Fortune

High Road Divide #1

by Tia Giacalone

A painter, a poet, a publicist, and a punk-rock princess... the boys of High Road Divide have no idea that this tour will change everything.

Tommy Fortune hadn’t realized he was looking for something different until he meets Cassandra Ryan. Soon their connection blurs the line between fame and reality, and it doesn't take long for Cassandra to follow her inspiration into his world, where paint-stained hands and guitar strings become the basis of their future. But nothing is as perfect as it looks from the outside, and even the most exposed still have secrets to keep. When tour life gets complicated, loyalties will be tested on the road, and they'll both learn that some harsh realities can't be painted over.

What happens when an artist stuck in black and white falls for a musician who only lives in color?

A STANDALONE New Adult Contemporary Romance - intended for readers 18+ due to mature themes.
Stay tuned for Book 2 in the High Road Divide series - CRUZ - coming spring/summer 2017.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Tia is a contemporary romance writer, dance mom, tattoo collector, Harry Styles aficionado, book lover, and former hairstylist. After four years of writing a now-retired personal site, her work has been featured on numerous forums including Open Salon and Hooray Collective. She believes in eyeliner as a defense mechanism, equal rights, and Marc Jacobs handbags as investments. Her favorite things include One Direction, doing crafts while watching Christmas movies, and the overzealous use of punctuation. When not writing and reading, she binge-watches only the best (subjective) TV shows. She lives in Southern California with her husband, daughter, tiny dog, and big dog who thinks she's a tiny dog. Visit her website at tiawritesbooks.com.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during a really busy couple of days and I had barely any time to read. But every spare second I had, I was reading Fortune. Whenever I had to put this book down, I was so upset because I just wanted to keep reading.

This book was so amazing. I knew that I would love it and I was super excited to read it but somehow this book was even better than I was expecting. This book blew me away.
I loved the characters so much. They're so well written and developed. I loved how Tommy didn't droned on and on about Cassandra's looks. He cared about her as a person and he always put more value on her personality. He appreciated Cassandra no matter how she looked. And the same was for Cassandra. She didn't go on about how hot Tommy was. Their relationship was so healthy and realistic. The banter and dialogue between the characters was perfect and I normally don't really notice those things but I did with Fortune and I think that really shows how well written this book is.
I'm so picky with New Adult books because the plots usually suck and the characters and relationships are so problematic. But Fortune, and Tia's other two books, are perfect examples of the New Adult genre. They showcase everything that this genre is supposed to be about. Every NA author, every author who wants to create incredible characters, should look to Tia's books as examples because she has done everything right with her characters. I don't think it gets any better than Tia's books.

Overall, I loved Fortune. The characters, the plot, everything was perfect and even though I just finished this book, I really want to reread it. I was so emotionally invested in every aspect of Fortune. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.


Okay, I NEED to fangirl about this book.

OH MY GOSH. When Cassandra bought that ukulele I lost my mind because holy crap that was such the perfect gift and I KNEW Tommy was going to love it. But when she left it for him on the bed?! OH MY GOSH. I couldn't handle it. I just. couldn't. handle it.
And okay. I'm still mad at Tommy for letting himself be turned on Cassandra so easily. I know it looked like it was her who sold the story and he was so stressed he couldn't think straight but C'MON. That broke my heart. I was so mad at him. And I was kind of frustrated with Cassandra for just forgiving him so quickly. If I had been me, I was have lost my mind. He falsely accused her!
And it was so crazy to me that Tommy didn't ask anyone else if they thought Cassandra did it. He didn't even ask the rest of the band! But I get why. It made more realistic because I felt like that was one of the few times that Tommy has ever acted on the emotion of a moment and didn't really think it over.

[Allissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What can I say about Tia that I haven't already said? I've loved both of her previous novels (Hey Sunshine & Night Fox), and this one was no exception!

Though the plot of Fortune is one we've seen often, Tia managed to keep me COMPLETELY hooked right from the beginning! With her fantastic characters, beautiful writing and incredibly realistic relationships, she has quickly become one of my favorite New Adult writers, ever.

In Fortune, we experience a relationship most young (and young at heart), boy-band obsessed girls and boys dream about. The ever so elusive and wished for dream that is meeting and falling in love with your favorite musician (or famous person).

Cassandra was a fantastic female character, and her back-and-forth banter with Tommy was so great. Their relationship was so refreshing, and genuine. Tommy was kind, thoughtful and insanely swoon-worthy, nothing like the typical "cocky, full of themselves jerks" we often see portraying musician/famous people.

Another thing I appreciate so much about Tia's writing is that she never goes for the "easy" drama. She doesn't write the typical "I'm a super experienced sex god that loves to sleep around, but the second I saw you I became a monk" type of guy, and she doesn't write the "I'm a pure as white snow virgin who all the boys are in love with, but then I turn into a crazy sex tiger when we're together" kinda girl. I've read this story line one too many times. Sure, those stories can be entertaining, but I'd much rather read a book about realistic characters who meet and fall in love.

Tia writes wonderfully complex characters that you can relate to, even Tommy Fortune, the ultra-famous and sexy musician.

I honestly cannot say it enough: Tia is a writer who captures you with her wonderful writing, steals your heart with her realistic and beautiful love stories and makes you feel all sorts of feels you can't even handle. I am - always will be - one of her biggest fans, and one of her loudest cheerleaders. If you're a fan of the New Adult genre, or of love stories that make you feel ALL OF THE FEELS, than this book and it's phenomenal author are definitely for you!

[Monica P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I read this book in one sitting with almost no breaks in between, and it's 4am. I always know it's a good book in my opinion when it keeps me up this late.

This is the third book Tia has published and all three of them have been a 5 star read for me. They were just perfection! This book was unique when it comes to rock star romances. And out of all the rockstar male characters I have read, Fortune is definitely one of my all time favorites if not my favorite. There is no doubt that Tia is an amazing author. I know this is a really vague review, but all you guys need to know is that the book was amazing and that you need to add it to your tbr or go buy it!! It is one that needs to be read going in blind, it will make the experience of it so much better!

[Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved Tia's other 2 books. Her writing style is great so I was excited to dive into this one. But unfortunately, Fortune was just an ok book for me.

Full review to come.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

OPENING LINE

“Nothing else that happens today will be better than this.”

Fortune is my first read by Tia Giacalone! I bought Hey Sunshine late last year after seeing a lot of photos and talk about it in Instagram, but still haven’t gotten around to reading it. Tisk, tisk, Patty. Since I haven’t read Hey Sunshine or Night Fox, I didn’t really know what to expect going into this. I figured it would be a good read. Was it? No. It was an AMAZING READ!!

I mean, I’m not surprised that I loved Fortune. There’s a reason why everyone has been talking about Hey Sunshine and I now know why! Tia Giacalone is a fantastic writing that manages to create characters with so much depth that you end up becoming attached to them. I was hooked from the minute we meet Cassandra and Tommy. I enjoyed the fact that Fortune is told from both of their POVs giving readers more insight into the characters. These characters and the chemistry between them was so beyond swoon worthy! Tommy isn’t your typical jerk who’s full of himself and Cassandra isn’t your typical airhead female lead that depends on the male lead. The banter between them was entertaining, but my favourite thing was the build up of their relationship. It felt so realistic!

Often with New Adult books the plot becomes very predictable and most time repetitive. However, that wasn’t the case here. The storyline had a nice flow to it that kept me hooked and wanting more. There weren’t any moments of fluff or unnecessary filler chapters. Now I’m even more excited to pick up her other books!

Would I recommend Fortune? Yes! If you’re a lover of New Adult and/or Contemporary Romance then I high suggest picking this up and giving it a read!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2020)! 🎁

[alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia has a unique way of writing, it's hard to expalain. You have to experience it to understand it. Her writing has a way of seeking up on you and the next thing you know your finished with the book. Fortune was exactly that for me. I loved everything about this book. Tommy has one of the most genuine hearts who always does for others. Cassandra is a girl who's trying to make something of herself while trying not to let people take advantage of her and her talent. When Tommy asks Cassandra a once in a life time opportunity, Cassandra world does a complete 360. She ends up finding herself through her work again and so many opportunities open up for her. Fortune was an amazing books and I can't wait to see what Tia has in store for this series!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Ideally.Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so picky when it comes to books about rockstars/boy bands, because I fear cheesiness, but this... I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Most of us, no matter the age, have a soft spot for boy bands. You are either currently really into boy bands (One Direction is pretty much a thing still, right?) or you grew up on NKOTB, BSB, and N*SYNC (this is my category) or maybe all of the above apply to you. But boy bands just are not currently my jam. So I didn’t actually know a book series about boy bands was something that I would enjoy until last year, when I read an entire series that followed each member of a band. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it. So when this new book by Tia Giacalone was announced I was so freaking excited! A boy band series by an author I already love? YES PLEASE.

Fortune introduces us to Cassandra, a waitress and artist, and Tommy Fortune of the band High Road Divide. Their worlds basically unexpectedly collide and a whirlwind romance and life changing moments quickly follow.

I wasn’t used to this. Not yet – not the planes or the private dinners or the screaming stadiums. But Tommy was slowly making himself permanent, like a watercolor tattoo whose colors grew deeper as they reached the center. Loving him was living in full spectrum.

Tommy is a tattooed, British, hottie with a super soft heart hiding away in his chest. He is pretty damn perfect, and even though I tend to get annoyed by that (it’s one of the very few things I typically get annoyed by in new adult) I was happy to let it slide and allow his full swoon-worthiness to wash over me. It is pretty hard not to just love him. But, as is the case with boy bands, you have to have a favorite, and I hate to say that I can’t pick a favorite yet since I only know Tommy well enough to decide!!! I tend to have a thing for bad boys, I like them rough around the edges, and I don’t know if one will come along that is more bad ass than Tommy or not…. so I need more.

One of the things I love about Tia’s books – so far- is that she creates a really great female protagonist. They are so likable and pretty realistic. Very easy to associate with. I was happy to see that Cassandra had those qualities about her just like Avery did in Hey Sunshine. Cassandra was really given great opportunities to change her life and follow her dreams and she went for it. I really liked her best friend too, so I hope maybe we get more of her in the future.

This was such a easy, sweet read, and I love the descriptions of the concerts and music! I also really loved the inclusion of the security services from Lucas and Fox Protective Services! That made me super happy.

Tia has once again written characters that I can't help but fall in love with, and a story that kept me hooked from the first page. I can't wait for more High Road Divide!

**Original review (with giveaway!) originally posted at No BS Book Reviews!**

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia did it again. I wouldn't change one thing about this book. High Road Divide is here to stay and I'm happy to sit, watch, and read.
From page one I was hooked. Tia knows how to pull the reader in and draw them closer to the characters, and the story line in a blink of an eye. I love her writing style and how the characters seem to leap off the page. And Fortune was no different.
Cassandra is an aspiring artist, trying to find her way in this crazy place...we call life. As of her life now, she works at a diner and draws for fun. But it's her life dream to have her work shown somewhere and to make a name for herself. Her and her friend Maya, whom work together, find themselves being able to get tickets to see the High Road Divide, their favorite band before tickets had sold out.
They are both insanely happy about this and ready to get their party on at the concert. But little does Cassandra know that fate has another twist for her. A crappy day at work, has her working longer than expected when a man was to sit in the back of the restaurant, in her section, all the wants to do is go home but she finds herself walking toward him anyways.
To her surprise, she finds none other than Tommy Fortune, one of the members of High Road Divide sitting in her section...in her booth. At first she's foaming at the mouth at all his gorgeousness but not wanting to make a fool out of herself, she mentally calms herself down.
She finds herself having a conversation with him and Cassandra is on cloud nine. But when the paparazzi figure out where he is, Cassandra knows how to help him out. Little does she know that this one experience in her life, will shape out the rest of her future.
Tommy offers her a once in a lifetime opportunity, when he finds himself not being able to stop thinking about the fiery red head, with the sharp tongue. Will Cassandra take him up on his offer and drop everything she knows? Or will she continue her life the way she knows it?
***was given an arc for review***

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Tia Giacalone book and to say I was completely obsessed is putting it midly... I love the way Tia writes. She makes you apart of the characters, the story...

I love Tommy Fortune. He stole my heart instantly. The way this story flowed 100% pulled me in from the beginning. I had to have the whole story. Cassandra is a painter... Tommy is a signer... the moment these two meet you instantly feel the chemistry. They just had to know each other. They couldnt keep away. Cassandra Ryan is purely amazing. I adore her.

This is book is pure perfection, it had me swooning, falling head-over-heels in love with Tommy. #ICALLDIBSONFORTUNE I can't wait for the next book in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this beautiful book to everyone reading this review or anyone just looking for their next sweep-them-off-their-feet read. Its a beautiful journey of two artist's falling... in... love.

[Socially Book Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy for an honest review
Thomas Fortune is a sexy rock god, along with his band mate of High Road Divide. Cassandra is an artist/waitress, and curvy red head.
Tommy bumps into Cass by chance at her restaurant, when he is trying to be an "normal" guy. It didn't turn out so well and Cass helps him discreetly escape. Tommy is of course into by cass, she is "normal" sarcastic and truthful. A far cry from the women he's been with before. (word to the wise ladies.. to get the rock star be super sassy)
Tommy invites Cass on tour and....................

I finished this book in quickly it was hard to put down, Page after page it kept getting better!
Non-Spoiler quotes:
"I'm no angel," he said. "But I'll take you touching me however I can get."

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Tia's books and this one is my favorite for sure! I've always been into the whole misunderstood, bad-but-good male character that is secretly just looking for the one. Coupled with the fact that he is a popular rock star and you've got mine and every fan girl's fantasy. Tia really hits this concept on the head and makes you squeal in delight with how Tommy treats Cassandra. Cassandra is relatable and funny, and not dumb like I feel like a lot of female leads are in romance books. I finished this book in two days because of how good it was. Cute, sassy, smart, and with enough suspense to keep you wondering what's going to happen next this book is definitely worth the read!

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Vagabonda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra (Cass) Ryan has had a rough start in life. At an age where she should be pursuing her dream of art school, Cass finds herself at a dead end, waitressing at a small Italian restaurant in San Diego. Despite everything thrown her in life, Cass has a good value system in place. So when British punk rock star Tommy Fortune (her music idol) shows up one evening at her table, rather than fangirl over him Cass treats Tommy with dignity and respect. An act that does not go unnoticed by Tommy.

Tommy Fortune, chased by both paparazzi and fans worldwide, just wants a bit of peace, quiet and some dinner. When Cass waits on him, he’s taken with the lovely, young redhead. After coaxing her to keeping him company while he eats his cannoli, Tommy realizes that Cass is someone special — more so after she helps him escape the swarm of paparazzi that have tracked him down at the restaurant.

Both Cass and Tommy feel the connection between each other and soon Cass is on tour with Tommy and his band, High Road Divide. As their relationship grows closer and more intimate, Cass can’t help but wonder what happens when the tour is over, when the fairy tale ends.

Fortune is the first novel in Tia Giacalone’s High Road Divide Series. A stand alone novel, Fortune is a bit of every fangirl’s ultimate dream scenario — a chance meeting, a rescue, traveling the world in private jets and sleeping in luxury hotels — it’s all there. But the ultimate message in Fortune is about kindness and respect. A reminder that underneath the trappings, we’re still humans — looking for love, honesty and friendship.

Three and 3/4 stars

*ARC received by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 days. It was that good.
Now this story is told from two points of views. Tommy Fortune and Cassandra.
We meet Cassandra who is a waitress but an inspiring Artist. She sells freelance art to help make ends meet with her waitress job. Her best friend Maya works with her and they both love High Road Divide a rock pop band. So when Cassandra wins two tickets for their concert, it would seem luck is finally starting to happen for her.
Tommy just wanting to get away just got the evening with no more planes. Is told he would find some peace and quiet, not many people would recognize him at a restaurant.
It's there where Tommy and Cassandra's lives change. 

Tommy who has never really believed in love, falls for Cassandra who treats him like any other person. Cassandra thinking since Tommy is a rock star who only wants a great time with whomever doesn't want to trust him or her feelings for him.
But as she takes a trip with him, she learns way more about herself and taking chances. Can Cassandra trust Tommy and his feelings and find her dream? Will Tommy give in to self doubt and believe whatever rumors?
I really wish this book would be a series or even just another book. I really enjoyed these characters and the background characters of the band and Cassandra's best friend Maya.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell y'all, get on the Tia train fast because this author is going places! I can't say that I have ever witnessed an author's ascension towards greatness before but I feel like that is what is happening here!

I loved Tommy and Cassandra, they both read like real people that you can easily relate to. You fall in love with them and hope their future includes one another. And let's face it, their whole situation is one that we all daydream about so it made for a fun read.

The central problem (because every book needs one) was not what I thought it would be and for that I'm glad, it kept the book from falling into the land of predictability.

My only complaint is that the book was over so quickly. Fortune is considered a stand alone but the way it's labeled on Amazon, and the way we got to know just enough to make us curious about some secondary characters, makes me think we will get some companion novels to go along with it. Which means even if we don't get a full Tommy and Cassie book, we may get some cameo sightings!

[Banrigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very selective when it comes to books about rockstars, after reading many they seem to get vapid in the story line. Though the scenario is one we have seen before, it doesn’t get stale in the telling. But I do know one thing….. I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Cassandra, the artist, and Tommy, the rockstar, have wonderful chemistry. Cassandra is very down to earth in her expectations and Tommy is not the typical rockstar. He is a very complex character. It was nice to read about a relationship that was loving and caring without going overboard.

Although the book was written in 2016, Tia has indicated to “Stay tuned for Book 2 in the High Road Divide series - CRUZ - coming spring/summer 2017.” Well, Lady…. Summer is over… where’s the book?

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and the writing is very good. The characters are well developed and this version of a rock star story was very focused on the relationship between Tommy and Cassandra and less on the rock star life. They meet when he walks into the restaurant she works at. She helps him get away from the paparazzi and over time they develop a friendship through phone calls and a few meetings. He convinces her to go to Vegas with him for his first tour show. She is a huge fan of High Road Divide and also an artist. After the weekend he convinces her to go on tour with him. Its a really sweet (no groupies, drugs, or alcohol problems) love story that is pretty drama free and is available through Kindle Unlimited.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia Giacalone is easily one of my favorite author discoveries. After discovering her work at an event, I have fallen in love with her writing.

Tommy Fortune is everything you'd ever want in a romance novel. There is no unecessary plot twists and everything is perfectly placed for just the right amount of romance and drama. The story captivated me from beginning to end.

I cannot wait to pick up more of her books. I urge readers to give it a try. She has become one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Brianna bribookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! As to be expected honestly... I've LOVED Tia's other 2 books. I love her writing style so I was excited to dive into this new series. I'll have a full review soon! You guys gotta read this one and meet Tommy and Cassandra!!!!

[D.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The ending felt too rushed. Personally, I would've loved a couple more chapters detailing the whole Sophie ordeal and Tommy & Cass' getting back together. I still loved it. Tia has a way with words.