Love Resolution

Brutal Strength #3

by Michelle Mankin

To forgive or not to forgive...

There’s a storm brewing at Black Cat Records and lead singer Marcus Anthony and guitarist Avery Jones are at the center of it.

Brutal Strength is leaving Vancouver and heading out on a big stadium tour with the reprobate rockers from Tempest as their opening act.

Avery is forced to deal with a troubling figure from her past while being pursued by Tempest’s tatted bad boy, Bryan ‘Bullet’ Jackson.

Meanwhile, Marcus must battle his own internal demons as well as this rival for Avery’s affection.

Can Avery and Marcus keep their fairy tale happily ever after together when the prevailing winds of the real world are against them?

Love Resolution is a rock star romance inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest and is the third book in the Brutal Strength series.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Music, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Young Adult

344 pages, ebook

First published April 13, 2013

About the author

MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series

Reviews

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews I was so happy when I realized that Love Resolution was going to be a second story featuring Avery and Marcus, as I really fell for both of them in Love Evolution. Of course, there was trouble in paradise, especially because Marcus started being nervous about the tour, the press and how Avery would be able to deal with things. However, instead of sharing his fears with her, he pushed her away, and then became jealous when he saw her dancing with Bryan from their opening band Tempest.

Love Resolution was very well written, and the character development continued to be well done as well. It is definitely just personal to me that I had hoped for one thing and got something a little different. I also think I'd have enjoyed this more if Marcus had been a bit more mature - he was not acting like a rock-star veteran who was used to the press and the groupies, and it was especially hard to see how he wasn't able to fully trust Avery, who had never done anything to make him doubt her.

[Kim Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Resolution by Michelle Mankin is the third book in the Black Cat Records series and a return to the ever so awesome couple Avery & Marcus ~ Now this rocker chick freaking LOVED the book~ I beta read this one, I purchased it in e-book & paperback and I'm reviewing it for Michelle's blog tour!

Avery & Marcus are getting ready to hit the road for Brutal Strength's tour ~ just when we pick up on this ever so perfect couple's life a blast from Avery's past enters her life and shakes up everything she ever believed in and she is faced with finding forgiveness before it's too late.

A new character that enters the picture and totally had me swooning ~ Bryan "Bullet" from Tempest who is the opening act for BS and who do you think Bryan has his eye on yep our girl Avery and what does Marcus think of that well ladies get ready for an emotional rocker book that will leave you stunned at times and down right happy by the end of the tour :)

I honestly experienced many emotions while reading Love Resolution ~ Our favorites from the past are back and it's great to catch up with what feels like old friends but it's fun to get introduced to the boys from Tempest who felt like a slightly edgier, wilder, more of a out to get all the girl type rock band but they are younger than the members of BS so these twenty something's are far from settling down.

I had plenty of .......

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but the most cathartic release for me was when I was..........



and there was a part of this book where Marcus does something that made me want to ............



but he is a guy and came up with his oh so freaking stupid plan by himself which us ladies know is NEVER smart! I seriously was....



Don't worry ladies I was



I totally....



and by the end I was.....



Fans of Michelle's will adore Love Resolution ~ a more mature look into Marcus & Avery's life with some steamy scenes and plenty of angst that you will want to re-read the end several times to ensure all is just peachy keen!

5 ++++++ star read for me! I highly recommend the Black Cat record series to everyone ~ with a Shakespearean theme to each book it totally ROCKS in a way no other Rock Star Romance does and it will grab you with the depth of the stories each book brings and I can't wait for Michelle to bring us some more "rockers" and fingers crossed some Bryan ~ the total heartbreakers ladies man that had me drooling!!!!!

[Lisa Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
The third and final novel in Mankin’s Black Cat records series is her finest one yet, in my opinion. Let me first say that I was one of her Beta readers on this novel. If anything, that serves to make me more critical of her work. Avery Jones and Marcus Anthony have survived more things in their short time together than most couples do after many years. When Avery first joined Marcus’ band Brutal Strength he had just finished a stint at rehab. Marcus was no stranger to partying. When the band auditioned for a new guitarist, it was no secret Marcus wouldn’t tolerate a female trying out for the role. So Avery disguised herself as a guy, passed the tryouts with flying colors and became the newest member of BS. Avery and Marcus collaborated on a few works together, and Marcus found himself strangely drawn to Avery, even though she hid her identity as a woman. When the truth surfaced, Marcus felt betrayed, obstacles were overcome, and the two became engaged.

Fast forward; Avery’s father, Arthur, has returned to try to make amends for his abusive, alcoholic ways following the death of her mother. Her brother Justin, who has wrestled with his demons and additions, is back in town attempting to resume his life. Marcus feels restless and nervous about BS going back on tour, fearful his idyllic bubble with Avery will crash under the stress of life on the road.

Their first few shows of the tour are disappointing, the band finding their timing and rhythm off slightly, all but Avery that is, who outperforms everyone else, and whose fame seems to be gaining momentum with each appearance. Marcus’ insecurities come to the surface. At the same time, Tempest’s Bryan Jackson, the opening act’s bad boy, finds himself attracted to Avery. Is she equally attracted to him?


“In my life I’ve been let down by a lot of people that I loved. But you trump them all. Just so you know. It’s past time that I grew up, stopped believing in fairy tales and started looking out for myself.”


Marcus infuriated me with his immature, self-destructive behavior. On the other hand, I found myself almost feeling disloyal to Marcus, all because of Bryan. This guy holds a lot of appeal, he is one of those tortured souls that you just want to hold and comfort. Love Resolution holds tons of delicious angst, and some stomach churning moments. This one is also a little steamier, taking on more of an adult appeal. The ending of the trilogy will satisfy the reader, but at the same time opens the door to a whole new story based on some new characters….

I was a Beta reader and received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I first read LOVE EVOLUTION I have been in love with Michelle Mankin and her writing. Two more books later and I still love and crave her stories. They are so fabulous and so real and so freakin awesome. You actually feel like you are right there in her books…hanging out with Brutal Strength. Man, wouldn't that be something?

Marcus, Marcus, Marcus! Sweetie, what are you thinking? Well apparently, after all the crap you put Avery through, you weren't thinking. Like not at all. You have a good woman who loves you unconditionally and yet you find a way to screw it up. And now you may never get her back.

Avery, honey, we need to chat. Some of your actions in this one were absolutely asinine. Getting into a car with a drunk driver? Hanging out with band members with a very bad reputation? Doubting the love of a good man? Yeah, you are playing with the big boys now and it’s time you start acting like it.

But even with all these two put us through…I EFF’N LOVED THIS BOOK. Even after all the craptastic feelings that Marcus and Avery made us feel…I still love them and think it has been my favorite of series. And no, not just because I had a drunken groupie named after me, either. Sheesh people. This book stands alone even without my 10.7 seconds of fame in it. * snickers* But seriously, I inhaled every scene and hated, absolutely hated, putting the book down.

And let me tell you folks, I hurt something fierce with this one. Mankin took us through hell and back with these two and I soon began thinking that maybe a happily ever after wasn't part of the plan. Is there hope for Marcus and Avery? I guess you’ll just have to read and find out.

Mankin provides everything you would want in a book: romance, drama, tears, heartbreak, love…everything. You want that kick-arse storyline? You got it! You want hot, sexy characters? Oh yeah, they are in here. You want to know what it is like to have your heart ripped out and stomped on? Mankin nails it! But I promise she will make it all better. Or does she?? I just hope she has something else in the works for all my favorite characters. I need more of them.

Readers who love romance and rock stars will adore this series. I highly recommend it to anybody and everybody.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I don’t even know where to start with how much I love Michelle Mankin’s Black Cat records series! Love Resolution is book #3 and so far I think this one is my favorite, Brutal Strength is hitting the road going on tour and the #1 question on Marcus’s mind is can his and Avery’s relationship withstand the stress of being on the road? He knows there’s A LOT of his old demons he’s going to encounter, some of which he may or may not succumb to (which ones? My lips are sealed) but just know the consequences of his actions have dire effects on his and Avery’s relationship!!! On the subject of Marcus, I have loved him since book one but I gotta tell you there were a ton and I mean a TON of times here I wanted to castrate him for the crap he pulled…yes, I said castrate!!! I hated that I was hating him for his actions but at the same time I liked that I was hating him (I hope that makes sense lol)

Avery I loved as always, she really is one of the most consistently likable female characters I’ve read. With a HUGE blast from her past resurfacing and her brother back in her life throw in adjusting to life on the road and how that douche-schmuck Marcus is treating her, you wouldn’t be surprised if she lost it. But nope not Avery, as usual she finds a way to hold it all together and kick ass along the way. She also made a new friend, Bullet from Brutal Strength’s opening act Tempest (B.T.W. keep an eye out backstage when we first meet Bullet and the girl he’s with aka Giggle Girl; I’m still not telling where my hands went)
I wasn’t sure how I felt about him at first but I grew to like him, he was the friend Avery needed when she needed one most much to Marcus’s displeasure…which made me giddy! Eventually Marcus does pull his head out of his rear to right his wrongs and I did stop hating him. Sort of but if he ever pulls his crap again I make no promises lol…I really do love my rock star books and Love Resolution is no exception, the characters are awesome and it made my heart pound in excitement, fear, angst, anticipation anndddddd the end kinda sorta had me crying because I was happy for everyone. I want more of these characters. I’m not ready to say good-bye to them.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Solid Stars! Review on my blog - http://lilypondreads.blogspot.com/201...

A thrilling and emotional ride that had me on the edge till the very end!

Love Resolution is the third book in Black Car Records series by Michelle Mankin, and she lets this one go out with a blast. A riveting emotional read, filled with heart stopping moments, hot explosive attraction, steamy scenes and of course toppled with a dash of angst.

Readers who love books based on Rockers and Rock Stars will most likely enjoy this one. Thought it was said that Love Resolution could be read as a stand-alone I myself would not recommended it. A lot of the book references back to the other two, and if you miss the other two, you miss the whole set up to the story in a while.

Avery is finally with Brutal Strength and she is on the way out to start her debut tour with them. Right before the tour her entire world comes crashing down and things change. A blast from her past wanders back into her life and is carrying some news that shakes up Avery's world and forces her to deal with emotions she had been running from for a long time. Now Avery must make a choice of whether or not she wants to forgive and forget.

Things don't get easier on tour for Marcus and Avery, not when the tempting Bryan Jackson who is part of the Tempest their opening act band - leaves Marcus and Avery's relationship on a shaky ground. Who does he have his eye on? The very own Avery Jones, and Marcus isn't all that happy. I liked Bryan, he was a bad boy who had left me swooning through the rest of the book despite his attraction to Avery.

I also did like Marcus and Avery. They were cute together, had a lot of chemistry and had come a really long way. Marcus and his family are also very touching. It was nice to see a New Adult novel that had wonderful parental figures! so refreshing!

Love Resolution had been one wild ride and I have to admit that I agree with another reviewer, Michelle Mankin has came a long way and this one has to be by far the best work. It's honest, realistic, emotional book that left me wanting more and more from this author.

**I received a copy of this book for free for the tour from the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How blessed can a gal be? I am so excited that I got chosen as an advanced reader for this book!

Here's the scoop. I got this ARC in my inbox on 4/1 in the afternoon. I had it finished by 1am on 4/2. Yep, it was a definite "can't put it down" kinda book.

Being a part of a rock n roll band seems all glamour and fame. The band members are on the road and life is different when they are at home. New stresses and a LOT more time in the spotlight put Marcus and Avery's relationship to the test in a raw and real way. There are ups and a lot of downs. Surprises and even somethings that you just KNOW are going to happen, but are done in such a fantastic way that you are commpletely sucked in. I love Avery's spunkiness....she's totally badass! Marcus is totally lickable!

This book will hold you from the beginning. Don't plan on saying "Just one more chapter"....just block the time off to sit down and read this book in one sitting. It's FABULOUS!!!!!

[Michelle Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow!!! Totally blown away by this book. One of my favorite reads this year!! Sweet, sexy, hot, and lots of great drama! Full review to come.

[Yvonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Supposedly The Tempest but I don’t see it. The hero turns into a nasty piece of work and there isn’t anywhere near enough honest grovel before he gets the heroine back.

[D]

Raised the roof and rocked the house!!!

This ain’t no one hit wonder. We’re talking multi platinum, red carpet, glam walking smash hit! Michelle Mankin rocked Love Resolution.

