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Sinful Serenade #3
Rock Your Heart Out
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B01CRD1XFS
There's a naked rock star in my hotel room.
And he's pierced.
Willow Denton needs to get out of town fast. Her only option is joining her brother's band on tour. Two months with misbehaved men doesn't sound so bad. Until she walks in on the drummer naked and sporting a spanking new piercing right between his legs. There's no way the cocky player will ever think of her as more than his friend, or worse, his BFF's little sister. Better to focus on her photography. As soon as she stops thinking about him in her bed, against the wall, in the backseat of his car...
Sinful Serenade drummer Tom Steele is a wrecking ball. Bossy. Pushy. Hot as the molten center of the Earth. He's not afraid to use his body or his fame to get what he wants-- a different girl every night of the week (and three on Sunday). The man may be a slut but he can control himself. He's going to keep an eye on Willow. That's it. He cares about her. He's not about to throw away their budding friendship, or his relationship with her overprotective brother, for a good time.
Their sizzling sexual chemistry makes this whole platonic things hard.
But there's no way he'll cross the line with the girl he's supposed to protect.
There's a naked rock star in my hotel room.
And he's pierced.
Willow Denton needs to get out of town fast. Her only option is joining her brother's band on tour. Two months with misbehaved men doesn't sound so bad. Until she walks in on the drummer naked and sporting a spanking new piercing right between his legs. There's no way the cocky player will ever think of her as more than his friend, or worse, his BFF's little sister. Better to focus on her photography. As soon as she stops thinking about him in her bed, against the wall, in the backseat of his car...
Sinful Serenade drummer Tom Steele is a wrecking ball. Bossy. Pushy. Hot as the molten center of the Earth. He's not afraid to use his body or his fame to get what he wants-- a different girl every night of the week (and three on Sunday). The man may be a slut but he can control himself. He's going to keep an eye on Willow. That's it. He cares about her. He's not about to throw away their budding friendship, or his relationship with her overprotective brother, for a good time.
Their sizzling sexual chemistry makes this whole platonic things hard.
But there's no way he'll cross the line with the girl he's supposed to protect.
378 pages, ebook
First published March 8, 2016
988 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,549 followersCrystal Kaswell is the author of the Sinful Serenade series. She writes steamy new adult romance with flawed characters. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
June 21, 2016
This was just what I needed after having read my last book. Low on the angst, but fun and flirty. Who doesn’t love a beautifully tattooed and pierced drummer of a popular rock band? With his shaggy dark blond hair and mysterious green eyes, Willow can’t help but fall for Tom. The first time they meet it’s under embarrassing but humorous circumstances. Willow struggles to stay in the friend-zone, though, when Tom labels their relationship as platonic. Tom is no good for her, plus she’s his best friend’s sister. That’s a no-brainer that she’s off-limits.
This was just a perfect read when reading a rockstar romance! The music. The excitement. And, the fans. I read this in one sitting because it held my attention totally, and I had to know what happens to Tom and Willow. I was entertained and consumed by their story. It also included bits and pieces as far as what was going on with Tom’s bandmates and their women. Even though there were two previous books in the series already released, it didn’t confuse me whatsoever. I’ll just have to go back and read the other ones. So loved this book, and Tom and Willow were amazing characters! Tom with his sexiness and sense of humor. And, Willow with her feistiness and desire for Tom. They made a great couple! You will not be disappointed! And, let’s not forget about the HOT HOT HOT intimacy! Well, blow my socks off, it was intensely erotic!! Looking forward to reading another book by this author...
This was just a perfect read when reading a rockstar romance! The music. The excitement. And, the fans. I read this in one sitting because it held my attention totally, and I had to know what happens to Tom and Willow. I was entertained and consumed by their story. It also included bits and pieces as far as what was going on with Tom’s bandmates and their women. Even though there were two previous books in the series already released, it didn’t confuse me whatsoever. I’ll just have to go back and read the other ones. So loved this book, and Tom and Willow were amazing characters! Tom with his sexiness and sense of humor. And, Willow with her feistiness and desire for Tom. They made a great couple! You will not be disappointed! And, let’s not forget about the HOT HOT HOT intimacy! Well, blow my socks off, it was intensely erotic!! Looking forward to reading another book by this author...
May 2, 2018
Sinful Serenade reviews
Sing Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Strum Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Rock Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ See below!
Play Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ here
Bonus book:
Sinful Ever After ❤❤ here
While each book is a standalone the entire series involve all the members of the Sinful Serenade and thus, you’ll meet most of the characters in each book even as secondary characters. So, while it’s not necessary to read all the books, I’d recommend it to avoid spoilers and in order to connect with them all.
I am so pleased that we finally get to meet a couple that’s low on drama and angst, but are more fun, flirty and free. I absolutely love Tom, Sinful Serenade’s drummer and Willow, Drew’s little sister.
We’ve met Tom in both Sing Your Heart Out and Strum Your Heart Out. My first impression of him, is that he’s an unattractive mixture of a know it all and a jerk. So far, we’ve seen him boss Miles and Drew around by manipulating situations and forcing decisions to be made, even if they weren’t ready. All that just made me want to get to know him even more. The one thing you’ve got to give Tom is, that for all his flaws and shitty timing, he’s got intent. He wants the best for everybody. So, while he might be a bit conceited and controlling he also has the biggest heart and due to his past, he’s having a hard time not interfering when he thinks it’s needed.
Willow is the first of the female leads in this series that I’ve felt a serious connection to. I found myself rooting for her all the way through, and I really liked her personality. Just like Tom she’s an artist. A photographer. So, when she joins the band on tour and get the opportunity to work for one of the best photographer in the field, she grabs the opportunity and makes the best of it.
Unlike the former couples we’ve met, I think that Tom and Willow compliment each other extremely well. Even though, they’re both survivors they don’t let that hold them back and when shit hits the fan, it feels real and so do the way they’re dealing with everything that comes their way.
The plot is very straight forward, and ticks off all the boxes needed for these kinds of books:
Boy meets girl
instant attraction
They get to know each other
But oh no, complications arise and misunderstandings/secrets are blown out of proportion
Someone is sorry
HEA
So, don’t get your hopes up – this is not a new spin on that. Yet, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Sing Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Strum Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Rock Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ See below!
Play Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ here
Bonus book:
Sinful Ever After ❤❤ here
While each book is a standalone the entire series involve all the members of the Sinful Serenade and thus, you’ll meet most of the characters in each book even as secondary characters. So, while it’s not necessary to read all the books, I’d recommend it to avoid spoilers and in order to connect with them all.
I am so pleased that we finally get to meet a couple that’s low on drama and angst, but are more fun, flirty and free. I absolutely love Tom, Sinful Serenade’s drummer and Willow, Drew’s little sister.
We’ve met Tom in both Sing Your Heart Out and Strum Your Heart Out. My first impression of him, is that he’s an unattractive mixture of a know it all and a jerk. So far, we’ve seen him boss Miles and Drew around by manipulating situations and forcing decisions to be made, even if they weren’t ready. All that just made me want to get to know him even more. The one thing you’ve got to give Tom is, that for all his flaws and shitty timing, he’s got intent. He wants the best for everybody. So, while he might be a bit conceited and controlling he also has the biggest heart and due to his past, he’s having a hard time not interfering when he thinks it’s needed.
Willow is the first of the female leads in this series that I’ve felt a serious connection to. I found myself rooting for her all the way through, and I really liked her personality. Just like Tom she’s an artist. A photographer. So, when she joins the band on tour and get the opportunity to work for one of the best photographer in the field, she grabs the opportunity and makes the best of it.
Unlike the former couples we’ve met, I think that Tom and Willow compliment each other extremely well. Even though, they’re both survivors they don’t let that hold them back and when shit hits the fan, it feels real and so do the way they’re dealing with everything that comes their way.
The plot is very straight forward, and ticks off all the boxes needed for these kinds of books:
Boy meets girl
instant attraction
They get to know each other
But oh no, complications arise and misunderstandings/secrets are blown out of proportion
Someone is sorry
HEA
So, don’t get your hopes up – this is not a new spin on that. Yet, it’s still an enjoyable read.
May 31, 2016
Nothing like walking in on a smokin' hot musician naked to get the story going. This time around we check in with Tom and Willow who embark on their own little whirlwind romance. What I like about these books is that even though they are very much in the instalove realm, it doesn't feel that way as you're reading it. Maybe that is because the writing isn't contrived, maybe it's because the characters have depth - whatever it is, I'm down for it.
Full review to come
Full review to come
December 18, 2023
Oh how much I adored Tom and Willow. I knew from the first page of this book that he was going to be my favorite. The whole band mate/ best friends sister trope was just created perfectly. The way that Tom really cares so much and no matter what, he was doing whatever he had to, to ensure his friends and family were all good? It was pure perfection. The way he and Willow got along right at the start when she accidentally opened he door to his hotel room instead of Drews. Everything was perfect about this and even though there was one point where I was a bit irritated with the decision that was made, it was redeemed by everything else. I loved how Willow got to pursue her passion with photography and that they both got their happy ending. I was dancing around my room, absolutely giddy with the way the last 2 chapters went. This book was just so much fun to read. Now, I am so excited to read Pete's story. I will also say that I haven't loved some of the cameos with Meg and Miles in the past 2 books where they haven't been able to be normal in a conversation and are always having constant PDA - even when theres a conversation including both of them... Anyways...
5/5 Stars!
5/5 Stars!
August 15, 2016
I don't even know where to begin with how much I loved this book. I have previously been a fan of the Sinful Serenade series having read the first two books already, but I loved this one even more than both the others combined.
While you don't necessarily have to read the first two books in the series to be able to read this one as there are not really any spoilers given away in this book, I definitely think that it helps so that you can fully appreciate the awesome person that is Tom.
You are first introduced to Tom, the drummer of the band, in the first book Sing Your Heart Out, but he is always portrayed as a little bit of a jerk. He is bossy and interfering and has done some things that his band mates haven't considered to be very nice. However there was always a good reason or intent behind it, even if people didn't appreciate the intent at the time. But in this book you get a deeper look at Tom, and I am so happy to have gotten it. Tom is so much more than I ever thought he could possibly be. Yes he is a bit conceited, and controlling but he also has the biggest heart and has been through so much that has made him who he is. And his love for and dedication to the band and all of its members is just one of the reasons to love him. When he meets Willow, their introduction is unexpected, awkward and also extremely hot, but the chemistry is obvious from minute one. He tries to do what he thinks is the right thing at first, but his attraction to Willow simply won't be denied. Tom is absolutely my new book boyfriend with his humor, his heart, and all the right kinds of bossy (most of the time). Not to mention I love a guy with tattoos and... interestingly placed piercings.
Willow was a leading lady that had me feeling for her and rooting for her and just so very absorbed in the character. She has things in her past as well that are heartbreaking and have changed the way she sees the world and lives her life. But meeting Tom forces her to look at things differently and to come out of her shell. Willow just so happens to be the little sister of Drew, the Sinful Serenade guitar player, and he is very protective which adds an nice dynamic to the story.
I highly recommend this book and all of the others in the series. I loved Tom and Willow, I loved getting to see bit more of the other Sinful Serenade members, and I also cant wait to get my hands on the final member, Pete's book.
June 12, 2021
Willow is Drew's sister and she's running from something. Tom is immediately attracted to her but she's off-limits because she's his best friend's sister and Tom doesn't do relationships. Willow takes a job as an assistant to the photographer working with the band and is now joining the tour.
I really didn't like Tom until this book. I love the other guys of Sinful Serenade right away but Tom always seemed like a womanizing asshole. This book though showed a very different side of Tom and I found myself really liking him and Willow's relationship. Willow was a survivor and I liked how she didn't just let her overprotective brother Drew run her life and she stood up to him and made it clear that she was an adult who made her own decisions.
I really didn't like Tom until this book. I love the other guys of Sinful Serenade right away but Tom always seemed like a womanizing asshole. This book though showed a very different side of Tom and I found myself really liking him and Willow's relationship. Willow was a survivor and I liked how she didn't just let her overprotective brother Drew run her life and she stood up to him and made it clear that she was an adult who made her own decisions.
July 26, 2017
Best one yet!
I know it's rare to have the third book in the series be the best one, but it was. Tom and a willow were fantastic. I cannot wait to read Pete's story!
I know it's rare to have the third book in the series be the best one, but it was. Tom and a willow were fantastic. I cannot wait to read Pete's story!
May 9, 2019
I love this book!
I love this book it one of my favorites I read the book for the third time. I love willow and Tom!
I love this book it one of my favorites I read the book for the third time. I love willow and Tom!
March 8, 2017
LOVED.
I devoured this in twenty four hours. You could say I read my heart out.
Rock Your Heart Out is an enthralling, touching and well written rock star romance novel. Which, as you can probably tell are one of my favorite things to read. This book hooks you in immediately and doesn't let up till the last few pages.
This one is definitely stand out for me. I really loved the writing, pacing and execution of the whole story. I also think the author delivered the drama well. I even liked the epilogue, which is truly a first for me! Usually, they annoy me and I cant help but feel that they take away from an otherwise great story. In this case, however I was pleasantly surprised.
The characters were also extremely lovable. Willow was an adorable and well thought out main character and I really liked her viewpoints. Tom was... wonderful. Oi. He was so sweet and yet so tortured inside. I just loved them together. They enhanced each other in positive ways and that's important. The romance felt very real and I found myself caring for the characters and their relationship.
Great book. 4 stars. Cute- Rock stary goodness.
I devoured this in twenty four hours. You could say I read my heart out.
Rock Your Heart Out is an enthralling, touching and well written rock star romance novel. Which, as you can probably tell are one of my favorite things to read. This book hooks you in immediately and doesn't let up till the last few pages.
This one is definitely stand out for me. I really loved the writing, pacing and execution of the whole story. I also think the author delivered the drama well. I even liked the epilogue, which is truly a first for me! Usually, they annoy me and I cant help but feel that they take away from an otherwise great story. In this case, however I was pleasantly surprised.
The characters were also extremely lovable. Willow was an adorable and well thought out main character and I really liked her viewpoints. Tom was... wonderful. Oi. He was so sweet and yet so tortured inside. I just loved them together. They enhanced each other in positive ways and that's important. The romance felt very real and I found myself caring for the characters and their relationship.
Great book. 4 stars. Cute- Rock stary goodness.
June 19, 2016
I am not surprised how much I loved Tom in this...he is my favorite character so far but Drew is right on his heels. Though I think Pete may come close to knocking Tom out of my top spot.
The thing I really liked about this book was there wasn't really any bad angsty parts...it was pretty tame in the drama and angst but that worked so well for Tom. His bandmates see him as a drama magnet and a really he does thing to draw the attention off them because he knows it bothers them.
Willow I LOVE her character...she didn't let her ex break her spirit and in all counts I wouldn't have been shocked if he had.
I'm excited to see where Pete's book takes us next.
The thing I really liked about this book was there wasn't really any bad angsty parts...it was pretty tame in the drama and angst but that worked so well for Tom. His bandmates see him as a drama magnet and a really he does thing to draw the attention off them because he knows it bothers them.
Willow I LOVE her character...she didn't let her ex break her spirit and in all counts I wouldn't have been shocked if he had.
I'm excited to see where Pete's book takes us next.
September 24, 2016
3.5, maybe a three. I relly thught it was cute, but it could have been told from the POV of anyone rich. Other than saying, oh I play, there wasn't a rockstar life involved at all. It was sweet, but he could have been some random millionaire for all the rock life he had.
Cute but less stars due to not feeling like it's a rock star book.
Cute but less stars due to not feeling like it's a rock star book.
December 28, 2018
*happy sigh
I can not stop saying that I love Crystal's books.
I have not read a bad one yet.
I'm not sure it's possible.
From previous books, Tom was an @hole.
When he met Willow, he still was but she found the real reason why.
They were perfect for each other and their story made me so happy.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
I can not stop saying that I love Crystal's books.
I have not read a bad one yet.
I'm not sure it's possible.
From previous books, Tom was an @hole.
When he met Willow, he still was but she found the real reason why.
They were perfect for each other and their story made me so happy.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
June 5, 2016
Love this series! Aside from his 4th foster mother, Ophelia, and Pete, his foster brother and band mate, Tom has never been loved by anyone. So what he's feeling for Willow, band-mate Drew's little sister, couldn't possibly be love-or could it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2016
So far this is my fav of this series. Who can't love a bad boy with a pierced penis? Loved Tom, God some of the things he would say. lol I liked Willow too even though she acted immature, but I had to remember that she was only 21.
Now for sweet Pete.
Now for sweet Pete.
June 14, 2016
Review to come
July 2, 2016
I really like how Tom, of all people got a piercing and couldn't have sexual relations until it healed forcing him to get to know Willow without his sexy times. It was perfect.
August 14, 2016
Love love love this romance. <3
January 17, 2026
Rock Your Heart Out is the tantalizing third novel in the Sinful Serenade series by Crystal Kaswell and is another deftly told rock star romance full of sex, passion, and sizzling chemistry.
Willow Denton needs to get out of town fast and her best option is joining her brother’s band on tour. Two months with misbehaving rock stars doesn’t sound so bad until she walks in on the drummer naked and sporting a brand her piercing right between his legs. Tom Steele is known for his liking of a new woman every night and Willow knows there’s no way he’d ever think of her as anything more than a friend and his bandmates little sister. Too bad Willow can’t stop thinking about him---in her bed, against a wall and any other way he could have her. Tom might have no problem using his body and his fame to get what he wants, but Willow’s different. He cares about her, and he doesn’t want to risk their budding friendship or the one he has with her overprotective brother for a fling. He’s going to look out for her while on tour but with every moment they spent together igniting the chemistry between them, will Willow be able to convince Tom she’s not a kid in need of protecting? Or will Tom’s past keep him from taking a chance at love?
Crystal Kaswell continues her decadent Sinful Serenade series with Tom’s story featuring guitarist Drew’s little sister Willow in an absolutely sizzling rock star romance! Willow and Tom’s story was one I enjoyed immensely. I must admit I’m a bit of a sucker for the best- friends-little-sister trope, especially when it’s done well, as was the case in Rock Your Heart Out. Told through Willow’s perspective, Rock Your Heart Out was highly entertaining with a great friendship-turned romance. This instalment didn’t feel as angsty as its predecessors---at least not until the final few chapters.
Despite the forbidden aspect of their relationship, Willow and Tom were very honest about their expectations and seemed to fall into a great pattern with each other effortlessly. Both Willow and Tom have demons in their past with Willow a domestic violence survivor and Tom having grown up in the foster care system. While I haven’t experienced what they went through, Crystal Kaswell makes it easy to emphasise with them and care about them. Willow is a sweet character who you genuinely wanted to find happiness and for all Tom’s man-whore ways, he really has made sacrifices for his bandmates that it was nice seeing him accept that someone was capable of caring for---and loving him.
I think Willow and Tom are my favourite couple of this series. They’ve all been fantastic, but there was something so special about the connection and dynamic between the two of them. Even when Tom was considering ending what they had begun to save Willow the pain, the chemistry between them was sizzling. I also think there wasn’t as much drama and unfulfilled longing in this novel. Don’t get me wrong----that kind of emotion is the pinnacle of an angst filled NA read---but it was nice to read something less emotional….at least until towards the end of the story.
Saucy and sexy in the best ways Rock Your Heart Out was a great addition to the Sinful Serenade series and leaves me eager to jump into the next novel to see the sole remaining Sinful Serenade member Pete finally find his lady love!
Willow Denton needs to get out of town fast and her best option is joining her brother’s band on tour. Two months with misbehaving rock stars doesn’t sound so bad until she walks in on the drummer naked and sporting a brand her piercing right between his legs. Tom Steele is known for his liking of a new woman every night and Willow knows there’s no way he’d ever think of her as anything more than a friend and his bandmates little sister. Too bad Willow can’t stop thinking about him---in her bed, against a wall and any other way he could have her. Tom might have no problem using his body and his fame to get what he wants, but Willow’s different. He cares about her, and he doesn’t want to risk their budding friendship or the one he has with her overprotective brother for a fling. He’s going to look out for her while on tour but with every moment they spent together igniting the chemistry between them, will Willow be able to convince Tom she’s not a kid in need of protecting? Or will Tom’s past keep him from taking a chance at love?
Crystal Kaswell continues her decadent Sinful Serenade series with Tom’s story featuring guitarist Drew’s little sister Willow in an absolutely sizzling rock star romance! Willow and Tom’s story was one I enjoyed immensely. I must admit I’m a bit of a sucker for the best- friends-little-sister trope, especially when it’s done well, as was the case in Rock Your Heart Out. Told through Willow’s perspective, Rock Your Heart Out was highly entertaining with a great friendship-turned romance. This instalment didn’t feel as angsty as its predecessors---at least not until the final few chapters.
Despite the forbidden aspect of their relationship, Willow and Tom were very honest about their expectations and seemed to fall into a great pattern with each other effortlessly. Both Willow and Tom have demons in their past with Willow a domestic violence survivor and Tom having grown up in the foster care system. While I haven’t experienced what they went through, Crystal Kaswell makes it easy to emphasise with them and care about them. Willow is a sweet character who you genuinely wanted to find happiness and for all Tom’s man-whore ways, he really has made sacrifices for his bandmates that it was nice seeing him accept that someone was capable of caring for---and loving him.
I think Willow and Tom are my favourite couple of this series. They’ve all been fantastic, but there was something so special about the connection and dynamic between the two of them. Even when Tom was considering ending what they had begun to save Willow the pain, the chemistry between them was sizzling. I also think there wasn’t as much drama and unfulfilled longing in this novel. Don’t get me wrong----that kind of emotion is the pinnacle of an angst filled NA read---but it was nice to read something less emotional….at least until towards the end of the story.
Saucy and sexy in the best ways Rock Your Heart Out was a great addition to the Sinful Serenade series and leaves me eager to jump into the next novel to see the sole remaining Sinful Serenade member Pete finally find his lady love!
June 20, 2017
I had A TON of issues with this book. There was a lot of steam as with all of the books in this series so far. I enjoyed Tom (a lot), Willow, and the story to an extent. I did have SEVERAL issues. Again, the way in which all of the sentences started were more like statements than complete thoughts, and so in my head as I was reading I was reading everything felt like bland statement rather than a complete thought. I did find Willow to be another push over. Tom suggested something with her looks- BAM she does it, like she had no mind of her own. This bothered me. Truthfully This book actually REALLY irked me. There were so many ways the author could have pushed this with more angst and changed up the pattern of all of the other books in this series , Willow wants to get away and so she meets up with her brother, who literally spends NO TIME WITH HER. He spends every waking second with Kara and then gets pissed when he finds out she is in love with Drew. Umm hello! You left her alone, and Tom befriended her, took care of her, inspired her - because DREW DIDNT spend any fucking time with his poor scared sister, never mind ask her why she was so scared! I really lost a ton of respect for Drew after this for obvious reasons. He just plain pissed me the hell off. AND to add to this, Willow starts falling for Tom instantly- like within a few days. She doesn't even know Tom! URRR!!!
August 2, 2021
Tom is so undervalued in the first two books. It's great to see that he isn't the jerk he appears to be and really works hard to make the band run smoothly behind the scenes. He is a bit manipulative but with the best meaning. Willow is a sweet addition to this growing group of friends.
I really enjoyed that Tom took her to the rose garden in Portland. I wish Ms. Kaswell had expanded on the significance of that rose garden. According to Wikipedia, it is "The International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. There are over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties." It is much more expansive than written in the book. Although I live on the coast in Georgia, I had the opportunity to visit this rose garden as it less than half a mile from one of my best friend's from college house. When I visited, I took about 600 photos of roses. This was a perfect place to take a photographer. Again, I wish that aspect had been played up.
When rating this book, I rate based on this as a standalone. Unfortunately, as the reader, you have to ignore that it fits the pattern of so many other of her books. They don't jump into a (non) relationship just like Meg and Miles. However, I don't think they resist as long as Kara and Drew. Other than that, the plot is pretty darn similar.
I also enjoyed this book more than the first in that Willow is actually out of college. I think too many of Ms. Kaswell's heroines are too young. Reading about characters studying for college was kind of getting old. (That also happens in her other band series.) I read the first in this series, Dirty Deals, and the 2nd in the other series as a bundle first. So far, the 2nd in the other band series (Dangerous Crush) is my favorite. It is dual POV, which I think almost all romances should be. The band in that series feels like more of a family than the one in this series. They fight just a little too much.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.
I really enjoyed that Tom took her to the rose garden in Portland. I wish Ms. Kaswell had expanded on the significance of that rose garden. According to Wikipedia, it is "The International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. There are over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties." It is much more expansive than written in the book. Although I live on the coast in Georgia, I had the opportunity to visit this rose garden as it less than half a mile from one of my best friend's from college house. When I visited, I took about 600 photos of roses. This was a perfect place to take a photographer. Again, I wish that aspect had been played up.
When rating this book, I rate based on this as a standalone. Unfortunately, as the reader, you have to ignore that it fits the pattern of so many other of her books. They don't jump into a (non) relationship just like Meg and Miles. However, I don't think they resist as long as Kara and Drew. Other than that, the plot is pretty darn similar.
I also enjoyed this book more than the first in that Willow is actually out of college. I think too many of Ms. Kaswell's heroines are too young. Reading about characters studying for college was kind of getting old. (That also happens in her other band series.) I read the first in this series, Dirty Deals, and the 2nd in the other series as a bundle first. So far, the 2nd in the other band series (Dangerous Crush) is my favorite. It is dual POV, which I think almost all romances should be. The band in that series feels like more of a family than the one in this series. They fight just a little too much.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.
July 3, 2017
My third read in this series. I was looking forward to Tom's story. I felt excited, imagining what kind of feisty heroine would tame him. Willow was, well, a bit disappointing. I mean she was perfectly nice but I had hoped for someone with more gumption to take on Tom. Someone sassy and unashamed like Tom to give him a run for his money.
The issue I had with Willow was that she was pretty normal. I couldn't understand how she held Tom's attention. It just didn't make sense to me.
I also feel that sometimes the H and h of each book just morph into the same characters bar liking different film genres and video games. There seems little differentiation.
Obviously there is a different back story here. Willow comes from an abusive relationship, but other than mentioning it once and freezing once, it doesn't really develop or resolve itself. I expected the ex to make an appearance which never happens. I hoped her alienation from her family might be addressed but no.
Sometimes it just felt like skipping from one sex scene to another inbetween limo rides to gigs. There is little substance to the music business being conducted in the background which leads to not much of a storyline save the reoccurring one throughout each book. Man is some kind of manwhore and women is vastly less experienced, seeking a proper, committed relationship. Ends in marriage.
It's just slightly old fashioned. I crave a feisty heroine that sleeps around who is not the one staring with trembling look at her rockstar guy, waiting for him to say 'i love you'.
And matching name tattoos? Really?
Sorry, i've just slagged this book off. It was enjoyable and I will read the next one. I just feel it could be more than it is.
The issue I had with Willow was that she was pretty normal. I couldn't understand how she held Tom's attention. It just didn't make sense to me.
I also feel that sometimes the H and h of each book just morph into the same characters bar liking different film genres and video games. There seems little differentiation.
Obviously there is a different back story here. Willow comes from an abusive relationship, but other than mentioning it once and freezing once, it doesn't really develop or resolve itself. I expected the ex to make an appearance which never happens. I hoped her alienation from her family might be addressed but no.
Sometimes it just felt like skipping from one sex scene to another inbetween limo rides to gigs. There is little substance to the music business being conducted in the background which leads to not much of a storyline save the reoccurring one throughout each book. Man is some kind of manwhore and women is vastly less experienced, seeking a proper, committed relationship. Ends in marriage.
It's just slightly old fashioned. I crave a feisty heroine that sleeps around who is not the one staring with trembling look at her rockstar guy, waiting for him to say 'i love you'.
And matching name tattoos? Really?
Sorry, i've just slagged this book off. It was enjoyable and I will read the next one. I just feel it could be more than it is.
February 15, 2019
I didn't think this series could get any better, but it seems it can because this book was even better than the last in my eyes. Tom is an obnoxious, in your business, playboy drummer for Sinful Serenade. He is drop dead sexy and he knows it. The first time he ever met Willow, he was butt ass naked, cock piercing out and all, not an ounce of shame in site. He knows he has a rockin body and he's not afraid to use it. There was only one thing wrong, Will is his band mate Drew's sister. After initially visiting for only a few days, Willow ends up taking on a job as a photographer assistant for the remainder of the bands tour. While Willow and Tom struggle to keep their relationship strictly platonic, it's hard when their chemistry is as intense as theirs seems to be.
It didn't take long until they gave into their desires and finally ended up together, although they did not have a label as to what they were, it was more than friends with benefits. I loved the two of them together and found myself routing for them the entire story. It was only a matter of time before everyone found out about them. It was pretty obvious to everyone except Drew of course.
This book was intense, erotic and had me completely smitten with their story. I loved Willow's feistiness and bold desire towards Tom. Let me now forget their HOT intimacy, I needed a fan after reading some of those scenes. Damn. I am so excited to read Pete's story next with all his dirty talking ways! Eeeep!
5 Stars!
It didn't take long until they gave into their desires and finally ended up together, although they did not have a label as to what they were, it was more than friends with benefits. I loved the two of them together and found myself routing for them the entire story. It was only a matter of time before everyone found out about them. It was pretty obvious to everyone except Drew of course.
This book was intense, erotic and had me completely smitten with their story. I loved Willow's feistiness and bold desire towards Tom. Let me now forget their HOT intimacy, I needed a fan after reading some of those scenes. Damn. I am so excited to read Pete's story next with all his dirty talking ways! Eeeep!
5 Stars!
March 10, 2018
So in this third Sinful Serenade novel we follow the romance of drummer Tom as he falls for Guitarist Drew's little sister. Big fan of Tom here particularly from the last novel I like how he manages to keep the band together despite his vain, empty playboy image,
Romance side of things in this one is great. Willow a photographer is his perfect mate - you really feel these two fall in love and I kind of like Tom's enforced celibacy due to his new piercing - pierced heroes aren't that common in romance novels so that's a plus.
The thing I thought this lacked more than anything else was plot - we get Willow's anxiety over whether Tom loves her or not (justified since he's had over 500 women before her) but I was expecting her abusive ex Bradly to turn up or there to be more tension with her brother Drew - there really isn't much story/ emotional peril to this.
It also doesn't focus much on the musician side of things - yeah he's a drummer but he could easily be a model actor or any other kind of rich playboy. Being a huge metal fan one of the big draws of this series is that the heroes are all sexy rock stars and I just didn't feel drawn enough into that musical world in this one.
Saying that I still devoured every minute of this one as I have all the other novels in this series. I just wish there'd been more plot and maybe some of Tom's POV.
Romance side of things in this one is great. Willow a photographer is his perfect mate - you really feel these two fall in love and I kind of like Tom's enforced celibacy due to his new piercing - pierced heroes aren't that common in romance novels so that's a plus.
The thing I thought this lacked more than anything else was plot - we get Willow's anxiety over whether Tom loves her or not (justified since he's had over 500 women before her) but I was expecting her abusive ex Bradly to turn up or there to be more tension with her brother Drew - there really isn't much story/ emotional peril to this.
It also doesn't focus much on the musician side of things - yeah he's a drummer but he could easily be a model actor or any other kind of rich playboy. Being a huge metal fan one of the big draws of this series is that the heroes are all sexy rock stars and I just didn't feel drawn enough into that musical world in this one.
Saying that I still devoured every minute of this one as I have all the other novels in this series. I just wish there'd been more plot and maybe some of Tom's POV.
November 27, 2019
This is Tom's story and I couldn't wait to see how it would unfold.
The glorious manwhore finds his match in Drew's baby sister, Willow. I enjoyed the entire book and I have to say I was surprised how it progressed since Tom was out of commission because of his new piercings. In Strum Your Heart, there was sex scene everywhere you looked, so I expected even worst in Tom's book, but that was not what happened here; Tom and Willow had slow burn romance and I loved it all. Their first introduction was hilarious and so very Tom, I just knew their journey was going to fun and a bit rocky.
The only issue I had was with Willow and her awful timing in making Tom declare his feelings especially since Tom and Pete just went through a major scare with their mother. I don't think anyone would be in the right state of mind to declare their intentions when they thought they were about to lose someone they love dearly.
Also I thought the Bradley story line was going to be a focus point in story, but he is mentioned once and never seen again; which is odd considering the reason for Willow’s appearance is because he tried to re-insert himself into her life. Not sure what happened but I expected something to happen at any time in the book, but nothing occurred.
I felt so bad for Pete, but I look forward to his book.
The glorious manwhore finds his match in Drew's baby sister, Willow. I enjoyed the entire book and I have to say I was surprised how it progressed since Tom was out of commission because of his new piercings. In Strum Your Heart, there was sex scene everywhere you looked, so I expected even worst in Tom's book, but that was not what happened here; Tom and Willow had slow burn romance and I loved it all. Their first introduction was hilarious and so very Tom, I just knew their journey was going to fun and a bit rocky.
The only issue I had was with Willow and her awful timing in making Tom declare his feelings especially since Tom and Pete just went through a major scare with their mother. I don't think anyone would be in the right state of mind to declare their intentions when they thought they were about to lose someone they love dearly.
Also I thought the Bradley story line was going to be a focus point in story, but he is mentioned once and never seen again; which is odd considering the reason for Willow’s appearance is because he tried to re-insert himself into her life. Not sure what happened but I expected something to happen at any time in the book, but nothing occurred.
I felt so bad for Pete, but I look forward to his book.
September 10, 2016
So I saw an ad for this on Facebook and it seemed like the perfect escapist romance to get me out of my bad day funk, so I bought it even knowing I was starting in the middle of a series. I think I might have had a little more background on these characters if I'd read the other two books first, but I don't really feel you need to read the previous two to understand this one.
In Rock Your Heart Out, Kaswell has presented really solid grounding for a potentially five star contemporary, unfortunately the story just didn't quite get there. The book felt rushed, often from one sex scene or sexual fantasy to the next. Kaswell has a serious talent for writing a spicy sex scene. She pushes boundaries without quite venturing into erotica, and compiles a scene right on that line of almost too hot to still call it romance. She even manages to do this in the first person without it being awkward for the reader. She creates really good chemistry between the characters so that it snaps on the page.
The characters are layered and complex with meaty back stories I'd love to delve into more and that's kind of where the problems for me with the book began. It's incredibly frustrating to me to be presented with a multifaceted character and not have the author really delve into peeling back their layers. While the book was an enjoyable read I finished it not feeling like I really knew any of the characters, including Willow, the story's narrator. Kaswell told us or showed us that those layers are there and then just moved on. The little snippets into Willow's back story also left some major unresolved conflict for me. Willow arrives on the tour to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend who has recently become her neighbor. She doesn't want her brother to know because her brother has in the past almost destroyed his career trying to defend her honor from this boy who raped and abused his sister. That said he's still the person she runs to, except he and his bandmate have switched rooms and she instead walks in on another member of the band getting out of the shower. And this is where it gets a little spoilery, not majorly I don't think, but I don't know how to explain my issue without giving some detail into the story. With that setup I think it's next to impossible not to see how this could be used as a major point of conflict in the story adding action and dramatic tension right? Instead of using the obvious opening she's created, she has Willow briefly discuss it with Tom and then moves on. No clue how she's going to go about getting her stuff, guess it's been donated to the landlord. Bradley ,the big bad that made her enter the scene, never actually showed up in the book beyond conversation. If the man was obsessed with her enough to wait out an restraining order (was I the only one who didn't know these things could expire?) figure out where she lives and then rent the place next door, how does changing her byline on photos to Willow Wayne instead of her actual last name keep her safe from him? I mean her name, not all that common. Her photos are of the band that her brother is a member of and since all of this supposedly happened in high school the bad guy knows who her brother is. And do we even need to point out how wrong it is that he was supposed to be a college football player dating a 15 year old and her parents KNEW about it?! Anyway that never gets resolved, just ignored. We're also presented with a conflict with her parents who apparently fought all the time leaving an opening for her to get into an abusive relationship and that got upset after she changed her major to photography. She doesn't talk to them. I don't really think they're worth bringing up if we're not going to resolve that conflict either. Kaswell set up an interesting backstory for Willow but basically shelved actually fixing anything in lieu of more sex scenes. Also the time line for all these things that have happend in Willow and her brother Drew's lives could have used a bit more organization, it's like there's not even time to have this much backstory in a life so young. Too much, too young makes the back story a bit hard to believe. Finally, lots of people's parents fight all the time. Especially kids that were old enough to remember their parents getting divorced, but too young to be out of the house when it happened. Most of them go on to have productive lives and come to terms with the fact their parents fights had nothing to do with them. If their fighting is going to be set up as somehow life damaging to the children it needs a little bit more explanation than they fought. Parents fighting doesn't mean that your childhood is horrid and scarred for life. The scars on that account didn't quite make sense because time was never taken to really explain them.
Tom's back story is equally glossed over and filled with holes. You've got a large cast of secondary characters, one of whom is supposedly the male lead's best friend, yet time is never taken to establish the relationships beyond stating they exist. The set up for a plethora of things that could have really enriched the story is there, but none of these paths are actually explored and that's what makes the difference for me between a 5 star rating and a three.
Finishing the book I'm firmly willing to believe that the characters are part of or attached to a band that is contractually obligated to work together. I'm also completely convinced the male and female leads have a heavy case of lust for each other. The problem is I'm not really convinced the band members are friends or the leading characters are actually in love. Since I think that was kind of the point of the story, it falls a bit short. It's a quick easy read, and a decent story with a lot of potential, but I found myself frustrated because I couldn't help but think if Kaswell took a little more time with all the roads she set up here that this could have been a great story. I'm more than happy to read twice as many pages if the writer makes them worth it, and I don't think I'm alone in feeling that way.
In Rock Your Heart Out, Kaswell has presented really solid grounding for a potentially five star contemporary, unfortunately the story just didn't quite get there. The book felt rushed, often from one sex scene or sexual fantasy to the next. Kaswell has a serious talent for writing a spicy sex scene. She pushes boundaries without quite venturing into erotica, and compiles a scene right on that line of almost too hot to still call it romance. She even manages to do this in the first person without it being awkward for the reader. She creates really good chemistry between the characters so that it snaps on the page.
The characters are layered and complex with meaty back stories I'd love to delve into more and that's kind of where the problems for me with the book began. It's incredibly frustrating to me to be presented with a multifaceted character and not have the author really delve into peeling back their layers. While the book was an enjoyable read I finished it not feeling like I really knew any of the characters, including Willow, the story's narrator. Kaswell told us or showed us that those layers are there and then just moved on. The little snippets into Willow's back story also left some major unresolved conflict for me. Willow arrives on the tour to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend who has recently become her neighbor. She doesn't want her brother to know because her brother has in the past almost destroyed his career trying to defend her honor from this boy who raped and abused his sister. That said he's still the person she runs to, except he and his bandmate have switched rooms and she instead walks in on another member of the band getting out of the shower. And this is where it gets a little spoilery, not majorly I don't think, but I don't know how to explain my issue without giving some detail into the story. With that setup I think it's next to impossible not to see how this could be used as a major point of conflict in the story adding action and dramatic tension right? Instead of using the obvious opening she's created, she has Willow briefly discuss it with Tom and then moves on. No clue how she's going to go about getting her stuff, guess it's been donated to the landlord. Bradley ,the big bad that made her enter the scene, never actually showed up in the book beyond conversation. If the man was obsessed with her enough to wait out an restraining order (was I the only one who didn't know these things could expire?) figure out where she lives and then rent the place next door, how does changing her byline on photos to Willow Wayne instead of her actual last name keep her safe from him? I mean her name, not all that common. Her photos are of the band that her brother is a member of and since all of this supposedly happened in high school the bad guy knows who her brother is. And do we even need to point out how wrong it is that he was supposed to be a college football player dating a 15 year old and her parents KNEW about it?! Anyway that never gets resolved, just ignored. We're also presented with a conflict with her parents who apparently fought all the time leaving an opening for her to get into an abusive relationship and that got upset after she changed her major to photography. She doesn't talk to them. I don't really think they're worth bringing up if we're not going to resolve that conflict either. Kaswell set up an interesting backstory for Willow but basically shelved actually fixing anything in lieu of more sex scenes. Also the time line for all these things that have happend in Willow and her brother Drew's lives could have used a bit more organization, it's like there's not even time to have this much backstory in a life so young. Too much, too young makes the back story a bit hard to believe. Finally, lots of people's parents fight all the time. Especially kids that were old enough to remember their parents getting divorced, but too young to be out of the house when it happened. Most of them go on to have productive lives and come to terms with the fact their parents fights had nothing to do with them. If their fighting is going to be set up as somehow life damaging to the children it needs a little bit more explanation than they fought. Parents fighting doesn't mean that your childhood is horrid and scarred for life. The scars on that account didn't quite make sense because time was never taken to really explain them.
Tom's back story is equally glossed over and filled with holes. You've got a large cast of secondary characters, one of whom is supposedly the male lead's best friend, yet time is never taken to establish the relationships beyond stating they exist. The set up for a plethora of things that could have really enriched the story is there, but none of these paths are actually explored and that's what makes the difference for me between a 5 star rating and a three.
Finishing the book I'm firmly willing to believe that the characters are part of or attached to a band that is contractually obligated to work together. I'm also completely convinced the male and female leads have a heavy case of lust for each other. The problem is I'm not really convinced the band members are friends or the leading characters are actually in love. Since I think that was kind of the point of the story, it falls a bit short. It's a quick easy read, and a decent story with a lot of potential, but I found myself frustrated because I couldn't help but think if Kaswell took a little more time with all the roads she set up here that this could have been a great story. I'm more than happy to read twice as many pages if the writer makes them worth it, and I don't think I'm alone in feeling that way.
June 14, 2017
Tom is the supposed bad boy of the band. What most don't realize it that he brings attention to himself to cover for the guys in the band. He has taken over managing them to keep them on the straight and narrow.
With all of this Tom is still a man-whore who is with a different woman every night. Until he runs into Willow. Who just happens to be the most boring heroin I think I have ever read. She has nothing about her that makes her interesting. I thought when she had the drastic hair change she would be this bad ass but she is a desperate girl who just wants someone to give her some kind of attention. She immediately because obsessed with Tom after walking in on him naked from the shower and sporting a new piercing. From then she can't stop focusing on his junk. She made this book so boring and the love scenes between them were very dull. I expected more considering Tom was the ladies man of the group. As for a rock star, I am still waiting to see it. Not one book has lead a rock star life.
Also how old are these people?? Kara takes Willow's phone away from her and tells her she needs to stay off of it and not talk to Tom. Who is she to decide what she should do? Isn't Willow old enough to make her on decisions? She treated her like a teenager she was with holding rewards.
With all of this Tom is still a man-whore who is with a different woman every night. Until he runs into Willow. Who just happens to be the most boring heroin I think I have ever read. She has nothing about her that makes her interesting. I thought when she had the drastic hair change she would be this bad ass but she is a desperate girl who just wants someone to give her some kind of attention. She immediately because obsessed with Tom after walking in on him naked from the shower and sporting a new piercing. From then she can't stop focusing on his junk. She made this book so boring and the love scenes between them were very dull. I expected more considering Tom was the ladies man of the group. As for a rock star, I am still waiting to see it. Not one book has lead a rock star life.
Also how old are these people?? Kara takes Willow's phone away from her and tells her she needs to stay off of it and not talk to Tom. Who is she to decide what she should do? Isn't Willow old enough to make her on decisions? She treated her like a teenager she was with holding rewards.
May 12, 2017
In this series of emo rock stars who can't figure out their feelings, we have Willow, Drew's sister and Tom the a-hole manwhore with a romantic side.
Willow joins them on tour as a photographer's assistant with a little help from Tom, who has just gotten his you know what pierced and can't have sex for six weeks. Interesting concept, for sure.
This has some elements of abuse, mainly the aftermath of the effects of that kind of trauma on Willow. I've read significantly deeper accounts. I'm also not sure that this whole storyline was even necessary since the guy she was running away from never comes back in the story except anecdotally.
This is probably the book I was waiting for and yet it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.
Willow joins them on tour as a photographer's assistant with a little help from Tom, who has just gotten his you know what pierced and can't have sex for six weeks. Interesting concept, for sure.
This has some elements of abuse, mainly the aftermath of the effects of that kind of trauma on Willow. I've read significantly deeper accounts. I'm also not sure that this whole storyline was even necessary since the guy she was running away from never comes back in the story except anecdotally.
This is probably the book I was waiting for and yet it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.
June 5, 2017
Great!
I chose this rating because I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters they are amazing. I really feeling love Willow because she had been through something very tragic, domestic violence at such an early age. That is something I just really do not like. But I'm glad you finally met someone that really love her and that want to control. I also understand the reason why her brother was so protective, he wanted to protect her. But he also needed to realize that now she's a grown woman. That she could make her own decisions. Anyway I'm glad she met and fell in love with Tom. He was also protective of her because he knew all she had been through. Great read. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
I chose this rating because I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters they are amazing. I really feeling love Willow because she had been through something very tragic, domestic violence at such an early age. That is something I just really do not like. But I'm glad you finally met someone that really love her and that want to control. I also understand the reason why her brother was so protective, he wanted to protect her. But he also needed to realize that now she's a grown woman. That she could make her own decisions. Anyway I'm glad she met and fell in love with Tom. He was also protective of her because he knew all she had been through. Great read. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
October 22, 2018
Good solid romance
Instalust to Relationship single point of view
Third in series, can be read standalone
Willow’s older brother is part of a successful rock n roll band. When Willow needs to hide from her stalker ex, she goes on tour with the band at the urging of her brother’s best friend and band mate, Tom. Will her brother keep them apart or will the secret relationship between them be strong enough to survive his wrath?
Liked Willow and Toms relationship
Liked how Tom dealt with the other band members and the brother.
Wanted more on what she thought of him through everything she collected on the band.
Wanted something more addressing her stalker ex and the resolution of that story.
Felt Tom came around really fast at the end.
Instalust to Relationship single point of view
Third in series, can be read standalone
Willow’s older brother is part of a successful rock n roll band. When Willow needs to hide from her stalker ex, she goes on tour with the band at the urging of her brother’s best friend and band mate, Tom. Will her brother keep them apart or will the secret relationship between them be strong enough to survive his wrath?
Liked Willow and Toms relationship
Liked how Tom dealt with the other band members and the brother.
Wanted more on what she thought of him through everything she collected on the band.
Wanted something more addressing her stalker ex and the resolution of that story.
Felt Tom came around really fast at the end.
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