3.5 ROCKERS OF STEEL STARS
Memphis Black is the first installment in the new series The Rockers of Steel by M.J. Fields. It's also the first book I read by the author. What a book it was! 3.5 stars might seem a little low. I was going to give the book 4 stars, but I had to lower it with half a star because of the disappointing ending.
This was a nice and easy read. The way Memphis and Tallia acted around each other was funny and cute. There was a lot of witty banter between the two, but also a bunch of sexual tension. It took me a moment to like Memphis, but when he had my approval, I figured out that he could be charming. So, Memphis is sweet, but he also has a great body, a couple incredible moves and he has a way with words (he isn't in a band for nothing). It took a while before he worked out what it was he wanted, but when that was clear, he really went for it. He is also a man who was prepared to do everything to protect his family and that does him credit.
Tallia has wanted Memphis since she was little, but now that Memphis shows interest in her, she is keeping her distance. She wants to guard her friendship with Memphis' little sister, Madison, and she doesn't want to be another notch on Memphis' bedpost. That's why she tries to fight her feelings for him. Sometimes, she is shy, but she can also be strong when she is head-to-head with Memphis. Yes, Memphis and Tallia stole my heart. Eventually, that was also the case for the side characters in the book.
It was difficult for me to fully engage in the story, because I was introduced to so many characters at once: Madison, Tallia, Memphis, all members of the band, the manager of the band, the manager of the record label and his wife. I had the feeling that I arrived at a crowded party and I was being introduced to the entire group simultaneously. You could never remember all names and personalities and that's what I felt like in the beginning of this book. Fortunately, you get to know them all as the story progresses.
I liked how Memphis chased Tallia and how she didn't give in - most of the time. But who would blame her for giving in sometimes, with a guy like Memphis. In the beginning he also tried to fight his feelings, in ways I really hate him for. But he gave into his feelings quicker than Tallia and then he fought FOR her instead of AGAINST her. There was also a twist in the story. One I really didn't see coming. But I loved it, because it made the story less predictable.
So, I loved the book, but I hated the end, though. For me, at one point the story was already finished, but it continued. That wasn't necessary for me at all. I also thought that some occurrences in the last chapters weren't credible. For example, Tallia's behavior in these chapters went against her personality we got to know in the rest of the book.
Memphis Black is a great book about a forbidden, impossible love between a band member with player tendencies and a timid dancer, the little sister's best friend. When both surrender to their feelings and let go of their remaining reservations, they have a opportunity at happiness. Do you love music, sexy guitarists and sparks? Memphis Black should be your next read!
*** Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't influence my opinion about this book. ***