Tangled Up In You

Rogue #1

by Lara Ward Cosio

Gavin McManus is loving life as the lead singer for the up-and-coming Irish band Rogue. Every day is filled with music and every night is a party. He's living his rock star dreams.

Sophie Kavanaugh is settled into American college life. Every day is filled with classes and every night is spent avoiding the grabby hands of boys who can never quite measure up to her first love.

When Gavin's band lands in Los Angeles, he and Sophie suddenly have the second chance they never thought they would and their very public reunion sets them off on a decade-long roller-coaster journey where, for better or worse, they hold tight to each other through all the ups and downs.

Because all Gavin has ever wanted is Sophie and music.

And all Sophie has ever wanted is Gavin--and to somehow be the one to soothe his tortured soul.

But getting everything you've ever wanted isn't always enough.

A love like theirs was destined to either burn bright . . . or go up in flames.

Tangled Up In You is a second-chance rock star romance full of addictive angst. Gavin and Sophie's epic love story starts here and continues through the now complete Rogue Series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Music, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Musicians, Audiobook

424 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2016

About the author

Lara Ward Cosio is the author of contemporary romances that are raw, realistic, sometimes funny, and always feature swoon-worthy men and strong-willed women.

Hula Girl: A Standalone Romance with a HEA is now available.

The Rogue Series, an angsty rock star romance saga with interconnected stories, is now complete and all books are available with KindleUnlimited.

The Rogue Series is:
★ Tangled Up In You
★ Playing At Love
★ Hitting That Sweet Spot
★ Finding Rhythm
The Rogue Series continues with these "Extras":
★ Looking For Trouble
★ Felicity Found
★ Rogue Christmas Story
★ Problematic Love
★ Rock Star on the Verge

For more information, visit larawardcosio.com
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Reviews

[Gaufre · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has been a very long time since a book made me this mad. I am mostly angry at myself because my own little voice told me to abandon this book multiple times:

I should have quit when
the two main characters got together and married too quickly

I should have quit when
I saw the first hint of a love triangle

I should have quit when
suddenly, the omniscient narrator could see years in the future and became the voice of a chronicler. Example: "The photograph would become iconic for the band." I really took me out of the story

I should have quit when
descriptions of songs from one of the band album read like a Wikipedia entry

I should have quit when
Sophie, who left everything behind to be with her rock star husband, was - conveniently - discovered as a model.

I should have quit when
Gavin repeatedly behaved like a douchebag and became a cocaine addict

I should have quit when
Sophie was tearing up for the third time after douchebaggery previously mentioned.

...

but I kept scanning to find the happy ending or SOMETHING! Spoiler: This is not a romance because there is no HEA or even HFN. It's a sprawling saga of the lives of band members. There is drama and real life difficulties; I was just expecting a romance. I am sure everything will work out at the end of book 4, I just don't have the patience to read that much.

I gave it two stars because I really liked the beginning (~15%) and the character of Sophie and Conor were interesting. I wish all the emotions came out in dialogues or physical expressions instead of being explained to us, making it sound too much like an analysis after the fact (see point #3 above).

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

TRIANGLE IN THE MUSIC WORLD!

Book 1 in duet within series.
Blurb:
Gavin McManus always knew he'd be a famous singer/songwriter. His disheveled good looks, confidence, and undeniable magnetism were the perfect combination to propel his band Rogue into the spotlight. But it's his wounded-rock-star mystique, born out of childhood trauma, that seals the deal.
Sophie Kavanaugh was drawn to Gavin long before he found fame. Her own desire to be what he needed, to somehow be the one to fix him, lasted beyond what should have simply been a memorable school-days romance.
Their reunion several years later happens just as Rogue has made a splash in the college music scene, and there's no turning back.
Over the course of three more albums and the next decade, Rogue earns their place as the biggest band in the world, while Sophie finds her own career as a model. Gavin and Sophie exude the outward appearance of the perfect rock star/supermodel couple, but that façade is about to crack. At the same time, Conor, Gavin's best friend and the band's guitarist, struggles to contain his feelings for Sophie.
When Gavin's secret is revealed, the ensuing media storm and backlash sends him into a downward spiral that threatens to destroy everything he's worked for, including his marriage, his friendships, and his band.

Books in Rogue series should be read in order:
Book 1: Tangled Up In You
Book 2: Playing At Love
Book 3: Hitting That Sweet Spot

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is raw and realistic writing going on between the covers of this dark romance. Lara Ward Cosio has brought a gut-wrenching read to the table and trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Tangled Up In You is the story of the grit, the loyalty and the love that may or may not withstand the heartbreaking trials and human frailties of two people desperately trying to make a life together in the fishbowl of fame.

Gavin is determined to make a name for his band, made up of life-long best friends in the music industry and he plans on bringing his Sophie along with on his journey to fortune and fame. She is his strength, his ground and the safe haven he needs following a dysfunctional childhood, leaving him the emotionally needy, yet feeding his inspiration for songs that make the crowds swoon.

Sophie is loyal to a fault, his wife and his soft place to fall, but it isn’t enough as Gavin barrels forward on a path of drugs, addiction and self-destruction. Is it time for Sophie to give up? Is there another who has longed for her who is able to give her all SHE needs?

Lara Ward Cosio’s gritty and slightly dark tale is written pulling out all of the stops as she captures the ugly side of emotional damage, need and deceit. Meet the players, the tricksters, the enablers as well as the main characters who will bring you to the edge of tears, raging anger and sorrow for all they go through, self-inflicted or not. This is not a romanticized version of loving a rockstar or of being one, under the crystal fantasy of the celebrity world, Ms. Cosio bares the jagged shards of reality and the pressures few can endure.

I received this copy from Lara Ward Cosio in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Rogue Series
Publisher: Rogue Publications (July 7, 2016)
Publication Date: July 7, 2016
ISBN-10: 0692712070
ISBN-13: 978-0692712078
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Women's Fiction
Print Length: 424 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ This is an exceptionally written book in which the author has you feeling a bit voyeuristic. She takes you in and has you actually feeling so many of the emotions of her characters and has you believing in love, success, heartbreak, and betrayal, which turn has you believing that you are a part of this book. It is a rock romance which stands above a lot of them because it doesn’t sugar coat the rock star life. The author gives you a look at not only the glamorous side of rock but also the “real life” that isn’t all tinsel and bright lights. She knows how to take you front and center for the lives the men of Rouge lived and knows how to break your heart right along with her characters.

Set in Dublin, Connor and Gavin have been best friends since they were 7 years old and have a special bond that few can say they have. From childhood on they shared everything including their love of music which would be their one way ticket from the type of childhoods they both came from. Sophie was the quintessential American girl who came into their lives when she was 16 years old to go to their school for one year. Sophie and Gavin gravitated toward each other with Gavin even proposing marriage to Sophie when was to leave to go back home to America. Of course she had to turn it down since she was only 17 by the time they parted ways. But Gavin was always the only boy that held her heart.

Along with Connor and Gavin, other friends Martin and Shay round out to make the rock band, Rouge. The boys pushed and believed in themselves until they finally got their break. It was years in the making to get them to where they were now. It took hard work and dedication to get here but now they were living the lives most young guys could only dream of…sex, drugs and rock and roll. Sophie and Gavin eventually found their way back to each other but it wasn’t pretty. Gavin pretty much gutted Sophie on their first meeting after so many years and dashed her hopes that they could maybe pick up where they left off in Dublin a few years ago. Connor also had deep feelings for Sophie which she did not realize and only thought it was a sexual yearning that he felt towards her. Events happened in which Gavin began to push Sophie away which turned all of their lives upside down.

I cannot recommend this book enough being a rock romance fanatic and a lover of any book in which the author takes you on a ride that you don’t want to get off. This is the second book on the boys from Rouge and is actually a prequel to Playing At Love. Both of these books are exceptional and you will have you on board the fan bus that is the Rouge series.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex, emotionally charged, and likable. The author weaved a story that was multi-layered and character driven. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[Cyndi Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripped. To. Shreds.

[Paula White · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Up In You ( Rogue Series, Book 1 )
By Lara Ward Cosio
5/5 Stars

This is my first time reading a book from Lara. And let me tell you… it will not be my last, I'm hooked!! It was such a great and intense book. I had a difficult time putting it down.
This is a book about success, love, friendship and even betrayal. It's beautifully written in a way, that is shows the not so wonderful side of leading a rock star life.
With amazingly flawed characters,Rock star life styles and deep and intense friendships. It's a kind of book you can read and forget about the world around you.
This is the first book in The Rogue Series. I can't not wait to read the second one. I have grown to love these characters and friendships!
Gavin McManus is your everyday drop dead, gorgeous rockstar! He's always known at a young age he wanted to be a famous ( and rich ) singer/ songwriter. And he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He has the drive and determination, to get what he wants too!!
Gavin and his friends,Conor, Shay and Martin start a band , Rouge in Dublin. They are all young, but have high hopes about their future.
Sophie Kavanaugh visits Dublin when she is just 16 years old AND in high school. She enters their life fiercely and with such impact, their lives will never be the same again.
Gavin and Sophie’s attraction to one another, is instant and very undeniable! But they do know, they're too young. And once Sophie goes back back to the states , heartbroken and sad… she tries to forget about him.
Then three years later they reunite. Rogue is slowly getting more and more popular. Gavin and Sophie decide to give the relationship another shot.
A decade and three more albums later, Rogue is still going strong. Sophie is now involved in the modeling world. But can she make time for the love of her life and her career? Will love be enough? Or is it finally time to let Gavin go?
You absolutely must read this book! You won't be disappointed… I promise you that!! Now, off I go to read , Playing At Love.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realistic Read

Tangled Up In You is the Sequel that is actual a Prequel to Playing At Love. The story follows Irish best friends since childhood Gavin McManus & Conor Quinn and the impact that American Sophie Kavanaugh has on their lives. Even though Playing At Love was released first and focuses mainly on Conor, this is Gavin & Sophie's story. Both stories are intertwined and can be read in any order.
Both guys meet Sophie, who is sent to Hight School in Dublin and has the beautiful blonde blue eyed new girl in their sites but it is pretty obvious from the beginning that Gavin intrigues Sophie with his cool demeanor, cockiness and self assurance, all things necessary for a lead singer in a Rock band. While getting the band off the ground with Conor and 2 more school buddies Shay (Seamus) & Martin, Gavin finds himself equally smitten with Sophie and the two are inseparable, until Sophie has to go back to the states. In a desperate moment Gavin asks Sophie to marry him on the way to the airport when it's time for her to return to California, Sophie of course turns him down after all she is only 16 and has hopes & dreams of her own. What happens over the course of the next decade is the stuff of Rock & Roll legend. Lara Ward Cosio writes a story that can almost read as a real life band biography. This book is ugly at times and that is what makes it real but has what you expect from a Rock Star Romance, the narcissist lead singer with a past that defines all he is, the handsome steadfast best friend lead guitarist and the girl that could be their Yoko - but isn't. I highly recommend you read both of these books, they are stories that you can really sink your teeth into. I am going back now to re read Playing At Love

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star review.
Tangled Up in You is an intense romance novel that is part of the ‘A Rogue Series’ by Lara Ward Cosio. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster as you follow Gavin McManus and Sophie Kavanaugh’s love story from high school right up to adulthood. This story is writing in its rawest form, it grabs your attention, your mind and your heart. Once you are in this book it will not let you back out until it’s over.
Gavin and Sophie meet in high school when Sophie moves to Dublin from America. They part ways a year later when Sophie must return home. Fast forward a few years and they are reunited when Gavin and his band are in town. The story follows the ups and downs of their relationship which is under intense scrutiny of the paparazzi. We see Gavin struggle with wounds from his childhood that he can’t move on from and watch Sophie as she struggles to help him before he spirals completely out of control. Whilst Sophie desperately tries to help Gavin, Conor Quinn, the bands guitarist and Gavin’s best friend steps up to support Sophie but he is clearly attracted to her and does this attraction mean more to him than he’s letting on.
I don’t think that I have read a book quite like this before. It was such an intense and emotional read. I loved Gavin at the beginning – not only is he a rock star but an Irish rock star – my one big weakness but I have to admit as the book progressed I started to dislike him, a lot, and then by the end I liked him again! He’s definitely one of those characters you either love or hate! Sometimes I honestly felt as though I was reading his real life story. It was so well written, so raw, powerful and full of emotion. My heart broke for Sophie numerous times, her love and loyalty never wavered for Gavin considering everything he put her through, even when the temptation of Conor was there – but everybody has their breaking point!
I think it’s only fair that I point out that there are triggers in this book. It covers topics such as alcohol, drug use, addiction and cheating. It does also have a small cliff-hanger at the end. Tangled Up in You is book 2 in the series but I think it’s actually a prequel to book 1 which is called Playing For Love – I haven’t read this book but I think it starts where book 2 finishes so I would maybe considering reading them out of order.
I did enjoy the story – it is quite long but it was easy to read with lots of short chapters which kept my interest. It also has some fantastic descriptive writing.
If you are looking for a sweet romance then this probably isn’t the book for you but if you want a powerful and raw romance book then you need to read it – I definitely recommend this story.
I give 4.5 stars to Tangled Up in You by Lara Ward Cosio.

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Electrified Guitars for Tangled Up In You

Fantastic debut from Lara Ward Cosio, which added to a latge handful of other talented authors brings true literary credit to the rockstar romance subgenre. A very emotional tale that I can't wait to read where she will take Sophie, Gavin and Conor next. Not for the weak at heart, this is a talk of sex, drugs and rock and roll, where no one is free from guilt, but told in such a way that it was impossible for this avid reader to not get fully caught up on the emotional roller coaster. Possibly some areas hit a bit too close to home, but that just added to the realism that flows from these pages. A very impressive debut not to be missed by fans of the rockstar romance. I had this one sitting on my Kindle for much too long, even after a trusted friend had sung its praises with very strong suggestions that this was a must read for me. As usual, she was absolutely correct. At least this leaves me this much closer to Ms. Cosio's next release, which I sincerely hope picks up exactly where this one leaves off. In the mean time, I will spend the next bit of time eating up the pages of the 2nd book, which, if I recall correctly is Conor's point of view. Definitely an author to watch, and one who will be added to my very selective auto buy list. She's that good on her first go out of the gate.
Warnings for explicit sexual situations, drug abuse and a bit of cheating.

[Sasha Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

As a rock author, I find it daunting to find other rocker books that aren't the cookie cutter, boy meets girl and live happily ever after. I need something with substance and depth. I've had this book on my kindle for a while, and finally started reading a few days ago. I couldn't stop! This book has so much depth and the characters are written so well that you feel like you know them in real life. The author knows the industry well and it was great to read a book that captures the insecurities and demons all artists have. Thank you for giving me Sophie and Gavin, Lara. You are truly talented.

[Amy Coury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this rocker book

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In just starting to read this book I can say it has captured my interest. I am already invested in Gavin and Sophie plus the band mates Conor, Martin and Shay. Reading about the history between the boys and then when Sophie comes over to Ireland. Then she leaves Ireland with Gavin's heart. Two years later the band is doing very well and they come to California to play a few places. Sophie ends up going to a show and goes backstage she tries to talk to Gavin but he is mean to her so she leaves. They randomly get together again and decide to get married. Things are going well now for them and the band but I can't help the feeling that the other shoe is going to drop anytime.
10 yrs go by and thing slowly fall apart between Gavin and Sophie. The band did exceptionally well and they are all bona fide rock stars. Sophie comes into her own and becomes a huge model. Martin is married with kids, Shay is still single. Conor has a few relationships but is still in love with Sophie. Gavin is struggling with the media and tabloids about his personal relationships. He tries cocaine one evening during a low point and he seems to like it. Will Conor be able to forget Sophie and move on? Can Gavin control the drug usage or will it control him? Sophie has only wanted Gavin and has since they were 16 years old but is he enough anymore?

This is a very well thought out book and it fleshes out everything the characters have to give. I liked the insight into the rock star world. It's funny how we only look at what they want us to see. This story shows how much goes on behind the scenes. Gives you something to think about.
Time changes everything or does it stay the same?

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled up in you by Lara ward Cosio
Tangled up in you by Lara Ward Cosio is one of the longest reads I've picked up recently, not only in page length but in total time lapse as well. I found myself 're reading and revisiting previous pages because I had a bit of a hard time keeping up with the transitioning between past and present at first, but I'm not sure if it was the fault of the writer or fault of my own for not giving this read the full undivided attention it deserved from the start. Once I sorted out my hang up and figured out the present from the past, it was smooth sailing there on out, and it was a read I couldn't put down.
I loved all the charecters, the bond of music is something that I can relate to and love that it's such a big part in the story.
I do love how the novel tells the story of Sophie and Gavins marriage and does give a glimpse of where their love originated.
Since it is a longer book, it wasn't one that I could read all in one sitting, but it was written in such a way, it didn't kill me to put it down, the chapters were very satisfying and jam packed.
Tangled up in you is part of The Rouge Series and I can't wait to read on with Playing at love.
I would say this is a must read for romance lovers!
I am giving Tangled up in you 4 out of 5 stars for the transitioning confusion in the beginning of my reading journey, but I truly can't wait to read up on these charecters and see where the story goes next.

[Krystal gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Up In You: A Rogue Series Novel is written by Lara Ward Cosio. This is a rock star romance with a kick. I cried at a few spots while reading this. The storyline flows fairly well my only issue was it tended to get blurred when going from past to the present. The characters were strongly written and had interesting moments during the book but I loved them. First there is Gavin, he’s great and Conner is his best friend and Sophie is the love of his life. Gavin knows He lover Sophie, so much so that when it comes time for her to fly back to America He asks her t marry hi, she of course says no, they are only 16. He has issues from his past that come to light and cause huge problems for him when the media releases it. Conner has a sketchy relationship with Sophie and you question his loyalty to Gavin in a few spots. Sophie is an American who choses to go to Dublin for school and ends up meeting the boys at school, and rekindling their relationship when they come to get town. Sophie and Gavin have struggled through out their relationship with being in the spotlight, the band stuff, and her trying to start her career which she placed on hold so that Gavin could fulfill his dream.
Overall I loved the story, I cant wait to read the other books in the Rogue series and get to know the other characters.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even going to give any type of description of what I just read, as all of my crazy emotions are out to create havoc. Plus, all I want to do is call the very talented Lara Ward Cosio names consisting of colorful metaphors. So trying to write this review is going to be challenging enough to keep the f-bombs out of, and trust me there are many, as the twists had me all knotted up. The emotional angst levels nearly brought me to my knees, and my eyes didn't merely leak, they flooded. This is the story of rock star Gavin McManus & Sophie Kavanaugh, who are characters with realistic flaws & quite a bit of depth. The storyline is fast paced, highly emotional, and while the length is longer (which I LOVED) it still wasn't enough. Now I must get to the ending portion of the review. I was left hanging off the side of a cliff so badly, that I have now added Lara Ward Cosio to the list of authors trying to KILL ME DEAD, and she has surpassed the mere #EVILWHORE hashtag, instead she will be forevermore known as #EVILWHOREQUEEN! Especially since I'm still off the charts jacked up. Needless to say, I'm not just a new reader, I'm a FAN, and the addiction is strong in me. I CANNOT GET THE NEXT BOOK IN MY HANDS QUICKLY ENOUGH, so guess what?! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EPIC REALISTIC read that will break your heart.....

TANGLED UP IN YOU is an epic read that will break your heart. Surprisingly this book was written second in the ROGUE series, after PLAYING AT LOVE, but was written as a prequel. I began reading this story, as I was asked to give an honest review on it, however, I loved it so much I purchased it. Ms Cosio's superb writing is what sold me on ths story. The depth, intensity, emotions and characters all combine to make this rock romance different from others within this genre.

This story is not for those who are feint of heart. It covers everything you expect to find in the world of rock; sex, drugs, cheating and relationships. The way in which the author presents these topics is extremely realistic - she does not "white wash" anything. As a reader, I became trapped in the world of Sophie, Gavin and Conor. A world where mistakes are made and where everyone has a guilty conscience.

This story is an absolute MUST READ, one that will touch your heart and your emotions. Once you have finished this one you'll definitely need to read PLAYING AT LOVE, I know I'm about to. This author is most certainly going on my "go to" list

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS

[Treena Ross - Rockstar Book Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

This is the first book I have read from this author and I am a huge fan.

First off her writing is exceptional, it has been awhile since I have read something with the quality this author has done. These characters are complex, intense and emotionally charged.

This is a draker romance, but one that has to be read, it is truly a Rockstar romance we get to see the good and the very ugly side of fame. I was gutted many times throughout this book and I was emotionally involved from the very start. I loved each of these characters from ther perfection to their fatal faults and everything in between.

If you are looking for a story that has emotion, angst, love, respect and true life issues that you can relate to then grab this book and absorb it all. You will not be disappointed. I am honored to have had the chance to enter this author's world and get a good look at her characters because I will remain a fan and look forward to the next from her.

I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Rockstar Book Muse

[Kim Brewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is a bit a a slow burn for me. It didn't grab me right away (thus the -.5) but once it did I held on tight and was totally absorbed in the story. The story tells the beginning of Sophie and Gavin. How they meet when 16 year old American Sophie goes to Dublin for a year of schooling, their parting a year later and when they reconnect 3 years later. Gavin is the emotionally tortured rock star and Sophie is his place to fall, the love of his life and the one he will hurt the most...but how long can you hold someone else up without starting to need someone to lean on yourself. For Sophie this was Gavin's best friend, band mate and writing partner Conor. This story explores the issues of fame on relationships and the impact on friendships. I really enjoyed it and can not wait to jump into the next book.

[Kaylene Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 is my year of catching up on book reviews. As an author myself, I never realized how much book reviews are important. So, I’m doing my bit!

Anyway - years ago when I first read this series, I was like…Irish? Check. Rockstar? Check.

What a great decision.

This series is so very real. It’s not necessarily traditional, but I loved how it spans years. Lara’s writing style is inclusive. Her worlds are well thought out and accurate. And the emotion? Heartbreaking. Joyous. Maddening. All of the amazing elements that make a rockstar romance so compelling.

Highly, highly recommend.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing story!! This was so much more than just a rock star romance. Lara Ward Cosio takes on a ten year journey through the ups and downs of a relationship. The relationship between Gavin and Sophie was written in such a real and emotional way that you can not help but root for a happy ending and finding your heart broken right along side them.

Gavin and Sophie's story is not over and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!!!

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway!!!

[Vanessa Tomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second book by author Lara Ward Cosio, it is actually the prequel to her first published book Playing At Love and provides many defining details behind two of her main characters, Sophie the nurturing woman and the self-destructive Gavin. Her story leads the reader down a path of how childhood can define adulthood, whether it's to become a caretaker wanting to be needed or the wounded soul struggling to feel they are worthy of love. It's the evolution of the band, Rogue and their quick rise to stardom. It's the pulling-in-all-directions feel when the members of Rogue find they are headed in separate directions and their fight to stay true to the spirit of their unity.

The author pulls you into her story with such pristine details that the reader feels they are part of the book, be it traveling to new destinations, walking into a beautiful home, exploring the world around or having a conversation with friends. Lara Ward Cosio's writing is compelling and dynamic. I am eager to see more from her!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and the writing was very good. This is book one of a series and focus's on Gavin the lead singer of the band Rogue and his love for Sophie. Its a tiny bit of a triangle with the guitarist Conor his best friend who is featured in book 2. This book is available through Kindle Unlimited.

Sophie moves to Ireland for one year during high school and meets Gavin. They fall in love but have to part after that year. He goes on to form the band Rogue with his friends as the songwriter who feeds on the grief of loosing his mother at age 7. This loss controls his life and causes to him to make some bad decisions at times. After they meet again while Sophie is in college they rekindle what they had and eventually marry while Conor secretly loves her from afar. She stands by Gavin through good times and bad and eventually becomes a model in order to have something of her own after never finishing college. The book spans about 12 years starting in the early 2000's and ends on a cliffhanger of sorts with all three at a crossroads in their lives.

[Katy Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read about first loves who go through a hell of a lot. The storyline was touching. You felt the emotions, wanting to scream at them to open their eyes. Gavin with his habit. Sophie and Conor, which i was actually rooting for. But now the end has left me confused. I am yet again rooting for Gavin.

You can not help but feel a connection to all the characters and i love that. If you love rock stars and supermodels, but also love a twisted love story. This is great for you.

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh this book gutted me . Gavin and Sophie are raw characters. Yes this is a rock star love story , however it's not your normal book. This author shows you sides of these characters that rip you apart and then slowly puts you back together , all to gut you again. Colin, Gavin, and Sophie along with all the other characters are real and have suffered . I loved this book it gave me more feels than almost any other book I've read.

[Angela Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. Plenty of drama, but it's all plausible and the characters are completely believable, as are their reactions to situations. Lots of twists and turns. The book certainly keeps you interested and wanting to find out what happens next. A romantic relationship is at the core of the book, but it's so much more than a romance.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cracking start to a series, looking forward to reading more.

[Terri (N.J.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Up in You is Gavin and Sophia’s story and it is Amazing!! Book one in the Rogue series. I loved this so much. A Rock and Roll romance with the ups and downs and everything that you would imagine that goes with the lifestyle. The writing was incredible and so descriptive you see it, you feel it and you experience it. There is so much to this story and it’s real, raw and unapologetic. Book 2 continues their story along with Conor’s story. This crew Gavin, Conor, Shay and Martin are all friends who started the band back in high school. The bond and friendship exude such feelings with this group it pulls you right in. I look forward to continuing their journeys. LOVE!

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars.

Audiobook Review

Tangled Up in You is book 1 of the Rogue series. This book is about the lives of the band Rogue and follows them from childhood friends and bandmates to super-fame status. This is the first experience that I have had with this author. I would probably try something else by her again sometime.

It was a bit of a slow start for me but then I got sucked in for quite a while and didn't want to stop listening. But then around half way through, I started to realize that this book wasn't really going anywhere and it definitely wasn't the rockstar romance that I had thought it was. This book is more of a what happens after the quick romance of two of the main characters, Sophie and Gavin who fell in love at 16 then lost touch and re-connected at around 18/19 and then quickly got married. It became more of a chronicle of the characters lives over years and honestly it started became a bit monotonous for me. The biggest issue was that I wasn't able to connect with the characters. Perhaps it was the POV used or the fact that we never really spent any amount of time on any particular thing. The book is over 80 chapters long and many of the chapters are super short since it was bouncing from one thing to another. It was more of a highlights reel for their lives. We got the gist of what was happening and how they felt but then we were quickly moved to another moment in time.

The book is told in 3rd person POV and primarily bounces from Sophie, Gavin, and Connor's POV. At times it was omniscient and a bit exposé sounding when there would be lines talking about how, "little did they know, this picture would become iconic". It really became kind of like a weird tell-all celebrity in depth TV show. At times it worked and other times it did not.

There are a ton of pop culture references in this book. And at times it seemed as though headlines from those celebrity gossip magazines were used as part of the story.

Around 65% in, I was feeling pretty done with the book. I decided at that time to check out the reviews so I could find some spoilers and decide if I should force myself to finish. After reading things that would happen next, I went ahead and called it quits around 70%. I don't want to hear more of what happens. Especially since I saw that there is no resolution to this story, only that it will continue on in the next book. Unfortunately, I am going to give the rest of this series a hard pass. It isn't for me.

Usually I won't rate a book that I don't finish but I invested enough time with this book that it warrants a review and rating.

And even though this book wasn't for me, doesn't mean it won't be for you. There was nothing wrong with this book, I don't even dislike it. It was literally a case of it's me, not you. I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story and no longer wanted to continue when it became clear that it was more of a tell-all and overview of many years worth of their lives. Plus the whole betrayal of your best-friend/practically brother, just wasn't something I wanted to see from these characters.

As far as the narration is concerned, this narrator was really good. He did a great job. I enjoyed listening to him. His voices and accents were great and it was easy to determine who was speaking. I would definitely listen to this narrator again.