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The Widow #1
The Widow and the Rock Star
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00M0T54MI
Vivienne Stark, a writer and military widow, has spent almost two decades of her life avoiding having a life. When she writes a bestseller, she is thrust into the limelight she never wanted. To complicate matters, an embezzler has wiped out the charitable foundation she created to help the families of fallen soldiers.
Will Foster, the lead singer of world famous band Static Neverland, considers himself to be a regular guy in the right place at the right time. Surrounded only by fame seekers and gold diggers, Will’s been hurt too many times to trust women. Little does he know, a chance introduction to Vivienne Stark will change his mind completely.
A not-so-typical set up leads to two people finding the love they never knew waited for them. But can they maneuver through the past hurts and current challenges to make their relationship last?
Vivienne Stark, a writer and military widow, has spent almost two decades of her life avoiding having a life. When she writes a bestseller, she is thrust into the limelight she never wanted. To complicate matters, an embezzler has wiped out the charitable foundation she created to help the families of fallen soldiers.
Will Foster, the lead singer of world famous band Static Neverland, considers himself to be a regular guy in the right place at the right time. Surrounded only by fame seekers and gold diggers, Will’s been hurt too many times to trust women. Little does he know, a chance introduction to Vivienne Stark will change his mind completely.
A not-so-typical set up leads to two people finding the love they never knew waited for them. But can they maneuver through the past hurts and current challenges to make their relationship last?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2014
66 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
J. Thomas-Like
7 books12 followersJennifer is a writer born and raised in Michigan. She lives with her brilliant son and a couple of adorable felines. When she isn't bludgeoning the keyboard working on her latest novel, she loves to knit, read, and contemplate her next tattoo, while simultaneously indulging in all things ice cream.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 5, 2014
Very well written, was sad when it was done :(. Looking forward to reading more from a new and talented author.
November 9, 2019
Extremely disappointing! The love story between Vivienne and Will could have been amazing, if not for the drawn out embezzlement plot, the offensive religious rant and the abrupt ending!
February 13, 2017
I was excited to read this one since I read something similar over the summer and loved it, but this one was awful.
The title is "THE WIDOW AND THE ROCK STAR"...but don't count on that being the story. The first chapter focused on how she lost the money in her charity since she trusted some guy, Joe,who told her to open the bank account in LA (with his name on the account and where he lives) because he would be able to get celebrities to donate. She said she wanted sole control of this charity, but yet the bank is in the state Joe lives in and not in Michigan where she lives.
There was barely any widow and rock star connection. It was about Vivienne and her BFF. There are bits and pieces of Will, but small pieces. Her BFF consoles her, not Will. BFF this and BFF that.
What got on my nerves is the constant dialogue about her loss "get on with it already!!!" She was a grown woman. Yes, it is hard to lose your parents, but was that the premise of the story and who ever wrote the synopsis was confused?!?!? If that was the entire premise...loss of the husband, and then the loss of parents, and then the relationship with the BFF then that should have been the synopsis. The title should have been "MY LOSSES and MY BFF" and not "THE WIDOW AND THE ROCK STAR"
AND what is with that ending??? Was that a cliffhanger??? Was I supposed to come up with my own conclusions???
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
The title is "THE WIDOW AND THE ROCK STAR"...but don't count on that being the story. The first chapter focused on how she lost the money in her charity since she trusted some guy, Joe,who told her to open the bank account in LA (with his name on the account and where he lives) because he would be able to get celebrities to donate. She said she wanted sole control of this charity, but yet the bank is in the state Joe lives in and not in Michigan where she lives.
There was barely any widow and rock star connection. It was about Vivienne and her BFF. There are bits and pieces of Will, but small pieces. Her BFF consoles her, not Will. BFF this and BFF that.
What got on my nerves is the constant dialogue about her loss "get on with it already!!!" She was a grown woman. Yes, it is hard to lose your parents, but was that the premise of the story and who ever wrote the synopsis was confused?!?!? If that was the entire premise...loss of the husband, and then the loss of parents, and then the relationship with the BFF then that should have been the synopsis. The title should have been "MY LOSSES and MY BFF" and not "THE WIDOW AND THE ROCK STAR"
AND what is with that ending??? Was that a cliffhanger??? Was I supposed to come up with my own conclusions???
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
February 26, 2016
OMG!!! Tears!
This book was such a beautiful read. I cried and cried and cried for all of the characters. Not to mention the tears that are falling as I'm writing this review. This book covers every single emotion you could find imaginable and offered a beautiful story to go along with it. I am so in love with this story because as a child that has lost a very important friend (father), and still struggle 4 years later; it has helped me come to a realization about something I must do. So thank you for this beautiful story.
This book was such a beautiful read. I cried and cried and cried for all of the characters. Not to mention the tears that are falling as I'm writing this review. This book covers every single emotion you could find imaginable and offered a beautiful story to go along with it. I am so in love with this story because as a child that has lost a very important friend (father), and still struggle 4 years later; it has helped me come to a realization about something I must do. So thank you for this beautiful story.
February 27, 2016
Vivienne Stark, a writer and military widow and Will Foster, the lead singer of world famous band Static Neverland. I love a rock star book but this one has a different twist. Vivienne prefers anonymity even with a best seller book and a charitable foundation that she runs. Will has just finished a year long tour and ready to be home and a regular guy. The book is mostly Viv's POV but there is some Will and her best friend Pepper. There is a lot packed into this story, tears, some sex and self discovery. A very good read.
November 3, 2015
I don't read a great many romance novels, since they tend to be a bit too formulaic for my taste. However, I really took to the characters in J. Thomas-Like's fresh prose. It was fun and serious, with characters that made me laugh and weep by turns. While I picked this title up on a whim, I can honestly say that I intend to read more of her work, based on my experience with this first installment.
December 14, 2015
It's Been A Long Time Since
It's Been A Long Time Since I've read a book that brought me to tears. The depth of emotion in this story leaves nothing unexplored. I appreciated how J. Thomas Like describes the painful loss of one's parents.
A fantastic first novel. Bravo!
It's Been A Long Time Since I've read a book that brought me to tears. The depth of emotion in this story leaves nothing unexplored. I appreciated how J. Thomas Like describes the painful loss of one's parents.
A fantastic first novel. Bravo!
February 8, 2016
An enjoyable read about a woman who has been mourning her dead husband for almost 2 decades and finally has her heart reopened by a younger rock star. Some parts of the book were a little slow, some were incredibly sad but al in all it is a really good story.
September 19, 2015
Sigh Nice story but...
Terrific book. Was a little disappointed with the ending. Did Viv and Will stay together? How did Pepper and Gabe work out. Hope there is a sequel.
Terrific book. Was a little disappointed with the ending. Did Viv and Will stay together? How did Pepper and Gabe work out. Hope there is a sequel.
February 28, 2016
The widow and the rock star
Amazing and beautiful and I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you for a great read as I always enjoy to read some of the new authors.
Amazing and beautiful and I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you for a great read as I always enjoy to read some of the new authors.
June 16, 2018
I downloaded The Widow and the Rockstar as a free ebook from Amazon. I really enjoyed the storyline of this bopk. The PoV (point of view) changes were sometimes disorienting-- changing from first person (Will or Viv) and third person, without clear chapter indicators of current narrator-- it took me out of the reading when I realized I was experiencing a new perspective. Regardless of this odd PoV shifts, the characters were wonderful, and the plot, while simple, was well done. I think the reason this book resonates with me is the open communication between the characters, in spite of their insecurities. I enjoyed the story, overall.
March 6, 2017
Good..... But
This book started out really well. But about a third of the way through it started to get bogged down with the female protagonist being so indecisive and immature that I found it hard to finish. I also was not satisfied with the way the book ended. Would have loved more about the Two main characters. I would read more from this author, but hopefully with a more mature acting h and more of the romance and less of the side stories.
This book started out really well. But about a third of the way through it started to get bogged down with the female protagonist being so indecisive and immature that I found it hard to finish. I also was not satisfied with the way the book ended. Would have loved more about the Two main characters. I would read more from this author, but hopefully with a more mature acting h and more of the romance and less of the side stories.
February 13, 2018
The Widow and the Rock Star
This has a lot going on when the heroine finds out that money for her charity was taken by someone she texted. She ends up in California with her BF. While there her book gets picked up for a movie deal. She meets a rock star and starts to fall for him. But life is not done with her. There is so many ups and downs. I hope there is another book. This one felt like it was not completed.
This has a lot going on when the heroine finds out that money for her charity was taken by someone she texted. She ends up in California with her BF. While there her book gets picked up for a movie deal. She meets a rock star and starts to fall for him. But life is not done with her. There is so many ups and downs. I hope there is another book. This one felt like it was not completed.
February 24, 2017
Great read!
I love rocker romance and this one will keep you on your toes. I really loved this book, it touched my heart at how much I wished I'd had a BFF like Viv has.
I love rocker romance and this one will keep you on your toes. I really loved this book, it touched my heart at how much I wished I'd had a BFF like Viv has.
August 20, 2017
Good book. The POV changes between three characters and third person so you need to pay attention. The story wasn't what I expected which was a good surprise.
August 28, 2022
Made me cry. 5 stars
November 5, 2024
Viv and the Rock Star
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and the story line kept me turning pages late into the night!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and the story line kept me turning pages late into the night!
September 21, 2016
4.5 Stars for an incredible book by a new-to-me author! This rock star romance was NOT what I was expecting, which is always good :) Very well written (just a few proofing errors) and excellent characterization. In fact, I'm heading to the author's site right now to see if there is a book about the best friend...
One of the coolest things about this story is that while the male subject is a very hot rock star, our female lead is a very unusual 40 yr old. This is a seriously emotional book, so be prepared with the Kleenex during the 2nd half...Just sayin'.
One of the coolest things about this story is that while the male subject is a very hot rock star, our female lead is a very unusual 40 yr old. This is a seriously emotional book, so be prepared with the Kleenex during the 2nd half...Just sayin'.
July 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by J. Thomas Like. Her writing style is impeccable with rich detail, savvy characters, and a lush descriptive pen. More often than not, you were immersed in the detail of this story. Her best friend Pepper wins the award for best bud ever. I felt that for two people who are completely different from each other, they work well together. Often, vivacious people are drawn to quiet and vice versa.
Will was a fantastic hero with an easygoing manner. He built up Viv when she needed it and helped her when she was down. Viv was way too hard on herself but then many of us are. She needed the love a man to start bring her out of her shell but at the end of the day, the love of one's self should be the catalyst from morphing from caterpillar to butterfly.
All in all, a wonderful story.
Will was a fantastic hero with an easygoing manner. He built up Viv when she needed it and helped her when she was down. Viv was way too hard on herself but then many of us are. She needed the love a man to start bring her out of her shell but at the end of the day, the love of one's self should be the catalyst from morphing from caterpillar to butterfly.
All in all, a wonderful story.
April 25, 2016
So ironic I was reading this when a real rock star has passed on.
I feel sure this writer has dealt with both depression and loss; this hits a true chord with me. It's also ironic as I started this several days ago; and a Rock Star who has been more influential in my life thst I realiuzed, has just died. (Prince)
Without him, the business I have worked for for over half my life (27 years+) might not have survived long enough for me to come back to the Twin Cities. Will reminds me of him-someone who is not pretentious. Also, the dream was very like one I had, although in my case it allowed me to move on.
Such an amazing story. And I wonder how much autobiographical.
I feel sure this writer has dealt with both depression and loss; this hits a true chord with me. It's also ironic as I started this several days ago; and a Rock Star who has been more influential in my life thst I realiuzed, has just died. (Prince)
Without him, the business I have worked for for over half my life (27 years+) might not have survived long enough for me to come back to the Twin Cities. Will reminds me of him-someone who is not pretentious. Also, the dream was very like one I had, although in my case it allowed me to move on.
Such an amazing story. And I wonder how much autobiographical.
May 27, 2015
"The Widow and the Rock Star" serves as a window into the raw and honest grit of grief and loss. The novel is about a woman, Vivien, who experiences overwhelming/crippling losses and how she learns to cope and move on. Though it is a "romance" the relationship between the main character, Vivien, and her best friend, Pepper, takes center stage in this novel. It is a beautiful look at the bonds of friendship and the power of "sisterhood" in the face of adversity. This is definitely an author to follow.
May 26, 2016
New author for me!
Vivienne and Will! She married young and her military husband was killed in action! Seventeen years later she meets Will, a Rock Star! Journey with them on an emotional roller coaster ride! This book hit close to home with the raw emotions, fear, agonizing path the characters take! Bring plenty of tissue!!
Vivienne and Will! She married young and her military husband was killed in action! Seventeen years later she meets Will, a Rock Star! Journey with them on an emotional roller coaster ride! This book hit close to home with the raw emotions, fear, agonizing path the characters take! Bring plenty of tissue!!
November 21, 2016
Hard time putting thius book down!
One of the most gut wrenching story I have read. This story is full of so much raw emotion. Between letting go of the past 17 years and breaking down the wall to her heart right thru losing the only family member (mom) left. A story of true friendship and second chances at life! A must read!.
One of the most gut wrenching story I have read. This story is full of so much raw emotion. Between letting go of the past 17 years and breaking down the wall to her heart right thru losing the only family member (mom) left. A story of true friendship and second chances at life! A must read!.
June 1, 2016
Book review
Good book for the most part. I enjoyed the boy meets girl part with no blatant sex scenes. The best friend stuff was good. I didn't especially like the moms death part because it reopened old wounds of my moms death when I was fifteen.
Good book for the most part. I enjoyed the boy meets girl part with no blatant sex scenes. The best friend stuff was good. I didn't especially like the moms death part because it reopened old wounds of my moms death when I was fifteen.
June 26, 2016
This debut novel made me laugh. It made me cry. It even made me long for my own rockstar! A fun, twisty romance, The Widow and the Rock Star is an easy read you'll find just too darn hard to put down.
February 24, 2016
Enjoyable read
I found the characters likable and somewhat complex. Good plot. One issue was when speaking of rock groups they said "the Beetles" not *the Beatles".
I found the characters likable and somewhat complex. Good plot. One issue was when speaking of rock groups they said "the Beetles" not *the Beatles".
July 16, 2016
I loved this story - it had great ups and downs and a really intriguing plot. The plot wove a really great love story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews