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Back To Good
Charlotte Banks (Charlie) is newly graduated from college and working in public relations.
She is given a case that is just a bit too close to the heart. Joey Carino is a rock god, but now with his life spinning out of control, it's up to Charlie to try and save his reputation with his record label and his fans.
However, dealing with Joey means dealing with Matthew Johns, Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.
She is given a case that is just a bit too close to the heart. Joey Carino is a rock god, but now with his life spinning out of control, it's up to Charlie to try and save his reputation with his record label and his fans.
However, dealing with Joey means dealing with Matthew Johns, Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.
230 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2016
37 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Laura McCarthy Benson
2 books254 followersLaura Benson was born in 1968, during a year of terrible strife.
She is a wife and the mother of two daughters, one stepson, and the grandmother of precocious 8 month old. With Two basset hounds and the Arizona dust, she can't seem to keep her floors clean.
Her penchant for wine has gotten her into more than trouble than necessary. Especially when she is with her friends.
Originally from Massachusetts, she made her way out west in 2013 and hasn't looked back. The lack of blizzards is big bonus to living in Arizona.
She started as a blogger in 2008, attended many book conventions and author signings and is ready for this new part of her life.
Back To Good releases October 31, 2016
She is a wife and the mother of two daughters, one stepson, and the grandmother of precocious 8 month old. With Two basset hounds and the Arizona dust, she can't seem to keep her floors clean.
Her penchant for wine has gotten her into more than trouble than necessary. Especially when she is with her friends.
Originally from Massachusetts, she made her way out west in 2013 and hasn't looked back. The lack of blizzards is big bonus to living in Arizona.
She started as a blogger in 2008, attended many book conventions and author signings and is ready for this new part of her life.
Back To Good releases October 31, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 28, 2016
In my opinion, the story was about Charlotte "Charlie" Banks trying to prove something. To her father. To her peers. To herself. She works in PR at her father's company when he finally gives her her own file to handle. It's for a famous rockstar bad boy, Joey Carino, who happens to be her ex. They didn't end on a high note and his bestfriend, Matthew Johns, didn't help matters. Now she's got to try to bury the hatchet in order to salvage Joey's reputation.
Charlie is ambitious, prideful, stubborn and determined. I honestly didn't like her all that much because of the many times I glimpsed not only her condescension, but she really had a superiority complex. She constantly talked about being good at her job, when this was her first solo gig. Please! She reminded me of those people you tell a story to and they always find a way to relate it back to them. EVERYTHING ISN'T ALWAYS ABOUT YOU! And as the book was told from her POV, it was difficult to connect to it. I really enjoyed her interactions with Matthew because he seemed to bring out a different side to her. I side I could get on board with. A softer side. A side I wished to see more of.
Everyone was concerned with Joey and what his life had become was simply tragic. The author did a great job of blending the romance with realism. A relationship between Charlie and Matthew was unavoidable (because they had tons of great chemistry), but so was Joey's pain. The choices they all made helped to shape their reality. And some choices are simply out of our hands.
As far as introductions go, this was a good one!
Charlie is ambitious, prideful, stubborn and determined. I honestly didn't like her all that much because of the many times I glimpsed not only her condescension, but she really had a superiority complex. She constantly talked about being good at her job, when this was her first solo gig. Please! She reminded me of those people you tell a story to and they always find a way to relate it back to them. EVERYTHING ISN'T ALWAYS ABOUT YOU! And as the book was told from her POV, it was difficult to connect to it. I really enjoyed her interactions with Matthew because he seemed to bring out a different side to her. I side I could get on board with. A softer side. A side I wished to see more of.
Everyone was concerned with Joey and what his life had become was simply tragic. The author did a great job of blending the romance with realism. A relationship between Charlie and Matthew was unavoidable (because they had tons of great chemistry), but so was Joey's pain. The choices they all made helped to shape their reality. And some choices are simply out of our hands.
As far as introductions go, this was a good one!
November 13, 2019
I wrote it. Kinda biased.
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December 26, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Charlotte Banks (Charlie) is newly graduated from college and working in public relations.
She is given a case that is just a bit too close to the heart. Joey Carino is a rock god, but now with his life spinning out of control, it's up to Charlie to try and save his reputation with his record label and his fans.
However, dealing with Joey means dealing with Matthew Johns, Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.
Blurb:
Charlotte Banks (Charlie) is newly graduated from college and working in public relations.
She is given a case that is just a bit too close to the heart. Joey Carino is a rock god, but now with his life spinning out of control, it's up to Charlie to try and save his reputation with his record label and his fans.
However, dealing with Joey means dealing with Matthew Johns, Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.
November 28, 2016
As a reader obsessed with rock star romances there are a few elements I always look for when choosing which book to read while applauding those few authors who forge some unexpected paths. With Back to Good there was the expected angst when past lovers reunite, along with glimpses of the downside of fame, but from there Ms. Benson took a dramatic turn that left me frustrated, a bit angry, but applauding nonetheless. Throw in a heroine whose actions left me conflicted, along with the two sexy men fighting over her like a dog with a bone and you end with a twisty read that kept me on edge, turning the pages furiously to see what would happen next.
Charlie was once the love of Joey Carino's life until long distances and his burgeoning fame, with all its inherent vices, tore them apart. When she's unexpectedly brought back into his life as his record label's new publicist though, old feelings and anger are dredged up in a complicated connection made more volatile by a close friend. While Charlie still cares for Joey she's frightened by the changes the rock star world has wrought on him leading to lots of heart-rending angst and moments of weakness on her part. Her emotions are in further disarray by her unexpected attraction to Matthew, Joey's life-long friend and manager, and nemesis to Charlie while she was dating Joey. It all makes for a frustrating love triangle that put all of them in a bad light at one time or another. Charlie especially made me angry as I felt she was leading both of them on, showing a sexual interest in both while finding excuses to justify her actions. In her work world she was strong-willed while she was a bit immature when it came to feelings which added more unnecessary melodrama when it came to the romance.
The two men in her life further complicated things as they were both sexy and commanding and I can understand why she's torn between the two. History and sentimentality draws her to Joey while her battles with Matthew crackle with sexual tension. Joey and Matthew are long-time friends who have enjoyed the vices of rock star living but for Joey it's becoming too much. The drug use and women are tarnishing his image and jeopardizing his career but it's clear he's lost and lonely and seeing Charlie again gives him hope in all his attempts to get her back. Matthew has always had a thing for Charlie but her being with his best friend had him lashing out and hurting her feelings through the deeds he did when they were younger. He's all grown up now and tempts her every chance he gets leading to a few very scorching encounters. Both men have issues that make her leery and doubt their ability to commit as the rock star life makes it far too easy to indulge in sex and drugs, which Ms. Benson doesn't shy away from. Matthew's emotions were intense, when he raged spit flew and when he cared he was endearing. When he loved it was erotic with bits of dirty talk alongside his usual commanding nature. When he was hurt though he tended to withdrawal which made his burgeoning romance with Charlie difficult to define. In contrast Joey was charming, playful, and outgoing with sensuality oozing out of every pore. He wore his emotions on his sleeve when it came to Charlie which left him lost, lonely, and hurting and I was sympathetic to his pain. I longed to learn his inner thoughts and see more than just those few flashes of joy when Charlie was nearby. Learning about Charlie and Matthew was heartbreaking for him and had him spiraling out of control towards a conclusion that had my jaw hitting the floor. It's definitely a rocky road to HEA when it's these two men fighting for Charlie's heart!
This was a steamy read full of angst, a lot of it unnecessary in my opinion as Charlie needed to be more decisive and honest in her feelings...as well as drinking a lot less. Her attempts in proving she could handle her ex just led to more heartache and frustration unfortunately. The dual temptation of Joey and Matthew would give any girl fits though as both are sexy and drool-worthy. Neither are perfect men by any means as they've both let fame corrupt them at certain points. The rock star world is vividly depicted with all its carnality and demonizing drug use which further immersed me in the story and had my heart breaking for Joey even more when witnessing how far he's fallen. For the most part I found this a captivating romance but my issues with Charlie dimmed my overall enjoyment and had me pulling out my hair at times. The narrative too is a bit rough around the edges with a big reveal never being fully addressed. Ultimately Ms. Benson didn't pull any punches and amped up the melodrama through some unexpected twists and turns that led to a heart-rending conclusion that too easily solved Charlie's problems. Overall though it was a memorable read that shows great promise for Ms. Benson's future works.
3.75 STARS
Charlie was once the love of Joey Carino's life until long distances and his burgeoning fame, with all its inherent vices, tore them apart. When she's unexpectedly brought back into his life as his record label's new publicist though, old feelings and anger are dredged up in a complicated connection made more volatile by a close friend. While Charlie still cares for Joey she's frightened by the changes the rock star world has wrought on him leading to lots of heart-rending angst and moments of weakness on her part. Her emotions are in further disarray by her unexpected attraction to Matthew, Joey's life-long friend and manager, and nemesis to Charlie while she was dating Joey. It all makes for a frustrating love triangle that put all of them in a bad light at one time or another. Charlie especially made me angry as I felt she was leading both of them on, showing a sexual interest in both while finding excuses to justify her actions. In her work world she was strong-willed while she was a bit immature when it came to feelings which added more unnecessary melodrama when it came to the romance.
The two men in her life further complicated things as they were both sexy and commanding and I can understand why she's torn between the two. History and sentimentality draws her to Joey while her battles with Matthew crackle with sexual tension. Joey and Matthew are long-time friends who have enjoyed the vices of rock star living but for Joey it's becoming too much. The drug use and women are tarnishing his image and jeopardizing his career but it's clear he's lost and lonely and seeing Charlie again gives him hope in all his attempts to get her back. Matthew has always had a thing for Charlie but her being with his best friend had him lashing out and hurting her feelings through the deeds he did when they were younger. He's all grown up now and tempts her every chance he gets leading to a few very scorching encounters. Both men have issues that make her leery and doubt their ability to commit as the rock star life makes it far too easy to indulge in sex and drugs, which Ms. Benson doesn't shy away from. Matthew's emotions were intense, when he raged spit flew and when he cared he was endearing. When he loved it was erotic with bits of dirty talk alongside his usual commanding nature. When he was hurt though he tended to withdrawal which made his burgeoning romance with Charlie difficult to define. In contrast Joey was charming, playful, and outgoing with sensuality oozing out of every pore. He wore his emotions on his sleeve when it came to Charlie which left him lost, lonely, and hurting and I was sympathetic to his pain. I longed to learn his inner thoughts and see more than just those few flashes of joy when Charlie was nearby. Learning about Charlie and Matthew was heartbreaking for him and had him spiraling out of control towards a conclusion that had my jaw hitting the floor. It's definitely a rocky road to HEA when it's these two men fighting for Charlie's heart!
This was a steamy read full of angst, a lot of it unnecessary in my opinion as Charlie needed to be more decisive and honest in her feelings...as well as drinking a lot less. Her attempts in proving she could handle her ex just led to more heartache and frustration unfortunately. The dual temptation of Joey and Matthew would give any girl fits though as both are sexy and drool-worthy. Neither are perfect men by any means as they've both let fame corrupt them at certain points. The rock star world is vividly depicted with all its carnality and demonizing drug use which further immersed me in the story and had my heart breaking for Joey even more when witnessing how far he's fallen. For the most part I found this a captivating romance but my issues with Charlie dimmed my overall enjoyment and had me pulling out my hair at times. The narrative too is a bit rough around the edges with a big reveal never being fully addressed. Ultimately Ms. Benson didn't pull any punches and amped up the melodrama through some unexpected twists and turns that led to a heart-rending conclusion that too easily solved Charlie's problems. Overall though it was a memorable read that shows great promise for Ms. Benson's future works.
3.75 STARS
October 31, 2016
This was a fabulous debut from an up and coming new author. I had been excited to read it for a while, but it completely blew me out of the water. Back to Good has a little bit of everything. You have your angsty love triangle, along with friends to lovers and it's tied all together with a bad boy rockstar. Like I said, a mix of something for everyone! Charlie is a recently graduated public relations specialist who is assigned her first client, and it's none other than Joey Carino... Who just happens to be her high school sweetheart. Joey has been getting into trouble and receiving quite a bit of bad press, so Charlie has to go in, and get him back under control. In order to do this, she has to team up with her nemesis, and Joey's best friend and manager Matthew Johns. let me tell you... I completely fell head over heals in love with Charlie and Matty! I loved Charlie's take no crap attitude, and Matthew hits the swoon-o-meter at a 10! It was refreshing to read a very strong female character, but for her to still have a vulnerability that was completely endearing. Yes, there were times, where I wanted to shake her, and say look at what's staring you in the face! You just need to reach out and grab him, Girl! But that's what kept me going. All in all, I would highly recommend this book, to anyone who loves a good angsty HEA!
December 7, 2019
Words have meaning. To correctly, even masterfully, use words in order to craft even a reasonably good, professionally written, story is an effort and a skill not discernible here.
November 27, 2016
I am kind of in awe of this debut effort! It isn't often that I pick up a book and read it cover to cover without stopping, but that is exactly what I did with this book.
So let's talk about Charlotte. Charlotte is an interesting character. She's just 23 and working her dream job. She has a history with a rock star, who is her ex, and his best friend, who she hated way back when. Now suddenly, she is in charge of PR for said rock star, Joey. Charlotte made me crazy. She was back and forth about her feelings for both Joey and Mathew. She starts this thing with Matthew, which was unexpected. I'll give her that. She's getting all this pressure from every direction. Truthfully, I think she handled the whole mess just like a 23 year old would. However, that does not mean I didn't want to smack her upside the head more than once. But, then, I believe a great character brings out those emotions in a reader.
Joey was a hot mess. I kept waiting for it to be revealed that he had a mental illness. The guy was so hot and cold and up and down, I was getting dizzy. Oddly enough, the resolution of his story was kind of fitting. Please don't kill me for what I just typed when you read the book. I just tell the truth, folks.
Finally, we have Matthew. Honestly, I had the guy pegged from his first appearance in the book. That didn't make him any less alluring. The guy is sex on a stick with his smoldering glances and sexy stares. Benson did a great job of writing him. I figured out something nefarious he had done and was kind of surprised that when the big Reveal happened it wasn't more of an issue. It was pretty much brushed over and that kind of bothered me.
I was torn from beginning. I rooted for Joey and Matthew. I honestly couldn't decide who I wanted her with until the night of Joey's concert. Then, I made up my mind...fast. The tension between these three was palpable all the way through. This was slow burn at its finest.
Fair warning, this is a love triangle at heart. I know many people don't care for love triangles, but really, you would be remiss if you missed this book just for that.
I am putting this on my list of 2016 Top Reads! It was that darn good.
So let's talk about Charlotte. Charlotte is an interesting character. She's just 23 and working her dream job. She has a history with a rock star, who is her ex, and his best friend, who she hated way back when. Now suddenly, she is in charge of PR for said rock star, Joey. Charlotte made me crazy. She was back and forth about her feelings for both Joey and Mathew. She starts this thing with Matthew, which was unexpected. I'll give her that. She's getting all this pressure from every direction. Truthfully, I think she handled the whole mess just like a 23 year old would. However, that does not mean I didn't want to smack her upside the head more than once. But, then, I believe a great character brings out those emotions in a reader.
Joey was a hot mess. I kept waiting for it to be revealed that he had a mental illness. The guy was so hot and cold and up and down, I was getting dizzy. Oddly enough, the resolution of his story was kind of fitting. Please don't kill me for what I just typed when you read the book. I just tell the truth, folks.
Finally, we have Matthew. Honestly, I had the guy pegged from his first appearance in the book. That didn't make him any less alluring. The guy is sex on a stick with his smoldering glances and sexy stares. Benson did a great job of writing him. I figured out something nefarious he had done and was kind of surprised that when the big Reveal happened it wasn't more of an issue. It was pretty much brushed over and that kind of bothered me.
I was torn from beginning. I rooted for Joey and Matthew. I honestly couldn't decide who I wanted her with until the night of Joey's concert. Then, I made up my mind...fast. The tension between these three was palpable all the way through. This was slow burn at its finest.
Fair warning, this is a love triangle at heart. I know many people don't care for love triangles, but really, you would be remiss if you missed this book just for that.
I am putting this on my list of 2016 Top Reads! It was that darn good.
January 21, 2018
Last year I participated in a lot of authors Facebook parties and in doing so I learned of more authors that I had never heard of. I won this book in one of those parties. I can’t tell you much about the party I participated in now besides that it was a signed physical copy from the author that I won. I am a little torn on how I feel about this book. It was slow going to start with and right off the bat Charlotte “Charlie” didn’t make a good impression on me. She came off very conceited and I can’t stand that. Since the book is told from her point of view it made it hard to connect with. Matthew was another one that bugged me a little bit. His attitude started to get old after a while. Ugh and Joey IDK what to think of him. I kind of feel sorry for him and then at the same time it’s like you brought this on yourself. A lot of the drama could have been avoided if the characters would have just opened their mouths and talked to each other. I had another issue with Charlie but I can’t get into that without spoiling some of the book. Lets just say I think she could have done a better job at doing her job. There were some things that happened that I felt like shouldn’t have happened considering what she was there to do. Plus something happened at the end that when I read it I was like really? (My husband gave me a weird look because I was talking to my book lol). I feel like the ending was the easy way out for other aspects of the story. Ok so all of that being said you would think I didn’t like this book but after I got passed the first few chapters something sucked me in and I didn’t want to put the book down. Have you ever read a book that you had several issues with but at the same time you couldn’t help but to keep reading it because you were so into the story? That is this book for me and at the time of me writing this I still have no clue what to rate it.
September 15, 2017
Back to Good
By Laura Benson
I'm sort of back and forth with this book. I loved the characters but I feel unsettled with the ending.
I think Charlie's character was top notch. She worked hard, stood her ground for what she wanted and deserved. I loved how strong she was. She was heart broken by her high school sweetheart turned rockstar (Joey) but really pushed forward with her life and chose not to get treated poorly by him.
After graduating she worked for her father at a PR firm. Her first client would happen to her her ex and his horrible friend Matthew.
Matthew was horrible to her all through high school (as Joeys best friend) and she was not excited to be working him.
I craved for this to a second chance romance because I just wanted Joey to get the love he was so needing. He took the rockstar path with drugs and a party life -it was making his life extremely lonely.
The ending left me deflated a bit. Without giving too much away, I just felt it could have had a better ending. It just sort of fell together really fast. The book set you up the entire time and then the ending was short and left me wanting more of....something.
All in all, it had a great story line and I would read more of her work.
Happy Reading
xo
nic
Readingtodaybookworm.wordpress.com/
By Laura Benson
I'm sort of back and forth with this book. I loved the characters but I feel unsettled with the ending.
I think Charlie's character was top notch. She worked hard, stood her ground for what she wanted and deserved. I loved how strong she was. She was heart broken by her high school sweetheart turned rockstar (Joey) but really pushed forward with her life and chose not to get treated poorly by him.
After graduating she worked for her father at a PR firm. Her first client would happen to her her ex and his horrible friend Matthew.
Matthew was horrible to her all through high school (as Joeys best friend) and she was not excited to be working him.
I craved for this to a second chance romance because I just wanted Joey to get the love he was so needing. He took the rockstar path with drugs and a party life -it was making his life extremely lonely.
The ending left me deflated a bit. Without giving too much away, I just felt it could have had a better ending. It just sort of fell together really fast. The book set you up the entire time and then the ending was short and left me wanting more of....something.
All in all, it had a great story line and I would read more of her work.
Happy Reading
xo
nic
Readingtodaybookworm.wordpress.com/
August 9, 2017
All right, all right.. I'm sorry I can't say that I loved or even adored this book, I can most certainly say that I liked and enjoyed reading this book. I was right about the emails she received (when the was in college).
I wish I read more about their future..
Congrats on this book, thumbs up for you Laura :)
I wish I read more about their future..
Congrats on this book, thumbs up for you Laura :)
October 12, 2017
This book had potential but I think maybe a little more into what a PR Firm actually does especially with a so called established rock star may have been beneficial. The triangle was apparent for me from the very beginning and that I was more upset about Joey than either of the the issues between Matt & Charlie is telling me there wasn't enough to convince me that Charlie was truly invested.
January 2, 2019
Mesmerizing!!!
I. Could. Not. Stop....... What an amazing story!! I had to keep reading because I just had to know what happened next. Just wow...... What a book hangover!! The characters draw you in with all the feels. This is my first book by this author but it will definitely NOT be my last.......loved it!!! A must read!!!
I. Could. Not. Stop....... What an amazing story!! I had to keep reading because I just had to know what happened next. Just wow...... What a book hangover!! The characters draw you in with all the feels. This is my first book by this author but it will definitely NOT be my last.......loved it!!! A must read!!!
December 4, 2016
Back to Good by Laura Benson is her debut novel, what a fantastic book it was. It's a rock star romance, with some angst among past lovers who reunite after not seeing each other in years. I'm definitely glad I read this one, I'm looking forward to reading more in the future from this author.
Fair warning this a love triangle, I know people tend to shy away from them but don't for this one I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Charlie is a likable character she's young, recently graduated with a degree in public relations, and working for her father's company. She finally get's a big break in her career and is assigned her very first client, none other than the famous bad boy rock star Joey Carino, who also just happens to be her high school sweetheart. What's a girl to do pass it up or take it on and show everyone that she can handle it. Charlie doesn't back down she's going to prove to herself and everyone else she can do this job and handle seeing Joey.
Not only does Charlie have to deal with Joey, she has to team up with Matthew, Joey's best friend/manger and her nemesis. But once she begins working closely with Matthew she starts to see him in a different light. She's attracted to him, likes being around him, her head tells her to run far away from him, her body has a mind of it's own. Poor Charlie is a wreck. In the background we have Joey, both Matthew and Charlie don't want to hurt him. Life isn't fair and someone is going to end up hurt. Who will Charlie end up with, Matthew or Joey? I was torn with my decision I went back and forth. In the end I was happy with whom she ended up with. I will say there is something that happens and had me saying WTF, no way.
Fair warning this a love triangle, I know people tend to shy away from them but don't for this one I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Charlie is a likable character she's young, recently graduated with a degree in public relations, and working for her father's company. She finally get's a big break in her career and is assigned her very first client, none other than the famous bad boy rock star Joey Carino, who also just happens to be her high school sweetheart. What's a girl to do pass it up or take it on and show everyone that she can handle it. Charlie doesn't back down she's going to prove to herself and everyone else she can do this job and handle seeing Joey.
Not only does Charlie have to deal with Joey, she has to team up with Matthew, Joey's best friend/manger and her nemesis. But once she begins working closely with Matthew she starts to see him in a different light. She's attracted to him, likes being around him, her head tells her to run far away from him, her body has a mind of it's own. Poor Charlie is a wreck. In the background we have Joey, both Matthew and Charlie don't want to hurt him. Life isn't fair and someone is going to end up hurt. Who will Charlie end up with, Matthew or Joey? I was torn with my decision I went back and forth. In the end I was happy with whom she ended up with. I will say there is something that happens and had me saying WTF, no way.
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November 21, 2016Laura Benson is a new and upcoming author. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
This book runs heavy on angst. Emphasis on angst. Charlotte “Charlie” and Joey went to highschool together. She just recently graduated and her first job is none other than Joey. In turn bringing her up close and personal with her nemesis Matthew Johns.
I loved Charlie’s attitude and no nonsense approach. Matthew and her are awesome, throw in a little Joey and you have the love triangle. This was a book where the characters sucked you in. There was drama friendship and lovers and angst, like I said. There were times when I wanted to reach in or be a part of it and beat the crap out of her. That is the sign of a good book. It sucks you and doesn’t let you go. She couldnt or didnt want to see what was right there in front of her. She was a strong female lead. Matthew makes my heart beat a little bit faster. The chemistry was good. The writing had a good flow as well as the pace of the book. I look forward to more by this author.
This book runs heavy on angst. Emphasis on angst. Charlotte “Charlie” and Joey went to highschool together. She just recently graduated and her first job is none other than Joey. In turn bringing her up close and personal with her nemesis Matthew Johns.
I loved Charlie’s attitude and no nonsense approach. Matthew and her are awesome, throw in a little Joey and you have the love triangle. This was a book where the characters sucked you in. There was drama friendship and lovers and angst, like I said. There were times when I wanted to reach in or be a part of it and beat the crap out of her. That is the sign of a good book. It sucks you and doesn’t let you go. She couldnt or didnt want to see what was right there in front of her. She was a strong female lead. Matthew makes my heart beat a little bit faster. The chemistry was good. The writing had a good flow as well as the pace of the book. I look forward to more by this author.
December 5, 2016
I liked this novel, however, the blurb threw me off. I went into this novel thinking the story was going to be about a woman and a rockstar reuniting due to the fact that Joe's name was mentioned more than Michaels. The blurb also made Michael sound like the villain of the story which in a portion of the story that is truth.
Besides the blurb messing me up. ..I did like this novel.
I liked the enemies to lovers concept.
I also thought the twist at the end was interesting.
It was a tad bit predictable though :(
Besides the blurb messing me up. ..I did like this novel.
I liked the enemies to lovers concept.
I also thought the twist at the end was interesting.
It was a tad bit predictable though :(
March 18, 2025
This was an okay read. Not great but also not bad,
It was actually a great palette cleanser for me between fantasy books.
Quick fun to read.
I wasn't sure about what felt like a love triangle but it all made sense towards the end, Though I think some secrets were exposed that I think should have made a bigger impact on the story.
I also wasn't a huge fan of Charlotte, nothing specific I just had a hard time connecting with her.
Loved Matthew for the most part. Joey as well but sometimes he seemed a bit dramatic over some things, must be a Leo 🦁🤷♀️🤣
Overall, fun, good, quick read I rate it 3 stars
December 16, 2017
Charlotte works in PR and finds herself the publicist of one of the most high profile rock stars of the moment. Only one slight problem, we’ll maybe two, one is her ex boyfriend and one is the guy that hates her who just happens to be his manager and best friend.
Matthew is the manager and picks her up at the airport. Boy has he changed, with his model good looks he certainly has changed. Joey is the rockstar, women fall at his feet but he still loves Charlie even though she can’t be with him after he repeatedly cheated on her.
Gradually she finds herself falling for Matthew and he for her but Joey can’t handle it. I love these characters and the story and I can’t wait to read more by this author
Matthew is the manager and picks her up at the airport. Boy has he changed, with his model good looks he certainly has changed. Joey is the rockstar, women fall at his feet but he still loves Charlie even though she can’t be with him after he repeatedly cheated on her.
Gradually she finds herself falling for Matthew and he for her but Joey can’t handle it. I love these characters and the story and I can’t wait to read more by this author
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the playful chemistry between Matthew and Charlie. You could feel all the pent up sexual tension between them. You could tell that he acted like he hated her when she was dating his friend just so that he couldn't feel the hurt of her not being with him. But now flash forward and he has his chance and you can just feel how much they want to be together. I literally couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. I had to know what happened next, it literally kept me on the edge of my seat with all the different surprises that occured throughout the book! I highly recommend reading this book!
February 1, 2018
ARC for honest review
Charlie and Joey were childhood sweethearts. But when Joey became famous with his band, he cheated on Charlie.
Charlie (female btw), went onto Work in PR at her fathers company. Little did she know that Joeys bad behaviour and reputation in the media, would become her problem.
You would think this story would be obvious and circle around their relationship...... But no!
Enter Matthew, joeys best friend from school and current manager.
Really enjoyed this debut novel by Laura Benson. Looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Charlie and Joey were childhood sweethearts. But when Joey became famous with his band, he cheated on Charlie.
Charlie (female btw), went onto Work in PR at her fathers company. Little did she know that Joeys bad behaviour and reputation in the media, would become her problem.
You would think this story would be obvious and circle around their relationship...... But no!
Enter Matthew, joeys best friend from school and current manager.
Really enjoyed this debut novel by Laura Benson. Looking forward to checking out more of her work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2018
First assignment at work in PR should be relatively easy right? Not when your boss is your dad and the first client is your ex boyfriend!!!
Charlie's first solo job is to clean up the reputation of a rock star not so easy when Joey Carino was her high school sweetheart and his best friend/manager Matthew hated her.
A story of love and lust with a little jealousy and heartbreak thrown in for good measure.
Charlie's first solo job is to clean up the reputation of a rock star not so easy when Joey Carino was her high school sweetheart and his best friend/manager Matthew hated her.
A story of love and lust with a little jealousy and heartbreak thrown in for good measure.
February 5, 2018
This is a wonderful first book from Laura McCarthy Benson. I totally enjoyed it. Charlotte (Charlie), Matthew and Joey are the main characters. Charlie is a publicist that is sent to clean up rock star Joey image. His label is going to drop him unless he gets himself together. Matthew is his manager and best friend since childhood. The three of them have issues that they need to work out. I just couldn't put it down until I finished. I am looking forward to see what this author will do next.
June 28, 2017
I liked the idea but found a lot of things repeating and making the book seem long. The ending was kind of rushed to me. The best part was the saddest and I think should've have been closer to the beginning so that we can see the characters build their relationship after that. Great concept for a story and was not expecting what happened, I cried. Maybe a second book with how things go??
November 27, 2017
Charlotte Banks (nicknamed Charlie) just started working as a publicist at her father's company after graduating from college. Working in public relations was the dream job she'd always wanted; until her father assigns her with her very first client case that is a little too personal for her liking. Joey Carino is a rock god superstar, and also happens to be Charlie's ex-boyfriend from way back when he was an aspiring artist which didn't end well. Now she is assigned to get Joey back on track and turn his wild rock star life around. However dealing with Joey is only part of the problem; because Charlie also has to deal with Matthew Johns, Joey's manager and friend who absolutely can't stand her.
I enjoyed this story, in spite of predicting the love triangle that eventually transpired between the three main characters. The characters were awesome, well-written and the writing good despite a few typos here and there. The ending was kind of unexpected and bittersweet. Not bad for Laura Benson's debut novel, I would definitely read more from this author!
I enjoyed this story, in spite of predicting the love triangle that eventually transpired between the three main characters. The characters were awesome, well-written and the writing good despite a few typos here and there. The ending was kind of unexpected and bittersweet. Not bad for Laura Benson's debut novel, I would definitely read more from this author!
February 16, 2018
This is my first book by Laura McCarthy Benson, i really enjoyed it, loved how it was enemies to lovers. There were some interesting plot twist specially the emails we learn about early on in the first couple of chapters.
It won't be my last read from this author
It won't be my last read from this author
March 25, 2019
It is a great book to read
March 11, 2022
A really good read. Interesting characters, good plot.
Read
December 4, 2016HOLY HELL! This is one of the best books of 2016 for me! I loved every single second of it! In fact it might be a holiday gift for all my friends because I "heart" this story. Charlie is found in a little bit of a pickle when she has to manage her ex-boyfriend as his publicist for him. I know what you are thinking...they end up falling back in love and it's the same old story over again. Oh no it's not my friends, no it's not! Charlie is conflicted in her emotions for Joey, a famous rock star now, but she finds herself fighting feelings against her old enemy Matthew. Matthew is Joey's best friend and manager. See it just got really interesting to read! I am telling you to go and purchase this book if you need a new read, a new book boyfriend, a book that will swallow you whole and spit you out when you are done. I would love to tell you more but I am so scared I will ruin it for you- so this mouth is zipped. I am so thrilled to discover Laura Benson and can't wait to read more. Happy reading!
November 30, 2016
*3.5 Stars Rounded Up
The push and pull between Matthew and Charlie will have you on the edge of your seat and yelling at these two to get it together! (In that really fun way, of course.)
Charlotte (Charlie) is given her first solo PR client and... it's her ex-boyfriend/high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Worse, Joey (her ex) is managed by his best friend, Matthew, who hates her and has basically always been a jerk to her. Matthew has grown up in all the right places though, and it gets increasingly hard to ignore the sparks between them.
There is a lot of drama with this one, and a lot of moments that, as I said, will have you shaking your fists at just about every character, but that makes for a fantastic read and some sexy moments!
Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys an "enemies to lovers" story with dollops of heat!
I received an ARC from the publisher to voluntarily review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
The push and pull between Matthew and Charlie will have you on the edge of your seat and yelling at these two to get it together! (In that really fun way, of course.)
Charlotte (Charlie) is given her first solo PR client and... it's her ex-boyfriend/high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Worse, Joey (her ex) is managed by his best friend, Matthew, who hates her and has basically always been a jerk to her. Matthew has grown up in all the right places though, and it gets increasingly hard to ignore the sparks between them.
There is a lot of drama with this one, and a lot of moments that, as I said, will have you shaking your fists at just about every character, but that makes for a fantastic read and some sexy moments!
Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys an "enemies to lovers" story with dollops of heat!
I received an ARC from the publisher to voluntarily review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
December 18, 2016
What a great debut book!
Back to Good by Laura Benson had me entertained from start to finish. It flowed perfectly. Matthew, Charlie and Joey are likeable and totally down to earth characters. Charlie is the girl next door that everyone likes... She sweet with a bit of sass.The boys are just scrumptious. Joey is the slightly out of control, sexy as hell rock star and Charlie's ex-Boyfriend. Mathew is just dreamy. Yummy from head to toe. He's Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.... Poor Charlie is starting to see a different side of Matthew and can't help but be attracted to him. Her head and body are at total odds. Their little "sort of but not really," love triangle had me frustrated, but in a very good way.....
I thoroughly enjoyed Back to Good and highly recommend it.
This is one author who will surely be on the rise... keep an eye out for Laura Benson!!
Back to Good by Laura Benson had me entertained from start to finish. It flowed perfectly. Matthew, Charlie and Joey are likeable and totally down to earth characters. Charlie is the girl next door that everyone likes... She sweet with a bit of sass.The boys are just scrumptious. Joey is the slightly out of control, sexy as hell rock star and Charlie's ex-Boyfriend. Mathew is just dreamy. Yummy from head to toe. He's Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare.... Poor Charlie is starting to see a different side of Matthew and can't help but be attracted to him. Her head and body are at total odds. Their little "sort of but not really," love triangle had me frustrated, but in a very good way.....
I thoroughly enjoyed Back to Good and highly recommend it.
This is one author who will surely be on the rise... keep an eye out for Laura Benson!!
November 30, 2016
3.5* read.
I love rockstar romances, its one of my favourite genres so I was really excited to read this.
First off I loved the front cover, really eyecatching and was one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book. The front cover is always one of the first things that grabs my attention and the main reason I'll pick up a book. This was different to other rockstar books I've read and I did feel it was unique in its own way. I struggled with rating it between 3* and 4* because although I really enjoyed it I felt there was pieces missing and the characters were sometimes hard to connect with.
For me this was a great debut book and a author I will be keeping my eye on. The writing style flowed really well and I look forward to seeing her next book.
I love rockstar romances, its one of my favourite genres so I was really excited to read this.
First off I loved the front cover, really eyecatching and was one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book. The front cover is always one of the first things that grabs my attention and the main reason I'll pick up a book. This was different to other rockstar books I've read and I did feel it was unique in its own way. I struggled with rating it between 3* and 4* because although I really enjoyed it I felt there was pieces missing and the characters were sometimes hard to connect with.
For me this was a great debut book and a author I will be keeping my eye on. The writing style flowed really well and I look forward to seeing her next book.
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