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There comes a point in your life where you have to say enough is enough. I wasted my college years on a guy who played with my head, played with my heart. I was blinded by the fairytale, the one that didn’t exist. The day I gave up on the idea of happily ever after, my focus became me. Moving forward and establishing my career. Until one day… I didn’t expect him. My new boss, a six foot two, inked rock god. I believed I was working for the record label, I was wrong. It’s impossible for me to keep my distance, believe me I’ve tried. He’s not who I expected him to be. He’s so much more he’s…Emphatic Book Assured releases May 7, 2016 18 and over audience

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2015

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2093 people want to read

About the author

Kaylee Ryan

101 books6,381 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

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5 stars
2,308 (47%)
4 stars
1,577 (32%)
3 stars
760 (15%)
2 stars
161 (3%)
1 star
64 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
Profile Image for Cyndi.
354 reviews277 followers
September 18, 2015
This was a really enjoyable book! I liked Logan from the start, but wasn't crazy about Kacen at first. When they first met Kacen came across as a cocky, very experienced player and I wasn't impressed. Once they were back in Nashville and we started seeing the real Kacen I loved him. He was so smitten with Logan and he pursued her. The way he felt about her was really sweet. Logan was a little too stubborn, but did finally accept her feelings and was all in. I enjoyed his band mates , but I don't know if I would read their books if they get one- they were typical rock star manwhores :( I absolutely loved that Kacen had only been with 9 women sexually - other than Logan. 5 of those were relationships and 4 ONS. That makes him practically a virgin considering he is a famous rock star! Logan had the typical bad sex with one boyfriend history. I don't know why H and h can't have equal sexual pasts? This was a refreshingly sweet rock star romance! Safety gang safe
Profile Image for Shadi ***save your ratings use disclaimers**.
321 reviews182 followers
May 12, 2016
Book Facts: Emphatic

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:



My thoughts: Undercover Rockstar meets undercover assistant.

Both H and h are in Hawaii for a break. They meet and use their middle names in order to have a week long romance that results in the last night being a ONS. Both go home thinking that is over but can't forget each other. The next day the h goes to her new job and SUPRISE! rockstar is her ONS. They decide to keep it platonic but the rockstar just can't let her go.

The H was super sweet. There was some inconsistencies in his past relationships. He says that he hasn't been with anyone since he got the Hawaii (making it sound like he is a groupie banger) but when he talks to his h he has only had 10 partners and 5 of them were ONS/groupies. Even with that I just loved how much he was into her, let her know it and did not waiver from what he wanted after he set his mind to it. One sweet H.

Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Probably
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,683 followers
January 19, 2021
This book had it all…

1. An adorable hero (A rock star who is not a man-whore but a decent guy)
2. A sweet heroine
3. Safe romance with no cheating or no love triangle

However, it failed in my opinion because it was a total cliché. There is nothing new, nothing original and it feels extremely formulaic. All possible cliché happenings are copied and pasted wherever they suited.



*********************************************

Here's what happens...

1. The girl goes on holiday with her bestie after a bad break-up and meets a very hot guy there. Her best friend encourages her to have an adventure because her ex-boyfriend never appreciated her and she wants her friend to be with this amazing guy who seems to care about her.

2. The girls give fake names (actually their middle names, not the ones they normally use). The guy is a famous rock-star, who is having a peaceful and relaxing holiday there away from the eyes of his fans and the paparazzi. He also gives a fake name (oh, his middle name.)

4. The girl and the guy have a strong attraction and their one-night stand is not only her best sex experience but also HIS best sex experience as well. Really? Hmm.. OK.



5. When they go back to the real world, she realizes that this hot guy is her new boss. Wow, what a surprise - what a coincidence…

6. For a certain period of time, they resist the attraction and try to behave professionally but the attraction is still there.

7. One day, he sees the text messages of her ex and asks about what is happening there and she tells him that he wants her back. Surprise surprise. He feels possessive…

8. When he goes to her house for something, her ex-boyfriend comes to visit her. Convenient timing again! He once again says he wants her back and our guy stakes his claim there and tells the ex to go away. After that, he realizes that he really wants to stake his claim and he tells her that he wants them to be together.

9. As there is no other plot device, the only thing that goes on for a while is her hesitation and his wooing. By the way, he is too good to be true. I cannot think of a rock star who could be as amazing as this guy. The interactions between our rock star and his band mates are sweet but they also reminded me of the ones in other rock star books.

10. As if all romance books MUST have the same ending, there is of course a proposal and a wedding with the news of a pregnancy. Come on! You don't have to do all 3! Let him propose and let her say yes! We can imagine the rest. But no, some romance writers must make the bride pregnant as if it is such a good thing.



Why don't you let the couple have some alone time together? It hasn't been even a year since they met and now they are married and pregnant. If you have to end your novel with children, write an Epilogue for "After 3 years" or something like that!

Oh no, the ending was so not my cuppa! I hated the book at that point.

*********************************************

Actually, my biggest problem with this book is its writing. It is dual point of view and it flows but it is TOO SIMPLE – disturbingly simple.



It actually sounds like a simplified version of a real novel. It felt as if I was reading a book simplified and abridged for the readers with intermediate level of English.

I couldn’t highlight even one sentence to insert in my review. Anything that felt remotely suitable to be quoted sounded either too simple or too cliché…

*********************************************

Well, maybe it’s me not the book, you can still give it a try as it seems many people loved it. It may really be me because I have high expectations from a book after reading so many marvelous ones. This one was just "meh" for me...
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
March 16, 2017
audio reread March 2017

Started this on my commute to work today and on my way home I couldn't stop listening, so finished it. Forgot how much I loved Kacen and Logan. I felt it took too long for them to finally get together!

I would love more from this couple ( even though I know they're in book 2- I've read it as well) I like an epilogue that's further out!
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,714 reviews1,042 followers
February 20, 2019
A sweet story. Simple. Min angst. 2 dimensional characters. No serious character development. No drama.

Paige/ Logan went to Hawaii for so much needed R&R after a nasty break up from her boyfriend. Then she met a handsome man, Michael/ Kacen. They had a steamy unforgetable one night stand. Then when she went back home, she found a new job and Michael/ Kacen is her new boss.

Then it begins pull and push between these 2. I find it a bit boring and too long. But I still like this book OK.

3 stars
4 reviews
March 19, 2018
I love a good beach read, but this is one that I'd like to throw in the ocean. I'm surprised by all of the 5 star reviews in all honesty.

I understand that this book is a work fiction, but there were many circumstances that were too fictitious. For example, the main character is offered a job over the phone sans interview. By her resume alone she is the best candidate regardless of the fact that she was only truly hired due to her perceived gender—hello illegal hiring practice. Does the record label not have an HR department? I hope they have lawyers for the fictitious lawsuit that is inevitably coming their way!

I'm not an ultra feminist but I hate it when an author creates a female character who engages in ignorant and, at times, risky behavior. Going back to the job example—why would any smart woman accept a job over the phone that she has zero information about and has not had some visual contact with her future employers? I get that this was essential to certain plot points but it just bothered me.

The other element of this book that I had a hard time getting passed was all the blatant sexual harassment at her workplace. Being famous, in a band, or wealthy does not excuse the ridiculous sexual harassment offenses against the main character. Of course, she doesn't mind and finds it flattering how all of the male characters she "works" for make sexual advances toward her. Insert eye roll.

Authors, please stop making your female characters simpering, incapable woman who are "asking for it" at every turn and do so with a smile. I believe it is possible to have a smart heroine engage in romantic entanglements with a rich, famous, etc, male character who is not a one dimensional horny douchebag with equally douchey friends.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,662 reviews459 followers
February 17, 2016
5 Stars for Kacen
2 for Logan….

So, if you saw any of my status updates while I was reading this you saw a lot of frustration….

By 64% I was still….

IT SHOULD NOT TAKE UNTIL 80% FOR THE MAIN CHARACTERS TO GET TOGETHER!!!!

Logan, I know your job was important to you, I get it. I really do. But there are other jobs out there…you said so yourself. I understand you were hurt…but girl, you are the one who kept letting that scum bag back into your life. Why would you punish Kacen?

Kacen was perfect….Logan not so much. This could have easily been a 4-4.5 star read for me if it hadn’t been for Logan holding out so long. What is the point of romance if it’s not romantic??

Profile Image for Laurie  (barksbooks).
1,952 reviews800 followers
January 5, 2018
3 1/2 Stars

Emphatic is a sweet romance about a rock star and a beautiful girl next door type who fall madly deeply, emphatically in love but don’t truly get together until the book is almost finished. Their romance starts out hot and heavy but then turns into one of the slowest of slow burns I think I’ve ever read in this genre.



Logan has just graduated college and has wisely dumped her cheating loser of a boyfriend and is ready to start a new life and a brand new job. But first she heads to Hawaii with her best friend to celebrate and maybe have a well-deserved fling. There she meets a gorgeous hunk of friendly tatted up man who calls himself Michael (but is really named Kacen). A hot and heavy sexy time ensues. She leaves sated and ready to begin life as an adult but you’ll never, ever in a zillion years guess who her new boss turns out to be . . . Yep, that dusty old-school romance trope is shined up and put to use here. Things like this make me feel like I’ve read entirely too many books. If you can’t guess, you probably haven’t read enough romances yet so get going on that!

What follows is a very sweetly developed romance between Logan and the rock star who loves her to pieces from the first moment he meets her. Even though he can have anyone he chooses he thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the world and loves that she isn’t after him for the fame. He falls hard and fast and he never sways. She, however, has been emotionally wounded by her ex and fears the pain of getting entangled with anyone, never mind a gorgeous rock star so he must wait ‘til she comes around.



Do you think there is such a thing as a hero who is too emphatically in love? I didn’t think so until I read about this guy. He lavishes Logan with sweet (and often sappy) words, stolen butterfly kisses and he always seems to be hovering around with his undying devotion. Some girls love this kind of thing but I’m not that kind of girl and to me it was almost smothering. Maybe I’m just too old to appreciate that kind of touchy feely kind of loving especially when it’s one-sided for so long.



Narration Notes: The story is told in first person, alternating between Logan and Kacen’s POV and each have their own narrator. Logan’s narrator has a lovely voice which gets sultry when it needs to. She does justice to the male characters too. Kacen’s narrator has a soft southern accent which, at first, didn’t seem to fit and then I remembered/realized they were in Nashville so I went with it. Honestly though, I preferred the female narrator but I can see why they went with one for each POV because it would’ve been very confusing otherwise.

I liked the writing despite all of my complaints about the story. The author has an easy, down to earth style and though nothing truly exciting happens despite the fact that this book features rock stars (no drugs, no debauchery!), it was never boring – if that makes any sense. The characters were all decent people just falling in love and hanging around. If you want a sweet, slow-burn and like this kind of hero give it a go!

I received a copy of this unabridged audiobook from Tantor Media. Thank you Tantor, I hope you don't regret it!
Profile Image for Deserie williams.
606 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2015
May Contain spoilers!!

4.5 stars! Loved this !!I My heart has fallen for Kacen lol. He is a perfect man in my eyes! he's sweet, patient, loving, loyal, gorgeous , hot beautiful man! I'm really glad I read this :D the way Kacen feels about Logan was omg so sweet and the words and sayings he would tell her made my heart ache(in a good way). He really is something special:D I loved the guys , Stacey, parents , brother and gran! Logan was pretty awesome too . in the beginning though I was a little irritated with them with trying to keep it as a one night stand and the whole he is my boss she is my employee.lol also when kacen finally goes after what he wants at times I wanted to tell Logan come on already give it a try, but I understand why she was hesitate. Loved the epilogue but still I want more(I'm selfish) lol.


h did have a bf for 3 years who was an ass and cheating on her(well technically he wanted breaks all the time) lol he does pop up twice but she didn't want him and finally he accepts and apologizes . She has been with 2 guys .H has been with a total of 10 girls(which is really a saint for a rock star) lol. 5 of those were ONS and the other 5 were serious relationships which I really think weren't that serious.lol Both of them have never loved (even though h thought she loved ex she was in love with the idea). No other woman drama and besides her ex popping up twice and trying to text and call her that's it. h does accept to meet her ex for closure(that's the second time we see him in the book) but that's it nothing more and it was quick. Both always used condoms before(yay)! and their first time without are together!)D safety gang safe!

Also I would love to read about the other guys and their girls:) especially Cole and Stacy!
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
April 30, 2016
5 Stars!

This author... brilliant. I fell in love with her series, With You, and I just knew from these books and a few standalones she has written that I was going to love this book. She writes a sweet romance with some angst like no one else can. She will make you swoon. She will make you smile. She will make you cry. She will make you get hot and bothered. She will make you fall in love. Most importantly, she will make you believe in second chances and happily ever afters.

I loved this book. Unlike any other rock star romance I have ever read, you are in a for a treat with this book. This book grabbed me from the first page and I didn't put it down until it was over and even then I was sad, pouting, and stalking social media to see if we would ever get more. This book was sexy, sweet, fun, passionate, edgy, and had a couple of twists along the way. This book is a complete standalone with an epilogue that will make you smile and shed a few tears.

This is Kacen and Logan's story. Logan just graduated from college. She and her best friend are about to enter to job world so they are on vacation in Hawaii for a little r&r. Enter our mystery man. He makes her body feel alive and after dumping her cheating ex, she is hesitant but can't deny what he makes her feel after just a short time together. It was only supposed to be one night and no look backs but now, she is about to start her new job. Her boss is her mystery man and things are about to get super tricky for Logan as her heart and mind have different ideas.

Kacen is a rock star on vacation. He needs a break from touring so long so a little r&r with no worries is on tap. When he meets his two neighbors, he is instantly drawn to one and wants her. She doesn't know who he is and he plans to keep it that way. It was only supposed to be one night with his mystery girl but when he woke up in the morning, she was gone. Now he is back and his new personal assistant is his mystery girl. He hadn't thought much about the future but with Logan, he is ready to jump in head first. Can he convince the girl who is broken and damaged that he is worthy of a shot and risk? Can he find a happy ending with his "one."

Oh Kacen... be still my heart. Sure he is a rock star but I promise he is like no other rock star you have ever met. He is sincere, wholesome, sweet, kind, and definitely not a manwhore. He is a man who wants a future with a wife, white picket fence, and 2.5 kids. He is a man who knows what he wants and as he puts it, when Hurricane Kacen came out, there was no stopping him until Logan was his. I swooned for him and my heart would beat a little faster when he was making him moves and staking his claim. I fell in love with him and I hope we see him in the future.

I also really liked Logan. This girl has me laughing and smiling right along with her. Being in her head was fun and watching her slowly fall for Kacen was amazing. Usually we get the guy who is hesitant and the girl who is wanting to take it up a notch but nooooo.... the roles were reversed. She had her own demons she was battling and I like how she was cautious about it all and let her heart and head lead her. I loved how she was with the guys... such a good influence on them! And when she let Kacen have her heart, I will whooping and fist pumping for them both.

I am hoping, praying, and pleading that this becomes a series. I want each guy to find their happy ending. I want them to fall in love and thrive like Kacen did. I look forward to more in the future and I expect to see babies... lots and lots of babies!!!

I highly recommend this book.

Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
August 27, 2015
Fresh out of a relationship that made her doubt everything she’s ever believed about love, Logan takes herself off the market and decides that from that point on, her life will be lived for her, and nobody else. So of course she immediately meets a tall, tatted, tempting man who sweeps her off her feet. They share a swoony, sexy, whirlwind week and then part ways forever.

Or so they thought. Imagine their surprise when Logan shows up to her first day at a new job to discover that her sexy stranger turns out to be her boss. Oh, and he’s rock star. And also? He’s not done with her yet.

As far as rock stars go, Kacen Warren is pretty low key. He may actually be the most emotionally stable rock star ever written – and I fucking LOVE him for that. He’s so…solid. He’s strong and protective. He’s maybe a little over the top occasionally, and you’re like “woah, easy there killer…” because his protective instincts occasionally become a bit spazzy. But it’s sweet, adorable, and sexy as hell. Logan fights him every step of the way, but he remains steady and true. I loved him.

I have no idea how Logan resisted him for as long as she did because he basically owned my panties practically immediately (yeah, I’m easy). Logan took a hell of a lot more convincing than me, but she was never unlikeable. She was healing and finding her own feet in the world, and learning to trust her heart again. The fact that she didn’t immediately fall for Kacen may actually have made me like her MORE.

The real star(s) of this story, though, is the band. What a loveable bunch of goofs. I love how they teased and tortured Kacen, while accepting Logan into their fold with arms wide open. They were funny and sweet and when times got tough they banded together as a family and it was just sweet enough to make me shed a tear or two.

I DEVOURED this book. I barely came up for air the entire time I was reading it – it was so addictive. It’s not a perfect story, like I said I sometimes felt like Kacen was over the top, and sometimes Logan was a little to angsty, but even in spite of that, I was sucked in completely and utterly in love with Kacen and the band. ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars

~~~

After reading the excellent Just Say When by Kaylee Ryan, I was first in line to get my hand on her latest offering—a forbidden employee/employer romance. I wanted steam and sweetness and humor. And oh boy, did I get it!!

After being jerked around—repeatedly—by her douchebag ex, Logan is set on focusing on herself for a change. With her new job starting soon, she’s all about LOGAN, not the fairytale that was promised and never delivered. Except there’s one problem…her boss.

He’s a rock god; tall, tatted and oh, so tempting. Logan knows it’s never going to work, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want him, bad…

Kacen and Logan. What can I say? The meet-cute of these two was exactly that: Cute! And they were just so…right together. Kacen may be the most gentle, calming, perfect rock star I’ve ever read, and I gotta say, that 100% worked for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, he could be as Emphatic as the title says (maybe even a little too much at times), but damn, if he wasn’t delicious and swoony too. Logan is one lucky girl—even if she didn’t always realize it.

The banter and lightness in this book were spot on. There were lots of really joyful moments that just made reading Emphatic a really good time. Of course, there was some angst and I definitely felt some the pain that Logan experienced when her world was rocked and a trip home became necessary, but all in all, I was left with a grin and a dreamy kind of happy.

Basically, I loved this story. More specifically, I LOVED the band. This addictive tale was so much fun to read, even though I was left wondering if there would be books for those playful, loveable, immature idiots that make up Soul Serenade. Ms. Ryan gives just enough details on them to have me NEEDING MORE, but not enough for complete closure…Argh! This is the best kind of feeling, really, because if there are no more stories to come, then I get to make them up…and if there are, I get MORE BOOKS from an author that’s fast becoming one of my favorites. Woot! ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,560 reviews235 followers
September 8, 2015
Logan spent the last 3 years in a relationship with a guy who cheated and wasted her time. She's not looking for a relationship, she wants to spend time focusing on herself. She just graduated college and is starting her new career for a music label in a week. Before she starts her new life, she goes to Hawaii for a week with her best friend. When enjoying some time on the beach, she meets a friendly, inked, gorgeous man and feels an instant attraction to him. Kacen is on break from touring and needs to relax a bit before he goes back to write his next album. He's on vacation in Hawaii and spots a beautiful woman on the beach and something about her calls to him. He's not looking for a relationship but they have one whirlwind week together. When Logan sneaks out in the morning and leaves Hawaii without a goodbye, she thinks it's the last she'll see of Kacen. What she doesn't know is that Kacen is her new boss.

I loved this book. I have really enjoyed every book I have read by this author but this one is by far my favorite. Kacen is such a great book boyfriend. Incredibly sweet and willing to do whatever he has to for his woman. He's not your typical rock star. He's not into the groupie scene and he is just a really good guy. I love that the books start with Logan kicking her jerk of a boyfriend to the curb and moving on with her life. This was such a sweet romance! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Nicla.
416 reviews345 followers
September 12, 2015
4.5 Stars

Another sweet book by Kaylee Ryan.

HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: 2.5/10
Heat Level: 5/10
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews236 followers
January 5, 2018
Super sweet. I loved the hero. I read awhile ago and don't remember much but I expect I will do a re read at some point and write a better review.

Update: Sugary sweet. Hero was way too good to be true. But sometimes sweet hits the spot. Heroine was a bit of a Pollyanna but I did not hate her.
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews502 followers
November 21, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Emphatic and am so grateful that I did. You know it's a good book when your iPad dies at 1:30 am and you immediately reach for your phone to use the kindle app to continue reading. I could not put it down. Ms. Kaylee Ryan may be one of my new favorite authors. This story is well written and the story line kept me wanting more and more.

Logan; sweet, trusting, lovable and newly single. Screwed over by an ex-boyfriend, she vows to never trust a man again. Kacen; hot, sexy, tattooed, musician, irresistible, kind, masculine and did I mention, sexy? Due to fame and fortune, Kacen always found the girl who was more interested in just those things, fame and fortune. When it comes to woman, trust does not come easy, until . . .

Two people with jaded past relationships, Logan nor Kacen feel that they can never trust again. Destined to be alone forever. Since I am not one to give spoilers you will have to read this one for yourself. I absolutely LOVED this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Heather Lyn.
Author 19 books416 followers
September 25, 2015
I love this book!! I try to keep my reviews spoiler free, but Logan and Kacen meet and there is immediately a connection. They share a beautiful night and then go their separate ways, only to end up being thrown back together in an unusual situation.

Kacen: This man is my new book boyfriend. He was SO sweet and respectful. I loved how much he loved Logan. He was perfection.

Logan: I loved how she has self worth, she didn't give up in tough situations. she's beautiful!

Go One Click this right now! Kaylee Ryan is a fantastic author! She has a way of crafting a story to make you wish it was real! She has become one of my favorite authors!
Profile Image for Bitchy.
1,009 reviews18 followers
March 2, 2017
Ugh... I tried, I really did but this was just so ridiculous that I was rolling my eyes from the beginning. Listen, I'm all for being young & free & wanting to live life to the fullest. But that doesn't mean acting like a skank.

So Logan ends her relationship with Daniel because she's sick of his "I need a break" game & decides to embrace it by taking care of herself. That's fantastic. You should always put yourself first & take care of you. So her parents send her & her best friend off to Hawaii for a week for r & r as a college graduation gift. The minute they set foot into the beach house rental, there's already a hot stranger walking up the beach towards them. Some words are exchanged blah blah blah. A little while later, these 2 girls are getting some sun out on the beach when the sexy stranger comes & sits down next to Logan. Her inner monologue is annoying & flaky. How the fuck can females lose their brains just because a good looking guy shows them a bit of attention?! He then proceeds to invite the 2 to his house, down the beach, for dinner. When they get there, he's all up on her being suave & making it real obvious he wants her. And again, the inner monologue is so fucking annoying. The 2 girls start spilling personal info after knowing this guy a hot second. Then her bestie leaves her alone with this stranger. Dude, fucking irresponsible & completely careless. That's how dumb bubble headed females become skin suits or human centipede. I just couldn't keep reading. The insta "i just saw you & i want you & we have this unexplained connection"... barf! No, just no.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,125 reviews
November 26, 2015
“Life is full of risks, and I have to risk my heart in order to reap the reward”

Emphatic follows the story of Logan and Kacen. Logan and her best friend Stacy just finished college. This was supposed to be one of the happiest times of her life. What she didn’t expect was to be breaking up with her boyfriend of 3 years. Logan’s friends tried to warn her about her ex’s ways, but she was blinded by love, until the truth was staring her in the face. What better way to get over her heartbreak, then by going on a vacation to Hawaii with her bestie. Logan has no plans but to just spend a relaxing week in Hawaii with her bff. When Logan and Stacy arrive in Hawaii, they plan to do just that; relax. That is until they meet their new neighbor. Logan isn’t looking for love, but Stacy convinces her that a fling might just be what she needs to move on….Kacen just needed a break from it all. After touring for months, Hawaii seemed like the perfect escape; until he met her. There was just something about Logan. She was unlike all the other girls and the best part, she didn’t even know he was famous. The week he spent with Logan was amazing. Now he’s returned home and ready to get to work. The last person he expected to see was Logan. Both of them try to keep things professional. But the pull is too hard to resist. Will the two of them give into temptation?

I love, love, loved the idea behind this story. I was pulled into this story from the very first page. I was captivated by “Michael” and “Paige”. The two of them shared such an intense connection over such a short period of time. I was so excited to see how things would play out with them. One of the things that I loved about them, was that both Kacen and Logan used their middle names while on vacation. They both were trying to be someone different, but no matter how hard they tried, their true selves couldn’t disappear….When I found out that Logan was going to be working for Kacen, I just knew it was going to be good. The chemistry between the two of them was intense and undeniable. I was just hooked. And Kacen, not only is he an alpha male, but boy does he know how to make you swoon. With lines like this: “I want there to be an us, you and me. I’m all in.”…”Say you want this. Tell me you feel this connection between us” or this “From the moment I met her, there has been this….magnetic field that pulls me toward her. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced. It’s also hard to fight.” I just knew I was done for.

Emphatic was a really great read. It was well-written and captivating. I thought the story flowed really well. I love Rock Star Romances and Work Place Romances, so Kaylee Ryan combining the two, was a definite hit for me. I loved the characters. They were fun and entertaining. Even the secondary characters were a hit with me. I don’t know if this book is just planned to be a stand-alone or not, but there are definitely a few characters that I would love to know more about.

Kaylee Ryan has once again delivered a sweet, swoon worthy romance. She has given me lovable characters and an entertaining story that I did not want to put down. Emphatic is the perfect summer read. It is light on the drama and has just the right amount of romance and steam. If you are looking for a good summer read, I definitely recommend checking this one out!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via Give Me Books, in exchange for an honest review*

My review can also be seen at: http://onceuponabookblog.com/2015/08/...
Profile Image for Jeanette Book-Reviews.
577 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2015
**** 5 Stars ****

ARC provided from Author...

HOLY SHIT!!!! I read this in one setting! This story is AMAZING, not your typical rock band which makes it even better & fucking hotter!!!

Logan & her best friend Stacy finishing college, their parents (awesome parents) treated them to a week trip to Hawaii as their graduation present for their hard work. Stacy decided it's time for Logan to chill after her ex boyfriend Daniel of 3 years being a prick!! Decided to use their middle names Paige (Logan) and Lynn (Stacy).... I loved it!!! Paige meets this awesome sexy neighbour on their private beach that they were staying... Finally gave in to temptation & go for a fling with Michael..

Fast-forward..... Logan was ready to start working for Stone Label... Little she knew that she will be Michael's PA... turns out he's a lead singer of Soul Serenade Kacen Warren *SWOON*

What I love about this is that this band is the most grounded, not in for the fame just their passion to make sweet music.

The band members - Cole, Tristian and Gary... they make me laugh when they tease & rip Kacen in every way they can around Logan!!

I love this quote that Logan said to her Gran when she was home..

"Kacen is so different. He's attentive and kind. He's beyond emphatic about the way he feels about me. I was feeling guilty that it's been over a year since I've been home." I confess. "I was grieving and blaming myself for not here."

Here's one from Tristian - "You're family, Logan. We take care of our family."

How can you not love theses boys?? Seriously you will come to love each every one of them!!

Thanks Kaylee, for giving me this amazing chance to read this.
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,117 reviews359 followers
August 22, 2015
Ok, when I first started this book, I was unsure...
1. He is a rockstar. I'm so over the man whore rockstars.
2. The whole "we had a fling then I find out your my boss" trope is not really my thing.
Here is why I was SO WRONG.
Yes, 'Paige' and 'Michael' meet on vacation and have a fling based on pure lust. However, it wasn't like a super slutty thing. They actual had a few 'dates' before deciding to have sex. Kacen is so NOT a manwhore. A rockstar who isn't a manwhore?!?! Its like find bigfoot in a romance book. I was so thrilled. Then, wonder of all wonders, Kacen and Logan actually spend time getting to know each other. What they like, what they don't like, what their lives were like growing up, etc. Kacen admits his feels for Logan early on but doesn't pressure her. He decides that he will do whatever it takes and if that means taking it slow, he will do that. The other band members are amazing characters as well. They are funny and kind and protective and supportive. Its really a great dynamic. This book reminded me of Grey's Anatomy-you know, in the very beginning before it got all crazy and they began killing people off all the time. The relationship is similar to Meredith and Derek, but its what you WISHED Mer and Der would have had, ya know?
You look at her just like my William used to look at me." she says. I grin. "How is that exactly?" "Like she's the sun and you're just simply here to revolve around her."

Hurricane Kacen totally won my heart. He is, hands down, one of my top 5 BBFs. Loyal, humble, caring, thoughtful, patient, loving. He is literally the perfect man. And he has tattoos... just sayin'.
Heat: 2.5
Profile Image for allie.
91 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
The more I read of Kaylee Ryan the more I realize her characters are about 90% identical. There's the best friend who is either in a serious relationship or her future boyfriend is friends with the main guy character. (Leah, Stacy, Kara, Hailey, Allison, Nicole.) The main female character who has been cheated on in the past or never thought she would settle down but all her fears magically disappear when she meets the leading male. (Logan, Kensington, Hailey, Ava, Tatum.) The main male who is a commitment phonic and was planning on fighting his feelings for the girl until his friend or family member tells him to get his head out of his ass. (Liam, Aiden, Max, Nate, Blaise.) The stories are slightly different with the characters professions and such but the same romance is getting a bit annoying. I still enjoy Kaylee Ryan's books but the more I read them the less I like them.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,408 followers
December 18, 2018
A good and safe read.
Surprisingly good hero and NOT a manwhore.
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,488 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2020
Are you ready for Kacen's story. Well I love a good Rock Star story and Kacen is a sexy rocker at that but we don't always get the life of the rocker not on Stage. Kacen is knocked off his feet when he Meets Logan, this story will suck you in and keep your there till the end. Logan is finally done with her Boyfriend of many years with Cheating on her. She feels like she wasted the last few years on him. Logan and her friend Stacy just finished College and their Family sends them to Hawaii before the start their new Job. Enters Kacen he is in Hawaii to relax after a long tour. One look at Logan and he cant stay way. What Happens in Hawaii didn't stay in Hawaii. Now Kacen and Logan face a new hitch in there lives. What was to be a One time thing, well now they are in each others lives in a different way and Logan wants to put it in the past but Kacen is ready to open his self up to see what could be with Logan. He isn't use to people outside his circle not wanting his Fame and Fortune. That's the Last thing Logan wants. Well this story has some interesting things happen and its awesome and you will totally Love it. Totally Recommend
Profile Image for Melissa.
3,103 reviews21 followers
September 18, 2015
Ok so maybe i shouldve judged this book by its cover. The cover model is not at all who I pictured as Kacen in my head. He does not do him justice by any means. With that aside, this story started off with so much potential, then it veered off course straight into cheesy town. Kacen became this overtly romantic and cliched sap that it clashed significantly with how he was portrayed in the beginning of the story. There was little to no angst, zilch as far as passion goes, and along with the disappointment surrounding Kacens evolution into the shell of the alpha rocker hottie i thought he was going to be, Logan was beyond boring as a character. Even the side characters of family and friends jumped on the bandwagon of delivering dialogue that had me rolling my eyes. I clearly read a different book than some of the other reviews bc this is no where near a 5 star read. 2 sad sack stars, even that is being generous!
Profile Image for Raine.
2,463 reviews52 followers
January 7, 2018
Not as good as I thought it would be.

Before I started this book I read a review where the reviewer said she gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because it started out slow. I was prepared for that, but not prepared for the WHOLE story to be that way. I liked the story and liked the fact that Kacen was so sweet to Logan and not, at any point in time, an ass-hatt, but it was pretty BORING!!!

And one thing especially annoyed me was when we find out about the death of Logan's grandfather and all Kacen kept saying was 'I'm sorry for your loss so many times over. It got pretty annoying like the author didn't know how to convey sympathy over a loss and just kept saying that standard phrase. It was very trite.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,650 reviews51 followers
June 17, 2023
Sweet,sassy & sexy!

Daniel is a lying, cheating creep who wasted three years of Logan's life. She is absolutely done with men and love.

Then on a graduation trip to Hawaii, she meets the perfect guy and they share a magical night. The following week, Logan reports to her new job and discovers her perfect guy is her new boss, Kacen Warren, rock star! Can Kacen convince Logan to take a chance on love again?

Awesome story!
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,817 reviews177 followers
June 30, 2020
This is not your typical rock star romance. Kacen while part of a band is a direct opposite of the norm. He hates groupies and actually has a heart. He put Logan first and his career on the back burner. Logan while sweet, smart and respectable, she also had honest reactions to most plot twists. Truly a slow, steady storyline with characters you cannot help but enjoy. Look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,123 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2016
I really like this start to the series.

I have read a few of Kaylee Ryan books now and like her writing, I gave to say that we're a couple of moments in this book that did quite feel real but overall I really liked it

I look forward to reading the next one.
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