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Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars: YA Romance: A Teen Love Story Set In High School

She's there to teach him. Not to fall for him.

My parents died in a storm two weeks ago.

Now I'm living with my estranged aunt, who cut my mom out of her life twelve years ago.

But she didn't take me in out of kindness. She needs a tutor for her rockstar client.

Ryder Hamilton is talented, brooding, and hates me for damaging his equipment.

His terms are I help him pass English, don’t breathe too loud, and stay out of his way.

But grief doesn't follow rules.

When thunderstorms trigger my panic attacks, Ryder's the one who talks me through them. When I feel like I’m drowning, his music becomes my anchor.

The boy who warned everyone to avoid me, is now the only person not expecting me to be okay.

I should hate him for making the start at my new school isolating and unbearable.

Instead, every time he looks at me, I forget why staying away was supposed to keep me safe.

***

A gothic mansion. A musician with stage fright. A girl who felt unworthy of love.

A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance for readers who like their feelings complicated and their happy endings earned. With forced proximity, found family, and a heroine navigating grief, loss, and the importance of second chances.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

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About the author

Milly Rose

10 books146 followers
Milly Rose is an animal-loving romance enthusiast with a swoon-inducing book formula. Shy girl + hot guy + first kisses. Her YA sweet romance books will have you falling in love every instalment. Milly Rose is the quintessential shy girl, who you can contact via her mailing list and reply to her monthly email blasts! Milly spends her days vying for her cat’s affection, dreaming up her next book boyfriend, and writing a fun meet-cute under candlelight with a lovely brewed cup of tea.

Instagram + Tiktok @shy.author.milly.rose

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5 stars
67 (47%)
4 stars
47 (33%)
3 stars
20 (14%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,565 reviews83 followers
April 21, 2026
Poor Alice is sent to live with an estranged aunt after the death of both parents. Tragically though it’s with malice and forethought and though she’s overwrought not to mention overwhelmed at their deaths and feeling bereft she soon finds out that it’s not her who her aunt wants this hon to be reliant upon but in need of her teaching ability for her best client!

Enter rockstar Ryder Hamilton who is grumpy and broody and ever so moody ,berating her like a child ,a right telling off for damaging his stuff! He is need of her to pass English class but he’s being quite an ass. Still grieving she doesn’t hold punches this lass but he tells her ,help him pass and stay out of his way

Think gothic mansion that looks a bit shady ,a grieving young lady who feels unworthy of love and a musician with stage fright. Heavens above, so they’re both afraid of something it seems because instead of the sun’s beams, as a storm passes overhead ,it’s her heart he takes of her instead.

She is terrified and tries to hide. He sees her so very vulnerable side and in trouble and he becomes her safe haven ,a shelter from her internal storm as well as the one outside at the double. They both help each other and this slow burn spark is aflame with the fire of desire and more. Such is the nature of amour. But it’s been hard lesson learnt and fought because they didn’t give each other nought to base a relationship on except for an hateful one for sure.

Well Milly Rose knows how to weave a story with depth . The characters carry deep scars and emotions so raw, this book has you in its hook and it leaves you gasping for sure. I haven’t slept for page turning to the end because of wanting to know how this slow burning story end. Not that I wanted it to finish because the tension and the fervour carried throughout, even though they may scream and shout and pout, yes I’m looking at you Ryder.

The storyline arc didn’t diminish, just kept getting stronger with their hunger, but he showed his true colours to her in the end and she did share to him all what she found grim and this is how their story blends so beautifully and unique with two students who help each other reach their peak so to speak despite their failings.

Speaking of which ,the witch of an aunt ,does she get her comeuppance and hung on the railings ( gothic mansion and all) or do they not give tuppence for her no more at all? You’ll have to read what this book has in store. A rollercoaster ride of emotional turmoil that needs you to hold on tight as it does dip, roil and delve in deep ,oh and be prepared to not get no sleep.

Profile Image for Emily Wiet.
179 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2026
i thought about not finishing the book but i ended up loving it!! it was clean and it had some sad parts but i enjoyed the growth in the characters and the interesting story
Profile Image for Char ღ Denae.
1,028 reviews96 followers
April 27, 2026
I have to admit, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, so far. It had such a dark start and was a bit depressing. I, also, didn’t like any of the characters, much, except the MFC, Alice. I do like the series and I love the author’s style, though, so I decided to stick with it.

It slowly got better, as Alice adjusted to her new surroundings but everyone was so mean to her, and it pissed me off. LOL! I mean, she just lost both of her parents and her home, and all of their belongings, she was forced to move into a cold, ugly, gothic-like mansion, with her estranged aunt, who she hasn’t seen in years and, obviously doesn’t really want her there, and …there’s a boy living there, who’s downright hostile to her, for no reason, and this is within the first couple chapters!

It is a romance, though so, eventually, the MMC, Ryder, does warm up to Alice and the situation starts looking up - and my irritation along with it - and they start to become each other’s “safe place” as friends, and then as a couple, with many ups and downs, along the way.

All in all, Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars, was a well written, satisfying story about two teenagers dealing with extreme grief, suffocating pressure, and so much anxiety. I wanted to hug them, tell them everything’s gonna be OK, and feed them warm, comfort food.

Trigger warning: death of parents (off page), survivor’s guilt, extreme grief and depression, and bullying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angie (mushmysteriesandmore).
505 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 18, 2026
I love books by this author. She has a real flair for writing young adult romance that truly is targeted at and about young adults. This is a clean, kissing-only romance about young teens at a prestigious high school, but there is so much to the story; they go through so much, just like any adult in the same situation would.

Alice is sent to live with her estranged aunt Miranda when her loving parents are lost in a fatal car accident. Alone, grief-stricken and suffering guilt and trauma, along with panic attacks induced by thunderstorms, her aunt is less than welcoming, given that she had fallen out with Alice’s mother years ago. Alice is only there to be used as a commodity, to help tutor her aunt’s client. Ryder is a talented musician on the brink of signing a big contract, but he has to graduate first. Alice is to be his tutor, and after a series of unfortunate encounters, he and Alice do not get off on the best of terms. But Miranda is not taking no for an answer from either of them, and they are forced to spend time together. As they do, they start to understand each other more, and are the rock the other needs in their vulnerable moments.

Both Ryder and Alice were tortured yet kind-hearted. Okay, Ryder did need a bit longer to show his kindness, he was pretty cruel to Alice when she first arrived and did make her settling in at school impossible, but once he started to control his impulsive anger, he was there for her when she needed him. I really felt for Alice. In two weeks, she went from having a warm, loving family to living in a draughty old house, with nobody she knew, who didn’t even want her there. She tried her best but she was constantly knocked down so many times.

I’m glad it was a happy ending for all, it was a real rollercoaster of emotions.
124 reviews
April 21, 2026
This one really surprised me in the best way. Going in, I expected a typical “grumpy rockstar meets new girl” kind of story, but it’s so much heavier and more emotional than that.

Alice’s situation is honestly heartbreaking—losing both parents and then being thrown into a cold, unfamiliar home with an aunt who clearly doesn’t want her? It sets such a raw tone right from the start. Her grief, anxiety, and especially the panic attacks during thunderstorms felt very real and handled with a lot of care. You can feel how lost she is, and it makes you root for her immediately.

Ryder, on the other hand, takes a bit to warm up to. He starts off pretty harsh, not gonna lie, and the way he lets his friends treat Alice is frustrating. But as the story goes on, you see more of what’s underneath—the pressure he’s under, his own struggles—and his softer side starts to come through. The shift between them is a slow burn, but it feels natural and earned.

What I liked most is how their relationship isn’t just about romance. It’s about finding someone who actually sees you when you’re at your worst. Ryder becoming Alice’s safe place, especially through his music, was such a nice touch and added a deeper emotional layer.

It’s also worth noting this is a clean, kissing-only romance, but it doesn’t feel lacking at all. There’s so much emotional intensity and character development that it never feels shallow.

Overall, it’s a really heartfelt, slightly angsty YA romance with strong themes of grief, healing, and connection. Definitely a bit of a rollercoaster, but in a good way. If you like slow burns with emotional depth, this one’s worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for whimsical reader.
792 reviews
April 23, 2026
The cover is my fave but she didn’t really match the picture. There isn’t any mention that she’s cute only that she’s a mess. Not sure how she magically became coordinated. Anyways, it has a happy ending. Even aunt Miranda comes around and there’s resolution for the most part.

I like that Mily’s writing has more substance than the typical YA romances, but it did feel like the grieving part of Alice became her personality for a while there. A lot of mean things are said in Mily’s books and a lot of crazy bullying that I would never tolerate and never tolerated in school. Other than that it’s clean there’s no cursing (there might’ve only been one curse word maybe). Around page 270 was my favorite part when they decide a relationship attempt in the midst of pain. Ryder proves me wrong.

Consent (even for a kiss) also good/green flag.

Trigger warning
Bullying
Parents dying
Panic
Police reports

Her friend Jill we didn’t hear much from but did like her. “No problem. I may have dropped my phone twice trying to answer it fast enough. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
111 reviews
Read
April 18, 2026
I received an ARC for this book.
Milly rose has a way with writing her stories, each chracters going through something. In this case Alice our FMC, is suffering grief after losing her parents in a car crash. Taken by Social Services, she is sent to live with her estranged aunt, who she had no prior contact with.
Her aunt far from welcoming excepts her to tutor her client, because a big talent showcase is coming up and she can't have her client distracted by something as school.
Due to a freak accident Alice, damages the cilents equiptment and things start to go downhill, when he demands she stay out of his way and his bozo 'friends' spread a rumor that she's clumsy.
Alice must learn how to navigate her new life, but unexpectedly the guy she can't stand maybe the one she can't surivive without.
Profile Image for Yarelis Nicole.
60 reviews7 followers
Currently Reading
April 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story delivers a beautifully emotional slow burn romance that blends grief, healing, and unexpected connection with real depth. The tension between the characters is compelling from the start, shifting naturally from resistance to something far more vulnerable and meaningful.
What stands out most is how sensitively the story handles loss and anxiety. The heroine’s grief feels raw and authentic, and the way music becomes a source of comfort adds a touching layer to the narrative. Ryder’s character brings both edge and softness, making their connection feel earned rather than rushed.
Atmospheric, heartfelt, and quietly powerful, this is a romance that goes beyond attraction and explores what it truly means to feel seen, supported, and understood.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,744 reviews122 followers
April 21, 2026
Book 7 of the Shy Girls Sweet Romances series. Can be read as a standalone.

'A gothic mansion. A musician with stage fright. A girl who felt unworthy of love.
A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance for readers who like their feelings complicated and their happy endings earned. With forced proximity, found family, and a heroine navigating grief, loss, and the importance of second chances.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,299 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2026
Growing through pain
Oh my, what an opening chapter! A funeral and the aftermath of such a tragedy, I instantly felt for Alice. She’s going through so much upheaval but finds solace and strength as the story progresses.
Ryder gave me whiplash with his mood changes. However, once his full story is told he does redeem himself.
Miranda is a lot! But she also has a story.
This is so full of realistic and touching heartache and grief, I admit to shedding a few tears. But there’s also pockets of humour (thanks Jill), loads of growth, a sweet budding romance and a connection between them that quiets their fears.
Check the warnings for any triggers (especially younger readers).
Profile Image for Pauline .
602 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2026
Emotional rollercoaster with lots of themes- unexpected death, new beginnings, anxiety and more.
Alice has to stay with her estranged aunt in a creepy Gothic mansion after her parents' passing. However , her aunt already has another house guest , a budding rockstar she has started managing.
Ryder and Alice don't get off to a good start but slowly things improve once they get to know each other especially as Alice's aunt is relying on Alice tutoring Ryder to get him through school.
Highly recommended as it's quite a page turner
Received an ARC.
Profile Image for Debbie Blane.
195 reviews
May 4, 2026
This book was pretty different from any others that I have read. A rockstar, a really kind young man and a complicated young woman. The story development was good and the relationship development really held my interest. Sometimes I was afraid there was not going to be a HEA, I was relieved when the ending was happy. There is definite affection and yet it lives up to its YA Romance status, nothing hot and heavy. Which is how I like it. I highly recommend this book.


Profile Image for Once Upon a Page.
426 reviews
May 21, 2026
Dnf 20%

I was really enjoying this to begin with, but Ryder was just too mean to her which felt especially cruel considering her circumstances.

I’m not a fan of bully romances (I want to root for likeable characters getting a happy ending they deserve) so decided to quit.

My fault for picking it up (I see now that blurb mentions he hates her) so 1.5 🌟 because a lot is personal preference and it wasn’t awful - although I’d challenge anyone not to roll their eyes at Alice’s clumsiness…
204 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 18, 2026
Good story. Alice had to deal with so much change in her life. The loss of her parents, having to start a new life with her estranged aunt and going to a new school with terrible schoolmates. Alice and Ryder's young love had a rough start but they ended up being a comfort to each other. I received an advance review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review..
6 reviews
June 28, 2026
This book will have you gasping, clenching your chest, giggling and kicking your feet all in the same chapter. Omg I cannot express my love for the way Millie Rose writes. The way she details things perfectly giving you an exact visualization of these characters and whats going on. I would reread this again if I didnt just finish it. It would probably be one of my top 5 favorite books.
228 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 13, 2026
This was a great read! It's full of ups and downs and teenage angst. At first I wasn't sure if Ryder could be redeemed from his character flaws. But he proved me wrong. Clean, sweet, no cussing and an HEA! Tropes: rockstar, enemies to lovers, opposites attract. Thanks for the early read Milly!
Profile Image for Dana.
84 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2026
Love love this book. I have read nearly all in this series and have loved every single one. This one didn't disappoint me either. I love music and who didn't dream about dating Rockstars?
It's sweet, clean fun.
Until next time, peace and happy reading
16 reviews
May 7, 2026
So good

This was great! It hit close to home because I also lost both my parents a few years ago back to back, and honestly the way grief is handled was actually therapeutic. The romance was slow burn but definitely worth it. A lot of themes are in this too.
Profile Image for Teya Teya.
Author 8 books103 followers
June 24, 2026
I really enjoyed it. It was a small-town kid that made it big as a rockstar. Got hurt and only remembered before he became a rockstar and the girl he left behind. They rekindled their relationship and viola love story. Okay there is more to it but seriously so cute.
1 review
September 7, 2026
I have loved every book I’ve read by Milly rose it’s simple, clean and draws you in from beginning to end. I could happily read many more of her books and not get bored
1,009 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2026
This was kind of all over the place. A girl’s parents die so she has to move into a weird gothic castle / house with her estranged aunt and the rockstar her aunt manages. She’s traumatized and panics during storms, the rockstar gets stage fright, she has to tutor him, but he’s never really at school and everyone at school bullies her, there’s family drama… it was just a lot. It was entertaining in a weird, crazy way, but definitely felt like it was going in too many directions and needed to pick a few. Am I intrigued enough to read more from this author? Yes.
Profile Image for Lennon.
258 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2026
Grief is at the heart of this story, and it was handled with so much care. After losing her parents, Alice is forced to start over with an estranged aunt and a teenage rockstar she's suddenly living with, making for a rocky beginning all around. I enjoyed watching both Alice and Ryder slowly let their walls down as they worked through their own struggles. Their growing connection felt genuine, balancing the heavier moments with humor, hope, and plenty of personal growth. It was an emotional YA romance that left me rooting for them until the very end.💜
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews