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Breaking Love #1
Breaking Giants
The greatest love songs break your heart. If you're lucky, they'll heal it, too.When I meet Julian Ashburn, the reclusive frontman of indie-rock legends Breaking Giants, I do what any sane woman would do. Embarrass myself, then insult him. Because you only live once, right?Besides, keeping my distance from the enigmatic, songwriting genius is an act of self-preservation. Julian is dangerous--a pool of kerosine to my pyromaniac. I have a weakness for broken men.But sometimes the stories we tell and the songs we sing--about family, love, and ourselves--have to be rewritten in order for us to grow. Call it fate, or stars aligning, or cosmic accident, but I'm about to find out that of the two of us, Julian isn't the broken one.Standalone, HEA, Mature Content. 18+
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2017
481 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Halloran
22 books1,085 followersWhen she's not reading or writing, the author enjoys walking barefoot and chasing her spirited daughter. She's a rabid fan of coffee, moongazing, and small dogs that resemble Ewoks. She lives in Portland, OR.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 26, 2017
**Just FYI -- The author has reached out to me by personal message about my review. She was very gracious and kind even though I didn't have the nicest things to say, which to me means a ton! I'm not changing my review because I haven't re-read the book and this was my initial impressions on it (and she specifically said she didn't ask me to!), but please know that she reflected on this review and others like it and made some significant changes to the story . Again I haven't read it again, but I am sure that I wouldn't have been so disappointed in the story if I had read the new version.
I want to shout out a big KUDOS to Ms. Halloran for listening to her readers and instead of attacking negative opinions taking them as ways to grow as an author!! This isn't even all about the change she made to the book -- but more about the positive language she used while reaching out to a reviewer that had not the best things to say about her book! I personally will be looking forward to future works from this author just because she has fully gained my respect, and I wish more authors will take her example in how to interact with readers.**
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: Well...I was initially thinking of rating this with 3 "just ok" stars, but after writing out all of my issues I don't think I can justify more than 2 Stars. They were a mess. I get that they were supposed to be a mess for "reality" reasons, but it was a little OTT at times for me. The last 15ish% especially. I didn't understand the need to throw in some more OW drama with a totally different OW, to have the H show his (I guess) true colors and not in a good way -- see below spoiler, and to have the h become a doormat and take responsibility for the H's mess up?! I didn't get it. At. All. The h was a (relatively) strong chick for most of the book (granted when he kissed her she got dumb), but the whole last part of the book she felt like a total needy doormat! Even some of the side characters ticked me off in supporting the h in taking the blame!! I don't think what she asked for was OTT, but I guess we just have to be ok with the fact that the H did what he did . I'm not typically one to be all that upset with OW/OM drama or even cheating doesn't bother me at times, but this downright ticked me off!!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rose and Julian's story. They meet when Julian walks in to Rose's coffee shop and asks to be put on the list for their open mic night. Rose knows who he is, as she has followed his band in the past. They connect through their music and are instantly attracted, but they have a lot of obstacles in their way to make their path not easy to navigate. There are lots of separations, some hate-you-but-I-love-you going on, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Rose's POV (the epilogue was told in Julian's). I think it would've helped understand him more if we got more of his POV tbh.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. The ending felt really rushed, and because of that we never got them as a happy and healthy couple! Otherwise, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.
H rating: 2 stars. Julian. I struggled a good bit with his character. I didn't get his hot and cold routine to the point that he just seemed cruel at times!
h rating: 3 stars. Rose. She was ok. I appreciated her strength at times, but I also wanted her to be stronger at other times. She really disappointed me at the end.
Sadness level: Moderate. I never needed any tissues though.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not descriptive.
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had what felt like a rushed ending that left me with a good bit of unanswered questions. Because of those questions and how abrupt it was, I would call it a HFN even though some might consider it a HEA
How I got it: I paid the $2.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
I want to shout out a big KUDOS to Ms. Halloran for listening to her readers and instead of attacking negative opinions taking them as ways to grow as an author!! This isn't even all about the change she made to the book -- but more about the positive language she used while reaching out to a reviewer that had not the best things to say about her book! I personally will be looking forward to future works from this author just because she has fully gained my respect, and I wish more authors will take her example in how to interact with readers.**
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: Well...I was initially thinking of rating this with 3 "just ok" stars, but after writing out all of my issues I don't think I can justify more than 2 Stars. They were a mess. I get that they were supposed to be a mess for "reality" reasons, but it was a little OTT at times for me. The last 15ish% especially. I didn't understand the need to throw in some more OW drama with a totally different OW, to have the H show his (I guess) true colors and not in a good way -- see below spoiler, and to have the h become a doormat and take responsibility for the H's mess up?! I didn't get it. At. All. The h was a (relatively) strong chick for most of the book (granted when he kissed her she got dumb), but the whole last part of the book she felt like a total needy doormat! Even some of the side characters ticked me off in supporting the h in taking the blame!! I don't think what she asked for was OTT, but I guess we just have to be ok with the fact that the H did what he did . I'm not typically one to be all that upset with OW/OM drama or even cheating doesn't bother me at times, but this downright ticked me off!!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rose and Julian's story. They meet when Julian walks in to Rose's coffee shop and asks to be put on the list for their open mic night. Rose knows who he is, as she has followed his band in the past. They connect through their music and are instantly attracted, but they have a lot of obstacles in their way to make their path not easy to navigate. There are lots of separations, some hate-you-but-I-love-you going on, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Rose's POV (the epilogue was told in Julian's). I think it would've helped understand him more if we got more of his POV tbh.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. The ending felt really rushed, and because of that we never got them as a happy and healthy couple! Otherwise, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.
H rating: 2 stars. Julian. I struggled a good bit with his character. I didn't get his hot and cold routine to the point that he just seemed cruel at times!
h rating: 3 stars. Rose. She was ok. I appreciated her strength at times, but I also wanted her to be stronger at other times. She really disappointed me at the end.
Sadness level: Moderate. I never needed any tissues though.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not descriptive.
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had what felt like a rushed ending that left me with a good bit of unanswered questions. Because of those questions and how abrupt it was, I would call it a HFN even though some might consider it a HEA
How I got it: I paid the $2.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
September 26, 2017
Breaking Giants started off strong with potential off the charts ratings! But then it all fizzled into something I didn't like. Not one bit!
Rose is the child of a once famous songstress. Although she doesn't aspire to follow in her mother's footsteps (For reasons we discover later in the story) She still writes songs and performs at the open mic night at the cafe she owns with her cousin. She has the voice, the lyrical abilities and the presence to be big time, but she strives to keeps to her simple life. So imagine her disbelief when the frontman of Breaking Giants, Julian, (world famous band) enters her quaint cafe to ask if he can be part of that nights lineup? Rose gives up her spot to one of her musical inspirations only to end up performing in front of him. Rose has no interest in fame, but she cannot help but be inspired to reach for more though she doesn't want to do it through an alliance with a celebrity. Despite her rejections, Julian is relentless. He seems to makes himself ever present in her life, tempting her and leading her on.
Thus, the ebb and flow of what could have been an epic love story.
But Julian keeps fucking up and hurting her. Over and over again in fact. And though I do appreciate the author making him legit in his reasonings, his reasons were not enough.
What pisses me off is that Rose started out as a strong character. Then suddenly, she can't seem to see straight and we begin to focus on HER past with her mother as a reason for her not making a go with Julian? Bullocks!
What killed it for me is when he pledges to wait for her. When he tells her she is everything to him and he will be there waiting however long it takes to get her back... MAKE AMENDS. And It's so so believable!!!
But then he fucks up AGAIN!!!!
By some reasoning of complete fuckup-ary, the author somehow turns it into being Rose's fault because she was trying to guard her own heart and it was taking longer than he thought and she had not given him assurances that they would eventually be together? REALLY?!! MORE BULLOCKS!!! ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. HIS WORD WAS SHIT!! HIS ACTIONS? OW?! How can you trust that and try to keep building a love story where the heroine is the one who has to do the legwork with a roaming, cheating penis?
This started out so strong. So so strong! It was poetic, genuine and original. Him being her past musical inspiration, leading her to eventually trust music again. And I feel it should have been that way. The music should have become everything for her. But as the author injected fame, she lost the musical narrative. Leaving it on the wayside when it had been what juiced the story. I should have been music that got Rose through her pain with Julian and her past. Rose should have risen above him. And he should have watched her shine bright. Brighter than him!!! But alas...no!
The finally act of this fiasco, after all is said and done? Is not beautiful or believable. Any normal woman would NEVER have trusted again after his BS. Fuck the fluttering butterflies and quaking loins whenever he speaks! He was a serial disappointer!!!
I am angry that what started off as a promising story with a strong female lead, ends up with a confused, heartsick heroine, who can't seem to live without an asshole who speaks pretty but has a habit of wielding a knife to her heart and eating it!
This should have been 4 stars. But I can only muster 2. Julian was a selfish dick! And a possibly epic heroine lost her luster when she should have been shining.
Rose is the child of a once famous songstress. Although she doesn't aspire to follow in her mother's footsteps (For reasons we discover later in the story) She still writes songs and performs at the open mic night at the cafe she owns with her cousin. She has the voice, the lyrical abilities and the presence to be big time, but she strives to keeps to her simple life. So imagine her disbelief when the frontman of Breaking Giants, Julian, (world famous band) enters her quaint cafe to ask if he can be part of that nights lineup? Rose gives up her spot to one of her musical inspirations only to end up performing in front of him. Rose has no interest in fame, but she cannot help but be inspired to reach for more though she doesn't want to do it through an alliance with a celebrity. Despite her rejections, Julian is relentless. He seems to makes himself ever present in her life, tempting her and leading her on.
Thus, the ebb and flow of what could have been an epic love story.
But Julian keeps fucking up and hurting her. Over and over again in fact. And though I do appreciate the author making him legit in his reasonings, his reasons were not enough.
What pisses me off is that Rose started out as a strong character. Then suddenly, she can't seem to see straight and we begin to focus on HER past with her mother as a reason for her not making a go with Julian? Bullocks!
What killed it for me is when he pledges to wait for her. When he tells her she is everything to him and he will be there waiting however long it takes to get her back... MAKE AMENDS. And It's so so believable!!!
But then he fucks up AGAIN!!!!
By some reasoning of complete fuckup-ary, the author somehow turns it into being Rose's fault because she was trying to guard her own heart and it was taking longer than he thought and she had not given him assurances that they would eventually be together? REALLY?!! MORE BULLOCKS!!! ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. HIS WORD WAS SHIT!! HIS ACTIONS? OW?! How can you trust that and try to keep building a love story where the heroine is the one who has to do the legwork with a roaming, cheating penis?
This started out so strong. So so strong! It was poetic, genuine and original. Him being her past musical inspiration, leading her to eventually trust music again. And I feel it should have been that way. The music should have become everything for her. But as the author injected fame, she lost the musical narrative. Leaving it on the wayside when it had been what juiced the story. I should have been music that got Rose through her pain with Julian and her past. Rose should have risen above him. And he should have watched her shine bright. Brighter than him!!! But alas...no!
The finally act of this fiasco, after all is said and done? Is not beautiful or believable. Any normal woman would NEVER have trusted again after his BS. Fuck the fluttering butterflies and quaking loins whenever he speaks! He was a serial disappointer!!!
I am angry that what started off as a promising story with a strong female lead, ends up with a confused, heartsick heroine, who can't seem to live without an asshole who speaks pretty but has a habit of wielding a knife to her heart and eating it!
This should have been 4 stars. But I can only muster 2. Julian was a selfish dick! And a possibly epic heroine lost her luster when she should have been shining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2017
Rose Cunningham is the daughter of two now deceased legends from the music industry. She has her own musical talent, a cafe she owns with her cousin Owen, and also a ton of ignored baggage from her past. Insert one Julian Ashburn. The front man of rock band Breaking Giants, and one of Rose's musical idols. There is an instant connection between the two of them. It's a bit awkward, it's pretty sweet, and there's obviously a static buzz between them.
These two obviously belong together, but their pasts and outside influences keep getting in their way. Not to mention neither one of them is truly ready for each other. What are you supposed to do when you're meant to be, but your timing is a bit off? Read this book and find out! So many angsty things happen, but it all feels real and true to the characters. The main characters feel relatable even though their circumstances are a bit extraordinary.
The side characters had so much personality, and really shone individually. I was so invested in some of them and their stories. Cough, Mattie, cough. That's great story telling, when you can't wait for the next time you hear from a character who isn't even a main character. The relationships between the characters, main and side, felt real and deep without having much growth displayed. The dialogue felt natural and like actual conversations you'd have with friends and family. The song lyrics were great. This author is clearly very talented. I caught myself trying to make up music to go with some of the words.
I have been absolutely blown away by this story. It was so much more than just a rocker/musical romance. Not only was it amazingly well written, but it was enthralling. I did not want to put it down! Told from Roses's first person POV, and an epilogue from someone else's. The romance is angsty, but sweet. The naughty bits are hot without being super smutty, and the story is just really damn good. L.M. Halloran is an amazing author and I can not wait to see what she gives us next!
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys some angst, with a non-conventional slow burn romance between two people who can't stand being apart, but are.
September 24, 2019
God. What a steaming pile of shite.
THIS douche nozzle is a hero? Yeah, no. This guy is an arsehole that jerked the heroine around from the moment they met. He got engaged to someone else. Cheated on her with the h. Ghosted the h. Had a motorcycle crash and after she spent weeks living at the hospital he cuts her out of his life. Later he tells her that he won't wait forever. How bloody romantic!
Oh, AND she finds out he was banging someone after he pushed her out of his life following the crash AND he kissed the OW mere weeks before forcing his way back into the h's life. And then he blames the HEROINE.
WHO fucking does that? Julian is entitled, selfish and digusting. I'm supposed to be rooting for this bell end?
Like hell.
And the heroine is weak and stupid. She says one thing and does another and keeps letting this guy fuck her over. Even her friends think she's 'stringing him along' when she tries to protect herself by taking time away from him. So she crawls back. Again.
This couple is too mentally screwed up to ever work in the long-term and too hamstrung by their pasts. They have 0% chemistry and all they do when they are together is fuck. I saw not a single reason for them to be together. Their 'romance' is a joke and I for one would feel pure satisfaction if the h would dump his ass.
Pathetic.
The writing is annoying as a rash, too. Lots of nipple and boner talk. And what's with the italicised bursts of strung together words?
Nownownow.
ImissyouIloveyouIhateyou.
I have my own 'word' and it's much more to the point - STFU.
This writer goes on the avoid list. I can't even imagine how abhorrent the characters and stories are in her other books. No idea why this dysfunctional trash is so popular.
THIS douche nozzle is a hero? Yeah, no. This guy is an arsehole that jerked the heroine around from the moment they met. He got engaged to someone else. Cheated on her with the h. Ghosted the h. Had a motorcycle crash and after she spent weeks living at the hospital he cuts her out of his life. Later he tells her that he won't wait forever. How bloody romantic!
Oh, AND she finds out he was banging someone after he pushed her out of his life following the crash AND he kissed the OW mere weeks before forcing his way back into the h's life. And then he blames the HEROINE.
WHO fucking does that? Julian is entitled, selfish and digusting. I'm supposed to be rooting for this bell end?
Like hell.
And the heroine is weak and stupid. She says one thing and does another and keeps letting this guy fuck her over. Even her friends think she's 'stringing him along' when she tries to protect herself by taking time away from him. So she crawls back. Again.
This couple is too mentally screwed up to ever work in the long-term and too hamstrung by their pasts. They have 0% chemistry and all they do when they are together is fuck. I saw not a single reason for them to be together. Their 'romance' is a joke and I for one would feel pure satisfaction if the h would dump his ass.
Pathetic.
The writing is annoying as a rash, too. Lots of nipple and boner talk. And what's with the italicised bursts of strung together words?
Nownownow.
ImissyouIloveyouIhateyou.
I have my own 'word' and it's much more to the point - STFU.
This writer goes on the avoid list. I can't even imagine how abhorrent the characters and stories are in her other books. No idea why this dysfunctional trash is so popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2018
This book was great till 30% then things went to shit!!!
h was a 28/29 years songwriter/singer! She started so good holding her one when meeting a super star rocker, but then she became pathetic! She transformed in something i can't even described every time they where together!!
H a 32/33 years grown man was a pathological cheater/ attention seeker, those kind of man that can't be "alone", he couldn't wait for her 6 weeks!!!
I really don't think he ever loved her... he never did nothing by her (apart sex)!
3 years of a toxic relationship with him being a douche, cheating, pushing her away, disrespecting her and in the end the author makes it like it was all her fault and she is the one that needed therapy!!!
Only thing that i liked and we don't see enough is the poetry side of the songwriting!
h was a 28/29 years songwriter/singer! She started so good holding her one when meeting a super star rocker, but then she became pathetic! She transformed in something i can't even described every time they where together!!
H a 32/33 years grown man was a pathological cheater/ attention seeker, those kind of man that can't be "alone", he couldn't wait for her 6 weeks!!!
I really don't think he ever loved her... he never did nothing by her (apart sex)!
3 years of a toxic relationship with him being a douche, cheating, pushing her away, disrespecting her and in the end the author makes it like it was all her fault and she is the one that needed therapy!!!
Only thing that i liked and we don't see enough is the poetry side of the songwriting!
Read
May 24, 2017I honestly don't know what to say. I hated this story! It was really good, but I hated it as much as I was drawn to keep reading it. I do not do cheating and I really hate sex and/or kissing between the H/h and other people after the H and h have met. Does that make sense? I kept telling myself to stop reading this story at least a dozen times, but unlike other books I've DNF'd I couldn't do that with this one. I was seriously drawn to this plot and wanted to find out how the main characters got to their HEA. So be aware that there is cheating and hookups with other people throughout this story!
June 10, 2023
“It’s like a fairytale.”
“I don’t know any fairytales that are as dark and twisted as this one.”
Music owns our souls with rock star romances being one of our favourite things. There’s just something about this theme that really catches our attention, though to be honest, it’s also one we find can be a bit of a hit and miss, mainly because, the focus sometimes sides heavily on the romance aspect, forgetting the all-important musical experience we crave. We love to be wooed as much by the musical feeling of the story as the romantic entanglement therein.
‘My body is a song – he knows every note.’
L.M. Halloran is a new to us author and the tagline of her synopsis especially grabbed our attention. How could we not be seduced by…’A rockstar romance unlike any you’ve read before’>.. Yep, we HAD to read it with that statement.
We really enjoyed Breaking Giants (great name for a band by the way) and we’re pleased to say L.M. Halloran did deliver on both the romance and the musical aspect of the story, with a good dose of angst, though we don’t feel this rock star romance delivered on the ‘unlike anything we’ve read before’ promise we had hoped, though saying that we have devoured a lot of rock star reads over the years!
‘I watch, silent and empty, as my happiness leaves, slamming the front door behind him.’
The heart and soul of the music was most definitely prevalent throughout this story which told of the on/off sizzling attraction between lead singer of the Breaking Giants, Julian Ashburn and Rose Cunningham, who runs a coffee shop in Seattle and is the daughter of a music producer father and a famed singer/songwriter mother. Both of who, have sadly passed.
Did fate have a hand in Rose and Julian’s destiny? And if so, fate was given a bitch of a job with these two fighting every step of the way! Timing, feelings, commitments, the planets not being in alignment…it seemed everything conspired to put a cog in the wheels of this union.
‘He is a craving beyond my control. A mental obsession.’
Breaking Giants is beautifully written with us experiencing the soul searching and healing needed between Rose and Julian, both of whom were weighed down by baggage from their past and their push/pull relationship certainly delivered some angst!
27 year old Rose is the living legacy of addiction. Being the daughter of a deceased drug addict mother who instilled a belief in the singer/songwriter Rose that love was responsible for the death of art. That love was the killer of all happiness. A belief Rose carried from her young impressionable 13 year old self.
‘Music is the only lover that will never leave you, Rose.’
32 year old Julian, also has issues as a reformed alcoholic, he’s been through the mill, seen the downside of life, and even though he’s part of a hugely successful band, he prefers to be more of a recluse, leaving the spotlight to his mates, his fellow band members Matt, Jackson and Nick.
We really felt the creative souls beneath these characters and we felt their pain, though we didn’t quite experience the emotional intensity we would have hoped considering the trauma both characters had lived through. We loved the Seattle setting which brought a life force to the story, the secondary characters were delightful, and the epilogue delivered an unexpected surprise, culminating in perfectly beautiful way to end the story. A highly enjoyable rock star romance!
BREAKING GIANTS is available to purchase below
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June 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/19/2019)! 🎁
July 4, 2017
I always try to be fair when writing reviews... but this couple was a complete mess - not sure how you can call them "soulmates"...
- The GOOD: Great writing and i loved the songs/poetry at the beginning of each chapter...
- The REST: There is SO much unnecessary, over the top drama in this book that it takes away from the real story. Skip this part if you don't want spoilers, but between the cheating drama, the convenience marriage drama, the "is it my baby" drama, the addiction/sad childhood drama and the love/hate relationship these 2 people have for each other, it is almost hard to keep track.
I almost wish that she had dumped him at the end of the book... The way he does not really respect her, cheats on her at the first occasion, and then just "makes amends" and deflects the blame... The cherry on top was when we read about her having to learn to let go and not hold him responsible for his action... Um..NO!! This guy is not redeemable - sorry, girl - just run while you still can!!!
- The GOOD: Great writing and i loved the songs/poetry at the beginning of each chapter...
- The REST: There is SO much unnecessary, over the top drama in this book that it takes away from the real story. Skip this part if you don't want spoilers, but between the cheating drama, the convenience marriage drama, the "is it my baby" drama, the addiction/sad childhood drama and the love/hate relationship these 2 people have for each other, it is almost hard to keep track.
I almost wish that she had dumped him at the end of the book... The way he does not really respect her, cheats on her at the first occasion, and then just "makes amends" and deflects the blame... The cherry on top was when we read about her having to learn to let go and not hold him responsible for his action... Um..NO!! This guy is not redeemable - sorry, girl - just run while you still can!!!
dnf
September 8, 2021DNF @ 42% (no rating)
Rock Star Romance
This started out so good. I loved the writing instantly. The poetry, the song lyrics, it's better than good. The characters sucked me in.
Until they didn't. They began to annoy me. The story is feeling predictable and a few things far-fetched. The heroine is wishy-washy and I'm afraid she's a closeted doormat. The hero, from what I can tell, is going to string the heroine along forever. I really don't see why they're obsessing over each other because at 42%, they've barely interacted. They hardly know each other. All together, these issues have made me lose interest in reading any further. Ugh, I hate dnf'ing this far into a book, but I don't even care enough to see what happens with the main characters. I do appreciate the angst factor which usually keeps me glued to the pages, but in this case, not happening.
The cheating theme in this book is not why I'm dnf'ing at all. That being said, I don't know how it ultimately plays out, so I can't say if it would have been an issue for me or not at the end. Oh, well.
Rock Star Romance
This started out so good. I loved the writing instantly. The poetry, the song lyrics, it's better than good. The characters sucked me in.
Until they didn't. They began to annoy me. The story is feeling predictable and a few things far-fetched. The heroine is wishy-washy and I'm afraid she's a closeted doormat. The hero, from what I can tell, is going to string the heroine along forever. I really don't see why they're obsessing over each other because at 42%, they've barely interacted. They hardly know each other. All together, these issues have made me lose interest in reading any further. Ugh, I hate dnf'ing this far into a book, but I don't even care enough to see what happens with the main characters. I do appreciate the angst factor which usually keeps me glued to the pages, but in this case, not happening.
The cheating theme in this book is not why I'm dnf'ing at all. That being said, I don't know how it ultimately plays out, so I can't say if it would have been an issue for me or not at the end. Oh, well.
Read
March 31, 2017
L.M Halloran, you had me at rock star.
But holy sh!tballs, Breaking Giants was not the normal rock star book and took my completely by surprise - in a good way that is.
Julian Ashburn and Rose Cunningham's story is not an easy one.
Julian - gah, it is not usual for me to both love and loathe a character in the same sentence (sure, sometimes the same book, but not often without taking a breath!)
My heart ached repeatedly for Rose as she tries to get past the man who has captured her heart - even though she doesn't want him to.
Their story is a reminder that love is not all rainbows and butterflies. It is gritty, emotional, heartbreaking.
"It's like a fairytale."
"I don't know any fairytales that are as dark and twisted as this one."
Those two lines there ^ describe this story to a T. As much as there is that spark of attraction between Julian and Rose, Julian really is quite toxic.
I loved seeing Rose step out of her comfort zone, taking some huge steps both personally and professionally.
It is days since I finished reading this book, and I am still not sure that I am doing it justice with my words.
It is beautiful, and amazing, an heartbreaking. It is an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind.
As a blogger, every day we are approached to read new/new to us authors, and we can't possibly read everything we get asked too. It is always a crap shoot when you decide which author/book to read.
I am so glad that LM Halloran reached out to us, and I am so so glad that I decided to read Breaking Giants. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of their work in the future.
April 24, 2017
**Given to us by author in exchange for honest review**
I was kind of skeptical when I picked this up. I had just finished a 5 star read and I wasn't sure this book would cure my book hangover. I was wrong sooo wrong. If you guys don't know by now, I am addicted to rockstars. I. LOVE. THEM. I don't read them often, because I don't want these books to become boring. This book was anything but. Julian and Rose stole my heart during their first interaction. I thought it was instalove, even if it was, it wasn't. If that makes any sense. The angst in this story drove me mad. I had whiplash from the ups and downs. Julian was so mysterious to me. Since this story is not told in dual POVs, he almost remained that way. I know I'm spoiled when it comes to dual POVs, so I didn't hold that against this book. In all honesty it didn't take anything from it. Now, back to Julian... I loved him. He was a sexy rockstar, of course I did. He was sweet , loyal, and kind of an asshole at times. Rose, Rose, Rose, I had to start a new list on Goodreads because of her... its title is, Girl Crush on the Heroine. Rose was everything I loved in an heroine. She was strong, brave, funny, confident, she was everything. She carried the story well. Through Rose's strong voice, we got to know Julian. And I enjoyed it immensely. This was my 1st read from this author. I have definitely become a fan. I hope this is the start of a great relationship with Ms. L.M. Halloran. Jasmine has to read this one, but she's tied up with another ARC. What a great read. I mean, it rescued me from a severe book hangover. I owe it my life!
4 stars
-Natasha
I was kind of skeptical when I picked this up. I had just finished a 5 star read and I wasn't sure this book would cure my book hangover. I was wrong sooo wrong. If you guys don't know by now, I am addicted to rockstars. I. LOVE. THEM. I don't read them often, because I don't want these books to become boring. This book was anything but. Julian and Rose stole my heart during their first interaction. I thought it was instalove, even if it was, it wasn't. If that makes any sense. The angst in this story drove me mad. I had whiplash from the ups and downs. Julian was so mysterious to me. Since this story is not told in dual POVs, he almost remained that way. I know I'm spoiled when it comes to dual POVs, so I didn't hold that against this book. In all honesty it didn't take anything from it. Now, back to Julian... I loved him. He was a sexy rockstar, of course I did. He was sweet , loyal, and kind of an asshole at times. Rose, Rose, Rose, I had to start a new list on Goodreads because of her... its title is, Girl Crush on the Heroine. Rose was everything I loved in an heroine. She was strong, brave, funny, confident, she was everything. She carried the story well. Through Rose's strong voice, we got to know Julian. And I enjoyed it immensely. This was my 1st read from this author. I have definitely become a fan. I hope this is the start of a great relationship with Ms. L.M. Halloran. Jasmine has to read this one, but she's tied up with another ARC. What a great read. I mean, it rescued me from a severe book hangover. I owe it my life!
4 stars
-Natasha
October 10, 2025
New trope unleashed!
I did not think I was going to love the rockstar trope, but after growing up with soapies and having my first crush be Danny Romalati heck decided to try! Loved! I loved that they were both messed up, both had to face demons and their work through it. I would’ve loved a little more, like story stretch out between Aiden and Sheridan- but since dark romance is my thing of course I wanted the drama. Still loved!
I did not think I was going to love the rockstar trope, but after growing up with soapies and having my first crush be Danny Romalati heck decided to try! Loved! I loved that they were both messed up, both had to face demons and their work through it. I would’ve loved a little more, like story stretch out between Aiden and Sheridan- but since dark romance is my thing of course I wanted the drama. Still loved!
May 30, 2017
3.75 stars
a good emotionally driven rockstar romance. would have been a 5 star for me had our
a good emotionally driven rockstar romance. would have been a 5 star for me had our
July 15, 2021
I don’t get it… I just don’t feel their love is real, especially coming from Julian. It was so insta-lovey and too much angst for an adult romance. Also, the sex scenes were all the same, I got bored.
June 23, 2023
I really wanna give this 5 stars but for a few reasons, I’m giving it 4.5. It was amazing in parts and then my frustration was sky high but then it became amazing again. I love rockstar stories. Love them. But I know there are a lot of ups and downs and angsty shit that happens that will make your head spin. Still, I enjoyed Julian and Rose’s journey to past trauma, healing and eventually love. It was a wild ride for sure. Music is such a huge part of life. It can heal the soul.
Nonetheless, all of the characters were awesome. I mean, I can’t even name them all, but so many played a huge role in this story. Both Julian and Rose had a wonderful support system. I loved watching the dynamics and friendships. They were all a big family and a big part of their healing journey.
Gah!! Julian was a true hero. He was not without faults but when it mattered the most, he was everything for Rose. Her childhood was horrible. Her parents (more her mother) really sucked. It had a significant role in how she lived her life. I was happy when things were finally on the road to mending for her. She suffered a great deal and it made her very distrusting as an adult, but I totally understood her hesitancy and skepticism. I loved her aunt Katherine and all the quirky shit she said and how she helped Rose overcome her fears.
Matt, Nick, Melody, Greta, Owen, Greg and so many others were great supporters. I loved them and their constant support when Rose needed it. Especially Melody and Matt. But also Owen and Greta too. I just loved this bunch. I loved all the songs and lyrics. Music played the biggest role in both their lives and it was so fun being in that setting. Watching them on tour and sold out stages.
But mostly, I just loved Julian. He was perfection. Even when he made mistakes and I wanted to smack him. He was still just…perfect.
Perfect for our Rosie Posie.
Great story!! I can’t wait for Matt’s book next!!
Nonetheless, all of the characters were awesome. I mean, I can’t even name them all, but so many played a huge role in this story. Both Julian and Rose had a wonderful support system. I loved watching the dynamics and friendships. They were all a big family and a big part of their healing journey.
Gah!! Julian was a true hero. He was not without faults but when it mattered the most, he was everything for Rose. Her childhood was horrible. Her parents (more her mother) really sucked. It had a significant role in how she lived her life. I was happy when things were finally on the road to mending for her. She suffered a great deal and it made her very distrusting as an adult, but I totally understood her hesitancy and skepticism. I loved her aunt Katherine and all the quirky shit she said and how she helped Rose overcome her fears.
Matt, Nick, Melody, Greta, Owen, Greg and so many others were great supporters. I loved them and their constant support when Rose needed it. Especially Melody and Matt. But also Owen and Greta too. I just loved this bunch. I loved all the songs and lyrics. Music played the biggest role in both their lives and it was so fun being in that setting. Watching them on tour and sold out stages.
But mostly, I just loved Julian. He was perfection. Even when he made mistakes and I wanted to smack him. He was still just…perfect.
Perfect for our Rosie Posie.
Great story!! I can’t wait for Matt’s book next!!
November 19, 2018
Phew, another revisit, via audiobook this time, and another gaping hole left in my heart by Julian Ashburn.
#RecommendedRead
5+++ Stars
It's hard for me to express in words just how much I loved this story. From a tentative acceptance to review a book from an unknown author to complete and total love for the story is relatively unheard of but for me, Breaking Giants is one of the closest books to rival my love for SC Stephens’ Thoughtless series.
If I ever wanted to hug the life out of an author, and a book, then this would be it! The developing story between Julian Ashburn and Rose Cunningham may just have ruined me and my love of rock star romance stories for life. Their carefully constructed story is full of painful reminders of why love is hard and trust is even harder.
Despite their immediate attraction for one another, and how their future may just have been written in the stars, Rose finds it difficult to commit to Julian. Her past reminds her on a daily basis why she can’t let her heart rule her head when it comes to musicians, especially following the tragic loss of her mother. With Julian resurrecting painful reminders for Rose, she finds it near on impossible to see his love for her through her clouds of despair. I know angst, drama, frustration and fighting against inevitable love isn’t to everyone’s taste but when you finish this book and reflect on the reasons why it took so long for the key protagonists to accept their feelings for one another, you’ll understand their reticence to commit, well on Rose’s part anyway.
Breaking Giants, in case you haven’t realised, is the band that Julian Ashburn fronts. When Julian walks into Rose’s cafe for an open mic night, incommunicado, life as Rose knows it is about to change, forever. She of course immediately recognises Julian and her body quickly reacts to his presence. Rose is also a singer but only performs for her patrons and despite her amazing talents, she doesn’t want to walk in her mother’s doomed footsteps but with her family and friends all watching over her, and with some serious meddling into her life, Rose soon finds herself a pawn in a game that she has no control over.
With its unique and, at times, heart-wrenching highs and lows, this story is the epitome of a romance roller coaster but one which will delight, reward, challenge and possibly tear you apart before putting you back together, stronger, happier and altogether more complete for having witnessed such an epic romance.
For me, I am left with a huge, gaping hole in my heart and I fear this story may have ruined me for life (ok, slight exaggeration)! I am so happy that out of the many review requests that I receive, I chose this author and this book to read. It’s got to be right up there in my top 30 all-time favourite stories and easily falls into my top 10 rock star books.
Thank you, LM Halloran, from the bottom of my heart, for bringing Julian and Rose into my life and I can only hope and pray that another story from Breaking Giants can be penned in future.
My Julian Ashburn. If you like your rock star romances then this is a must read! ~JG
This ebook was kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
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#RecommendedRead
5+++ Stars
It's hard for me to express in words just how much I loved this story. From a tentative acceptance to review a book from an unknown author to complete and total love for the story is relatively unheard of but for me, Breaking Giants is one of the closest books to rival my love for SC Stephens’ Thoughtless series.
If I ever wanted to hug the life out of an author, and a book, then this would be it! The developing story between Julian Ashburn and Rose Cunningham may just have ruined me and my love of rock star romance stories for life. Their carefully constructed story is full of painful reminders of why love is hard and trust is even harder.
Despite their immediate attraction for one another, and how their future may just have been written in the stars, Rose finds it difficult to commit to Julian. Her past reminds her on a daily basis why she can’t let her heart rule her head when it comes to musicians, especially following the tragic loss of her mother. With Julian resurrecting painful reminders for Rose, she finds it near on impossible to see his love for her through her clouds of despair. I know angst, drama, frustration and fighting against inevitable love isn’t to everyone’s taste but when you finish this book and reflect on the reasons why it took so long for the key protagonists to accept their feelings for one another, you’ll understand their reticence to commit, well on Rose’s part anyway.
Breaking Giants, in case you haven’t realised, is the band that Julian Ashburn fronts. When Julian walks into Rose’s cafe for an open mic night, incommunicado, life as Rose knows it is about to change, forever. She of course immediately recognises Julian and her body quickly reacts to his presence. Rose is also a singer but only performs for her patrons and despite her amazing talents, she doesn’t want to walk in her mother’s doomed footsteps but with her family and friends all watching over her, and with some serious meddling into her life, Rose soon finds herself a pawn in a game that she has no control over.
With its unique and, at times, heart-wrenching highs and lows, this story is the epitome of a romance roller coaster but one which will delight, reward, challenge and possibly tear you apart before putting you back together, stronger, happier and altogether more complete for having witnessed such an epic romance.
For me, I am left with a huge, gaping hole in my heart and I fear this story may have ruined me for life (ok, slight exaggeration)! I am so happy that out of the many review requests that I receive, I chose this author and this book to read. It’s got to be right up there in my top 30 all-time favourite stories and easily falls into my top 10 rock star books.
Thank you, LM Halloran, from the bottom of my heart, for bringing Julian and Rose into my life and I can only hope and pray that another story from Breaking Giants can be penned in future.
My Julian Ashburn. If you like your rock star romances then this is a must read! ~JG
This ebook was kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jezabell_girl
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/jezabellg...
Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
August 7, 2019
Quando mi trascino per giorni e giorni un libro che non è nemmeno lungo, qualcosa che non va c’è sicuramente. Sarà il mio mood negli ultimi tempi o sarà la stupidità di certi personaggi? Entrambi, indubbiamente, ma i protagonisti di Breaking Giants sono da cavarsi i denti con delle pinze.
Dall’inizio alla fine del libro passa 1 anno e mezzo circa - se ho capito bene. I due stanno insieme una notte e mezzo (IN TUTTO GENTE!). Per il resto, un prendi e molla continuo, lui che va a letto con altra gente dopo aver detto a lei di amarla perchè “non ero sicuro che fossi mai pronta per me, Rose”, lei che impazzisce per questo ragazzo di 34 anni che in realtà ne dimostra 15. Entrambi segnati da adolescenze complicate per colpa dei genitori - che poi, hanno rotto il cazzo stì personaggi disagiati per colpa di mamma e papà eh, Insomma, un vero inutile casino che non vedevo l’ora di finire.
Scrittura peró piacevole quella della Halloran, avendo altri suoi libri spero che la prossima lettura sarà migliore di questa.
Dall’inizio alla fine del libro passa 1 anno e mezzo circa - se ho capito bene. I due stanno insieme una notte e mezzo (IN TUTTO GENTE!). Per il resto, un prendi e molla continuo, lui che va a letto con altra gente dopo aver detto a lei di amarla perchè “non ero sicuro che fossi mai pronta per me, Rose”, lei che impazzisce per questo ragazzo di 34 anni che in realtà ne dimostra 15. Entrambi segnati da adolescenze complicate per colpa dei genitori - che poi, hanno rotto il cazzo stì personaggi disagiati per colpa di mamma e papà eh, Insomma, un vero inutile casino che non vedevo l’ora di finire.
Scrittura peró piacevole quella della Halloran, avendo altri suoi libri spero che la prossima lettura sarà migliore di questa.
May 24, 2017
The story is chick lit and not my preferred genre. The H was a bit of a wreck, selfish and I found the h to be pretty weak, in spite of great family and sensible friends. Even at the end,when they are madly in love, he tells her if she can't commit he's not going to be celibate, so its all up to her. Not my definition of a hero and not much of an HEA. It felt like she had to give up; all he gave up other women.Not at all romantic.
July 2, 2017
2.5 Stars
The book sucked me in, just to piss me off. Ugh!
Both main characters are douchebags.
The book sucked me in, just to piss me off. Ugh!
Both main characters are douchebags.
February 7, 2025
Wowza. This was definitely not your usual hearts-and-flowers, sweet romance. I mean, it’s a rock star romance, so there’s bound to be some drama right? This book most definitely had that, but it also had a huge amount of angst.
A - allllllll sorts of feelings. Good ones, bad ones, sad ones, tingly ones. Bravo to the author for making me FEEL.
N - not.gonna.lie…this one pissed me off a lot. Though it’s very well-written, some of the things the MCs did made me angry. Often.
G - good and gritty and gut-wrenching and…GAH.
S - sooooooo much push and pull.
T - two troubled main characters. They both had issues (lots!) to work through.
This love story is complicated, passionate, and powerful. Did it make me mad? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Yes, yes I did. If angsty romances are your jam, this book is for you.
*For those with triggers, be sure to check them before you start this.*
I listened to most of this story on audio and thought the narrators were great.
A - allllllll sorts of feelings. Good ones, bad ones, sad ones, tingly ones. Bravo to the author for making me FEEL.
N - not.gonna.lie…this one pissed me off a lot. Though it’s very well-written, some of the things the MCs did made me angry. Often.
G - good and gritty and gut-wrenching and…GAH.
S - sooooooo much push and pull.
T - two troubled main characters. They both had issues (lots!) to work through.
This love story is complicated, passionate, and powerful. Did it make me mad? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Yes, yes I did. If angsty romances are your jam, this book is for you.
*For those with triggers, be sure to check them before you start this.*
I listened to most of this story on audio and thought the narrators were great.
October 12, 2025
I live for angst in my books. Cheating. OM/OW drama. This book is what you get when those things aren’t written well. Three stars almost feels generous.
January 7, 2017
Another fantastic read from L.M. Halloran.
After having read The Reluctant Socialite and loved it, I was excited to read this new book from the same author. I was pleased to discover the same level of writing talent, steam, angst, and suspense in Breaking Giants that made the previous book so good and entertaining.
This book follows the indelible story of starlet daughter of a now-deceased singer/songwriter mother and music producer father, Rose Cunningham, and mega rock-star sensation, Julian Ashburn, as they forge their way to finding who they are and whether they could ever make it work together. I found myself highly invested in this story, emotionally. The characters were very complex, well-written, and very relatable. I actually found myself getting chills basically every time Aunt Katherine made an appearance, and I found the supporting characters to be just as interesting and adding to the story.
I especially liked how this book incorporates music and song lyrics throughout, all original material by the author. I also liked how certain themes were noticeable throughout the story. The Prince of Swords, for example, in the unsolicited tarot readings of the freakishly accurate and equal-opportunity spiritualist, Aunt Katherine, keeps bringing up in regards to the mega-hot front-man of Breaking Giants. I loved how Rose would get some "warnings" or "advice" from Aunt K at some point, and then a while later things happen and you're like... THAT'S WHAT AUNT K WAS TALKING ABOUT!!
I also found this book to be very poetic, even when not quoting song lyrics. For example:
-His voice in person surpasses my wildest dreams. Smoke with a touch of honey.
-Inside me, disappointment and relief share a slow dance.
-The new dawn is stunning, streaks of brilliant white piercing clouds and granting the world below rare clarity.
Finally, I found the epilogue to be extremely satisfying the way it gives the reader a glimpse of the future and how things end up going for these characters.
In sum, definitely a winner here. If you like contemporary, new adult romance and romantic suspense with steamy adult situations here and there, this book is definitely worth the read.
I was provided an ARC of this book prior to release date and am voluntarily providing my honest review of this book.
After having read The Reluctant Socialite and loved it, I was excited to read this new book from the same author. I was pleased to discover the same level of writing talent, steam, angst, and suspense in Breaking Giants that made the previous book so good and entertaining.
This book follows the indelible story of starlet daughter of a now-deceased singer/songwriter mother and music producer father, Rose Cunningham, and mega rock-star sensation, Julian Ashburn, as they forge their way to finding who they are and whether they could ever make it work together. I found myself highly invested in this story, emotionally. The characters were very complex, well-written, and very relatable. I actually found myself getting chills basically every time Aunt Katherine made an appearance, and I found the supporting characters to be just as interesting and adding to the story.
I especially liked how this book incorporates music and song lyrics throughout, all original material by the author. I also liked how certain themes were noticeable throughout the story. The Prince of Swords, for example, in the unsolicited tarot readings of the freakishly accurate and equal-opportunity spiritualist, Aunt Katherine, keeps bringing up in regards to the mega-hot front-man of Breaking Giants. I loved how Rose would get some "warnings" or "advice" from Aunt K at some point, and then a while later things happen and you're like... THAT'S WHAT AUNT K WAS TALKING ABOUT!!
I also found this book to be very poetic, even when not quoting song lyrics. For example:
-His voice in person surpasses my wildest dreams. Smoke with a touch of honey.
-Inside me, disappointment and relief share a slow dance.
-The new dawn is stunning, streaks of brilliant white piercing clouds and granting the world below rare clarity.
Finally, I found the epilogue to be extremely satisfying the way it gives the reader a glimpse of the future and how things end up going for these characters.
In sum, definitely a winner here. If you like contemporary, new adult romance and romantic suspense with steamy adult situations here and there, this book is definitely worth the read.
I was provided an ARC of this book prior to release date and am voluntarily providing my honest review of this book.
October 24, 2018
THIS BOOK SLAYED ME. I haven't felt
this much angst in a book in a lonnng
time. L.M. Halloran is one of my new
favorite authors, and boy did she take me
on a ride. Julien and Rose were made for
each other, but could never seem to get
it together. With a past that comes full circle
and a love that can't be denied this is a
book that I loved to hate. Just at about
80% when you think you know what is
going to happen, I WAS DESTROYED. I
was destroyed and mad and then somehow,
and I don't really know how, I was slowly
put back together. I went back and forth
between did Rose deserve Julien, did Julien
deserve Rose, and then I realized that
they are meant to be together. It takes
an amazing author to make me feel all the
feels that I had reading this book. When I
finished I went on GoodReads to see if others
felt the same way. I see so much of "he
cheated", "not safety gang safe", blah,
blah, blah. I think these people miss the
entire ROMANCE of Julien's and Rose's
love. Complete love. This book took me
through the wringer, and I am so glad that
I did not read the reviews and had a bias
when I went into this epic love story. For the
faint of heart? No. But was it a story that
I will forget? Definitely not. I can't wait to
read more by this author.
this much angst in a book in a lonnng
time. L.M. Halloran is one of my new
favorite authors, and boy did she take me
on a ride. Julien and Rose were made for
each other, but could never seem to get
it together. With a past that comes full circle
and a love that can't be denied this is a
book that I loved to hate. Just at about
80% when you think you know what is
going to happen, I WAS DESTROYED. I
was destroyed and mad and then somehow,
and I don't really know how, I was slowly
put back together. I went back and forth
between did Rose deserve Julien, did Julien
deserve Rose, and then I realized that
they are meant to be together. It takes
an amazing author to make me feel all the
feels that I had reading this book. When I
finished I went on GoodReads to see if others
felt the same way. I see so much of "he
cheated", "not safety gang safe", blah,
blah, blah. I think these people miss the
entire ROMANCE of Julien's and Rose's
love. Complete love. This book took me
through the wringer, and I am so glad that
I did not read the reviews and had a bias
when I went into this epic love story. For the
faint of heart? No. But was it a story that
I will forget? Definitely not. I can't wait to
read more by this author.
Read
January 12, 2017I very much enjoyed it. Every girl has a fantasy about being with a rock star, and I think L.M. Halloran captures it in a fun and angst way.
It's very easy to follow in the first person narrative and you understand the often complicated feelings of the main character Rose as she's got demons of her own to get past.
Overall, a fun sexy read that will fuel your need even further to be with a rockstar no matter how difficult they tend to be!
It's very easy to follow in the first person narrative and you understand the often complicated feelings of the main character Rose as she's got demons of her own to get past.
Overall, a fun sexy read that will fuel your need even further to be with a rockstar no matter how difficult they tend to be!
March 6, 2018
If I could give it more stars I would
I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Such an awesome story of Love .
I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Such an awesome story of Love .
May 22, 2017
“It’s like a fairytale.”
“I don’t know any fairytales that are as dark and twisted as this one.”
Music owns our souls with rock star romances being one of our favourite things. There’s just something about this theme that really catches our attention, though to be honest, it’s also one we find can be a bit of a hit and miss, mainly because, the focus sometimes sides heavily on the romance aspect, forgetting the all-important musical experience we crave. We love to be wooed as much by the musical feeling of the story as the romantic entanglement therein.
‘My body is a song – he knows every note.’
We really enjoyed Breaking Giants (great name for a band by the way) and we’re pleased to say L.M. Halloran did deliver on both the romance and the musical aspect of the story, with a good dose of angst, though we don’t feel this rock star romance delivered on the ‘unlike anything we’ve read before’ promise we had hoped, though saying that we have devoured a lot of rock star reads over the years!
‘I watch, silent and empty, as my happiness leaves, slamming the front door behind him.’
The heart and soul of the music was most definitely prevalent throughout this story which told of the on/off sizzling attraction between lead singer of the Breaking Giants, Julian Ashburn and Rose Cunningham, who runs a coffee shop in Seattle and is the daughter of a music producer father and a famed singer/songwriter mother. Both of who, have sadly passed.
‘Music is the only lover that will never leave you, Rose.’
We loved the Seattle setting which brought a life force to the story, the secondary characters were delightful, and the epilogue delivered an unexpected surprise, culminating in perfectly beautiful way to end the story. A highly enjoyable rock star romance!click here to see full review at TBB
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June 10, 2019
Julian, front man and lead singer for Breaking Giants, was Rose’s biggest weakness. At times I didn’t like him very much. But I could certainly understand the draw. Yeah – yeah he had the excuses, but they didn’t play well with me. Most of the time Rose and Julian were out of tune. They just couldn’t seem to harmonize in their personal relationship. They both play with each other’s feelings which doesn’t help matters much either. And Julian keeps a secret or two or three from Rose. She’s a mess – mommy issues. And then there’s her tarot card-reading auntie that complicates the psyche far too many times -- but adds a lot of laughter to the scenario.
The lyrics are beautiful and meaningful in such a poetic way. You can’t help but cheer for them to get on the same page. Tons of angst and what I imagine will be triggers for some readers. Think sex, drugs and rock-n-roll on the road. Throw in some helpful friends who sometimes make matters worse and you have a bunch of madness from start to finish.
Highly entertaining and even though I was disgusted at some points, I really got into this one and found it to be different enough from so many others that I gave it credit for standing out.
The lyrics are beautiful and meaningful in such a poetic way. You can’t help but cheer for them to get on the same page. Tons of angst and what I imagine will be triggers for some readers. Think sex, drugs and rock-n-roll on the road. Throw in some helpful friends who sometimes make matters worse and you have a bunch of madness from start to finish.
Highly entertaining and even though I was disgusted at some points, I really got into this one and found it to be different enough from so many others that I gave it credit for standing out.
June 20, 2025
I liked it for a sec.
March 20, 2024
Buckle Up Buttercup because this is one crazy ride! Listen, if you know me at all, you know that I love alllll the angst, all the emotional damage....MAKE ME FEEEEEEL!!!
THIS BOOK! The angst was so high in this book that I almost keeled over...in the best way. I haven't read something this angsty since The Truth About Love by Maisie Myers...and before that....A Love Letter To Whiskey....yall...let that sink in.
The way that these two FOUGHT for their HEA...don't worry...they get it...but damn...it was HARD EARNED! My stomach hurt (again, in the best) the entire time I was reading this book. I devoured it in 24 hours.
Chefsskiss...absolutely perfection...definitely a top read of the year for me.
100/10 must read! Free on KU worth the book trophy!
THIS BOOK! The angst was so high in this book that I almost keeled over...in the best way. I haven't read something this angsty since The Truth About Love by Maisie Myers...and before that....A Love Letter To Whiskey....yall...let that sink in.
The way that these two FOUGHT for their HEA...don't worry...they get it...but damn...it was HARD EARNED! My stomach hurt (again, in the best) the entire time I was reading this book. I devoured it in 24 hours.
Chefsskiss...absolutely perfection...definitely a top read of the year for me.
100/10 must read! Free on KU worth the book trophy!
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