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True Romance Rocker #1
True Romance
Sweet, sexy Thaddeus Kyle is not like the spoiled, ego-driven rock stars with fame and fortune at his fingertips and a different beautiful woman in his bed each night. Not anymore anyway. Nearly forty, he's been in the game all his life, just a blue-collar working class musician chasing dreams of rock superstardom amid the crushing weight of a loveless marriage and brutal breakup. But when a real rock and roll legend offers Tad a spot in his band, the sudden worldwide exposure leads him to the woman who could be the greatest thing to ever happen to him. If he can only manage not to screw it up.
Shelby Finnegan is a woman on the go. A celebrated wildlife photographer with a yen for conservation and saving endangered animals, she hasn't had much time in her life for things like romance. The painful past she keeps buried deep doesn't help matters on that front either. But when her love of rock and roll gives rise to an infatuation with her favorite rocker's new bass player, she suddenly finds herself daydreaming about little else.
Sparks fly during a chance encounter backstage, sending Tad and Shelby down a path of friendship that hints at something much deeper. Is the burning promise of passion only wishful thinking, or could it be true romance?
Shelby Finnegan is a woman on the go. A celebrated wildlife photographer with a yen for conservation and saving endangered animals, she hasn't had much time in her life for things like romance. The painful past she keeps buried deep doesn't help matters on that front either. But when her love of rock and roll gives rise to an infatuation with her favorite rocker's new bass player, she suddenly finds herself daydreaming about little else.
Sparks fly during a chance encounter backstage, sending Tad and Shelby down a path of friendship that hints at something much deeper. Is the burning promise of passion only wishful thinking, or could it be true romance?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2016
About the author
Lashell Collins
64 books176 followersLashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last twenty years of her life working in veterinary clinics and garden centers in her home state of Ohio, and is now living her dream of writing full-time. When she's not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 7, 2017
This is one of those low conflict books that concentrates very heavily on the characters and their interaction without a lot of actiony plot. It worked for me because I became really invested in the characters and I liked watching them navigate their romance. Also low conflict doesn't mean no-conflict. There were some believable barriers that the couple had to overcome before they could get their HEA. And there was some angst, just not the high drama angst that so many books seems to get their fuel from these days.
Shelby Finnegan is a wildlife photographer who is in her late 30s. She has a fulfilling and exciting life traveling the world doing the work she loves. Once in awhile she does wistfully wonder about the road not travelled -- husband & children -- but overall she's pretty content. She also has a healthy appreciation for rock music and loves to hit the occasional concert of her favorite bands and follow her favorite performers online.
One of them is Tad Kyle. He is nearing forty. He's had some smallish success as a bassist in a rock band and worked on tours and even as a sessions musician, but never managed to really hit it big. But that changes when he is tapped to be take over as the bassist in a band being assembled by Jesse Lee James, the ex-frontman of a famous rock that band he left because of a disagreement (basically I think of Jesse like if when Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi and became as famous with his own band...). The touring band become really big and Tad finally hits the big time.
The two meet backstage after Shelby scores some VIP tickets, and they hit it off.
I found Shelby and Tad's romance trajectory very interesting. They meet at the concert, have an intense 20 minute conversation and vibe on each but don't meet again in person until a year later. During that Tad is on a world tour and Shelby is off to Africa and points east on various assignments. They had exchanged phone numbers and after a nicely and realistically awkward start, they get into texting and skyping and learning about each other in that one year period. The author walks us through as they build a rather intimate relationship without either one of them actually doing or saying anything romantic or inappropriate. We see that they are very much wanting more, but the two of them are a little more shy about revealing it to each other. So they build a close, personal friendship that blossoms (again realistically and a little awkwardly when they finally reconnect in person) into a romance.
I liked that Shelby and Tad were older. And I like that Tad was a really decent guy. Their maturity was on the page. I am glad the author allowed them to act like they'd lived a bit and had some experience in how to be and how not to be. Nothing would have pissed me off more if this had been a pair of 40 year olds acting like 20 somethings. I also liked that the story made time to show us both Shelby and Tad's work.
Even so they do have some hurdles. Tad is a rock-star with a rock-star past and Shelby has to become comfortable with that life and trust him. He has an ex wife that made him gun-shy with long term commitments and two teenaged children who make him realize he needs to learn how to make room for Shelby in his life and theirs. So there are bumps and arguments and small misunderstandings and the fear of two people who've waited awhile to find their soul mate.
