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Kings of California #2
Hollywood Honkytonk
With nothing but her dog, her guitar, and her cowboy boots, songwriter Riley Marion arrives in Los Angeles on the run from her abusive ex. A quiet job teaching music sounds perfect, but her low-key lifestyle is threatened when she reunites with a sexy old flame—now an up-and-coming celebrity who’s constantly dogged by paparazzi. Charming and driven, Jack Lamont is a Hollywood actor on the rise to stardom. Ready to outgrow his playboy reputation, he’s happy to leave the hard partying to his entourage. Romantic entanglements? Jack’s not interested. At least, not until he gets tangled up with the one who got away—a smoking-hot woman whose memory has haunted him for the last ten years.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2017
46 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hopkins
33 books564 followersMia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. Her award-winning books have been featured by many publications including The Washington Post, USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 6, 2019
Riley and Jack have history. Looooooong ago history. Unresolved history. All the ingredients you need for a second chance at love ... one of my favorite tropes to get lost in! And having Mia Hopkins as the author just made it that much more inviting. The woman can write erotic romance like nobody's business! #TRUTH
Riley has never been far from Jack's thoughts in the last 10 years. She's the one who got away. But that was then and this is now and this time, he's not letting her go! Riley has some serious baggage to shed. The last 10 years have not been rainbows and gumdrops for her. There is a ton of emotion in this story. You feel it throughout the entire story. It's sexy as hell, but also very very heartwarming. A combination that Mia is an expert at unfolding in a story.
I'm really looking forward to more from this series!
Copy provided for blog tour review
Riley has never been far from Jack's thoughts in the last 10 years. She's the one who got away. But that was then and this is now and this time, he's not letting her go! Riley has some serious baggage to shed. The last 10 years have not been rainbows and gumdrops for her. There is a ton of emotion in this story. You feel it throughout the entire story. It's sexy as hell, but also very very heartwarming. A combination that Mia is an expert at unfolding in a story.
I'm really looking forward to more from this series!
Copy provided for blog tour review
January 12, 2017
You know how often book titles can be a little deceiving? That's what I found about this book as I was expecting with a title called Hollywood Honkytonk that we would have a Country Music themed romance set in Hollywood or find a Hollywood star in the heart of Nashville. Though Hollywood Honkytonk does have a Hollywood Heartthrob and a Music teacher/singer who does have an affinity for the country music. Ten years ago, best friends Riley and Jack were graduating high school and getting ready for their lives. Jack was headed out of their small town of Oleander and asked Riley to come with him. She turned down him as the timing just wasn't right. I had wondered here if she was pregnant as sometimes that could give a good twist to the story. Turns out, though, it was another guy - a jerk too Tommy Blake. Riley ended up married to Tommy, and they had an unhealthy marriage which now ten years later has ended in a divorce and Riley trying to hide from Tommy as he can't take NO for an answer. Riley ends up in LA and gets a job working for a school as their new Music Teacher. The school has ties to both Jack and Riley. Jack is now a big Hollywood star and seeing Riley again has sparked his schoolboy crush and love for Riley. This time he won't let her get away that easily, but can Riley handle the Hollywood Viper nests that come with Jack's life? Or will she find herself doubting herself that she will be the right person for Jack's Hollywood life? Will Riley get the encouragement needed to finally go after her dreams and become the next Hollywood Honkytonk or will her music talents be restricted to the classroom?
Find out in Mia Hopkin's new book in the Kings of California series "Hollywood Honkytonk."
Find out in Mia Hopkin's new book in the Kings of California series "Hollywood Honkytonk."
May 9, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! Full review coming soon.
January 13, 2017
Jack Lamont is definitely an alpha male! With his good looks, charm and iron willed determination he has made his way up in Hollywood and won’t let anyone or anything interfere with the job he loves – acting. Surrounded by assistants, a press and promotion guy, fixers, dressers, friends and hangers on his life is full but not complete. He loves what he does for a living but living is sometimes lonely even when he is surrounded by people.
Riley Marion Blake, now Rodriguez, is divorced but still being stalked by her abusive ex-husband. She has run from her home to Nashville then to Memphis before settling in to teach music at a Catholic girls’ school in California. Her dreams have not all been fulfilled but she is content – if fearful – while she lies low avoiding her ex. She loves music – writing, playing, teaching, singing – and would love to have a successful future sharing it with others.
When Jack and Riley meet at a charity race sparks fly. The high school friendship that might have become more had she gone with him after they graduated is given a second chance to flourish. They spend time together, get to know one another again, socialize with others, communicate, have misunderstandings, have steamy encounters and then have a HUGE blow-up that needs to be resolved if they are to have a happily ever after – one that they both deserve.
I liked Jack and Riley and enjoyed reading their story. I am not easy to please with second chance novels because most of the time the reason the two did not get together the first time around doesn’t make sense – this time it does. I am curious bout Jack’s brother who starred in book one of this series, want to know more about Ana (Jack’s personal assistant) and really want to know if Spike will have his story told at some point in the future or if he will end up in the gutter he seems to be moving toward.
Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Riley Marion Blake, now Rodriguez, is divorced but still being stalked by her abusive ex-husband. She has run from her home to Nashville then to Memphis before settling in to teach music at a Catholic girls’ school in California. Her dreams have not all been fulfilled but she is content – if fearful – while she lies low avoiding her ex. She loves music – writing, playing, teaching, singing – and would love to have a successful future sharing it with others.
