What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
- GenresSecond ChanceRomance
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 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.
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
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
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 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.)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews