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Sinful Serenade #4
Play Your Heart Out
He parties like a rockstar.
She's there to make sure no one finds out...
Jess James has her eye on the prize. She is finding the money to pay for law school. Period. It doesn't matter how lonely she feels three thousand miles from home, how exhausted she is from working overtime as a cocktail waitress, or how deep the knife wound in her back cuts. She is going to be a lawyer, whatever it takes.
Only she doesn't have what it takes. She can barely afford to pay her rent.
Sinful Serenade bassist Pete Steele has enough to pay Jess's rent and buy her a small island in the Caribbean. The famous, talented rock star has everything... except the one thing his manager wants. Pete rose to fame as a devoted boyfriend. Doesn't matter that his ex slept with his best friend. He needs to stop screwing his way through Los Angeles to keep the record company happy. The sweet blond waitress is exactly the girl he needs on his arm if he wants to clean up his dirty reputation.
Their arrangement is simple: he pays her tuition, she plays his girlfriend. They'll lie to the world but not to each other. Especially not when they're alone, in his bed, him figuring out exactly which buttons to push to get her moaning his name.
Jess is good at keeping up appearances. She can play the enigmatic rock star's girlfriend. But Pete shouldn't play games with a girl who's been broken before...
She's there to make sure no one finds out...
Jess James has her eye on the prize. She is finding the money to pay for law school. Period. It doesn't matter how lonely she feels three thousand miles from home, how exhausted she is from working overtime as a cocktail waitress, or how deep the knife wound in her back cuts. She is going to be a lawyer, whatever it takes.
Only she doesn't have what it takes. She can barely afford to pay her rent.
Sinful Serenade bassist Pete Steele has enough to pay Jess's rent and buy her a small island in the Caribbean. The famous, talented rock star has everything... except the one thing his manager wants. Pete rose to fame as a devoted boyfriend. Doesn't matter that his ex slept with his best friend. He needs to stop screwing his way through Los Angeles to keep the record company happy. The sweet blond waitress is exactly the girl he needs on his arm if he wants to clean up his dirty reputation.
Their arrangement is simple: he pays her tuition, she plays his girlfriend. They'll lie to the world but not to each other. Especially not when they're alone, in his bed, him figuring out exactly which buttons to push to get her moaning his name.
Jess is good at keeping up appearances. She can play the enigmatic rock star's girlfriend. But Pete shouldn't play games with a girl who's been broken before...
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First published May 22, 2016
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About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,550 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 256 reviews
June 24, 2016
Play Your Heart Out is the 4th standalone romance in the Sinful Serenade Series.
After moving to California from New York to move on from a horrible break up and betrayal, Jess James has worked day and night to pay for her student loans and to save up for law school. One night, she was left by her manager to stop a couple from having sex in the bathroom... or rather, ask them to take it somewhere else. When she opened the door, she is faced with none other than Peete Steele, the bassist for the band Sinful Serenade.
The girl Pete was intimate with didn't like the interruption, and long story short, Jess ended up with her glasses in half. The two of them meet the day after to replace Jess's glasses. Tom and Willow, Pete's brother and future sister-in-law, were with Pete when he met up with Jess, and the two assumed Jess was Pete's girlfriend. Other people thought so, too. The band's manager has always wanted Pete to have a nice girlfriend to improve his image, so this was perfect. Jess needed money for law school, Pete needed a fake girlfriend, and the both obviously wanted to have sex with each other. And you know what they say about bassists.
Jess came off as a clingy, whiny woman who got mad at Pete when he wasn't 100% in love with her as she was with him. Pete told her from the very start that he wasn't ready to be in a relationship, and Jess told him she understood, but it didn't seem like she truly did. The only thing I liked about her is her preference for Peeta Mellark over Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games series.
It was hard to love the characters' relationship. Their relationship was obviously based on their attraction towards each other. Seriously, most of their conversation involved talking about sex and coming.
Some of the writing felt awkward and repetitive. Jess has seen Pete's eyes "fill with vulnerability, then he blinks and it's gone", far too much. And every time she mentions the clenching of her sex, I roll my eyes. She mentioned it twenty-seven times. Yes. I counted. If I took a shot every time she mentioned her Kegel exercise, I'd probably have alcohol poisoning.
There was a subplot introduced that just disappeared—the issue with Jess's boyfriend, Nathan. His story was introduced,, and there was an issue about leaked photos, but that plot line was never mentioned again soon after.
I've been incredibly tempted to drop this at about 20% into the book, but somehow I managed to finish it. It wasn't the best fake relationship story out there, but it wasn't the worst.
Review posted on
After moving to California from New York to move on from a horrible break up and betrayal, Jess James has worked day and night to pay for her student loans and to save up for law school. One night, she was left by her manager to stop a couple from having sex in the bathroom... or rather, ask them to take it somewhere else. When she opened the door, she is faced with none other than Peete Steele, the bassist for the band Sinful Serenade.
The girl Pete was intimate with didn't like the interruption, and long story short, Jess ended up with her glasses in half. The two of them meet the day after to replace Jess's glasses. Tom and Willow, Pete's brother and future sister-in-law, were with Pete when he met up with Jess, and the two assumed Jess was Pete's girlfriend. Other people thought so, too. The band's manager has always wanted Pete to have a nice girlfriend to improve his image, so this was perfect. Jess needed money for law school, Pete needed a fake girlfriend, and the both obviously wanted to have sex with each other. And you know what they say about bassists.
[Bassists are] great with their hands. But they're not showy about it.
Jess came off as a clingy, whiny woman who got mad at Pete when he wasn't 100% in love with her as she was with him. Pete told her from the very start that he wasn't ready to be in a relationship, and Jess told him she understood, but it didn't seem like she truly did. The only thing I liked about her is her preference for Peeta Mellark over Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games series.
It was hard to love the characters' relationship. Their relationship was obviously based on their attraction towards each other. Seriously, most of their conversation involved talking about sex and coming.
Some of the writing felt awkward and repetitive. Jess has seen Pete's eyes "fill with vulnerability, then he blinks and it's gone", far too much. And every time she mentions the clenching of her sex, I roll my eyes. She mentioned it twenty-seven times. Yes. I counted. If I took a shot every time she mentioned her Kegel exercise, I'd probably have alcohol poisoning.
There was a subplot introduced that just disappeared—the issue with Jess's boyfriend, Nathan. His story was introduced,, and there was an issue about leaked photos, but that plot line was never mentioned again soon after.
I've been incredibly tempted to drop this at about 20% into the book, but somehow I managed to finish it. It wasn't the best fake relationship story out there, but it wasn't the worst.
Review posted on
June 1, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review!
Brooding, sexy bass player Pete Steele doesn't plan on following in his band mate's footsteps, a relationship isn't for him, banging chicks is. Except his manager has their next album hanging over his head and it all hinges on him picking up a girlfriend. Jess James is making it on her own, she may have a pile of debt ahead of her as she takes on Law School, but at least she's not lying for her family anymore or stuck with her controlling ex. When she runs into Pete Steele in a most unexpected place they find they can help each other out with a no-feelings agreement, she'll play his girlfriend and he'll cover school costs. The plan is perfect, except for the lying, and Jess can't lie about her developing feelings, not to herself, and not to Pete.
Everyone is happy and honest and real. I'm still a liar.
I have heard a lot about the men of Sinful Serenade, but hadn't yet read the books yet, so when the opportunity came to read Play Your Heart Out I couldn't pass it up. Let's just say I was definitely not disappointed. I wish I had read the entire series first though, even though they are can technically be read as standalones. Just take my word for it, you'll want to read about all the men of Sinful Serenade.
Told from the POV of Jess, Play Your Heart Out follows her making an agreement with Pete Steele that goes against all her rules for herself, but could help her in the long run. With a heavy past behind her, Jess is determined, mature, and very in tune with herself. She's the kind of main character I really enjoy, because inner monologues can make or break a story and hers makes it. She was incredibly insightful, pays attention to the little things, and recognizes faults in herself. Then there's Pete, swoon! He's definitely brooding, definitely hot, and definitely impossible to not develop feelings for. He breaks all your first impressions of him and that kept me all the more interested. As the plot develops and the two spend more time together it is easy to place yourself in Jess' mind and get caught up in all that Pete is. There was also a lot more to the book that just a basic rich guy, poor girl, play my girlfriend story line. The development is executed so well. Crystal Kaswell provides rich detail and extensive history for both characters, as well as for the supporting characters we meet through out the book. While it seems like there is a lot going on, Kaswell successfully combines the various story lines and wraps them up with nothing hanging by the end.
But I want him to know me, to know where I hurt. And I want to know him. I want to know every single place he hurts. If he'll ever reveal them to me.
I definitely wish I had read the previous three books prior to picking up Play Your Heart Out, for me it didn't real like a standalone though it is billed as one. The characters from the previous three books play quite an important role in the book and though Kaswell introduces them like they're fresh new characters it is easy to tell you are missing their histories in the band and a bit like you've spoiled the previous three books for yourself. I love myself a good band series though, so I am going back and starting at book one right now. My heart will probably stay stuck on Pete though, the guy is it for me!
His moans blur together. It really is beautiful music. Much better than anything I've heard on the radio.
Play Your Heart Out was a fantastic play my girlfriend type novel, I love the development from start to finish and how much each character grew. I really felt like this was a well rounded novel that told a perfect, cute, and sexy love story that you won't want to miss.
Brooding, sexy bass player Pete Steele doesn't plan on following in his band mate's footsteps, a relationship isn't for him, banging chicks is. Except his manager has their next album hanging over his head and it all hinges on him picking up a girlfriend. Jess James is making it on her own, she may have a pile of debt ahead of her as she takes on Law School, but at least she's not lying for her family anymore or stuck with her controlling ex. When she runs into Pete Steele in a most unexpected place they find they can help each other out with a no-feelings agreement, she'll play his girlfriend and he'll cover school costs. The plan is perfect, except for the lying, and Jess can't lie about her developing feelings, not to herself, and not to Pete.
Everyone is happy and honest and real. I'm still a liar.
I have heard a lot about the men of Sinful Serenade, but hadn't yet read the books yet, so when the opportunity came to read Play Your Heart Out I couldn't pass it up. Let's just say I was definitely not disappointed. I wish I had read the entire series first though, even though they are can technically be read as standalones. Just take my word for it, you'll want to read about all the men of Sinful Serenade.
Told from the POV of Jess, Play Your Heart Out follows her making an agreement with Pete Steele that goes against all her rules for herself, but could help her in the long run. With a heavy past behind her, Jess is determined, mature, and very in tune with herself. She's the kind of main character I really enjoy, because inner monologues can make or break a story and hers makes it. She was incredibly insightful, pays attention to the little things, and recognizes faults in herself. Then there's Pete, swoon! He's definitely brooding, definitely hot, and definitely impossible to not develop feelings for. He breaks all your first impressions of him and that kept me all the more interested. As the plot develops and the two spend more time together it is easy to place yourself in Jess' mind and get caught up in all that Pete is. There was also a lot more to the book that just a basic rich guy, poor girl, play my girlfriend story line. The development is executed so well. Crystal Kaswell provides rich detail and extensive history for both characters, as well as for the supporting characters we meet through out the book. While it seems like there is a lot going on, Kaswell successfully combines the various story lines and wraps them up with nothing hanging by the end.
But I want him to know me, to know where I hurt. And I want to know him. I want to know every single place he hurts. If he'll ever reveal them to me.
I definitely wish I had read the previous three books prior to picking up Play Your Heart Out, for me it didn't real like a standalone though it is billed as one. The characters from the previous three books play quite an important role in the book and though Kaswell introduces them like they're fresh new characters it is easy to tell you are missing their histories in the band and a bit like you've spoiled the previous three books for yourself. I love myself a good band series though, so I am going back and starting at book one right now. My heart will probably stay stuck on Pete though, the guy is it for me!
His moans blur together. It really is beautiful music. Much better than anything I've heard on the radio.
Play Your Heart Out was a fantastic play my girlfriend type novel, I love the development from start to finish and how much each character grew. I really felt like this was a well rounded novel that told a perfect, cute, and sexy love story that you won't want to miss.
May 30, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'Play Your Heart Out' by Crystal Kaswell is book four in the "Sinful Serenade" series. This is the story of Jess James and Pete Steele.
Jess is working in a bar to make quick money to help pay for law school. While there one day she meets Pete who she happened to interrupted him when he was having sexwith a groupie. Pete and Jess start a friendship of sorts where he wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a while.
Jess is attracted to Pete and his offer of being his pretend girlfriend does come with a pay check if she excepts it. Jess has been hurt by a previous boyfriend and her sister. Pete also broke up with his real girlfriend a few months ago. It is interesting to watch their story develop and see where it goes.
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'Play Your Heart Out' by Crystal Kaswell is book four in the "Sinful Serenade" series. This is the story of Jess James and Pete Steele.
Jess is working in a bar to make quick money to help pay for law school. While there one day she meets Pete who she happened to interrupted him when he was having sexwith a groupie. Pete and Jess start a friendship of sorts where he wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a while.
Jess is attracted to Pete and his offer of being his pretend girlfriend does come with a pay check if she excepts it. Jess has been hurt by a previous boyfriend and her sister. Pete also broke up with his real girlfriend a few months ago. It is interesting to watch their story develop and see where it goes.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
October 13, 2024
Pete Steele's ex-girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend and the two of them broke up but his label is threatening to bury the next album if Pete doesn't find someone to act as a steady girlfriend. Enter Jess James who wants to attend law school badly and needs the tuition money. Pete is instantly attracted to Jess and offers to pay her tuition if she acts as his girlfriend in the public eye.
I really loved how strong of a character Jess was. She survived her younger sister and ex-boyfriend sleeping together as well as her father's drinking problem. I always loved Pete and the smoldering, sexy bassist's book was a hot fun read, filled with passion and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.
I really loved how strong of a character Jess was. She survived her younger sister and ex-boyfriend sleeping together as well as her father's drinking problem. I always loved Pete and the smoldering, sexy bassist's book was a hot fun read, filled with passion and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.
May 27, 2016
Totally worth the wait! Pretty sure I'm more in love with Pete then I was to begin with, and I think Jess rocks. She's one tough cookie! Definite recommendation for this, for the whole series, actually. :D
May 2, 2018
Sinful Serenade reviews
Sing Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Strum Your Heart Out ❤❤❤ here
Rock Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ here
Play Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ See below!
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.
Pete is Sinful Serenade’s bassist and the last single member of the band. Now that everyone around him has found love, he should too. Or so his manager says. Pete isn’t in the love business, not after his heart was broken, so instead he hires Jess to be his public girlfriend.
Jess is a down to earth normal girl who’s dreaming of becoming a lawyer. She accepts Pete’s proposal, so her law school tuition is paid for. However, this gig turns out to be hard on Jess who doesn’t like to lie and things only gets harder, when she falls for Pete. Jess is very insightful and isn’t too good to point out her own flaws, which is what I loved most about her.
I really enjoyed this book and I fell in love with both Pete and Jess. As with the previous books, there’s a lot going on underneath their exterior, but what made this a really enjoyable read for me, was their personalities. They’re both wanting to appear strong and while their scorching chemistry isn’t lying, Pete still has a hard time realising what he truly wants.
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 ❤❤❤❤ here
Play Your Heart Out ❤❤❤❤ See below!
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.
Pete is Sinful Serenade’s bassist and the last single member of the band. Now that everyone around him has found love, he should too. Or so his manager says. Pete isn’t in the love business, not after his heart was broken, so instead he hires Jess to be his public girlfriend.
Jess is a down to earth normal girl who’s dreaming of becoming a lawyer. She accepts Pete’s proposal, so her law school tuition is paid for. However, this gig turns out to be hard on Jess who doesn’t like to lie and things only gets harder, when she falls for Pete. Jess is very insightful and isn’t too good to point out her own flaws, which is what I loved most about her.
I really enjoyed this book and I fell in love with both Pete and Jess. As with the previous books, there’s a lot going on underneath their exterior, but what made this a really enjoyable read for me, was their personalities. They’re both wanting to appear strong and while their scorching chemistry isn’t lying, Pete still has a hard time realising what he truly wants.
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.
July 2, 2016
Not sure why this wasn't my favorite because Pete has been this guy from all the series. Lots of phone sex with mysterious girlfriend, his otherwise quiet intense behavior, and sex in public places. I didn't love Jess. I was ambivalent and I think she had so many issues on her shoulders. I think the father issue was used too much all at the end. The sister as well. Maybe if it were just one but the angst of dealing with possibly Pete breaking up with her and her family issues was a lot and not used effectively. Idk.
June 5, 2016
At time I loved this story and other times, not so much. The sex was really raw and the repetitious use of the "f" word quickly became annoying. Pete has really great reasons not to trust in a real girlfriend/boyfriend relationship because of his childhood. Pete was blackmailed into this situation by his sleazy manager and Jess agreed to the deal. It began to get tedious every time Jess begged Pete to love her. If you have to beg a man to love you its time to move on.
June 1, 2016
I know I said Tom and Willow were my favourite, but I've officially switched teams - I need Pete in my life. This was my favourite of the 4 books by far and I loved the chemistry between Pete and Jess.
Full review to come
Full review to come
June 9, 2016
Full review later on my blog, Lisa Loves Literature. But, I love this series!!
March 29, 2019
I swear Crystal Kaswell has a freaking amazing way with portraying sexy men that are so freaking deep and have so much hurt in their hearts that when they open up it is absolutely beautiful.
Jess and Pete meet in the most random freaking way and start to get to know each other. Pete is in a bind with their band's manager in that he needs to find a 'good girl' to showcase a better public image to help make sure that their next album will be a success. When he meets smart and beautiful girl-next-door Jess, he knows that she is perfect.
This was a great story about love, friendship, and truly knowing someone!
4.5 outta 5 stars!
Jess and Pete meet in the most random freaking way and start to get to know each other. Pete is in a bind with their band's manager in that he needs to find a 'good girl' to showcase a better public image to help make sure that their next album will be a success. When he meets smart and beautiful girl-next-door Jess, he knows that she is perfect.
This was a great story about love, friendship, and truly knowing someone!
4.5 outta 5 stars!
May 31, 2024
2,5/5
La protagonista se me ha hecho un poco pesadita, o sea los momentos en los que aun cuando él la rechaza porque no quiere tener nada serio ella se pone "voy a hacer que cambie de opinión" pero luego es ella quien le trata peor???? no entiendo nadaaa JASJASJASJ Él me ha caído también regular, porque todo podría haberse solucionado si dejase de hacerse el misterioso empotrador, pero well, no se me ha hecho tostón ni aburrido así que por eso un 2,5.
La protagonista se me ha hecho un poco pesadita, o sea los momentos en los que aun cuando él la rechaza porque no quiere tener nada serio ella se pone "voy a hacer que cambie de opinión" pero luego es ella quien le trata peor???? no entiendo nadaaa JASJASJASJ Él me ha caído también regular, porque todo podría haberse solucionado si dejase de hacerse el misterioso empotrador, pero well, no se me ha hecho tostón ni aburrido así que por eso un 2,5.
December 17, 2018
Play Your Heart Out
I love a how Crystal writes about guys not knowing if they are ready for love or not knowing what love is but when it comes down to it they know.
I love a how Crystal writes about guys not knowing if they are ready for love or not knowing what love is but when it comes down to it they know.
June 20, 2024
girl needed to touch grass. spice was there but like come on
May 31, 2016
With this fourth installment in the Sinful Serenade series readers are once again swept up in the lives of these larger than life musicians and the women who connect with them, issues and all. The romance between Pete Steele and Jess James may start out under the guise of a lie but it quickly becomes apparent that these two are a match made in heaven if Pete can put his past to rest and take a chance on love one last time. It's a rocky journey though, with lots of steamy interludes and feelings kept bottled up, from the first page to the last that kept me fully immersed in a HEA constantly in doubt.
Jess is the proverbial good girl who let an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend keep her from living a life of her own choosing. With him out of the picture now, after a final blow to her self-esteem, she's ready to live life to the fullest. With money the final roadblock to her future of becoming a lawyer she makes a deal with a sexy devil that leads to heartache and lies. After a childhood full of lies that's the hardest part of their time together as she aches from the lies she has to tell his supportive friends and family. What hurts even more are the lies she has to tell herself as she grows ever closer to him and all the sweet things he does to make her life easier. When she can no longer hide her feelings an ultimatum will leave readers on the edge of their seat as Jess finally speaks up for the thing she wants most...Pete's heart. Jess is strong-willed and immensely likable but she's carried the weight of the world on her shoulders by keeping family truths hidden. She has a caretaker personality that has left her vulnerable and hurt by those closest to her but it's what draws Pete to her after his own heartbreak. On a whole she's a heroine you root for as she's a good girl deep down, despite Pete getting her to enjoy the naughty aspects of romance, and is true to herself and others.
Pete's the mysterious member of the band, known for being the devoted boyfriend...until his recent heartbreak that has turned him into the King of meaningless encounters. When a sweet and shy blonde waitress interrupts his current encounter she leaves an indelible impression that has him making an unconventional proposal that the media soon latches on to with glee. A lot of change surrounds Pete at the moment, from his brother moving out after a decade of living together to his high school sweetheart leaving him in a most hurtful way, and it's left his heart hardened. Being with Jess though makes it hard to keep his heart closed off as she likes heartfelt talks and demands truth between them at all times. As he gets to know her body he also gets to see her kind heart that loves him for himself instead of the rockstar persona who gives her everything she's dreamed of...minus his love. A childhood with his love leading to pain has him doubtful of the feeling and leery of giving his heart away after it's been thrown in his face by the two people closest to him. It leads to a rocky romance with Jess, full of angst, as he struggles to give her what she most wants from him. Pete's a sweet and sexy man who treats Jess like a queen. She's carried so many burdens in the past and in many subtle ways he shows he cares by handling them now. Their sexual encounters are combustible too and the most obvious way he shows his feelings. Their encounters are also playful which helps ease his emotional burdens too. Pete's a compelling rockstar who captured my attention in every scene he was in and held his own in interactions with his more flamboyant bandmates.
This was a super sexy story with a wide variety of sensual encounters, almost too many, that fogged up my glasses with their intense dirty talk and the heavy haze of sexual tension. Through each encounter Pete and Jess grew closer together with Jess growing stronger in asking for what she wanted and Pete guarding his heart more fully despite his subtle slips. They scorched up the sheets in the bedroom while outside of it they were fun and flirty. The interactions with the other members of Sinful Serenade, and their women, were funny with a familial vibe to them that left me charmed by all the supposed bad boys clearly tamed by love. While we don't get too deep of a look into the music part of the band's world we get to see the fame side and the benefits of getting and doing what you want. Along with that though is the cattiness and superficiality of people which caused a few problems along the way. While I enjoyed getting to know Jess and seeing things through her eyes, I wish we'd heard more from Pete. I wanted to dig deeper into his psyche and have him describe his deepest feelings himself instead of getting his feelings second hand. All in all though this was an entertaining story that kept me fully invested in the HEA of Jess and Pete and is another decadent part of the Sinful Serenade series. With the glimpses of other rockers hovering in this band's world I'm excited for the next series and the promise of more naughty and nice rockstars!
Jess is the proverbial good girl who let an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend keep her from living a life of her own choosing. With him out of the picture now, after a final blow to her self-esteem, she's ready to live life to the fullest. With money the final roadblock to her future of becoming a lawyer she makes a deal with a sexy devil that leads to heartache and lies. After a childhood full of lies that's the hardest part of their time together as she aches from the lies she has to tell his supportive friends and family. What hurts even more are the lies she has to tell herself as she grows ever closer to him and all the sweet things he does to make her life easier. When she can no longer hide her feelings an ultimatum will leave readers on the edge of their seat as Jess finally speaks up for the thing she wants most...Pete's heart. Jess is strong-willed and immensely likable but she's carried the weight of the world on her shoulders by keeping family truths hidden. She has a caretaker personality that has left her vulnerable and hurt by those closest to her but it's what draws Pete to her after his own heartbreak. On a whole she's a heroine you root for as she's a good girl deep down, despite Pete getting her to enjoy the naughty aspects of romance, and is true to herself and others.
Pete's the mysterious member of the band, known for being the devoted boyfriend...until his recent heartbreak that has turned him into the King of meaningless encounters. When a sweet and shy blonde waitress interrupts his current encounter she leaves an indelible impression that has him making an unconventional proposal that the media soon latches on to with glee. A lot of change surrounds Pete at the moment, from his brother moving out after a decade of living together to his high school sweetheart leaving him in a most hurtful way, and it's left his heart hardened. Being with Jess though makes it hard to keep his heart closed off as she likes heartfelt talks and demands truth between them at all times. As he gets to know her body he also gets to see her kind heart that loves him for himself instead of the rockstar persona who gives her everything she's dreamed of...minus his love. A childhood with his love leading to pain has him doubtful of the feeling and leery of giving his heart away after it's been thrown in his face by the two people closest to him. It leads to a rocky romance with Jess, full of angst, as he struggles to give her what she most wants from him. Pete's a sweet and sexy man who treats Jess like a queen. She's carried so many burdens in the past and in many subtle ways he shows he cares by handling them now. Their sexual encounters are combustible too and the most obvious way he shows his feelings. Their encounters are also playful which helps ease his emotional burdens too. Pete's a compelling rockstar who captured my attention in every scene he was in and held his own in interactions with his more flamboyant bandmates.
This was a super sexy story with a wide variety of sensual encounters, almost too many, that fogged up my glasses with their intense dirty talk and the heavy haze of sexual tension. Through each encounter Pete and Jess grew closer together with Jess growing stronger in asking for what she wanted and Pete guarding his heart more fully despite his subtle slips. They scorched up the sheets in the bedroom while outside of it they were fun and flirty. The interactions with the other members of Sinful Serenade, and their women, were funny with a familial vibe to them that left me charmed by all the supposed bad boys clearly tamed by love. While we don't get too deep of a look into the music part of the band's world we get to see the fame side and the benefits of getting and doing what you want. Along with that though is the cattiness and superficiality of people which caused a few problems along the way. While I enjoyed getting to know Jess and seeing things through her eyes, I wish we'd heard more from Pete. I wanted to dig deeper into his psyche and have him describe his deepest feelings himself instead of getting his feelings second hand. All in all though this was an entertaining story that kept me fully invested in the HEA of Jess and Pete and is another decadent part of the Sinful Serenade series. With the glimpses of other rockers hovering in this band's world I'm excited for the next series and the promise of more naughty and nice rockstars!
June 20, 2017
Okay... I have gotten a bit feisty in my reviews for this series as it progresses and it doesn't look like it is going to stop. Phew... where to begin.. Jess first meets Pete as he is literally plowing another woman in the bathroom of the restaurant she works in. (Kind of like Miles come to think of it). Pete has just been betrayed by his girlfriend of 6 years and his best friend. Jess's sister had recently went and screwed Jess's boyfriend and then started a relationship with him. These two were going threw similar issues. Pete and Jess spend a day together, when he offers her whatever she wants to be his fake girlfriend to appease his label. Where my issues begin: Jess literally has no issues with taking his money. He does tell her he will give her whatever she needs to get her to agree, she tells him she wants him to pay her tuition for law school for the year. Are you fucking kidding me? Who does that?! They strike a deal and somewhere in there decide they are going to be fuck buddies.. This is smart (NOT!). She quits her job after he mentions it to her, and he literally just gives her money for whatever she needs. To me she is like a goddamn prostitute. Pete is a moody miserable bastard who DOES on occasion do some nice things, where he acts like she's his world, and then just turns cold with her. The only time he seems remotely happy is when he is naked, and guess what?! Jess falls in love with him (shocker!) after about a week. How the ever loving hell do you fall in love with someone who is so hot and cold with you? He tells her in no certain terms that he does not want a relationship, so she decides SHE MUST SHOW him that he does... .
I started book 5 (which I am going to hold off on) and then was going to go back to Dangerous Kiss to get into that series but I am afraid it will be exactly the same as all of these.
I started book 5 (which I am going to hold off on) and then was going to go back to Dangerous Kiss to get into that series but I am afraid it will be exactly the same as all of these.
March 8, 2018
There are books that can be read as standalone – those that should be read as standalone (yes even in a series those exist) and than there are books like "Play Your Heart Out" by Crystal Kaswell.
You will be perfectly able to read it as a standalone. I mean I did it – it was my first in that series. BUT … to be honest – I regret it
Why ?
easy answer – because I spoilered myself right in the middle of this amazing series and I know now already too much of what I missed out – because I did not read the first books. Sure – I can still read the first books (and I probably will given the time) but still there is nothing like the first impression – and this is now spoilered – unfortunately.
So – coming back to the book. Jess and Pete’s story is a great one. Clearly I have no idea how the first books went – except that I know their endings but Pete is a really interesting character.
The plotline expects Pete to be the opposite of what he is – or so it looks at the beginning when Jess first meets him.
But there is much more to that guy than the first impression she has of him and the more Jess finds out the more the story gets intriguing – because I can not remember ever reading a plot that turns into the same direction as this one.
In parts readers might have read similar things but nothing where those parts are combined like this. It was refreshing.
At times I had a little problem following Pete’s reasons for being hot and cold as they seemed random – but it could be explained by him being simply human, so it was ok.
I really liked this book and it went just short of the 5 stars because of my unbreakable rule that 5 stars will only be given if I get emotional – and as I did not cry or had a laughing fit – it just missed this 5th star by an inch …
March 14, 2017
Needs More Something
This is Pete's story. The plot was very hard to swallow. He is occupied with some other woman in a bars bathroom. The waitress tells him to cease and desist. She gets an eyeful. The woman comes out, pushes Jessie down and breaks her glasses. Pete picks her up and tells her he is buying her a new pair. 24 hours later they are agreeing to be pretend partners. A lot of other subplots happen but that is the gist. As I said unbelievable. Afternoon read that doesn't involve too much attention
This is Pete's story. The plot was very hard to swallow. He is occupied with some other woman in a bars bathroom. The waitress tells him to cease and desist. She gets an eyeful. The woman comes out, pushes Jessie down and breaks her glasses. Pete picks her up and tells her he is buying her a new pair. 24 hours later they are agreeing to be pretend partners. A lot of other subplots happen but that is the gist. As I said unbelievable. Afternoon read that doesn't involve too much attention
May 23, 2016
This book was amazing. I love the guys of Sinful Serenade! This is base guitar player, Pete's story. To see the transformation in Pete from the beginning when he wanted to find happiness but did not think it was for him to his developing relationship with Jess was so well done. One I started this one, I could not put it down. I liked how it included the rest of the band we have grown to know from the other books in the series.
Was given an ARC for an honest review.
Was given an ARC for an honest review.
April 4, 2019
Jess meets Pete while he's drowning his sorrows in an available groupie. Waiting tables to make ends meet and trying to figure out how she's going to pay for law school. Pete has a proposition for her. Play his girlfriend until his brother's wedding, and he'll pay her. Jess soon realized her heart is involved and wishes his were too. They chemistry is off the charts. Steamy, conflicted, witty, sweet, and a touch geeky. Loved my re-read.
May 16, 2017
Jess meets Pete while he's having sex in the bathroom at the bar where she works. The interrupted lover, knocks her over, breaks her glasses and Pete agrees to replace them.
Pete has an image issue and wants to pay Jess to be his fake girlfriend.... and we know where this goes.
My issue with this series is that the single POV never lets you into the guys' heads, and the women aren't strong enough to carry the story.
Pete has an image issue and wants to pay Jess to be his fake girlfriend.... and we know where this goes.
My issue with this series is that the single POV never lets you into the guys' heads, and the women aren't strong enough to carry the story.
March 13, 2024
I have no idea how I finished this book. I liked nothing about it. The characters are not interesting and the whole story is not very believable. Jess and Pete meet when she tells him to stop having loud sex at her job. That somehow morphs into being a fake girlfriend who now depends on him for money and everything.
Moving on - I read this book so you don’t have to.
Moving on - I read this book so you don’t have to.
October 5, 2017
I think this is my favourite of the series! Love Pete so much
January 20, 2018
Erotica written in the dialogue of a sixteen year old, who in the world talks like that? I won't be reading the rest of the series.
September 1, 2023
This entire review is a spoiler.
As I listen to the audiobook:
Chapter 8: So far, not much about this story is appealing to me. The FMC interrupts the MMC having sex in a bathroom and then has no issues pursuing a hookup with him right after? Have some self respect! Why would the MMC treat her any differently than any other girl he's had sex with over the past few months? I'm confused about why he asked her to be his fake girlfriend. Why her? Nothing stands out about her at this point.
Chapter 13: Unfortunately, the FMC is unlikable. Considering the whole book is told from her point of view, it is really affecting my enjoyment of this story. Her inner monologues are tedious and immature. In addition to that, this whole fake girlfriend premise is confusing. Most of the time, the fake aspect of the arrangement means all physical touch/kissing happens where others can see and nothing physical happens when the main characters are alone. This aspect is what builds the sexual tension between the characters. In this book, they talk about having sex right away and DO engage in sexual activity right away. So, they are friends with benefits while pretending to be dating? I'm just not connecting with this story or the characters.
Chapter 16: I would DNF this book right now if I didn't like previous titles by this author. FMC is mad because the MMC "locked her out" by going to his room even though they have been clear about the terms of their agreement. In this chapter, she called him an asshole in her inner monologue for "keeping affection" from her. She is the one completely in the wrong, but yet, when he calls, she has an attitude with him. And this is right after she learns he transferred more money than she needs into her account. He's keeping up his part of the arrangement and then some and she's mad because he isn't acting like a real boyfriend?
Chapter 20: I'm not rooting for this couple. Not rooting against them either, but this FMC is terrible. She agrees to a fake relationship but gives the MMC a hard time about feeling bad she's lying to his family, telling him that he should let them in. She's getting compensated well and she agreed to the arrangement. She is overstepping. They aren't close enough yet for her to broach this subject with him. If the MMC has feelings for her, I have no idea why.
Chapter 25: I can't root for this couple right now. The FMC is so disrespectful of the MMC's feelings, I can't. The MMC admits he has feelings, but tells her it won't turn into anything. He asked her if she's okay with that. She says yes. And her inner monologue IMMEDIATELY contradicts that and she says she will make him see he's wrong. She wants to convince them they are forever. Where's the thoughts about WHY he doesn't want a relationship even though he has feelings? Where are the thoughts about WHY he would make that choice? Only her thoughts and motivations matter? She's so damn selfish, all she can think about is what she wants. She is in love with him but she can't even be bothered to think about what he wants and try to figure out why he is the way he is? She just doesn't care.
Chapter 28: the FMC gets pissed because the MMC keeps calling her "baby" when they are about to have sex. Even tells him to stop unless she can be his for real. The MMC stops, of course. What the actual heck is this story? Is this high school? The immaturity of this FMC is too much. This FMC needs to pick her freaking battles. She thinks the MMC is sending mixed signals and leading her on but he absolutely is NOT. His signals have all pointed to the same thing: He has feelings but he isn't willing to act on them. There is nothing mixed about it.
Chapter 39: By the end of the book, I still have no idea why the MMC loves the FMC and the FMC did not apologize for being awful the entire book, nor did she realize how unreasonable she was being. It's like the FMC didn't get the memo that she was in a fake relationship/friends with benefits arrangement. No matter how clear it was made to her, she insisted on seeing it as real, which brought down the entire story. Overall, I cannot give this story more than one star because, at the end, I couldn't help but think this book needs a book two where the FMC leaves the MMC for a fellow law student and the MMC is even MORE distrustful of relationships than ever. He then meets a sweet, understanding FMC, with a side of sass, who also wants nothing to do with relationships. Together, they hopelessly fall in love and live happily ever after.
As I listen to the audiobook:
Chapter 8: So far, not much about this story is appealing to me. The FMC interrupts the MMC having sex in a bathroom and then has no issues pursuing a hookup with him right after? Have some self respect! Why would the MMC treat her any differently than any other girl he's had sex with over the past few months? I'm confused about why he asked her to be his fake girlfriend. Why her? Nothing stands out about her at this point.
Chapter 13: Unfortunately, the FMC is unlikable. Considering the whole book is told from her point of view, it is really affecting my enjoyment of this story. Her inner monologues are tedious and immature. In addition to that, this whole fake girlfriend premise is confusing. Most of the time, the fake aspect of the arrangement means all physical touch/kissing happens where others can see and nothing physical happens when the main characters are alone. This aspect is what builds the sexual tension between the characters. In this book, they talk about having sex right away and DO engage in sexual activity right away. So, they are friends with benefits while pretending to be dating? I'm just not connecting with this story or the characters.
Chapter 16: I would DNF this book right now if I didn't like previous titles by this author. FMC is mad because the MMC "locked her out" by going to his room even though they have been clear about the terms of their agreement. In this chapter, she called him an asshole in her inner monologue for "keeping affection" from her. She is the one completely in the wrong, but yet, when he calls, she has an attitude with him. And this is right after she learns he transferred more money than she needs into her account. He's keeping up his part of the arrangement and then some and she's mad because he isn't acting like a real boyfriend?
Chapter 20: I'm not rooting for this couple. Not rooting against them either, but this FMC is terrible. She agrees to a fake relationship but gives the MMC a hard time about feeling bad she's lying to his family, telling him that he should let them in. She's getting compensated well and she agreed to the arrangement. She is overstepping. They aren't close enough yet for her to broach this subject with him. If the MMC has feelings for her, I have no idea why.
Chapter 25: I can't root for this couple right now. The FMC is so disrespectful of the MMC's feelings, I can't. The MMC admits he has feelings, but tells her it won't turn into anything. He asked her if she's okay with that. She says yes. And her inner monologue IMMEDIATELY contradicts that and she says she will make him see he's wrong. She wants to convince them they are forever. Where's the thoughts about WHY he doesn't want a relationship even though he has feelings? Where are the thoughts about WHY he would make that choice? Only her thoughts and motivations matter? She's so damn selfish, all she can think about is what she wants. She is in love with him but she can't even be bothered to think about what he wants and try to figure out why he is the way he is? She just doesn't care.
Chapter 28: the FMC gets pissed because the MMC keeps calling her "baby" when they are about to have sex. Even tells him to stop unless she can be his for real. The MMC stops, of course. What the actual heck is this story? Is this high school? The immaturity of this FMC is too much. This FMC needs to pick her freaking battles. She thinks the MMC is sending mixed signals and leading her on but he absolutely is NOT. His signals have all pointed to the same thing: He has feelings but he isn't willing to act on them. There is nothing mixed about it.
Chapter 39: By the end of the book, I still have no idea why the MMC loves the FMC and the FMC did not apologize for being awful the entire book, nor did she realize how unreasonable she was being. It's like the FMC didn't get the memo that she was in a fake relationship/friends with benefits arrangement. No matter how clear it was made to her, she insisted on seeing it as real, which brought down the entire story. Overall, I cannot give this story more than one star because, at the end, I couldn't help but think this book needs a book two where the FMC leaves the MMC for a fellow law student and the MMC is even MORE distrustful of relationships than ever. He then meets a sweet, understanding FMC, with a side of sass, who also wants nothing to do with relationships. Together, they hopelessly fall in love and live happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
This is my 6th book by Ms. Kaswell. She definitely has a formula. I can't believe she has so many books that seem to be the exact same story but with different characters and they all have more than a 4 star average. If I had paid for her books, I would have learned after the second one that I wasn't going to pay for the same story with different characters again. I'm reading them with KU. I have read the first 4 books in this series, the 2nd book in the series about the other band (which is my favorite so far - but it was my first), and Dirty Deals.
Although the books all come from the same cookie cutter, I read them just to see the new characters. I also read them for the steamy scenes. They help me be in the right mind set to have my own steamy scenes. :)
I love book series where the characters are all friends. These books are centered around the members of a band. I originally read the 1st book in this series, the 2nd in the series about the other band, and Dirty Deals in a collection book. I liked the other band better. They are more cohesive than this band. Although you can tell these guys have an almost unbreakable bond (unless someone's sister is involved!), they are in each other's face too much.
I find it frustrating that the central characters are the male band members but all the books are from the girl's POV. I really would like them to be dual POV. Even if the guy's POV didn't cover many chapters. I like to see the guy's POV because I can relate to what the woman would be thinking but I want to fantasize the guy is thinking what I want him to be thinking.
I liked Jessica and Pete. They are mentioned in the 2nd book of the other band series. Since it was the first one I read, I wanted to see how they got together. However, I find it hard to believe that a woman would break up a guy having sex with a random woman in a bathroom in a restaurant would immediately want to start a relationship with him. It doesn't speak highly of her. It also seems like she would be leery of starting a relationship with someone who enjoys public sex if she is planning to be an attorney. There's an argument about their arrangement being prostitution. I don't consider it as that. He isn't paying her for that. She just wants it.
Her formula is that the guy and the girl get together for some reason. Either a fake girlfriend/fiance, friends with benefits, friends to lovers starts the (non) relationships. Both of the characters have baggage they need to work out. The guy forces the girl to face her baggage but refuses to face his own. Typically, most of the book is working out her problems. She gets a plan to face everything wrong in her life and then realizes he really isn't going to be in a relationship. She leaves. He makes a big show of winning her back. In this series, every single hero gets a tattoo to prove his love. It is always obvious to everyone else that he is in love. It is remarkable at how fast he works through his issue - usually in just a few pages - to accept that he really does love her and whatever was holding him back is something he can get over. He always encourages her to share her secrets but never shares his own until the end.
I am reading the 5th book which contains a novella to correspond to each book. I'm not very far into it but it is dual POV.
Although the books all come from the same cookie cutter, I read them just to see the new characters. I also read them for the steamy scenes. They help me be in the right mind set to have my own steamy scenes. :)
I love book series where the characters are all friends. These books are centered around the members of a band. I originally read the 1st book in this series, the 2nd in the series about the other band, and Dirty Deals in a collection book. I liked the other band better. They are more cohesive than this band. Although you can tell these guys have an almost unbreakable bond (unless someone's sister is involved!), they are in each other's face too much.
I find it frustrating that the central characters are the male band members but all the books are from the girl's POV. I really would like them to be dual POV. Even if the guy's POV didn't cover many chapters. I like to see the guy's POV because I can relate to what the woman would be thinking but I want to fantasize the guy is thinking what I want him to be thinking.
I liked Jessica and Pete. They are mentioned in the 2nd book of the other band series. Since it was the first one I read, I wanted to see how they got together. However, I find it hard to believe that a woman would break up a guy having sex with a random woman in a bathroom in a restaurant would immediately want to start a relationship with him. It doesn't speak highly of her. It also seems like she would be leery of starting a relationship with someone who enjoys public sex if she is planning to be an attorney. There's an argument about their arrangement being prostitution. I don't consider it as that. He isn't paying her for that. She just wants it.
Her formula is that the guy and the girl get together for some reason. Either a fake girlfriend/fiance, friends with benefits, friends to lovers starts the (non) relationships. Both of the characters have baggage they need to work out. The guy forces the girl to face her baggage but refuses to face his own. Typically, most of the book is working out her problems. She gets a plan to face everything wrong in her life and then realizes he really isn't going to be in a relationship. She leaves. He makes a big show of winning her back. In this series, every single hero gets a tattoo to prove his love. It is always obvious to everyone else that he is in love. It is remarkable at how fast he works through his issue - usually in just a few pages - to accept that he really does love her and whatever was holding him back is something he can get over. He always encourages her to share her secrets but never shares his own until the end.
I am reading the 5th book which contains a novella to correspond to each book. I'm not very far into it but it is dual POV.
October 11, 2018
I've been a fan of the Sinful Serenade novels since book 1, but this 4th instalment I have to say left me pretty cold. So we follow the romance of Bass guitarist Pete and Law student Jess - now I love Bass guitarists but sorry Pete has about as much personality as a cardboard cut out.
He's on the rebound from his girlfriend of 6 years Cindy who cheated on him with a friend - Now those of you who've read the previous books and heard all the phone sex with him and Cindy and know how much he loved her will have a hard time seeing him suddenly fall for someone new. Jess is on the rebound as well - her ex cheated on her with her sister. The pair hook up in a pretend relationship because Sinful Serenade's agent thinks its better marketing for Pete to have a settled relationship. Pete pays Jess' tuition fees and she moves in - they have a lot of sex and soon fall in love but Pete takes a while to admit his feelings.
The plot of this one is boring - other than Tom & Willow's wedding very little external happens.
This does loads of things I dislike:
1) Its written in first person, present tense from the perspective of the heroine – with no pov of the hero.
2) It features a naive heroine who instantly jumps into bed with the hero and spends lots of time demanding he love her.
3) We first meet the hero having sex with another woman
4) It’s part of a series and therefore focuses a lot on the other characters from previous books
5) Other than being a sex god the hero has little personality.
Really wasn't feeling this at all, far too much sex with not enough plot or emotional exploration and a lot of mistakes that any good editor should have picked up. I like the geek references - Hunger Games/Spiderman and the cute HG tattoo and of course I love the rock world in which this is set - however there's not really enough exploration into that and I never felt Jess ever feeling out of her depth - which she surely should have, going from a poor law student to g/f of a millionaire rock god.
Overall disappointing.
He's on the rebound from his girlfriend of 6 years Cindy who cheated on him with a friend - Now those of you who've read the previous books and heard all the phone sex with him and Cindy and know how much he loved her will have a hard time seeing him suddenly fall for someone new. Jess is on the rebound as well - her ex cheated on her with her sister. The pair hook up in a pretend relationship because Sinful Serenade's agent thinks its better marketing for Pete to have a settled relationship. Pete pays Jess' tuition fees and she moves in - they have a lot of sex and soon fall in love but Pete takes a while to admit his feelings.
The plot of this one is boring - other than Tom & Willow's wedding very little external happens.
This does loads of things I dislike:
1) Its written in first person, present tense from the perspective of the heroine – with no pov of the hero.
2) It features a naive heroine who instantly jumps into bed with the hero and spends lots of time demanding he love her.
3) We first meet the hero having sex with another woman
4) It’s part of a series and therefore focuses a lot on the other characters from previous books
5) Other than being a sex god the hero has little personality.
Really wasn't feeling this at all, far too much sex with not enough plot or emotional exploration and a lot of mistakes that any good editor should have picked up. I like the geek references - Hunger Games/Spiderman and the cute HG tattoo and of course I love the rock world in which this is set - however there's not really enough exploration into that and I never felt Jess ever feeling out of her depth - which she surely should have, going from a poor law student to g/f of a millionaire rock god.
Overall disappointing.
November 27, 2019
Oh Pete :)
This is fake to real romance.
I was wondering what would happen to our dear Pete after the events in Rock Your Heart Out, and it pretty much went the way I expected. Jess and Pete's meet cute wasn't exactly cute but more similar to Meg and Miles's first encounter except it was more public. However, it seems the minute Pete sets eyes on Jess, his need to be around her was instant which was very sweet.
I will say this book follows the same theme that all the books in this series seems to follow: guy not ready for relationship, girls says she isn't either, guy acts all boyfriend, feelings develop, boy reminds girl he can't do relationships and etc. I was hoping this book would be different; I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book because Pete and Jess are actually one of my favorite couples, but I was hoping for a different story line.
One of our couples gets married in this book and it was cute, but also brought on some problems for main couple Jess and Pete. Jess tried to keep it to their terms, but Pete just didn't follow his own warnings and I do say he led her (or at minimum crossed the line multiple times). Jess wasn't going to let his double standard slide and handled her business.
The Madison and Jess situation, not a fan of her sister, Madison, and the way she betrayed her sister and I really wish Jess would have told her off before trying to repair their relationship. Madison did Jess so dirty and it took a while and a certain event to finally reach out to her sister. I did like how Pete handled Madison, it was definitely interesting to read.
I was disappointed how Nathan had caused some problems, but there was no retribution or mention of him getting in trouble for what he did. If I'm not mistaken what he did is illegal, but we never seen if there are consequences (I really wished someone had kicked his butt).
This is fake to real romance.
I was wondering what would happen to our dear Pete after the events in Rock Your Heart Out, and it pretty much went the way I expected. Jess and Pete's meet cute wasn't exactly cute but more similar to Meg and Miles's first encounter except it was more public. However, it seems the minute Pete sets eyes on Jess, his need to be around her was instant which was very sweet.
I will say this book follows the same theme that all the books in this series seems to follow: guy not ready for relationship, girls says she isn't either, guy acts all boyfriend, feelings develop, boy reminds girl he can't do relationships and etc. I was hoping this book would be different; I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book because Pete and Jess are actually one of my favorite couples, but I was hoping for a different story line.
One of our couples gets married in this book and it was cute, but also brought on some problems for main couple Jess and Pete. Jess tried to keep it to their terms, but Pete just didn't follow his own warnings and I do say he led her (or at minimum crossed the line multiple times). Jess wasn't going to let his double standard slide and handled her business.
The Madison and Jess situation, not a fan of her sister, Madison, and the way she betrayed her sister and I really wish Jess would have told her off before trying to repair their relationship. Madison did Jess so dirty and it took a while and a certain event to finally reach out to her sister. I did like how Pete handled Madison, it was definitely interesting to read.
I was disappointed how Nathan had caused some problems, but there was no retribution or mention of him getting in trouble for what he did. If I'm not mistaken what he did is illegal, but we never seen if there are consequences (I really wished someone had kicked his butt).
December 2, 2018
When you've been betrayed by the two people you love the most, it makes it harder to trust anyone that isn't family. Jess had a boyfriend. When she got into Law School he made her choose between him or her dream. She chose her dream. Before their break-up was finalized her "boyfriend" fell into bed with her sister. Pete was with his ex-girlfriend for 6 years. He is known as being the devoted boyfriend. Making it work with someone that isn't in the entertainment industry. But when Pete and the band started making a name for themselves, that's when his personal life starts to crumble. He finds out his ex was sleeping with one of his really good friends. This is where his trust is broken.
Who would've thought that Pete Steele was sensitive? Not I. But when he meets Jess, I can see it. He's vulnerable to the fact that another woman may break him. Jess is just trying to get through law school without falling for the handsome rockstar. I can see where it was unsettling for Jess. She was broken, but then trying not to fall for Pete. He led her on A LOT! Just to have him put up walls. When all else fails, she remains true to herself. She wants someone to fight for her and be all in.
This is book 4 of 5 of this series. And I have loved every single second of it.
Who would've thought that Pete Steele was sensitive? Not I. But when he meets Jess, I can see it. He's vulnerable to the fact that another woman may break him. Jess is just trying to get through law school without falling for the handsome rockstar. I can see where it was unsettling for Jess. She was broken, but then trying not to fall for Pete. He led her on A LOT! Just to have him put up walls. When all else fails, she remains true to herself. She wants someone to fight for her and be all in.
This is book 4 of 5 of this series. And I have loved every single second of it.
August 5, 2022
This was like my 10th Crystal Kaswell book. But holy hell, I think it’s my new favorite. This is part of its own little series away from Inked Hearts and Inked Love - part of the Sinful Serenade series. The amazing thing about her books, you can typically read them in any order, they each follow a different pairing within the same universe.
This book follows Pete and Jess. Pete is the bassist in the rock band, Sinful Serenade. Jess, is trying to make ends meet so that she can follow her dreams and go to law school. They both have a tragic past and I think that’s part of what draws them to one another later on.
TROPES? Fake dating!!!! with tons of sex so you know someone is bound to catch feelings no matter how many times they remind themselves that it’s fake. And because he’s a bassist, I think it’s safe to say it’s kinda a rock romance, but it isn’t heavy like when a band is on tour and the chaos that it brings.
CAN I JUST SAY PETE IS MY BEAUTIFUL BROKEN ANGEL? And the fact he’s tall, handsome, with dark hair and eyes - my ass pictured Kellin Quinn the entire time and I’m not mad. AND THE SPICE!!!!! Oooof, Crystal Kaswell never disappoints. If you’re looking for a spicy, but connection-full of lust and actual communication, this is one for you to try!
This book follows Pete and Jess. Pete is the bassist in the rock band, Sinful Serenade. Jess, is trying to make ends meet so that she can follow her dreams and go to law school. They both have a tragic past and I think that’s part of what draws them to one another later on.
TROPES? Fake dating!!!! with tons of sex so you know someone is bound to catch feelings no matter how many times they remind themselves that it’s fake. And because he’s a bassist, I think it’s safe to say it’s kinda a rock romance, but it isn’t heavy like when a band is on tour and the chaos that it brings.
CAN I JUST SAY PETE IS MY BEAUTIFUL BROKEN ANGEL? And the fact he’s tall, handsome, with dark hair and eyes - my ass pictured Kellin Quinn the entire time and I’m not mad. AND THE SPICE!!!!! Oooof, Crystal Kaswell never disappoints. If you’re looking for a spicy, but connection-full of lust and actual communication, this is one for you to try!
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