There are some well drawn supporting characters, mainly Tad's bandmates and his brother Theo and Shelby's BFF. But this is primarily Tad and Shelby's story.
Good book, I look forward to seeing what else this author has.
Shelby Finnegan is a wildlife photographer who is in her late 30s. She has a fulfilling and exciting life traveling the world doing the work she loves. Once in awhile she does wistfully wonder about the road not travelled -- husband & children -- but overall she's pretty content. She also has a healthy appreciation for rock music and loves to hit the occasional concert of her favorite bands and follow her favorite performers online.
One of them is Tad Kyle. He is nearing forty. He's had some smallish success as a bassist in a rock band and worked on tours and even as a sessions musician, but never managed to really hit it big. But that changes when he is tapped to be take over as the bassist in a band being assembled by Jesse Lee James, the ex-frontman of a famous rock that band he left because of a disagreement (basically I think of Jesse like if when Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi and became as famous with his own band...). The touring band become really big and Tad finally hits the big time.
The two meet backstage after Shelby scores some VIP tickets, and they hit it off.
I found Shelby and Tad's romance trajectory very interesting. They meet at the concert, have an intense 20 minute conversation and vibe on each but don't meet again in person until a year later. During that Tad is on a world tour and Shelby is off to Africa and points east on various assignments. They had exchanged phone numbers and after a nicely and realistically awkward start, they get into texting and skyping and learning about each other in that one year period. The author walks us through as they build a rather intimate relationship without either one of them actually doing or saying anything romantic or inappropriate. We see that they are very much wanting more, but the two of them are a little more shy about revealing it to each other. So they build a close, personal friendship that blossoms (again realistically and a little awkwardly when they finally reconnect in person) into a romance.
I liked that Shelby and Tad were older. And I like that Tad was a really decent guy. Their maturity was on the page. I am glad the author allowed them to act like they'd lived a bit and had some experience in how to be and how not to be. Nothing would have pissed me off more if this had been a pair of 40 year olds acting like 20 somethings. I also liked that the story made time to show us both Shelby and Tad's work.
Even so they do have some hurdles. Tad is a rock-star with a rock-star past and Shelby has to become comfortable with that life and trust him. He has an ex wife that made him gun-shy with long term commitments and two teenaged children who make him realize he needs to learn how to make room for Shelby in his life and theirs. So there are bumps and arguments and small misunderstandings and the fear of two people who've waited awhile to find their soul mate.
There are some well drawn supporting characters, mainly Tad's bandmates and his brother Theo and Shelby's BFF. But this is primarily Tad and Shelby's story.
Good book, I look forward to seeing what else this author has.
August 7, 2021
Loved this. What a nice refreshing read with two mature adults who act like it. 5 solid stars.
February 20, 2017
Believe it or not there are rock romances that look past the beginning years of late teens and early twenties; this is a book for anyone who loves a grown up version of rock romance. Tad had been a part of the rock scene since he was 14 and everything that goes along with that life when he was starting up but now that he’s older and with teenage kids of his own, life has taken on a different meaning as to what is important to him. Music is in his blood and will always be his first love. Tad was given the opportunity later in his life to join up with a famous rock star and his newly formed band so now he is back out on the road touring, selling out stadiums and creating new albums. Another “special” thing about Tad is that he is a twin and his brother, Theo, and he have a connection that you hear of sometimes where twins are concerned. They can feel if the other is in some kind of distress and are totally connected on many aspects. The one thing that they don’t share is their health. Theo was born with CP and is already living past the age doctors had told him he would live to.
Shelby is a published author and photographer taking her to all parts of the world. She is noted for the animal photographs that she captures and is famous in her own right. Shelby has the chance to go to a rock concert and her best friend is along with her when she gets to personally meet Tad. She has been a huge fan of his and has followed his blog even responding to it at times. Can you imagine how blown away she is when Tad knows of Shelby’s work?! This is what begins the friendship and connection that these two will share over a time. What better way to start any relationship than with an actual friendship but the question is do either feel the changing tides of all of their interactions over this time? Who wants to put their heart out there only to find out that the other person wasn’t feeling the same thing? Tad has mentioned different times about how he doesn’t do relationships anymore. Besides the jobs that they both love neither of them are in one place too long; they are traveling souls who live for the work they do. Then add in to it the drama that can come from Tad’s 16 year old daughter and it seems like they will never be given a chance at anything more than skype buddies.
I have read many of Ms. Collin’s books and I am a huge fan but there just seems to be something about this book that made me feel an even stronger connection with it. I think it has to do with the way she wrote about these people that made them seem very real and with which I had a huge connection with. You feel the trepidation of Tad and Shelby when it came to relationships, the longing that they feel over time, and the heartache that they will face in their future. You better have a box of tissues ready for this book because you will definitely need them. This is not a tear-jerker book though either because you feel like you are given a front row seat at rock concerts and the people are on that stage because they love what they do which makes you love them all the more. This is an excellent rock romance and has a supporting cast of characters that has me anxious to read their books.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given honest review.
Shelby is a published author and photographer taking her to all parts of the world. She is noted for the animal photographs that she captures and is famous in her own right. Shelby has the chance to go to a rock concert and her best friend is along with her when she gets to personally meet Tad. She has been a huge fan of his and has followed his blog even responding to it at times. Can you imagine how blown away she is when Tad knows of Shelby’s work?! This is what begins the friendship and connection that these two will share over a time. What better way to start any relationship than with an actual friendship but the question is do either feel the changing tides of all of their interactions over this time? Who wants to put their heart out there only to find out that the other person wasn’t feeling the same thing? Tad has mentioned different times about how he doesn’t do relationships anymore. Besides the jobs that they both love neither of them are in one place too long; they are traveling souls who live for the work they do. Then add in to it the drama that can come from Tad’s 16 year old daughter and it seems like they will never be given a chance at anything more than skype buddies.
I have read many of Ms. Collin’s books and I am a huge fan but there just seems to be something about this book that made me feel an even stronger connection with it. I think it has to do with the way she wrote about these people that made them seem very real and with which I had a huge connection with. You feel the trepidation of Tad and Shelby when it came to relationships, the longing that they feel over time, and the heartache that they will face in their future. You better have a box of tissues ready for this book because you will definitely need them. This is not a tear-jerker book though either because you feel like you are given a front row seat at rock concerts and the people are on that stage because they love what they do which makes you love them all the more. This is an excellent rock romance and has a supporting cast of characters that has me anxious to read their books.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given honest review.
February 18, 2017
I am a huge fan of rock star books but what I especially loved about this story is the fact that these characters are a little older and so much more mature than the younger "just making it big" rock stars in other books. I fell in love with both Tad and Shelby!
Tad has a great love for music and has been playing since he was a teenager. When he gets an opportunity to join an established very successful band, he jumps at the chance. So he finds himself out on the road again.
“Now, your boy, Quick, here insists the musician I’m looking for is you. Can you fit that bill, or not?”
Shelby is an accomplished wildlife photographer and has traveled to all corners of the earth. She has been a long time fan of Tad's and finally gets to meet him after one of his concerts. They become good friends. And while things between them might be changing, they are both traveling a lot because of their jobs and hesitant to move forward in a relationship....and add in to the mix the drama that comes with Tad's 16 year old daughter.
“Okay, let’s take stock here,” he thought to himself. “Gorgeous, intelligent, talented, obviously
fearless judging by her profession. Great sense of humor. Star Trek geek, always a plus. Music lover.”
“It’s really great to meet you both. Your dad talks about you all the time,” she said, looking from True to Honor. “Really? He hasn’t mentioned you at all.” There was no amusement in Honor’s voice, and her cold gaze cut Shelby to the quick. It was an illuminating statement, and she couldn’t miss Tad’s embarrassed expression.
Lashell has done a wonderful job with the characters in this book. I felt connected to all of them. And when a turn comes later in the book to one of the characters, I couldn't believe it! I never saw it coming. I contacted her and asked "How could you do that?"
I am very anxious to continue with the series and read the stories of the supporting characters!
I would highly recommend anything Lashell writes, but this has to be one of my favorites!!
Tad has a great love for music and has been playing since he was a teenager. When he gets an opportunity to join an established very successful band, he jumps at the chance. So he finds himself out on the road again.
“Now, your boy, Quick, here insists the musician I’m looking for is you. Can you fit that bill, or not?”
Shelby is an accomplished wildlife photographer and has traveled to all corners of the earth. She has been a long time fan of Tad's and finally gets to meet him after one of his concerts. They become good friends. And while things between them might be changing, they are both traveling a lot because of their jobs and hesitant to move forward in a relationship....and add in to the mix the drama that comes with Tad's 16 year old daughter.
“Okay, let’s take stock here,” he thought to himself. “Gorgeous, intelligent, talented, obviously
fearless judging by her profession. Great sense of humor. Star Trek geek, always a plus. Music lover.”
“It’s really great to meet you both. Your dad talks about you all the time,” she said, looking from True to Honor. “Really? He hasn’t mentioned you at all.” There was no amusement in Honor’s voice, and her cold gaze cut Shelby to the quick. It was an illuminating statement, and she couldn’t miss Tad’s embarrassed expression.
Lashell has done a wonderful job with the characters in this book. I felt connected to all of them. And when a turn comes later in the book to one of the characters, I couldn't believe it! I never saw it coming. I contacted her and asked "How could you do that?"
I am very anxious to continue with the series and read the stories of the supporting characters!
I would highly recommend anything Lashell writes, but this has to be one of my favorites!!
February 4, 2017
NOOOOOOO!!!
My first reaction was NO this story can't be over!
I read the first 80% in one day but got so emotional (crying!) I had to finish it today. In case it isn't clear....I LOVED IT. While I do not like cliffhangers, I did love the story up til then.
Tad and his band are, for a nice change, a bunch of older rockers in their 40's and so is the woman who falls for Tad (39). Their romance is very different in that it was a year of texting and Skype after only one face to face meeting. Shelby was a fan of Tad's and unbeknownst to Shelby, Tad was a fan of hers too. Shelby is a well-known wildlife photographer. Their meeting is fate.
In spite of Tad's daughter's dislike of her, Shelby tries to befriend her but isn't successful. Tad's son, True, likes her very much!
All I can do is encourage you all to read this book. It has well rounded characters as well as an enjoyable story!
My first reaction was NO this story can't be over!
I read the first 80% in one day but got so emotional (crying!) I had to finish it today. In case it isn't clear....I LOVED IT. While I do not like cliffhangers, I did love the story up til then.
Tad and his band are, for a nice change, a bunch of older rockers in their 40's and so is the woman who falls for Tad (39). Their romance is very different in that it was a year of texting and Skype after only one face to face meeting. Shelby was a fan of Tad's and unbeknownst to Shelby, Tad was a fan of hers too. Shelby is a well-known wildlife photographer. Their meeting is fate.
In spite of Tad's daughter's dislike of her, Shelby tries to befriend her but isn't successful. Tad's son, True, likes her very much!
All I can do is encourage you all to read this book. It has well rounded characters as well as an enjoyable story!
November 16, 2017
5 Electrified Guitars for True Romance
I am mostly just feeling like an idiot for completely forgetting this had been on my Kindle since January and I just now got around to reading it. I loved everything about it. I have realized in the last few months just how much I appreciate rockstar romances where the heroes and heroines are a bit older. As much as I hate to admit it, I am not so young myself anymore and it is so nice to be able to relate to the characters in the here and now. I found it especially easy to relate to Shelby and Tad, probably because I spent many years if my life as a professional photographer as well (though my shoots were never as interesting as hers! Lol!) and I am married to a blue collar guitarist (after 5 years of long distance at that.) We won't even go into the realism of the "step-kids" issues....frankly you don't get to our ages without someone having had kids along the way, and a snotty teenage daughter is way too close to home for me these days. But beyond that, the story is just fabulous. Realistic in that way that is often difficult for rockstar romances to be. There are some heartbreaking moments, but they are definitely outnumbered by the ones that will bring a smile to your face.
Highest recommendations for my rockstar girls and I can't wait to dig into the next book in this series!
PS - I know who Tad is based on, but I have been wracking my brain since the first chapter trying to figure out who Jesse was inspired by!
I am mostly just feeling like an idiot for completely forgetting this had been on my Kindle since January and I just now got around to reading it. I loved everything about it. I have realized in the last few months just how much I appreciate rockstar romances where the heroes and heroines are a bit older. As much as I hate to admit it, I am not so young myself anymore and it is so nice to be able to relate to the characters in the here and now. I found it especially easy to relate to Shelby and Tad, probably because I spent many years if my life as a professional photographer as well (though my shoots were never as interesting as hers! Lol!) and I am married to a blue collar guitarist (after 5 years of long distance at that.) We won't even go into the realism of the "step-kids" issues....frankly you don't get to our ages without someone having had kids along the way, and a snotty teenage daughter is way too close to home for me these days. But beyond that, the story is just fabulous. Realistic in that way that is often difficult for rockstar romances to be. There are some heartbreaking moments, but they are definitely outnumbered by the ones that will bring a smile to your face.
Highest recommendations for my rockstar girls and I can't wait to dig into the next book in this series!
PS - I know who Tad is based on, but I have been wracking my brain since the first chapter trying to figure out who Jesse was inspired by!
December 4, 2016
Lashell has truly blown me away with her insight into her characters psyche (which is the Greek word for SOUL or SPIRIT, and shines through in her character development)! Every time I read another of her amazing stories, I am totally enthralled! This story is the best of all I have read of her books, and I really didn't think she could do any better than Soul Stealer and Lion Tamer...then I started the Rogue Moon series. Spoiler here...I do believe Lashell has a thing for BASSISTS in the rock bands! Ok, I digressed, but I am back...where was I? When I started the Jagged Ivory series I was totally engrossed in their lives!
Now that I read Tad and Shelby's story in True Romance, I am truely enamored and enthralled!
Rock and Roll idols, most of them older and have gotten over the "lifestyle," and are trying to figure out how to make a big splash in the music scene. Tad and Shelby both have significant relationship issues. You definitely need to read the book to see how they handle all the potholes in their life path.
This book was the best ever!! READ IT!
Now that I read Tad and Shelby's story in True Romance, I am truely enamored and enthralled!
Rock and Roll idols, most of them older and have gotten over the "lifestyle," and are trying to figure out how to make a big splash in the music scene. Tad and Shelby both have significant relationship issues. You definitely need to read the book to see how they handle all the potholes in their life path.
This book was the best ever!! READ IT!
February 10, 2017
My latest Rocktar Read! ♡♡♡♡♡
What can I say about this one? I started out speechless, then I had to force myself to shut up.
I've been meaning to share my thoughts on this one for a while now, but much like the theme of the story itself, I wanted to take my time with it and choose my words. ♡
More and more readers are requesting stories featuring mature characters. If that’s you, then True Romance by Lashell Collins is exactly what you’re looking for.
This is a book that holds true to its title. Here we have a slow-burn sexy romantic read that you’ll want to curl up in bed with. I found myself savouring each lush word like a combination of fine wine and truffles. What can I say about these two characters, Tad and Shelby, other than the fact that I loved them both. I was fascinated by Shelby’s career. Wow, what a dream job! Yet our worldly heroine is so down to earth and approachable, I felt as though I could call her up and chit chat or invite her out for coffee.
Then there’s Tad. He’s a gorgeous, tall, dark, and handsome seasoned rocker who’s been there, done that, yet he’s not burnt out or jaded. In fact, he’s a hard-working loyal type of guy on the verge of an awesome new opportunity when a famous rock star comes into the picture and offers him a chance to go worldwide. He doesn’t take the decision lightly and I could feel his inner struggle to do the right thing. He’s a dedicated father and brother with strong family ties and morals and he is ultimately torn.
When these two inspiring yet realistic characters first meet, I felt like I was right there with them from the start and all the way through their unique courtship. But my love affair with this romance doesn’t just involve Tad and Shelby. It goes well beyond that. In this first of series as we meet an awesome cast of supporting characters, who play major roles in the lives of our main couple.
Congratulations, Lashell! I cannot wait to read the next in series!
What can I say about this one? I started out speechless, then I had to force myself to shut up.
I've been meaning to share my thoughts on this one for a while now, but much like the theme of the story itself, I wanted to take my time with it and choose my words. ♡
More and more readers are requesting stories featuring mature characters. If that’s you, then True Romance by Lashell Collins is exactly what you’re looking for.
This is a book that holds true to its title. Here we have a slow-burn sexy romantic read that you’ll want to curl up in bed with. I found myself savouring each lush word like a combination of fine wine and truffles. What can I say about these two characters, Tad and Shelby, other than the fact that I loved them both. I was fascinated by Shelby’s career. Wow, what a dream job! Yet our worldly heroine is so down to earth and approachable, I felt as though I could call her up and chit chat or invite her out for coffee.
Then there’s Tad. He’s a gorgeous, tall, dark, and handsome seasoned rocker who’s been there, done that, yet he’s not burnt out or jaded. In fact, he’s a hard-working loyal type of guy on the verge of an awesome new opportunity when a famous rock star comes into the picture and offers him a chance to go worldwide. He doesn’t take the decision lightly and I could feel his inner struggle to do the right thing. He’s a dedicated father and brother with strong family ties and morals and he is ultimately torn.
When these two inspiring yet realistic characters first meet, I felt like I was right there with them from the start and all the way through their unique courtship. But my love affair with this romance doesn’t just involve Tad and Shelby. It goes well beyond that. In this first of series as we meet an awesome cast of supporting characters, who play major roles in the lives of our main couple.
Congratulations, Lashell! I cannot wait to read the next in series!
March 13, 2017
Loved this story
I can't wait for part two, loved Shelby and Tad. Want to see what happens with pregnancy.
I need to read part two now
I can't wait for part two, loved Shelby and Tad. Want to see what happens with pregnancy.
I need to read part two now
January 2, 2017
What a fantastic, True Romance by Lashell Collins This book gave me hot flashes throughout the whole book! I knew that this would be a fantastic read. There's nothing better than two characters who have such intense chemistry. What a great story to start! This is so enjoyable,well written and the scenes are fabulous. I couldn't stop reading. I loved this story, thought it was seductive and wanted to read more about this alluring couple, even after the book was finished. What a wonderful read. I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed reading this intriguing and interesting book. It is one of the few books that I have read that is well written with a good story-line, which offers children drama, suspense, attractions, lust, love and emotional feelings. The characters have emotional feelings with needs and desires according to their personality. I enjoy a story that makes me Laugh out loud. Thaddeus Kyle is Nearly forty, he's been playing in a band all his life, chasing dreams of being a rock superstardom. Then a real rock and roll legend gives him a chance and he meets Shelby Finnegan the woman who could be the one to him. Shelby is a celebrated wildlife photographer, she doesn't think she has time for romance. She also have painful past that she keeps buried deep. But her love for rock and roll gives her a chance encounter with her favorite rocker's new bass player and she can't think of little else. The sparks fly during their relationship, will their love out last their trials.
Overall, this book was a real treat for the eyes and heart. Once again Lashell Collins has delivered a wonderful heartwarming story of love, friendship and caring. The characters are strong with interesting backgrounds. It touches on the kids relationship with their Dad new girlfriend and the reaction of the adults that's not sure how to handle the extended family. This book will fascinate readers who don’t normally read this type of book. The story will pull the reader into it. I would definitely recommend this book! Believe me you won't be disappointed. I voluntarily reviewed this Book. I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
Overall, this book was a real treat for the eyes and heart. Once again Lashell Collins has delivered a wonderful heartwarming story of love, friendship and caring. The characters are strong with interesting backgrounds. It touches on the kids relationship with their Dad new girlfriend and the reaction of the adults that's not sure how to handle the extended family. This book will fascinate readers who don’t normally read this type of book. The story will pull the reader into it. I would definitely recommend this book! Believe me you won't be disappointed. I voluntarily reviewed this Book. I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
January 2, 2017
Another treat from Lashell Collins. I am a true fan of the author, while not a big fan of Rocker Romances. This one changed my mind. The age of the couple appealed to me and the author always provides wonderful entertainment. Tad got his big break in the music business at thirty-eight. He also met Shelby in person. She had touched him through a blog fan response that stayed with him. Little did he know she was a famous wildlife photographer. Their meeting at a concert turned into a friendship by correspondence, online chats, and phone calls.
Could their feelings expand into a real relationship? Their traveling keeps them apart so much of the time. Can they really make the adjustments necessary to find a life together? Both have histories of having to choose between a love life and a life they love.
The author builds their relationship and shows their feelings without having to resort to more than sexual tension for a long time. It was a unique experience and kept me cheering them on, waiting for them to finally not only consummate their relationship but simply be in the same place at the same time together. Their sharing of their lives from a distance was something few people have, creating a strong friendship. The saying that friendship is important in a “True Romance” is proven in this story. I recommend this to romance lovers of all ages. Once again Ms. Collins has gifted us with a story that will stay with us until time to read it again and again.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On.
Could their feelings expand into a real relationship? Their traveling keeps them apart so much of the time. Can they really make the adjustments necessary to find a life together? Both have histories of having to choose between a love life and a life they love.
The author builds their relationship and shows their feelings without having to resort to more than sexual tension for a long time. It was a unique experience and kept me cheering them on, waiting for them to finally not only consummate their relationship but simply be in the same place at the same time together. Their sharing of their lives from a distance was something few people have, creating a strong friendship. The saying that friendship is important in a “True Romance” is proven in this story. I recommend this to romance lovers of all ages. Once again Ms. Collins has gifted us with a story that will stay with us until time to read it again and again.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On.
January 4, 2017
Delightful and Compelling Read!!
I would normally state I do not read the “Rock star” genre – but Lashell Collins proves me wrong. This is not “just” a rock star romance; it is a story of two artistic people who live unique lives and the pursuit of their career makes it hard to connect with the average individual.
Tad put his touring dreams on hold when his girlfriend got pregnant and they married and raised a family – but now the divorce is final and the kids are grown and the opportunity of a lifetime comes his way. Shelby is a wildlife photographer and finds solace in music on her travels. One of her favorite bands hires a bass player who also blogs – and when this blogging resonates with her she responds in the comments. When she gets backstage passes to this band on one of her trips back home; it turns out Tad had his day made by that comment and they realize they “met” on-line. This begins an almost year-long text communication as they both are traveling the world.
The development of their relationship and the texting repartee combines for an entertaining and poignant read.
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
I would normally state I do not read the “Rock star” genre – but Lashell Collins proves me wrong. This is not “just” a rock star romance; it is a story of two artistic people who live unique lives and the pursuit of their career makes it hard to connect with the average individual.
Tad put his touring dreams on hold when his girlfriend got pregnant and they married and raised a family – but now the divorce is final and the kids are grown and the opportunity of a lifetime comes his way. Shelby is a wildlife photographer and finds solace in music on her travels. One of her favorite bands hires a bass player who also blogs – and when this blogging resonates with her she responds in the comments. When she gets backstage passes to this band on one of her trips back home; it turns out Tad had his day made by that comment and they realize they “met” on-line. This begins an almost year-long text communication as they both are traveling the world.
The development of their relationship and the texting repartee combines for an entertaining and poignant read.
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
February 11, 2017
A really good read
Loved their friendship, attraction and relationship. They had a mutual respect of each other's lives that was touching. I loved Theo and Tad's relationship as well. Great characters.
Loved their friendship, attraction and relationship. They had a mutual respect of each other's lives that was touching. I loved Theo and Tad's relationship as well. Great characters.
February 9, 2017
When I first read the blurb about this book, I had a feeling it was going to be a good read. To be honest, it kind of started off slow but midway, I was hooked. This is a real couple with real issues (distance, kids, relationship issues, etc.) It was refreshing to read about a mature couple who were secure in themselves and their careers, taking a chance on love. This was my first novel by this author and now I'm a fan. Will definitely read more of her work.
January 3, 2017
This is an extremely well written romance with characters that feel real and are easy to connect to from the beginning. Tad and Shelby are both at a more stable point in the lives when they meet. They have so much in common but their careers keep them on the move. I really enjoyed the story and watching the characters form a friendship that leads to a real love. There are obstacles but true love prevails.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
January 30, 2017
I have read several of Lashell's books which I've enjoyed immensely but this one left me disappointed. I felt like it dragged on and it didn't really go anywhere. There was no real explanation as to why Honor was such a bitch to Shelby and there was no epilogue so the story just stopped without a proper ending leaving me feeling like I've read an incomplete story. There were also some grammatical issues, so overall a disappointing book.
January 5, 2017
Hopeful book for those over 35
I love the premise of this book. Successful wildlife photographer meets rock star. They get to be friends first by texting,skyping and face timing. Needless to say this book is great for all of us "older" readers. It does have a headache.
I love the premise of this book. Successful wildlife photographer meets rock star. They get to be friends first by texting,skyping and face timing. Needless to say this book is great for all of us "older" readers. It does have a headache.
September 26, 2017
This is a book that will make you smile, and make you cry. Beautiful story of the formation and building of a relationship. Characters you can identify with, even when they have exotic professions, and believable interactions and dynamics.
January 16, 2017
I didn't like that daughter and I didn't like the reason why she didn't like her father's girlfriend. I didn't like how the brother died. No rhyme or reason...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2017
This was my first read by Ms. Collins but it will not be my last. I loved that the characters were a little on the older side (late 30's female/early 40's male). It was a mature love story with well developed characters dealing with complex issues to get them to their HEA. Highly recommended.
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