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Rocked Up
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! Rocked Up is a STANDALONE rockstar romance and the sexy, fun brainchild of the husband and wife writing duo, Scott Mackenzie and New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.
I've been watching him since I was a teenager.
He didn't notice me back then and it didn't matter. Brad Snyder, guitarist and singer for one of the world's greatest bands, was my entire life.
My father, the CEO of Ramsey Records, takes credit for all of Brad's success, trying to control him in the same way he's controlled me.
But I finally get an opportunity to prove myself.
To be wild.
To be free.
Today I'm auditioning to be the replacement bass player for Brad's band. If I get the job, I'll go on tour and work with Brad every day, in very close proximity.
There's only one rule: he's not allowed to touch the boss's daughter.
Remember when I said that Brad never used to notice little ol' me?
Well, Brad's noticing me now.
In a way that's going to get us both in trouble.
My name is Lael Ramsey and we all know how this will turn out.
He didn't notice me back then and it didn't matter. Brad Snyder, guitarist and singer for one of the world's greatest bands, was my entire life.
My father, the CEO of Ramsey Records, takes credit for all of Brad's success, trying to control him in the same way he's controlled me.
But I finally get an opportunity to prove myself.
To be wild.
To be free.
Today I'm auditioning to be the replacement bass player for Brad's band. If I get the job, I'll go on tour and work with Brad every day, in very close proximity.
There's only one rule: he's not allowed to touch the boss's daughter.
Remember when I said that Brad never used to notice little ol' me?
Well, Brad's noticing me now.
In a way that's going to get us both in trouble.
My name is Lael Ramsey and we all know how this will turn out.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2017
362 people are currently reading
2682 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
122 books19.6k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
July 10, 2020
3.5 stars!!!
Rocked Up is a fun, sexy, and sweet rockstar romance! I love Karina Halle and when I heard she was co-writing a book with her husband, Scott MacKenzie, I was anxious to read it. I love a good rockstar romance and a surprise pregnancy book, so I had feeling I would enjoy it, and I was right! I was really impressed with the flow of the book. Sometimes when a book is written by two people, you can tell. The flow is off and the tone of the story doesn’t jive. I had no issues with that in Rocked Up whatsoever. The flow was great and I loved the chapters from both Brad and Lael’s pov.
Lael Ramsey has had a thing for rock star Brad Snyder since she was a teen. She’s grown up now, and an aspiring rocker herself. Lael’s father is the manager for Brad’s band, and Lael talks her dad into getting her an audition for the band. They are in need of a bass player, and that is Lael’s instrument of choice.
I loved the chemistry between this couple. They fought to be together. Brad was amazing. He was my favorite character of the book and I loved being in his head. He was hesitant about falling for Lael, or anyone for that matter, but the more he fell for her, the more he realized that when you really love someone, you’ll give up anything for them. They become the most important thing in your world *sigh*
Rocked Up is a fun, sexy, and sweet rockstar romance! I love Karina Halle and when I heard she was co-writing a book with her husband, Scott MacKenzie, I was anxious to read it. I love a good rockstar romance and a surprise pregnancy book, so I had feeling I would enjoy it, and I was right! I was really impressed with the flow of the book. Sometimes when a book is written by two people, you can tell. The flow is off and the tone of the story doesn’t jive. I had no issues with that in Rocked Up whatsoever. The flow was great and I loved the chapters from both Brad and Lael’s pov.
Lael Ramsey has had a thing for rock star Brad Snyder since she was a teen. She’s grown up now, and an aspiring rocker herself. Lael’s father is the manager for Brad’s band, and Lael talks her dad into getting her an audition for the band. They are in need of a bass player, and that is Lael’s instrument of choice.
I’m just Lael Ramsey. As a bass-player, I’m pretty much a nobody. But I believe in myself. And when you believe in what you do, that’s how you become a somebody.When Lael auditions, only Brad knows she is Lael Ramsey. I appreciated the fact that Lael really did want to make it on her own. I loved her character. Brad is a hard worker and not your typical rocker in many ways. He’s not into drugs or booze or any of that. He’s concentrated on his music first and foremost. Until Lael comes along. Then he finds it hard to concentrate on anything other than her.
I loved the chemistry between this couple. They fought to be together. Brad was amazing. He was my favorite character of the book and I loved being in his head. He was hesitant about falling for Lael, or anyone for that matter, but the more he fell for her, the more he realized that when you really love someone, you’ll give up anything for them. They become the most important thing in your world *sigh*
“Baby, nothing is going to keep me away from you. Not your father, not the band. If it’s a risk, I don’t fucking care. You are worth that risk.”Overall, Rocked Up was a well written, fast paced, romance. It had just a bit of drama, a lot of love, and was a sweet read!
May 16, 2017
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Love—it’s a drug I’ve never tried because I’ve seen it kill so many others. Maybe I am the drug and deep down I know I’m no good. What kind of man needs this life I’m living? What kind of man wants to stand on stage and have tens of thousands of people scream for him? There is so much fakeness I have lost myself in and I’m so completely selfish.
ROCKED UP is the first writing collaboration between Karina Halle and her husband, Scott Mackenzie. I really enjoy a good rock star romance and these authors were able to create a story that for the most part kept me entertained. The writing between the two authors was seamless and although it is told in alternating POVs, the story never felt disjointed. If I hadn’t known that the book was co-written, I would have assumed that one author had penned the entire story.
Lael Ramsey has idolized and crushed on the lead singer of the group And Then since she was fourteen-years-old. Her father, who is a recording producer and who owns the group that Lael idolizes, ends up getting her backstage passes to their concert. The moment she met Brad Snyder was too overwhelming for her and she ended up fainting. Fast forward seven years later, Lael is given another opportunity to come face to face with her idol and adolescent crush, when her father asks her to pick Brad up from the airport. Lael has become a gifted bass player and songwriter and asks for the chance to try out to be And Then’s new bass player as the group has had to let go of their previous one due to drug addiction.
Brad is pleasantly surprised to see Lael at the airport and he hasn’t forgotten her over the past seven years. He notices that she has matured into a stunningly beautiful woman and is drawn to her. They seem to get along easily and feel at ease amongst each other. When he is ordered to bring Lael on as the group’s new bass player by her father, he’s a bit put off at first but when Lael insists that she be given the chance to try out for the spot instead, Brad and his bandmates are nearly blown away by her amazing talent.
When Lael is unanimously voted to be the new bass player, she heads out on tour with the guys while unbeknownst to her, Lael’s father has already laid down the law with Brad. This is to be a short-term gig so that she can get this out of her system and Brad is to keep his hands off of her. If he breaks the rules her father won’t hesitate to end his career. Well, of course, being the rebel that he is, Brad doesn’t keep his distance and neither does Lael. Being together day in and day out only ends up igniting an explosive passion between the two.
Can the two lovers come out of the experience unscathed when there are so many people who are against their union?
ROCKED UP is currently available!
Kindle: bit.ly/RU-Kindle
Nook: bit.ly/RU-Nook
iTunes: bit.ly/RU-iTunes
Kobo: bit.ly/RU-KOBO
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Love—it’s a drug I’ve never tried because I’ve seen it kill so many others. Maybe I am the drug and deep down I know I’m no good. What kind of man needs this life I’m living? What kind of man wants to stand on stage and have tens of thousands of people scream for him? There is so much fakeness I have lost myself in and I’m so completely selfish.
ROCKED UP is the first writing collaboration between Karina Halle and her husband, Scott Mackenzie. I really enjoy a good rock star romance and these authors were able to create a story that for the most part kept me entertained. The writing between the two authors was seamless and although it is told in alternating POVs, the story never felt disjointed. If I hadn’t known that the book was co-written, I would have assumed that one author had penned the entire story.
Lael Ramsey has idolized and crushed on the lead singer of the group And Then since she was fourteen-years-old. Her father, who is a recording producer and who owns the group that Lael idolizes, ends up getting her backstage passes to their concert. The moment she met Brad Snyder was too overwhelming for her and she ended up fainting. Fast forward seven years later, Lael is given another opportunity to come face to face with her idol and adolescent crush, when her father asks her to pick Brad up from the airport. Lael has become a gifted bass player and songwriter and asks for the chance to try out to be And Then’s new bass player as the group has had to let go of their previous one due to drug addiction.
Brad is pleasantly surprised to see Lael at the airport and he hasn’t forgotten her over the past seven years. He notices that she has matured into a stunningly beautiful woman and is drawn to her. They seem to get along easily and feel at ease amongst each other. When he is ordered to bring Lael on as the group’s new bass player by her father, he’s a bit put off at first but when Lael insists that she be given the chance to try out for the spot instead, Brad and his bandmates are nearly blown away by her amazing talent.
When Lael is unanimously voted to be the new bass player, she heads out on tour with the guys while unbeknownst to her, Lael’s father has already laid down the law with Brad. This is to be a short-term gig so that she can get this out of her system and Brad is to keep his hands off of her. If he breaks the rules her father won’t hesitate to end his career. Well, of course, being the rebel that he is, Brad doesn’t keep his distance and neither does Lael. Being together day in and day out only ends up igniting an explosive passion between the two.
Can the two lovers come out of the experience unscathed when there are so many people who are against their union?
ROCKED UP is currently available!
Kindle: bit.ly/RU-Kindle
Nook: bit.ly/RU-Nook
iTunes: bit.ly/RU-iTunes
Kobo: bit.ly/RU-KOBO
May 18, 2017
➦I have to be honest and say that this book totally and completely sucked me in from the very beginning. Brad, a boy who has nothing get picked up by a major recording label and is made into a star. There's a backstory which I enjoyed very much and it certainly made a strong opening for this book.
➦Years later Brad's band is looking for a bassist for the tour and hires a young talented female who brings a unique sound to their performances. Well, it turns out she's a daughter of the big boss Ramsey, the creator of the label the band is signed with. Ramsey is certainly not happy but decides to let her have a taste of the life on the road, convinced she will realize it's not for her. What will happen during those weeks on the road?
➦I actually went into this book blind. And I suppose I won't be giving any spoilers but there's a pregnancy test on the cover. You can kind of sort of guess what happens on the road, can't you?
➦To be completely honest, I struggled to finish this novel. The second part of the book was giving off a different vibe, almost like the writing style switched. I have no idea who wrote what parts but past the half way mark the things were mostly "told" to me instead of being "shown" through character interactions.
➦The hero of this novel was very hard to fall in love with. He was sort of a very passive person, being told what to do and how to live. By the end of the book I was kind of amazed at his ceaselessness, and not in a good way. I needed him to take a stand and fight. He took forever and I lost interest. The ending was somewhat anticlimactic and felt rushed. Followed by a lot of descriptions of scenes I had little interest in. Didn't quite hit the mark for me, I'm afraid.
May 18, 2017
4-4.5 rock stars ❤
It is true that whatever Karina writes I'm going to read it.She is one of my favorite,so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this new book that she has co-written with her husband!
I found myself enjoying it from the first pages and I really couldn't put it down.I loved the premise of this story, and Lael and Brad were fantastic!They had an amazing chemistry!Their relationship was sweet and fun.
I would love to see more books from these two!The writing was very good and the story was fast paced and enjoyable!!
It is true that whatever Karina writes I'm going to read it.She is one of my favorite,so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this new book that she has co-written with her husband!
I found myself enjoying it from the first pages and I really couldn't put it down.I loved the premise of this story, and Lael and Brad were fantastic!They had an amazing chemistry!Their relationship was sweet and fun.
I would love to see more books from these two!The writing was very good and the story was fast paced and enjoyable!!
May 19, 2017
3.5 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages
Rocked Up is a fun, sizzling, and romantic standalone novel about a rock star with a tragic past and a girl trying to break free. This book, told in alternating POVs, is the first collaboration between author Karina Halle and her husband Scott MacKenzie.
Lael Ramsey, daughter of the man behind Ramsey Records, has been in love with Brad Snyder, the lead singer of one of Ramsey Record’s biggest rock bands, since she was fourteen. Seven years later, a chance of a lifetime appears when And Then’s bassist gets fired.
Lael auditions and becomes the band’s newest bass player, and she joins them on their tour around the country. Ronald Ramsey, her father, has made it clear that she is off limits to the band, but Lael and Brad have a connection that’s hard to resist. They have to keep their budding relationship a secret or else Ronald might ruin not just Lael’s chance of reaching her dream, but everything Brad worked hard for.
My favorite part about this book is Lael and Brad’s passion for music and the connection they’ve made because of it. It was written so vividly that I could see it so clearly in the back of my head. Their passion and personal battles ignited a spark and a connection they can’t shake off.
I loved Lael’s carefree attitude and her teal hair and amazing skills in the bass guitar. She was such a genuine person, living life and trying to do her best to make her dreams come true. I wish I was as confident as her when I was her age.
Personally, I wouldn't call this book a romantic comedy. It had its fair share of humor but there was more angst in the story. In between the fun and the sexy, the story shows us Brad's past and what life was like for him before he became a rock star.
While the pacing was nice and steady in the first half of the book, the second half felt rushed, especially the conflict and resolution. There were some scenes that either confused me or made me feel like it wasn’t enough—anything involving Lael’s father, to name one.
Overall, I still enjoyed Rocked Up. I think the ending made up for the few chapters before it, and I honestly believe Brad and Lael’s endings were perfect for them. It left me swooning and smiling so hard! I was filled with happiness and satisfaction that these two people who have suffered a lot, Brad especially, have found the happily ever afters of their story arcs together.
It wasn’t the best rock star book out there, but it’s still enjoyable. There was great chemistry, an in-depth look at the music industry and what it’s like to be a rock star, and nice banter between the characters. I think most fans of rock star romances will have a great time reading Rocked Up.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages
Rocked Up is a fun, sizzling, and romantic standalone novel about a rock star with a tragic past and a girl trying to break free. This book, told in alternating POVs, is the first collaboration between author Karina Halle and her husband Scott MacKenzie.
Lael Ramsey, daughter of the man behind Ramsey Records, has been in love with Brad Snyder, the lead singer of one of Ramsey Record’s biggest rock bands, since she was fourteen. Seven years later, a chance of a lifetime appears when And Then’s bassist gets fired.
Lael auditions and becomes the band’s newest bass player, and she joins them on their tour around the country. Ronald Ramsey, her father, has made it clear that she is off limits to the band, but Lael and Brad have a connection that’s hard to resist. They have to keep their budding relationship a secret or else Ronald might ruin not just Lael’s chance of reaching her dream, but everything Brad worked hard for.
My favorite part about this book is Lael and Brad’s passion for music and the connection they’ve made because of it. It was written so vividly that I could see it so clearly in the back of my head. Their passion and personal battles ignited a spark and a connection they can’t shake off.
I loved Lael’s carefree attitude and her teal hair and amazing skills in the bass guitar. She was such a genuine person, living life and trying to do her best to make her dreams come true. I wish I was as confident as her when I was her age.
Personally, I wouldn't call this book a romantic comedy. It had its fair share of humor but there was more angst in the story. In between the fun and the sexy, the story shows us Brad's past and what life was like for him before he became a rock star.
While the pacing was nice and steady in the first half of the book, the second half felt rushed, especially the conflict and resolution. There were some scenes that either confused me or made me feel like it wasn’t enough—anything involving Lael’s father, to name one.
Overall, I still enjoyed Rocked Up. I think the ending made up for the few chapters before it, and I honestly believe Brad and Lael’s endings were perfect for them. It left me swooning and smiling so hard! I was filled with happiness and satisfaction that these two people who have suffered a lot, Brad especially, have found the happily ever afters of their story arcs together.
It wasn’t the best rock star book out there, but it’s still enjoyable. There was great chemistry, an in-depth look at the music industry and what it’s like to be a rock star, and nice banter between the characters. I think most fans of rock star romances will have a great time reading Rocked Up.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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May 17, 2017
ROCKED UP: is a STANDALONE rockstar romantic comedy co written by Karina Halle and her husband Scott Mackenzie.
Seven years ago a fourteen year old Lael noticed twenty year old Brad Synder, he’s the lead singer and guitarists for one of her all time favourite bands who are represented by her father's record label ‘Ramsey Records’
Now she’s on her way to the venue where he and his band is playing, even though her father represents them she’s never seen them live or even met the band.
It’s like I feel connected to him through his music, like his songs speak to me and me alone. There’s a lonely boy behind the hot facade, someone with loneliness can understand.
Backstage passes in hand, she finally meets the boy she fantasises about in her dreams, her wish comes true, only to land flat on her face from fainting. She vows that the next time she meets him is going to be different. For starters she won’t be fainting again in a hurry!!
Fast forward 5 years
Brad is what you would term owned by Ronald Ramsey of Ramsey Records and Lael is Ramsey’s only child. She’s 21 and he’s 27, now she’s also the new bass player in their band. Age isn’t a factor any more.
He's just perfectly imperfect. And every moment we have, we end up spending it together. Like gravity is pulling us into each other's orbit and there's no choice but to either collide or keep rotating around each other.
Brad owes everything he is to Ronald, at the age of fourteen until he was discovered he was a foster child bounced from home to home with nothing to his name, music was his only outlet, the one thing that never let him down in life, util Ronald swept in and saved the day and made him a household name.
The only problem these two have is Lael’s father the biggest obstacle they have to tackle. He’s specifically stated that there is to e no socialising between the two, he’s also warned Brad that he’s prepared to drop him faster than a hot pancake. To the point he will make it that no one will sign with him again.
For the last couple of months, I've been falling deeper and deeper, head over bass, until I'm rocked by it, by my very love for him.
Rocked Up has been pegged as a rockstar romantic comedy which I think is totally off the mark, I did giggle once and that was all thanks to a crazy rockstar brandishing snakes but other than that small giggle that escaped I wouldn't call this a comedy. More along the lines of 'Contemporary Romance'
Now with past 'Rocker' books I've read you go in expecting the man whore persona, the free flowing drugs and sex on tap, and all the rock n roll taboo things one would expect when jumping into a Rocker book, 'Rocked Up' to me was as if I was reading about teenie boppers starting off, they didn't come across as guys in their late 20's living the lifestyle of rockers. It wasn’t until I reached about the 30% mark in the book that this started coming into it’s own.
And it pains me to say this because I had such high expectations for this married duo co-writing this book together.
May 17, 2017
Lael has been crushing on rock star Brad since she was only 14! That was seven years ago. Now she’s 21 and he’s 27 … which is not such a bad age difference anymore…. BUT....
The BUT in this case is Lael’s dad. He’s no other than the boss of Ramsey Records. And he kind of owns Brad! And even though he’s making her dreams come true by allowing her to go on tour with Brad – to be the band’s new bass player - he also forbids any and all socializing between the band and his daughter!
But Lael just knows that there could be something real between Brad and her. She understands him – his talent – his pain – his loneliness. But it’s not going to be easy to get close to him, with her dad’s watchdogs watching her every move!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH LAEL & BRAD?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER???
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
══════════════════════
ROCKSTAR ROMANCE!!!!
I only read half the title and I knew I had to read this book!
I just LOOOOVE #RockStarRomances!
Kellan Kyle is and will always be my favorite guy in the fictional world.
But Brad was really amazing too! He's written so heartbreakingly beautiful. I just wanted to constantly hug him!!!! ♥
He’s had a hard childhood and youth – he basically grew up all alone with his guitar and the guys at the theater where he helped out - and then he was discovered by Lael’s dad and thrown out into the rock world – totally unprepared and unequipped to handle anything but his guitar, his voice and his songwriting. But now with Lael at his side, he’s finally realizing that he’s not all alone in the world. That there’s something else out there worth living and fighting for.
And poor Lael. She’s been kinda in love with Brad forever! And now that she’s getting to know the real guy behind the rock star – she’s falling even harder! But her dad won’t have any of that – so the reader has to hope for that HEA all through the book!!! Will we get to ride off into our Happily Ever After Rock-Star sunset together??? ☺☺☺
I enjoyed this book soo much! I read it in one day!
I laughed and swooned and Dawson and I even cried a lot!
It was an amazing New Adult Rock Star Romance!!
Of course, as with every book I read, I had some tiny little problems…
First of all the title and cover! Why put the fact that there will be a baby on the cover and in the title? I could totally understand it if the book would start like that – but we don’t find out about the baby until we’re 68% into the book!? Hm, that’s a bit weird, right? That's almost like writing the name of the killer on the back of a thriller!
Then the hero and heroine! I loooved them, but I also had the feeling that they were written a tiny little bit – or rather – a lottle bit – too naïve! Lael only taking her pill a couple times a week and thinking it will all be good! And Brad being a world famous rock star for a decade and not owning any of his songs or a house or a car or anything?? Like the record-company boss is the devil who he sold his soul to. Which I know happens in real life. But it makes Brad look a little stupid.
But of course now that Lael and Brad a forever-ever-after thing, they can finally grow up together and be smart about things. ☺
And then… there were a lot of names of proof-readers mentioned in the beginning of the book – and even though I read an ARC, and I think this is the final version, since the book will be out in two day – I hope Karina didn’t have to pay those proof-readers for sleeping on the job!!!!! Of course I will take that back, should I find out that there was some more proof-reading done after I got the book! ☺
ROCKED UP was a heartbreakingly beautiful & adorable & exciting & sweet & moving & sexy #RockStarRomance! Hurry to your nearest amazon for your own Brad, because this one is MINE!!!! ALLLLLL MINE!!!!!
♡ 
♡ 
♡ 
♡ 
dnf
May 26, 2017DNF @ 60%
Welp, I didn't last very much longer than my last update...
This, unfortunately, couldn't hold my attention. I found myself doing other things instead of reading, and even going to extent of playing games on my iPad which I know is a bad sign!
I didn't connect to the characters, and I also really didn't feel their connection to each other.
I know this has been liked by many readers, but it just didn't work for me 😔
Welp, I didn't last very much longer than my last update...
This, unfortunately, couldn't hold my attention. I found myself doing other things instead of reading, and even going to extent of playing games on my iPad which I know is a bad sign!
I didn't connect to the characters, and I also really didn't feel their connection to each other.
I know this has been liked by many readers, but it just didn't work for me 😔
May 18, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Lael Ramsey is the daughter of a successful record producer. Her dad owns the record label, Ramsey Records. He represents her all time favorite band, And Then. She has a massive crush on the lead singer & guitarist, Brad Snyder. She attends one of his shows when she is 14. She's so starstruck she completely humiliates herself.
Seven years has gone by & shes been obsessed with Brad for years. He's one of the main reasons she loves music. His music has always inspired her. She writes songs & plays the bass guitar. She wants the opportunity to do what she loves, so when Brad's band needs a temporary bass player for their upcoming tour, she hopes this is her chance to prove herself as a musician. She auditions and begins touring with the band.
-You wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in you.
-This is my dream.
-This is unreal.
Brad Snyder came from nothing & was bounced around foster care most of his childhood. Music was his only constant. His whole life changed when he was 17 & signed with Ramsey Records. They made him a star & over the past ten years he's become famous. Suddenly his boss's daughter is joining them on tour for the next two months. He hasn't seen little Lael in years. She's absolutely stunning & also forbidden. The one rule about her is nobody's to touch the boss's daughter. She's totally off limits. This is easier said than done.
The more time they spend together, the more they lust over one another. Passion ignites & they finally give in. Lael feels free and is having the time of her life touring & being with her dream guy. Brad can't remember a time he's been this happy. He's always been alone in the world, but suddenly he's growing attached to Lael. Real feelings are forming, but will her controlling father threaten to end what's been building between them?
I really enjoyed this fabulous rockstar romantic comedy. It was the first book Karina Halle has co-written with her husband Scott Mackenzie. They write beautifully together. It was fantastic!
-"The only thing I'm afraid of is not being with you."
-I want him. I need him. And no one else will do.
Lael Ramsey is the daughter of a successful record producer. Her dad owns the record label, Ramsey Records. He represents her all time favorite band, And Then. She has a massive crush on the lead singer & guitarist, Brad Snyder. She attends one of his shows when she is 14. She's so starstruck she completely humiliates herself.
Seven years has gone by & shes been obsessed with Brad for years. He's one of the main reasons she loves music. His music has always inspired her. She writes songs & plays the bass guitar. She wants the opportunity to do what she loves, so when Brad's band needs a temporary bass player for their upcoming tour, she hopes this is her chance to prove herself as a musician. She auditions and begins touring with the band.
-You wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in you.
-This is my dream.
-This is unreal.
Brad Snyder came from nothing & was bounced around foster care most of his childhood. Music was his only constant. His whole life changed when he was 17 & signed with Ramsey Records. They made him a star & over the past ten years he's become famous. Suddenly his boss's daughter is joining them on tour for the next two months. He hasn't seen little Lael in years. She's absolutely stunning & also forbidden. The one rule about her is nobody's to touch the boss's daughter. She's totally off limits. This is easier said than done.
The more time they spend together, the more they lust over one another. Passion ignites & they finally give in. Lael feels free and is having the time of her life touring & being with her dream guy. Brad can't remember a time he's been this happy. He's always been alone in the world, but suddenly he's growing attached to Lael. Real feelings are forming, but will her controlling father threaten to end what's been building between them?
I really enjoyed this fabulous rockstar romantic comedy. It was the first book Karina Halle has co-written with her husband Scott Mackenzie. They write beautifully together. It was fantastic!
-"The only thing I'm afraid of is not being with you."
-I want him. I need him. And no one else will do.
April 2, 2018
3 stars.
Had this on my kindle a while, I finally remembered it after reading The Swedish Prince also by Karina Halle.
Sadly it didn't compare as favorably to that other book. 👎
I know this was a collaboration with another writer, namely her husband in real life, but this one just seemed a little ordinary and missing that special element that I normally find in her writing.
It was a decent read just nothing special, a little underwhelming from an author that I have come to expect quite a lot from. It had actually started out quite promising but the character development and story seemed to wander off track as I got further into the book. I actually found both to be less relatable as well as less interesting too .
I mostly enjoyed this book anyway but I wanted more from this rockstar romance and I know that Karina is capable of delivering so much more .
Had this on my kindle a while, I finally remembered it after reading The Swedish Prince also by Karina Halle.
Sadly it didn't compare as favorably to that other book. 👎
I know this was a collaboration with another writer, namely her husband in real life, but this one just seemed a little ordinary and missing that special element that I normally find in her writing.
It was a decent read just nothing special, a little underwhelming from an author that I have come to expect quite a lot from. It had actually started out quite promising but the character development and story seemed to wander off track as I got further into the book. I actually found both to be less relatable as well as less interesting too .
I mostly enjoyed this book anyway but I wanted more from this rockstar romance and I know that Karina is capable of delivering so much more .
May 21, 2017
This is a debut collaboration between wife and husband, Karina Halle and Scott MacKenzie. The writing flowed and while told in alternating POVs, there was no indication this was written by two authors.
This wasn't what I was expecting, at times it was more sobering than I'd anticipated, but with it came insight and a maturity that was refreshing. This is both a forbidden love and rock star romance, and it includes a pregnancy - hence the title.
Lael and Brad were years apart in age, yet closer in their realities with both immersed in the rock world. While from different backgrounds and with forces trying to keep them apart, these two fight for each other.
This was a quick, enjoyable read with a strong heroine, a sexy rock star, a little angst, and loads of love.
**ARC generously provided by authors in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
This wasn't what I was expecting, at times it was more sobering than I'd anticipated, but with it came insight and a maturity that was refreshing. This is both a forbidden love and rock star romance, and it includes a pregnancy - hence the title.
Lael and Brad were years apart in age, yet closer in their realities with both immersed in the rock world. While from different backgrounds and with forces trying to keep them apart, these two fight for each other.
This was a quick, enjoyable read with a strong heroine, a sexy rock star, a little angst, and loads of love.
**ARC generously provided by authors in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
May 23, 2017
This was ok but something was missing for me. After all the build up that first steamy scene was a huge disappointment. Also, I know this probably sounds stupid but I hated how many times Brad used the word fella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
”I believe in myself. And when you believe in what you do, that’s how you become a somebody.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-none
- Setting: no real setting. They are on tour
Characters:
- Brad: 27, lead singer and guitarist for the mega popular group And Then
- Dad in jail. Mother a drug addict, then went to jail. Raised in foster care for awhile. Not an ideal upbringing.
- Old guy at a theater took him under his wing and taught him to play guitar. Brad loved this old guy.
- Apparently owes all his success to Ronald Ramsey (record producer and owner of Ramsey Records)
- ”When he was fourteen he had nothing, was just bounced from foster home to foster home. Music was his only stability. And then Ronald Ramsey stepped in and gave him the world. Brad wouldn’t dare mess that up.”
- Easygoing, quiet guy. Pretty tame rocker. Doesn’t do drugs or have sex with groupies.
- Lael: 21, aspiring bassist
- Her dad is a record producer and owns a label called Ramsey Records
- Mother died of cancer when she was 4
- Has had a crush on the lead singer of And Then (Brad) since she was 14
- talented and wants to be on stage playing in front of people
- Together:
- hmmmm. I felt more chemistry in the beginning when they were building their friendship than I did when they were a couple. Something was missing. I didn’t connect with them as a couple.
- The bedroom scenes once they were a solid couple were meh. The intensity and passion was missing.
The story:
- it was ok. A little too squeaky clean for a rockstar romance (IMO)
- Quite low on the angst factor
- Too many cliche’s
- I liked the backstory around Brad.
- The “I’m not good enough” trope. Gah, I Hate that!! 😏. Thankfully he didn’t wallow in those thoughts for too long.
Other:
- I felt Lael’s personality was changed from this shy/non-adventurous type of girl to a wild one and it didn’t seem authentic. If she was wild from the beginning, ok. But it’s not the way she was originally portrayed so it was a disconnect.
- Lael’s dad also didn’t stay true to his original character. He was originally controlling, threatening (literally-it sounded like he wouldn’t be above having someone killed) and all powerful. When Brad confronted him at the end he just rolled over and gave him whatever. No fight, no badass threat, nothing. It was like he was a completely different character. Another disconnect.
- I didn’t like the writing style. It was a “tell” more than an “experience” type of story. Meaning, I just felt like someone was narrating a story vs feeling the story. Toward the end, the writing seemed even more stilted.
- Quite unrealistic to think a 27 year old is so clueless about his finances and the rights to his creativity. It made him look like an idiot.
- I like this author, but this was a bit of a miss for me. Nothing that blew my socks off.
Overview:
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: rockstar, surprise pregnancy, boss’s daughter
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? no
- First time they kiss: 43%
- First time they sleep together: 50%
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? not overly so
- OW/OM drama? no
- H/h cheat? no
- Did I skip pages? Some
- Big secrets? no
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? 2 years later
- Recommend? it wasn’t very “rockstar” feeling. It wouldn’t be high on my recommend list, but it wasn’t horrible.
Quotes
“Brad Snyder. The man who turned me on to music to begin with, who put that shred of hope in my soul, and made me realize I could do anything I put my mind to. Without Brad’s own music to inspire me, I never would have picked up the bass guitar, never would have paid for my own lessons behind my father’s back, never would have filled notebooks upon notebooks with my own songs and lyrics.”
“I can see we have some things in common. Most obviously, we’re both trapped under the spell of Ronald Ramsey. She’s bound by blood and I’m bound by legal contract.”
“sometimes you have to stop being stubborn and use the helping hands offered to you. You should never let your pride stop you when your dream is on the line.”
“People will always surprise you if you let them.”
“It’s interesting how oftentimes people are beautiful because of how they see the world rather than how the world sees them.”
“View the world through the rose-colored glasses. It’s much prettier that way.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-none
- Setting: no real setting. They are on tour
Characters:
- Brad: 27, lead singer and guitarist for the mega popular group And Then
- Dad in jail. Mother a drug addict, then went to jail. Raised in foster care for awhile. Not an ideal upbringing.
- Old guy at a theater took him under his wing and taught him to play guitar. Brad loved this old guy.
- Apparently owes all his success to Ronald Ramsey (record producer and owner of Ramsey Records)
- ”When he was fourteen he had nothing, was just bounced from foster home to foster home. Music was his only stability. And then Ronald Ramsey stepped in and gave him the world. Brad wouldn’t dare mess that up.”
- Easygoing, quiet guy. Pretty tame rocker. Doesn’t do drugs or have sex with groupies.
- Lael: 21, aspiring bassist
- Her dad is a record producer and owns a label called Ramsey Records
- Mother died of cancer when she was 4
- Has had a crush on the lead singer of And Then (Brad) since she was 14
- talented and wants to be on stage playing in front of people
- Together:
- hmmmm. I felt more chemistry in the beginning when they were building their friendship than I did when they were a couple. Something was missing. I didn’t connect with them as a couple.
- The bedroom scenes once they were a solid couple were meh. The intensity and passion was missing.
The story:
- it was ok. A little too squeaky clean for a rockstar romance (IMO)
- Quite low on the angst factor
- Too many cliche’s
- I liked the backstory around Brad.
- The “I’m not good enough” trope. Gah, I Hate that!! 😏. Thankfully he didn’t wallow in those thoughts for too long.
Other:
- I felt Lael’s personality was changed from this shy/non-adventurous type of girl to a wild one and it didn’t seem authentic. If she was wild from the beginning, ok. But it’s not the way she was originally portrayed so it was a disconnect.
- Lael’s dad also didn’t stay true to his original character. He was originally controlling, threatening (literally-it sounded like he wouldn’t be above having someone killed) and all powerful. When Brad confronted him at the end he just rolled over and gave him whatever. No fight, no badass threat, nothing. It was like he was a completely different character. Another disconnect.
- I didn’t like the writing style. It was a “tell” more than an “experience” type of story. Meaning, I just felt like someone was narrating a story vs feeling the story. Toward the end, the writing seemed even more stilted.
- Quite unrealistic to think a 27 year old is so clueless about his finances and the rights to his creativity. It made him look like an idiot.
- I like this author, but this was a bit of a miss for me. Nothing that blew my socks off.
Overview:
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: rockstar, surprise pregnancy, boss’s daughter
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? no
- First time they kiss: 43%
- First time they sleep together: 50%
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? not overly so
- OW/OM drama? no
- H/h cheat? no
- Did I skip pages? Some
- Big secrets? no
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? 2 years later
- Recommend? it wasn’t very “rockstar” feeling. It wouldn’t be high on my recommend list, but it wasn’t horrible.
Quotes
“Brad Snyder. The man who turned me on to music to begin with, who put that shred of hope in my soul, and made me realize I could do anything I put my mind to. Without Brad’s own music to inspire me, I never would have picked up the bass guitar, never would have paid for my own lessons behind my father’s back, never would have filled notebooks upon notebooks with my own songs and lyrics.”
“I can see we have some things in common. Most obviously, we’re both trapped under the spell of Ronald Ramsey. She’s bound by blood and I’m bound by legal contract.”
“sometimes you have to stop being stubborn and use the helping hands offered to you. You should never let your pride stop you when your dream is on the line.”
“People will always surprise you if you let them.”
“It’s interesting how oftentimes people are beautiful because of how they see the world rather than how the world sees them.”
“View the world through the rose-colored glasses. It’s much prettier that way.”
May 20, 2017
It goes without saying, but when Karina Halle writes something, I'm definitely going to read it. Throw in help from her husband who co-wrote the book, well, that just takes this delightful romance to the next level! For me, Karina Halle and romantic comedy never went together, until this book! I'm not sure if this is a first for her in this genre, or if I'm missing something, but what Karina and Scott did here with Brad and Lael's story was simply magnetic! These two characters pulled me in and just wouldn't let go. This RomCom Rockstar Romance was the absolute perfect escape!
"I want to break all the rules with you."
I just ADORED Lael from the very start. Strong-willed, sassy, and strong, she took these pages by storm! And don't even get me started on the sexy Brad Snyder. He is not your typical rockstar god, and he may have known little Lael from when she was very young, but he is not looking at her now with the same eyes. There is a light within her that he wants to grab onto and never let go. Their journey is a hilarious one...a hella' sexy one...and an emotional one. I was intrigued from the start which is not hard to believe seeing who one of the authors is. I LOVED it! I want MORE of it! I hope this writing duo team up again, because what they put out into the world was FANTASTIC, and we need MORE OF IT!
"I want to break all the rules with you."
I just ADORED Lael from the very start. Strong-willed, sassy, and strong, she took these pages by storm! And don't even get me started on the sexy Brad Snyder. He is not your typical rockstar god, and he may have known little Lael from when she was very young, but he is not looking at her now with the same eyes. There is a light within her that he wants to grab onto and never let go. Their journey is a hilarious one...a hella' sexy one...and an emotional one. I was intrigued from the start which is not hard to believe seeing who one of the authors is. I LOVED it! I want MORE of it! I hope this writing duo team up again, because what they put out into the world was FANTASTIC, and we need MORE OF IT!
March 20, 2019
Ma ragazze a dire la verità questa storia mi ha lasciata un pò interdetta e francamente mi sono chiesta se l'abbia scritta davvero la stessa magica penna che ha dato vita al clan McGregor nella serie Dream.
Lael Ramsey è figlia di un famosissimo magnate della musica che ha portato al successo il suo idolo adolescenziale, nonchè cotta segreta, la star del gruppo "And Then" Brad Snyder. I due, dopo sette anni, incroceranno nuovamente le loro strade quando il gruppo avrà bisogno di un nuovo bassista e sarà proprio Lael a superare brillantemente il provino dando inizio ad un tour che gli permetterà di passare molto tempo insieme e così di innamorarsi.
Beh, mi verrebbe da dire che la mia recensione finisce qui perchè onestamente non c'è un granchè da aggiungere. Dopo un inizio scoppiettante in nome del rock and roll tutto si ferma, un attimo di stasi e poi il tutto sembra quasi procedere in modalità accelerata ed io vengo catapultata in una storia d'amore praticamente a cose giù fatte, il problema è capire come sono avvenute queste cose, salvo poi approdare in una parte finale più dettagliata in cui iniziano a comparire sentimenti autentici e finalmente sfociamo nella tenerezza.
"Non ho mai provato tanto amore nella mia vita, non mi sono mai sentita così completa. All'improvviso il mondo si riduce a noi tre. All'improvviso il mio cuore batte solo per la mia famiglia."
Lael Ramsey è figlia di un famosissimo magnate della musica che ha portato al successo il suo idolo adolescenziale, nonchè cotta segreta, la star del gruppo "And Then" Brad Snyder. I due, dopo sette anni, incroceranno nuovamente le loro strade quando il gruppo avrà bisogno di un nuovo bassista e sarà proprio Lael a superare brillantemente il provino dando inizio ad un tour che gli permetterà di passare molto tempo insieme e così di innamorarsi.
Beh, mi verrebbe da dire che la mia recensione finisce qui perchè onestamente non c'è un granchè da aggiungere. Dopo un inizio scoppiettante in nome del rock and roll tutto si ferma, un attimo di stasi e poi il tutto sembra quasi procedere in modalità accelerata ed io vengo catapultata in una storia d'amore praticamente a cose giù fatte, il problema è capire come sono avvenute queste cose, salvo poi approdare in una parte finale più dettagliata in cui iniziano a comparire sentimenti autentici e finalmente sfociamo nella tenerezza.
"Non ho mai provato tanto amore nella mia vita, non mi sono mai sentita così completa. All'improvviso il mondo si riduce a noi tre. All'improvviso il mio cuore batte solo per la mia famiglia."
June 3, 2017
*Spoilers definitely mentioned*
I really want to give this a 1.5 stars just to be a little nice.
Ugh! Let me just preface by saying that along with MC books, I am pretty much over the rock star fantasy scenario as well but considering how much I adore Karina's books, I was more that willing to give this one a shot. ONE BIG DIFFERENCE, she has co-written this with her husband and yeah, I began to pick up his p.o.v. very quickly.
