Stoned

Wrecked #1

by Mandi Beck

“A rock star with no rhythm is a man with no soul.” – Stone Lockhart

As the lead singer of one of the hottest bands to hit the rock scene, fucks are free, drugs come easy, and music is life.
For as long as Stone can remember, Willow has been his music – the notes that weave his soul together.
His rhythm.
Until he threw her away.
All he has left is a handful of pills and a few lines of powder to make him forget her.
And he tries, over and over.

Clean and ready to make things right, he’s faced with the fact that Willow’s moved on. She’s not the same girl he cast aside. Willow’s a woman sure about her purpose in life. Sure about who she’s meant to love.
Stone may be lost without his rhythm, but Willow has found so much more.


****STANDALONE****

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

Audible Audio

First published July 11, 2016

Reviews

[TJ ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

-3.5 stars-

🎸 plot: rockstar is addicted to drugs. cheats on his longtime girlfriend constantly. verbally abuses her. all around treats her like trash. then she leaves him and he OD's and goes to rehab. when he gets out he goes back for her and finds her with a 1 y/o baby and dating another guy. grovel party commences.

🎸 first up, does anyone else think that cover looks like a young, worse-looking johnny depp? .....no? maybe it's just the hair?

🎸 i think this book woulda felt more impactful if we'd been shown the cheating, the drugs, all the horrible shit he used to say to her. this book was 80% grovel so i just wanted more context and also to make the feat of making the reader forgive him more of a challenge

🎸 lol stone pulled a noah from the notebook. or should i say a scott disick 💅🏽



🎸 willow is my fucking girllll. i see why all these dudes are falling over themselves for her, she's the girl you write songs about. she was strong, talented, resilient, and no pushover. honestly this book wouldn't have worked for me at all without her. i loved that she's a musician in her own right and stone's band is her family. all her dynamics w the other characters were rly cute and i liked that even stone's friends were on her side, as they should be 😌

🎸 i actually forgave stone v early for all the shit he did, but his personality wasn't it for me. i wanted more range and just didn't connect to him the way i did willow. also a lot of the stuff he said was mad corny, repetitive, and his devil-may-care attitude just irked me sometimes. like... the fuck is your musty ass so happy abt 😒😒

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 My Rhythm STARS



Stone Lockhart is the lead singer of Wrecked and this hero/antihero surely wrecks his relationship with his first and only love, Willow. Stone falls hard into drug use, other women, fame and breaks sweet Willow's heart.



Willow leaves the tour and starts a new life all the while the arrogant Stone’s world isn’t affected until he realizes that he has finally lost her. Stone really thought that Willow would be waiting for him and that a few apologies would fix what he has broken. When he realizes that she’s gone without a trace he falls hard and finds himself serving ninety days in drug rehabilitation center.

”She was right to leave me. Fuck, I threw her away. My muse, my heart. Threw her away without a care.”



The story is told in dual povs as Willow has made a new life for herself and Stone becomes clean and hell bent on finding his girl.

”The irony isn’t lost on me. I couldn’t keep my dick in my pants when I had a good woman in my bed, now that she’s gone, she’s all I want. It’s every fucking sad song ever written.”

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Willow has a secret or two that Stone isn’t aware of and when he finds her settled and happy in Canada he has his work cut out for himself in winning her back.

”I know what loving you looks like. I see it in the mirror every single fucking day. I know.” I shake my head and give a little shrug. “It ain’t him.”



The story is well written, angsty, though a bit on the long side. I found the hero not as likable as I would have preferred and at times still too pushy and self-centered. Also, I felt like there was a book before this one that I missed. Which leads me to feel that the story should have started in the past following the prologue. Still, the story was well put together and the author definitely someone to watch for in the future.

”Music makes everything better.”

[juli✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 𝟰.𝟱 ✧

〖 You always were my little birdie though. Singing so pretty just for me. 】

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗖 ♫ - forget me too (MACHINE GUN KELLY ft. HALSEY)


✒ 𝗔 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗙 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘

▸//▸ this review will include all the spoilers. in addition, i do want to mention that Stoned includes cheating. the hero Stone Lockhart repeatedly cheated on the heroine Willow before she left him. it also deals with drug use // drug recovery and rape so, if you're not into any of that you probably will not like the character of Stone, or STONED in general.

-ˏˋ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 - 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ˎˊ-

❝You keep living like a rock star you’re gonna die like a fucking rock star.❞

➷ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 ➷

STONED is one heavy book. It deals with Stone Lockhart, lead singer for the band Wrecked. He appears to have it all, until little by little his carefully built world comes crashing down.

At the start of the book we see Stone literally losing the love of his life, and it isn't due to a tragedy, but instead it's due to him and his actions.

Stone is Willow's whole world, until he isn't. She's tired of the partying, the drugs, and the parade of other women. So, she leaves.

Thus, over the course of this book we get to see Stone's journey of redemption, we witness Willow's resilience, and we get to see if love truly conquers all.

♥ 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗘. . . and I have to admit, he really won me over by the end of the book. I think Stone is a hero you'll either root for, or you'll wish him death by a thousand paper cuts. Personally, I really liked him. He had an incredible story arc, and I loved that he backed up his apologies and grand statements with actions.

❝I have more problems than a man in my position should. I acknowledge them because it’s a reminder of what my weaknesses cost me. I’ll continue to until I convince you that you are my strength. You and music are what has me admitting just how fucking weak I am.❞

Additionally, I felt for him, and while I didn't always agree with his choices, I could sometimes understand them, or at least where they were coming from. Moreover, the love he had for not only Willow, but the entire band was beautiful to see. Stone's a rough character, and he has harsh edges, and due to that I can understand why so many people are split on him. Ultimately, though, I think he more than earned his redemption and Willow's love.


♥ 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗔 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘. . . and I sincerely loved her for it. Willow, Willow, Willow. What is there to say about Willow other than, wow. This woman was put through the damn wringer and she not only survived, but damn well thrived. I loved that she was able to look at the situation she was in with Stone and say, "enough." That took guts, that took courage, and that took an extreme amount of bravery. Moreover, I loved that she actually tried to move on with her life. When we see her post-Stone she's made a real life for herself in Toronto, she's raising her daughter as a single mother, and she's started dating again. Personally, I was here for it , and I really appreciated her forcing Stone to upend his life for her.

〖 Awkward is loving the wrong man but hating him almost as much, all while adoring the right one. 】

Fundamentally, Willow was the type of heroine who, at first glance, appears weak, quiet, and reserved. And yet, she was the exact opposite. Instead, she was one of the strongest heroines I've ever read about. She was resilient, a true fighter, deeply caring, and spoke deliberately and thoughtfully. Willow's been through hardship, and yet. . . she didn't let it beat her. She was never afraid to stand up for herself, and due to that, I left STONED feeling an immense amount of respect for Willow.


♥ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗚𝗨𝗧-𝗪𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚. . . painful, hard to watch, and yet oh so satisfying. Author Mandi Beck wrote one of the most heartbreaking romances I've read this year. Seriously, it was rough witnessing Stone hurt Willow over and over and over again. It was sad watching Stone sober up and realize he'd basically thrown the love of his life in the damn trashcan. I got emotional seeing Willow begin to move on and realize that Stone was no longer going to be apart of her future. I began to feel hopeful when Stone started owning his mistakes and making a serious attempt to win Willow back. I felt conflicted between Joaquin and Stone, and ultimately, all I cared about was Willow and her heart. More than that, I felt elated each and every time Stone came back and fought for the right to hold Willow's heart.

❝Want you. Need you. Live you. Breathe you.❞ I shrug. ❝All of it and then some. I'm not giving you up, Wills. He wants to fight? I'll fight.❞

I'm not gonna lie, the romance is what makes or breaks STONED. If you're not invested in watching Stone fight to fix his fuck-ups, or if you don't want a long drawn out 'grovel-party' then STONED won't work for you. However, if you're interested in watching two people attempt to mend a sea of hurt and fix a shit-ton of pain, then this book is definitely for you. This book truly shows the power of love and just how unbreakable it is. Stone proves that if you truly step up, make meaningful change, and put in the damn work, love can be everlasting and beautiful.


🅾🅺🅰🆈 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗦. . . fine. I'm gonna be honest, I really really really don't like love triangles. I think I still have a bad association with them, because when I first got into romance novels they were everywhere. Personally, I think they're a bit pointless, because usually you can smell which hero is endgame from a mile away. That said, I didn't mind it here. Joaquin was a pretty good character in his own right, and I loved that Willow actually made an attempt to move on with an actual good guy who had some great moments.

❝I don't date musicians either.❞ Though that too is the wrong word for him.
❝Prejudice against your own kind?❞ he mocks, rubbing a hand over his beard, a grin threatening.
I shake my head, ❝I'm no musician—❞
❝Oh, chèrie, that's a lie. I've seen you, heard the magic that’s trapped inside that pretty little soul. You can't lie to me. I see who you are,❞ Joaquin says, his molten chocolate gaze holding me captive.

I liked that Joaquin was an actual good alternative to Stone, and TBH, if this romance was a true blue IRL love story he'd probably emerge the 'winner' in the race for Willow's heart. However, in romancelandia his cardinal sin was that. . . he wasn't Stone. I appreciated that despite realizing that Stone was most likely going to come back into Willow's life in a real way, he never stopped being there for Willow. You could truly see that he was there for Willow, and that he loved Willow in his own way. That said, what really pissed me off about Joaquin, and why I wasn't too sad to see him go, was the way he just blurted out how Lyric was conceived. That was a private story, that was Willow's story, and I hated him for telling Stone those intimate details in a moment of personal anger.


♥ 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗟. . . So, lets get this intense ass ɢʀᴏᴠᴇʟ-ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ underway. There's a big reason I picked up STONED, and that reason is simple, I knew that STONED featured a massive grovel party. There's something so satisfying about watching a hero earn, and beg, and claw his way back into the heroines good graces. It makes my heart so damn happy.

➷ ꜰᴏʀ ᴇxᴀᴍᴘʟᴇ, ꜱᴛᴏɴᴇᴅ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴜꜱ: ➷

🄾🄽🄴 ~ an apology that spanned almost the entire book. You see the most important aspect of a grovel party is the length, and STONED delivered in spades. Stone begins the book going to rehab and immediately begins to write Willow letters. He then comes to Toronto and apologizes over and over and over and over. He buys a house in Toronto to show that he's in it for the long haul. He writes her a whole damn album, and he's simply there for Willow.

❝Willow’s my rhythm. You don't know nothing about that though,❞ I taunt. ❝And what's a rock star without rhythm, Joaquin? He’s a man with no soul. Soulless, reckless, and a little desperate. None of that bodes well for you.❞

🅃🅆🄾 ~ we see Stone absorbing Willow's hurt and empathizing with her pain. I think the most important aspect to a grovel-party is the way the hero (or heroine) reacts to the injured parties pain. I don't want to see the hero (or heroine) who inflicted pain go on the defensive. No, I want to see them own their mistakes, make amends, and listen, truly listen, to what the aggrieved party has to say. This, in my humble opinion, is where Stone shined. Over the course of STONED we witness Stone truly comprehending just how much pain he inflicted upon Willow. We see him grapple with, and come to terms with, the hurt he caused Willow. We see him take in her words, we see him ruminate his past actions, and we see him truly empathize with all that Willow's been through.

❝I’ve been a fuck-up all my life, Wills. I fucked up everything because I could, and everyone let me because nobody gave a fuck. I fucked up with you so bad, over and over I fucked up, baby. I know I did. I did you dirty when all you did was love me,❞ he says shakily.

🅃🄷🅁🄴🄴 ~ what truly made Stone's grovel so cleansing was his actions throughout the book. The third, and probably most important, aspect of a true blue grovel party is the actions that the groveler takes. You see, words are pretty, and they can have immense power, but at the end of the day they are just that. . . words. Thus, what makes a grovel party, a true grovel party, so fantastic is the actions and demonstrations the groveler makes. Consequently, Stone's best step, and biggest action, was when he accepted Lyric as his own daughter. This was a move that proved to me just how much he loved Willow, and how much she truly meant to him. What he did was tough, it was intense, and it was difficult. Lyric represented so many things, and yet at the same time she was pure and innocent. His love for Lyric and what his loving her said, spoke volumes.

❝Why would I go? Because Lyric isn’t mine? She yours, Wills?❞ Remembering where we are I try to keep my voice low. ❝Because last time I checked, you’re her mom and that makes her my family. Lyric being here is partly on me, and I’m sorry for what happened. I’ll never stop being sorry for that, but I’ll never be sorry that she’s here.❞

Ultimately, I came for the intense grovel party I was sure to get, and I stayed for a heart wrenching romance that was more than its grovel. Stone demonstrated just how powerful forgiveness can be. And I for one loved seeing his journey of apology, redemption, and earning forgiveness.


✔ 𝗟𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗖, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗘𝗥. . . was heartbreaking. Now, this is where we get into real 🅂🄿🄾🄸🄻🄴🅁 territory, so if you don't want to know, turn back now.

▸//▸ 🛑 ⚠️  a brief content warning this section does discuss rape and a child conceived due to that. Thus, if any of that makes you uncomfortable please skip the bottom half of this section. <3

So, Lyric. First, I want to give my thoughts on Lyric before the 'twist' or should I say 'the mystery' surrounding her was revealed. Personally, I was pretty meh on her as a character. To be quite honest, she wasn't really present in the story that much. If anything, it seemed like almost all of her page time was spent sleeping, or being passed off to Willow's friends to be babysat. I understood//understand her place in the story, and I wholeheartedly respect it.

〖 My Lyric, who should be a daily reminder of the horror that I went through, is my saving grace. 】

That said. . . she felt very underutilized as a character. The way she was handled - character wise - throughout the entire book reminded me why I used to hate having babies // children in my romances. She felt like an obstacle for our heroine to work around, instead of feeling like a real living breathing character.

ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴀɪᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟ ᴏꜰ ʟʏʀɪᴄ'ꜱ ʙᴀᴄᴋꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴡᴀꜱ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋɪɴɢ.

The fact that Willow was inadvertently put in a dangerous situation, that led to her being raped, because of Stone's action gave Lyric's presence in the book such a heavy meaning. Lyric character-wise may have not made that much of an impact, but what she represented did. Willow's decision to keep Lyric was a brave one, and it was an incredibly tough one. It is a decision no woman ever wants to go through. However, the way she loved Lyric with her whole being was mighty, and it was awe-inspiring. More than that, I loved that she never, not once, allowed anyone to look down on her daughter.

“She's mine. My heart’s rhythm. Don't you look at her like she's not,” I cry.

Additionally, watching Stone come to terms with this news, absorbing any pain he may have felt, and then immediately focusing on Willow, proved that he was wholeheartedly there for his girl. He didn't allow Lyric's conception to darken the light she brought to Willow's life. Moreover, I truly appreciated the way he was 1000% willing and wanting to care for and treat Lyric as his own. Lyric was a unique character, and her addition to STONED was an another demonstration in how resilient and loving Willow truly was.


♥ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗧. . . especially Perry. I'll say this once, and I'll most likely say it many more times, but authors really need to utilize their side characters better. There is truly nothing worse than when a romance novel only deals with, and shows, the hero and the heroine. Side-characters, truly great side-characters, liven up any book, and they can also become the beating heart for any story. That was definitely the case for STONED. From Perry, to Bear (i think that's his name, LOL) and his wife, to Joaquin, too Lawson, each one of these characters brought something special to the story.

“I want to get out of here, Law,” I bite out.
“You want to get out or you want to get high? Because those are two different things, bro. You want to get out, you do what they tell you to. Get clean and do your shit. You want to get high . . . that I can’t help you with.”
Again, not a punch puller.

I loved that they weren't just. . . there. Instead, they truly brought STONED to life, and they fleshed out not just the world of STONED, but Willow and Stone as well. The story wouldn't have been the same without them, and I adored the way in which each of these characters moved throughout the story.


-ˏˋ 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 ~ 𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 ˎˊ-

♫ ♥ STONED was a true grovel-party, and yet, it was much more than that. STONED told the story of Willow, a resilient single mother who was trying to move on from a relationship that brought her immense pain. STONED also told the story of a man named Stone Lockhart. It trialed his highest highs, and his lowest lows. It showed his near death, and his triumphant comeback from addiction.

♫ ♥ STONED was a saga in forgiveness and what it means to truly love someone through thick and thin. This story, at its heart, was a story of redemption. It was the story of love, and it was a story of fighting for that mythical happily ever after.

♫ ♥ Ultimately, STONED will not be for everyone. It deals with heavy topics such as; cheating, drug addiction, rape, and immense heartbreak. And yet, there was also a beating light of hope that was ever present throughout the entire book. Thus, if you're in the mood for a rockstar romance that is so much more than that, then I implore you, check out STONED.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stoned is a hot mess in regards to the hero Stone and how he acts and treats the heroine, Willow. This book is a very high energy read mainly because of Stone and how he's recovering from a back drug addiction, which makes his long term girlfriend, and soulmate, leave him, and disappears in the hope he'll never find her because he also abused and treated her horribly. Stone is a character you hate, and is far from what a hero should be. He is obsessive, possessive, and blames everyone else for his actions, which are immature and borderline psychotic. This is one book people will either embrace because they love the misunderstood yet abusive hero because he's a rock star who deserves redemption just because, or you'll end up tossing this read to the side because it's ridiculous in it's telling and with the main couple who should stay far away from one another.

Stoned begins in a very confusing way because it feels as if there was a book prior to this one that introduced Stone and Willow. Stone is high, drunk, beligerant. Willow comes to him after one of his show to tell him she is finally leaving him. Stone has done something so horrible to Willow that he can't remember. He probably did cheat on her, which may or omay not be the first time. But something more damaging has happened. Willow disappears from Stone's life. He can't find her, and because of that he OD's and goes to rehadb for 90 days. He thinks if he finally gets clean, Willow will forgive him and they'll be happy again. But Willow never wants to see Stone again, She has more important things to think about, mainly her daughter who may or may not be Stone's.

Willow has created a new life for herself and her baby daughter Lyric. She is even dating a gentleman of a guy, a French singer who doesn't push her too hard. She thinks she can move on withouth Stone, but since he's tenacious, he finds out where she is living and ends up stalking her. He still doesn't have any boundaries, fights her gentleman boyfriend and would have no problem forcing himself on Willow as his idea of seduction to get what he wants.

Willow is about to have an emotional breakdown because of Stone, and from that she tells Stone the truth about Lyric. Her baby daughter is not his because of the events of the night she found him high and in bed with another woman.Lyric is the consequence of Willow's rape that night because she was given a rape drug and has no idea who the father is, which isn't really explained and glossed over.

Stoned is horrid. Everyone in this book is horrible, Stone more so because he's the type of man a woman would get a restraining order against. Willow is very wishy-washy but also the perfect example of what a victim of abuse is like and really needs to go to therapy. Neither Willow or Stone are deemable or ones you can have any emotional connection with.

Stoned gets a big pass because the ide of a HEA for Willow and Stone together gives me the willies. This is far from want a romance is, and should be.

PASS!

[Ana Laura]

He cheats on her, dumped her to fuck another woman (he says he always knew what he was doing all the time! So do not give me the excuse that he was high!) She is raped and has a daughter! And she still forgives the guy? !!!! Why do not the writers write about strong women who get over this kind of shit and get on with their lives without those losers ?! Why do not authors write plausible stories ?! A real and healthy relationship would never have continuity after so much shit! Wanting to romanticize this kind of nonsense is fucking garbage!

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Mandi Beck" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!



TITLE: Stoned
AUTHOR: Mandi Beck
GENRE: Contemporary Romance | A second chance romance
CHAPTERS: 42
RELEASE DATE: July 13th 2016

MY RATING: 5 STARS





STONED: Starts off with the 'Prologue' with Stone spiraling out of control in a drug induced binge. This is spoken in 'Dual Perspectives' (Willow & Stone).
This is very easy to get into, your thrown right into the gritty world of a renowned bad boy rock star, a revolving door of fast woman, to losing the the woman he loves, to the easy flow of drugs.

We've been together for years
and in one night
I threw it all away

Needles to say Stone is a drug addict that chases that high from pill popping, to snorting, to chasing it all down with a shot glass of expensive booze.



Arriving home after an eight month stint touring, Stone's life spirals down a drug induced haze when he finds Willow not at home waiting for him, instead he arrives to an empty shell of a home without her.

And just like that, my heart stops beating in rhythm.

I'm ready to not feel
I don't want to miss her
I don't want to remember
Just want to be numb.

Due to a near overdose and found unresponsive Stone is handed an intervention
1: Jail time
OR
2: Rehab

Stone chose the lesser of the two evils and that was rehab.



I hurt her over and over and over, and she never stopped loving me until I destroyed her. That's the day her heart stopped beating in rhythm...for me.

After his stint in rehab he chased down Willow and made it his mission to try to win back her heart. But will it be enough? Will she forgive him for all his shortcomings? Can they piece back the broken parts of themselves?

I was a piece of shit boyfriend
when I was high.
And I did her dirty.
But that's all done and I
have a lot of making up
to do.

I'm the glue that puts all her pieces back together. All those beautiful pieces are mine to fix.

I loved the realness to this story, the angst, the heartbreak, Stone seeking to redeem himself to his one, his muse, his soul mate Willow. I loved the feels, the simplicity of the story, how it jumped from past to present flawlessly.

My emotions are a chaotic riot
I love him
I hate him
I want to hold him
I want to hit him
I want so much.
But I don't know what to do with any of it. - Willow

My heart doesn't beat in rhythm when you're not around.
You gotta know I need you, to be me."

[ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

i believe in Joaquin supremacy.

the way i wished this romance was between Willow and Joaquin. they were so lovely together, and he was attentive, protective and sexy😏🤌🏻 like him telling her whenever he looked at her and her daughter, all he felt and saw was warmth... swoon. then him staring at her front door, touching his lips after their kiss🥰🥺

in a world full of Stones, know you deserve a Joaquin😌 ...until the author tries to villainise him to elevate Stone bcos what other way could we be shown that Stone is the better choice, huh?

now, Stone... i don’t think i have been so indifferent to a hero in such long fucking time😭 he was just just an obnoxious, rockstar caricature to the point where i just laughed so much bcos he was just cringey af. if some guy said half the shit that Stone said to Willow to me, id pray for the ground to open and swallow me up. idgaf if it takes me to the pits of hell itself... just get this mans away from me, please. please.

i knew going into this the shit Stone did to Willow, how he goes to rehab to become a better man then returns to fight for her.

but fight isn’t exactly the word i would use... more like “obsessively stalk and constantly disregard her personal space.”

like i can’t be the only one who found it... weird as fuck that he hired a PI to essentially track Willow down when she explicitly asked to be left alone when she originally left. like why the fuck would she want to see y’all lmao.

and when he finds her again... he just had zero respect for her boundaries. if this was any other romance and Stone was the evil ex and not the hero... his actions would be perceived as creepy and inappropriate. the “hero” would threaten him to stay away from Willow for behaving so intrusively. so idk why it was portrayed as romantic lol. he was pushy af, always up in her face. he deserved a swift throat-punch and just needed to back off.

bcos, i didn’t hate him (like i said, it was amused indifference more than anything) i just wanted him to approach things with more tact and less boisterousness. he was just too defensive for my tastes and was still the selfish narcissist he was when he was taking drugs. just without the drugs🤷🏻‍♀️ he didn’t know when to reel himself in— his “alpha” attitude wasn’t alpha... it was just toxic.

his apologises were more like arrogant taunts dripping with smugness. that he knew, no matter his actions, he was gonna get her back— even if he didn’t deserve it. Stone seemed to think him writing her some pretty songs and reminiscing about the different ways he used to fuck her (and mans didn’t even fuck her all that good when they finally did have sex... Willow was right when she said he was “a man of words, not actions”🙂) was worth more than safety, security, trust, forgiveness... he just waxed poetics that i didn’t feel in the slightest. he literally said the same thing over and over and over again with very few redeemable actions. bcos his pushiness i don’t count as him grovelling. it just showed me he had zero respect for her.

like if i had a pound for every time he said “you’re my rhythm” about Willow like he was declaring he’d found the cure for cancer, id be fucking rolling in it as we speak.

he literally just shows up at the many different places Willow is at and repeats the same shit he did the previous day when he stalked her lmao. same old shit, nothing new: rockstar drug addict addition.

i could analyse forever in detail particular things he said that had my inner alarm bells losing their fucking shit... but the book didn’t anger me enough to care lol. i was mainly just resigned while reading bcos i knew my anger and frustration was no use lol. wow, maybe i am growing as a person??

he was just... meh. i didn’t have strong feelings towards him, mainly resignation and indifference bcos he had the potential, but his arrogant roguish attitude was a major turn off.

like him repeating in detail to Willow (and sometimes to other characters🤪) the different ways he used to fuck her was just not it. a major pet peeve of mine in regards to heroes in second chance romances is when they wield their sex appeal like a fucking two inch sword to sway the heroine to forgive him ://// the hero of Stealing Home: St. Michaels Duet - Book 2 did the same and it made me wanna swiftly kick him up the arse, tbh.

bcos yeah, you might still have chemistry and sexual tension... but that isn’t enough. being all seductive, saying how the heroine still wants you sexually and blah, blah, blah is just a major turn off to me, and shows that the hero really hasn’t changed🤷🏻‍♀️ bcos he’d be showing in his behaviour and actions that he was a different man, not reverting to some childish, obnoxious antics to tempt the heroine into bed. i think it’s kinda gross, honestly.

like put your two inch salami away, kid, and actually use the two brain cells you’ve got to... idk, be a decent human being??

so it’s a no from me.

...but once Stone learnt the truth about Lyric, i liked him more (not but much, but enough). it was low-key the slap in the face i thought he needed— that cocky, self-assured guy still existed but it wasn’t as intolerable as before. he wasn’t as pushy with Willow, he gave her space while still trying to show he cared. that’s what i wanted from the beginning, not his low-key aggressive, defensiveness.

it still didn’t do much to alleviate my disinterest of him though, lol. while i was hooked by the book and Willow’s journey... Stone bored me mostly— like this bitch could solve world hunger and id be like
👁 👄 👁 ...okaaaaaay???? aaaaand??

he was just basic bitch. and we don’t fuck with basic bitches here💅🏻 gimme the flavour, the spice, the ✨zest✨not this unseasoned white boy who thinks announcing to an entire bar, where the heroine works btw, that her new boyfriend can’t compete bcos he doesn’t have a pierced dick and she loves that shit... i– keep your “fruity” antics to yourself next time. please. im begging you.

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nicely written he grovel for 300 pages but he is a junkie
She is raped while he is high and he is cheating her AND she takes him back
NOOOOOO
YOU HAVE A DECENTE MAN LOVING YOU
NOOOOOO
sorry stupid heroines is one of my hard limit

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my,

oh, sweet Jesus...

Just stating this: those of you who loved Ghosted by J.M. Darhower will simply be overwhelmed with this story of second chances after the biggest fucking mistakes one can ever make in drugs & alcohol induced dickhead behavior that lead to cheating his one and only love, that he took for granted, then deal with fallout, the regret, guilt, remorse and yet find the strength to admit it to himself, man up and after deep groveling, finding his own redemption in search for forgivness , he fights for the chance to be whole again with the only person ever worth fighting for...cause she is all he ever needed, his heartbeat, his rhythm...

I need you, to be me.

He's Stone Lockhart , the lead singer of the band Wrecked. And he's on his way to get back the love of his life, his muse, his everything and more - Willow 'Birdie/Wills' Avery




Those of you who can stand to go through major angst, pent up emotional grovel and anticipation and yet you can 'forgive' the main character's fuck ups and give him a chance to be a better man, like the heroine did, than you fuckin go for it and embark on a very emotionally overwhelming story....

BUT

if you have major issues with the mentioned fuck ups than well, dont embark on the journey unless you can find your inner will to push your limits...

You figure out for yourself if he deserves a second chance, yeah well, depending on the shit one pulls off, circumstances I guess, and well your own strength to stay true to yourself and accept the shit from the past and move on, built on further grounds on self-worth...hmmm

I guess, everyone should deserve a second chance, no?!

But just to state, the one doing the forgiving, is one of the strongest, bravest heroines I have ever read about and not because of the obvious, but because of what she went through, she owned it, and turned it into her victory, amazing female character.

*Snow out*

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

♬♬♬♬4 Lollipop Stars♬♬♬♬



Stone Lockart was the very definition of a bad ass Rockstar. From money, to women and fame, he's had everything but along with that came the drugs. Having been with his longtime girlfriend Willow, he thinks that she's always gonna be there for him but little does he kow, she's had enough and decides to leave him. Finally realizing that she's gone, he decides to make a change and go to rehab to get himself clean. But can he win her back?

Willow has always loved making music with Stone and it became their thing. From teenage years, to adult hood, she's been there every step of the way in his career and nothing has ever made her more proud than seeing him on stage living his dream. But with that dream came the downside of fame and Stone has sadly gave into those tempations. At her breaking point, Willow has decided to leave him despite how much she loves him. But will she ever really move on from Stone?

"Your words went from being my cure to being my curse".

After a long grueling battle in rehab, Stone is ready to win back Willow and he's willing to do whatever it takes. But while he was attempting to get his life back in order, Willow moved on. Being gone for almost two years, Willow's life has changed dramatically. She's finally at peace with her world and has made some amazing new friends that would do anything for her. But Stone isn't someone that you forget so easily and that peace that she's found? It's about to be completely obliterated.
I have to say that I was completely surprised by the angst!! Being an angst whore, I was in love with certain scenes and it made everything better for me. Stone has hurt Willow in the worst possible way and I really didn't see how he could've made amends for that. But he fought like hell and I have to applaud his determination and strength throughout everything. He knew that Willow wasn't just going to allow him back in her life that easily and he was willing to do whatever. These two shared such an amazing connection through music, that you literally felt it and I loved seeing that.

" I know what it does to a man to love you so fucking completely that he can't breathe without you". I know what loving you looks like. I see it in the mirror every fucking day. I know".

I would've liked to see some more flashbacks of when they were younger so I couldve known how they met, but that's me being greedy. My only other issue that I had was I felt the ending was too rushed. I wanted more time with Stone and Willow and a very important part of the storyline went unanswered for me. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this one and if you love dirty talking bad boy rockstars, Stone Lockart is your guy.

*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Jena]

Spoiler note to self






Rocker H got addicted to drugs and cheated on h. He kicked her out of the hotel one night to fuck another girl. She’s an orphan had nowhere to go so she goes to a bar and was fed date rape drug and raped. She’s preg from the rape. Leaves the H.

He goes to rehab, remain celibate for 2 yrs. goes after h when he’s clean and finds out about the baby from rape.

Worst h ever

This h belongs in my dumb bitch h shelf. Here’s why
- Got cheated on repeatedly, doesn’t leave, so he cheats some more…then HE kicks her out to fuck another girl. She was too stupid to have a backup plan so she had no where to go and got raped.
She then raises her daughter in poverty because she has too much pride to touch the millions in her bank account from the cheater. So fucking stupid. Her poor daughter.
Icing is kicking her nice boyfriend who loves her and doesn’t cheat, so she can get back with the cheating druggie p asshole who’s currently off drugs( won’t last though🙄). He’s only been off the drugs for 2 yrs lol.

[Lea ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc kindly provided by TRSOR Promotions in exchange for my honest review*

This book deals with drug/alcohol abuse, cheating rock star and love triangle, so don't say I didn't warn you.

Holly angst! I loved this! I could not put it down. I was mesmerised from the moment I read the prologue. I am not kidding.
This is my first book by Mandi Beck, and boy, it sure won't be my last.
Talk about emotional turmoil... this book had plenty of it.
I love angsty second chance romance books, so I had a feeling I will really like this one.
Stone and Willow caught my attention right from the start.
In the prologue we meet two people on the verge of breaking up.
Stone is a lead singer in a band. Typical rock star. It's all drugs and rock n'roll for him, and even though there is only one woman he's been loving since... forever, he just can't stop using.
After months of dealing with his addiction and despite her love for him, Willow decides to finally leave the life he is leading. My heart broke for her and the loneliness and the fear of leaving someone you spent years with.
Unable to cope with the void inside him, Stone overdoses and ends up in a treatment facility.
Three months after his successful rehab program, he is sober and finally ready to win back one thing that is missing from his life. Willow.
Will he win her back? Can they overcome their past?
You have to pick this up and find out for yourself.

This book was well written and the flow was perfect.
The ending was everything I hoped it would be and the pacing of the story line kept me interested.
If you like angsty emotional reads, don't pass on this one.
I can't wait to see what Mandi has up her sleeve next.

[Radd Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My heart doesn’t beat in rhythm when you’re not around. I need you, to be me.”

“This girl has always been my home. The music in my soul and the lyrics of my fucking heart. My rhythm.”

<><><><><><><><><>
CHARACTERS:

** Who is the Hero? Stone Lockhart, Age: 27, Occupation: lead singer of Wrecked**
~ with an addict for a mother and a father not in the picture, Stone spent some of his youth in foster homes. His music, his bandmates and Willow are the core foundations of his life. But he’s losing them all thanks to his drug addiction.
~ “I lived my childhood in foster homes. Some I didn’t think I’d even survive. One or two I almost didn’t.”

** Who is the Heroine? Willow Avery, Age: mid to late 20’s, Occupation: Musician, songwriter, music therapy teacher **
~ Willow was raised in Canada, but when her parents died when she was seventeen she was sent to the states to live with her aunt. This move irrevocably changed her life because she met the boys of Wrecked (before they hit it big) and found the love of her life and her forever family.

<><><><><><><><><>
PLOT:
** In the prologue, it’s apparent Stone has fallen into the typical rockstar life of sex and drugs and he ends up losing the only woman he has ever loved. Willow leaves the tour and Stone’s life and it leaves them both brokenhearted.
~ “You were always able to wreck me with your words, Stone. Whether you were singing or just talking to me. Always. You opened your mouth and I was a goner. Hypnotized, mesmerized.” There’s a small, wistfully sad smile on her face. “Then for months I prayed for silence. I wished and hoped that you would pass out when you finally stumbled in so that I wouldn’t have to listen to that beautiful voice, the one I used to love so much, the one that spoke to my heart . . . break me.”

Fast forward eight months and Stone is in the hospital recovering from an OD. He almost burnt his house down in his drugged up state and he has two choices - jail or rehab. His bandmate’s force him to go to rehab even though Stone doesn’t want to go.

But, miracle of miracle, rehab actually works and now that he has a clear head, Stone’s determined to show Willow he’s a changed man. However, Willow has made a new life for herself and she’s happy. It’s going to take a lot to convince her to ever give him any type of chance again.

~ “You are the music, Wills!” he whisper-shouts forcefully so as not to wake Lyric. “You are the fucking music. Every verse. Every lyric. Every God damn note is you,” Stone says softer now. “I bleed you, Willow. I sing you! You're the music that lives in my heart. It's always going to be that way; it always has been.”

~ “I don’t deserve you. I never have even on my best days, and I damn sure didn’t on my worst. But I love you. More than anyone else in the world ever can and that’s gotta count for something.”


<><><><><><><><><>
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **

* * the prologue and the first few chapters are really tough. Drug addiction is so devastating.

* * As the story began, I felt like I was missing a little backstory. It made me feel like maybe they were introduced in a different book. Exactly how long had Stone and Willow known each other? How long had they dated? How did it all start? She had a strong bond not only with Stone, but others within his circle. I really wanted to know more about their beginning. And, although I learned more later, I felt the start of the book lacked this critical foundation.

* * I know Joaquin was a nice guy, but he and Willow lacked passion. I just didn’t feel any chemistry between them. And because they lacked chemistry, it was hard for me to feel like he was any type of real competition when it came to Stone. Stone and Willow’s love was a living, breathing thing that was palpable and impossible to deny.
~ “You don't know her. You don't know that she likes to be sung to when she can't sleep. Or that she had her heart broken by that asshole Eddie Christensen her junior year. That Arrow took her to prom in place of him and that I hated every minute of it. You don't know that her aunt smelled like roses and would cook for us on Sundays, and you don't know how hard it was for her to say goodbye to the only family she had left.” He looks over at me. I’m barely able to make him out through the tears in my eyes. This Stone is the one I fell in love with, and it kills me that it took losing me, losing himself, to find this version again. “You don't know her. Not like I do.” The words are spoken softly but with conviction and so much truth. Nobody could ever know me the way Stone does.”

~ “I know what it does to a man to love you so fucking completely that he can’t breathe without you. So much that the sun doesn’t shine bright enough and the dark is too encompassing, ravishing an already ravaged soul because you’re not there to hold.”

* * “People don’t realize the healing qualities of music.” . Completely agree!! Music has a language all its own and if you listen with your heart it will soothe your soul.

* * “statistics show that fifty to ninety percent of people relapse and have to come back to rehab.” That’s a sad statistic.

* * Cora, Perry and Willow - loved these three women together. Such a beautiful friendship/family they had. “vaggie patch” 🤣🤣

* * there were times when it could easily be said Stone was very selfish. In his pursuit of Willow he made it clear that he was going after what he wanted and it didn’t feel like he put her needs first. However, if he really was a changed man, then I felt he was best for her so I’m glad he was pushy at times. Others won’t see him this way and will probably not like him.

* * cheating is a hard NO! for me in any book. I should have hated this book for that fact alone. However, I do believe the character had to be that way. It would have been hard to believe a drugged out rockstar didn’t cheat on his girlfriend. Was Willow weak for entertaining the idea of taking him back? IMO, no. She didn’t rush back to him, he had to prove himself, they talked about it. Broken trust is one of the hardest things to repair and Stone’s bold honesty was crucial to the healing that had to happen.

* * Can a character be redeemed?? Yes, and I believe Stone was a completely different man at the end of the book than where he started in the prologue.
~ “I hated who you became, but I’m learning that you’re not your addiction, Stone. Your mistakes aren't what define you. That you can be more than your demons and you’re doing just that. You are digging in deeper than the scars you've left behind. On both of us.”

* * the secret Willow revealed at 55%….OMG 💔💔.

* * I definitely went on a journey with Stone and Willow. It was extremely painful at times and my heart broke for both of them. But I loved them so much and felt connected with them and their story. I felt the depth of their pain and the depth of their love.

* * I was in my feels for a large portion of this book. Healing, redemption, forgiveness - can love really conquer all? These two characters had great depth and the story tackled some really difficult subjects.
~ “I cry for me, I cry for Stone. I cry for us and all that could have been and for all we endured at the hands of the other and still came out on top. Stronger. Better. More resilient versions of us.”

<><><><><><><><><>
OVERVIEW:
- Content Warning: cheating (off page), drug use (almost OD’d), rehab, rape (the act itself off page, the aftermath mentioned on page)
- Setting: Canada
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: rockstar, second chance, drug addiction
- Hero likeable? yes. I loved him
- heroine likeable? yes. I thought she was an incredibly strong woman.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: Joaquin 31%. Stone 65%
- First time they sleep together: 92%
- Safe sex? No condoms used, but neither had been with anyone else in almost two years
- steamy? Not overly steamy. There was a descriptive bedroom scene, but the focus of the story was really on rebuilding trust.
- Chemistry? Joaquin and Willow - not much chemistry. Stone and Willow - major chemistry
- OW/OM drama? Yes. Willow gets involved with another man during their separation. It becomes a triangle situation where she can’t decide who she really wants to be with. Should she stay with the new guy who has been nothing but good to her, or go back to her ex and hope he’s changed and they can have what they had before?
~ “Awkward is loving the wrong man but hating him almost as much, all while adoring the right one.”
- H/h cheat? Yes
- Time apart? 16 months. At 34% they are finally reunited
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. A major secret was revealed around 55%
- Did I cry? I got a little teary eyed in places
- Did I laugh? I smirked here and there
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? If you love rockstars and can handle the content warnings, then Yes!!

<><><><><><><><><>
QUOTES:

“Is an addict ever really not an addict?”

“The urge to walk away from him and all of these contradicting feelings is just as strong as the desire to crawl into his lap and let him hold me tight. All my broken pieces wanting to cling to him, begging to be made whole.”

“People can make mistakes. But that they can also learn from them and be better for it.”

“I threw you away to chase a high that would never be enough. A high that even at its peak, could never make me feel as good as you did.

“Love’s not supposed to be easy, Stone,” she says softly. “I never expected it to be. I just wanted you to see that it's worth it. That we're worth it.”

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
==================
Wow!
The author's writing is very good and hooks the reader from start to finish.
I would never forgive our Zero!
What happened to Zeroine was unforgivable.
I am a bitch who holds a grudge and would never take him back.
But it was a good story and I enjoyed it a lot.
I'm anxious to know what happens to the other members of the band!

S
P
O
I
L
E
R

...

“You got what you wanted, Stone. You’re single and free to do whatever and whoever you want without having to worry about sneaking around. Don’t keep her waiting—she looks like a sure thing.”

“Stone is going home . . . to Willow,” Judge informs them.

“Why the fuck wouldn’t she be? She’s pissed at me, but it’s Wills. She’ll be there.”

“What? Why the fuck are you all staring at me?” I bellow. “Always fucking watching me. I’m sick of it.”

“Bro, she left more than eight months ago, dropped her keys off at the studio with Addy, and none of us have talked to her since. We even hired a PI who can’t find Willow,” he says carefully. “Have you heard from her at all? Has there been new news from the guy Addy hired?”

“She didn’t just ‘quit’ you, Stone. You pushed too fucking far and forced her out,” he spits out.

I just want to get inside, get my hands on Willow, and get out from under the prying eyes of Dane so that I can find my stash and pop an Oxy, maybe two, and just chill with my girl.

“Don’t treat me like I’m a kid. I’m a grown ass man. A fucking rock star! I fuck who I want, I drink what I want, and I do whatever fucking shit I want.” My voice rises louder and louder until I’m yelling, veins bulging in my neck, and still, Lawson looks unfazed.

“Willow is smart and she’s put up with your shit for a long time now. Longer than you realize. You put her through hell, Stone. I won’t help you do that again.”

It’s not just the drugs either. It’s the cheating too. Don’t think she didn’t know about that shit. She blamed that on the drugs, and I know it had to be because a sober Stone would never dick around on his girl.”

He looks good. Healthy. Not like the last time I saw him. It pains me a little to think that my leaving was good for him, when being there and supporting him, dealing with his constant shit wasn’t.

You name it and Stone had been addicted. Drugs, women, alcohol. If he could get high off it, he would.

“Oh yeah? When was that? Back when I would already have my cock out and down your throat because I was too high to give a fuck about anything but my own pleasure? Certainly not about the fact that my girlfriend was waiting for me. Maybe even in the hall. Back when, even with your mouth full of my come, I still wouldn’t remember your name, or care? Is that the ‘used to be’ you mean . . . Melissa?” “It’s Megan,” she hisses, dumfounded and more than a little pissed.

Didn’t matter that half the time I was so God damn high I would have bet money that it was Willow I was fucking only to come down from that nirvana and realize it wasn’t. No, I didn’t wonder shit. I was well aware of all my shortcomings.

Maybe I should’ve taken her up on the offer of pussy. I haven’t had any since Wills left me. Haven’t wanted to look at another woman, let alone fuck one. The irony isn’t lost on me. I couldn’t keep my dick in my pants when I had a good woman in my bed, now that she’s gone, she’s all I want. It’s every fucking sad song ever written.

She was right to leave me. Fuck, I threw her away. My muse, my heart. Threw her away without a care.

“Lyric. My daughter’s name is Lyric,” she says, irritated. “And what would’ve been the point, Stone? You never used to answer any of my calls anyway. Just saved myself the headache and didn’t bother. I’ve learned not to depend on you. It was the hardest lesson of my life, but it finally stuck, so . . .”

“Are you telling me that you are working two fucking jobs, with a baby at home, when you have access to millions of dollars?”

“You spent the last few months that we were together reminding me that it was you doing all the work. Your name they were screaming in sold-out arenas, and that I was just along for the ride. Another groupie,” she spits.

I can say nothing, just stare at her in disbelief. What had I done to her? What had I done to us?

Stone may have been the greatest love of my life, but he wouldn’t be the last.

I never wanted to be that guy again. Because of her. If it weren’t for Willow, I’d be that guy in a second. I loved being high.

“Why are you back, Stone? Why now? I have a man who doesn't cheat on me or go and get high and leave me in a strange city because he’s so coked up he forgot that I was at the hotel waiting for him,” I say bitterly.

I don't want to be the girl that they whisper about in pity or laugh at when they think she can't hear. I want to be the woman that I've become since I've left him.

Listening to him, while trying to block him out, the memories taking me back to a bar down the street from the posh hotel that I had just been evicted from by the man whom I’ve loved all of my adult life. An innocent, kind smile and an offer of a drink and an ear. I tear at my hair as I recall waking up in a strange motel room, alone and . . . naked from the waist down with a head leaden and fogged. To jackknifing to a sitting position and scrambling to find my pants, finally finding them and shoving my legs into them as I run to escape.

Drugged and raped. I had been drugged and raped a block away from my hotel while my boyfriend laid inside, high, drunk, and most likely with another woman, maybe even a harem of women. Drugged and raped . . . drugged . . . and . . . raped . . .

I remember nothing from that night. Not a single fucking thing. Only waking up on the floor, clothes still on from the night before, a strange woman in the bed and no Willow. I had no clue what time it was or what day.

The only thing stopping me from tossing it back and letting the smooth heat of it burn as it goes down is the thought of what Willow must have gone through. What she’s been going through.

“I threw her out, Law. I kicked her out of our room with nothing. What kind of man does that, huh? What kind of man kicks the woman he loves out with some random bitch standing next to him?”

“If I hadn’t been high, Willow wouldn’t have been roofied and fucking raped.”

“I consider myself lucky in the sense that I can’t remember any of the horrible things he did to me. To my body. I woke up damaged but have no memory of what happened to make me that way. It’s tragic and life changing, even without becoming pregnant. But to think that he’s out there raping women . . . I feel sick.”

That’s something I can’t get past. All the lying and cheating. It haunts me. Niggles at me whenever I feel myself weakening toward him.

“And before that night we hadn’t slept together in more than four months,” I remind him. “What? It was that long?

“My heart doesn’t beat in rhythm when you’re not around. I need you, to be me. I’m your rhythm, and you’re for damn sure mine.”

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, this book has popped up on my feed today and I recalled that I actually read it about a year or so back. It was a freebie I received for whatever reason. I downloaded it from Bookfunnel. Clearly, I was more tolerant than I am now because what I remember about this book was that I did not care for it, and so did not bother to review it.
But I fully remember what I disliked. My opinion is informed because I was educated and worked in this particular field.

This book is about the addiction of a main character, how it changes him and the ensuing fallout.
However, what this book is NOT about, is redemption for the addict who caused the fallout. Don't think that's what happens here. It only appears so.
Why? Because for an addict to be redeemed, they have to change. Stone was a narcissistic, arrogant swine with an inability to face life on life's terms before he hit rock bottom. But the only thing that really changed about his character following rehab was that he was off the drugs.
For the time being.

I worked with addicts for years. Mainly alcoholics because of a few family members, but it's all the same. Addiction is addiction. But it's a terribly difficult job because the relapse rate is so high and true recoveries are few and far between. In order to achieve lasting sobriety, a person must change. They must confront their issues, learn and practice humility, make amends. They must be willing and even eager to embrace a new way of life and work their arses off for it. And it's hard. A sobriety date is treated as a birthday in AA for a reason.

In this book, any groveling by the hero is worthless without significant changes, and I didn't see them. When you go off the rails to that extreme you best know you're going to have to earn your way back into the lives of the people you hurt. You don't earn it by pushing your way back in when. You've no right. You can't ignore what that person wants if they are not ready to allow you in.
Stone missed that lesson, I guess.
Self-will run riot is a feature of every addict. Recovery requires discipline. Patience. Learning selflessness and putting the best interests of others first.

Being a former therapist, this book offended me with the way this guy was allowed to continue being a complete twat to the end. After all the cheating and rubbing Willow's face in it, the cruel, abusive words and utter arrogance in taking everyone for granted - basically being an all around scrotum-bag - Stone comes up smellin' like a rose. He gets everything he wanted, and I'm sorry, he didn't deserve it.

For a change, I didn't hate all of the writing. Some of it was spot-on. His behaviour while using was actually pretty authentic. But the thing is, I know the nature of this beast and a person who acts like Stone during recovery is a relapse waiting in the wings. And people like that are so, so much more dangerous with each subsequent slip.
So while Ms. Beck did quite well with her portrayal of an addict's thoughts and actions, she did not in the portrayal of an addict in active recovery.
As far as Willow, she was weak and too dependent on Stone for an identity, which makes her an enabler and not good for him.
Also, the guy cheated on multiple occasions and Willow just forgave it. Uh, no. Why was she not going to therapy? Why weren't they going together?
These two were so very NOT ready to be together yet. They would not make it if this was real life and don't pull the 'it's just fiction' bullshit. If you're going to depict such a rampant and deadly problem in our society, you don't get to plead artistic license.

I applaud a writer who attempts to spotlight serious, real-life issues in a novel. But it's not enough to get just part of it right. Research is important and sometimes, particularly with any compulsive, self-destructive disorders and behaviours, personal experience of some kind is really necessary.

I don't know if Ms. Beck has any real-life history with an addict. But the way I see it, she was a little too enamoured with her hero and didn't do right by him. It was like she was saying it's all right to be a possessive, selfish, filthy bastard who needs control - as long as he's clean. He doesn't need to change and possibly lose some edge, he just needs to stop using.
Nope. Doesn't work that way.
One of the many reasons people fail at sobriety is they CAN'T accept that they AREN'T in control. Therefore, they can't relinquish it, and so they can't work a proper program, and ultimately, they can't deal.

I would possibly be interested in giving this writer another try. The bones were there in this story and her style is decent, if a little rough around the edges here and there.

I give it 2 stars for those reasons, but if someone asked me if I could recommend this book for accuracy I'd have to say no.

[Paula (on hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seeing as this book kept coming up on my feed page and that it had mixed reviews from my friends, I decided to judge it for myself so that I can see what all the fuss was about. Knowing that it contained cheating which is my no-go place, I nevertheless stayed up almost all night to finish and have mixed feelings about it.

First of, my friend Ellie’s review ( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) is spot on. I loathed this Zero from start to finish and didn’t think he deserved poor heroine for everything he said & did to her – even with all his grovelling and so-called redemption. For me, there is no coming back from that type of abuse – and yes, I call it abuse because really that’s what it was! Yes, it’s a fictional character and there must be some angst/drama but I draw the line when a character is this despicable.

But I also agree with Lu’s (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) & Mel’s (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) review as well.

At the end of the day, I neither loved or disliked it because it was semi-well written if you take away all the points that Ellie so rightfully gave in her review in terms that it didn’t make me believe that Hero was “cured”, but it DID keep me interested enough to read it in it’s entirety and not DNF – so there is that I guess….

Do I recommend it? Not sure if I can do that. I did like that heroine didn’t give in and be a doormat like we normally read in most other stories. She had some backbone and made him work for it so there was that, hence for my 2 stars…..

[Adriana Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting when Mandi sent me the first chapters of this book. Well, wait, that's a lie. I expected the same 'ol rock star romance.
Ha. Ha. Freaking. Ha.
Yes, Stone is a rock star. And at the very start of this book, that's the only way to define him: utter rock star with all the baggage and additions a rock star should have.
My reader friends - that's just where this story begins.
The evolution of Stone in this book is breathtaking. He's the alpha we have come to know Mandi for, all filthy mouthed and aggressive in the way that makes our panties melt clean away, but, again, Stone bucks that typical brand by being oh-so-much-more.
Mandi tempts you with a delicious cover and the promise of a bad boy written by her mischievous hand. But when you open this book, you better be prepared for the long haul because she will hold you hostage and throw you curveballs you'll never see coming.
Stoned is, simply put, Mandi Beck at her absolute best. 5 watermelon lollies from me.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read 11/22
Read 02/24

Reread this to refresh my memory for reading the novella epilogue Rhythm. Stone did a lot of cheating while he was living the life of a drugged up rockgod. I really can’t believe Willow stayed with him for so long. Stone got sober and stayed celibate for 2 years after Willow left him. Willow has some om action going on…


Stone grew up with Willow. They live together. He becomes famous rock star. He become an addict and cheating man Ho. He throws Willow out of their hotel room while on tour. She’s left on the streets without her purse. She gets drugged and date raped. She finally leaves his ass. There’s a 2 year separation while he goes to rehab and she has a baby. The rest of book is his grovel. Really this book is more about being a drug addict than anything else… and how to come to terms with forgiving a serial cheater after he sobers up.

[currently being delulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could really tear apart this book say how much I hated it for the cheating trope…


But honestly I’m just confused???


Girl how do get back with a guy who kicked you out of your hotel room to fuck someone els resulting in you getting raped and when he finds out your biggest worry was it he sees you tainted now and wonder if he still wants you???



Babes go to therapy you need it if that’s your only mindset from
Getting raped



Also let’s talk about the cheating loser.. who for also several times over the book thinks about fucking other chicks because “ he’s sad” over missing willow????


I guess I didn’t understand why the cheating was swept under the rug here Almost made out like it’s no biggie all rockstars do that. Uh sure.


Her so called family/band mates?? The guys who didn’t bother to help there friend get clean or say anything just thinking it would “ get better” and knew about him cheating but didn’t say or do anything.

I really wouldn’t wish those kind of friends on my worst enemy tbh.😒


Two stars for JD 💚

[Bookadmirer · Rating 2 out of 5]

He cheated on her, did drug and kicked her out of their hotel room , she gets raped and had a baby.

The hero grovels the whole book and that’s the only
Good thing.

[LaBlue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate stories about junkies. That’s what the MMC is. Just calling him an addict isn’t strong enough. A junky is too far gone to ever come back IMO. An addict is someone with some control over themselves that they don’t get too lost in their drug of choice. They can still see that they are wrong and may get help on their own. Again this is just my opinion of this world of people. The reason I don’t like either really is because of the selfishness these characters have. The level of disrespect they give to their loved ones and to themselves while still expecting everyone else to satisfy them in any and all ways. It’s unreal how inhuman they become and I can’t empathize or sympathize with it.

This author has so far put 22% of this book into mostly the junkies/MMC’s POV’s about his sufferings and his desires. All I read is “I” this or “my” that with regards to all his thoughts. I am so turned off this book and this couple so far. I honestly wish that the FMC chooses the OM instead. Ugh.

65% UPDATE

I am going to finish this story just to finish it and I won’t give any further update after this one, but I honestly just don’t like the MMC enough to give any credibility to the HEA the author is going to end this book with. Other reviewers have already told me what happens and I just don’t see it being believable. The MMC is so narcissistic and the FMC is delusional and when you add in that the MMC is a junky it is just too stupid for words. The fact that I dislike junkies is forefront in my mind with the MMC. But to know he abused the FMC to the point that he threw her out of their hotel room with no money or phone because he was high to f#€k another woman, which lead to the FMC being roofied and r@ped, she could have been killed(!), it’s too unforgivable for any book to be written. The fact that nearly every character in this book is an enabler of the junky MMC is also too hard to ignore. Every single person has their own agenda including Joaquin, and nearly all of them give the MMC “outs” for his behavior, his choices and the consequences, they certainly didn’t protect the FMC who was supposedly their “family” too during all the years of the MMC’s downward spiral and to some extent after he returned, are the very definition of enabling.

Example; Perry is not a good friend no matter that she gave the FMC shelter/safe haven for her to disappear in immediately after that final situation with the MMC. All she cares about is the FMC being with the famous, wealthy, gorgeous rockstar, no matter his actions. The band members did nothing to safe guard her heart or her life during the drug years and left her to deal with it on her own the most. A small single woman against a big a$$ man. That makes so much sense. The MMC never went into rehab of his own choosing. He was forced to by the label and the band because he almost OD’d AND if that didn’t happen he could have died from the house fire he caused with his careless junky behavior. When he lay almost dying, he never once thought he wished he hadn’t done it. All he thought was he loved the feeling he felt even though it felt different and he wished the FMC was with him. Again only about his own narcissistic needs.

The MMC never showed any true selfless behavior with regards to his relationship to the FMC. It was all about his wants and needs FROM her. He needs her, he wants her, he can’t be without her, me me me and I I I. Even when he was trying to coax her back to him he became belligerent, insulting, demeaning, vulgar towards her and anyone who was threatening HIS attempts to be near her. I’m to believe this guy, who has done next to nothing to maintain his current and future sobriety, is going to stay sober when even sober he is just as shitty a person as he was high and drunk? This man who hired a live in sobriety coach that at the first opportunity he left in another country, this man that has stayed in the same career that has and will have all his addictions in his face everyday everywhere he goes, this man who has not done one thing for anyone else, not his friends or family or a random stranger at bare minimum, who has the same entourage of people who let/allowed/watched him become a junky to begin with still follow him around, meaning nothing has changed(!). This is the man that endangered the FMC and he is present even when sober. I’m supposed to believe this is a second chance romance? Honestly, what has changed? Time, a baby, a stint in rehab?? Where is the effort without expectation?

As for Joaquin, I really wanted this book to be about the FMC ending up with this amazing OM. But it doesn’t go that way. While I agree, that his revelation of the FMC’s secret was a huge violation of trust, it wasn’t grounds enough for him to not have been a viable love interest. Especially in comparison to the year’s worth of violations by the MMC! The real problem was the author had everyone and their mother pushing the FMC to the MMC because it was a deep love and she would be settling with the OM. I didn’t like this rationale. If your cold you don’t jump into the fire to get warm, if you’re thirsty you don’t drown yourself just to get a drink of water. What I’m saying is, if the feelings between the MMC and the FMC are as destructive as they have been then you have to leave it alone and move on to someone or something else and she should have gotten that kind of support. Or at the minimum a neutrality of their intentions by supporting whatever the FMC chooses.

Nope, this book isn’t for me. It is well written I will give the author that. I liked her conversation with perry on how she was forever changed by her assault and that she chose to keep silent so as not to influence people’s opinions regarding the child that came from it. It was simple but powerful. But honestly, this story shouldn’t have been written. At least not as shallow as it was regarding the subject matter it contained. It was an unrealistic romance with an unbelievable HEA. I’m sad I paid for this book at all. Good luck.

FINAL UPDATE

I wasn’t going to add to this review but Ugh I hate this couple! The only reason they got back together is because they are both addicted to each other. So the addict/junkie/MMC stayed an addict, just a different kind of drug. Because love is a drug. And the FMC went back to her addiction of the MMC purely on the grounds of BBS. Neither character showed any growth as a couple. They went back to honeymoon phase of their relationship prior to the interference of cheating and narcotics. The FMC had grown individually but she threw it all away when she forgave the MMC in 2.0 seconds flat. I’m exaggerating the speed but it was super fast and based solely on the MMC bulldozing his way back into her life and on his words and NOT on actual actions. He is barely a year sober and it’s too early days to see if he has changed enough to continue down that clean road. This couple just disgusted me with all their professions of love but no real substance to it.

This next book is more of the sickening sweetness between them that I just don’t believe. It feels like they are lying to themselves. And as the reader, lying to me. I honestly am not giving either of these books a fair review because I hate junkies as lead characters and I don’t feel like enough was written to show a true sustainable change on his part other than ONE stint in rehab. Which is a shallow rendition of an addicts true plight to get and stay clean. If you want to read about a MMC who chooses for himself to get clean and never stopped chasing the FMC even when he wasn’t sober then try ghosted by darhower. You feel that MMC’s true regrets and remorse for all that he lost. Good luck.

[Raffaella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only have two stars because the heroine took the junkie cheating hero back and left a sexy lovable and honest om without even having sex with him.
This is the usual sexist double standard.
Since the heroine was abused, cheated on, thrown out of her hotel room by the scumbag hero and because of him she was drugged and raped and got pregnant by the rapist, I wanted her at least to have some fun with a man who was ok. Was it too much to expect???
Why all she has in her life is an ex druggie who can’t keep it in his pants???
- the addiction part is ok, a person with addictions is a person who has changed his behavior and his personality and is not in control of his choices anymore.
The hero is a weak addicted rocker who cheats on his gf and abuses her. What I didn’t like is that she let him abuse her for so long. She should have left long before.
- I blame him for what happened and I was disgusted by the fact that almost everyone thought it wasn’t the hero’s fault but the rapist’s. Not at all. If you leave your 4 yo alone in the highway and he get hit by a truck you can blame the truck because he hit him but it’s you who put the child in a position of danger. To throw your gf out of her hotel room to fuck a ho without even her purse and in the night and she get raped is the hero’s fault. He put her in a position of danger. And I don’t care if he was high. He did it. So he’s the one to blame. But no, he’s not to blame and the heroine doesn’t blame him either. No and no! Every action has a consequence and his action had consequences- tragic ones- and he was to blame.
- the heroine suffers from Red Cross syndrome: she thinks she has to save everyone and she feels responsible for the hero even after what he did to her.
Nope. He’s responsible for taking drugs: and since he didn’t want to have detox and rehab she should have left him long before that fateful night. That is why I don’t like the heroine too.
She had to save herself since he didn’t want to save himself and was breaking her too. I don’t accept her behavior.
- aaand no, I don’t like that the author makes a perfect om / real hero material only to let him go because the junkie has come back and now he’s clean. Couldn’t the heroine be happy with om? At least for some years? With some wonderful sex in the middle? Please?
- and no! I don’t believe in their hea because with his lifestyle and his weak character I doubt he will be faithful and clean. Maybe one of the two if he’s really good but not both.
- I’m all for people who overcome their addiction and this is also for the heroine who was addicted to a toxic man and didn’t overcome her addiction because she fell for him as soon as he came back. She’s emotional dependent on him and it’s clear she will accept everything not to lose him. Too bad.
Not bad story and good writing style. Pity for the sexism and double standard and the wasted wonderful om.

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Mandi

Since your character had such a penchant for writing letters, I decided to write you one of my own.

I read your work the first time with Love Hurts and in that book your introduced me to a song, ‘Burn’ by Ray LaMontagne. It is still one of my favourite songs to date. Since I loved that book so much and also have a great love of music there was absolutely no way I would not read this book. I mean books about rock stars are my crack.



Love Hurts is a book that stood out of the many books I have read before it and since then. It stood out because of the tale you weaved with its many unexpected twists, the way you conveyed emotions, the strong characters and all the angst you managed to stuff into its pages. I thought that there would be no way you could duplicate everything I loved about such a unique story and make me love another book as much as that one. Welp… I was wrong.



Stoned was absolutely dripping in angst and tension and emotion and I devoured every single word of it! The plot was anything but predictable and its hero was just about perfect. You took a character that selfish and vile and completely redeemed him. His obsession and love for the heroine had me swooning all over the place. His filthy words had me flustered. His strength and determination to get her back had me falling in love.



I adored the heroine too. She was strong and yet kind even after all she had been through. I loved the fact that she didn’t make it easy for him. I loved the grit in their romance. I love there push and pull. I loved the tension and chemistry between them. I love the frustration and anger and laughter this book invoked in me. You somehow kept the old trope of a second chance romance fresh and unpredictable and exciting.



I loved the bits of humour you inserted. I loved the interactions and banter between friends. But most of all it was the sexual tension and angst that kept me glued to the pages and with all of this said, that is not why I’m giving this book a five star rating. Nope. The thing that has me throwing all my stars at you is a simple watermelon flavoured lollipop. It is without a doubt one of the sexiest, most erotic things I have EVER read and the reason why I am telling everyone to read this book!

Regards,

Me

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well where do I begin ...
This is one of those books that use the same,dramatic language dialogue over and over until you're dizzy.
Damn she is my soul
Damn she is my rythym
Damn
Damn I was sure it was her I was screwing 😏🙄 there was a lot of damn and musical puns.

Anywho I think stoned actually burned a bit more brain cells with all the drug use and by the time he came to claim his woman( his rythym or whatever the hell word play on music he was referring to her at the time ) he was completely unhinged and came out with stuff that would make you want to crawl under a,rock to avoid witnessing his meltdown.
The writing was not good but if you want a book where the hero squirm s and grovels for a good portion of it, have at this one because it's definitely got that!

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 ★'s

So, a little adventure into Listopia-land found me this little nugget...specifically one that dealt with cheating. Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly my kind of cheating.

Stone is a rock star and as his band becomes more and more famous, Stone drifts away from the man he was into a full fledged stone-r. So much so, that he doesn't even realize the women he is with are not his true love, Willow. He's in full fledged fantasy land.

The good part about the cheating (IMO) is that we don't have to read all about it, it's mentioned because it's important but thankfully, we don't have to experience it firsthand.

Stone goes to rehab after almost setting his house on fire and since it's not really his idea, it takes him a while to get through it. However, it was heart breaking to hear all he is going through and his feelings about being without Willow.

Willow is doing great though but slowly we hear about her suffering when she left Stone and a few of the things that Stone said to her. (I was a little disappointed that these things weren't better addressed.)



One of my favorite things about these two was the way the music affected them and how they felt it through each other. They are both very sexually and there are some really hot scenes and boy, the things that Stone can do with a lolli! ;)

I did like how Stone never gave up on Willow and especially after hearing what happened, it never changed how he felt.

There's a lot of great secondary characters in this story. You definitely have to love Bear and Cora and especially Perry. The guys in the band were pretty great too...and even Stone's sister was interesting.

I love what Stone did at the end and was happy with the way things worked out.

Judged is up next and it's pretty obvious it's about Judge. The blurb says it was supposed to be released last winter but nothing as of now.

[Reanell Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. JUST WOW!! It is now 2:36 a.m. and I just finished Stoned. Mandi blew this one out of the ballpark!! I loved her Love Hurts series but hot damn Stoned blew me away.


Okay, let me begin by saying Mandi Beck wrote her heart out with this book! I don't even have the words to articulate how much she blew me away with Stoned. From the start she had me HOOKED! She also wrote some incredible characters, especially 2 very sexy men. I was so torn between these 2 men and had no idea how Willow was ever going to choose between them. Willow also had me rooting for her! And that's a hard feat with female leads. Mandi worked this one out just right.

Now, I read a ton of books. But I can honestly say Stoned knocked me for a loop. When she threw "that thing" out there, my jaw hit the floor. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!! I may have even shed tears over the reveal, IT BROKE MY HEART!!!


I can't even adequately tell you how much I loved Stoned. I'm telling you to 1-click this book and be prepared for a fantastic read!!!

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look let's be real. If you could make a book with all the ingredients that I'm guaranteed to hate and never read, this would be it.

Cheating rockstar, asshole, druggie, triangle? Yep that's a hard no 99% of the time.

Something made me click this one last night. Like I needed some out of my box angst in my life.

I'm glad I did. Yes he was a asshole. However I forgave him. It wasn't easy...at all. It was an emotional journey. A journey I'm glad I went on.

I wish there was a epi because I needed more of their HEA.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were to ask me what some of my favorite tropes are, I would say second chance is one of my least favorite. And yet everytime I read one I end up really enjoying it.

This was the kind of second chance where the characters really had to work for that second chance at happiness.

I really enjoyed that we got to see Willow slowly forgive Stone and give him a second chance. It wasn't easy for them to get their happy ever after, but man did Stone work for it. I understood it took a lot for Willow to forgive him but at same time I didn't feel like she was unfair.

This was a really sweet book with great characters, I liked it more than I thought I would.

[Lidia's Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

=> Rock Star Romance
=> Secret Baby (kinda)
=> Second Chance
=> Groveling Hero (my catnip)

Reread Nov. 2021 5 Stars (upgrading rating)
I enjoyed it much better this time around. I found it more emotionally captivating, I even shed tears for Willow (Not surprising since I'm a bigger crier now, apparently). I had forgotten the plot twist so it hit me quite hard when I realized what had happened to Willow. That was brutal to my emotional state. I also loved Stone more this time. I had a few issues with the book the last time I read it, but fortunately, the third time worked like a charm! Maybe it's a mood thing? Needless to say, I have added this to my 'fave rereads' shelf.

Reread Jan. 2019 4 Lyrical Stars
Stone Lockhart is a lost rock star looking for his rhythm—the love of his life—Willow. The book begins with their tragic break-up. They had been together since before he became the famous lead singer of the band, Wrecked. She's always been his muse. Every lyric of every song, they've written together and for each other. Until she left and Stone hit rock bottom. I couldn't blame her for leaving. Stone had been consumed by fame and by alcohol and drugs and...women (off page). I know, I know, that's awful but put your pitchfork away because Stone spends the rest of the book atoning for all his sins. Willow leaving him was the wake-up call he needed. A catalyst for his redemption. He turns his life around and makes it his mission in life to prove he could be worthy of her love again. And oh my, did this guy know how to grovel. He had me at "hello."

The day Willow left, her life completely changed. In more ways than anyone could have imagined. She did everything she could to get away from Stone, to renew her life and find the best way to cure her broken heart by working as a music therapist. After almost 2 years, she begins to find happiness again and is grateful for what she has: a daughter that gives her life, a job she loves and a wonderful new man who wants to be a part of her life and won’t break her heart.

Until Stone finds her and together they finally face their past head-on.

I loved Stone's determination to redeem himself for Willow. He did this from the very start and never wavered. It was never an option for him. I loved reading about his most poignant memories of them together. They cemented the fact that they belonged together. I loved Willow's resilience and courage, her determination to protect her heart and her daughter. I really enjoyed the music they created as well as the cover songs they sang. There's this one scene where they sing duets together at the bar where Willow worked part time that felt like my very own private concert. I played the songs on my phone because I wanted to listen to the lyrics, feel every word, understand even more how passionately they felt for one another. They were amazing together.

Issues:
*I was a little bored during the last 30%. Was not blown away by the ending.
*Stone says fuck maybe a little too much.
*I hate the book cover.
*I know the lollipops helped him cut down on smoking but I think Stone needed to take it down a notch with the suckers.
*No epilogue

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stoned Stars

I was apprehensive going in. I have read another book by Mandi Beck and liked it up until about a half way then I just couldn’t connect. So I was hoping this wasn't like that and I am sooooo glad I gave this author a second chance because I lovvvvveeedd this BOOK!

Stone won me over, heck he will probably won every red blooded female who reads this book over. He fought and fought and fought never giving up on himself or his lady love. And it wasn't easy but he did what he felt he had to do. I LOVED that so freaking hard.

“Your words went from being my cure to my curse.” – Willow

Willow sure doesn't make it easy on Stone and why should she? He put her through the ringer, so I can’t blame her for not wanting to open herself up again only to hurt like that again. So she was guarded and for good cause. But he fought his way back in and it was just one of those romances where you are rooting for the guy because he is doing all he can to show her what he is made of not just with words but with actions how much she means to him.

I can’t say enough good things about the narration either, Wen and Kai do a phenomenal job bring this book to life in my ears. The emotions, the connections, it’s fantastic.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*