Hard Rock Promise

Cherry Lips #0.5

by Athena Wright

I thought it’d be an easy job when my friend asked me to “babysit” her out-of-control brother — her playboy, arrogant, sinfully sexy older brother.

As the bassist in the rock band Cherry Lips, Gael’s had more than his fair share of women. But his dirty, sexy words ignite my body, just as his promises of forever ignite my heart.

Is Gael playing me or playing for keeps?

**********

Hard Rock Promise is available to newsletter subscribers for free and is the beginning of the Cherry Lips series (book 0.5). Get Hard Rock Promise here.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Music, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Celebrity

ebook

Published December 1, 2017

About the author

Athena Wright is a USA Today Bestselling author of New Adult Romance. She loves to write about cocky rock stars and the women who tame their wild hearts. Hobbies include cooking, eating, and living out her rock star dreams at karaoke bars. Athena is perpetually on the hunt for her next caffeine fix.

Want a free taste of Athena's writing? You can receive an exclusive Newsletter-Only ebook, Hard Rock Poet, for free. Just subscribe and tell Athena where to send it. You'll also be notified of new book releases. https://athenawright.com/poet-sign-up

AthenaWright.com

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only picked this novella because I wanted to read something short, but I must say that it surprised me (in a good way).

I thought that I was in a slump before I started reading this, but this was so easy to read that I finished it pretty soon. It was a page-turner for me, not because it was a masterpiece or something like that, but it was a light read and, apparently, exactly what I needed right now.

I was going to give it +1 star because of the reasons I mentioned but then I wanted to give -1 star because the steamy scenes were plenty and too long for my liking (especially in a novella with just 152 pages) which I ended up skipping and I didn't like the fact that the H didn't put up a fight when the h told him that it was over between them. He just accepted it. Who would want to be with a person that doesn't fight for him/her? I know I wouldn't.

Overall, it was a good read with a pretty simple plot but too many steamy scenes for my liking. Having done the math (3+1-1) I have to settle with 3 ⭐

Note: If the steamy scenes weren't enough for you in this book you might want to read the bonus scene by H's pov. I had to subscribe to the author's newsletter and I ended up not reading it 😪

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie had only one rule…… no rock stars. But when she catches a gorgeous young man staring at her from across the room at a party she has no idea she is already in over her head. Gael was the bassist in the indie band Cherry Lips & he was god’s gift to women. And he had no trouble denying it & causing the ruckus a want to be rock stars was capable of. When the leader of Cherry Lips, Cerise who is also Gael’s sister, hires Jessie to ‘babysit’ her out-of-control brother so the band can score a record deal, it is the need for extra cash that has Jessie saying yes. But Jessie finds it hard to resist Gael’s charms but lays down the rules that are to be followed during her time as ‘babysitter’. The hardest part is the more time Jessie spends with Gael the harder it is to resist what he as to offer. It is hard for her to let go & be in the moment until Gael shatters all her control. But is Gael promising a fun time or is he promising a life time?

This introduction to the new band Cherry Lips is fun, over the top angst & HOT has hell. Jessie & Gael make an adorable couple who both find that love can bring about positive change. I love these Hard Rock books & getting to know all the charters from the different bands & Hard Rock Promise does not disappoint in anyway. Another true fan girl fantasy come true even if is only on the pages of this book.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this rock star romance book. I enjoy music so it was fun reading a book with a lot of musicians in the story. And I thought the two MCs were really good together and it had a HEA so that's always nice.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/8/2020)! 🎁

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short-ish, super sexy and certainly steamy, this first look at the rising rock band, Cherry Lips will leave you breathless and crush your Kindle into dust.

Dirty talking Gael Moreau is definitely a bad boy rocker on the rise but in his own mind he's already there. Women can't resist this gorgeous playboy, he knows it and loves all the attention coming his way. Now, he meets someone who doesn't take him up on the offer he's absolutely burning to throw her way and that makes him all the hotter for her.

One of Jessie's jobs is bartending at a hole in the wall biker bar that's a well kept secret hotspot among certain celebrities and musicians when they want to disappear for some chill, no frills and hassle free downtime. She's not a pushover by any means and knows an ahole when she sees one and that's Gael, in her opinion. She has a 'no rockstar rule' for a reason but will this hard to resist man be the one to change her tune?

Although a quick read, I was sucked into this fast moving story and didn't put it down until I reached the sweet ending. I've read many books in Athena's rockstar romance series beginning with Darkest Days and I do believe that more is better! I missed a few of the earlier books in her Cherry Lips series so, now that I've read Gael and Jessie's story, I need to fill in the blanks with the next book, Gael's sister, Cerise-the lead singer herself's story..so look out Rock Hard Crush, here I come!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gael & Jessie set the pages on fire!!

Sexy, steamy rock star romance in Athena's rock star bookiverse for Cherry Lips.

A nice little pre-fame introduction to Cherry Lips by way of its bad boy bassist, Gael. His sister, Cerise hires Jessie to babysit him. A bored Gael is bad for the band.

Or so she thinks.

Jessie needs some extra fundage so she says yes to Cerise's offer. After all, she doesn't date rock stars. She'll be safe. She thinks.

Chemistry's a hard thing to deny. Hot, sweet, and great intro to the Cherry Lips world while adding to the existing bookiverse.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gael is the bassist for an up and coming band, Cherry Lips, and his sister, Cerise, is the lead singer. Gael is a flirt, a risk taker, impulsive, and too hot for his own good. Jessie has no interest in dating a rockstar. She has enough on her plate serving them drinks everyday and working at a local youth center. Jessie comes off as a good girl but has a backbone made of steel. Cerise is worried that Gael's antics will keep Cherry Lips from signing a recording contract, so she hires Jessie to "babysit" Gael. The chemistry between Gael and Jessie is explosive. Will Jessie and Gael give into their attraction? Will Gael lose Jessie because of his impulsive actions? Can Jessie and Gael find their happily ever after? I LOVE Athena Wright! I absolutely loved Hard Rock Promise. Hard Rock Promise is a fantastic start to the Cherry Lips series. I would highly recommend getting Hard Rock Promise and the other books in the Cherry Lips series. Athena Wright is a MUST read author for this reader. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back when it was in the Begging for Bad Boys box set.

For anyone who might not know, Cherry Lips is an upcoming band in Athena's world of hot rockstars. Lead singer of this band is Cerise, and her brother, Gael, is the bassist.
The leading lady in this book, Jessie, is not connected to the other girls. But she is, in a way. Because she pops up a few times in all the other books. Both in Darkest Days and Feral Silence.
Jessie has sworn off ever having a relationship rockstars. She has enough to deal with having to serve them drinks every day. So when Gael introduces himself to her, thinking she knows exactly who he is, she is quite surprised at how she reacts to him, before knowing his profession. But then, even her "Rule" can't keep her away from him.
Like all of Athena's rockstars, Gael instantly won me over. I seriously live out my fangirl dreams through her books.

[Jennifer D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro into the Cherry Lips world! Gael is your typical bad boy rocker. Jessie has one rule: she doesn't date rock stars but when she meets Gael at a party, there is instant attraction. Gael and Jessie are forced together while she tries not breaking her rule. Their chemistry is hot and it shows opposites do attract. It's a quick read (more novella length) and introduces you to the rest of the members of the band.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Rock Promise is a quick romance read featuring a smokin' hot, dirty-talking, sexy, playboy bassist, angst, humor, hot chemistry, love, and a HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Cailee Irving · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read it just for the sake of the collection but got nothing out of it.

dnf

[Season · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read that is really only about the two main characters having sex. There isn't any real connection between the characters, at least that comes across other than they like to have sex together. I was hoping for something more.

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beginning of a series, but can be read standalone. Perhaps as the rest of the band's stories will help to flesh out the future of Gael and Jessie.
Editing was ok. Lots of missing words, odd words, and extra words.

Gael is part of a band with his sister Cerise. Something has happened in her past that causes Gael worry, although we never learn exactly what has occurred. (I feel that will be included in Cerise's book, but the allusion with no real answers was a little odd.) Jessie is friends with Cerise, working two jobs to make ends meet. However, with rent going up soon, she needs to make a little more money. Enter Cerise and her idea to hire Jessie as a babysitter for Gael. Seems he gets in trouble all the time - call the police 'cause he's acting out of control kind of trouble. So, Gael and Jessie start to hang out together, ostensibly so that she can watch over him. Guess what? They are attracted to each other. But, she has a rule - no dating rock stars. She adheres to this rule for a very short while, then throws it out the window. Will they make it through the craziness of band life? Will Gael do something stupid and almost ruin their relationship? Will Jessie forgive him?

This is short, and possibly why things moved so fast and left so many things unanswered. For me, it felt a little contrived. For you, it may be the best read in a while. Everyone is different. Enjoy.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Rock Promise is the beginning of the Cherry Lips series and what a beginning! Athena holds nothing back with this rock star romance.

Jessie and Gael are the perfect match. I was completely invested in their story from the beginning. The whole "I'll never date a rock star" attitude from Jessie created a dynamic between her and Gael. The sexual tension was palpable and when it progresses you better have some cold water nearby.

This novella is easy to devour and the romance is both adorable and sexy. Athena Wright's Cherry Lips series is a MUST READ for any romance lover, and especially rock star romance fans!

[Matteja LV · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reread this book for book challenge with rock romance. I loved main characters and their energy. I love reading about wallflowers so I connected with Jessy.

Book was short, funny and really well written. I enjoyed it like the first time.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMW – This one has it all! It’s HOT, emotive and well-written. A total MUST-BUY!
“HARD ROCK PROMISE” is NOT the usual “ROCKER romance” novel! For once, the author wrote about a true ROCKER – a musician smart enough to know how the game is played and can make music look and sound so easy. The fact that he is also good looking and reputed player . . . well, that part is typical, but it makes Gael, well . . . Gael! So, let’s just play this one out. First, author Athena Wright knows how to write with an easy flowing prose that allows her readers to focus on those amazing characters she develops into realistically flawed but girl/guy next store types with which one can easily identify and want as a friend. Add to those amazing characters a plotline that takes the reader beyond the music and into the lives, hearts, and minds of each of the main characters and it is easy to see why so many of her novels are 5/5 on the recommendation scale! Wright does this by alternating the point of view between the main characters so that readers get to understand why they make the choices they do, and it helps those same readers root for that happily-ever-after which was promised! I voluntarily read an ARC copy of “HARD ROCK PROMISE” and this is my honest review. Gael and Jess have amazing chemistry, and electricity that at first pushed them apart but then exploded into some of the hottest stuff I’ve ever . . . pass the fan, please. . . read through. “HARD ROCK PROMISE” is getting a 5+STAR recommendation with a STRONG suggestion to purchase your copy of “HARD ROCK PROMISE” today! I’m off to purchase the rest of Athena Wright’s novels. Happy pages! 😉

[A. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Lips never looked so good:)
In Hard Rock Promise by Athena Wright we meet Gael, the bassist in the upcoming indie band Cherry Lips, and his babysitter....errr... companion, Jessie, a bartender at a secret rockers bar. Jessie is asked to keep an eye out for Gael by his sister Cerise. Easy right? But what happens when attraction strikes and two strong and similar personalities clash? According to her: "This guy liked a challenge...When every girl fell at your feet, you'd naturally be interested in the one who turned you away...This guy had no idea how challenging I could be." Will she change her mind about her no rock star rule? Will he open up and show his true colors? The banter between the two is the best part for me. When a story makes you giggle, smile and shake/nod your head- you have a winner. But when success comes knocking on Cherry Lips door, will it affect the growing relationship between Gael and Jessie? Will secrets and insecurities break them up? "He paced over to me slowly and cupped my face in his hands. I stood still, torn between pushing him away and leaning closer." What will she choose? Read the book! And then after you get addicted, continue with the Cherry Lips: A Rock Star Romance Series. I received an ARC of the book which I was happy to review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "HARD ROCK PROMISE" This was your typical bad boy Rock Star always getting into trouble he was the bassist in the Cherry Lips Band his sister Cerise the lead singer.
Jessie and her BF Natalie end up at party where she meets Gael but she has a rule she so done with narcissistic, arrogant, playboy Rock Stars he'd just been with 4 woman fawning all over him so not her thing.
Gael after seeing Jessie leaves the girls he's with and tries to make his move on her but she's not interested at least that's what she makes him think he's gorgeous hot and makes her heart pump a little.
Cerise asks Jessie to babysit Gael to keep him out of trouble until they get a record deal all his shenanigans are going to ruin it for them he goes to both her jobs one at the Youth Center helping kids the other at Walt's Bar where celebrities, Rock Stars, and others go to be out of the lime light.
This was such a great storyline well written by Athena Wright with fantastic interesting characters that pulled you right into all their drama its a must have book I so can't wait for Cerise's story in "HARD ROCK CRUSH"

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie has a rule, no rock stars. She works in a biker bar with a secret clientele of rockers. She knows better than to fall for the sexy, eyeliner-wearing, leather pants sporting bad boys with different girls on their arms each night. So when her friend Cerise asks her to babysit her brother until they get a record deal signed, Jesse accepts. As the bassist in the rock band Cherry Lips, Gael is everything she avoids. He's the stereotypical rock star but she can't help but make an exception this one time.

I have read all of the Hard Rock books (Rock fiction doesn't get any better) but somehow had ever read Gael and Jesse's story. I knew them from other books but didn't know their beginning. It's fun, it's sexy, it's short and sweet. I do wish Jesse had made him work a little harder in the beginning and after his thoughtlessness, but oh well. I guess him making it up to her was almost as good. Seriously, the chemistry between these two was off the charts and how could Jessie resist his charm once he decided she was the girl he wanted??

[TheHappyBookHoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jessie gets offered a paying job to keep her new friends older hot rockstar brother out of trouble she made the mistake of thinking it would be easy. Gael has a playboy reputation and now has his sights set on her. Being the bassist in his sister's band Cherry Lips makes him off limits to Jess. She has one rule, no rockstars, but for this one Jess might just make an exception. With his hot bad boy looks and his steamy as fuck words, Jess challenges him to work for it.

This introduction to the Cherry Lips band members had me glued to it's kindle pages from beginning to end. The angstyi chemistry between Gael and Jessie was off the charts hot and I loved both of their characters personalities. Jessie makes him work hard for her and it made the book super steamy!

I think she forgave his stupidity way too easily, and should've made him work for her forgiveness. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

This book was a hot and fun rock star fangirl fantasy with an HEA at the end of it. I would definitely recommend a read!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars! Gael is a rising rock star and he's got the role down pat ... arrogant, good looking and a playboy. Jessie works in a bar that serves celebrities and her number one rules ... no rock stars! But when she is hired to babysit Gael to keep him from embarrassing the rest of his band Cherry Lips, she falls head over heels for him.

This is a quick steamy romantic read ... and it's about rock stars (my favourite). I know that Jessie fell hard for Gael, but I would have liked to hear Gael POV about his feelings for her ... even though I assumed that he fell just as hard. A great start to the series. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last.

I received a copy from the author through her newsletter and I'm giving my honest review.

[Lisa Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a rock star novel and this one was just great. It’s a great introduction to the world of Cherry Lips, an up-and-coming Rick band poised for stardom.

This book focuses on Gael, the bad boy bassist, who causes his sister Cerise, the lead singer, some serious headaches. Famed more for his outrageous behaviour than his guitar playing she asks a friend to ‘babysit’ him.

Jess, said friend, and Gael are immediately attracted to each other. Sparks fly and their romance is hot. The road to true love, however, never runs smooth so there are hiccups along the way, but a HEA looks likely.

There’s also a trailer at the end of the book for Hard Rock Crush, the next in the series. This will be Cerise’s story, and I’m hooked already. Looks like a promising series.

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book back when I first signed up for this author's newsletter so I am thrilled that it is now available on other retailers because it is quite the entertaining read. If you are looking for an enjoyable rockstar romance then you will not be disappointed in this novella. Hard Rock Promise serves as a great introduction to the band Cherry Lips and features bassist Gael and Jesse. These two characters are sure to steal your heart! Gael is a risk taker, full of energy while Jesse is a little more serious and practical, but the two together are perfect. Nobody writes rockstar romances like Athena Wright and whether you have been an avid follower of her previous works or you are just now diving in into her rockstar world, you will enjoy this novella.

[Renee Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Irresistible

A good introductory novel into the Cherry Lips rock star romance series with Gael, a guitarist who can't stay out of trouble & plays the playboy. He meets Jessie, who looks like the prim & proper type teacher. He soon learns under the facade there is a different kind of woman. Jessie, who has promised herself to not get involved with rock stars, finds Gael is more than what meets the eye. Gael always keeps his promises & he plans on breaking her promise about not dating rock stars. With Gael so irresistible, can she resist his persistence?

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't read as a prequel

Prequel novella for the upcoming band Cherry Lips, featuring their bassist Gael Moreau. This was a bonus before becoming an actual book to purchase & I wish there was a bit of a rework or additional scenes. The last chapter somewhat drops off before a full resolve occurs, then bam into the epilogue. Wish there was more time spent between Gael & Jessie to really have the full effect of a relationship formation, instead of the hinting at it. For me, this didn't read as a prequel for the band in any way except for the mentions of them trying to sign a contract but it was still enjoyable.

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of bad boy rock star Gael & Jessie who is hired to get him back on track.
In this novel we come to meet bassist Gael, the lead singer's problematic brother..This is more like an intro to the previous books in the series but all can be read as a stand alone. I personally love rock star bad boys who get tamed by their women & this did not disappoint. The sexual chemistry between Gael & Jessie was unexpected but delightfully explosive. I received an arc & this is my honest &voluntary review.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any opportunity I get to spend time in the Cherry Lips world, I will camp out overnight in a rain storm to do it.

Jesse and Gael have as wild of a ride that you'd expect in a rockstar romance with a bit of unexpected. The se* is definitely incredible, characters will leave a long lasting impression and will have you craving even more time them.

Athena took a quick read and rocked it. If you are a fan of believable rockstar romance, than this one is screaming just for you. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Jerry Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have loved all the books from this author.

Jessie, a girl who works at the Impact Youth Center and Walt's Bar, has appeared in several of Athena's books, but she never got the guy. This time, she might but she wasn't sure she wanted to. Gael was a rocker, an arrogant, thinks he's God's gift to women rockstar wannabe. Nope Jessie doesn't fall for rockstars. Then his sister, Cerise, who is tired of his antics being all over social media decides that he needs a babysitter and hires Jessie to watch over him. Sparks fly and promises are made,b ut did they get broken, too?

[Sharon Means · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Cherry Lips series and all I can say is, WOW, what a great start! Gael is the bassist for the band, Cherry Lips and Jessie is hired to be Gael’s “babysitter”, to try and keep him in line and not bring bad press to the band before they get their big contract. The chemistry between Gael and Jessie is off the charts, the writing is so good and flows so well. IMO, this is the best book in the series and you will not be disappointed. I was provided an ARC by the author for my honest review.