So there's an 8 year difference between our characters. Brad is a well established rock star (at the time of their first encounter) and Lael (tongue twister of a name, in my head it's like I have peanut butter in my mouth) who is an early teen aspiring to be a rocker herself. Because her father is the CEO of the record company that "owns" Brad and his band, this allows Lael her first meet with him. It doesn't go well.
Flash forward about 8 years and Lael is now a world traveled, kick ass bass player who is thrust into the path of Brad again. This time it's to fill a position of bassist in his band that has recently become vacant. Whelp, you imagine what happens next. Of course the attraction of the two builds...they kiss and look into each other's eyes but it's when they are in New Orleans out on a stroll (which remember he is like SUPER FAMOUS so this in of it's self seems a wee bit unrealistic) and Lael leads him into a dirty back alley (if you've ever been to N.O. you can just imagine how filthy this back alley would be) and completely strips naked in front of him and grabs onto to some pipes above her head and expects him to "take her home". AND HE DOES. Yuck!! Screwing, completely naked, when they've only just kissed before this moment, and the possibility of paparazzi photographing that moment? Yep. That's when the book was over for me. Is this what men find sexy? It was from Brad's POV, this scene by the way. That's when a strong dislike for Lael formed and then I was none to fond of Brad after that as well. What ticked me off is that if Lael's character from the get go was this wild, fly by the seat of her pants kinda girl, it wouldn't have offended me but that's not the girl she was up until that moment. She was cool but reserved. She's only been with one other guy up until Brad for crying out loud! Now she's this stripping in a back alley seductress?
Oh! So we get to one of my faaaavorite plot lines (note the sarcasm), the surprise pregnancy. Really? After just one time of unprotected sex? Which was the alley scene by the way. NOOOO!!
Turns out that the baby ends up being the frozen heart melter for her asshole of a father (which I sincerely did not get). I never understood her father. He seemed to love her one minute and the next he was out to be some kind of evil tyrant in her life. For example, he was okay with her living in some crappy apartment with a roomy and waiting tables doing her thing and not depending upon his riches but her going on tour with an extremely successful rock band playing her bass and kicking ass while doing it isn't acceptable? What???
Bleh. Please read Karina's other books this one is not worth the effort in my opinion.
I really want to give this a 1.5 stars just to be a little nice.
Ugh! Let me just preface by saying that along with MC books, I am pretty much over the rock star fantasy scenario as well but considering how much I adore Karina's books, I was more that willing to give this one a shot. ONE BIG DIFFERENCE, she has co-written this with her husband and yeah, I began to pick up his p.o.v. very quickly.
So there's an 8 year difference between our characters. Brad is a well established rock star (at the time of their first encounter) and Lael (tongue twister of a name, in my head it's like I have peanut butter in my mouth) who is an early teen aspiring to be a rocker herself. Because her father is the CEO of the record company that "owns" Brad and his band, this allows Lael her first meet with him. It doesn't go well.
Flash forward about 8 years and Lael is now a world traveled, kick ass bass player who is thrust into the path of Brad again. This time it's to fill a position of bassist in his band that has recently become vacant. Whelp, you imagine what happens next. Of course the attraction of the two builds...they kiss and look into each other's eyes but it's when they are in New Orleans out on a stroll (which remember he is like SUPER FAMOUS so this in of it's self seems a wee bit unrealistic) and Lael leads him into a dirty back alley (if you've ever been to N.O. you can just imagine how filthy this back alley would be) and completely strips naked in front of him and grabs onto to some pipes above her head and expects him to "take her home". AND HE DOES. Yuck!! Screwing, completely naked, when they've only just kissed before this moment, and the possibility of paparazzi photographing that moment? Yep. That's when the book was over for me. Is this what men find sexy? It was from Brad's POV, this scene by the way. That's when a strong dislike for Lael formed and then I was none to fond of Brad after that as well. What ticked me off is that if Lael's character from the get go was this wild, fly by the seat of her pants kinda girl, it wouldn't have offended me but that's not the girl she was up until that moment. She was cool but reserved. She's only been with one other guy up until Brad for crying out loud! Now she's this stripping in a back alley seductress?
Oh! So we get to one of my faaaavorite plot lines (note the sarcasm), the surprise pregnancy. Really? After just one time of unprotected sex? Which was the alley scene by the way. NOOOO!!
Turns out that the baby ends up being the frozen heart melter for her asshole of a father (which I sincerely did not get). I never understood her father. He seemed to love her one minute and the next he was out to be some kind of evil tyrant in her life. For example, he was okay with her living in some crappy apartment with a roomy and waiting tables doing her thing and not depending upon his riches but her going on tour with an extremely successful rock band playing her bass and kicking ass while doing it isn't acceptable? What???
Bleh. Please read Karina's other books this one is not worth the effort in my opinion.
November 14, 2021
dnf @59%
1,5⭐
1,5⭐
May 22, 2017
I was super excited to read this one, I really didn't know what to expect from this new writing duo - one of my faves Karina Halle and her husband Scott MacKenzie.
It was obvious from the cover that an unexpected pregnancy was to take place, but I was so intrigued as to how famous rock star Brad Snyder and new bandmate and Bass player Lael Ramsay would get themselves into this predicament.
I loved their chemistry, and it was a lot sweeter than I thought it would be, but I really enjoyed spending time with these characters.
One thing I would like to say though - I loved the writing! These two definitely gelled as co-writers, and I am excited to see what they come up with in the future....another band member perhaps?
It was obvious from the cover that an unexpected pregnancy was to take place, but I was so intrigued as to how famous rock star Brad Snyder and new bandmate and Bass player Lael Ramsay would get themselves into this predicament.
I loved their chemistry, and it was a lot sweeter than I thought it would be, but I really enjoyed spending time with these characters.
One thing I would like to say though - I loved the writing! These two definitely gelled as co-writers, and I am excited to see what they come up with in the future....another band member perhaps?
December 18, 2018
3.25 - 3.5 stars
Safe and sweet book.
But not very exciting. It wasn’t that boring, but also not captivating.
Likable MCs. Hero was NOT a manwhore, and she wasn’t a virgin. No OM/OW drama at all.
Possible trigger:
Cute epilogue!
Safe and sweet book.
But not very exciting. It wasn’t that boring, but also not captivating.
Likable MCs. Hero was NOT a manwhore, and she wasn’t a virgin. No OM/OW drama at all.
Possible trigger:
Cute epilogue!
March 8, 2019
Tre stelle e mezzo...
Carino e scritto molto bene...non ho dato 4 stelline piene perché mi pare di aver già scritto in precedenza di essere stufa di quelle innamorate della star di turno che partono in tour con la suddetta star...
In ogni caso questo libro ha anche alcune particolarità che lo discostano almeno un po' dalla solita trama(grazie autori per questo enorme sforzo di fantasia che avete avuto).
Inoltre altro appunto negativo è l'aver constatato un ritmo in alcuni frangenti troppo veloce...alcune scene avrei voluto assaporarle meglio e emozionarmi di più....
Per farla breve leggetelo ma non aspettatevi chissà cosa...
Carino e scritto molto bene...non ho dato 4 stelline piene perché mi pare di aver già scritto in precedenza di essere stufa di quelle innamorate della star di turno che partono in tour con la suddetta star...
In ogni caso questo libro ha anche alcune particolarità che lo discostano almeno un po' dalla solita trama(grazie autori per questo enorme sforzo di fantasia che avete avuto).
Inoltre altro appunto negativo è l'aver constatato un ritmo in alcuni frangenti troppo veloce...alcune scene avrei voluto assaporarle meglio e emozionarmi di più....
Per farla breve leggetelo ma non aspettatevi chissà cosa...
March 15, 2019
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Non leggevo un romanzo rosa da non ricordo quando, è stato un intermezzo davvero piacevole e anche scioccante trovarmi durante la lettura a pensare che esistono storie senza parolacce o sesso esplicito, malizia o personaggi un po’ idealizzati senza aspetti negativi.
Perché davvero questo è un libro dolce, tanto rosa, un libro per rilassarsi e sì tornare per un po’ ragazzine innocenti che leggono storie di sogni e come realizzarli. A primo acchito sembra il solito cliché, la ragazzina con una cotta per la rockstar che si ritrova in tour con il suo idolo e da lì scocca l'amore, ma entrambi i personaggi sono completamente all'opposto delle storie già lette e anche il loro vivere la musica ed il viaggio. Brad è l'anti star per eccellenza, bravo ragazzo posato, non si alcolizza, non si droga e non si butta su tutte le donne. Non ci sono eccessi nella vita di Brad che ringrazia ogni giorno la possibilità che gli è stata data quando era solo un ragazzino di strada. Lael è una ragazza che per amore della musica ha passato anni in giro per il mondo, il suo basso e esibirsi facendo musica è il suo sogno e nulla può ostacolarla. Sono due ragazzi con un passato diverso, lui silenzioso e cauto, lei entusiasta e intraprendente, creare musica li unisce e piano a piano iniziano a conoscersi, amicizia e complicità li porta ad una svolta che potrebbe cambiare le loro vite o distruggere i loro sogni. Lo stile è lineare e semplice, le frasi brevi e non articolate forse tolgono un po’ di armonia nella lettura ma sicuramente raccontano bene ogni pensiero e sensazione, ogni azione descritta ci porta nel mondo dei musicisti, gli accordi e gli strumenti, l'approccio di chi fa della musica la sua ragione di vita. I protagonisti sono positivi e ben delineati, l'evoluzione del loro viaggio è spensierato a volte con situazioni irreali ma assolutamente piacevole e rilassante. È una storia carina molto dolce dove due ragazzi che vivono di musica si trovano e con positività e buoni sentimenti trovano la strada per realizzare i propri sogni, fare e vivere la musica nonostante le difficoltà e le paure di percorrere strade nuove, lontano da obblighi morali o da quello che è facile…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Non leggevo un romanzo rosa da non ricordo quando, è stato un intermezzo davvero piacevole e anche scioccante trovarmi durante la lettura a pensare che esistono storie senza parolacce o sesso esplicito, malizia o personaggi un po’ idealizzati senza aspetti negativi.
Perché davvero questo è un libro dolce, tanto rosa, un libro per rilassarsi e sì tornare per un po’ ragazzine innocenti che leggono storie di sogni e come realizzarli. A primo acchito sembra il solito cliché, la ragazzina con una cotta per la rockstar che si ritrova in tour con il suo idolo e da lì scocca l'amore, ma entrambi i personaggi sono completamente all'opposto delle storie già lette e anche il loro vivere la musica ed il viaggio. Brad è l'anti star per eccellenza, bravo ragazzo posato, non si alcolizza, non si droga e non si butta su tutte le donne. Non ci sono eccessi nella vita di Brad che ringrazia ogni giorno la possibilità che gli è stata data quando era solo un ragazzino di strada. Lael è una ragazza che per amore della musica ha passato anni in giro per il mondo, il suo basso e esibirsi facendo musica è il suo sogno e nulla può ostacolarla. Sono due ragazzi con un passato diverso, lui silenzioso e cauto, lei entusiasta e intraprendente, creare musica li unisce e piano a piano iniziano a conoscersi, amicizia e complicità li porta ad una svolta che potrebbe cambiare le loro vite o distruggere i loro sogni. Lo stile è lineare e semplice, le frasi brevi e non articolate forse tolgono un po’ di armonia nella lettura ma sicuramente raccontano bene ogni pensiero e sensazione, ogni azione descritta ci porta nel mondo dei musicisti, gli accordi e gli strumenti, l'approccio di chi fa della musica la sua ragione di vita. I protagonisti sono positivi e ben delineati, l'evoluzione del loro viaggio è spensierato a volte con situazioni irreali ma assolutamente piacevole e rilassante. È una storia carina molto dolce dove due ragazzi che vivono di musica si trovano e con positività e buoni sentimenti trovano la strada per realizzare i propri sogni, fare e vivere la musica nonostante le difficoltà e le paure di percorrere strade nuove, lontano da obblighi morali o da quello che è facile…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
May 17, 2017
As with any Karina Halle review, I start off with how much I love her work. I was super excited to see what she does with her husband, Scott Mackenzie. With any collaboration, the writing will be different that what you are used to. I will admit that I felt the descriptive writing style was a bit more than I prefer. I felt that sometime things were a bit drawn out but that was just my personal preference.
This is a rocker romance story and it’s clear from the cover that there is a pregnancy at some point. I honestly didn’t mind that. While I like to be surprised, it didn’t put me off that it was out there. In fact, it had me wondering what was going to happen. Be being the angst whore that I am, I was hoping for a bit of that but I knew going in that it was geared to be more light hearted and I was OK with it.
I will admit that I had a hard time connecting to both Lael and Brad. It definitely wasn’t insta love but I felt that the progression of their romance didn’t leave me a lot of room to connect to them individually. I just wasn’t fully invested in them. Their story is sweet and the love was certainly there. I just don’t think I every really grasped who they are outside of musicians.
I will say that I loved the passion that the two of them had for music and I really did enjoy how much detail was put into that. Halle and Mackenzie did a great job really bringing that part of them to life.
I will admit that there was a scene that happened at a famous establishment and something that happened there would never happen in real life. While I understand that this is fiction, it really did throw me into a bit of a fit and I might have ranted to my co-blogger. It sounds petty, I know. It’s just a place that I know very well and I couldn’t get past it. Clearly I have issues. 🙂
Overall, I enjoyed the story line and I think a lot of people will like it. I was just hoping to connect more the the main characters. It’s simply one of those “it’s me, not you” issues. If you like a softer rocker romance story which quickly escalating feelings, then this just might be the right book for you. There are even a couple of sections that will make you crack up laughing.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is a rocker romance story and it’s clear from the cover that there is a pregnancy at some point. I honestly didn’t mind that. While I like to be surprised, it didn’t put me off that it was out there. In fact, it had me wondering what was going to happen. Be being the angst whore that I am, I was hoping for a bit of that but I knew going in that it was geared to be more light hearted and I was OK with it.
I will admit that I had a hard time connecting to both Lael and Brad. It definitely wasn’t insta love but I felt that the progression of their romance didn’t leave me a lot of room to connect to them individually. I just wasn’t fully invested in them. Their story is sweet and the love was certainly there. I just don’t think I every really grasped who they are outside of musicians.
I will say that I loved the passion that the two of them had for music and I really did enjoy how much detail was put into that. Halle and Mackenzie did a great job really bringing that part of them to life.
I will admit that there was a scene that happened at a famous establishment and something that happened there would never happen in real life. While I understand that this is fiction, it really did throw me into a bit of a fit and I might have ranted to my co-blogger. It sounds petty, I know. It’s just a place that I know very well and I couldn’t get past it. Clearly I have issues. 🙂
Overall, I enjoyed the story line and I think a lot of people will like it. I was just hoping to connect more the the main characters. It’s simply one of those “it’s me, not you” issues. If you like a softer rocker romance story which quickly escalating feelings, then this just might be the right book for you. There are even a couple of sections that will make you crack up laughing.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 24, 2017
***FULL REVIEW***
4 Rocking Crowns
Rocked Up is the first book co-authored for Karina Halle and Scott Mackenzie. For lovers of the music scene and rock-star world, this book will be enjoyable.
Brad is lead singer of the band And Then and the hero of the book. Like all musicians, he is excellent at his craft and is courageous, especially when it comes to protecting Lael. Even with a rough background, Brad has turned into a really honorable and respectable hero.
Lael, the heroine, has always been on the outside of the music industry looking in as a result of her protective father, a music industry mogul. She, however, gets the opportunity of a life-time when she goes on tour with her favorite musician, Brad. While she has this overprotective father, she doesn’t let him slow her down. She chases her goals, and she spends a great deal of time earning her spot.
The story starts out with components of insta-love, but she is also a teenager, so who hasn’t had inst-crushes? When they meet again many years later, the connection is still there for her, and he quickly follows suit. The authors, however, use a bit of delayed gratification by making them friends before lovers, allowing readers to see them as a couple versus two people chasing physical gratification. The conflict is something readers will see coming, but it is resolved well, leaving the readers with an entertaining experience.
Rocked Up is a fun, light, and generally quick read. The mix of romance and comedic moments makes this one a worthwhile read.
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ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
4 Rocking Crowns
Rocked Up is the first book co-authored for Karina Halle and Scott Mackenzie. For lovers of the music scene and rock-star world, this book will be enjoyable.
Brad is lead singer of the band And Then and the hero of the book. Like all musicians, he is excellent at his craft and is courageous, especially when it comes to protecting Lael. Even with a rough background, Brad has turned into a really honorable and respectable hero.
Lael, the heroine, has always been on the outside of the music industry looking in as a result of her protective father, a music industry mogul. She, however, gets the opportunity of a life-time when she goes on tour with her favorite musician, Brad. While she has this overprotective father, she doesn’t let him slow her down. She chases her goals, and she spends a great deal of time earning her spot.
The story starts out with components of insta-love, but she is also a teenager, so who hasn’t had inst-crushes? When they meet again many years later, the connection is still there for her, and he quickly follows suit. The authors, however, use a bit of delayed gratification by making them friends before lovers, allowing readers to see them as a couple versus two people chasing physical gratification. The conflict is something readers will see coming, but it is resolved well, leaving the readers with an entertaining experience.
Rocked Up is a fun, light, and generally quick read. The mix of romance and comedic moments makes this one a worthwhile read.
---------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
May 17, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"She's a ray of sunshine; I am creating life with the sun."
I have to admit that I hesitated to read this book because I am not a big fan of rockstar romances. However I wanted to give Rocked Up a chance because Karina co-wrote this book. I was looking forward how Scott and she would tackle this type of story. I wasn't disappointed at all. I absolutely LOVED the prologue, it was so funny and it really set the mood for me. I was really thankful that neither Brad or Lael were the typical cliche characters you would expect in a rockstar romance novel. Especially Brad surprised me, and I loved that the authors included such an extensive look into his background story.
Even though Lael is the daughter of the boss, she was very down to earth and didn't want anything handed to her. There was great chemistry between them from the start and I really enjoyed the progress of their friendship/relationship. Even though the book is 253 pages (in print) I didn't feel like it was rushed. Would I have wanted this book to be longer? Yes, of course, because I really enjoyed this book and I wanted to spend some more time with them. I highly recommend Rocked Up for readers who enjoy a funny, light, contemporary romance with awesome characters. I hope Karina and Scott will co-write more books together, because they did a great job!
"She's a ray of sunshine; I am creating life with the sun."
I have to admit that I hesitated to read this book because I am not a big fan of rockstar romances. However I wanted to give Rocked Up a chance because Karina co-wrote this book. I was looking forward how Scott and she would tackle this type of story. I wasn't disappointed at all. I absolutely LOVED the prologue, it was so funny and it really set the mood for me. I was really thankful that neither Brad or Lael were the typical cliche characters you would expect in a rockstar romance novel. Especially Brad surprised me, and I loved that the authors included such an extensive look into his background story.
Even though Lael is the daughter of the boss, she was very down to earth and didn't want anything handed to her. There was great chemistry between them from the start and I really enjoyed the progress of their friendship/relationship. Even though the book is 253 pages (in print) I didn't feel like it was rushed. Would I have wanted this book to be longer? Yes, of course, because I really enjoyed this book and I wanted to spend some more time with them. I highly recommend Rocked Up for readers who enjoy a funny, light, contemporary romance with awesome characters. I hope Karina and Scott will co-write more books together, because they did a great job!
March 4, 2019
Karina Halle non si smentisce mai per me... a breve la recensione sul blog
May 16, 2017
More rock star romance than romantic comedy
I’ve been highly anticipating this release for a couple months now after Miss Halle shared the great cover and teased that it would be more of a romantic comedy along the lines of Smut. I loved Smut, was intrigued with the idea of a husband and wife writing team, and am always up for a good rock star romance, so it was a no-brainer for me to sign up to review this title. I think having specific expectations ended up being the downfall for this book for me. I expected comedy, and I never was left clutching my sides or even laughing out loud. Though there were humorous moments here and there, I wouldn’t label this as a romantic comedy if I described it to friends. It’s more of a straight rockstar contemporary romance with a moderate amount of angst.
I did like the premise of the plot. The heroine, Lael, is the daughter of a record label executive. She also loves to play the bass guitar and has dreams of playing with her longtime favorite band. Brad is the frontman to said band and when she joins the band as their interim bass player for a tour across the US, their attraction leads to a fast-paced but deep romance. I liked these two together, there wasn’t internal drama between them, they seemed to be and stay on the same page throughout the book, and they were very honest about their feelings for one another. Despite their easy match, I can’t say I got to know either character really well. I’m not sure if it was the pace, the dual first person narratives, or just the style and tone of the book, but I felt distanced from the characters rather than pulled into the story.
I did really enjoy all the musician aspects of the story. There were just enough technical details that you could feel the passion Lael and Brad have for their music and it made the rock music part of the plot interesting. I just wished I got to know the main characters a little better or felt more invested in their story, and I really wish I hadn’t gone in expecting a romantic comedy. Perhaps if I was simply expecting a contemporary rock romance, I might not have felt as disconnected or as though something was missing.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I’ve been highly anticipating this release for a couple months now after Miss Halle shared the great cover and teased that it would be more of a romantic comedy along the lines of Smut. I loved Smut, was intrigued with the idea of a husband and wife writing team, and am always up for a good rock star romance, so it was a no-brainer for me to sign up to review this title. I think having specific expectations ended up being the downfall for this book for me. I expected comedy, and I never was left clutching my sides or even laughing out loud. Though there were humorous moments here and there, I wouldn’t label this as a romantic comedy if I described it to friends. It’s more of a straight rockstar contemporary romance with a moderate amount of angst.
I did like the premise of the plot. The heroine, Lael, is the daughter of a record label executive. She also loves to play the bass guitar and has dreams of playing with her longtime favorite band. Brad is the frontman to said band and when she joins the band as their interim bass player for a tour across the US, their attraction leads to a fast-paced but deep romance. I liked these two together, there wasn’t internal drama between them, they seemed to be and stay on the same page throughout the book, and they were very honest about their feelings for one another. Despite their easy match, I can’t say I got to know either character really well. I’m not sure if it was the pace, the dual first person narratives, or just the style and tone of the book, but I felt distanced from the characters rather than pulled into the story.
I did really enjoy all the musician aspects of the story. There were just enough technical details that you could feel the passion Lael and Brad have for their music and it made the rock music part of the plot interesting. I just wished I got to know the main characters a little better or felt more invested in their story, and I really wish I hadn’t gone in expecting a romantic comedy. Perhaps if I was simply expecting a contemporary rock romance, I might not have felt as disconnected or as though something was missing.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
May 19, 2017
I wanted to like this book, I swear I was so excited for it but it didn't do it for me. I like the premise and it could have been good but it's so rushed and Aℓℓ the characters are so one dimensional. It was just not well written or looked over almost as if this was a first draft. One minute her dad is basically threatening brads life and an asshole then he's like name it after my wife? I don't know this just wasn't a thought out book and the characters need more. I felt absolutely no emotion for them at all, they were so blah. So sorry for the two stars but that's Aℓℓ I feel it deserved
May 21, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.
I never pass on a chance to read about bad-boy musicians and the women who love them. It's my thing and I love it!
I always have really high expectation when it comes to Karina Halle books and I was not disappointed.
Rocked up is a collaboration between Karina Halle and her husband Scott Mackenzie.
Well, they should do this more often. Scott wrote male (Brad) POV and Karina wrote female (Lael).
This was funny, cute, sexy, without unnecessary drama and a bit different than most rock star romance books.
I never pass on a chance to read about bad-boy musicians and the women who love them. It's my thing and I love it!
I always have really high expectation when it comes to Karina Halle books and I was not disappointed.
Rocked up is a collaboration between Karina Halle and her husband Scott Mackenzie.
Well, they should do this more often. Scott wrote male (Brad) POV and Karina wrote female (Lael).
This was funny, cute, sexy, without unnecessary drama and a bit different than most rock star romance books.
Read
May 16, 2017ARC provided by author.
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