนยังไงก็ต้องสงสารบ้างแหละ อ่านแล้วเชื่อในการสำนึกผิดของตัวละครจริงๆ และรู้สึกว่าตัวละครนี้ทรมานมามากพอแล้ว สมควรได้รับ happy ending ของตัวเองเหมือนคนอื่นเขาซะที
จริงๆ ชอบเล่มนี้มากนะ ตอนอ่านจบยังรู้สึกว่าไม่อยากให้จบเลย อยากอ่านต่อ ถึงกับรีบไปกดรับ bonus epilogue มาอ่าน (ซึ่งแอบรู้สึกว่าเขาควรใส่ไว้ในเล่มมากกว่าให้คนอ่านไปกดมาอ่านเอง เพราะมันเป็น epilogue ที่ทำให้เรื่องราวสมบูรณ์จริงๆ ไม่ใช่แค่ตอนแถมไว้อ่านฟรินๆ) แต่หักคะแนนนิดนึงเพราะมีโทรปที่ไม่ชอบ ซึ่งมันทำให้เราเกิดคำถามว่าถ้าเรื่องไม่เป็นแบบนี้ คนเขียนจะหาทางลงให้คู่นี้ยังไง จะแฮปปี้เอนดิ้งกันขนาดนี้ได้มั้ย และคิดว่าในแง่ความประทับใจโดยรวมยังชอบ Of Heartbreak and Harmony มากกว่าเล่มนี้เยอะ (เล่มโน้นมีเรื่องดนตรีต่างๆ เยอะดีด้วย ชอบ)
ใดๆ คือสมาชิกวง hometown heartless (อ่านมาสามเล่มแล้วก็ยังรู้สึกขำชื่อวงอยู่) เล่มนี้น่ารักกก อยากอ่านเล่ม Mabel มากๆๆๆ ดีใจที่จะมีให้อ่านต่ออีกเล่ม ตั้งตารอเลย
พระเอกนางเอกเล่มนี้คือ broken สุดๆ เป็นคนสองคนที่หอบหิ้วบาดแผลจากอดีตไว้กับตัวเองมานานจนมันกัดเซาะบั่นทอนตัวเองไปเรื่อยๆ ถึงอย่างนั้นภายนอกก็ยังแสร้งทำเป็นเหมือนไม่เป็นไร ทำเหมือนควบคุมทุกอย่างได้ และด้วยความเป็นคนประเภทเดียวกัน พอมาเจอกันเองเลยมองกันและกันออกทะลุปรุโปร่ง แต่แทนที่รู้แล้วจะใจดีต่อกัน ช่วงแรกๆ พระเอกนางเอกคือจี้ปมกันและกันสุดดด ถ้าจะพูดจาแทงใจดำขนาดนี้แกเอามีดมาแทงกันเลยเถอะ
แต่น่าแปลกที่ถึงพระเอกนางเอกจะพูดจาร้ายกาจใส่กันแค่ไหน เรากลับอ่านแล้วรู้สึกเข้าอกเข้าใจทั้งคู่ ทั้งพระเอกนางเอกต่างก็เป็นตัวละครที่ complex เป็นคนที่โดนคนอื่นทำร้ายมาก่อนเลยเผลอทำร้ายคนอื่นโดยไม่ตั้งใจ แต่โดยเนื้อแท้ก็ไม่ใช่คนเลวร้ายอะไร จริงๆ ทั้งสองคนต่างก็อยากหลุดพ้นจากอดีตและพยายามเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้น พยายามไถ่บาปของตัวเอง เพราะอย่างนั้นถึงบางครั้งตัวละครจะทำตัวไม่น่ารักไปบ้าง เราก็ยังรู้สึกอยากเอาใจช่วยทั้งพระเอกนางเอกอยู่ดี ชอบพัฒนาการของทั้งสองคนมากๆ พออ่านไปถึงตอนท้ายๆ แล้วรู้สึกซาบซึ้งใจไปกับการเติบโตของทั้งคู่ ดีใจที่เขาและเธอได้มาเจอกันและกัน (ช่วงท้ายเล่มซีนซึ้งเยอะมาก น้ำตาซึมเลย🥹)
btw นางเอกเล่มนี้เป็นตัวร้ายในเซ็ต Next Life ตอนอ่านเซ็ตโน้นเลยสงสัยมากๆๆ ว่าคนเขียนเขาจะ redeem ตัวละครนี้ยังไง เพราะในเซ็ตโน้นชี Claire ร้ายกาจมากกก พอได้อ่านเล่มนี้ก็รู้สึกว่าโอเค รับได้ ชอบที่เขาไม่ได้ดีเฟนด์ให้ตัวละครนี้แบบกลับดำเป็นขาว แต่เขียนให้ตัวละครสำนึกเสียใจกับการกระทำของตัวเองแบบต่อให้หมั่นไส้มาก่อนยังไงก็ต้องสงสารบ้างแหละ อ่านแล้วเชื่อในการสำนึกผิดของตัวละครจริงๆ และรู้สึกว่าตัวละครนี้ทรมานมามากพอแล้ว สมควรได้รับ happy ending ของตัวเองเหมือนคนอื่นเขาซะที
จริงๆ ชอบเล่มนี้มากนะ ตอนอ่านจบยังรู้สึกว่าไม่อยากให้จบเลย อยากอ่านต่อ ถึงกับรีบไปกดรับ bonus epilogue มาอ่าน (ซึ่งแอบรู้สึกว่าเขาควรใส่ไว้ในเล่มมากกว่าให้คนอ่านไปกดมาอ่านเอง เพราะมันเป็น epilogue ที่ทำให้เรื่องราวสมบูรณ์จริงๆ ไม่ใช่แค่ตอนแถมไว้อ่านฟรินๆ) แต่หักคะแนนนิดนึงเพราะมีโทรปที่ไม่ชอบ ซึ่งมันทำให้เราเกิดคำถามว่าถ้าเรื่องไม่เป็นแบบนี้ คนเขียนจะหาทางลงให้คู่นี้ยังไง จะแฮปปี้เอนดิ้งกันขนาดนี้ได้มั้ย และคิดว่าในแง่ความประทับใจโดยรวมยังชอบ Of Heartbreak and Harmony มากกว่าเล่มนี้เยอะ (เล่มโน้นมีเรื่องดนตรีต่างๆ เยอะดีด้วย ชอบ)
ใดๆ คือสมาชิกวง hometown heartless (อ่านมาสามเล่มแล้วก็ยังรู้สึกขำชื่อวงอยู่) เล่มนี้น่ารักกก อยากอ่านเล่ม Mabel มากๆๆๆ ดีใจที่จะมีให้อ่านต่ออีกเล่ม ตั้งตารอเลย
July 15, 2025
4.5⭐️
เป็นเรื่องที่ถ้าได้อ่าน The Love of My Next Life และ This Life and All the Rest มาก่อนจะอินมากเพราะทำให้ได้รู้แบ็คกราวนด์ของตัวละครนางเอกในเรื่องนี้ว่าเธอมีปมปัญหาอะไรมาก่อน ซึ่งมันอินขึ้นจริงนะ เพราะรับรู้เรื่องราวทั้งฝ่ายที่กระทำและโดนกระทำ นักเขียนเองก็ไม่ได้เขียนดีเฟ้นให้ชีแค่เพราะว่าเป็นนางเอกในเรื่องนี้ แต่เล่าถึงความรู้สึก สำนึกผิดจริง ๆ จนเรารู้สึกได้เลย อ่านไปแล้วก็ลืมสิ้นว่าในเล่มนั้นชีร้ายยังไงบ้าง (โถ่วว ลืมง่ายจริง 5555555)
ส่วนพระเอกเรื่องนี้อย่างโจนาห์ เราก็สนใจฮีมาตั้งแต่เล่มก่อนแล้ว (Of Heartbreak and Harmony ) ความมือกีตาร์วงร็อคชื่อดังที่สำมะเลเทเมาสุด ๆ จนพ่อต้องส่งพีอาร์สาว(ซึ่งก็คือนางเอก)มาคุมความประพฤติและกอบกู้ชื่อเสียง ละสองคนนี้คือคนที่ damaged and broken แต่ทำตัวโนสนโนแคร์กันทั้งคู่ ฉันสบายดีจ้า แต่ผีเห็นผีอ่า ฉันดูเธอออก เธอก็เหมือนฉันนั่นแหละ สองคนนี้คือญาติดีกันเป็นพัก ๆ เดี๋ยวก็เห็นใจกันเพราะชีวิตทั้งคู่มันโคตรจะรีเลทกันสุด ๆ ไม่แปลกที่มันจะเข้าใจกันและกันขนาดนั้น แต่บางทีก็ผีเข้าผีออก ด่าทอกันเวลาเจอสิ่งที่มัน trigger แล้วก็มาเสียใจทีหลัง(โดยเฉพาะพระเอก) ละนี่หงุดหงิดกับฮีหลายฉากมาก บางครั้งถึงกับต้องสบถหยาบในใจเลย
ประเด็นในเรื่องก็แอบหนักอยู่ แต่นักเขียนไม่ได้เขียนให้มัน angst อะไรมากมาย การต่อล้อต่อเถียงของพระนางก็ช่วยดึงมู้ดให้มันไม่เครียดจนเกินไปแหละ บทหวาน ๆ น่ารัก ๆ มันก็นุบนิบใจอยู่เด้อ เรื่องเลิฟซีนนขคนนี้ทำเราเขินม้วนตลอดทั้งที่ก็อ่านโรแมนซ์มาเป็นร้อยเป็นพันเล่มแล้วอะนะ
ภาพรวมชอบมากกกก ๆๆๆ เกือบจะให้ 5⭐️ แล้วแต่ขอหักนิดนึงตรงมันดันมีโทรปที่เราไม่ชอบและไม่คิดว่าจะออกมาเวย์นี้ คือเชื่อหมดใจถึงความรักของพระนางนะแต่แค่ไม่ชอบโทรปนี้ อยากเห็นจุดเปลี่ยนอื่นในความสัมพันธ์มากกว่า 🥹
ปล. นักเขียนชอบเขียนความสัมพันธ์ spider web อ่าา โยงกันเป็นใยแมงมุมจริง ๆ
เป็นเรื่องที่ถ้าได้อ่าน The Love of My Next Life และ This Life and All the Rest มาก่อนจะอินมากเพราะทำให้ได้รู้แบ็คกราวนด์ของตัวละครนางเอกในเรื่องนี้ว่าเธอมีปมปัญหาอะไรมาก่อน ซึ่งมันอินขึ้นจริงนะ เพราะรับรู้เรื่องราวทั้งฝ่ายที่กระทำและโดนกระทำ นักเขียนเองก็ไม่ได้เขียนดีเฟ้นให้ชีแค่เพราะว่าเป็นนางเอกในเรื่องนี้ แต่เล่าถึงความรู้สึก สำนึกผิดจริง ๆ จนเรารู้สึกได้เลย อ่านไปแล้วก็ลืมสิ้นว่าในเล่มนั้นชีร้ายยังไงบ้าง (โถ่วว ลืมง่ายจริง 5555555)
ส่วนพระเอกเรื่องนี้อย่างโจนาห์ เราก็สนใจฮีมาตั้งแต่เล่มก่อนแล้ว (Of Heartbreak and Harmony ) ความมือกีตาร์วงร็อคชื่อดังที่สำมะเลเทเมาสุด ๆ จนพ่อต้องส่งพีอาร์สาว(ซึ่งก็คือนางเอก)มาคุมความประพฤติและกอบกู้ชื่อเสียง ละสองคนนี้คือคนที่ damaged and broken แต่ทำตัวโนสนโนแคร์กันทั้งคู่ ฉันสบายดีจ้า แต่ผีเห็นผีอ่า ฉันดูเธอออก เธอก็เหมือนฉันนั่นแหละ สองคนนี้คือญาติดีกันเป็นพัก ๆ เดี๋ยวก็เห็นใจกันเพราะชีวิตทั้งคู่มันโคตรจะรีเลทกันสุด ๆ ไม่แปลกที่มันจะเข้าใจกันและกันขนาดนั้น แต่บางทีก็ผีเข้าผีออก ด่าทอกันเวลาเจอสิ่งที่มัน trigger แล้วก็มาเสียใจทีหลัง(โดยเฉพาะพระเอก) ละนี่หงุดหงิดกับฮีหลายฉากมาก บางครั้งถึงกับต้องสบถหยาบในใจเลย
ประเด็นในเรื่องก็แอบหนักอยู่ แต่นักเขียนไม่ได้เขียนให้มัน angst อะไรมากมาย การต่อล้อต่อเถียงของพระนางก็ช่วยดึงมู้ดให้มันไม่เครียดจนเกินไปแหละ บทหวาน ๆ น่ารัก ๆ มันก็นุบนิบใจอยู่เด้อ เรื่องเลิฟซีนนขคนนี้ทำเราเขินม้วนตลอดทั้งที่ก็อ่านโรแมนซ์มาเป็นร้อยเป็นพันเล่มแล้วอะนะ
ภาพรวมชอบมากกกก ๆๆๆ เกือบจะให้ 5⭐️ แล้วแต่ขอหักนิดนึงตรงมันดันมีโทรปที่เราไม่ชอบและไม่คิดว่าจะออกมาเวย์นี้ คือเชื่อหมดใจถึงความรักของพระนางนะแต่แค่ไม่ชอบโทรปนี้ อยากเห็นจุดเปลี่ยนอื่นในความสัมพันธ์มากกว่า 🥹
ปล. นักเขียนชอบเขียนความสัมพันธ์ spider web อ่าา โยงกันเป็นใยแมงมุมจริง ๆ
March 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
I stand by the fact that Brit Benson can do no wrong. I’ll read anything she writes! Jonah and Claire’s story had me so emotional and I couldn’t help but root for them and their happily ever after.
Jonah’s out of control behavior has put the Hometown Heartless’ future on the line and threatens to tarnish his father’s reputation. Enter Claire to clean up the PR mess. Jonah doesn’t want her there but also finds himself drawn to her. All of this is only made messier by the fact that she’s currently dating her boss and Jonah’s dad.
Both of these characters are flawed and seriously struggling in this book and Brit does a great job of making them relatable. They have great banter and spend the book as opponents in this game of chess desperately trying not to feel a connection to each other but they can’t help it.
Naturally, I adore Jonah and simultaneously wanted to give him a huge hug and smack him upside the head.
I was one of those people who absolutely hated Claire in the Next Life duet (and it might be because it’s been so long since I read it) but I think Brit does a really great job of showing us Claire’s perspective. She’s a flawed human who is more than aware of the mistakes she’s made. So much of this book is her struggling and beating herself up that you can’t help but root for her to give herself a break. Ultimately I enjoyed her redemption arc and I ended up really liking the way her story with Lennon and Macon left off at the end of this book.
This one definitely has some heavier subject matter so be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in but I highly recommend this!
It can be read as a standalone but I absolutely recommend reading the Next Life duet and the rest of the Hometown Heartless series first!
I stand by the fact that Brit Benson can do no wrong. I’ll read anything she writes! Jonah and Claire’s story had me so emotional and I couldn’t help but root for them and their happily ever after.
Jonah’s out of control behavior has put the Hometown Heartless’ future on the line and threatens to tarnish his father’s reputation. Enter Claire to clean up the PR mess. Jonah doesn’t want her there but also finds himself drawn to her. All of this is only made messier by the fact that she’s currently dating her boss and Jonah’s dad.
Both of these characters are flawed and seriously struggling in this book and Brit does a great job of making them relatable. They have great banter and spend the book as opponents in this game of chess desperately trying not to feel a connection to each other but they can’t help it.
Naturally, I adore Jonah and simultaneously wanted to give him a huge hug and smack him upside the head.
I was one of those people who absolutely hated Claire in the Next Life duet (and it might be because it’s been so long since I read it) but I think Brit does a really great job of showing us Claire’s perspective. She’s a flawed human who is more than aware of the mistakes she’s made. So much of this book is her struggling and beating herself up that you can’t help but root for her to give herself a break. Ultimately I enjoyed her redemption arc and I ended up really liking the way her story with Lennon and Macon left off at the end of this book.
This one definitely has some heavier subject matter so be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in but I highly recommend this!
It can be read as a standalone but I absolutely recommend reading the Next Life duet and the rest of the Hometown Heartless series first!
March 24, 2025
OH MY GOD. I AM OBSESSED. JONAH + CLAIRE FOREVERRRRRRRRRR <3
Seriously, this was incredible. Pure perfection. The prologue had me covered in goosebumps. These two are a mess of trauma and sadness, but together they healed one another and just had the best story.
Every book of Brit's I have given 5 stars. I am stan. I am going to go back and read her other duet even though I have spoilers of Claire now.
This audio was freaking immaculate. Truly. One of the best I have ever listened to. I could not stop. I cleaned my entire damn house as an excuse to not stop.
Favorite moments:
"I pay attention to every single thing you do, and it's driving me fucking crazy. I pay attention. The way you blush. The way you think. The way you fucking smell. You're all I can think about, and I want you. I want you, Claire, and it's going to get me in so much fucking trouble. But you want to know a secret? Trouble is my weakness."
Seriously, this was incredible. Pure perfection. The prologue had me covered in goosebumps. These two are a mess of trauma and sadness, but together they healed one another and just had the best story.
Every book of Brit's I have given 5 stars. I am stan. I am going to go back and read her other duet even though I have spoilers of Claire now.
This audio was freaking immaculate. Truly. One of the best I have ever listened to. I could not stop. I cleaned my entire damn house as an excuse to not stop.
Favorite moments:
"I pay attention to every single thing you do, and it's driving me fucking crazy. I pay attention. The way you blush. The way you think. The way you fucking smell. You're all I can think about, and I want you. I want you, Claire, and it's going to get me in so much fucking trouble. But you want to know a secret? Trouble is my weakness."
March 2, 2025
This book was absolutely everything. I can’t stop crying. The growth was unbelievable. Easily my favorite book written by Brit. I knew Claire would have a fantastic story but this exceeded all my expectations
March 28, 2025
There is something so special about a redemption story when it’s done right, and Brit Benson wrote this one to perfection.
The Words:
To know Claire Davis is to hate Claire Davis…until now…And, to know Jonah Hendricks is to yearn for the day he finds someone who sees all the broken pieces of him, accepts them and wants to BE with HIM. Only someone like Brit could place these two broken souls together and produce a healing, soul-searching, redemptive, messy kind of love. Claire and Jonah were written with visceral, bone deep insecurities shrouded in secrets, self-loathing, and pains from the past. You feel the deep connection between two individuals who have finally found someone who understands every insecurity and dark place that has brought them to this point yet knows exactly how to bring them toward a light that only they can share. There were moments of pure hatred for one another, passion for one another, compassion for one another, and love for one another. Each page dripped with emotion, angst, plenty of Brit-style humor sprinkled throughout, and spicy chemistry that comes from two passionate characters. I have anticipated this redemption story for a couple of years and there is not one ounce of this story I didn’t wholeheartedly love!
I’m sorry, the old Claire can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Cause she DEAD!
The Voices:
This is the first time I have listened to an ALC of Brit’s books prior to reading the words with my eyeballs and, let me just tell you, the audiobook is IMPECCABLE!
Mollie Stark, your portrayal of Claire was EXTRAORDINARY. I am in awe of the way you perfectly balanced Claire’s uptight, aggressive boss woman demeanor with her the insecurities and vulnerabilities throughout the story. Your voice was everything I wanted from Claire Davis and so much more!
Jason Clarke, the emotion dripping from your voice in the prologue of this book had me crying in the kitchen. The gruff, edginess of your tone for to convey all things plaguing Jonah was flawless. The commanding delivery of the protectiveness Jonah grew to have over Claire was swoonworthy.
EVERYTHING, Simply Perfect!
The Words:
To know Claire Davis is to hate Claire Davis…until now…And, to know Jonah Hendricks is to yearn for the day he finds someone who sees all the broken pieces of him, accepts them and wants to BE with HIM. Only someone like Brit could place these two broken souls together and produce a healing, soul-searching, redemptive, messy kind of love. Claire and Jonah were written with visceral, bone deep insecurities shrouded in secrets, self-loathing, and pains from the past. You feel the deep connection between two individuals who have finally found someone who understands every insecurity and dark place that has brought them to this point yet knows exactly how to bring them toward a light that only they can share. There were moments of pure hatred for one another, passion for one another, compassion for one another, and love for one another. Each page dripped with emotion, angst, plenty of Brit-style humor sprinkled throughout, and spicy chemistry that comes from two passionate characters. I have anticipated this redemption story for a couple of years and there is not one ounce of this story I didn’t wholeheartedly love!
I’m sorry, the old Claire can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Cause she DEAD!
The Voices:
This is the first time I have listened to an ALC of Brit’s books prior to reading the words with my eyeballs and, let me just tell you, the audiobook is IMPECCABLE!
Mollie Stark, your portrayal of Claire was EXTRAORDINARY. I am in awe of the way you perfectly balanced Claire’s uptight, aggressive boss woman demeanor with her the insecurities and vulnerabilities throughout the story. Your voice was everything I wanted from Claire Davis and so much more!
Jason Clarke, the emotion dripping from your voice in the prologue of this book had me crying in the kitchen. The gruff, edginess of your tone for to convey all things plaguing Jonah was flawless. The commanding delivery of the protectiveness Jonah grew to have over Claire was swoonworthy.
EVERYTHING, Simply Perfect!
March 10, 2025
I LOVED this book SOOOO much!! Jonah and Claire’s story was absolutely amazing!! I highly recommend reading the Next Life series and the Hometown Heartless series before this one to get the best reading experience on this book. I adore Jonah so freaking much and Claire redeemed herself in this book.
The audiobook was amazing the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. This will be a top read for 2025 for sure!!!
The audiobook was amazing the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. This will be a top read for 2025 for sure!!!
July 12, 2025
I thought this was pretty boring. It was a skim read. I haven’t read any of the other books related to
This one.I don’t know why but it just didn’t work for me.
This one.I don’t know why but it just didn’t work for me.
March 18, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
October 2, 2025
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️ Oh my wow. I didn't think I could love it more after the second book but god I loved every minute of this. Especially after watching Jonah continue to struggle with his addiction in the last 2.
- forced proximity
- she dates his dad
- enemies to lovers
- found family
- accidental pregnancy
Please look into this series before reading it. There are many challenging themes, each book focusing on different ones. This is heavily around drug and alcohol addictions and eating disorders. All the characters have had fucked up pasts.
Jonah and Claire were such good characters alone and together they were just on fire! I love that she wasn't a push over and found the chess links cute.
- forced proximity
- she dates his dad
- enemies to lovers
- found family
- accidental pregnancy
Please look into this series before reading it. There are many challenging themes, each book focusing on different ones. This is heavily around drug and alcohol addictions and eating disorders. All the characters have had fucked up pasts.
Jonah and Claire were such good characters alone and together they were just on fire! I love that she wasn't a push over and found the chess links cute.
March 14, 2025
One of my TOP FAVORITE couples and books from Brit Benson! Jonah and Claire will pull at your heartstrings, and you will cry tears for them, yell at them, and cheer for both of them until the very last page. For those of you who think that there is no way for Claire to redeem herself, get ready for her to not only win you over but also you will shed tears for her along the way. And our broken-boy Jonah will fight until the end for his HEA, and the angst, heartbreak, chemistry and steam between him & Claire will hold you captive to every page. BRAVO B Benson!! Well done once again!
March 13, 2025
ANOTHER 4.5 STAR READ.
I just finished this book and I'm still screaming!! Where do I even begin?!
I haven't read the first two books in this series, and the author said that this can be read as a standalone, BUT I will be going back and reading the rest of the books because I just HAVE to. I do what I always do and I didn't read the blurb so I had no clue what this could be about I just seen "Rockstar Romance" and knew I NEEDED it. This book was so good and the narrators did an amazing job. I can't even tell you how many times I screamed and just like stared into space, or the amount of times I covered my mouth in shock because of what I was hearing!!!
Claire makes the list of my favorite FMC's because she is just that GIRL. She reminds me so much of myself in the way that she's not afraid of confrontation or standing up for herself and the people that she loves. She's made some mistakes and you can tell that she's not going to let them define her, but she's also learned from them and lets that make her a better person. Claire literally deserves the world and I'm do glad Jonah gets to give her everything.
Jonah, my guy, I was not happy with you at first and you were giving the broody rockstar SO HARD, but you did grow on me. Jonah has so many layers and you can tell he's not a talker and he likes to keep everything close to his chest. All it takes is the right person to get a man to open up sometimes and Claire was the perfect person to do it. I was rooting for you and you made me so proud.
Conrad -- it's on sight.
I loved this story so much and Brit is MY FAV AHHHHHHH. This is a story that will stick with me for such a long time and I can't wait to yell at all of my friends to read it. I already miss this world and I finished the audiobook 30 minutes ago.
"Falling in love feels like falling to your death."
"Jesus, then why do people do it?"
"Because it's the revival that feels so sweet."
------------
thank you so much to The Author Agency and Brit Benson for an ALC copy of For Wrath and Redemption in exchange for my honest review. all thoughts are my own.
I just finished this book and I'm still screaming!! Where do I even begin?!
I haven't read the first two books in this series, and the author said that this can be read as a standalone, BUT I will be going back and reading the rest of the books because I just HAVE to. I do what I always do and I didn't read the blurb so I had no clue what this could be about I just seen "Rockstar Romance" and knew I NEEDED it. This book was so good and the narrators did an amazing job. I can't even tell you how many times I screamed and just like stared into space, or the amount of times I covered my mouth in shock because of what I was hearing!!!
Claire makes the list of my favorite FMC's because she is just that GIRL. She reminds me so much of myself in the way that she's not afraid of confrontation or standing up for herself and the people that she loves. She's made some mistakes and you can tell that she's not going to let them define her, but she's also learned from them and lets that make her a better person. Claire literally deserves the world and I'm do glad Jonah gets to give her everything.
Jonah, my guy, I was not happy with you at first and you were giving the broody rockstar SO HARD, but you did grow on me. Jonah has so many layers and you can tell he's not a talker and he likes to keep everything close to his chest. All it takes is the right person to get a man to open up sometimes and Claire was the perfect person to do it. I was rooting for you and you made me so proud.
Conrad -- it's on sight.
I loved this story so much and Brit is MY FAV AHHHHHHH. This is a story that will stick with me for such a long time and I can't wait to yell at all of my friends to read it. I already miss this world and I finished the audiobook 30 minutes ago.
"Falling in love feels like falling to your death."
"Jesus, then why do people do it?"
"Because it's the revival that feels so sweet."
------------
thank you so much to The Author Agency and Brit Benson for an ALC copy of For Wrath and Redemption in exchange for my honest review. all thoughts are my own.
March 7, 2025
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
* Workplace Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Rockstar x PR Manager
* Broken MCs
* Forced Proximity
I have been waiting for Jonah and Claire’s story, and I was not disappointed!
