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Rock Candy #2

Rock Strong

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Librarian Note: This is the latest edition with updated cover from ASIN B00WOM7Y4W

I’ve seen and done it all—sex, drugs, rock-n-roll, and then some. I’ve made the cover of Rolling Stone. I’ve won Best Rock Performance at the Grammy’s. I’m living a life of fame, wild tours, crazy money, and insanely hot women. But the one woman I can’t get is prim and proper cellist, Abby Chan—gorgeous, natural, talented as all sin. The first time we met, I knew we would be something special. She’s not convinced, but I am.
Now I’m going to prove she’s all the woman a wild man like me will ever need…

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2015

282 people are currently reading
663 people want to read

About the author

Virna DePaul

127 books990 followers
A former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews. www.virnadepaul.com

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5 stars
138 (25%)
4 stars
172 (32%)
3 stars
152 (28%)
2 stars
47 (8%)
1 star
25 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,434 reviews115 followers
May 15, 2017
1 ~ Weak Excuse for a Man ~ Star

I think I've outgrown the useless drama and spontaneous mood swings and personality transplants on some of these YA/NA books.



Up until that part (well into the 70% mark) Liam was sweet if a bit immature and easily lead astray by his idiot band mates. I kept reading because I thought this would lead to him maturing and showing some emotional growth, but sadly that wasn't the case. For the first half, he was always considerate of Abby and really seemed like a decent sort. But the closer he got to Abby, the more insecure and bratty he became. How many times did I need to read that his rock'n'roll life style wasn't something he was willing to give up yet. He had worked so hard for the drugs, parties and women to give it all up for one girl. He's only 22 people! That practically forces him to sleep with any vag that offers right? Wrong! That was just excuses he told himself because he can't even be honest with himself. If you don't want to settle down and you wanna play the field, fine, but don't go dragging someone else into your train wreck of a life knowing you don't want to find the "one." This back and forth crap he pulled was ridiculous. You either do want to commit to someone and it shouldn't be a constant battle to fight temptation or you freakin' don't and it's easy for you to throw it all away for some easy ONS. Make up your mind please! In all honesty, his "struggle" completely made me doubt his feelings for Abby. And that rushed ending where everything is magically forgiven? It rang false to me. Even if Abby bought into his sincerity, how can she not question his faithfulness. His track record alone should be a big flashing "DANGER" sign to stay the hell away from him.

As for Abby, I liked her from the start. She was the shy girl willing to give this guy a chance to show her the real Liam and not the rock star bad boy everyone saw and wanted. Their connection was instant and I was loving it all. She wasn't pushy, clinging, and even knowing his reputation, their honest start again tricked me into thinking she would actually be a good influence on Liam. I'll give her points for telling him were he could shove his lame excuses and for getting the hell out of that toxic situation. She showed she had a spine and self respect. I wish her mother would have shut it instead of giving Abby the green light to give that cheating a-hole a second chance. WTF!

And is it just me or did it sound like her mother makes it a point to mention the fact that Liam would and could solve Abby's financial woes because he's rich as a reason to get back with this guy? Sounded way to mercenary. Than after all this drama and giving us a strong h, the author turns around and has Abby forgive Liam (off page!) and the ending is Abby gushing over the fact that Liam, her super hot, super rich rock star boyfriend paid for her posh new NYC apartment?!?! Now the chick I'd been rooting for sounds looks a bit like a gold digger and I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. Ugh! It was all such a waste. This is what I get when I don't throw in the towel once my spidey senses start tingling. Oh well, you live and learn and I've learned this series is not for me.

Safety:
Ages: Abby is 23, and Liam is 22.
Cheating: Yes
OW/OM drama: On top of the ex-girlfriend, Liam's best friend, Helen is in love with him and causes drama. And something that really bugs me but isn't technically drama since Abby never finds out, it the random times Liam acknowledged how hot a waitress was, or the stunning groupies and models he ran into. Like I get he isn't blind but do I really need to hear how every freaking woman he bumped into was so sexy, hot and gorgeous. He had more random thoughts about random chicks than he did his h. Call me selfish but I want the guy to only have eyes for his lady. It shows me the h is special to him, even if she physically isn't Victoria Secret material, for the H, she's it for him. period. I never got that from Liam.
Separation: Yes, something like 3-4 weeks apart. Liam is eaten up with remorse *eye roll* and Abby decides to pull a Liam move and kisses her ex to see if there are any sparks left. It evened the playing field since both Abby and Liam are kids who can't make up their minds. I guess they really were made for each other.
HFN/HEA: Ends in a HFN that this girl isn't buying!
Profile Image for Faith.
41 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2015
Say It Strong is the second story in the Say You Love Me series, and it is an absolutely awesome story.
In Say it Strong, we meet classically trained musician Abby who to make a few extra dollars she takes a job playing cello for rocker bad boy Liam's band Point Break. With big dreams for her future Abby wants nothing more than to get the summer over, get paid, and get back home to chase her dreams of being in the New York Philharmonic.However, after meeting her new boss at a party Abby can't deny the heat that Liam sparks in her.
Liam has lead the party hard rockstar lifestyle with parties and booze overflowing at every turn, however he can't ignore the fact that he also is lonely with the life he's made. Not quite ready to settle down, his world is turned upside down by one elegant and fiesty cello player.
With the sparks flying on every page, Abby and Liam are still chasing their dreams.However will the fire they feel around each other be enough to make them see what they want out of life?
Say it Strong was full of heat and passion, romantic without crossing over to the cheesy side of things. I was addicted to the story quickly and couldn't put it down! A great five star read, you won't regret picking up. I'm so excited to see what Virna has in store for the next book!
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
November 15, 2018
This was a really sweet take on a rock star romance. I’ve seen so many that focused on the hardcore of rock star life and while this book touched on that, it focused so much more on the budding relationship between Liam and Abby.

Complete opposites, they shared an instant connection that gave them such an ease for it to evolve into something much deeper and more meaningful. Both waver with their emotions for the other and even try to convince themselves it’s not real...but alas, true love will always win in the end.

A wonderful story.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,748 reviews52 followers
June 26, 2015
What's not to like about a swoony rock star and his bad boy ways? Abby Chan finds herself drawn to Liam Collier, head rocker of Point Break. She's a cellist playing on his tour. Abby is professional, intimidating and vibrant. Liam is the hard partying guy getting it on with every girl. They are truly the definition of opposites attract. Say It Strong is the second in this new series but can be read as a standalone. It pretty much overlaps in time with the first one and the characters are mentioned briefly. I really felt the zing between Garrick and Gwen in Say It Sexy but I feel it's lacking here for Abby and Liam. I understand that physical urge and the fire they feel but on a relationship level I didn't really connect with them. Still a fun and romance filled novel about bad boys we love and the smart girls that change their ways. My copy was given for my honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie.
20 reviews
July 14, 2015
The second book in the Say You Love me series was a great, sexy read! Say it Strong is about Liam Collier, front man of the hottest rock group around and Abby Chan, the classically trained, Julliard grad Cellist. Abby decides to take a job touring with a band she knows nothing about in order to make some extra money. In a classic opposites attract story, we see Liam and Abby struggle to understand their feelings for each other while trying to stay focused on their musical aspirations.

What's not to love about a sexy rock singer? I felt that Liam was a lot more likeable than the male character in the first novel. Liam's character shows more vulnerability and is overall sweet and thoughtful. I really enjoyed the character's shared passion for music. Once again, Virna DePaul delivers a sexy, steamy read with great characters that you find yourself rooting for.
90 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2015
Wow! What an amazing story!

Abby is a classically trained musician. She ends up on tour with Point Break to make some extra money for school loans. On the outside her and the lead singer, Liam, are polar opposites but the instant connection is hard to deny.

