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Band Nerd #3
Crash
Hey y'all, I'm Jolene Pickering, and music is my life and salvation. I came to Sauvage State to escape my past, and everything was perfect ’til Levi "Crash" Cracchiolo, all tattoos and sexy smirk, stormed into my life. He's everything I don't need, yet I'm torn between wanting him and needing to not want him.
The Crash Cracchiolo doctrine reads: ‘The best things in life are music and sex, but never shall the twain meet.’ My vow to avoid band chicks was unshakable until she walked on to my field. Jolene. Beautiful, talented, and completely off-limits. Then I heard her play. Now all I want is to make her believe in herself the way I do, and prove this band nerd's heart only beats for her.
I feel as lost as last year’s Easter egg, because good things don't happen to girls like me. But God willing and the creek don't rise, Crash'll only ever see the person I want to be, not who others say I am.
The Crash Cracchiolo doctrine reads: ‘The best things in life are music and sex, but never shall the twain meet.’ My vow to avoid band chicks was unshakable until she walked on to my field. Jolene. Beautiful, talented, and completely off-limits. Then I heard her play. Now all I want is to make her believe in herself the way I do, and prove this band nerd's heart only beats for her.
I feel as lost as last year’s Easter egg, because good things don't happen to girls like me. But God willing and the creek don't rise, Crash'll only ever see the person I want to be, not who others say I am.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2017
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Danica Avet
31 books131 followersDanica Avet was born and raised in the wilds of South Louisiana where mosquitoes are big enough to carry off small children and there are only two seasons: hot and hotter. With a BA in History, she figured there were enough fry cooks in the world and decided to try her hand at writing.
Writing is how she gives the voices in her head a way out. They speak to her constantly wanting their stories told and she does her best to accommodate them. She writes paranormal romance and may eventually branch out to contemporaries. When she isn’t writing, working, or contemplating the complexities of the universe, she spends time gathering inspiration from her insane family, reads far more than any sane person would want to, and watches hot burly men chase an oblong ball all over a field.
Writing is how she gives the voices in her head a way out. They speak to her constantly wanting their stories told and she does her best to accommodate them. She writes paranormal romance and may eventually branch out to contemporaries. When she isn’t writing, working, or contemplating the complexities of the universe, she spends time gathering inspiration from her insane family, reads far more than any sane person would want to, and watches hot burly men chase an oblong ball all over a field.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
never-going-to-read
May 4, 2017This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2017
If this book hadn't been by Danica Avet - and if I hadn't LOVED Steady and Root - I might have stopped part way into this third installment of the Band Nerd series. Crash had all sorts of things I typically hate in a romance: sex with others, a high New Adult idiot factor, immaturity and a pretty high crude talk rating. I kept going because this was the Band Nerd series and Avet can pull a happily ever after out of her bum. But, Crash wasn't Steady or Root. Avet works hard at making him unlikable at the beginning of the book. He was self-centered and immature and kind of on a walkabout regarding his future despite being a senior in college. Not what I was used to out of this author. Then, he falls for a freshman. An 18-year-old freshman. Who acts 18. *Sigh*
Despite my....disgust... with the Crash character, I kept reading. Largely because these Band Nerd books are simply entertaining. And I was beginning to wonder how Avet was going to redeem this boy-man-turd. Well, she does it by tying Jolene up with an even bigger turd, and Crash can't stand to see the girl he admires from afar getting dragged down with him. In Crash's own words:
"Someone who loves you doesn't do that. They support you, help shore your confidence, not tear it down."
And then there are some pretty nifty observations given voice in characters, but straight out of the imagination of this talented author.
"One thing I learned from Mama, other than how to apply makeup, tease my hair, and attract all the wrong sorts of men, is that a true Southern lady doesn't burden others with her problems. That's what alcohol is for. Well, alcohol and country music."
"And that's what has my a** brooding in the corner like some Victorian anti-hero, Lord Byron maybe. And my prof thinks I'm not paying attention during my Romantic Writers class."
"I feel my blood pressure rising, a vein pulsing in my forehead and I'm sure I look like my dad when he's about to go full Italian."
As always, the cast of characters surrounding the leads are unique, fun, hilarious, wonderful, insightful, and add tremendously to the richness of the story. I love good secondary characters who round out a story, and Avet has it DOWN. The band details are great, too. Crash is the section head for drummers and Jolene is a horn-playing phenom. There was a bit of a misplaced story thread related to Jolene and her high placement in the jazz band. I thought the drama would be mined a little bit more based on the extensive set-up, and then we are on to other drama regarding the ex-boyfriend, the roommate and unsettled futures.
All in all, redemption achieved, despite the pain in getting there. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
I can't leave this review without a slightly spoilerish mention of the Italian adverbs, commonly used to guide musicians in the tempo and attitude of music, which double as dirty talk for Jolene and Crash. Perfetto!
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Despite my....disgust... with the Crash character, I kept reading. Largely because these Band Nerd books are simply entertaining. And I was beginning to wonder how Avet was going to redeem this boy-man-turd. Well, she does it by tying Jolene up with an even bigger turd, and Crash can't stand to see the girl he admires from afar getting dragged down with him. In Crash's own words:
"Someone who loves you doesn't do that. They support you, help shore your confidence, not tear it down."
And then there are some pretty nifty observations given voice in characters, but straight out of the imagination of this talented author.
"One thing I learned from Mama, other than how to apply makeup, tease my hair, and attract all the wrong sorts of men, is that a true Southern lady doesn't burden others with her problems. That's what alcohol is for. Well, alcohol and country music."
"And that's what has my a** brooding in the corner like some Victorian anti-hero, Lord Byron maybe. And my prof thinks I'm not paying attention during my Romantic Writers class."
"I feel my blood pressure rising, a vein pulsing in my forehead and I'm sure I look like my dad when he's about to go full Italian."
As always, the cast of characters surrounding the leads are unique, fun, hilarious, wonderful, insightful, and add tremendously to the richness of the story. I love good secondary characters who round out a story, and Avet has it DOWN. The band details are great, too. Crash is the section head for drummers and Jolene is a horn-playing phenom. There was a bit of a misplaced story thread related to Jolene and her high placement in the jazz band. I thought the drama would be mined a little bit more based on the extensive set-up, and then we are on to other drama regarding the ex-boyfriend, the roommate and unsettled futures.
All in all, redemption achieved, despite the pain in getting there. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
I can't leave this review without a slightly spoilerish mention of the Italian adverbs, commonly used to guide musicians in the tempo and attitude of music, which double as dirty talk for Jolene and Crash. Perfetto!
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription.
abandon-dnf
May 8, 2017I'm not rating because I scanned.... A LOT! I really wanted to like this but I couldn't force myself to actually like or root for the Hero or heroine.
Both characters were clichés...H doesn't do relationships and the h has sex with any guy that shows her attention. What I did read I found them both to be very weak.
I've read reviews that state the Hero redeems himself and comes to the realization that his manwhoish past could cost him the h BUT I couldn't force myself to get that far.
Both characters were clichés...H doesn't do relationships and the h has sex with any guy that shows her attention. What I did read I found them both to be very weak.
I've read reviews that state the Hero redeems himself and comes to the realization that his manwhoish past could cost him the h BUT I couldn't force myself to get that far.
not-happening
May 4, 2017yikes- that "hero" doesn't sound like the heroes in the first two books.
May 24, 2017
Disgusting "hero", nothing like the heroes from books 1 & 2, very disappointing! Was really enjoying this series until this nasty manwhore.
June 12, 2017
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
The good girl tames the wild boy and he helps to heal her broken soul.
Jolene thought she left her difficult life behind when she came to college. This is a new place with people who don't know about her reputation or her family. She can start fresh and be the kind of girl she's always hoped to be. But it doesn't take long for her past to catch up to her and threaten everything that she's working hard to accomplish.
Crash doesn't date band chicks. He's learned from experience never to mix the two passions he has in his life: his music and women. And everything has worked perfectly this way. Until he spots a girl who makes him consider rethinking his vow. There's just one problem, though. Jolene's taken. But not by a guy who deserves her and Crash can't stand to watch his woman being torn down.
But even if Jolene did ditch the loser and by chance decided to give Crash a shot, there are other problems they'll have to face: a jealous ex, bullying classmates, and reputations that are hard to live down. If Crash can convince Jolene to see herself the way he sees her, there is nothing that can come between them and their happy ending.
I loved this. I knew I'd like it since I've read the other two books in this series and I've grown to adore this group of characters. But I once I picked this book up, I didn't want to put it down. I put off working in order to finish this book. I don't feel any shame for it, either!
Crash was a character with a lot of raw personality. He's made a impression on me in both of the previous installments and I knew what sort of person he was when I started this book. He's a player, but he's honest about it. Jolene is a girl with scars of the deepest kind. She needs a firm but gentle hand to help her patch up her confidence. She's the sweet to Crash's spice. Perfect combination.
The romance in this story is hot but it doesn't start until much further into the book than I had expected. It gave our couple time to build trust and let Crash work to show Jolene that he was worthy of her. Yes, Crash does see other women in the book before he starts to date Jolene. But in the first half of the story, Jolene has a boyfriend, too. I don't have a problem with this because it's realistic. Just because you desire someone doesn't mean you stay abstinent for months on end while waiting for a shot with them. One that may never come.
As for the plot, this had a dash of mystery and suspense, as well, just like all of the books in this series. I like that it doesn't overpower the romance. It's just an obstacle that the couple have to overcome instead of the entire focus of the story. I'm still intrigued by the mysterious Ivan and curious as to when his story will be explored, too.
In closing...
I can't wait to see who is next to find their match in this series. I just hope the wait isn't too long! Five suns!
Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/review-crash-by-danica-avet.html
Read
October 5, 2019No rating. I really tried but DNF. The H is a manwhore and the h is a doormat.
April 10, 2017
It is no secret I am a HUGE fan of this series. I have been waiting to read Levi "Crash" Cracchiolo's book since we first met him in Steady. Crash piqued my interest and I couldn't wait to learn more about the talented drummer. When Levi & Jolene first met there is instant attraction, but she is off limits since Crash doesn't date band girls. Jolene, is sweet and kind, a southern girl to her core with self esteem issues. There were times that I really wanted to shake her. I had a very hard time not understanding why she would not stand up for herself with Josef & Kimber. Levi for me was a perfect hero. He was so patient with Jolene and helping her to realize just how worthy she truly is. I love the scenes with Levi's family it was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also loved Josef getting his due. One favorite part in particular that made me laugh out loud happened in a practice room between Levi & Jolene. I could relate being a Band Nerd myself. Dirty talk comes in all forms. I must mention one of Danica Avet's strengths is having such strong secondary characters. She always leaves me wanting more and keeps me guessing what will happen with all the band nerds. In particular I am looking forward to Ivan and Tight. Maybe a spin-off for Tight?
April 19, 2017
A beautiful read. Absolutely loved this book. Kimber's book will have to be outstanding to top this.
April 20, 2017
*4.5 stars*
February 27, 2018
Senior and drummer Crash is a bit of a manwhore, who always checks out the dancers at teh beginning of the season to see where he can score some action. He spots Jolene, the most gorgeous girl he's every seen and introduces himself, only to learn she's a band chick. And Crash never dates band chicks. So despite how tempted he is, he moves on. Later in the year, after she's broken up with the emotionally abusive asshole she was with, Crash and Jolene strike up a friendship. But Crash wants more than friendship, but he suddenly realizes how his sexual history could be a strike against him. Jolene is dealing with her own self-esteem issues and trying to overcome her trailer-park trash stereotype.
So I wasn't sure I'd like Crash given how promiscuous he is...I don't dislike promiscuity really, but I'm not really a fan when we have scenes of our hero dealing with his condom while trying to get rid of the girl whose thinking of commitment. Crash redeemed himself though when he came to the conclusion that being a manwhore might have cost him a chance with the girl he really likes. He also doubly redeems himself when he becomes the perfect boyfriend for Jolene - supportive, building up her self-esteem and absolutely devoted. Jolene is frustrating because of her self-esteem issues, but that's the whole dilemma she's dealing with. Her whole character arc is realizing that she has value - both as a musician and as a woman. The book is pretty great at developing Crash and Jolene's relationship, but it kinda loses some of the momentum there towards the end. It kind of stagnated a bit after Crash and Jolene started having sex...and I'm not 100% sure the ex-boyfriend's scheming was enough drama to really drive that last 20%. I'm so terribly curious though to know who's gonna be next. I'm kinda hoping it's Nessie and Terrible, but I'm thinking Kimber is being set up for a story too. We shall see...
So I wasn't sure I'd like Crash given how promiscuous he is...I don't dislike promiscuity really, but I'm not really a fan when we have scenes of our hero dealing with his condom while trying to get rid of the girl whose thinking of commitment. Crash redeemed himself though when he came to the conclusion that being a manwhore might have cost him a chance with the girl he really likes. He also doubly redeems himself when he becomes the perfect boyfriend for Jolene - supportive, building up her self-esteem and absolutely devoted. Jolene is frustrating because of her self-esteem issues, but that's the whole dilemma she's dealing with. Her whole character arc is realizing that she has value - both as a musician and as a woman. The book is pretty great at developing Crash and Jolene's relationship, but it kinda loses some of the momentum there towards the end. It kind of stagnated a bit after Crash and Jolene started having sex...and I'm not 100% sure the ex-boyfriend's scheming was enough drama to really drive that last 20%. I'm so terribly curious though to know who's gonna be next. I'm kinda hoping it's Nessie and Terrible, but I'm thinking Kimber is being set up for a story too. We shall see...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews