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Pretty When It Burns: Book 1 in the When The Lights Go Down Series
Mia
I’ve built my career staying behind the lens, behind the scenes—exactly where I belong. But when fate throws me straight into the orbit of the one man I never truly got over, everything I’ve kept tightly held starts to unravel.
Grayson Harris. My childhood crush. The boy across the street turned alt-rock god with tattoos, a tortured soul, and a voice that still makes my heart stutter.
I promised myself I wouldn’t fall for him. That I couldn’t. But Grayson doesn’t play fair. And somewhere between the music, the grief, and the chaos, he’s breaking through every wall I’ve built.
Grayson
My world is on fire. A band on the edge of fame, a marriage in ashes, and the mother that didn’t give me a chance to know her slipping away from me before we could fix it.
Then she shows up.
Mia Alexander. The one person who looked at me like I was worth something—before the world ever did.
She’s calm in the chaos. Sharp behind the camera and soft where it counts. I should keep my distance. I’m too broken, too bitter, too much.
But Mia is the only thing that feels real anymore. And if I don’t find a way to hold onto her, I might lose myself for good.
⸻
Pretty When It Burns is a slow-burn, emotionally charged contemporary romance about second chances, unspoken love, and finding light in the wreckage. The first installation of the When The Lights Go Down series of interconnected stand-alone novels, Mia and Grayson’s story will leave you wanting more long after the final song ends.
I’ve built my career staying behind the lens, behind the scenes—exactly where I belong. But when fate throws me straight into the orbit of the one man I never truly got over, everything I’ve kept tightly held starts to unravel.
Grayson Harris. My childhood crush. The boy across the street turned alt-rock god with tattoos, a tortured soul, and a voice that still makes my heart stutter.
I promised myself I wouldn’t fall for him. That I couldn’t. But Grayson doesn’t play fair. And somewhere between the music, the grief, and the chaos, he’s breaking through every wall I’ve built.
Grayson
My world is on fire. A band on the edge of fame, a marriage in ashes, and the mother that didn’t give me a chance to know her slipping away from me before we could fix it.
Then she shows up.
Mia Alexander. The one person who looked at me like I was worth something—before the world ever did.
She’s calm in the chaos. Sharp behind the camera and soft where it counts. I should keep my distance. I’m too broken, too bitter, too much.
But Mia is the only thing that feels real anymore. And if I don’t find a way to hold onto her, I might lose myself for good.
⸻
Pretty When It Burns is a slow-burn, emotionally charged contemporary romance about second chances, unspoken love, and finding light in the wreckage. The first installation of the When The Lights Go Down series of interconnected stand-alone novels, Mia and Grayson’s story will leave you wanting more long after the final song ends.
- GenresRomance
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
10 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 12, 2025
4🌟, 2.5 🌶️
From heartbreak to heat, this story proved that love can still be pretty when it burns. 🔥
Childhood neighbors Mia and Grayson reunite years later; she’s still guarded, and he’s a rockstar with baggage. What follows is a raw, emotional journey of healing, forgiveness, and finding their way back to each other.
Their chemistry was undeniable—from the quiet, grounding moments to the chaotic, public ones that made them impossible not to root for.
The found family element was everything. The band’s banter, loyalty, and teasing added warmth and humor to balance all the angst, and their connection felt so genuine. Even when I didn’t always agree with Mia or Grayson’s choices, their flaws made them feel real, and watching their growth was incredibly rewarding.
This book had me laughing, crying, and full-on swooning. It’s one hell of a debut and an exceptional start to a series I’m already captivated with.
I can’t wait for Book 2 and Johanna’s story!
~~~~
Grateful to Hailey Klier Decker & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
From heartbreak to heat, this story proved that love can still be pretty when it burns. 🔥
Childhood neighbors Mia and Grayson reunite years later; she’s still guarded, and he’s a rockstar with baggage. What follows is a raw, emotional journey of healing, forgiveness, and finding their way back to each other.
Their chemistry was undeniable—from the quiet, grounding moments to the chaotic, public ones that made them impossible not to root for.
The found family element was everything. The band’s banter, loyalty, and teasing added warmth and humor to balance all the angst, and their connection felt so genuine. Even when I didn’t always agree with Mia or Grayson’s choices, their flaws made them feel real, and watching their growth was incredibly rewarding.
This book had me laughing, crying, and full-on swooning. It’s one hell of a debut and an exceptional start to a series I’m already captivated with.
I can’t wait for Book 2 and Johanna’s story!
~~~~
Grateful to Hailey Klier Decker & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
September 24, 2025
I have just finished this ARC read, and when I tell you it hit me right in the feels!! It was full if pain and heartache but also the biggest love in the world. I love watching how Mia and Grayson's relationship developed and how it healed parts of them they never thought it would. I can't wait for the next one!
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October 5, 2025ARC review - DNF
I was really looking forward to this book as I hadn’t read a rockstar romance for quite a while. However, I really struggled to get into this one.
The relationship between the MMC and his (now ex) wife was obviously over for a long time and simply not legally dealt with yet - purely due to the waiting period. But it was made into a huge deal by the FMC and that kinda bugged me. Was he married? Yes, but quite clearly separated.
It was advertised as a slow burn - my favourite kind. But the spice started hitting at 28% 🤦🏻♀️ I was so disappointed at this because from the growing emotions I thought this would get angstier, become more pining, and have me shouting ‘give in!’ around 70%. Alas, not the case and I started to lose interest.
We go from not seeing each other for 12yrs to asking her to move in with him within a week of seeing her again. I just couldn’t get over that, and that was really my interest lost. I couldn’t get this couple’s connection to feel right, I couldn’t get invested in them and I couldn’t find anything to keep reading for.
I feel really bad for dnf’ing but am sure many other readers will find the connection I didn’t quite get. It just wasn’t for me.
I was really looking forward to this book as I hadn’t read a rockstar romance for quite a while. However, I really struggled to get into this one.
The relationship between the MMC and his (now ex) wife was obviously over for a long time and simply not legally dealt with yet - purely due to the waiting period. But it was made into a huge deal by the FMC and that kinda bugged me. Was he married? Yes, but quite clearly separated.
It was advertised as a slow burn - my favourite kind. But the spice started hitting at 28% 🤦🏻♀️ I was so disappointed at this because from the growing emotions I thought this would get angstier, become more pining, and have me shouting ‘give in!’ around 70%. Alas, not the case and I started to lose interest.
We go from not seeing each other for 12yrs to asking her to move in with him within a week of seeing her again. I just couldn’t get over that, and that was really my interest lost. I couldn’t get this couple’s connection to feel right, I couldn’t get invested in them and I couldn’t find anything to keep reading for.
I feel really bad for dnf’ing but am sure many other readers will find the connection I didn’t quite get. It just wasn’t for me.
October 19, 2025
The beginning is messy and I wanted to shake some sense into both of them. 😒
When I saw the synopsis and tropes for this one, I was immediately drawn in and couldn't wait to give it a try. It never quite reached my expectations. And it was a little too instalove for my tastes.
I don't get the obsession with Grayson technically still being married at the start of the book. It was clear he hadn't seen his wife in six months and all that was left was the dissolution of the legal contract. It's like Mia is looking for a reason to ruin their burgeoning relationship and to be a victim.
The farther into the book I got, the more far-fetched and unbelievable it got. By about 50%, I had to completely suspend belief and just go with the fantastical flow – this helped with book enjoyment as well. 🤷🏻♀️
I will say, I don't think it's badly written, I just don't think it was a book for me.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
When I saw the synopsis and tropes for this one, I was immediately drawn in and couldn't wait to give it a try. It never quite reached my expectations. And it was a little too instalove for my tastes.
I don't get the obsession with Grayson technically still being married at the start of the book. It was clear he hadn't seen his wife in six months and all that was left was the dissolution of the legal contract. It's like Mia is looking for a reason to ruin their burgeoning relationship and to be a victim.
The farther into the book I got, the more far-fetched and unbelievable it got. By about 50%, I had to completely suspend belief and just go with the fantastical flow – this helped with book enjoyment as well. 🤷🏻♀️
I will say, I don't think it's badly written, I just don't think it was a book for me.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
October 7, 2025
I just finished the ARC of this and it was very much a fun little emotional roller coaster. Gray and Mia (can’t really call it 2nd chance but they did know each other before) were great characters even though I didn’t always agree with their actions. The story also gives you plenty of side( later main I’m sure) characters and there are many different personalities involved.
This story had lots of very fun tropes and the much argued 3rd act breakup. Both are a bit broken in multiple ways , but that only leads to better character progression. If you are looking for a series to jump in at the start this is a good one to pick up. I am excited to see where the rest of the series goes.
Thank you Smuthood and Hailey Klier Decker for the chance to ARC this book it was a great read and a really good start to the series!
This story had lots of very fun tropes and the much argued 3rd act breakup. Both are a bit broken in multiple ways , but that only leads to better character progression. If you are looking for a series to jump in at the start this is a good one to pick up. I am excited to see where the rest of the series goes.
Thank you Smuthood and Hailey Klier Decker for the chance to ARC this book it was a great read and a really good start to the series!
October 12, 2025
I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and their journey but the third act was waaaaaay dramatic. I understand why but it kinda had the "what more bad can possibly happen in such a short span?" I would still recommend it if you like contemporary romance.
October 10, 2025
ARC Review for “Pretty When it Burns” by Hailey Klier Decker.
This was the perfect angsty, rockstar romance story. It was full of emotion and heart. It hit all the feels and I loved seeing the love story unfold between Mia and Grayson. They both grew and healed a lot throughout the book and it was beautiful to watch. I can’t wait for the next book!!! I can’t wait for the next book!
This was the perfect angsty, rockstar romance story. It was full of emotion and heart. It hit all the feels and I loved seeing the love story unfold between Mia and Grayson. They both grew and healed a lot throughout the book and it was beautiful to watch. I can’t wait for the next book!!! I can’t wait for the next book!
September 25, 2025
This read like a Hallmark movie- insta-love, a ton of drama, miscommunication, third-act break-up, the works. But it works! I ate this book up. The story is fast paced & you’re invested! I’m a sucker for a cheesy love story and this is exactly what I needed. It is damn good for a debut novel. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! @haileykd_author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
December 30, 2025
BETA/early copy review.
I loved these two MCs, this has found family, rockstar x photographer, second chance, forced proximity, not a slow burn and some spicy fun. This was a great debut and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I loved these two MCs, this has found family, rockstar x photographer, second chance, forced proximity, not a slow burn and some spicy fun. This was a great debut and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
October 21, 2025
It took me a while to decide what I thought was "off" about this book. I went through the usual suspects - I like the writing though there were some redundancies... everything is described as "like" something else. I noticed that but it wasn't what was throwing me off. The characters, the overall story, the writing...
Aha! For me the major plot issue is that they were 18 and 14 when they first met. She pines over him but he obviously can't pine over her or he would be a total creep, right? So the story is based on finding each other 12 years later... it's written like they found their way back to each other only that isn't the case and would have been illegal anyway. So the "she saved me" "it's always been you" rhetoric just strikes as incorrect for the overall story. If it had been more focused on unrequited love, with a she fell first, he fell harder tilt that would have felt more authentic to the actual plot. As it is, he comes across as potentially toxic with his level of infatuation with basically no history together.
All that said, I did more or less enjoy this one and will read the next one if Johanna gets her story.
Aha! For me the major plot issue is that they were 18 and 14 when they first met. She pines over him but he obviously can't pine over her or he would be a total creep, right? So the story is based on finding each other 12 years later... it's written like they found their way back to each other only that isn't the case and would have been illegal anyway. So the "she saved me" "it's always been you" rhetoric just strikes as incorrect for the overall story. If it had been more focused on unrequited love, with a she fell first, he fell harder tilt that would have felt more authentic to the actual plot. As it is, he comes across as potentially toxic with his level of infatuation with basically no history together.
All that said, I did more or less enjoy this one and will read the next one if Johanna gets her story.
October 11, 2025
✨Book Review: Pretty When It Burns by Hailey Klier Decker✨
Possible Spoilers---
From the very first page, this story clicked. Every character felt real—like I was part of the stage crew or band, watching each moment unfold under the spotlight. The writing painted vivid scenes that played out like a movie in my head, and I didn’t want to look away.
The romance between Mia and Grayson was absolutely electric. The chemistry was palpable—raw, carnal, and charged with emotion that made the air feel heavy in the best way possible. Their connection wasn’t just attraction; it was two souls colliding, breaking, and rebuilding together.
I’ll be honest, it was hard to find distraction-free time to read, but every time I picked the book back up, I was pulled right back in. If life hadn’t gotten in the way, I would’ve devoured it in a single sitting.
Watching their relationship evolve—from Mia’s “I’m not that girl” to her “yes”—was so fulfilling. My heart ached during every low and soared with every high. Mia’s strength, especially when confronting her past ghosts and validating herself and her power, reminded me why she’s such an incredible main character.
And Grayson—oh, Grayson. He’s flawed, fiery, and utterly human. His emotional unraveling and eventual recovery took time, but it made the payoff that much sweeter. I loved seeing his growth, his redemption, and his vulnerability.
Then there’s Jo—the sibling we all need. Brutally honest, fiercely protective, and always ready to knock some sense into anyone being stupid. She was a breath of fresh air amidst the emotional chaos.
By the end, I found myself attached not just to Mia and Grayson, but to everyone in Catastrophically Charismatic. Even Jake and his infamous forehead vein earned a soft spot.
This story burns bright—passionate, heartfelt, and deeply human. Here’s to hoping they all find their happily ever afters. Even Brandon, who, in the beginning, had my heart.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 — Because some stories don’t just entertain you; they stay with you
Possible Spoilers---
From the very first page, this story clicked. Every character felt real—like I was part of the stage crew or band, watching each moment unfold under the spotlight. The writing painted vivid scenes that played out like a movie in my head, and I didn’t want to look away.
The romance between Mia and Grayson was absolutely electric. The chemistry was palpable—raw, carnal, and charged with emotion that made the air feel heavy in the best way possible. Their connection wasn’t just attraction; it was two souls colliding, breaking, and rebuilding together.
I’ll be honest, it was hard to find distraction-free time to read, but every time I picked the book back up, I was pulled right back in. If life hadn’t gotten in the way, I would’ve devoured it in a single sitting.
Watching their relationship evolve—from Mia’s “I’m not that girl” to her “yes”—was so fulfilling. My heart ached during every low and soared with every high. Mia’s strength, especially when confronting her past ghosts and validating herself and her power, reminded me why she’s such an incredible main character.
And Grayson—oh, Grayson. He’s flawed, fiery, and utterly human. His emotional unraveling and eventual recovery took time, but it made the payoff that much sweeter. I loved seeing his growth, his redemption, and his vulnerability.
Then there’s Jo—the sibling we all need. Brutally honest, fiercely protective, and always ready to knock some sense into anyone being stupid. She was a breath of fresh air amidst the emotional chaos.
By the end, I found myself attached not just to Mia and Grayson, but to everyone in Catastrophically Charismatic. Even Jake and his infamous forehead vein earned a soft spot.
This story burns bright—passionate, heartfelt, and deeply human. Here’s to hoping they all find their happily ever afters. Even Brandon, who, in the beginning, had my heart.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 — Because some stories don’t just entertain you; they stay with you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
But if I'm going to burn it all down, l'd rather do it with you
Thank you so much The Smuthood for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The author lets us now at the beginning that there is a third act break up and me being the biggest hater of 3rd act breaks, I was skeptical of if I'll like this book from beginning to end..but I was pleasantly surprised an kinda impressed with how she brought it about and showed the process of fixing it.
Pretty While It Burns follows the story of front man
Grayson Harris and music photographer Mia Alexander as they reconnect after years apart. Mia is assigned to cover a pop up show in LA with her coworker and roommate, Rylee. When they get to the venue, Rylee recognizes one of the band members as her brother, Brandon. He and his band Catastrophically Charismatic are set to play at the pop up show. This is where Mia and Grayson see each other for the first time since they were teenagers.
Grayson immediately recognizes Mia but is stunned to see her in LA of places. Rylee approches Gray to try and nudge him into talking to Mia and reconnect. He didn't the convincing but agrees anyway. After the show Mia agrees to have dinner with him but is hesitant after finding out Gray is married. **to be clear. No cheating occurs. Couple has been separated for a long time and in the process of finalizing the divorce**
The story follows both characters as they deal with mental health, illness and estrangement of parents and a small case of imposter syndrome among other things. It's a tale of love, healing and ultimately heartbreak. Can relationships that seem to irreparably broken, be mended? Will words said in the moment of intense grief be too much to take back? Or can it be fixed but fate seemingly has other plans instead?
I ATE this book up. For how long it is, the chapters are a decent length and the story is fast paced and straightforward.
You can read Pretty When It Burns, book one of the When The Lights Go Down series on October 10th!
Thank you so much The Smuthood for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The author lets us now at the beginning that there is a third act break up and me being the biggest hater of 3rd act breaks, I was skeptical of if I'll like this book from beginning to end..but I was pleasantly surprised an kinda impressed with how she brought it about and showed the process of fixing it.
Pretty While It Burns follows the story of front man
Grayson Harris and music photographer Mia Alexander as they reconnect after years apart. Mia is assigned to cover a pop up show in LA with her coworker and roommate, Rylee. When they get to the venue, Rylee recognizes one of the band members as her brother, Brandon. He and his band Catastrophically Charismatic are set to play at the pop up show. This is where Mia and Grayson see each other for the first time since they were teenagers.
Grayson immediately recognizes Mia but is stunned to see her in LA of places. Rylee approches Gray to try and nudge him into talking to Mia and reconnect. He didn't the convincing but agrees anyway. After the show Mia agrees to have dinner with him but is hesitant after finding out Gray is married. **to be clear. No cheating occurs. Couple has been separated for a long time and in the process of finalizing the divorce**
The story follows both characters as they deal with mental health, illness and estrangement of parents and a small case of imposter syndrome among other things. It's a tale of love, healing and ultimately heartbreak. Can relationships that seem to irreparably broken, be mended? Will words said in the moment of intense grief be too much to take back? Or can it be fixed but fate seemingly has other plans instead?
I ATE this book up. For how long it is, the chapters are a decent length and the story is fast paced and straightforward.
You can read Pretty When It Burns, book one of the When The Lights Go Down series on October 10th!
October 16, 2025
Wow! I’m still trying to process everything I just read. This book sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. I swear my heart almost shattered multiple times in the book.
Grayson and Mia grew up across the street from each other and then they went their own ways until 12 years later they run into each other again. They have a second chance and while it isn’t smooth sailing you do get a happy ending.
I felt for Grayson and Mia and everything they went through. Poor Grayson couldn’t catch a break. It seemed like one bad thing after another. I’m not going to go into any more details because it will spoil some things and you should experience it for yourself.
I just want to say I really wanted to strangle Jake towards the end when he made them wait to tell Grayson something. If what had happened earlier in the book happened again Grayson would have been dead (not literally but if the news was worse he would have broken). I’m so glad everything was okay but Jake got back in my good graces for something he helped with at the end of the book.
Overall I absolutely loved this book even though it tried to make my heart shatter. I can’t wait to read what happens next with these characters! I read this book as an arc.
Grayson and Mia grew up across the street from each other and then they went their own ways until 12 years later they run into each other again. They have a second chance and while it isn’t smooth sailing you do get a happy ending.
I felt for Grayson and Mia and everything they went through. Poor Grayson couldn’t catch a break. It seemed like one bad thing after another. I’m not going to go into any more details because it will spoil some things and you should experience it for yourself.
I just want to say I really wanted to strangle Jake towards the end when he made them wait to tell Grayson something. If what had happened earlier in the book happened again Grayson would have been dead (not literally but if the news was worse he would have broken). I’m so glad everything was okay but Jake got back in my good graces for something he helped with at the end of the book.
Overall I absolutely loved this book even though it tried to make my heart shatter. I can’t wait to read what happens next with these characters! I read this book as an arc.
October 9, 2025
This book was good, but I thought it could’ve been better. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fast and easy read and I love the rockstar storyline, I just felt like there could’ve been more in their background to help with their foundation or more scenes of them getting reacquainted etc before the move etc.
There’s sort of a second chance vibe, but not really. The MCs are old neighbors. Mia would sit outside and listen to Grayson play his guitar until one day he leaves to pursue his dreams of becoming a rockstar. The book takes place 12 years later and I guess you could say it’s love at first sight.
The progression of the book is strange. They meet back up after years of having not seen each other but Grayson has such a strong reaction to seeing her again even though from what we’re told and see, they never really interacted that much. So that seemed a little forced. I also thought her moving for someone she had a crush on in high school was fast.. but it did make the story move along and you see the faith in each other these two had which is inspiring.
I felt for Grayson and the almost meltdowns he seemed to go through quite a bit and wondered how he made it 10 years in the business without Mia, it seemed like he was really fragile and that was before the stuff with his mom. There’s not much explanation of his issues either.. I loved the vibes of the band and the members and the on the road scenes.
There are warnings at the beginning of the book about a third act break up which I appreciated knowing. The whole book is pretty calm and not a lot of drama, and when third act happens, it doesn’t last too long and has a dramatic twist that I did enjoy because I like the tragedy that could’ve been.
I look forward to reading the other band members story’s!
Thanks to the author and agency for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
There’s sort of a second chance vibe, but not really. The MCs are old neighbors. Mia would sit outside and listen to Grayson play his guitar until one day he leaves to pursue his dreams of becoming a rockstar. The book takes place 12 years later and I guess you could say it’s love at first sight.
The progression of the book is strange. They meet back up after years of having not seen each other but Grayson has such a strong reaction to seeing her again even though from what we’re told and see, they never really interacted that much. So that seemed a little forced. I also thought her moving for someone she had a crush on in high school was fast.. but it did make the story move along and you see the faith in each other these two had which is inspiring.
I felt for Grayson and the almost meltdowns he seemed to go through quite a bit and wondered how he made it 10 years in the business without Mia, it seemed like he was really fragile and that was before the stuff with his mom. There’s not much explanation of his issues either.. I loved the vibes of the band and the members and the on the road scenes.
There are warnings at the beginning of the book about a third act break up which I appreciated knowing. The whole book is pretty calm and not a lot of drama, and when third act happens, it doesn’t last too long and has a dramatic twist that I did enjoy because I like the tragedy that could’ve been.
I look forward to reading the other band members story’s!
Thanks to the author and agency for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
October 14, 2025
What an emotional rollercoaster, in the best way possible! Pretty When It Burns hit me right in the feels. It’s beautifully written, full of heartache, healing, and the kind of love that burns bright even in the darkest moments.
Mia and Grayson’s story is everything I want in a rockstar romance, childhood crush, emotional angst, slow-burn tension, and undeniable chemistry. Mia, a talented photographer, finds herself working on Grayson’s tour, the same boy who once lived across the street and now happens to be a tattooed, brooding rockstar dealing with a crumbling marriage, fame, and grief. Their connection is instant, raw, and deeply healing for them both.
This book is packed with emotion, family struggles, abandonment, heartbreak, and second chances, yet it still manages to make you swoon, smile, and cry all at once. It reads like a Hallmark movie with a rockstar edge: fast-paced, dramatic, romantic, and so easy to devour.
Hailey Klier Decker absolutely nailed this debut. The writing is passionate, the characters feel real, and the story pulls you in from the first page. If you love angsty, emotionally charged love stories with heart and heat, this one’s for you. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for the next book in the When the Lights Go Down series, bring on Joey’s story!
October 21, 2025
Grayson, oh grayson! Loved him BUT I also yelled at him out loud. He is broody, hot, sweet and a little bit broken. I could just hold him. But that stupid thing he did, i swear i wanted to smack he’s pretty face.
The whole Catastrophically charismatic band members, they are awesome! I hope that there will be more books about them. I would love to see more about every one
And Greyson’s sister, yeah, i am gonna need a book about her, thank you!
Mia, i actually did like her, normally i am bit hard to please with FMC’s. BUT i did yell at her too at the beginging.
This book really got under my skin! Wich is what i want from a book, so very well done!
Absolutely can’t wait for more books!
October 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4 ⭐️/ 2 🌶️
Second Chances
Photographer x Musician
Rockstar
Small Town
Obsession
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Married But Seperate MMC
Mia who is secretly pining over her friends older brother, has no idea that the day she’s over studying , after she heads home,
Waiting for him on her porch *secretly pretending to read* just to watch him play his guitar and sing, only to find that that day, would be the last she saw of him..
Until a decade later, when she attends a concert as a photographer on a mission and goes to meet the band members with her colleague / friend to find that it’s her friends brothers band… coming face to face with the boy she crushed hard on, to see that he’s THE FACE of the band.
An awkward reintroduction later , two rapidly beating hearts, sexual tension, anxiety, both grown up, but what happens when she finds out he’s still married?
———————————
This story was good, whilst the story is committed to the friendship/relationship plot.
There was spice, but minimal (this is a slow burn after all), In saying that, the story made up in more ways than one, and the near ending I could’ve never predicted, the story was emotional and drew me in , I connected and felt like I was experiencing it with them. This truly was a beautiful story, tension, found family, hope, love, obsession, grief, loss, accidents, thrill.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Hailey for the ARC opportunity!
4 ⭐️/ 2 🌶️
Second Chances
Photographer x Musician
Rockstar
Small Town
Obsession
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Married But Seperate MMC
Mia who is secretly pining over her friends older brother, has no idea that the day she’s over studying , after she heads home,
Waiting for him on her porch *secretly pretending to read* just to watch him play his guitar and sing, only to find that that day, would be the last she saw of him..
Until a decade later, when she attends a concert as a photographer on a mission and goes to meet the band members with her colleague / friend to find that it’s her friends brothers band… coming face to face with the boy she crushed hard on, to see that he’s THE FACE of the band.
An awkward reintroduction later , two rapidly beating hearts, sexual tension, anxiety, both grown up, but what happens when she finds out he’s still married?
———————————
This story was good, whilst the story is committed to the friendship/relationship plot.
There was spice, but minimal (this is a slow burn after all), In saying that, the story made up in more ways than one, and the near ending I could’ve never predicted, the story was emotional and drew me in , I connected and felt like I was experiencing it with them. This truly was a beautiful story, tension, found family, hope, love, obsession, grief, loss, accidents, thrill.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Hailey for the ARC opportunity!
October 9, 2025
Mia Alexander pracuje ako koncertová fotografka v známej promotérskej firme. Keď počas práce vycestuje do LA, ani netuší, že sa stretne zoči-voči so svojím bývalým susedom odnaproti, na ktorého mala ako malá crush. Grayson Harris sa stal úspešným rockerom a so svojou kapelou predskakuje kapele, ktorá su Miu najala ako fotografku.
12 rokov je dlhá doba, počas ktorej sa Mia a Gray nevideli. Nájdu si k sebe cestu ako „kamaráti odnaproti“ alebo z toho bude niečo, čo zaplní titulky v bulvároch?
Keď som dostala tento ARC od The Smuthood, čakala som vášnivú rockstar romancu. Iné očakávania som nemala. No táto kniha bola pre mňa veľké sklamanie. Nebojím sa povedať, že k dnešnému dňu to bola asi najhoršia kniha tohto roka. Priznávam, možno mi len táto kniha nesadla. A možno je naozaj taká zlá - to už musíte posúdiť sami.
Kniha mi prišla úplne prvoplánová - napíšem všetko, čo mi napadne a potom to nejak učešem, aby to vyzeralo ako kniha. Pri čítaní som mala pocit, ako by som čítala príbeh na wattpade. Ten štýl písania by tomu zodpovedal. A ono to mohla byť tak super kniha, keby autorka namiesto insta-love zvolila slow-burn (aspoň pri jednej postave). Postavy a ich minulosť boli dosť plytké, tam by som šla naozaj do hĺbky - veľmi by to pomohlo celkovému výsledku. V deji sú diery, hluché miesta a veľa plot-twistov, niektoré úplne zbytočné. Smut a banter medzi postavami je fajn, no čakala som ho viac. Kniha sa však aj napriek všetkému číta rýchlo, kapitoly sú kratšie.
Ako ✨concert girlie✨, ktorá túži po vlastnej rockstar romanci, som naozaj sklamaná. Chcela som si prostredníctvom hlavnej hrdinky „splniť sen“ a stať sa priateľkou rockového boha. Nestalo sa tak.
12 rokov je dlhá doba, počas ktorej sa Mia a Gray nevideli. Nájdu si k sebe cestu ako „kamaráti odnaproti“ alebo z toho bude niečo, čo zaplní titulky v bulvároch?
Keď som dostala tento ARC od The Smuthood, čakala som vášnivú rockstar romancu. Iné očakávania som nemala. No táto kniha bola pre mňa veľké sklamanie. Nebojím sa povedať, že k dnešnému dňu to bola asi najhoršia kniha tohto roka. Priznávam, možno mi len táto kniha nesadla. A možno je naozaj taká zlá - to už musíte posúdiť sami.
Kniha mi prišla úplne prvoplánová - napíšem všetko, čo mi napadne a potom to nejak učešem, aby to vyzeralo ako kniha. Pri čítaní som mala pocit, ako by som čítala príbeh na wattpade. Ten štýl písania by tomu zodpovedal. A ono to mohla byť tak super kniha, keby autorka namiesto insta-love zvolila slow-burn (aspoň pri jednej postave). Postavy a ich minulosť boli dosť plytké, tam by som šla naozaj do hĺbky - veľmi by to pomohlo celkovému výsledku. V deji sú diery, hluché miesta a veľa plot-twistov, niektoré úplne zbytočné. Smut a banter medzi postavami je fajn, no čakala som ho viac. Kniha sa však aj napriek všetkému číta rýchlo, kapitoly sú kratšie.
Ako ✨concert girlie✨, ktorá túži po vlastnej rockstar romanci, som naozaj sklamaná. Chcela som si prostredníctvom hlavnej hrdinky „splniť sen“ a stať sa priateľkou rockového boha. Nestalo sa tak.
October 11, 2025
ARC review pretty when it burns
- Rockstar x photographer
-Childhood crush
- Angst
- Emotional
Wow I cannot believe that this is Haileys debut novel. It was pretty phenomenal especially for a debut novel and it had one trope that I don’t read enough for but I really enjoy which is rockstar Romance 🎼🎼🎼
The story follows Mia and Grayson and they have actually known each other since they were kids as they were neighbours but Mia actually starts working on a greys tour as a photographer and there is an automatic connection straight away
Grayson is going through a separation from his wife at the time so Mia also keeps her distance until he figures out what he’s actually doing 💕
This book was so angsty covered so many real life topics which them from childhood abandonment and family dynamics
I loved Grayson so much like you could see that all he wanted to do was just to be happy but he didn’t know how to do that or how to be happy and I think Mia really helped him realise that it’s okay to be happy and she did everything she could to make him so much better than that aspect of his life 💕💕
The family family was so real in this book and I am just absolutely so excited for Joey’s book next. I’m just I can’t wait for it. 💕💕💕💕
Thank you to haileykd_author and thesmuthood for an arc copy of this book. I really appreciate the arc for this one 💕💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Rockstar x photographer
-Childhood crush
- Angst
- Emotional
Wow I cannot believe that this is Haileys debut novel. It was pretty phenomenal especially for a debut novel and it had one trope that I don’t read enough for but I really enjoy which is rockstar Romance 🎼🎼🎼
The story follows Mia and Grayson and they have actually known each other since they were kids as they were neighbours but Mia actually starts working on a greys tour as a photographer and there is an automatic connection straight away
Grayson is going through a separation from his wife at the time so Mia also keeps her distance until he figures out what he’s actually doing 💕
This book was so angsty covered so many real life topics which them from childhood abandonment and family dynamics
I loved Grayson so much like you could see that all he wanted to do was just to be happy but he didn’t know how to do that or how to be happy and I think Mia really helped him realise that it’s okay to be happy and she did everything she could to make him so much better than that aspect of his life 💕💕
The family family was so real in this book and I am just absolutely so excited for Joey’s book next. I’m just I can’t wait for it. 💕💕💕💕
Thank you to haileykd_author and thesmuthood for an arc copy of this book. I really appreciate the arc for this one 💕💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 16, 2025
Pretty When It Burns had me hooked from page one. What starts as a fake dating setup quickly spirals into something intense, magnetic, and way too real. Mia’s quiet, behind-the-camera life collides with his chaotic spotlight, and the result is pure emotional fireworks.
The chemistry is off the charts.
The tension is electric.
The payoff is deliciously messy in the best way.
Hailey Klier Decker nails that perfect rhythm of playful to emotional to explosive. One minute I was grinning like a fool, the next I was clutching my chest like it was a season finale cliffhanger.
If you’re into fake dating, slow burns that make your heart ache, and characters who feel a little too real, this one belongs on your TBR ASAP.
The chemistry is off the charts.
The tension is electric.
The payoff is deliciously messy in the best way.
Hailey Klier Decker nails that perfect rhythm of playful to emotional to explosive. One minute I was grinning like a fool, the next I was clutching my chest like it was a season finale cliffhanger.
If you’re into fake dating, slow burns that make your heart ache, and characters who feel a little too real, this one belongs on your TBR ASAP.
October 9, 2025
I honestly feel pretty ruined, this book started off tame but it creeps us on you. You slowly start to feel for the characters, become emotionally attached to them, and when the angst hits, it hits so hard you collapse to the ground in a heaping mess. She’s a media manager and he’s a rising singer in an alt rock band. But before that, he was the cute guy across the street who played the guitar and she was the little girl who believed in him when no one else did. Fast forward years later, they meet again, he’s at his lowest and seeing her was a bright light shining in his face. He feels like “he was asleep” for ten years, he lost his passion for music, his relationship with his ex wife fell apart and he was shattering piece by piece. She’s the one who woke him up and put him back together. At its core, it’s really just about a guy with major issues, and the sweetest girl ever who wants to help him through his issues. She’s always there for him and he basically can’t even breathe without her. Their dynamic is super intense, passionate and beautiful. I admit he makes a lot of mistakes in this book, and honestly if I was her I wouldn’t have forgave him, but then again it’s love so what can I say. The scene where the two of them sing together is just so powerful. The plot was great, the characters had the most insane chemistry and I had so much fun reading this. I give it a 4/5
October 15, 2025
Am I a sucker for a rockstar romance? Yes, yes I am! Did I absolutely devour this book in less than a day? Yes, yes I did!
Grayson and Mia can’t help how they feel about each other. What once was a childhood crush has now turned into an adult relationship. Do they make questionable choices? For sure! But I think a lot of that makes their character development relatable.
You gotta read this book and find out about the leather couch, cause dayuuuumn!
The side characters in this story were also amazing! So I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Thank you thank you so much for the ARC <3
Grayson and Mia can’t help how they feel about each other. What once was a childhood crush has now turned into an adult relationship. Do they make questionable choices? For sure! But I think a lot of that makes their character development relatable.
You gotta read this book and find out about the leather couch, cause dayuuuumn!
The side characters in this story were also amazing! So I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Thank you thank you so much for the ARC <3
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book, and it was a good story for Hailey Decker's first book. I liked the characters Mia and Grayson. I thought some things seemed odd in their story; some things were forced to create a conflict. I believe the development of the characters was great, and I really liked that both Mia and Grayson learned and changed for the better. This was a good story, and I am excited to see Hailey Decker's next story!
October 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR for my ARC of Pretty When it Burns, Book One in the When the Lights go Down Series by Hailey Klier Decker!
Seriously, if you look at my last few reviews, #rockstarromance is very heavily represented, and I’m not mad about it. Pretty When it Burns was yet another book with this trope that had me swooning, and pretty much reading it in one sitting. For me personally, when a third act breakup doesn’t make me want to throw my kindle at a wall, that’s a huge win. The fact that I actually said “wow, this might be how it would actually go IRL” when it happened in this book was a very new and welcome thought. I also appreciated that there were many factors outside the MCs relationship that caused turmoil and tension so that it wasn’t necessary to make the relationship between the two MCs toxic.
Pretty When it Burns is a great read, a beautiful love story, and I suggest you check this one out as soon as you can! It is available on KU today!
____________________________________
🎤 Mutual Pining
🎤 Teenage Crush to Lovers
🎤 Rockstar X Photographer
🎤 Forced Proximity
🎤 Slow Burn
🎤 Emotional Angst
🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR for my ARC of Pretty When it Burns, Book One in the When the Lights go Down Series by Hailey Klier Decker!
Seriously, if you look at my last few reviews, #rockstarromance is very heavily represented, and I’m not mad about it. Pretty When it Burns was yet another book with this trope that had me swooning, and pretty much reading it in one sitting. For me personally, when a third act breakup doesn’t make me want to throw my kindle at a wall, that’s a huge win. The fact that I actually said “wow, this might be how it would actually go IRL” when it happened in this book was a very new and welcome thought. I also appreciated that there were many factors outside the MCs relationship that caused turmoil and tension so that it wasn’t necessary to make the relationship between the two MCs toxic.
Pretty When it Burns is a great read, a beautiful love story, and I suggest you check this one out as soon as you can! It is available on KU today!
____________________________________
🎤 Mutual Pining
🎤 Teenage Crush to Lovers
🎤 Rockstar X Photographer
🎤 Forced Proximity
🎤 Slow Burn
🎤 Emotional Angst
October 7, 2025
Pretty When It Burns by Hailey Klier Decker 🖤🎸📸
Concert photographer x lead singer
Childhood crush
Mutual pining
Slow(ish) burn
Forced proximity
Found family
Dual POV
Round of applause for Hailey Klier Decker 👏🏼👏🏼
I went through the motions with this one. I cried, I laughed, I blushed, I cursed!! It was so much more than I was ready for. One hell of a debut!
Grayson and Mia have history; the two were neighbors growing up and Mia has always had a soft spot for Grayson since then. The stars aligned when they crossed paths again as adults. When Mia sees Grayson again, she finds out he is still legally married. He tells her they are separated and has been emotionally distant for some time now. As things progress between the two, they began to have some life changes to power through together.
While I’m not usually an insta-love type of girl, the chemistry between these two had me giggling and kicking my feet. Grayson and Mia have several obstacles to overcome in their relationship early on, and while I wanted to shake some sense into Grayson a few times, they ultimately overcome them and become stronger as individuals and as a couple.
I adore these two and love this book! The next installment is Grayson’s sister, Johanna’s story and I am so excited to get her backstory!!
Thank you to Hailey and her team for the ARC! 🖤
Concert photographer x lead singer
Childhood crush
Mutual pining
Slow(ish) burn
Forced proximity
Found family
Dual POV
Round of applause for Hailey Klier Decker 👏🏼👏🏼
I went through the motions with this one. I cried, I laughed, I blushed, I cursed!! It was so much more than I was ready for. One hell of a debut!
Grayson and Mia have history; the two were neighbors growing up and Mia has always had a soft spot for Grayson since then. The stars aligned when they crossed paths again as adults. When Mia sees Grayson again, she finds out he is still legally married. He tells her they are separated and has been emotionally distant for some time now. As things progress between the two, they began to have some life changes to power through together.
While I’m not usually an insta-love type of girl, the chemistry between these two had me giggling and kicking my feet. Grayson and Mia have several obstacles to overcome in their relationship early on, and while I wanted to shake some sense into Grayson a few times, they ultimately overcome them and become stronger as individuals and as a couple.
I adore these two and love this book! The next installment is Grayson’s sister, Johanna’s story and I am so excited to get her backstory!!
Thank you to Hailey and her team for the ARC! 🖤
October 16, 2025
I just finished the ARC of this book and it was such a fun read! You can play tropes bingo with this one with so many being present. The story moves faster than reality at times, but the character building makes up for it. Grayson and Mia both show character growth throughout.
I’m excited to see where we go with the next book! Plenty of opportunities to read the stories from the other characters.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Hailey Klier Decker for the chance to read this book!
I’m excited to see where we go with the next book! Plenty of opportunities to read the stories from the other characters.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Hailey Klier Decker for the chance to read this book!
October 16, 2025
When I tell you I did not see that twist coming towards the end. The author had me gasping and stressed the hell out for a bit but it was so worth it. I felt all the feels and went through every emotion while reading this. Mia and Grayson both had their personal issues to deal with but the way they became eachothers safe spaces was beautiful. The ending was absolutely perfect and I need another book focusing on Johanna like immediately. Fantastic read.
October 10, 2025
Thank you to The Smuthood for the ARC!
Pretty While It Burns follows musician Grayson Harris and photographer Mia Alexander—his kid sister’s childhood friend—as they reconnect years later when Mia is assigned to cover his band’s surprise LA show. Sparks fly, emotions run deep, and though Grayson’s still technically married (no cheating—he’s separated and finalizing a divorce), their story is more about healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering yourself.
I’ll admit, when the author warned there’d be a third-act breakup, my inner hater panicked—but honestly, she pulled it off beautifully. The way she handled the fallout and healing felt real and earned.
It’s a second-chance romance that tackles grief, mental health, and the messy beauty of love after loss. I devoured it—the pacing is tight, the chapters flow, and the emotions hit hard.
Pretty While It Burns follows musician Grayson Harris and photographer Mia Alexander—his kid sister’s childhood friend—as they reconnect years later when Mia is assigned to cover his band’s surprise LA show. Sparks fly, emotions run deep, and though Grayson’s still technically married (no cheating—he’s separated and finalizing a divorce), their story is more about healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering yourself.
I’ll admit, when the author warned there’d be a third-act breakup, my inner hater panicked—but honestly, she pulled it off beautifully. The way she handled the fallout and healing felt real and earned.
It’s a second-chance romance that tackles grief, mental health, and the messy beauty of love after loss. I devoured it—the pacing is tight, the chapters flow, and the emotions hit hard.
October 14, 2025
I’m not sure why I haven’t read more Rocker Romances cause I was hooked from the start. Grayson & Mia are neighbors when they’re younger and Mia has the biggest crush. However, Grayson leaves town before she’s ever able to act on it. 12 years later they come to find one another again through mutual friends and it’s just fireworks from there. The instant connection they shared gave me goosebump. There were times when I could literally feel the characters emotions through the page. I laughed. I cried. I deff screamed a couple times too. For a debut novel this was so good, you wouldn’t even know.
Thank you to The Smuthood for the opportunity to read & review this ARC!
Thank you to The Smuthood for the opportunity to read & review this ARC!
October 10, 2025
This was such a sweet book. You follow two MC’s who begin their journey as children. Mia having a secret but not so secret crush on the neighbor boy- Grayson. Unfortunate events lead Grayson to leave his childhood home and after many years Mia and Grayson are re-connected again. As they journey through the childhood encounters to adult life, Mia and Grayson build a relationship while learning to heal and forgive themselves for their imperfections. I loved watching the two interact and learn to love each other. There were multiple events throughout the story, although I wish there were some build up leading into these events, you get the gist and learn to love their journey. I loved the side characters and how they helped build the relationship between Mia and Grayson.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book and look forward to follow up books in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book and look forward to follow up books in this series.
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