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Hot Lips: An Angsty Second Chance, Rockstar Romance
Not yet published
Expected 15 Jul 26An up-and-coming singer/songwriter and a young photographer taking the art world by storm must learn to put their past and pride aside to pursue the ultimate encore: another chance at love.
Frankie never expected facing the past would hurt this way. And Ben never expected he would still want her so much...
Three years ago, Frankie Holiday dumped the love of her life and left town with no explanation. Now the aspiring musician is back in Chicago, working hard to make her dreams of rock stardom a reality. After a lifetime of obligation and debt, she’s vowed never to be beholden to anyone ever again. So, when her ex walks back into her life, she knows it’s time her final past-due balance is paid.
One drink. One apology.
The last thing Ben Carver needs is to run into the woman he’d stupidly risked his heart and reputation for. He’s tried to move on with his life, but the talented photographer and art world darling has never truly gotten over her—or the brutal way she ended things between them.
As the countdown to the biggest performance of Frankie’s career draws near, she will have to confront the secrets and lies that have fueled her music but also driven her to break both of their hearts.
Can Frankie put her past and pride aside and be vulnerable enough to pursue the ultimate encore: another chance with the man she’s never stopped loving?
Hot Lips is the debut novel by Liz Castle for fans of Lucy Parker and Elizabeth O’Roark, about the power of art and finding your true voice, set to an indie-rock soundtrack straight out of Coachella. This is the first book in a new series about members of the hard-working band Sexodus.
Frankie never expected facing the past would hurt this way. And Ben never expected he would still want her so much...
Three years ago, Frankie Holiday dumped the love of her life and left town with no explanation. Now the aspiring musician is back in Chicago, working hard to make her dreams of rock stardom a reality. After a lifetime of obligation and debt, she’s vowed never to be beholden to anyone ever again. So, when her ex walks back into her life, she knows it’s time her final past-due balance is paid.
One drink. One apology.
The last thing Ben Carver needs is to run into the woman he’d stupidly risked his heart and reputation for. He’s tried to move on with his life, but the talented photographer and art world darling has never truly gotten over her—or the brutal way she ended things between them.
As the countdown to the biggest performance of Frankie’s career draws near, she will have to confront the secrets and lies that have fueled her music but also driven her to break both of their hearts.
Can Frankie put her past and pride aside and be vulnerable enough to pursue the ultimate encore: another chance with the man she’s never stopped loving?
Hot Lips is the debut novel by Liz Castle for fans of Lucy Parker and Elizabeth O’Roark, about the power of art and finding your true voice, set to an indie-rock soundtrack straight out of Coachella. This is the first book in a new series about members of the hard-working band Sexodus.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hot Lips carries this raw, emotionally charged atmosphere that makes second-chance romances hit even harder when music, art, and ambition are involved. The story has that late-night indie vibe woven through every chapter — messy feelings, creative obsession, unresolved heartbreak, and two people pretending the connection between them faded when it clearly never did.
What really pulled me in was the dynamic between Frankie and Ben. From the very first interaction, their history hangs heavily between them, and the book lets that tension simmer naturally instead of relying on forced chaos. Their relationship feels complicated in the best way: full of old wounds, attraction that refuses to disappear, stubborn pride, and the kind of emotional familiarity that only comes from truly knowing someone. Every conversation between them felt layered with things left unsaid.
Frankie especially stood out to me because she isn’t written as some flawless romantic lead. She’s guarded, impulsive, ambitious, and vulnerable underneath all that confidence. As a performer trying to carve out her place, she constantly balances determination with self-doubt, which made her incredibly relatable. Ben complements her perfectly with his calm, quietly attentive energy, and together they create the kind of chemistry that feels intense without ever seeming exaggerated.
The artistic backdrop made the entire story feel immersive too. Between the music scene, photography, touring, creative pressure, and the exhausting reality of chasing success while emotionally falling apart a little, the book captures the grind beautifully. It nails that specific feeling of watching someone completely lost in their craft and realizing you’re falling for them all over again — or noticing they’re falling for you while trying not to ruin the moment. And honestly, the whole musician-and-photographer pairing just works so well. Ben capturing Frankie through his camera while understanding her in ways nobody else can? Absolute perfection.
What I loved most is that the story focuses more on emotional buildup than shocking twists. The slow burn is painfully good — filled with lingering looks, meaningful conversations, unresolved tension, and years of feelings neither of them truly escaped from. I found myself rooting for their second chance the entire time because their connection felt genuine, flawed, and deeply human.
Overall, Hot Lips feels intimate, angsty, and full of yearning in a way that perfectly suits the second-chance romance genre. It’s a strong debut from Liza Castle, especially for readers who love artistic characters, complicated exes, emotional slow burns, and romances where the chemistry never really disappeared in the first place.
What really pulled me in was the dynamic between Frankie and Ben. From the very first interaction, their history hangs heavily between them, and the book lets that tension simmer naturally instead of relying on forced chaos. Their relationship feels complicated in the best way: full of old wounds, attraction that refuses to disappear, stubborn pride, and the kind of emotional familiarity that only comes from truly knowing someone. Every conversation between them felt layered with things left unsaid.
Frankie especially stood out to me because she isn’t written as some flawless romantic lead. She’s guarded, impulsive, ambitious, and vulnerable underneath all that confidence. As a performer trying to carve out her place, she constantly balances determination with self-doubt, which made her incredibly relatable. Ben complements her perfectly with his calm, quietly attentive energy, and together they create the kind of chemistry that feels intense without ever seeming exaggerated.
The artistic backdrop made the entire story feel immersive too. Between the music scene, photography, touring, creative pressure, and the exhausting reality of chasing success while emotionally falling apart a little, the book captures the grind beautifully. It nails that specific feeling of watching someone completely lost in their craft and realizing you’re falling for them all over again — or noticing they’re falling for you while trying not to ruin the moment. And honestly, the whole musician-and-photographer pairing just works so well. Ben capturing Frankie through his camera while understanding her in ways nobody else can? Absolute perfection.
What I loved most is that the story focuses more on emotional buildup than shocking twists. The slow burn is painfully good — filled with lingering looks, meaningful conversations, unresolved tension, and years of feelings neither of them truly escaped from. I found myself rooting for their second chance the entire time because their connection felt genuine, flawed, and deeply human.
Overall, Hot Lips feels intimate, angsty, and full of yearning in a way that perfectly suits the second-chance romance genre. It’s a strong debut from Liza Castle, especially for readers who love artistic characters, complicated exes, emotional slow burns, and romances where the chemistry never really disappeared in the first place.
June 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Hot Lips had so many things that immediately grabbed my attention: second chance romance, indie music vibes, unresolved history, and two people carrying around years of hurt they never truly dealt with. And for the most part, it delivered exactly the kind of emotional tension I was hoping for.
Frankie and Ben have the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page. You can feel the history between them in every conversation, every argument, and every moment they try—and fail—to pretend they’re over each other. The emotions felt messy, complicated, and very real, which is exactly what I want from a second chance romance.
I especially loved Frankie’s personal journey throughout the story. Watching her fight for her voice, her dreams, and her sense of self added so much depth beyond the romance. Ben was equally compelling in his own way. Beneath the success and confidence, there’s still a man carrying old heartbreak and unanswered questions, and seeing those layers slowly unravel kept me invested.
The rockstar backdrop added a fun energy to the story too. There’s something about musicians, creative ambition, late nights, and lingering feelings that just works. It gave the entire book an emotional, almost cinematic atmosphere that made it easy to get swept up in.
My biggest struggle was the repetition. There were times when the same conflict felt like it was circling back around instead of moving forward, and after a while I found myself wanting the characters to finally have the conversation that had been looming over everything from the start. The emotional tension was strong, but I think it could have packed an even bigger punch with a little less back-and-forth.
I also would have loved to feel more immersed in the music world itself. The story tells us about the careers and success surrounding these characters, but I wanted a little more of that behind-the-scenes atmosphere to fully bring those elements to life.
That said, this was a strong debut with a lot of heart, plenty of angst, and a romance that kept me turning pages. And after meeting the rest of the band, I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next. 🎸✨
Hot Lips had so many things that immediately grabbed my attention: second chance romance, indie music vibes, unresolved history, and two people carrying around years of hurt they never truly dealt with. And for the most part, it delivered exactly the kind of emotional tension I was hoping for.
Frankie and Ben have the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page. You can feel the history between them in every conversation, every argument, and every moment they try—and fail—to pretend they’re over each other. The emotions felt messy, complicated, and very real, which is exactly what I want from a second chance romance.
I especially loved Frankie’s personal journey throughout the story. Watching her fight for her voice, her dreams, and her sense of self added so much depth beyond the romance. Ben was equally compelling in his own way. Beneath the success and confidence, there’s still a man carrying old heartbreak and unanswered questions, and seeing those layers slowly unravel kept me invested.
The rockstar backdrop added a fun energy to the story too. There’s something about musicians, creative ambition, late nights, and lingering feelings that just works. It gave the entire book an emotional, almost cinematic atmosphere that made it easy to get swept up in.
My biggest struggle was the repetition. There were times when the same conflict felt like it was circling back around instead of moving forward, and after a while I found myself wanting the characters to finally have the conversation that had been looming over everything from the start. The emotional tension was strong, but I think it could have packed an even bigger punch with a little less back-and-forth.
I also would have loved to feel more immersed in the music world itself. The story tells us about the careers and success surrounding these characters, but I wanted a little more of that behind-the-scenes atmosphere to fully bring those elements to life.
That said, this was a strong debut with a lot of heart, plenty of angst, and a romance that kept me turning pages. And after meeting the rest of the band, I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next. 🎸✨
Read
May 5, 2026Cuando Ben Carver se topa por accidente con Frankie Holiday, todo lo que creía superado vuelve a la superficie. Ella es la misma mujer que desapareció de su vida sin explicaciones, pero ya no es la misma persona.
Frankie juró no mirar atrás, pero Ben es la excepción que no logra olvidar. Entre reproches, atracción y verdades a medias, ambos quedan atrapados en una conexión que nunca se rompió.
___
Es una relación toxica.
Ben debió ponerle límites claros a Celine. Aunque no le gustaba y solo la veía como amiga, le permitía tomarse demasiadas libertades. Por ejmplo, el beso y todo lo que ocurre en el capítulo 18 lo deja claro. ¿Por qué no aparto Celine? ¿Por qué no le ofreció una disculpa a Frankie? Su comportamiento da la impresión de que esconde la relación y no le da a Frankie el lugar que merece. Nunca le presenta a sus padres con la idea de “protegerla”, porque notaba que el tema la incomodaba; sin embargo, sí llevó a todas sus ex y cuando F se entera piensa que es porque le da verguenza.
Por su parte, Frankie tampoco actuó bien. Lo de las fotos fue completamente fuera de lugar. Si la situación hubiera sido al revés dudo que se hubiera tomado las cosas con calma, es difícil creer que ella hubiera estado de acuerdo con que Ben mostrara fotos íntimas de ella sin su consentimiento. Su gran problema es que suele actuar antes de pensar.
Tiene muchos conflictos internos: se siente inferior, llega a desvalorizarse a sí misma y usa su origen como justificación para sabotearse. Más que una relación, lo que necesita es trabajar en sí misma, ir a terapia.
En conclusión, la dinámica entre ellos no funciona. Son demasiado diferentes en valores, actitudes y forma de enfrentar los problemas. Al final, no se se ve porque se gustan o se aman, solo tienen una conexión sexual.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Frankie juró no mirar atrás, pero Ben es la excepción que no logra olvidar. Entre reproches, atracción y verdades a medias, ambos quedan atrapados en una conexión que nunca se rompió.
___
Es una relación toxica.
Ben debió ponerle límites claros a Celine. Aunque no le gustaba y solo la veía como amiga, le permitía tomarse demasiadas libertades. Por ejmplo, el beso y todo lo que ocurre en el capítulo 18 lo deja claro. ¿Por qué no aparto Celine? ¿Por qué no le ofreció una disculpa a Frankie? Su comportamiento da la impresión de que esconde la relación y no le da a Frankie el lugar que merece. Nunca le presenta a sus padres con la idea de “protegerla”, porque notaba que el tema la incomodaba; sin embargo, sí llevó a todas sus ex y cuando F se entera piensa que es porque le da verguenza.
Por su parte, Frankie tampoco actuó bien. Lo de las fotos fue completamente fuera de lugar. Si la situación hubiera sido al revés dudo que se hubiera tomado las cosas con calma, es difícil creer que ella hubiera estado de acuerdo con que Ben mostrara fotos íntimas de ella sin su consentimiento. Su gran problema es que suele actuar antes de pensar.
Tiene muchos conflictos internos: se siente inferior, llega a desvalorizarse a sí misma y usa su origen como justificación para sabotearse. Más que una relación, lo que necesita es trabajar en sí misma, ir a terapia.
En conclusión, la dinámica entre ellos no funciona. Son demasiado diferentes en valores, actitudes y forma de enfrentar los problemas. Al final, no se se ve porque se gustan o se aman, solo tienen una conexión sexual.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s something about a second-chance romance set around musicians and artists that automatically feels a little more emotional, a little more dramatic, and Hot Lips definitely leans into that atmosphere well. The whole book has this moody indie-romance energy to it — late nights, old heartbreak, creative ambition, and feelings that clearly never disappeared no matter how much time passed.
Frankie and Ben’s dynamic was easily my favorite part. Their relationship already feels loaded from the beginning, and I liked that the story trusted the tension between them instead of trying to force constant drama. There’s a lot of lingering hurt, pride, attraction, and unfinished business woven into their interactions, which made the romance feel mature in a messy, believable way.
I also appreciated that Frankie wasn’t written as an overly polished heroine. She’s stubborn, emotionally guarded, and deeply focused on proving herself, which made her feel human rather than overly idealized. Ben balances her well with that quietly devoted energy that romance readers will absolutely recognize.
The creative backdrop added a lot to the story too. Between the music career, photography world, and the general “trying to make something of yourself while emotionally unraveling a little” vibe, the book felt immersive without becoming overly heavy.
For me, this was the kind of romance that shines more in the emotional tension and atmosphere than in big dramatic twists. It’s very yearning-heavy — lots of unresolved feelings, meaningful conversations, and the sense that these two people know each other a little too well.
Overall, Hot Lips feels intimate, angsty, and emotionally charged in a way that fits the second-chance romance genre really nicely. Definitely one to pick up if you enjoy complicated exes, artistic characters, and romances where the chemistry never really went away.
Thank you Netgalley and author for an early copy.
Frankie and Ben’s dynamic was easily my favorite part. Their relationship already feels loaded from the beginning, and I liked that the story trusted the tension between them instead of trying to force constant drama. There’s a lot of lingering hurt, pride, attraction, and unfinished business woven into their interactions, which made the romance feel mature in a messy, believable way.
I also appreciated that Frankie wasn’t written as an overly polished heroine. She’s stubborn, emotionally guarded, and deeply focused on proving herself, which made her feel human rather than overly idealized. Ben balances her well with that quietly devoted energy that romance readers will absolutely recognize.
The creative backdrop added a lot to the story too. Between the music career, photography world, and the general “trying to make something of yourself while emotionally unraveling a little” vibe, the book felt immersive without becoming overly heavy.
For me, this was the kind of romance that shines more in the emotional tension and atmosphere than in big dramatic twists. It’s very yearning-heavy — lots of unresolved feelings, meaningful conversations, and the sense that these two people know each other a little too well.
Overall, Hot Lips feels intimate, angsty, and emotionally charged in a way that fits the second-chance romance genre really nicely. Definitely one to pick up if you enjoy complicated exes, artistic characters, and romances where the chemistry never really went away.
Thank you Netgalley and author for an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book so much, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
The writing is solid, and the premise felt fresh and original. I can't recall reading another romance quite like this, which was one of the reasons I kept reading until the end. In fact, the only reason I didn't DNF was because I rarely leave books unfinished.
My biggest issue was the relationship dynamic. It was built on constant miscommunication, self-sabotage, poor decisions, and a lack of trust. Rather than rooting for the couple, I often found myself questioning why they were together at all. To me, they brought out the worst in each other instead of helping each other grow.
I also struggled with the FMC. I found her immature, deeply insecure, and incredibly frustrating to follow. Throughout the story, she repeatedly disrespects boundaries, plays games, and makes choices that negatively impact both herself and those around her. What she did with the photos without consent was already difficult for me to overlook, but it was far from the only action that left me frustrated. Many of her decisions felt manipulative or self-destructive, yet I never felt the story held her adequately accountable for them.
The MMC was ultimately the character I sympathized with the most. While he certainly wasn't perfect, I often felt that he carried the emotional weight of the relationship, which made parts of the story difficult to read.
By the end, I wasn't fully convinced by the emotional resolution. I didn't feel that enough growth had taken place to address the underlying issues that caused so much conflict throughout the book, which made it difficult for me to invest in the couple's future.
While the concept was interesting and the writing kept me turning the pages, the characters and their relationship simply didn't work for me.
I wanted to like this book so much, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
The writing is solid, and the premise felt fresh and original. I can't recall reading another romance quite like this, which was one of the reasons I kept reading until the end. In fact, the only reason I didn't DNF was because I rarely leave books unfinished.
My biggest issue was the relationship dynamic. It was built on constant miscommunication, self-sabotage, poor decisions, and a lack of trust. Rather than rooting for the couple, I often found myself questioning why they were together at all. To me, they brought out the worst in each other instead of helping each other grow.
I also struggled with the FMC. I found her immature, deeply insecure, and incredibly frustrating to follow. Throughout the story, she repeatedly disrespects boundaries, plays games, and makes choices that negatively impact both herself and those around her. What she did with the photos without consent was already difficult for me to overlook, but it was far from the only action that left me frustrated. Many of her decisions felt manipulative or self-destructive, yet I never felt the story held her adequately accountable for them.
The MMC was ultimately the character I sympathized with the most. While he certainly wasn't perfect, I often felt that he carried the emotional weight of the relationship, which made parts of the story difficult to read.
By the end, I wasn't fully convinced by the emotional resolution. I didn't feel that enough growth had taken place to address the underlying issues that caused so much conflict throughout the book, which made it difficult for me to invest in the couple's future.
While the concept was interesting and the writing kept me turning the pages, the characters and their relationship simply didn't work for me.
June 11, 2026
Hot Lips is an angsty and moody second chance romance about a indie rock singer-songwriter and her photographer ex who used to be her teacher. Told in third person between past and present, we see Frankie and Ben fall in love, fall apart, and reconnect once more.
Be prepared for a toxic cycle of self-sabotage, bad choices and even worse communication that mostly ends with them leaving or hooking up before they can have an actual conversation. (yay…..)
While I believe that characters don’t have to be likeable or inspirational for a book to be enjoyable, I did not enjoy this one.
It’s well-written and emotionally-charged, the concept is interesting and original, and the characters are nuanced. And it’s a debut, which makes it even more impressive.
It’s not a bad book at all.
But… I just think I’ve outgrown toxic romances.
Out of all the characters, I only liked the dog. But most of all, I did not like Ben. He’s such acunt classist who needs to grow a fucking backbone.
And Frankie, ugh. There’s truly nothing romantic or justifiable in hanging your professor’s dick pics for his boss and his other students to see without his consent - doesn’t matter how “”artsy”” the pictures are. And this is only one of the messed-up things that characters do throughout the book.
Mind you, this is not even the reason why they broke up in the first place. And it gets dismissed waaay too easily.
They have good chemistry, sure, but not much else. They just match each other’s freaks in a very intense and masochistic way. So this book felt like watching a car crush repeatedly. And there’s only a few times you can do it before I stop caring.
I tried to give it more time, but honestly, it just made me sad. But I guess it’s a good read if you like something toxic and sad.
Thank you (and sorry) to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC!
Be prepared for a toxic cycle of self-sabotage, bad choices and even worse communication that mostly ends with them leaving or hooking up before they can have an actual conversation. (yay…..)
While I believe that characters don’t have to be likeable or inspirational for a book to be enjoyable, I did not enjoy this one.
It’s well-written and emotionally-charged, the concept is interesting and original, and the characters are nuanced. And it’s a debut, which makes it even more impressive.
It’s not a bad book at all.
But… I just think I’ve outgrown toxic romances.
Out of all the characters, I only liked the dog. But most of all, I did not like Ben. He’s such a
And Frankie, ugh. There’s truly nothing romantic or justifiable in hanging your professor’s dick pics for his boss and his other students to see without his consent - doesn’t matter how “”artsy”” the pictures are. And this is only one of the messed-up things that characters do throughout the book.
Mind you, this is not even the reason why they broke up in the first place. And it gets dismissed waaay too easily.
They have good chemistry, sure, but not much else. They just match each other’s freaks in a very intense and masochistic way. So this book felt like watching a car crush repeatedly. And there’s only a few times you can do it before I stop caring.
I tried to give it more time, but honestly, it just made me sad. But I guess it’s a good read if you like something toxic and sad.
Thank you (and sorry) to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had an idea early on about what was causing the tension between Ben and Frankie, but that didn't make the journey any less intense and it felt more authentic. This is a second-chance romance that really leans into the 'wounded' aspect of the characters, and honestly? I loved how messy Frankie is.
They basically meet while she's like taking a photography class. And then it does a thing that like it kind of like time jumps back and forth past and present which is interesting you get a lot of backstory which is very important because you see like their relationships and why it didn't work at first. I also love that like neither of them are perfect. They're both flawed individuals who made mistakes which is so real and makes it easier to relate to them.
Frankie isn't a perfect MFC, and she makes a lot of questionable decisions—both in the present and in the flashbacks—but that’s exactly why she feels so real to me. Relationships aren't always easy and happy; they’re often crazy, complicated, and full of 'what-ifs.'
I’ll be honest, I was really upset with Ben. The way he hid her away and allowed his 'friend' full access while keeping Frankie at a distance was heartbreaking. It made me constantly question her worth in his eyes, and there were definitely times where I felt like he wasn't good enough for her, rather than the other way around.
This is authentic romance that feels real And I love that. Like while reading it you can like see like both the mistakes and that made it easy for me to connect to them . I liked that it was not a fairytale. It captures the grit of a relationship that has been mangled and strained but it's theirs.
They basically meet while she's like taking a photography class. And then it does a thing that like it kind of like time jumps back and forth past and present which is interesting you get a lot of backstory which is very important because you see like their relationships and why it didn't work at first. I also love that like neither of them are perfect. They're both flawed individuals who made mistakes which is so real and makes it easier to relate to them.
Frankie isn't a perfect MFC, and she makes a lot of questionable decisions—both in the present and in the flashbacks—but that’s exactly why she feels so real to me. Relationships aren't always easy and happy; they’re often crazy, complicated, and full of 'what-ifs.'
I’ll be honest, I was really upset with Ben. The way he hid her away and allowed his 'friend' full access while keeping Frankie at a distance was heartbreaking. It made me constantly question her worth in his eyes, and there were definitely times where I felt like he wasn't good enough for her, rather than the other way around.
This is authentic romance that feels real And I love that. Like while reading it you can like see like both the mistakes and that made it easy for me to connect to them . I liked that it was not a fairytale. It captures the grit of a relationship that has been mangled and strained but it's theirs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and author for allowing me to read/review this E-ARC
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Review:
I am thoroughly impressed by the buildup in this book; the character development is incredibly well-paced and kept me completely hooked from the start. I don’t want to give away too much in this review, because I genuinely think if romance and rockstar romance is your thing, you should just check this out for yourself.
First of all, I have to mention the "fuck me heels" line, which always makes me laugh out loud. Honestly, I feel like all heels have that energy if you just wear them with the right amount of confidence!
When the meetup finally happened, it was absolutely everything I wanted it to be. It delivered those perfect, satisfying, "Hey, listen here fuck face, you hurt me and you suck" vibes. I was fully cheering Ben on, screaming, "Get her, Ben!" To be completely honest, back when I was in the dating scene, anytime I got ghosted or treated badly, I desperately wanted to pull off a scheme exactly like his. I’ve definitely plotted a few identical scenarios in my own head over the years, but I digress.
As for the characters, Frankie honestly sucks. I’ll admit that rockstar romances aren't usually my go-to subgenre, but based on real-world celebrity behavior, I imagine that toxic attitude is probably pretty accurate for the lifestyle. Ben, on the other hand, is just so wonderfully relatable. Personally, I think he could do a whole lot better than Frankie, but if he’s happy, who am I to judge?
A fantastic, engaging read with great momentum!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Review:
I am thoroughly impressed by the buildup in this book; the character development is incredibly well-paced and kept me completely hooked from the start. I don’t want to give away too much in this review, because I genuinely think if romance and rockstar romance is your thing, you should just check this out for yourself.
First of all, I have to mention the "fuck me heels" line, which always makes me laugh out loud. Honestly, I feel like all heels have that energy if you just wear them with the right amount of confidence!
When the meetup finally happened, it was absolutely everything I wanted it to be. It delivered those perfect, satisfying, "Hey, listen here fuck face, you hurt me and you suck" vibes. I was fully cheering Ben on, screaming, "Get her, Ben!" To be completely honest, back when I was in the dating scene, anytime I got ghosted or treated badly, I desperately wanted to pull off a scheme exactly like his. I’ve definitely plotted a few identical scenarios in my own head over the years, but I digress.
As for the characters, Frankie honestly sucks. I’ll admit that rockstar romances aren't usually my go-to subgenre, but based on real-world celebrity behavior, I imagine that toxic attitude is probably pretty accurate for the lifestyle. Ben, on the other hand, is just so wonderfully relatable. Personally, I think he could do a whole lot better than Frankie, but if he’s happy, who am I to judge?
A fantastic, engaging read with great momentum!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so I really wanted to love this book. Second chance romance, indie rock vibes, Chicago setting, two leads with actual history and a big secret holding everything together? That is so my thing. And I do think Liz Castle has something here. The comparisons to Lucy Parker and Elizabeth O'Roark make sense and I can see where this series is going to go.
The problem is the repetition almost killed me. Frankie and Ben are stuck in the same cycle basically the entire book. She almost tells him what happened, they end up in bed, something goes sideways, they make up, and then we are right back at square one. Frankie's whole "I really should tell him but I'm just not going to" thing happens so many times that I stopped feeling the tension and started feeling genuinely frustrated. Girl. Just say the thing. Please.
I also wanted more from the world building. We're told Frankie is about to blow up as a musician and Ben is this big deal photographer but I never really felt like I was IN those worlds, you know? I wanted to feel the Chicago music scene. I wanted to understand what made Ben's work so special. That extra layer would have made me care so much more when things fell apart between them.
I don't regret reading it though! This is a debut and the bones are genuinely good. I'm curious enough about the rest of the Sexodus band that I'll probably pick up the next book.
I just hope Frankie's bandmates have learned how to use their words a little better than she did.
Okay so I really wanted to love this book. Second chance romance, indie rock vibes, Chicago setting, two leads with actual history and a big secret holding everything together? That is so my thing. And I do think Liz Castle has something here. The comparisons to Lucy Parker and Elizabeth O'Roark make sense and I can see where this series is going to go.
The problem is the repetition almost killed me. Frankie and Ben are stuck in the same cycle basically the entire book. She almost tells him what happened, they end up in bed, something goes sideways, they make up, and then we are right back at square one. Frankie's whole "I really should tell him but I'm just not going to" thing happens so many times that I stopped feeling the tension and started feeling genuinely frustrated. Girl. Just say the thing. Please.
I also wanted more from the world building. We're told Frankie is about to blow up as a musician and Ben is this big deal photographer but I never really felt like I was IN those worlds, you know? I wanted to feel the Chicago music scene. I wanted to understand what made Ben's work so special. That extra layer would have made me care so much more when things fell apart between them.
I don't regret reading it though! This is a debut and the bones are genuinely good. I'm curious enough about the rest of the Sexodus band that I'll probably pick up the next book.
I just hope Frankie's bandmates have learned how to use their words a little better than she did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ben and Frankie
So much tension and I had an idea early on what was a major cause of it.
This is a second chance with a situation that seems to give you a wounded MMC abandoned by the MFC, yet you’ll wonder if there’s more to it….
An aspiring musician grinding away at her ‘day job’ and performing with the band for their big break.
A photographer with family expectations and what seems to be a ‘supportive friend’ dealing with what-if’s and the return of the love of his life.
So Frankie is very flawed. She is NOT a perfect MFC, and she makes a lot of questionable decisions, both in the recent story, and in the many flashback scenes.
But, Ben also made some significant mistakes, and in a way, I don’t blame Frankie for the decision she made to walk away.
Knowing what he did of her past, the way that he hid her away, allowed his ‘friend’ full access, but not Frankie, I was really disappointed in him.
And frankly, I needed them to have that discussion, becuase it was heartbreaking with the constant cycling of Frankie’s thoughts about her worth and apparent worthiness about being in a relationship with him. For me, it needed to be the other way round - I had times where I thought he ended up being not good enough for her.
A rough, rough romance that ended u not really being a romance, at odds for much of the story, it was hard to work out how or when they would finally get together.
So much tension and I had an idea early on what was a major cause of it.
This is a second chance with a situation that seems to give you a wounded MMC abandoned by the MFC, yet you’ll wonder if there’s more to it….
An aspiring musician grinding away at her ‘day job’ and performing with the band for their big break.
A photographer with family expectations and what seems to be a ‘supportive friend’ dealing with what-if’s and the return of the love of his life.
So Frankie is very flawed. She is NOT a perfect MFC, and she makes a lot of questionable decisions, both in the recent story, and in the many flashback scenes.
But, Ben also made some significant mistakes, and in a way, I don’t blame Frankie for the decision she made to walk away.
Knowing what he did of her past, the way that he hid her away, allowed his ‘friend’ full access, but not Frankie, I was really disappointed in him.
And frankly, I needed them to have that discussion, becuase it was heartbreaking with the constant cycling of Frankie’s thoughts about her worth and apparent worthiness about being in a relationship with him. For me, it needed to be the other way round - I had times where I thought he ended up being not good enough for her.
A rough, rough romance that ended u not really being a romance, at odds for much of the story, it was hard to work out how or when they would finally get together.
Review of advance copy
I honestly didn't think these two were going to end up together.
Ben and Frankie met while she was taking a photography class he was teaching, and she was trying to be an up-and-coming musician in Chicago. The book jumps back and forth between the past and present, looking at what Ben and Frankie had and what their lives look like now. After leaving him once without much of an answer as to why, Ben's not really ready to trust Frankie again but wants answers. Ones she's not ready to give. But when it comes down to it, can Ben and Frankie make it work against all odds?
Frankie and Ben get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
On one hand, I could see where Frankie would be scared that Ben wouldn't accept her and that they were too different. But she also didn't give him the choice in the matter, and I feel that was worse than just leaving him with a generic message of not coming back. I do have to wonder what Ben's best girl friend thought of the two of them getting back together after warning Frankie off from doing just that. And if Frankie ever told Don the truth about what his grandson was doing, or if she let that play out naturally. It will be interesting to see how much other members of the band have pasts that jump back and forth like this, as it seemed like the preview we got for the second book will have something similar.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ben and Frankie met while she was taking a photography class he was teaching, and she was trying to be an up-and-coming musician in Chicago. The book jumps back and forth between the past and present, looking at what Ben and Frankie had and what their lives look like now. After leaving him once without much of an answer as to why, Ben's not really ready to trust Frankie again but wants answers. Ones she's not ready to give. But when it comes down to it, can Ben and Frankie make it work against all odds?
Frankie and Ben get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
On one hand, I could see where Frankie would be scared that Ben wouldn't accept her and that they were too different. But she also didn't give him the choice in the matter, and I feel that was worse than just leaving him with a generic message of not coming back. I do have to wonder what Ben's best girl friend thought of the two of them getting back together after warning Frankie off from doing just that. And if Frankie ever told Don the truth about what his grandson was doing, or if she let that play out naturally. It will be interesting to see how much other members of the band have pasts that jump back and forth like this, as it seemed like the preview we got for the second book will have something similar.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tysm to NetGalley and the author for the ARC! I have no idea why it took me this long to finally read a musician romance because, honestly, the vibes are palpable.
As someone in the creative arts myself, this book felt so personal. It captures that whole struggle of the grind—the setbacks, the tiny wins, and that specific feeling of watching someone perform and just falling for them on the spot, or even better, knowing they're falling for you while you're in the zone. Now imagine if your JOB is to take pictures of them and get their best angles. Talk about a match made in heaven, if they could just be honest with themselves!
The chemistry between Ben and Frankie was everything and felt so real. I related to Frankie so much because she’s complex, super vulnerable, but also a sometimes blindly confident dreamer (which is needed when you're a performer). I like that this book also develops Frankie's own journey as a performer as much as it does her relationship with Ben.
The slow burn was literally agonizing in the best way, and I was rooting for their second chance so hard! Such a fun debut for Liza Castle, and I’m definitely keeping an eye out for whatever she drops next.
Where's my hot musician and photographer that's going to get my best angles while I'm doing my thing?? I'm still waiting for my first chance, let alone a second.
As someone in the creative arts myself, this book felt so personal. It captures that whole struggle of the grind—the setbacks, the tiny wins, and that specific feeling of watching someone perform and just falling for them on the spot, or even better, knowing they're falling for you while you're in the zone. Now imagine if your JOB is to take pictures of them and get their best angles. Talk about a match made in heaven, if they could just be honest with themselves!
The chemistry between Ben and Frankie was everything and felt so real. I related to Frankie so much because she’s complex, super vulnerable, but also a sometimes blindly confident dreamer (which is needed when you're a performer). I like that this book also develops Frankie's own journey as a performer as much as it does her relationship with Ben.
The slow burn was literally agonizing in the best way, and I was rooting for their second chance so hard! Such a fun debut for Liza Castle, and I’m definitely keeping an eye out for whatever she drops next.
Where's my hot musician and photographer that's going to get my best angles while I'm doing my thing?? I'm still waiting for my first chance, let alone a second.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, flirty, chaotic romance and I honestly had the best time reading it 😭💋
This book had banter, chemistry, tension, and an addictive rom-com energy where i was smiling one second and kicking my feet the next. The dynamic between the characters was SO entertaining and their interactions felt effortless and natural.
The chemistry was INSANE. Every conversation felt flirty , and I loved how the tension kept building throughout the story. Liz really nailed the balance between funny moments and emotional vulnerability, which made the romance feel even more real.
And the MMC??? Cocky, charming, slightly messy but completely obsessed underneath it all 😩 exactly the kind of book boyfriend that ends up living rent free in my head.
What I loved most was how easy this book was to binge. It was funny, emotional, spicy, and just genuinely entertaining from beginning to end. I was in a book slump and this got me out of it. Perfect if you want something romantic and addictive that still has heart.
If you love:
💋 flirty banter
💋 rom-com vibes
💋 tension & chemistry
💋 funny but emotional romance
💋 charming MMCs
💋 spicy moments
💋 fast addictive reads
…you need this on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had banter, chemistry, tension, and an addictive rom-com energy where i was smiling one second and kicking my feet the next. The dynamic between the characters was SO entertaining and their interactions felt effortless and natural.
The chemistry was INSANE. Every conversation felt flirty , and I loved how the tension kept building throughout the story. Liz really nailed the balance between funny moments and emotional vulnerability, which made the romance feel even more real.
And the MMC??? Cocky, charming, slightly messy but completely obsessed underneath it all 😩 exactly the kind of book boyfriend that ends up living rent free in my head.
What I loved most was how easy this book was to binge. It was funny, emotional, spicy, and just genuinely entertaining from beginning to end. I was in a book slump and this got me out of it. Perfect if you want something romantic and addictive that still has heart.
If you love:
💋 flirty banter
💋 rom-com vibes
💋 tension & chemistry
💋 funny but emotional romance
💋 charming MMCs
💋 spicy moments
💋 fast addictive reads
…you need this on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second chance romance is the best kind and Hot Lips has everything a romance reader craves—heat, tension, chemistry, hidden vulnerability, messy miscommunication and sabotaging assumptions—which of course made this reader want to shake them by the shoulders while also giving “are they ever gonna work this out?” intensity.
You can feel the sparks fly off the page! 🔥 There’s so much raw emotion and desire between Frankie, an up-and-coming musician / song writer and Ben, a successful photographer taking the world by storm. (Two creatives? You know things are gonna get crazy!) It was fun to follow Frankie really grow into herself, experiencing so much self-discovery through her relationship, from both the highs and lows, with Ben.
I loved the backdrop of the music scene and the voyeuristic quality of watching a performer and seeing a different side of them —especially for Ben who knew Frankie intimately, but when he saw her as strangers did, it brought his attraction to a whole other level. And the shout-out to WFUV! A station I’ve listened to for many years and definitely cultivated my love of music.
This is a debut?! Congrats to the author—can’t wait for Book #2 in this series!
You can feel the sparks fly off the page! 🔥 There’s so much raw emotion and desire between Frankie, an up-and-coming musician / song writer and Ben, a successful photographer taking the world by storm. (Two creatives? You know things are gonna get crazy!) It was fun to follow Frankie really grow into herself, experiencing so much self-discovery through her relationship, from both the highs and lows, with Ben.
I loved the backdrop of the music scene and the voyeuristic quality of watching a performer and seeing a different side of them —especially for Ben who knew Frankie intimately, but when he saw her as strangers did, it brought his attraction to a whole other level. And the shout-out to WFUV! A station I’ve listened to for many years and definitely cultivated my love of music.
This is a debut?! Congrats to the author—can’t wait for Book #2 in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When two artists from very different worlds find each other, sparks fly in this stunning debut from Liz Castle. Ben, a photographer, and Frankie, a musician, are such well-developed characters that by the end of the novel, I felt like I truly knew them and was fully invested in their journey, rooting for them not only to find success in their creative endeavors, but also to find happiness as a couple. The side characters are fully fleshed out as well and add a lovely depth to the novel.
But back to Ben and Frankie...their chemistry sizzles from the start, and the witty, smart dialogue brings both their relationship and their individual worlds vividly to life. I love the music references (especially the band names!) and the insights into the art and photography world. (Ansel the dog is another fun treat.)
Castle has a gift for creating compelling characters whose hopes, fears, vulnerabilities, and ambitions feel utterly relatable. Her settings, too, feel authentic. I wanted to go to these bars and galleries and attend these parties!
I was fully immersed in this story and am so glad this series will continue!
This is a heartfelt, engaging romance with original characters who stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Bring on book #2!
But back to Ben and Frankie...their chemistry sizzles from the start, and the witty, smart dialogue brings both their relationship and their individual worlds vividly to life. I love the music references (especially the band names!) and the insights into the art and photography world. (Ansel the dog is another fun treat.)
Castle has a gift for creating compelling characters whose hopes, fears, vulnerabilities, and ambitions feel utterly relatable. Her settings, too, feel authentic. I wanted to go to these bars and galleries and attend these parties!
I was fully immersed in this story and am so glad this series will continue!
This is a heartfelt, engaging romance with original characters who stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Bring on book #2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This debut delivered everything I love in a second chance romance: tension, history, messy emotions, and two people who never really stopped loving each other. Frankie and Ben had chemistry from the very first page, but what made this story stand out was how layered their relationship felt. Their pain, pride, and unresolved past made every interaction hit harder.
Frankie’s journey to finding her voice, both as an artist and as a person, added so much depth to the romance. Ben was the perfect counterpart—successful on the outside, but still carrying the heartbreak of how things ended. Watching them slowly peel back old wounds and figure out if love could survive the damage was so satisfying.
The music scene backdrop gave this book such a fun energy, and it felt cinematic in the best way. Think passion, creative ambition, late-night tension, and emotional vulnerability wrapped in an indie-rock atmosphere.
If you love second chance romances with emotional depth, strong chemistry, and characters chasing both love and their dreams, this is one to pick up. Such a strong debut, and I’m excited for more from this series. 🎸✨
Frankie’s journey to finding her voice, both as an artist and as a person, added so much depth to the romance. Ben was the perfect counterpart—successful on the outside, but still carrying the heartbreak of how things ended. Watching them slowly peel back old wounds and figure out if love could survive the damage was so satisfying.
The music scene backdrop gave this book such a fun energy, and it felt cinematic in the best way. Think passion, creative ambition, late-night tension, and emotional vulnerability wrapped in an indie-rock atmosphere.
If you love second chance romances with emotional depth, strong chemistry, and characters chasing both love and their dreams, this is one to pick up. Such a strong debut, and I’m excited for more from this series. 🎸✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Second-chance romance? ✔️
Rockstar vibes? ✔️
Years of unresolved feelings? ✔️
This had all the ingredients to be a new favorite, and for a while, I was so invested. Frankie and Ben had great chemistry, and you could really feel the history between them. The angst? Delicious. The longing? Even better.
I also loved seeing Frankie fight for herself outside of the romance. Her personal growth was one of my favorite parts of the book, and the indie music setting gave everything that cozy, late-night, emotional vibe.
BUT…
This book and the same argument became best friends. 😭 Every time I thought we’d finally get the conversation we’d been waiting for, we’d take another lap around the same conflict. I just wanted them to communicate already!
I also wish we’d spent more time immersed in the music world. We hear about the band’s success, but I wanted more backstage moments, rehearsals, and tour chaos to really sell the rockstar atmosphere.
Overall, this was a solid debut with plenty of heart, angst, and chemistry. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I’m definitely curious enough to see what the rest of the band gets up to next. 🎸✨
June 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC of Hot Lips!
I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It felt authentic, realistic, and cohesive. The characters, Ben and Frankie, were thoroughly developed, they felt like real people. The ratio of flashbacks to "now" seemed a bit out of balance for me. The majority of the book (at least that's how it felt reading it) takes place in the past, recounting Ben/Frankie's relationship. While this gives the reader a lot of great characterization and context for the characters, it made the ending feel a bit rushed. Also, I'm not a fan of the "miscommunication trope" and Frankie's reason for breaking up with Ben (initially) seemed a bit unrealistic. I would have liked to see more discussion between the two MCs about their differences in class privilege and lived experience, since it was such a defining issue for them the first time they dated.
Overall, it's a good love story that is more nuanced and well-developed than a lot of modern romances, which makes it feel more believable.
I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It felt authentic, realistic, and cohesive. The characters, Ben and Frankie, were thoroughly developed, they felt like real people. The ratio of flashbacks to "now" seemed a bit out of balance for me. The majority of the book (at least that's how it felt reading it) takes place in the past, recounting Ben/Frankie's relationship. While this gives the reader a lot of great characterization and context for the characters, it made the ending feel a bit rushed. Also, I'm not a fan of the "miscommunication trope" and Frankie's reason for breaking up with Ben (initially) seemed a bit unrealistic. I would have liked to see more discussion between the two MCs about their differences in class privilege and lived experience, since it was such a defining issue for them the first time they dated.
Overall, it's a good love story that is more nuanced and well-developed than a lot of modern romances, which makes it feel more believable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mark this down as one of the couples who definitely does not make it past the epilogue. Honestly, one of the worst relationships I've read, and I've read mafia romances so...
The FMC, Frankie, was constantly annoying and immature and insecure. She posted inappropriate pictures of their intimate moments in front of his students, and then got upset when he was upset about it? She started to hook up with someone else, and then claimed to not have cheated? Seemed like cheating to me.
The MMC, Ben, was also irritating. He never introduced her to his family, in 2 years of dating. He basically led his friend, Celine, on for years. There was not really any closure with that situation either. Honestly though, these 2 probably deserve each other....
The entire book started vey graphically, and I didn't like that either. I will not be reading anything else from this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
The FMC, Frankie, was constantly annoying and immature and insecure. She posted inappropriate pictures of their intimate moments in front of his students, and then got upset when he was upset about it? She started to hook up with someone else, and then claimed to not have cheated? Seemed like cheating to me.
The MMC, Ben, was also irritating. He never introduced her to his family, in 2 years of dating. He basically led his friend, Celine, on for years. There was not really any closure with that situation either. Honestly though, these 2 probably deserve each other....
The entire book started vey graphically, and I didn't like that either. I will not be reading anything else from this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't normally read rockstar/band romance novels but it was a trope to complete on my list for 2026 so I picked this one up and I'm glad I did.
Frankie & Ben are MESSY (the author did say it was going to be angsty...) but I truly enjoyed that about them. I love a second chance romance and although this one largely was due to miscommunication, it was easy to see why both character's issues lead to their first break-up. The only reason I didn't give this novel 5 stars was that I felt the revelation of the major motivation behind a lot of Frankie's behavior came WAY too late and left little time for exploration in regards to her relationship with Ben. I just wanted a bit more time for the big discussions (and maybe a little less time with Celine??)
This was a quick, enjoyable read and I am glad to see that it is just the first in a planned series. ALSO, it's set in Chicago (which is always a bonus!)
Thanks to #Netgalley & Bo Gest Press for the ARC!
Frankie & Ben are MESSY (the author did say it was going to be angsty...) but I truly enjoyed that about them. I love a second chance romance and although this one largely was due to miscommunication, it was easy to see why both character's issues lead to their first break-up. The only reason I didn't give this novel 5 stars was that I felt the revelation of the major motivation behind a lot of Frankie's behavior came WAY too late and left little time for exploration in regards to her relationship with Ben. I just wanted a bit more time for the big discussions (and maybe a little less time with Celine??)
This was a quick, enjoyable read and I am glad to see that it is just the first in a planned series. ALSO, it's set in Chicago (which is always a bonus!)
Thanks to #Netgalley & Bo Gest Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 🌟
"Always for love."
I never thought I would cry over a book named Hot Lips but I cried and fell in love with Ben and Frankie! This story was so beautiful. I want to thank the author and the Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me the ARC! 🫶
This is a story about two people who are different in every aspect of their lives, but when together, they share the kind of love few people accomplish in a lifetime. This story has everything: from all-consuming love despite their differences, hot scorching chemistry, and beautiful spice, to heart-wrenching heartbreak and hope for forever.
"I must look like shit."
"uh-uh". He gently rubbed his thumbs under her eyes. "You look beautiful."
I still can't believe this is a debut novel! The writing is so mature and beautiful. The story made me feel seen. I went through an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I absolutely loved the author's writing and am eagerly waiting for Peter Johnson's story!
"Always for love."
I never thought I would cry over a book named Hot Lips but I cried and fell in love with Ben and Frankie! This story was so beautiful. I want to thank the author and the Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me the ARC! 🫶
This is a story about two people who are different in every aspect of their lives, but when together, they share the kind of love few people accomplish in a lifetime. This story has everything: from all-consuming love despite their differences, hot scorching chemistry, and beautiful spice, to heart-wrenching heartbreak and hope for forever.
"I must look like shit."
"uh-uh". He gently rubbed his thumbs under her eyes. "You look beautiful."