Virna DePaul has a way of sucking you into a story and man was I sucked in. My heart ached and soared right along with the characters. Each one was three dimensional and felt like old friends. And the passion! Off the charts and not just in the bedroom! I highly recommend
Profile Image for Stephanie Bolen.
2,147 reviews28 followers
December 18, 2017
Too much twenties drama

I liked both characters, but they were immature. Passionate feelings are all well and good, but being grounded enough in who you are and what you want is the key to a healthy relationship. But both of them ran at the first sign of commitment. And instead of talking about it. It was all blow up scenes and grand gestures. It would have been nice if she would have answered his texts or demanded that he talk to her in person to explain where his head was at.
Profile Image for CB.
237 reviews12 followers
January 4, 2019
This was just an ok read for me - I love a good rock band romance, but this was like rocker lite put on by some recent high school grads. Both main characters were likeable enough and I did appreciate the rocker versus cello player setup, but everyone in the story just came across as way too young and the tone of the book was a bit juvenile. Maybe it’s just not my cup of tea, but it’s the same reason that even though I love sports romances, I avoid the ones about the college athletes. I’d categorize this best as just “meh”.
Profile Image for Diana Gould.
34 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2015
Second book in the series and I'm hooked! Liam is the young rocker heartthrob. Abbey is a classically trained celloist. When she takes a summer job in a rock band, their worlds collide and sparks fly. Can this couple put aside their differences and make their love work? You're going to have to read this book yourself to find out! All I can say is that this is one hot read!
212 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2015
Loved Liam's story. Another great book in this series, looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,956 reviews128 followers
June 30, 2017
Feeding my Rock-Star Bad-Boy addiction was the goal when grabbed a copy of Rock Strong. Frontman for up and coming rocker band Point Break 22-year-old Liam Collier certainly had the look and reputation of a Bad-Boy. So when Miss Abby Chan laid eyes on him at a pre-tour launch party for the group her very first thought in regards to Liam was trouble lies ahead but it was okay to look.

Sadly the packaging did not wholly match the inner man. In what has become the norm for New Adult genre Liam, and in pretty much every contemporary romance, is in actuality kind; gentle; sweetly romantic and a very all around nice young man whose public image is just a persona he donned years ago.

Abby Chan on the other hand is an Asian-American blended young lady whose refined elegance is a far cry from the bleached blonde, silicone enhanced groupies the band attracts. As the newest member to join the string section traveling with the group during their summer world tour, Abby is a like fish out of water as out of her element as well as her comfort zone.

When Liam approaches her to chat her surprise that someone so gorgeous would look her way rather than taking up with one of the other women gave way to pleasure when he was surprisingly insightful and easy to talk to.

Filled with ups and downs Abby and Liam start off the series with a fairly familiar to the genre romance but their own personalities make it enjoyable as readers dive into this first foray into Point Breaks world.
Profile Image for Jess O. (From Jess to You).
1,368 reviews38 followers
January 16, 2018
"3.5 out of 5 stars, Juilliard graduate Abby’s (Abigail/Ab) longtime goal is to be a part of the NY Philharmonic. Therefore when she gets the chance to audition she is beyond thrilled, but until then she needs a way to make money so her friend helps her get a gig to be a part of Point Break’s string section for the summer. That first night Abby meets Liam, who’s the lead singer of Point Break, and both of their future desires instantly change. Yet time will only tell if those changes will be for the better or not.

Okay … I’ll be straight with you … I REALLY liked Liam and Abby, along with the other members of Point Break. It is ONLY because I liked the characters that I stuck with this novel because..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2018/01/made-grade-rock-candy-series-book-1.html
1 review
Read
September 14, 2020
Could not finish

Did not get far when the middle school does he like me,does she like me Inner monologue got annoying. I pushed on because I was not very far into the story. But I reach this "As gay as it sounded, we just held hands. We prayed for a good show. Not that we were particularly into God or anything, but we were pretty spiritual." It described the pre show ritual the band did. Yea, I'm out. Not wasting any more time on this one. Glad it was free. Will delete.
407 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2022
So-so

For the most part I enjoyed Liam and Abby and their story, however, the back and forth in each of their internal thoughts got a bit old. I also didn't really like anyone else in the story. The other band members were jerks, with the exception of Wes. I cannot imagine reading an entire book about Corbin or Tucker unless the author completely changes their personalities. I found the plot a bit thin as well, but it wasn't terrible.
Profile Image for Karol Southerland.
348 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2023
I really enjoyed reading it and plan reading more from this author. Abby Chen, a cellist, takes on a tour with a rock band who she knows nothing about. She runs into Liam, lead singer who seems to be into her. They develop a relationship which has many ups and downs t which they resolve to making their love for each other a future endeavor.
Profile Image for Mary.
494 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2017
Taming the rock star

When you graduate Juilliard the last place to be playing is for a rock band. They're the ones that party hardy, a different groupie all the time and enjoy the best of everything. Everything orbits around their world. Now a shy cellist has no place falling for any one of them tight? Not when you want to be first string....well things got complicated and even more when they have feelings and running scared.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,433 reviews24 followers
April 26, 2018
This book proves that sometimes opposites really do attract. Who would have ever pictured a rock star pairing up with a straight-laced classically trained cellist? At first glance Liam should have never really been attracted to Abby nor she to him. However, to the surprise of everyone, it worked. This was a fun rock star romance and I'm looking forward to seeing what Virna DePaul has in store for the rest of the Point Break band.
Profile Image for Tami Rapp.
24 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2017
I loved her story


I loved the story. The characters and the plot kept you reading till the end.
5 stars. Recommend to my friends.
Profile Image for Deb B.
1,852 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2017
I enjoyed the writing style and the story was good but not great. pretty much an opposites attract romance. Liam was a bit too egotistical and Abby too insecure to make this a great story.
1,886 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2018
Loved it

It was wonderful. Loved her kick ass, take no prisoner attitude. First didn’t like the conflict scene but understood why it happened after Liam explained why.
500 reviews
June 26, 2024
Ending?

I liked the story as it had a lot of conflict with the characters and a good romance, but the ending left you wondering about the rocker and his future.
Profile Image for Celaena.
506 reviews
August 12, 2017
3.5 Stars for Liam and Abby

A classic musician falls in love with the frontman of a rock band. A story with very much potential. It was sweet and captivating. The chemistry between them was there from the first moment. They where honest with each other and said what scared them. And they fought for each other while they supported each other. But I missed something.
There where many chances for conflict and drama but they were not fully used. The ending seemed a little bit rushed and to vague for me.
Maybe I am a little strict, I don't know.
But it was a sweet story I enjoyed reading.
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2016
Beautiful, heart-warming story of Love won against incredible odds. Abby was an aspiring cello player whose dream was to play in the Philharmonic Symphony. Before her audition, she takes a summer job playing with a rock band. Liam is the front man for the band and famous rock star to his fans. Winding up their world tour in North America, Liam is reflecting that his long journey to stardom no longer thrills him like it used to do. He realizes he longs for companionship with a woman beyond the shallow groupies that follow the band members. He sees that potential in Abby when she and her cello join the band. Many issues hinder the relationship between Liam & Abby: his reputation, her fear of being hurt, an old friend, an ex girlfriend, band members hijinks, denial of feelings. Well written. Emotions felt, especially the final concert scene. In fact, there were a couple more heart touching scenes that brought the tears. I  voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hines.
Author 5 books80 followers
November 9, 2016
*I received this book free from NK Author Services in exchange for an honest review*

Rock Strong is a fun and entertaining read.

Abby had high hopes for her cellist career; none of which included her playing on tour with a rock band. She wasn't interested in the band, had never even listened to their music, but once she heard Liam's voice without the interference of the band and stage sound effects she knew he was just as much a musician as she was and it made resisting him nearly impossible.

Liam was attracted to Abby the first night he'd seen her. He knew she was way out of his league and yet he wanted her anyway. However, he wanted her on his terms, which he realized flew out the window slowly day by day.

"Sexy but classy. Talented and fierce. A ball-breaker, yet someone who provided glimpses of vulnerability in a way that made me want to howl, beat my chest, toss her over my shoulder, and carry her off to the nearest cave."

Through the difficulties of dating a rock star Abby and Liam will find their HEA, and trust me there are a few difficulties. Like whip cream orgies and walking away from their feelings. It's a crazy and wild road, but oh so worth it.

My Favorite Moment is a private concert Abby plays for Liam. It was simply beautiful.
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