Here’s the thing about books that are part of a series—the story gets diluted or loses some of its verve and power. There often will be too many tangents to the story or too many characters to remember; so not the case with book #3 in the Black Cat Records Series.
Mankin has developed a story with characters carefully and thoughtfully interwoven with each other. And while they are all connected to one another, they all have their own fun, intense, rockin’ story to tell. Love Resolution is the real deal. You get sucked in from the get go and Mankin keeps building and bending the connection between Marcus and Avery—like the amazing guitar riff that powers you through the ultimate rock ballad. Yet she beautifully overlays the story of the boys from Tempest and plays it like the hypnotic and deep sounds of the bass. The secondary characters are anything but. They provide the balance to this power hit—giving it a harmony that the melody can’t be without. JR and Sam are still going strong and their relationship is ever so sweet and real. Bryan ‘Bullet’ Jackson, front man for Tempest is sexy and comes across as the face for bad boy rockers. Yet there is something sexy and tortured about him. I must mention King, the drummer for Tempest (yes drummers, the guys in the back are the IT boys for me), has left me intrigued and wanting more story. He’s like the B- side song that you never thought anything about until you listened to the lyrics. Then you realize what an amazing song it is. He made a very brief appearance in Love Resolution but he has some kind of draw or pull that you are left wondering what’s his deal? And let’s face it Michelle Mankin does not have characters in the story just for show. There are no empty lyrics in her songs.
Love Resolution’s plot lines are like a greatest hits album; all the best in one compilation. Mankin pulled out all the stops. She had me wanting to throw my e-reader, bawl my eyes out and do my happy dance. The story flows so fluidly. There is no disconnection from the previous book or from within the story. Whatever emotion you feel doesn’t fade, it just enhances the intensity of the next one. It is encore after encore. Without giving spoilers, I absolutely love how Mankin does not leave us like we got ripped off half a concert but rather she invites us to be roadies and groupies for the next show; in other words not a crazy ass cliffhanger but enough to tease. Enough to go buy the current album and fill our soul with Love Resolution while we patiently wait for her next platinum single and sold out show.
If you haven’t jumped on this train, you are missing out. You may love country, R&B or rap but I can guarantee Michelle Mankin will make a rocker out of you!!!

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the feels, y'all!! Love Resolution was incredible! Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, I once again impressed with Mankin's modern adaptation. We're back to following Avery and Marcus - watching the ups and downs a rock star relationship would experience. Mankin turns up the angst in this installment where not only does Avery have to deal with the bumps in the raod where she and Marcus are concerned, but also the feelings brought about when her estranged father returns. I really related to Avery on this point, as I also am estranged from my father. I appreciated the lessons Avery learned. She and Marcus learned a lot as well - about each other, life, and love. I liked that Marcus was flawed and that he sought help in dealing with those he could deal with. It made for a stronger foundation for his and Avery's relationship.

I enjoyed my view of the boys from Tempest as well. I know all their stories now - well, almost all of them - but I liked seeing them here...a little cocky and a little vulnerable.
One thing I'd like to note after finishing this installment is how Mankin incorporates what she refers to as "subtext" in all her stories. These subtexts range in scope from the treatment of the homeless and racial prejudices to suicide and drug abuse. I appreciate that she adds subtext to her stories - it enhances the character development as well as adding to social consciousness.

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Black Cat Records series follows rockers Marcus and Avery as the band Brutal Strength gets ready to go out on tour. If you are looking for an entertaining rocker story, this book is for you. Mankin builds lots of chemistry between the two main characters and I actually really enjoyed the second half of this story as the tension and angst between Marcus and Avery builds to a very satisfying conclusion.

There are several interwoven story lines in Book #3 and I really enjoyed the presence of the guys from Tempest. Watch out for sexy Bryan ‘Bullet’ Jackson! The author creates lots of chemistry between Bryan and Avery, and tension between Marcus and Bryan, and I would love to read more of Bryan’s story. There is a heartbreaking scene involving him that really gives a glimpse into his tortured soul.

But Love Resolution is truly Marcus and Avery’s story and Mankin really delivers on the intensity between the two characters. All in all, a very enjoyable story about the world of rock and roll, filled with lots of very memorable characters.

(ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)Love ResolutionMichelle Mankin

[Hazeline Paddock-Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very honored to be given the opportunity to proof read this amazing book. U think the 1st 2 books were awesome? Wait till you read this one. Michelle's writing just gets better with every book she writes. She blows me away. Her writing is flawless. Every sentences flows perfectly to the next. I like how she get straight to the point, no lengthy draggy repetitions. Without giving away too much about the storyline, this book's focus is on Marcus and Avery which I was hoping. With all romance among band members, never is one that sails smoothly. This is no exception. With the kind of bond and chemistry that Marcus and Avery has, I really was expecting a major curveball to hit me in the face. Want to know how it ends, you got to read it. I would have to say this is one of the best book I've read this year.

