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Starstruck #3
Before He Was A Secret
She’s chasing a second chance. He’s running from his past. In the city of music, hearts don’t always stay in tune.
From the bestselling HarperCollins and Harlequin author. "A tantalizing tale of love, secrets and betrayal in the world of music.”
Waiting tables in Nashville was never part of Stephanie’s plan. Once a rising reality TV star and promising singer-songwriter, she’s now stuck—haunted by past mistakes and paralyzed by writer’s block.
Until she hears him.
Conor Judge isn’t looking to be discovered. The brooding pianist with a voice like whiskey and sin is content playing in smoky bars, keeping his demons at bay. But when Stephanie walks into his life, music isn’t the only thing that starts to come alive.
Just as their connection deepens, rising country star Travis Flynn makes Stephanie an offer she can’t ignore—and a record label determined to make her a star has one devastating condition: drop Conor.
As fame comes knocking and the ghosts of their pasts grow louder, Stephanie and Conor will have to decide—fight for the music that brought them together, or let the industry tear them apart forever.
Sometimes, having the perfect song doesn’t always mean perfect harmony.
*This standalone book features some characters from book 1, Before He Was Famous, and book 2, Before He Was Gone, but can be read without reading either. It contains graphic language, sex and mature situations.
From the bestselling HarperCollins and Harlequin author. "A tantalizing tale of love, secrets and betrayal in the world of music.”
Waiting tables in Nashville was never part of Stephanie’s plan. Once a rising reality TV star and promising singer-songwriter, she’s now stuck—haunted by past mistakes and paralyzed by writer’s block.
Until she hears him.
Conor Judge isn’t looking to be discovered. The brooding pianist with a voice like whiskey and sin is content playing in smoky bars, keeping his demons at bay. But when Stephanie walks into his life, music isn’t the only thing that starts to come alive.
Just as their connection deepens, rising country star Travis Flynn makes Stephanie an offer she can’t ignore—and a record label determined to make her a star has one devastating condition: drop Conor.
As fame comes knocking and the ghosts of their pasts grow louder, Stephanie and Conor will have to decide—fight for the music that brought them together, or let the industry tear them apart forever.
Sometimes, having the perfect song doesn’t always mean perfect harmony.
*This standalone book features some characters from book 1, Before He Was Famous, and book 2, Before He Was Gone, but can be read without reading either. It contains graphic language, sex and mature situations.
Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
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About the author
Becky Wicks
162 books281 followersHello lovelies! I'm an ex travel writer, a Harlequin author and a self-published romance writer, currently scribbling NEW spicy stuff from Amsterdam.
I love connecting with readers and fellow writers. If you ever wanna say hi, I'm at beckywicks@me.com or on the socials!
Web: beckywicksauthor.com
Facebook: beckywicksauthor
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Thanks for reading!
Becky x
I love connecting with readers and fellow writers. If you ever wanna say hi, I'm at beckywicks@me.com or on the socials!
Web: beckywicksauthor.com
Facebook: beckywicksauthor
Instagram: beckywicks
TikTok: authorbeckywicks
Thanks for reading!
Becky x
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February 27, 2015I close my eyes for a moment, trying to control my heart palpitations as the memories of that day crash over me like a tsunami. ‘I just prefer the guitar,’ I stutter. Breathe. Breathe. It’s just a stupid instrument.
‘Ah, but the piano is a different species,’ he carries on, almost in my ear. ‘You know, someone told me once that the white keys represent happiness, all the good stuff. The laughter, right?’ Conor runs his fingers quickly up and down the white keys, stops abruptly, looks to me. ‘And the black keys? They represent the sad times, the sorrow, the pain.’ He does the same on the black keys now, slowly, a different melancholy sound that makes me shudder involuntarily. ‘But you can’t forget,’ he says, bumping my shoulder gently, ‘they all mix up together to tell your story. You’re a little bit of everything at the end of the day. You’re a song.’
‘I’m a song,’ I repeat as he jumbles a tune under his hands.
‘Yes. You need to play me your story.’
I stand up again. This is all ridiculous. I’m ridiculous. ‘I don’t want to play my story on that, or anything,’ I tell him, reaching for my purse.
He stands up after me, grabs for it. ‘Because it’s harder to write a sad song about something real sometimes, than it is to write a happy one about nothing, I know,’ he says as I wrestle with him to keep my purse on my shoulder.
‘No you don’t know,’ I say. He’s blocking my path, stopping me from walking out the door again. I flop against the wall, focus down at my feet. ‘I’m not like you Conor, I don’t have all that… history. Not the good kind, anyway.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You can write songs about anything you want. Love, for example.’
‘Stephanie…’
‘I’ve never been in love, Conor. Not like you and Grace, anyway.’
His face is inches from mine and I catch the darkness flicker in his brown eyes at my words. ‘That’s my past, Stephanie. Who’ve you been talking to?’
‘Ah, but the piano is a different species,’ he carries on, almost in my ear. ‘You know, someone told me once that the white keys represent happiness, all the good stuff. The laughter, right?’ Conor runs his fingers quickly up and down the white keys, stops abruptly, looks to me. ‘And the black keys? They represent the sad times, the sorrow, the pain.’ He does the same on the black keys now, slowly, a different melancholy sound that makes me shudder involuntarily. ‘But you can’t forget,’ he says, bumping my shoulder gently, ‘they all mix up together to tell your story. You’re a little bit of everything at the end of the day. You’re a song.’
‘I’m a song,’ I repeat as he jumbles a tune under his hands.
‘Yes. You need to play me your story.’
I stand up again. This is all ridiculous. I’m ridiculous. ‘I don’t want to play my story on that, or anything,’ I tell him, reaching for my purse.
He stands up after me, grabs for it. ‘Because it’s harder to write a sad song about something real sometimes, than it is to write a happy one about nothing, I know,’ he says as I wrestle with him to keep my purse on my shoulder.
‘No you don’t know,’ I say. He’s blocking my path, stopping me from walking out the door again. I flop against the wall, focus down at my feet. ‘I’m not like you Conor, I don’t have all that… history. Not the good kind, anyway.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You can write songs about anything you want. Love, for example.’
‘Stephanie…’
‘I’ve never been in love, Conor. Not like you and Grace, anyway.’
His face is inches from mine and I catch the darkness flicker in his brown eyes at my words. ‘That’s my past, Stephanie. Who’ve you been talking to?’
February 23, 2015
Review originally posted at A Life Bound by Books.
4.5 stars.
After we met Stephanie Jackson in Before He Was Gone (Starstruck #2); she moved to Nashville to see if she can make it in the music industry and hopefully be able to make some money to send home to her Aunt and brothers.
Conor Judge has lived in Nashville all of his life. He works at his family’s music shop, writes songs and plays at local open mike nights.
When the two meet they become instant friends through their mutual love of music. What follows could make them chart toppers or a complete flop depending on the input of other people who may or may not upset their happy balance.
This is a great story of friendship and young love.
Both characters have history. Stephanie’s back story is one of sadness after a tragic accident which caused the death of her parents. Conor’s is one which I wasn’t expecting. He was raised by very religious parents, and his life has been controlled by this. Religion is one subject that a lot of author’s stay away from for fear of offending people. Wicks, covers the subject of religious communities briefly and well in my opinion. I felt sorry for Conor because he has always tried to please his father and do the right thing, but sometimes this has been at the expense of doing what he really wants to. Even his relationship with Stephanie must be kept a secret.
I love the characters in this book; even the background characters- Tal, Lou, E-beth, Indie Pete. We also see the return of Noah and Chloe from Before He Was Famous and also Denzel the demon manager- this guy makes my blood boil, but serious thanks to Becky Wicks for creating someone I can hate so much!
Also thrown into the mix in Before He Was a Secret is Travis Flynn; the Winner of the Nashville Songwriter of the Year competition, drunk and general playboy. This guy is bound to cause trouble, although at times his intentions do seem genuine. You’ll have to read the book to see whether he really is a bad guy.
The book is written in dual P.O.V. and this is really easy to follow. It’s nice to get an insight into what both characters are thinking.
Although Before He Was a Secret is part of the Starstruck series, it can be read as a standalone.
4.5 stars.
After we met Stephanie Jackson in Before He Was Gone (Starstruck #2); she moved to Nashville to see if she can make it in the music industry and hopefully be able to make some money to send home to her Aunt and brothers.
Conor Judge has lived in Nashville all of his life. He works at his family’s music shop, writes songs and plays at local open mike nights.
When the two meet they become instant friends through their mutual love of music. What follows could make them chart toppers or a complete flop depending on the input of other people who may or may not upset their happy balance.
This is a great story of friendship and young love.
Both characters have history. Stephanie’s back story is one of sadness after a tragic accident which caused the death of her parents. Conor’s is one which I wasn’t expecting. He was raised by very religious parents, and his life has been controlled by this. Religion is one subject that a lot of author’s stay away from for fear of offending people. Wicks, covers the subject of religious communities briefly and well in my opinion. I felt sorry for Conor because he has always tried to please his father and do the right thing, but sometimes this has been at the expense of doing what he really wants to. Even his relationship with Stephanie must be kept a secret.
I love the characters in this book; even the background characters- Tal, Lou, E-beth, Indie Pete. We also see the return of Noah and Chloe from Before He Was Famous and also Denzel the demon manager- this guy makes my blood boil, but serious thanks to Becky Wicks for creating someone I can hate so much!
Also thrown into the mix in Before He Was a Secret is Travis Flynn; the Winner of the Nashville Songwriter of the Year competition, drunk and general playboy. This guy is bound to cause trouble, although at times his intentions do seem genuine. You’ll have to read the book to see whether he really is a bad guy.
The book is written in dual P.O.V. and this is really easy to follow. It’s nice to get an insight into what both characters are thinking.
Although Before He Was a Secret is part of the Starstruck series, it can be read as a standalone.
January 28, 2015
I was lucky to get hold of an advance reading copy of 'Before He Was a Secret', the latest in the Starstruck series by author Becky Wicks. As with all of Becky's books, I wolfed it down in more or less one sitting - I defy anyone to take more than 24 hours to read any of the Starstruck books!
This is a standalone book, but for those of you who have read the previous stories there is a welcome return of some of the previous characters (Noah and Chloe) and the main character Stephanie hails from the second book in the series. In a slight departure from reality TV, but still very much in the sometimes crazy world of fame and stardom and wannabe's, this story is set against a backdrop of Nashville, and Stephanie's quest to make money from her music in order to help out her struggling family. At the heart of the book is a romance (of course!) and the will they/won't they theme which has very much formed part of the Starstruck series thus far. But for me this book went a little bit deeper, with strands running through of complex family lives, religion, former loves, and jealousy and competition in the cut-throat world of the music business. I loved the Nashville setting and the world of struggling musicians and writers, which felt very real. Altogether a bit 'meatier' than the former Starstruck titles, but I enjoyed it as much for being that. So Becky Wicks strikes again! Another book to add to your rainy day/summer beach reading list. "If it doesn't break our hearts it isn't love."
This is a standalone book, but for those of you who have read the previous stories there is a welcome return of some of the previous characters (Noah and Chloe) and the main character Stephanie hails from the second book in the series. In a slight departure from reality TV, but still very much in the sometimes crazy world of fame and stardom and wannabe's, this story is set against a backdrop of Nashville, and Stephanie's quest to make money from her music in order to help out her struggling family. At the heart of the book is a romance (of course!) and the will they/won't they theme which has very much formed part of the Starstruck series thus far. But for me this book went a little bit deeper, with strands running through of complex family lives, religion, former loves, and jealousy and competition in the cut-throat world of the music business. I loved the Nashville setting and the world of struggling musicians and writers, which felt very real. Altogether a bit 'meatier' than the former Starstruck titles, but I enjoyed it as much for being that. So Becky Wicks strikes again! Another book to add to your rainy day/summer beach reading list. "If it doesn't break our hearts it isn't love."
November 8, 2015
I received this book for an honest review
This is book#3 in the series and can be read as a stand alone but there are mention of other characters from the first book which just makes me want to read the first two.
Stephanie Jackson has a past that she wants to go away and another part of her past that she can't heal from.
Connor Judge has a father and community that he has tried to please all of his life and just can't do it.
Stephanie moves to Nashville in hopes of starting a career and help provide for her family.
Connor is working in his dad's store.
Stephanie and Connor first meet at a bar during an open mic night.
They meet again by chance when Stephanie was being harassed.
They start writing and singing music together.
They became friends but then something happens.
They just don't fall in love with each other but they heal each other and give each other the strength to face and hopefully conquer their past.
This is such a great story about friendship, love, standing on your own, and believing in yourself.
Reviewed by Jaime for Mommy's Naughty Playground
This is book#3 in the series and can be read as a stand alone but there are mention of other characters from the first book which just makes me want to read the first two.
Stephanie Jackson has a past that she wants to go away and another part of her past that she can't heal from.
Connor Judge has a father and community that he has tried to please all of his life and just can't do it.
Stephanie moves to Nashville in hopes of starting a career and help provide for her family.
Connor is working in his dad's store.
Stephanie and Connor first meet at a bar during an open mic night.
They meet again by chance when Stephanie was being harassed.
They start writing and singing music together.
They became friends but then something happens.
They just don't fall in love with each other but they heal each other and give each other the strength to face and hopefully conquer their past.
This is such a great story about friendship, love, standing on your own, and believing in yourself.
Reviewed by Jaime for Mommy's Naughty Playground
March 4, 2015
*ARR (Advance Reader Review) - copy provided as a gift in exchange for an honest review...
This is a sweet story of friendship and love.
After her show on the island people had an impression of Stephanie....was it accurate or were they only seeing what the cameras wanted them to see...
Connor has dreams of his own but whether or not he gets to live his dreams or his father's remains to be seen...
A great story,mixing the past with the present but never once confusing. Seeing what this book was about I didn't expect Connor's history to be what it was.
Sweet light reads that you will enjoy!
Check out my coplete review as part of a blog tour March 9th: http://wp.me/p54hW9-19l
This is a sweet story of friendship and love.
After her show on the island people had an impression of Stephanie....was it accurate or were they only seeing what the cameras wanted them to see...
Connor has dreams of his own but whether or not he gets to live his dreams or his father's remains to be seen...
A great story,mixing the past with the present but never once confusing. Seeing what this book was about I didn't expect Connor's history to be what it was.
Sweet light reads that you will enjoy!
Check out my coplete review as part of a blog tour March 9th: http://wp.me/p54hW9-19l
February 25, 2015
Before He Was A Secret, Starstruck 3, Becky Wicks
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I love Becky’s writing style and the Starstruck series. Its great to have books like these where each is a stand alone, complete, no cliff-hangers!! Yet they are connected, so we meet characters from earlier books in the new ones. In this one we see Noah and Chloe from book one again, and there are phone calls with Alyssa from book two.
I had forgotten Stephanie was one of the competitors in the last book, and had to sneak back to it to recall her backstory. It’s covered in this book, but a bit later in and I wanted to know now! I’m always impatient – in fact sometimes I skip to end of book just to see what’s going to happen. It doesn’t spoil it for me, I still get upset, happy, angry at whatever happens. I re read favourite books so knowing the story or the end is fine for me.
Anyway here she is in Nashville, waiting tables while trying to find her way into the music world. Her and hundreds of others....When she meets Connor and hears him singing his own songs she’s inspired, but its not til after an unexpected encounter and they go to a jamming session with other song/music writers that they discover how well they write together. Thus starts a great partnership. They’re both holding back though, keeping secrets about their pasts and motives. Connor's keeping quiet about his split from long time girlfriend Grace, and though she’s on holiday everyone- including his very religious family and church group – still think they are together. Why doesn’t he say anything? Then there’s Stephanie, and she’s got her own past demons that affect her music. Secrets – they always get spilled sooner or later. Throw in Travis, a genial songwriter who’s hit a block and wants Stephanie to write with him, and the music company that want them as a duo – on and off stage – and the shiny new love Connor and Stephanie have is getting a trial by fire.
I love Connor and Stephanie. I got cross with him for not saying anything about Grace, and wanted to know what was going on – he didn’t seem like the sort to deceive lightly, and it was clear he wanted Stephanie but was holding back. Then Stephanie, she’s been working so hard to support her brothers, and still suffers from feelings of guilt about their parents deaths. I so wanted her and Connor to make it, but was worried Travis might want Stephanie for more than song writing and singing....he needed someone to keep him at the top, as since winning a best songwriter competition he’s done nothing, and the rumours about how he won it are getting stronger.
Its a great story, I loved seeing how the earlier characters have progressed and it made for a fun read. What I missed though was the sadness, the part where it all trips up. There was a glimpse of disaster but it never quite got to that point where I wondered if it would all fall apart, if all would come right after everything that had passed. There’s so much in the story though that this is really a minor glitch, and though I always love the sad parts, the drama that comes with them and the happiness when all works out, it almost made it to five stars without it.
Its a great read, full of people that feel genuine, and I absorbed that small town music atmosphere that Nashville ought to feel. It made for a well connected story, where what happened felt very realistic, and I could imagine it and feel myself there with the characters.
Stars: Four and a half. I just needed a little more of the sadness to balance all the good parts, the happiness for a five. That’s me though – I’m drawn to melancholy...so long as there’s a happy ending after it.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers.
March 12, 2015
4.50 stars
I love it when a book takes me by surprise and makes my heart all melty-like. This is one of them.
We met Stephanie on Before He Was Gone , where she was a participant in alongside Alyssa. Since then she's moved to Nashville to follow her dream and earn more money to send back home. But soon life gets in her way and she finds she's working less on her music and more in trying to make ends meet. Thankfully, her new roommate takes her out for a night where she'll end up meeting the man who will become her world.
Conor has always tried to please everyone, especially his dad. He works in his father's shop during the day and pursues he dream during the night. It is during one of his performances at open mic night that they meet. Instantly drawn to each other--her by his music, him by her beauty--soon they find themselves making more than music together.
I loved this story. I especially liked the mix of elements the author brought to the page. There was humor, emotions and music. Yep, the music definitely was a plus. I loved the lyrics and the moments they spent song writing. The whole process served to show how right Conor and Stephanie were to each other and how deeply their connection had become. I also loved the performances. Those scenes were described vividly and made me yearn to visit Nashville to soak it all up.
The romance was great too. From the beginning I could feel the attraction between the two but was glad to see that what they shared was more than just the physical. Through flirty banter, honest interactions and tender moments between Conor and Stephanie the author made sure to strengthen and develop that initial connection that flared between them. Their chemistry was palpable and an ever-present thing which only added to the anticipation of these two finally getting together. *sigh* It was worth the wait. Sweet, fun and pretty damn hot!
Although this is the third book in the Starstruck series it can be read as a stand alone. Noah and Chloe from Before He Was Famous made an appearance as well as Noah's manager Denzel. That man has no scruples...I just wanted to throttle him. Anyway, he plays an intricate part in the story along with Travis Flynn. Winner of Nashville Songwriter of the Year competition, a drunk and womanizer Travis is another person I wanted to smack upside the head!
All in all, a sweet romantic read with interesting characters, a bit of emotions and music--lots of lovely music!
*I received these titles in exchange of my honest opinion.
I love it when a book takes me by surprise and makes my heart all melty-like. This is one of them.
We met Stephanie on Before He Was Gone , where she was a participant in alongside Alyssa. Since then she's moved to Nashville to follow her dream and earn more money to send back home. But soon life gets in her way and she finds she's working less on her music and more in trying to make ends meet. Thankfully, her new roommate takes her out for a night where she'll end up meeting the man who will become her world.
Conor has always tried to please everyone, especially his dad. He works in his father's shop during the day and pursues he dream during the night. It is during one of his performances at open mic night that they meet. Instantly drawn to each other--her by his music, him by her beauty--soon they find themselves making more than music together.
I loved this story. I especially liked the mix of elements the author brought to the page. There was humor, emotions and music. Yep, the music definitely was a plus. I loved the lyrics and the moments they spent song writing. The whole process served to show how right Conor and Stephanie were to each other and how deeply their connection had become. I also loved the performances. Those scenes were described vividly and made me yearn to visit Nashville to soak it all up.
The romance was great too. From the beginning I could feel the attraction between the two but was glad to see that what they shared was more than just the physical. Through flirty banter, honest interactions and tender moments between Conor and Stephanie the author made sure to strengthen and develop that initial connection that flared between them. Their chemistry was palpable and an ever-present thing which only added to the anticipation of these two finally getting together. *sigh* It was worth the wait. Sweet, fun and pretty damn hot!
Although this is the third book in the Starstruck series it can be read as a stand alone. Noah and Chloe from Before He Was Famous made an appearance as well as Noah's manager Denzel. That man has no scruples...I just wanted to throttle him. Anyway, he plays an intricate part in the story along with Travis Flynn. Winner of Nashville Songwriter of the Year competition, a drunk and womanizer Travis is another person I wanted to smack upside the head!
All in all, a sweet romantic read with interesting characters, a bit of emotions and music--lots of lovely music!
*I received these titles in exchange of my honest opinion.
March 4, 2015
ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review
Edit review
Before he Was a secret is the 3rd book in the series Starstruck Becky Wicks. Having loved the first 2 books, when I saw that it was available on NetGalley I did not hesitate for a minute. and I am happy I did it. I again loved this book. It's fresh, well written and you really have a good time reading it. I read it in one sitting.
You certainly can read this book without having read the previous. But it's always nice to know the story of characters who are part of the book.
This is the story of Connor, a young musician, helping his father in his music store and Stephanie, a young artist who came to try his luck in Nashville to help his brothers and his aunt financially.
Connor is under the thumb of her father, who is part of a religious community. He can't live his own life wihout consequences.
Stephanie lost his parents in an accident and with his brothers, they went to live with their aunt but life is not easy for them especially financially.
By reading this book you couldn't help but like the characters. They're endearing and sweet.
Stephanie is struggling to cope with some of her choices when Connor wants to finally live his life, but he knows that this will have consequences ...
Between Connor and Stephanie, the attraction is immediate ... But all is not so simple ... Ex, jealousy, religion, fame ... Life :))
Becky you did it again !! U rocks !!
My fav quote "Only two things on this earth-have the power to transportation you, mind and soul to another world, I think to myself Suddenly. Music and love." - Connor
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
Edit review
Before he Was a secret is the 3rd book in the series Starstruck Becky Wicks. Having loved the first 2 books, when I saw that it was available on NetGalley I did not hesitate for a minute. and I am happy I did it. I again loved this book. It's fresh, well written and you really have a good time reading it. I read it in one sitting.
You certainly can read this book without having read the previous. But it's always nice to know the story of characters who are part of the book.
This is the story of Connor, a young musician, helping his father in his music store and Stephanie, a young artist who came to try his luck in Nashville to help his brothers and his aunt financially.
Connor is under the thumb of her father, who is part of a religious community. He can't live his own life wihout consequences.
Stephanie lost his parents in an accident and with his brothers, they went to live with their aunt but life is not easy for them especially financially.
By reading this book you couldn't help but like the characters. They're endearing and sweet.
Stephanie is struggling to cope with some of her choices when Connor wants to finally live his life, but he knows that this will have consequences ...
Between Connor and Stephanie, the attraction is immediate ... But all is not so simple ... Ex, jealousy, religion, fame ... Life :))
Becky you did it again !! U rocks !!
My fav quote "Only two things on this earth-have the power to transportation you, mind and soul to another world, I think to myself Suddenly. Music and love." - Connor
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
March 8, 2015
After the death of her parents and a stint on a reality TV show, Stephanie has arrived in Nashville to overcome her fears pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter to the stars. But a serious case of writers block has her waiting tables at a local rib joint instead of writing songs.
When she goes out with her roommate to a club, she meets Conor and can't believe his songwriting abilities. He writes with such emotion and Stephanie wishes she could tap into that kind of inspiration.
But Conor has deep troubles that he has been dealing with too and meeting Stephanie sets something free inside him. He knows he has to work with her as soon as possible. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow emotional and when both put all their cards on the table there is no holding back.
Having read the first book in this series, I was excited to jump into this one. It is a stand alone do you don't have to have read the other two books for this one to be enjoyable. Stephanie and Conor are both realistic well written characters with real world problems trying to make it in the world of show business. They face real challenges and deal with this challenges in real ways. The plot was pretty predictable but not so much so that I didn't enjoy the story. It was great to see these two help each other overcome their problems and become whole again. As with the other books in the series, there is also an entertaining cast of supporting characters.
My thoughts:
POV Switches between Stephanie and Conor
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (A little slow to start but it didn't take long to hook me.)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (chemistry between these two is pretty much instantaneous but it takes most of the book for them to get together. There is sex but it isn't graphic...fits well with the tone of the story.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (Both characters have a lot of emotional baggage)
Cliffhanger?: Nope, this couples story is wrapped up by the end
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend this series to anyone looking for a good love story.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When she goes out with her roommate to a club, she meets Conor and can't believe his songwriting abilities. He writes with such emotion and Stephanie wishes she could tap into that kind of inspiration.
But Conor has deep troubles that he has been dealing with too and meeting Stephanie sets something free inside him. He knows he has to work with her as soon as possible. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow emotional and when both put all their cards on the table there is no holding back.
Having read the first book in this series, I was excited to jump into this one. It is a stand alone do you don't have to have read the other two books for this one to be enjoyable. Stephanie and Conor are both realistic well written characters with real world problems trying to make it in the world of show business. They face real challenges and deal with this challenges in real ways. The plot was pretty predictable but not so much so that I didn't enjoy the story. It was great to see these two help each other overcome their problems and become whole again. As with the other books in the series, there is also an entertaining cast of supporting characters.
My thoughts:
POV Switches between Stephanie and Conor
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (A little slow to start but it didn't take long to hook me.)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (chemistry between these two is pretty much instantaneous but it takes most of the book for them to get together. There is sex but it isn't graphic...fits well with the tone of the story.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (Both characters have a lot of emotional baggage)
Cliffhanger?: Nope, this couples story is wrapped up by the end
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend this series to anyone looking for a good love story.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2015
4 I love this series stars!!
This book was given by the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Let me just start out by saying I love Becky Wicks and I absolutely love this series of stand alones.
Before he was a secret is about Stephanie, a character we got to meet in Before He Was Gone. Stephanie has finally made it to Nashville to pursue her dream. A dream her brothers are pushing her to, and a dream she needs to fulfill in the worst way for financial reasons. Everything is riding on Stephanie making it. However, since being in Nashville she has done little more than work at the diner and just survive. She is buried under the weight of her responsibilities and insecurities.
Conner is running his dad's instrument shop Fret. He is a song writer and has dreams of making it, but knows that Fret is his reality. Besides, all of his songs are about heart break. He is under his dad's thumb and religious beliefs and unable to make a break. He is tired of the cycle of on again/off again angst he has with his long time girlfriend and really needs a change. He is burdened from missing his brother, a brother he hasn't seen in years and is even unsure if he is still alive.
Conner and Stephanie have a chance meeting one night at an open mic that Conner plays at. They connect through music in an almost magical way. Stephanie eventually tracks Conner down where they begin a friendship based on music. They begin to write together, and not just boring stuff, but truly amazing music.
As Stephanie and Conner's music career takes off, so does their attraction and feelings for each other. However, being in a relationship is not so easy when they are both buried under mounds of baggage. In order for them to be together Stephanie has to trust, and Conner has to sever ties to his family.
They both face an uphill battle with lots of curves and obstacles thrown in. However, there are some loves that are written in the stars!!
This book was given by the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Let me just start out by saying I love Becky Wicks and I absolutely love this series of stand alones.
Before he was a secret is about Stephanie, a character we got to meet in Before He Was Gone. Stephanie has finally made it to Nashville to pursue her dream. A dream her brothers are pushing her to, and a dream she needs to fulfill in the worst way for financial reasons. Everything is riding on Stephanie making it. However, since being in Nashville she has done little more than work at the diner and just survive. She is buried under the weight of her responsibilities and insecurities.
Conner is running his dad's instrument shop Fret. He is a song writer and has dreams of making it, but knows that Fret is his reality. Besides, all of his songs are about heart break. He is under his dad's thumb and religious beliefs and unable to make a break. He is tired of the cycle of on again/off again angst he has with his long time girlfriend and really needs a change. He is burdened from missing his brother, a brother he hasn't seen in years and is even unsure if he is still alive.
Conner and Stephanie have a chance meeting one night at an open mic that Conner plays at. They connect through music in an almost magical way. Stephanie eventually tracks Conner down where they begin a friendship based on music. They begin to write together, and not just boring stuff, but truly amazing music.
As Stephanie and Conner's music career takes off, so does their attraction and feelings for each other. However, being in a relationship is not so easy when they are both buried under mounds of baggage. In order for them to be together Stephanie has to trust, and Conner has to sever ties to his family.
They both face an uphill battle with lots of curves and obstacles thrown in. However, there are some loves that are written in the stars!!
March 8, 2015
Before He Was A Secret was a tantalizing tale of love found through the love of music, but also both trying to let go of their pasts and make something of their futures. I would give this book a 4 star and would definitely recommend to others. This is third book in the Starstruck series but can be read as a standalone. The other books in this series are Before He was Famous and Before He was Gone both of these books were really good as well. This book is Stephanie and Conor's book who were friends first but fought off there chemistry that was brewing as long as they could until it exploded into something amazing.
Stephanie is moved to Nashville to try and make something out of her music career, she is semi famous because of a reality T.V. show she was apart of and she found that it was the biggest mistake of her life. Now she is trying to pick up the pieces and help her family so they don't loose there house. When she meets Conor she will find they work well together as artists but can they work together as a couple? One problem Conor has a long time girlfriend but secretly he is pining away for Stephanie. When he makes a decision to end this with his girlfriend it will be eye opening for him, but his family is holding him back from telling everyone that it ended.
Will these 2 get together finally get together? Or will it just be there love of music that they will share? With twists and fate coming into play they will struggle with what is right and wrong but in the end it will all come down to one song.
Go pick up this series you will not be disappointed! I will be following Becky Wicks for a long time to come!
Stephanie is moved to Nashville to try and make something out of her music career, she is semi famous because of a reality T.V. show she was apart of and she found that it was the biggest mistake of her life. Now she is trying to pick up the pieces and help her family so they don't loose there house. When she meets Conor she will find they work well together as artists but can they work together as a couple? One problem Conor has a long time girlfriend but secretly he is pining away for Stephanie. When he makes a decision to end this with his girlfriend it will be eye opening for him, but his family is holding him back from telling everyone that it ended.
Will these 2 get together finally get together? Or will it just be there love of music that they will share? With twists and fate coming into play they will struggle with what is right and wrong but in the end it will all come down to one song.
Go pick up this series you will not be disappointed! I will be following Becky Wicks for a long time to come!
March 2, 2015
This is the third book in the Starstruck series by Becky Wicks and I liked it just as much as the first two.
Becky has a way with writing that draws you in and makes you feel like you know her characters. I also like that her characters are ordinary beleivable characters.
This is Stephanie and Conors story. Both of them are musicians and song writers who find each other and are instantly drawn to each other but both have pasts that make them scared to trust and fall in love again. As they get to know each other through song writing they realize how they have not only fallen for each other that they are also helping each other heal from their pasts.
This is a story of forgiveness on so many levels and one that will leave you saying wow true love can really win. I also love how Becky brought Noah and Chloe from the first book into this book. She did a great job of reminding us that they had a great love story of their own.
If you want a good book to read that isn't twisted or full of crazy plot twists then this is the book for you. Sometimes we just want to read about normal everyday people who live normal lives. And Becky Wicks delivers that with each book in The Starstruck series.
Becky has a way with writing that draws you in and makes you feel like you know her characters. I also like that her characters are ordinary beleivable characters.
This is Stephanie and Conors story. Both of them are musicians and song writers who find each other and are instantly drawn to each other but both have pasts that make them scared to trust and fall in love again. As they get to know each other through song writing they realize how they have not only fallen for each other that they are also helping each other heal from their pasts.
This is a story of forgiveness on so many levels and one that will leave you saying wow true love can really win. I also love how Becky brought Noah and Chloe from the first book into this book. She did a great job of reminding us that they had a great love story of their own.
If you want a good book to read that isn't twisted or full of crazy plot twists then this is the book for you. Sometimes we just want to read about normal everyday people who live normal lives. And Becky Wicks delivers that with each book in The Starstruck series.
March 5, 2015
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Although this book is part of a series, it can most certainly be read as a stand-a-lone book in which you miss nothing if you have not read the previous two books. Although to me you have to read them, just because of how good they are :)
Again I have to say that the pages literally flew through my fingers as I devoured the story.
Stephanie we met in book two, but now she has moved to Nashville in order to help her family out and to chase a career writing music which is her dream. She meets lots of nice people, along with Connor.
Connor has just split up with his long term girlfriend and regularly sings the songs he writes, which is where they first set eyes on each other.
Thrown together they find their mutual love for music brings them together along with the attraction that brings them closer and closer together. Both have family troubles along with good friends and you can't help but want this pair to get together and have a HEA.
Would have loved to have an epilogue in which we get to see further down the line, but I am hoping that we get to see a little more of them in the next book in the series.
Although this book is part of a series, it can most certainly be read as a stand-a-lone book in which you miss nothing if you have not read the previous two books. Although to me you have to read them, just because of how good they are :)
Again I have to say that the pages literally flew through my fingers as I devoured the story.
Stephanie we met in book two, but now she has moved to Nashville in order to help her family out and to chase a career writing music which is her dream. She meets lots of nice people, along with Connor.
Connor has just split up with his long term girlfriend and regularly sings the songs he writes, which is where they first set eyes on each other.
Thrown together they find their mutual love for music brings them together along with the attraction that brings them closer and closer together. Both have family troubles along with good friends and you can't help but want this pair to get together and have a HEA.
Would have loved to have an epilogue in which we get to see further down the line, but I am hoping that we get to see a little more of them in the next book in the series.
March 9, 2015
This is the third book in the Starstruck series and I think it is my favorite so far. Stephanie Jackson is in Nashville to get her songs recorded by the stars. While waiting to get "noticed" she is working at the Nice Rack, the place with the best ribs. She meets Travis, the winner of last year's songwriter of the year competition. With Travis wanting her to write with him, she becomes friends with Connor Judge, a fellow songwriter who wants his shot too. They began writing together and words aren't the only thing that has sparks flying between them. When they both get noticed, things get a little hairy. Can Stephanie and Connor survive life in Nashville? What will Travis end up doing to get Stephanie to write with him? I am loving this series and can't wait for more.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
April 3, 2015
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Before He was a Secret is the third book in the Starstruck series by Becky Wicks. Remember Stephanie from Before He was Gone? Well, this is her story. She's in Nashville trying to make it in the music industry when she meets Conor. They make great song writing partners, and the lyrics just flow from them when they are together. We get to see a little bit of Noah and Chloe from the first book, and we even get to hear from Alyssa, but this book stands alone quite well. With that being said, I'd definitely recommend reading the previous two books anyway.
Before He Was A Secret by Becky Wicks was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
March 2, 2015
Having read both of the previous books in the Starstruck series I couldn't wait to read Before He Was a Secret. Becky Wicks does a great job of writing sexy, sassy and fun books with believable, genuine characters. I loved the setting of Nashville, I've never been but really felt like I knew it.
I also particularly enjoyed the lyrics of the songs that Stephanie and Conor performed, which totally enhanced the emotions of the characters for me. I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books and would definitely recommend them as well written, young adult fiction with depth.
I also particularly enjoyed the lyrics of the songs that Stephanie and Conor performed, which totally enhanced the emotions of the characters for me. I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books and would definitely recommend them as well written, young adult fiction with depth.
March 4, 2015
I love how this author makes me giggle!
I love how she describes the music world!
I love her love stories! This one may be my favourite of the series. :)
This is an entertaining read for everyone who want to relax and enjoy young love, show biz and interesting family's backstory.
ps. my compliments for touching the religious plot in a very discreet way. :)
ARC Provided by NetGalley
I love how she describes the music world!
I love her love stories! This one may be my favourite of the series. :)
This is an entertaining read for everyone who want to relax and enjoy young love, show biz and interesting family's backstory.
ps. my compliments for touching the religious plot in a very discreet way. :)
ARC Provided by NetGalley
February 27, 2015
I enjoyed this installment of the Starstruck series, Stephanie and Conor were likable characters.
Stephanie has emotional baggage and Conor has some family issues. Together they discover they have a wonderful chemistry that the reader is lucky enough to experience.
I adore a good friend to lover story and this one is no exception.
Stephanie has emotional baggage and Conor has some family issues. Together they discover they have a wonderful chemistry that the reader is lucky enough to experience.
I adore a good friend to lover story and this one is no exception.
February 28, 2015
The third instalment in the Starstruck Series and possibly the best! This one is set in Nashville and I thought the writer does a great job of capturing the city and its spirit, you can really imagine yourself there. The songs are great too! Conor and Stephanie have amazing chemistry from the start and I wasn’t expecting that twist with Conor’s “baggage.” Couldn’t put it down!
March 13, 2016
This may have been my favorite of the series! It was just heartfelt! I loved the songs!
March 20, 2015
In the new adult fictional book Before He Was A Secret, the author Becky Wicks takes her readers on a journey to the southern town of
Nashville, Tennessee to experience a shot at the big life with a budding
romance on the horizon. Ahhhhh Tennessee where dreams are made and good old fashion kind of love is found! Nashville is the place where musical dreams are made, after all, driving down the highway on route to Nashville any passerby will see at least one musician with guitar in hand! Well the love part we gotta leave that up to Wicks because she sure takes her readers there in this story. This book was focused on
two lyrical writers trying to make some hard earned cash money that eventually expands to life under the lights of the explosive and upbeat Nashville music
scene! Trimmed with all the ups, downs and doubts of friendship to romance after pain in the past, for both main characters. Although
this is the third book in the series, Wicks has made every one of
them stand alone so that it is not necessary to go back and read the
other two to feel good about this one. So, I naturally was happy that
it was a stand alone because I am coming in on the tail coats with
this book. But, fortunately for me, Wicks serves her readers just right by
making it a stand alone.
Wicks keeps her readers intrigued by throwing
in a few twists amongst her very down to earth, believable
characters. She really knows how to keep her readers charged up and
ready for more, yet without the cliff hangers! Not only that, but the more that I read into
this book the more that I realized what a treat it is to have such
down to earth believable characters in a new adult fictional story.
Sometimes and more often than not, writers are making characters to be just so different or odd that the readers are not
able to get a good feel for them. Yet, this book was NOTHING like
that! I could feel the ups and downs of the characters as well as have a steady flow of turning digital pages
trying to find out what was going on next in their lives. I just felt really connected to these characters. To
me being able to connect to the main characters is a super plus in my
book. Down to earth plus fun loving, brand new love, hmmm, this is what
makes a story the perfect recipe!
The main characters were a total blast of pick me up and keep me moving and Wicks definitely deserves FIVE stars
for this book! Her writing style leaves the reader feeling completely accomplished at the end of this awesome book! I
rate this book five stars and recommend to all those that love a good
down to earth romance under the country stars of Nashville,
Tennessee! I loved this one and I am sure you will too! Check it out, you will be plenty happy that you did!
*I was given the book Before He Was A Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and I have not been compensated for them.
October 1, 2018
A copy of this book was provided via NetGalley for a honest review.
3.5 Stars
This is the 3rd book in the Starstruck series by Author Becky Wicks. You do not need to have read the first two book to read this one. There are characters from the other books but the author's writing allows you to still understand the story.
Nashville the place all singers and songwriters of country music go to be discovered. Although most do not find themselves living the dream there are few that actually do.
Meet Stephanie. She has moved to Nashville to find herself and dreams of sings and being a songwriter. She has the voice for it and the talent behind her songwriting ability but can she let go of the past to see the future?
Conor has the sexy husky voice. One night of singing with Stephanie and he knows she has what it takes to be a star. He too has dreams of being a songwriter more so than a singer. But when family obligations seems to weigh him down, will be do what his heart has been telling him or will his father's influence continue to cloud his judgment?
Then there is Travis. He has the look of a superstar and the persona of one along with the voice but can he continue to be something that he is not? Travis has been just coasting by with his musical career but when its time to show the world what he has, can he do it or will be fail in front of everyone?
This was a sweet read about letting go of the past, looking toward the future no matter what it has in store for you and learning to do what is right no matter the cost. And in the end, the truth is always the best choice.
3.5 Stars
This is the 3rd book in the Starstruck series by Author Becky Wicks. You do not need to have read the first two book to read this one. There are characters from the other books but the author's writing allows you to still understand the story.
Nashville the place all singers and songwriters of country music go to be discovered. Although most do not find themselves living the dream there are few that actually do.
Meet Stephanie. She has moved to Nashville to find herself and dreams of sings and being a songwriter. She has the voice for it and the talent behind her songwriting ability but can she let go of the past to see the future?
Conor has the sexy husky voice. One night of singing with Stephanie and he knows she has what it takes to be a star. He too has dreams of being a songwriter more so than a singer. But when family obligations seems to weigh him down, will be do what his heart has been telling him or will his father's influence continue to cloud his judgment?
Then there is Travis. He has the look of a superstar and the persona of one along with the voice but can he continue to be something that he is not? Travis has been just coasting by with his musical career but when its time to show the world what he has, can he do it or will be fail in front of everyone?
This was a sweet read about letting go of the past, looking toward the future no matter what it has in store for you and learning to do what is right no matter the cost. And in the end, the truth is always the best choice.
June 2, 2017
Ok without being great.
August 22, 2020
Great reality show romance!
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Before He Was a Secret is a sweet and sexy NA romance that evokes the Nashville music scene. This book could definitely be read as a standalone, but I picked up the other two books and read them first (because it drives me crazy to read books out of order). My reviews of the other two books will be coming soon, but I’ve enjoyed them all!
This book follows Stephanie (who was last seen in the reality TV show in book #2) as she heads to Nashville to try to hit it big and save her family from financial ruin. She teams up with Conor to write music – inspiration hits and sparks fly!
What I loved:
The lyrics.
One of my favorite things about this book is the lyrics to the songs that Stephanie and Conor write (both separately and together). It’s obvious to me that Wicks has the heart of a musician because her lyrics are beautiful and they meshed so well with the overall story. I only wished that I could have actually heard the actual songs!! (Maybe Someday has totally spoiled me!)
Stephanie and Conor.
It was refreshing to see a couple that was so wholly devoted to each other. When I read the synopsis, I was worried that these two were going to end up in a lot of conflict because of Travis, but the part of the storyline that’s mentioned in the synopsis doesn’t actually even happen until relatively far into the book (I guess this could be a negative – I kept waiting for it and wondering about it!). And the characters don’t at all react the way that I worried they would. There’s no love triangle thrown in – just a small tinge of jealousy that is mostly ignored. And both Stephanie and Conor are willing to sacrifice for each other – neither character responds with selfishness or jealousy, even when the circumstances could have easily made things go that way. Sure there was conflict, but it was almost all due to outside pressures, not due to Stephanie and Conor’s own bad choices. That’s not to say that the characters were perfect people, but it was refreshing to see NA characters responding reasonably and unselfishly for a change!
The Nashville scene.
Again, Wicks seemed to know the Nashville scene really well. I’m no Nashville expert for sure, but it all felt authentic to me – all the way from the casual get-togethers to jam to the gigs that Stephanie and Conor were booking. I felt like I was getting a true glimpse into what it would be like to be a struggling singer/songwriter in Nashville!
The negatives:
Religion.
I sometimes cringe at the way religion is portrayed in fiction, and this was one of those cases. Conor’s father (along with many other characters) is portrayed as a religious fanatic who spouts Bible verses and condemns his sons for their sins, driving them away. Unfortunately, there are no “normal” Christian characters in the book to counteract that. Plus, the overall message seems to be that God couldn’t possibly want people to wait until marriage for sex because that’s just plain crazy (which I think kind of insults people who have made that choice for real reasons). That just didn’t sit well with me. I’m all for everyone making their own decisions and not being pushed into something because of fanatical family members, but I wish it had been done in a more subtle and understanding way – with acknowledgement of the fact that someone could make that choice for themselves and not be seen as a kook. Plus, apparently, there was a whole (seemingly large) church full of people just like Conor’s dad who were all ready to jump in and judge away! I will say, though, that I was happy with how the family relationships did find some healing at the end of the book and the father wasn’t made out to be a complete monster.
Overall, I thought this was a really enjoyable installment in the series. Though I did have some personal issues with how religion was portrayed in the book, I loved Stephanie and Conor’s story enough to overlook it for the most part. I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Before He Was a Secret is a sweet and sexy NA romance that evokes the Nashville music scene. This book could definitely be read as a standalone, but I picked up the other two books and read them first (because it drives me crazy to read books out of order). My reviews of the other two books will be coming soon, but I’ve enjoyed them all!
This book follows Stephanie (who was last seen in the reality TV show in book #2) as she heads to Nashville to try to hit it big and save her family from financial ruin. She teams up with Conor to write music – inspiration hits and sparks fly!
What I loved:
The lyrics.
One of my favorite things about this book is the lyrics to the songs that Stephanie and Conor write (both separately and together). It’s obvious to me that Wicks has the heart of a musician because her lyrics are beautiful and they meshed so well with the overall story. I only wished that I could have actually heard the actual songs!! (Maybe Someday has totally spoiled me!)
Stephanie and Conor.
It was refreshing to see a couple that was so wholly devoted to each other. When I read the synopsis, I was worried that these two were going to end up in a lot of conflict because of Travis, but the part of the storyline that’s mentioned in the synopsis doesn’t actually even happen until relatively far into the book (I guess this could be a negative – I kept waiting for it and wondering about it!). And the characters don’t at all react the way that I worried they would. There’s no love triangle thrown in – just a small tinge of jealousy that is mostly ignored. And both Stephanie and Conor are willing to sacrifice for each other – neither character responds with selfishness or jealousy, even when the circumstances could have easily made things go that way. Sure there was conflict, but it was almost all due to outside pressures, not due to Stephanie and Conor’s own bad choices. That’s not to say that the characters were perfect people, but it was refreshing to see NA characters responding reasonably and unselfishly for a change!
The Nashville scene.
Again, Wicks seemed to know the Nashville scene really well. I’m no Nashville expert for sure, but it all felt authentic to me – all the way from the casual get-togethers to jam to the gigs that Stephanie and Conor were booking. I felt like I was getting a true glimpse into what it would be like to be a struggling singer/songwriter in Nashville!
The negatives:
Religion.
I sometimes cringe at the way religion is portrayed in fiction, and this was one of those cases. Conor’s father (along with many other characters) is portrayed as a religious fanatic who spouts Bible verses and condemns his sons for their sins, driving them away. Unfortunately, there are no “normal” Christian characters in the book to counteract that. Plus, the overall message seems to be that God couldn’t possibly want people to wait until marriage for sex because that’s just plain crazy (which I think kind of insults people who have made that choice for real reasons). That just didn’t sit well with me. I’m all for everyone making their own decisions and not being pushed into something because of fanatical family members, but I wish it had been done in a more subtle and understanding way – with acknowledgement of the fact that someone could make that choice for themselves and not be seen as a kook. Plus, apparently, there was a whole (seemingly large) church full of people just like Conor’s dad who were all ready to jump in and judge away! I will say, though, that I was happy with how the family relationships did find some healing at the end of the book and the father wasn’t made out to be a complete monster.
Overall, I thought this was a really enjoyable installment in the series. Though I did have some personal issues with how religion was portrayed in the book, I loved Stephanie and Conor’s story enough to overlook it for the most part. I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
March 22, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Like many before her Stephanie Jackson has come to Nashville to “make it” as a songwriter and if she can be the “next big thing” as far as performers go…well, she’ll take that too. And like many before her, Stephanie finds herself spending more time waiting tables than making it big. Add to that a mean case of writer’s block and making it just doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards for her. Until Conor Judge sings his way right into her life.
Conor Judge is all about his music. He’s got the voice of smooth silk but it’s his passion for writing that makes him feel complete. Conor has songs for days but he rarely shares them because he uses his music as a release to privately deal with the parts of his life that are too painful to deal with publicly…that is until Stephanie Jackson. While Conor helps Stephanie unlock her writer’s block she inadvertently helps Conor unlock his pain.
Before He Was a Secret is a perfect example of “never judge a book by it’s cover” or its synopsis or its title. This book was so much more than the synopsis I read. It took me a minute to become completely hooked into this story. I was about 40% in before it really took off for me. I think mainly because I was trying to understand how the storyline and the title worked with what I was reading. Finally I made myself stop and just read. What I really liked about this book was it was just two people who were really trying to help each other navigate a very rocky terrain. They were attracted to each other, they fell in love with each other but they were friends. Even though the synopsis gives the impression that there might be a love triangle, there was none. The beauty of that was the whole time I kept wondering if Conor’s ex-girlfriend was going to return or if Travis (another song-writer who kind of has a thing for Stephanie) was going to come between Stephanie and Conor-the fact that Becky Wicks had me worrying about this the whole time was genius. I have no idea if that was intentional or not but I loved the way she did that. This was no “they have to break up to get back to each other” or “one person makes it big and the other struggles with their success” storyline. It was just two people who go through their normal everyday life while trying to navigate their relationship.
Conor and Stephanie are offered a deal as a writing duo and a one point Stephanie is actually offered a deal as performer, as a duo with Travis. But this doesn’t hurt her relationship with Conor because Conor has no desire to perform; his dream is to write. He sees that Stephanie has that “it” thing to make her a star and he encourages her…sigh, that’s true love.
This is not to say there are some pretty deep issues the two needs to deal with. Stephanie’s need to succeed is not simply because she wants to be famous, her family depends on it. She’s still dealing with the loss of her parents and her somewhat fame from a reality TV show. She also has this aversion to pianos that Conor finally helps her through. Once Conor helps her break down the walls she has built up her ability to write soars. And Conor well, he’s got some issues of his own. He’s just coming off of a seven-year relationship with a girl who he loved but was not in love with. A relationship that was fueled by a “community” that is sort of a religious-cult. He’s dealing with being a disappointment to his parents and also the loss of his brother who was ostracized by the “community” and who left home years ago and Conor hasn’t heard from since. He doesn’t even know if his brother is alive.
Before He Was a Secret is the third book in the Starstruck Series (and we all know how I am about reading series books out of order) and although at times I could tell there was a previous story or stories, I was able to understand and connect with Stephanie and/or Conor without having to read them. This was a true stand-alone. While there were no really “defining” moments or quotes that really resonated with me, this was good book. I’m actually considering going back to read the first two books.
Like many before her Stephanie Jackson has come to Nashville to “make it” as a songwriter and if she can be the “next big thing” as far as performers go…well, she’ll take that too. And like many before her, Stephanie finds herself spending more time waiting tables than making it big. Add to that a mean case of writer’s block and making it just doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards for her. Until Conor Judge sings his way right into her life.
Conor Judge is all about his music. He’s got the voice of smooth silk but it’s his passion for writing that makes him feel complete. Conor has songs for days but he rarely shares them because he uses his music as a release to privately deal with the parts of his life that are too painful to deal with publicly…that is until Stephanie Jackson. While Conor helps Stephanie unlock her writer’s block she inadvertently helps Conor unlock his pain.
Before He Was a Secret is a perfect example of “never judge a book by it’s cover” or its synopsis or its title. This book was so much more than the synopsis I read. It took me a minute to become completely hooked into this story. I was about 40% in before it really took off for me. I think mainly because I was trying to understand how the storyline and the title worked with what I was reading. Finally I made myself stop and just read. What I really liked about this book was it was just two people who were really trying to help each other navigate a very rocky terrain. They were attracted to each other, they fell in love with each other but they were friends. Even though the synopsis gives the impression that there might be a love triangle, there was none. The beauty of that was the whole time I kept wondering if Conor’s ex-girlfriend was going to return or if Travis (another song-writer who kind of has a thing for Stephanie) was going to come between Stephanie and Conor-the fact that Becky Wicks had me worrying about this the whole time was genius. I have no idea if that was intentional or not but I loved the way she did that. This was no “they have to break up to get back to each other” or “one person makes it big and the other struggles with their success” storyline. It was just two people who go through their normal everyday life while trying to navigate their relationship.
Conor and Stephanie are offered a deal as a writing duo and a one point Stephanie is actually offered a deal as performer, as a duo with Travis. But this doesn’t hurt her relationship with Conor because Conor has no desire to perform; his dream is to write. He sees that Stephanie has that “it” thing to make her a star and he encourages her…sigh, that’s true love.
This is not to say there are some pretty deep issues the two needs to deal with. Stephanie’s need to succeed is not simply because she wants to be famous, her family depends on it. She’s still dealing with the loss of her parents and her somewhat fame from a reality TV show. She also has this aversion to pianos that Conor finally helps her through. Once Conor helps her break down the walls she has built up her ability to write soars. And Conor well, he’s got some issues of his own. He’s just coming off of a seven-year relationship with a girl who he loved but was not in love with. A relationship that was fueled by a “community” that is sort of a religious-cult. He’s dealing with being a disappointment to his parents and also the loss of his brother who was ostracized by the “community” and who left home years ago and Conor hasn’t heard from since. He doesn’t even know if his brother is alive.
Before He Was a Secret is the third book in the Starstruck Series (and we all know how I am about reading series books out of order) and although at times I could tell there was a previous story or stories, I was able to understand and connect with Stephanie and/or Conor without having to read them. This was a true stand-alone. While there were no really “defining” moments or quotes that really resonated with me, this was good book. I’m actually considering going back to read the first two books.
April 8, 2015
Last summer I read an amazing book, one of those books that stayed with me & that book was Before He Was Famous by Becky Wicks. This was book one in the fantastic Starstruck series & I devoured it in one sitting, immediately starting book two, Before He Was Gone and staying up way too late. Becky Wicks has a very special way of telling a story which is why I am so happy to be part of her blog tour for book three, Before He Was a Secret. You can check out the rest of the tour schedule over on Xpresso Book Tours.
The main characters in book one are Noah Lockton and Chloe Campbell, and they have fast become one of my favourite couples in a book ever. I love how Becky creates relationships and characters that stay with you and have such an impact. She does exactly the same with her two leading characters in Before He Was A Secret, Stephanie Jackson and Conor Judge.
We are first introduced to the character of Stephanie in book 2 when she is one of the contestants on the reality tv show Deserted however Before He Was A Secret has a totally separate storyline and can easily be read as a standalone novel. Steph's life was turned totally upside down by the death of her parents when she was in her teens leaving her responsible for her 2 younger brothers. After being on Deserted and with the financial burden of having to support her brothers, Steph decides to follow her dream of having a music career and moves to Nashville.
A financial burden is not the only burden Steph carries. She blames herself for her parents' accident and has carried the guilt and hurt from that fateful day for a long time. So the last thing she is looking for when she reaches Nashville is a relationship. She just wants to keep her head down, write music, wait tables and make enough money to be able to keep the family home. With that in mind it is just as well that Conor has just come out of a serious relationship and isn't looking for romance either.
Conor Judge, part time musician who works in his family's music store. He's good looking, writes his own songs and at the start of the book he has just split up from his long term girlfriend. Although no one is supposed to know that they've split up as they both come from very religious backgrounds and it has always been expected that they would get married. This secret makes it very difficult when the inevitable attraction between Steph & Conor grows.
There is just so much to love about Before He Was A Secret - the setting, the characters, the writing. The Nashville setting was a big hit for me especially with my recent addiction to the TV show, Nashville & Becky Wicks does a fantastic job of making you feel as though you are right there, soaking up the country atmosphere. The initial friendship between Conor & Steph is so warm and real and you are totally on their side willing it to turn into something more.
Both Steph & Conor are haunted by their ghosts and their family issues but this just makes them fight that little bit harder for what they believe in. I loved that we got to see Noah & Chloe again in this book and how Becky manages to weave the whole Starstruck series together. This was another 5 star read for me which gives Becky Wicks full marks from me for the entire series. Each book is so different yet full of Becky's unique charm and warmth. Character driven storytelling at it's very best.
A word of warning though, Becky writes books that once you start them you just can't put them down and once again I was up way past my bedtime as I raced to finish Before He Was A Secret.
The main characters in book one are Noah Lockton and Chloe Campbell, and they have fast become one of my favourite couples in a book ever. I love how Becky creates relationships and characters that stay with you and have such an impact. She does exactly the same with her two leading characters in Before He Was A Secret, Stephanie Jackson and Conor Judge.
We are first introduced to the character of Stephanie in book 2 when she is one of the contestants on the reality tv show Deserted however Before He Was A Secret has a totally separate storyline and can easily be read as a standalone novel. Steph's life was turned totally upside down by the death of her parents when she was in her teens leaving her responsible for her 2 younger brothers. After being on Deserted and with the financial burden of having to support her brothers, Steph decides to follow her dream of having a music career and moves to Nashville.
A financial burden is not the only burden Steph carries. She blames herself for her parents' accident and has carried the guilt and hurt from that fateful day for a long time. So the last thing she is looking for when she reaches Nashville is a relationship. She just wants to keep her head down, write music, wait tables and make enough money to be able to keep the family home. With that in mind it is just as well that Conor has just come out of a serious relationship and isn't looking for romance either.
Conor Judge, part time musician who works in his family's music store. He's good looking, writes his own songs and at the start of the book he has just split up from his long term girlfriend. Although no one is supposed to know that they've split up as they both come from very religious backgrounds and it has always been expected that they would get married. This secret makes it very difficult when the inevitable attraction between Steph & Conor grows.
There is just so much to love about Before He Was A Secret - the setting, the characters, the writing. The Nashville setting was a big hit for me especially with my recent addiction to the TV show, Nashville & Becky Wicks does a fantastic job of making you feel as though you are right there, soaking up the country atmosphere. The initial friendship between Conor & Steph is so warm and real and you are totally on their side willing it to turn into something more.
Both Steph & Conor are haunted by their ghosts and their family issues but this just makes them fight that little bit harder for what they believe in. I loved that we got to see Noah & Chloe again in this book and how Becky manages to weave the whole Starstruck series together. This was another 5 star read for me which gives Becky Wicks full marks from me for the entire series. Each book is so different yet full of Becky's unique charm and warmth. Character driven storytelling at it's very best.
A word of warning though, Becky writes books that once you start them you just can't put them down and once again I was up way past my bedtime as I raced to finish Before He Was A Secret.
March 10, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review
I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Before He Was Famous, sometime last year. This is technically the third book in the series, and I haven't read the second, but they're all companion novels set in the same world. We do see the protagonists from the previous two novels appear in this one, so of course you get an extra layer of meaning if you've read the previous too, but nothing is lost if you haven't.
I didn't like this book as much as the first one. I didn't connect to the characters quite as much, I thought it was a bit too long, and it sort of lost momentum (for me, anyway), about 60% of the way through. Though I don't think it's as good as the first, I still enjoyed reading it. The novel centres around Stephanie and Conor, and is told in alternating perspectives. Stephanie was on a reality TV show, featured in the second book, and has moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter. Conor has always lived in Nashville, and is the son of the owner of Fret, a popular instrument shop. His father has a lot of expectations for him, and he has just got out of an intense and somewhat damaging long-term relationship. Stephanie's had writers block for a while, but after they meet, they soon become music partners and start writing some really great music together.
Conor and Stephanie both have backstories that had the possibility to be very intense and emotional. However, though I sympathised with the characters, I overall thought that a lot of the issues weren't dealt with strongly or deeply enough for me to have an emotional reaction to them. I felt that a lot of their feelings and reactions were skin deep, and the writing wasn't quite emotive enough to get me to really and truly feel for them, if that makes sense? It's not that the writing was poor, but it just lacked a bit of depth. For example, Stephanie's home life was sort of used to up the stakes a bit, and then pretty much forgotten about and not expanded on afterwards. I also thought that there were some aspects of Conor's past relationship that were glossed over way too smoothly and quickly; we're told these things happen, but we're never shown his reaction to them.
I thought their backstories were well-developed, and the emotional and family drama added an extra layer to the narrative, which would've been a bit bland, otherwise. I did like, however, that the characters got together relatively quickly for this kind of novel, and once they were together, they didn't let the problems they were having tear them apart.
This was a fun, romantic read, and a good instalment in the series.
I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Before He Was Famous, sometime last year. This is technically the third book in the series, and I haven't read the second, but they're all companion novels set in the same world. We do see the protagonists from the previous two novels appear in this one, so of course you get an extra layer of meaning if you've read the previous too, but nothing is lost if you haven't.
I didn't like this book as much as the first one. I didn't connect to the characters quite as much, I thought it was a bit too long, and it sort of lost momentum (for me, anyway), about 60% of the way through. Though I don't think it's as good as the first, I still enjoyed reading it. The novel centres around Stephanie and Conor, and is told in alternating perspectives. Stephanie was on a reality TV show, featured in the second book, and has moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter. Conor has always lived in Nashville, and is the son of the owner of Fret, a popular instrument shop. His father has a lot of expectations for him, and he has just got out of an intense and somewhat damaging long-term relationship. Stephanie's had writers block for a while, but after they meet, they soon become music partners and start writing some really great music together.
Conor and Stephanie both have backstories that had the possibility to be very intense and emotional. However, though I sympathised with the characters, I overall thought that a lot of the issues weren't dealt with strongly or deeply enough for me to have an emotional reaction to them. I felt that a lot of their feelings and reactions were skin deep, and the writing wasn't quite emotive enough to get me to really and truly feel for them, if that makes sense? It's not that the writing was poor, but it just lacked a bit of depth. For example, Stephanie's home life was sort of used to up the stakes a bit, and then pretty much forgotten about and not expanded on afterwards. I also thought that there were some aspects of Conor's past relationship that were glossed over way too smoothly and quickly; we're told these things happen, but we're never shown his reaction to them.
I thought their backstories were well-developed, and the emotional and family drama added an extra layer to the narrative, which would've been a bit bland, otherwise. I did like, however, that the characters got together relatively quickly for this kind of novel, and once they were together, they didn't let the problems they were having tear them apart.
This was a fun, romantic read, and a good instalment in the series.
June 12, 2015
This review and more on So Bookalicious
Stephanie wants to make it as a songwriter in Nashville but that is easier said than done. Many with the same wish come to Nashville every year and only a couple of them succeed. But since she came to Nashville she has not written a word, inspiration seems to lack. Instead she finds herself waiting tables, the same job she had back home. That is until she hears Conor sing at a local bar. After that night he seems to pop everywhere out of nowhere.
Conor his life consists of music. During the day he works at his dad’s music store and in the evening he goes to local bars to perform. His songs are amazing but since they are so close to his heart he is reluctant to share them with the public. But when Conor meets Stephanie his life changes completely. He helps her with her writer’s block while she helps him to deal with his pain.
It took me a while before I was hooked by this book. I liked the first part of the book but I did not feel any connection with the characters. During the second half of Before He Was a Secret I was finally completely sucked into the story. One of the things that I liked the most about this book was that it was about two people who just wanted to help each other in a difficult career choice. They were friends and along the way they fell in love with each other. I really liked seeing Conor and Stephanie together. They were so pure and they brought up the best in each other. Conor understood how important a music career for Stephanie was and even if he did not agree with everything he still supported her. Stephanie knew that Conor his family situation was far from perfect and those they would encounter many problems as a couple. But that did not face her and she handled everything pretty well.
Overall I liked Before He Was a Secret but it just took me too long to get fully hooked by it. This is the third book in the Starstruck Series but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read the other two books in this series myself and I could understand the storyline perfectly. There were some references to the previous two books, especially to the characters of the previous books, but that did not make the book any less readable. I might read the other two books of this series at one point.
Stephanie wants to make it as a songwriter in Nashville but that is easier said than done. Many with the same wish come to Nashville every year and only a couple of them succeed. But since she came to Nashville she has not written a word, inspiration seems to lack. Instead she finds herself waiting tables, the same job she had back home. That is until she hears Conor sing at a local bar. After that night he seems to pop everywhere out of nowhere.
Conor his life consists of music. During the day he works at his dad’s music store and in the evening he goes to local bars to perform. His songs are amazing but since they are so close to his heart he is reluctant to share them with the public. But when Conor meets Stephanie his life changes completely. He helps her with her writer’s block while she helps him to deal with his pain.
It took me a while before I was hooked by this book. I liked the first part of the book but I did not feel any connection with the characters. During the second half of Before He Was a Secret I was finally completely sucked into the story. One of the things that I liked the most about this book was that it was about two people who just wanted to help each other in a difficult career choice. They were friends and along the way they fell in love with each other. I really liked seeing Conor and Stephanie together. They were so pure and they brought up the best in each other. Conor understood how important a music career for Stephanie was and even if he did not agree with everything he still supported her. Stephanie knew that Conor his family situation was far from perfect and those they would encounter many problems as a couple. But that did not face her and she handled everything pretty well.
Overall I liked Before He Was a Secret but it just took me too long to get fully hooked by it. This is the third book in the Starstruck Series but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read the other two books in this series myself and I could understand the storyline perfectly. There were some references to the previous two books, especially to the characters of the previous books, but that did not make the book any less readable. I might read the other two books of this series at one point.
March 17, 2015
This was my first book by Becky Wicks, and it won't be my last. I enjoyed her writing style and loved the characters of Stephanie and Conor and the glimpse she gave us into the Nashville music scene. (All those song lyrics are just a tease, though--I want to hear the actual songs!)
Both Stephanie and Conor are trying to make it in Nashville and struggling--Stephanie has moved there to make music, but her long hours as a waitress don't give her much time for songwriting and the events of her past are stifling her creativity. Conor is working for his family business, though his family is is tatters--and the weight of his father's and his religious community's expectations are making him hide truths from everyone.
When Stephanie and Conor get together, the songs just seem to pour out of them. Will it last? Can they get anywhere with their music, or will their pasts catch up to them and crush their dreams? Do they have a future together?
Before He Was a Secret is about family, friendship, and facing your fears. It's about making your own way in the world even when it's a struggle and it feels like everything's against you. It's about how being a success might mean something different than you thought it would be.
It's about love in all its forms--love both in this life and after.
Before He Was a Secret is the third book in the series, but it truly worked fine as a standalone. Though the characters from books 1-- Before He Was Famous --and 2-- Before He Was Gone: Starstruck Book 2 --have small parts here, you don't need to have read their books to enjoy Stephanie and Conor's story. (A warning, however--getting a glimpse of them here will probably make you want to go back and read their books too--the Survivor-style reality show in #2 is especially intriguing.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Both Stephanie and Conor are trying to make it in Nashville and struggling--Stephanie has moved there to make music, but her long hours as a waitress don't give her much time for songwriting and the events of her past are stifling her creativity. Conor is working for his family business, though his family is is tatters--and the weight of his father's and his religious community's expectations are making him hide truths from everyone.
When Stephanie and Conor get together, the songs just seem to pour out of them. Will it last? Can they get anywhere with their music, or will their pasts catch up to them and crush their dreams? Do they have a future together?
Before He Was a Secret is about family, friendship, and facing your fears. It's about making your own way in the world even when it's a struggle and it feels like everything's against you. It's about how being a success might mean something different than you thought it would be.
It's about love in all its forms--love both in this life and after.
Before He Was a Secret is the third book in the series, but it truly worked fine as a standalone. Though the characters from books 1-- Before He Was Famous --and 2-- Before He Was Gone: Starstruck Book 2 --have small parts here, you don't need to have read their books to enjoy Stephanie and Conor's story. (A warning, however--getting a glimpse of them here will probably make you want to go back and read their books too--the Survivor-style reality show in #2 is especially intriguing.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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