I still can't believe this is a debut novel! The writing is so mature and beautiful. The story made me feel seen. I went through an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I absolutely loved the author's writing and am eagerly waiting for Peter Johnson's story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liz Castle’s debut novel, Hot Lips, is a spicy, high-energy rock and roll romance, reminiscent of Streets of Fire (a high compliment!), that hits all the second-chance-at-love beats and then some. Both the reckless, soulful Frankie Holiday and the serious, ambitious Ben Carver are characters to fall in love with and Castle does a skillful job injecting both with well-drawn emotional lives—deep wounds, self-doubt, stubborn pride—that contribute to their fiery chemistry. The lovers’ first meeting/breakup and their fated second encounter are satisfyingly interwoven and the Chicago music scene provides a vibrant, electrifying backdrop. Hot Lips delivers.
*Sexodus drummer and sometime wingman Pete’s starring role in the sequel is sure to up the heat on the fire Hot Lips has masterfully set.
*Sexodus drummer and sometime wingman Pete’s starring role in the sequel is sure to up the heat on the fire Hot Lips has masterfully set.
Review of advance copy
thank you love notes pr for the arc
3.5 🌟
i loved loved the setting and atmosphere of this book. the indie band scene, with second chance romance was so intriguing.
the tension bw both the characters was so palpable, right from their first interaction.
frankie is not a perfect fmc by any means. there were times where i wanted to shake her for the choices she was making. i can understand why she did what she did, but it doesn't mean i personally agree w her. i loved how determined and stubborn she was gotta love an fmc who is hell bent on proving herself.
i wasn't particularly fond of ben. he was lowk an asshole in the past like no wonder she left you 😭 i did, however, appreciate the conversations they had surrounding their breakup and how they felt.
all in all, a really solid book, with more things to enjoy than not
3.5 🌟
i loved loved the setting and atmosphere of this book. the indie band scene, with second chance romance was so intriguing.
the tension bw both the characters was so palpable, right from their first interaction.
frankie is not a perfect fmc by any means. there were times where i wanted to shake her for the choices she was making. i can understand why she did what she did, but it doesn't mean i personally agree w her. i loved how determined and stubborn she was gotta love an fmc who is hell bent on proving herself.
i wasn't particularly fond of ben. he was lowk an asshole in the past like no wonder she left you 😭 i did, however, appreciate the conversations they had surrounding their breakup and how they felt.
all in all, a really solid book, with more things to enjoy than not
Review of advance copy
E-ARC REVIEW!🖤
THE PIERCING SCENE?!?!? ABSOLUTELY MY FAV!!!
This was a light, but at the same time, it totally kept me on the edge of my seat! the characters were wonderful, and the overall vibe was indeed impressive...
Ngl, I actually hated the fmc in so many scenes because of her recklessness, and the was she just tried to disappear without an explanation. It definitely made my blood boil a bit!
Ben was an incredible mmc whose nature was sweet and very hot ( iykyk), but he also had some faults!
At first, when I started reading the book, I was kind of confused because of the writing style since it was new for me. however, after quite some time, I got hang of it. by the 35% mark, this book became a total addiction!!!
THE PIERCING SCENE?!?!? ABSOLUTELY MY FAV!!!
This was a light, but at the same time, it totally kept me on the edge of my seat! the characters were wonderful, and the overall vibe was indeed impressive...
Ngl, I actually hated the fmc in so many scenes because of her recklessness, and the was she just tried to disappear without an explanation. It definitely made my blood boil a bit!
Ben was an incredible mmc whose nature was sweet and very hot ( iykyk), but he also had some faults!
At first, when I started reading the book, I was kind of confused because of the writing style since it was new for me. however, after quite some time, I got hang of it. by the 35% mark, this book became a total addiction!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun and emotional second-chance romance! Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book delivered all the yearning, angst, and messy drama I love. Frankie and Ben had amazing chemistry from the very beginning, and their dynamic kept me hooked the whole way through.
The buildup was so well done, and when they finally reunited, it was everything.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotional read about two people finding their way back to each other while chasing their dreams. If you love second-chance romances, rockstar romance, strong chemistry, and plenty of angst, definitely read this one!!
The buildup was so well done, and when they finally reunited, it was everything.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotional read about two people finding their way back to each other while chasing their dreams. If you love second-chance romances, rockstar romance, strong chemistry, and plenty of angst, definitely read this one!!
Review of advance copy
I loved this book! First of all I cannot believe this is liz castle's first book?! It was amazing and had me hooked from page 1! I adored Frankie and Ben from the start, and I loved their connection all throughout the book🥰 I loved Frankie, and her growth through the book, and I loved how after so many years, they still adored eachother😍I loved Ben as a character too and his passion for art and photography! And I thought the before and after chapters showing what happend "before" was a really great touch🫶🏻. The ending was honestly perfect, Frankie and Ben being happy together was a joy to read☺️ I genuinely can't wait to read more from this author. The writing was just amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book so much!
I don't often read rockstar romances, but I'm glad I made an exception for Hot Lips. This book had everything I was looking for - banter, spice, humor, emotionally rich characters - without feeling formulaic or forced. I literally couldn't put it down.
The biggest sign of a great book for me is when I miss the characters. I definitely wanted more time with Frankie and Ben, and I'm excited to see what comes next for Sexodus. (yes, the band's name is Sexodus. It's perfect.)
I don't often read rockstar romances, but I'm glad I made an exception for Hot Lips. This book had everything I was looking for - banter, spice, humor, emotionally rich characters - without feeling formulaic or forced. I literally couldn't put it down.
The biggest sign of a great book for me is when I miss the characters. I definitely wanted more time with Frankie and Ben, and I'm excited to see what comes next for Sexodus. (yes, the band's name is Sexodus. It's perfect.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a beautiful second chance love story! It has all the messy drama that I love in these stories. Frankie and Ben had the kinda of chemistry from page one that never really went away! The is a beautifully written love story about two people that never stopped loving each other while also finding themselves! If you love second chance romances with strong chemistry, and characters reaching for both love and their dreams, this is one is for you! .
This is a beautiful second chance love story! It has all the messy drama that I love in these stories. Frankie and Ben had the kinda of chemistry from page one that never really went away! The is a beautifully written love story about two people that never stopped loving each other while also finding themselves! If you love second chance romances with strong chemistry, and characters reaching for both love and their dreams, this is one is for you! .
July 9, 2026
Miscommunication and dishonesty are two relationship dynamics that I dislike with my entire being, and this book contains both in excess. The idea behind the story was good: second chance, opposites, painful past… but Frankie and Ben just didn’t make sense. There was too much left unresolved, too many times they hurt each other, and just too much toxicity to make me cheer for these two to figure it out. Big positives of this book though: I liked the writing style and the novel storyline!
(Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC.)
(Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(4.5 stars)
second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book executed that very well!! there was yearning and angst which is exactly what i needed. what really stood out to me in this book was how emotional it was. i am such a sucker for emotional books and this was right up my alley. i also loved their dynamic so much, it was so much fun to read.
(4.5 stars)
second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book executed that very well!! there was yearning and angst which is exactly what i needed. what really stood out to me in this book was how emotional it was. i am such a sucker for emotional books and this was right up my alley. i also loved their dynamic so much, it was so much fun to read.
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