[Cherie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have liked this series so far and up until now I have loved Avery and Marcus together but this last book if I'm sorry to say if I was Avery, I would have dumped Marcus's ass. So sufice to say there is lots of drama unfolding in this one, even though it's not said Marcus seems to be jelous of Avery's rise to fame with the band taking a bit of a back seat to her talent and this sets off all sorts of arguments and irrational behavour. I did really like Brian and it looks like the next book may be about him so I hope he gets his happy ending.

[J Kiwibooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally loved the 3rd book in this series!!! I fell in love with Marcus and Avery in the first book, so I was super happy that this book was about them.....

The book was a bit like being on a emotional roller coaster as it was up and then down then finally up again....my emotions were all over the place... But like all roller coasters, I totally loved the ride!!!

Looking so forward to Bullet's story next and then hopefully Justin's at some point....

Great Read

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that stir by emotions from laughing to crying....you know you understand the characters and this is a great ending to Avery and Marcus life. Yeah to Michelle in writing a great book and ITS Fabulous!!!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!!!! Can't wait for more.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! The book was awesome! The twisted and turns for the character and story line were great. I wait to see what happens next to everyone in the book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars my favorite of the series

[Janet Sastini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears, tears and more tears

This was definitely one of my favorite books. The story of Avery and Marcus tugged on my heart-strings and I felt it down deep in my soul. The love they have for each other and how deep they feel it is breath taking. It makes you hope for your own HEA or say "Yes I can totally relate to that depth of feel for my other half." I really felt a new beginning for Avery and her dad when he gave her the diary that belonged to her mother. It gave Avery a stronger sense of connectivity to her mom, and a realization that her mom wanted to set a strong example for her family and especially let Avery know how strong you can be for the ones you truly love....Your Family, blood and extended. I hope others enjoy reading this book and others by Ms. Mankin as I have.❤❤❤

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book was one of the best I’ve read in a while. It was heart breaking and sweet and I wanted to cut Marcus knees off for hurting Avery. I loved that even though she loved him so much he had to work really hard to get her back. He’s a sexy gorgeous rockstar but so is she and she wasn’t going to just take him back and forgive him without working for it. Together these two are perfect. I recommend this book highly and can’t wait to finish reading the Tempest series. Those guys are brokenly adorable.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to this trilogy! Marcus and Avery overcame many bumps in the road to their relationship. Since I’d read Tempest before this, it was good to read where their origins were especially as it related to their romance. Marcus was a bit of an ass when dealing with his insecurity issues and was almost cruel. He finally “came to” and worked on repairing his relationship.

Really enjoyed this story and the trilogy as a whole.

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why is Marcus the hero? He’s a bully. He’s certainly mercurial. Nasty. Avery-should we forgive her faux pas with Bryan due to her age? This one was not my favorite. I don’t like cheaters. And maybe they didn’t really, but there were bad intentions.
If this had been first in the series, I’m not should I would have finished the trilogy.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

I love this series, could not stop reading. īlike the twist and turns of this story. Keep writing great stories

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

This book was the 3rd and final book of the series. The book was so good that I was sad to see it was over. I hope we here more from Avery and Marcus.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This was a really good ending for the series. Marcus was extremely annoying and Avery made some questionable moves but overall a good book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review and more at Books and Insomnia

A great conclusion to a great trilogy. Michelle Mankin really rocked it with Love Resolution. I couldn't put it down!

Our rocker couple, Avery and Marcus, from Love Revolution continues their story in this book. And boy, what a story it was! It was beautiful and frustrating and intense and swoony. There were the things that we loved about Avery and Marcus and more. New characters, new conflicts, new music!

What I liked the most about Avery and Marcus was that they bring out the best in each other. They were better persons when they're together. Marcus, even more. Avery brought out the tenderness in him that not many people can see. It was only frustrating that Marcus was often plagued with doubt that he wasn't good enough for Avery. Often times I just wanted to kick Marcus in the balls shin because of his stupidity and shitty decisions.

Now, Bryan. I don't know if I love or hate this guy. I think his attraction to Avery was cute. I would've even rooted for him if there was no Marcus. He's caring and sensitive and he was a friend to Avery when she needed one. Heck, he even saved her life. But yeah, the chemistry just wasn't there. So, no go. Meh.

Aside from all the sexiness and almost love triangle thing, the drama hooked me in. A lot of times Love Resolution made my heart ache. I wanted to pull my hair out when Marcus broke up with Avery. The pain felt too real. I cried with Avery while I wanted to kill Marcus.

Then there's also the family issue. It's not all love and rock and roll. Avery's past was something that molded her into the strong woman that she is now. And by confronting that past and forgiving, she found completeness.

Michelle Mankin sure knows how to write her NA. I liked the intensity. The scenes were definitely mature and sexy but they were written beautifully. I liked the atmosphere and feel of the story. The sexual tension between Avery and Brian was so palpable. And so were the pain and anger of the characters. The stress of the tour, too. (I never imagined concert tours were like that. I've always thought the stars only experience the glamour and glitz of being celebrities. This book introduced me to the ugly side of being a rock star on tour.) The family angle was also well played. I liked how things ended with Avery and her father. No one would blame her if she chose not to forgive him, but she did. And that kindness was why I love Avery Jones. (Aside from the fact that she's a rocking guitarist.)

Love Resolution is one hell of a book. Do I even need to say that I totally recommend it? Rock on!

Favorite lines:

“Unforgiveness is an insidious thing, Avery. It never ends up hurting the other person half as much as the one harboring it. It’s the poisonous pill you swallow hoping the other person will die.”

"He doesn’t deserve you. But thank God, love isn’t always about getting what you deserve. Sometimes you get better."

"It was more like a part of me died when she did. When you have that kind of love for someone…when they know everything about you, the good and the bad…and still love you…You never get over it. You go on…eventually, but not as the same person you were before. The man I was with Trisha…I had to finally let him go. I couldn’t be him anymore.”


Purchase this book from: Amazon | The Book Depository

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating Clarification: 3.5 / 5

See more of my reviews @ Moosubi Reviews!

Note: Though LOVE RESOLUTION is the third book in the BLACK CATS RECORDS series, I read the book as a standalone. The book can be read as a standalone, though, as always, if you have time I’d also suggest reading the first two books for more background information and stories (:

Alongside with parallel worlds, dreams, and “issue” books, music is one of the sub-topics I absolutely love to explore in stories. Being a self-proclaimed music geek myself, I just love seeing characters’ love and connection with it fleshed out. So of course LOVE RESOLUTION came up, and I jumped at the opportunity! Needless to say, with lots of entertainment value and characters I came to really enjoy, this book did not disappoint!

The best part of the book is definitely the music! By no means do I consider myself a music industry expert, but I think Mankin did a great job in depicting it. After all, musicians definitely don’t have easy lives, and constantly have rumors and tabloids following them. It was also great to see Avery and Marcus’s dedication to their music, despite their worlds falling apart. I also really enjoyed seeing the concerts through the musicians’ eyes – even I know it’s a very stressful and tiring situation, though it’s also one that’s very rewarding when you let your soul out. If you’re looking for an exciting music read, definitely try out this series!

Avery was also a great heroine. Throughout the novel, Avery does make a lot of mistakes and sometimes completely breaks down. But through her journey, I never really felt annoyed at her decisions, even if they were a bit stupid or ended badly. Avery really seemed like a real person and was good at heart. Moreover, I liked that she wasn’t afraid to take control of her relationship with Marcus when she thought it was getting out of control, rather than letting it get out of hand. By the end of the book, she also seemed to have grown stronger and more independent, which I really admired!

However, I had mixed feelings about Marcus. Overall, he genuinely seems like a nice guy, but sometimes he seemed to controlling or reckless. There was also a time in the middle of the book in which he just seemed fickle about his relationship with Avery – one moment he’d want to declare his love to Avery, and the next he’d avoid her like the plague. At one point, Marcus even wants to decide what Avery should wear and who she should talk to. By the end, I think he does get better, but towards the middle of the book, I wasn’t sure about the romance towards the middle.

I really liked the side characters, though! The rest of Brutal Strength was always really supportive, as was Samantha and Justin. I also really enjoyed Avery and Justin’s interactions with their father – it was really encouraging for them to recover and forgive each other first and foremost as a family. Surprisingly, I also ended up really enjoying Bryan or “Bullet”. Though he really did seem like an ass at first, he also turned out to be a great friend, and, err, less of an ass then the rest of Tempest. Hopefully we’ll see more of these side characters in the rest of the series!

LOVE RESOLUTION is a great addition to the New Adult genre, providing an entertaining mix of rock-and-roll, romance, friendship, and down-to-earth characters. I’ll definitely be looking for the next book in the series – apparently it will be featuring Bullet and the rest of Tempest! If you’re a NA or romance fan, this is the perfect book for you – there’s plenty of sexy and exciting romance, as well as a fun look into the music world!

* A copy of the book was provided for the blog tour. This did not affect my opinion of the book.

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Within the past few months I've read a few different series that started off a bit bland for me. But, I made commitments to read multiple books in the series, so I continued on and in the end was pleasantly surprised. Well, I'm in a similar situation with this series. I had purchased the first two books ages ago it seems, but I don't always get time to read books I purchase. So, when the tour came up, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me to get caught up on the series.

I will tell you that I was told the third book could be read as a stand alone and I actually started the third book without reading the first two, but I had to stop after the first few chapters. I really felt like I needed more background information on the characters in order to develop a connection to them and their story.

LOVE RESOLUTION brings the reader back to Marcus and Avery's story. There are things about both characters that I do like and at times I like them together. They work as a couple and clearly they have a connection. Life continues on for Avery and Marcus with a few surprises along the way. Someone from Avery's past surfaces just before the start of their tour. Then, there's Marcus who feels like he's not getting enough attention. And I must not forget to mention Bryan, who is the guitarist for the opening band on their tour. With the stress of the tour, egos, and hurt feelings, Marcus and Avery struggle to keep their love alive.

I did like Avery. She's a talented musician, she's sweet, and loyal to her friends, family, and to Marcus. She's genuinely a good person and I liked the fact that she didn't become a diva. Avery does love Marcus and I do see the appeal, but he was a bit on the whiny side for me for most of the book. It rubs me the wrong way when guys think they can make decisions on behalf of their spouse. I understood where he was coming from, but it bugged me. Plus, I think I still had some underlying issues with Marcus from the first book. However, I do feel like Marcus redeemed himself in the end and I was happy with the ending.

I want to mention Bryan. I absolutely loved Bryan! When he's first introduced, I felt a mix of lust and disgust. As I got to know him and see how he interacted with Avery, I fell for him pretty hard. I think there are many layers to Bryan that have yet to be uncovered and I can't wait to see more!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I read the first two books in the series before reading this one. I felt like I had a better grasp on not only Avery and Marcus' characters, but the rest of the cast as well. I will definitely continue on with the series, because I'm invested in the story at this point, the writing has gotten stronger, and I really want to read Bryan's story! If you're a fan of Rock Romances, check this series out.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book is the third in the Black Cat Records series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, I found myself wishing I had read the previous two books first, because I felt I missed a lot of character development and background information about the band. The writing did feel a bit juvenile at times and I didn't get the depth I usually like to have in a book, but it was still a pleasant read.

I really enjoy reading about musicians and going out on the road to do a tour. There's something about the mechanics and everything a group must do to promote themselves just fascinates me. And it really shows you how much of their lives are not their own anymore. This is where Love Resolution starts out. Avery and Marcus, who I gathered to be our main characters are engaged and getting ready to start a new tour with their band, Brutal Strength.

However, Avery is instantly hit with an unexpected visitor that shakes her world up a bit and is dealing with the return of her twin brother from rehab. Her fiancée Marcus, is worried about how Avery is going to handle being out on tour. He knows from experience what it's like, and he is afraid of how their relationship will work out knowing the strains that go along with the life of a musician.

Marcus drove me a little crazy. He just seems way too overprotective of Avery and doesn't give her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to her making certain decisions. I get where Marcus is coming from, being an extremely jealous person myself, but at the same time- he's pushing her away because of his insecurities.

Avery, on the other hand, was quite sweet and innocent. However, her friendliness and innocence in this business can be twisted into something much more. I admit, one of the things that irked me about this book was the amount of unnecessary drama between Avery and Marcus.

We do have some great side characters in this book. My favorite would have to be Samantha, Sam, Daniels who is also dating a member of Brutal Strength. She's fun and I liked how she was a good friend to Avery throughout everything that happened.

After an accident that leaves the duo shaken, Marcus begins to retreat from Avery thinking that he's doing her a favor. What he doesn't realize is that she loves him through the good AND the bad. Sigh. Men.

And so enters Bryan Jackson 'Bullet', who is the lead guitarist for Tempest, Brutal Strength's opening band. He's your ultimate sexy, bad boy rocker, and he is quite interested in capturing Avery's attention.

Will Avery stick with Marcus for better or worse? Or will she decide that his jealousy and insecurities have gone too far?

*Received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*