For Wrath and Redemption is quite possibly the most accurate title of a book. This book is full of anger, rage and fury but also has a beautiful message of forgiveness, mercy and reclaiming grace.
FWAR follows Hometown Heartless Guitarist, Jonah Hendrix and PR manager aka Jonah’s babysitter, Claire Davis. Claire is hired to clean up the mess that Jonah has caused for his reputation, while making sure none of his actions affect the band. I will say, the reason Claire was given this job is such a good twist, and ends up causing some conflict throughout the book.
I loved both characters. If you’ve read the Next Life series, you know Claire was not a fan favourite and we were all hoping for a big redemption arc. Well, I’m happy to say we got it in FWAR. Claire’s story is heartbreaking, and ultimately she is so misunderstood. Jonah is no stranger to feeling too much, and discovered early into his rockstar lifestyle that drugs/alcohol mask it all. Jonah’s story is just as heartbreaking, and I really wanted to give him a big hug.
I loved how they helped each other heal. This connection they shared from both being ‘broken’ was truly inspiring and made for a beautiful story. It’s a story of wrath but also spectacular redemption.
Narration review:
Ahhh the audiobook was amazing! I will always prefer duet style narration and I’m so glad all Brit’s books have that. Mollie Stark and Jason Clarke’s voices perfectly capture these two characters and killed the hate-to-love chemistry.
Thank you Brit Benson and The Author Agency for the ALC.
* Workplace Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Rockstar x PR Manager
* Broken MCs
* Forced Proximity
I have been waiting for Jonah and Claire’s story, and I was not disappointed!
For Wrath and Redemption is quite possibly the most accurate title of a book. This book is full of anger, rage and fury but also has a beautiful message of forgiveness, mercy and reclaiming grace.
FWAR follows Hometown Heartless Guitarist, Jonah Hendrix and PR manager aka Jonah’s babysitter, Claire Davis. Claire is hired to clean up the mess that Jonah has caused for his reputation, while making sure none of his actions affect the band. I will say, the reason Claire was given this job is such a good twist, and ends up causing some conflict throughout the book.
I loved both characters. If you’ve read the Next Life series, you know Claire was not a fan favourite and we were all hoping for a big redemption arc. Well, I’m happy to say we got it in FWAR. Claire’s story is heartbreaking, and ultimately she is so misunderstood. Jonah is no stranger to feeling too much, and discovered early into his rockstar lifestyle that drugs/alcohol mask it all. Jonah’s story is just as heartbreaking, and I really wanted to give him a big hug.
I loved how they helped each other heal. This connection they shared from both being ‘broken’ was truly inspiring and made for a beautiful story. It’s a story of wrath but also spectacular redemption.
Narration review:
Ahhh the audiobook was amazing! I will always prefer duet style narration and I’m so glad all Brit’s books have that. Mollie Stark and Jason Clarke’s voices perfectly capture these two characters and killed the hate-to-love chemistry.
Thank you Brit Benson and The Author Agency for the ALC.
March 18, 2025
ALC & ARC REVIEW:
For Wrath and Redemption
A Hometown Heartless Novel
By: @britbensonwritesbooks
Narrated in DUET By: Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark
♾️ LOVE for this book and narration❗️
I am in awe of Brit Benson, of Mollie Stark and Jason Clarke, of Claire and Jonah and the entire Hometown Heartless family, For Wrath and Redemption just imprinted itself into my soul, not just because of the incredible story Brit wrote but all the details as well. This was very much a redemption story. Redeeming Claire from past bad behaviors and while doing so Claire and Jonah saved each other along the way. It was heartbreaking and soul grabbing while shinning a beautiful light through to the end, where it gave you hope and love and peace.
Mollie Stark was the absolute PERFECT Claire.
She has this raspiness about her voice that makes you feel all the emotions, the dark sadness of so much self doubt that Claire experiences daily, yet Molly snapped Claire into the “confident” bad as$ take no sh!t person she hides behind. I’m in awe of Claire’s love and tenderness towards Jonah and Molly expressed that so perfectly.
Jason Clarke is giving Jonah EVERYTHING, the vulnerability, the pain behind his demons, his deep cocky growls of frustration. Jonah’s mind is a dark place but when joyful moments happen Jason brought so much of that to life, slowly watching Jonah unravel his pain into the happiness he truly deserves. Jason’s flirty tones are epic too, and there are moments that will live rent free in my head.
🫶🏼Thank You @theauthor.agency and @mustloveaudio for the opportunity to read, listen and review this incredible book.
For Wrath and Redemption
A Hometown Heartless Novel
By: @britbensonwritesbooks
Narrated in DUET By: Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark
♾️ LOVE for this book and narration❗️
I am in awe of Brit Benson, of Mollie Stark and Jason Clarke, of Claire and Jonah and the entire Hometown Heartless family, For Wrath and Redemption just imprinted itself into my soul, not just because of the incredible story Brit wrote but all the details as well. This was very much a redemption story. Redeeming Claire from past bad behaviors and while doing so Claire and Jonah saved each other along the way. It was heartbreaking and soul grabbing while shinning a beautiful light through to the end, where it gave you hope and love and peace.
Mollie Stark was the absolute PERFECT Claire.
She has this raspiness about her voice that makes you feel all the emotions, the dark sadness of so much self doubt that Claire experiences daily, yet Molly snapped Claire into the “confident” bad as$ take no sh!t person she hides behind. I’m in awe of Claire’s love and tenderness towards Jonah and Molly expressed that so perfectly.
Jason Clarke is giving Jonah EVERYTHING, the vulnerability, the pain behind his demons, his deep cocky growls of frustration. Jonah’s mind is a dark place but when joyful moments happen Jason brought so much of that to life, slowly watching Jonah unravel his pain into the happiness he truly deserves. Jason’s flirty tones are epic too, and there are moments that will live rent free in my head.
🫶🏼Thank You @theauthor.agency and @mustloveaudio for the opportunity to read, listen and review this incredible book.
March 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Brit Benson continues to impress me with this series. I am not the biggest fan of rockstar romance, but she manages to write a more emotional romance for this trope that always makes an impact. This is a heartbreaking but beautiful story about two troubled characters finding their redemption.
Jonah Hendrix is a complete mess, struggling with addiction and depression. The death of his mom triggers a meltdown that leads to an arrest. Jonah's father sends one of his best PR managers, Claire, to babysit and restore his public image. She has her hands full, trying to help Jonah stay clean and on the right path. The problem is the chemistry and attraction that ignites between Clair and Jonah. A bigger issue is the fact that she is actually dating his father. This is a toxic mess, but these two characters were fire together.
Claire is also struggling with her own issues with her eating disorder and the guilt from her past. I have not read the series she was previously featured in, but I still felt she had hard won redemption. She was such a strong character, and I loved how she didn't let Jonah get away with anything.
They had such an intense connection and seemed like they were a perfect fit, even with all their demons. They come together in a beautiful way and help each other heal. The spice and Jonah's dirty mouth were next level.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
The audiobook had duet narration by Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark. They did a phenomenal job bringing the emotion, angst, and showcasing the character's vulnerabilities. I would highly recommend the audiobooks for this series!
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Brit Benson continues to impress me with this series. I am not the biggest fan of rockstar romance, but she manages to write a more emotional romance for this trope that always makes an impact. This is a heartbreaking but beautiful story about two troubled characters finding their redemption.
Jonah Hendrix is a complete mess, struggling with addiction and depression. The death of his mom triggers a meltdown that leads to an arrest. Jonah's father sends one of his best PR managers, Claire, to babysit and restore his public image. She has her hands full, trying to help Jonah stay clean and on the right path. The problem is the chemistry and attraction that ignites between Clair and Jonah. A bigger issue is the fact that she is actually dating his father. This is a toxic mess, but these two characters were fire together.
Claire is also struggling with her own issues with her eating disorder and the guilt from her past. I have not read the series she was previously featured in, but I still felt she had hard won redemption. She was such a strong character, and I loved how she didn't let Jonah get away with anything.
They had such an intense connection and seemed like they were a perfect fit, even with all their demons. They come together in a beautiful way and help each other heal. The spice and Jonah's dirty mouth were next level.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
The audiobook had duet narration by Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark. They did a phenomenal job bringing the emotion, angst, and showcasing the character's vulnerabilities. I would highly recommend the audiobooks for this series!
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC.
March 18, 2025
I knew I would end up loving Claire. That was inevitable. I just never expected to be one of my favorite heroines ever created. I (like most everyone) had preconceived notions of what Claire was really like based on her actions previously, but now reading about it from her point of view, she really thought she was helping her brother and her best friend. She had no idea what the fallout of her actions would lead to, and she's been living in a world of guilt and exile ever since. She wants to explain her side, but who would listen? Who would forgive her when she hasn't begun to forgive herself? Plus, all of her trauma on top of everything else and the way she handles feeling so out of control-- I have never related to a character more. I broke down in tears too many times to count because of how REAL she was. I just wanted to give her a huge hug, and for her to know she has someone in her corner.
Claire is tasked with revamping the bad boy of Hometown Heartless image, but nothing about this job is what she expected. Jonah is a toxic mess, but there's also something about him that calls her to him -- maybe it's his anger and his pain he wears plain as day underneath his carefree rocker facade, or maybe it's the fact that he yearns to be loved, yet he doesn't know how to let anyone in. These two give as good as they get, and they definitely don't back down! In both their big showdowns and their quiet, vulnerable moments, there's an undeniable connection between these two that could transform into what they both desperately need-- or it could be the final straw that breaks them both.
Jonah may act like the tough guy that doesn't have a care in the world, but that couldn't be further from the truth. After his latest overdose and the bands future career hanging in the balance, he knows he has to walk this tightrope, even though he wants to destroy both himself and Claire in the process -- especially when he realizes they are tied together in a truly crazy way. But then there's something about her that he wants to protect and adore, yet he just can't get a handle on all of these different and debilitating emotions in him. Plus, he has his own guilt and trauma from his childhood forever weighing him down. Will he be able to make sense of all these complicated feelings he has towards himself and Claire? Or will he ruin them both because he doesn't know how to handle her loving him?
I could go on and on about this book but just know this: this book broke me beyond repair, and now I need everyone to read it. Claire is so much more than anyone gave her credit for, and Jonah is just trying to heal the broken little boy inside of him. I love, love, LOVE this book! Go one click and make sure you have all the tissues ready!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Claire is tasked with revamping the bad boy of Hometown Heartless image, but nothing about this job is what she expected. Jonah is a toxic mess, but there's also something about him that calls her to him -- maybe it's his anger and his pain he wears plain as day underneath his carefree rocker facade, or maybe it's the fact that he yearns to be loved, yet he doesn't know how to let anyone in. These two give as good as they get, and they definitely don't back down! In both their big showdowns and their quiet, vulnerable moments, there's an undeniable connection between these two that could transform into what they both desperately need-- or it could be the final straw that breaks them both.
Jonah may act like the tough guy that doesn't have a care in the world, but that couldn't be further from the truth. After his latest overdose and the bands future career hanging in the balance, he knows he has to walk this tightrope, even though he wants to destroy both himself and Claire in the process -- especially when he realizes they are tied together in a truly crazy way. But then there's something about her that he wants to protect and adore, yet he just can't get a handle on all of these different and debilitating emotions in him. Plus, he has his own guilt and trauma from his childhood forever weighing him down. Will he be able to make sense of all these complicated feelings he has towards himself and Claire? Or will he ruin them both because he doesn't know how to handle her loving him?
I could go on and on about this book but just know this: this book broke me beyond repair, and now I need everyone to read it. Claire is so much more than anyone gave her credit for, and Jonah is just trying to heal the broken little boy inside of him. I love, love, LOVE this book! Go one click and make sure you have all the tissues ready!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
April 11, 2025
★★★★★
-Rockstar romance
-Forbidden
-Enemies to Lovers
-Forced proximity
-Broken fmc/mmc
*เช็ค tw ก่อนอ่าน*
5 stars!! 🥹 one of my favorite reads so far this year 🫶🏻
พระเอกของเรื่อง Jonah เป็นมือกีตาร์ของวง Hometown Heartless ส่วนนางเอก Claire เป็น PR manager ที่ต้องมากู้ภาพลักษณ์ของพระเอกทำให้นางเอกต้องตามพระเอกไปทัวร์คอนด้วยกัน พระนางคือ two broken person ที่ชีวิตที่ผ่านมาเจอเรื่องราวที่มันแย่มากๆจนส่งผลต่อการชีวิตของทั้งคู่ พอสองคนนี้ได้มาเจอกันใช้เวลาร่วมกันก็ค่อยๆ open up to each other ต่างคนต่าง struggle พยายามจะข้ามปมในใจของตัวเองแต่ระหว่างทางก็ยังมีเรื่องเข้ามาไม่หยุด เจอเรื่องที่มัน trigger ปมในใจจนทำตัวเลวร้ายใส่อีกคน (นอกเรื่องแปบ😅มันจะมีซีนนึงที่พระเอกทำบางอย่าง ตอนอ่านในใจคือตะโกนด่าพระเอก ASSHOLE!!🤬 พอหลังจากนั้นมีซีนที่นางเอกเอาคืนแล้วใช้คำนี้เหมือนกันคือสะใจมาก👏🏻 5555)
เอาเป็นว่าสนุกมากๆๆๆๆๆ เราชอบมาก ไม่อยากเล่าเยอะ เพราะไม่รู้จะอธิบายยังไงให้ไม่สปอย อยากให้คนที่ได้อ่านรับรู้เรื่องราวทั้งหมดด้วยตัวเอง ไม่มีช่วงที่รู้สึกเบื่อเลย ที่สำคัญระหว่างอ่านมัน emotinal roller coaster สุดๆ 😭 น้ำตาซึมหลายซีนเลย ความ push-pull ของทั้งคู่ ความ ANGST!! แบบที่สุดดด 🫠 ส่วนbanter พระนางก็ดีมากๆ
อย่าลืมเช็คtwกันก่อนนะ เรื่องเซ้นซีทีฟค่อนข้างเยอะ
-Rockstar romance
-Forbidden
-Enemies to Lovers
-Forced proximity
-Broken fmc/mmc
*เช็ค tw ก่อนอ่าน*
5 stars!! 🥹 one of my favorite reads so far this year 🫶🏻
พระเอกของเรื่อง Jonah เป็นมือกีตาร์ของวง Hometown Heartless ส่วนนางเอก Claire เป็น PR manager ที่ต้องมากู้ภาพลักษณ์ของพระเอกทำให้นางเอกต้องตามพระเอกไปทัวร์คอนด้วยกัน พระนางคือ two broken person ที่ชีวิตที่ผ่านมาเจอเรื่องราวที่มันแย่มากๆจนส่งผลต่อการชีวิตของทั้งคู่ พอสองคนนี้ได้มาเจอกันใช้เวลาร่วมกันก็ค่อยๆ open up to each other ต่างคนต่าง struggle พยายามจะข้ามปมในใจของตัวเองแต่ระหว่างทางก็ยังมีเรื่องเข้ามาไม่หยุด เจอเรื่องที่มัน trigger ปมในใจจนทำตัวเลวร้ายใส่อีกคน (นอกเรื่องแปบ😅มันจะมีซีนนึงที่พระเอกทำบางอย่าง ตอนอ่านในใจคือตะโกนด่าพระเอก ASSHOLE!!🤬 พอหลังจากนั้นมีซีนที่นางเอกเอาคืนแล้วใช้คำนี้เหมือนกันคือสะใจมาก👏🏻 5555)
เอาเป็นว่าสนุกมากๆๆๆๆๆ เราชอบมาก ไม่อยากเล่าเยอะ เพราะไม่รู้จะอธิบายยังไงให้ไม่สปอย อยากให้คนที่ได้อ่านรับรู้เรื่องราวทั้งหมดด้วยตัวเอง ไม่มีช่วงที่รู้สึกเบื่อเลย ที่สำคัญระหว่างอ่านมัน emotinal roller coaster สุดๆ 😭 น้ำตาซึมหลายซีนเลย ความ push-pull ของทั้งคู่ ความ ANGST!! แบบที่สุดดด 🫠 ส่วนbanter พระนางก็ดีมากๆ
อย่าลืมเช็คtwกันก่อนนะ เรื่องเซ้นซีทีฟค่อนข้างเยอะ
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