When Jack and Riley meet at a charity race sparks fly. The high school friendship that might have become more had she gone with him after they graduated is given a second chance to flourish. They spend time together, get to know one another again, socialize with others, communicate, have misunderstandings, have steamy encounters and then have a HUGE blow-up that needs to be resolved if they are to have a happily ever after – one that they both deserve.
I liked Jack and Riley and enjoyed reading their story. I am not easy to please with second chance novels because most of the time the reason the two did not get together the first time around doesn’t make sense – this time it does. I am curious bout Jack’s brother who starred in book one of this series, want to know more about Ana (Jack’s personal assistant) and really want to know if Spike will have his story told at some point in the future or if he will end up in the gutter he seems to be moving toward.
Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
February 6, 2017
Hollywood Honkytonk by Mia Hopkins
4 star review
Read and reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
Hollywood Honkytonk is the second book in the Kings of California series by Mia Hopkins but it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I will definitely be looking for the first book in the series to read now. As soon as I read the synopsis to this book I couldn’t wait to get started! I just love a Hollywood romance and that’s definitely what I got from this book! I will admit there were a few predictable moments but I still liked it! I loved the characters especially Riley! She was so kind and naive to the world in which she was entering and she didn’t deserve some of the comments that were thrown around about her! I was getting angry on her behalf!!
For me Jack’s character was the typical alpha male Hollywood actor but gosh was he HOT!! To be fair I say he was the ‘typical’ actor character but he was a pretty genuine person - he really did love Riley and he had done for many, many years!
I thought that the author had a really relaxed writing style that flowed well. I read the book quite quickly and it held my attention the whole way through. I would definitely recommend this story – it has good characters that you want to be happy, fabulous descriptive writing so you can envisage what you are reading and a few steamy moments that will get you hot under the collar!!
4 star review
Read and reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
Hollywood Honkytonk is the second book in the Kings of California series by Mia Hopkins but it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I will definitely be looking for the first book in the series to read now. As soon as I read the synopsis to this book I couldn’t wait to get started! I just love a Hollywood romance and that’s definitely what I got from this book! I will admit there were a few predictable moments but I still liked it! I loved the characters especially Riley! She was so kind and naive to the world in which she was entering and she didn’t deserve some of the comments that were thrown around about her! I was getting angry on her behalf!!
For me Jack’s character was the typical alpha male Hollywood actor but gosh was he HOT!! To be fair I say he was the ‘typical’ actor character but he was a pretty genuine person - he really did love Riley and he had done for many, many years!
I thought that the author had a really relaxed writing style that flowed well. I read the book quite quickly and it held my attention the whole way through. I would definitely recommend this story – it has good characters that you want to be happy, fabulous descriptive writing so you can envisage what you are reading and a few steamy moments that will get you hot under the collar!!
February 7, 2017
Mia Hopkins excels at writing tension and steamy scenes. She also writes adorable characters who you ultimately fall in love with long before the end of the book. There were a few minor issues I would have liked to see more thoroughly resolved - such as the situation with the girl being bullied in Riley's music class (it felt like there was an HFN at the end with regard to this issue, but I wanted more detail, that's all). Otherwise, it's another winner. An excellent choice if you like sweet love, sexy, dirty coupling, and of course, a happily ever after.
January 13, 2017
Mia always knows how to transport you to another place, and in this book I was smack dab in the middle of orange county. Jack was an alpha male through and through. I loved the energy and chemistry between Riley & Jack.
February 27, 2017
Hollywood Honkytonk is the second novel in Ms. Hopkins Kings of California series, but it's the first novel in the series I've read (although it's not the first book I've read by this author), which accounts for my confusion over some of the secondary characters, and while that isn't a huge issue, it is worth mentioning. Adding to my confusion was the title, which led me to expect some sort of "country western singer goes to Hollywood and makes it big" theme, but country music had very little to do with the plot of this novel, which is one of several reasons I could only give it a 3-star rating.
The novel opens 10 years into the past and one day after their high school graduation in the small town of Oleander, as Riley, the heroine, races along the train platform trying to find her best friend since the ninth grade, Jack. The two had planned to go to Los Angeles so that Jack could pursue his dream of becoming an actor and Riley her dream of becoming a songwriter. When Riley catches up with Jack, he's hardly recognizable because his face looks like someone beat him nearly to death, something he doesn't want to discuss. When Riley tells him she can't go with him, her reasons are not something she wants to share, and so Jack heads off alone .
Fast forward 10 years, and Jack is waking up after a wild night of partying at his beach house to find himself in bed with Harlow, an old girlfriend who he'd never have touched unless he was drunk, and he asks one of his roommates to get rid of her because he's late for a charity run in which he's participating. He's obviously made it big in Hollywood and has the women, fans, personal assistant, dressers, promotion managers, agent, crazy schedule and the paparazzi to show for it.
What he doesn't expect on this charity run is to get tripped up by a dog along the way, and end up on the ground facing the dog's owner--Riley. She's only just arrived in L.A. and she's living at the convent which will benefit from the proceeds of the run. She's been hired as their choir director to replace the last director who simply walked off the job. She's also been running--especially from her violent ex-husband, Tommy, who she divorced after 10 years of marriage, and who's been stalking her for the past year as she moved from place to place, trying to get away from him.
When Riley brings Jack inside to tend to the scrapes and bruises from his fall, it's clear that the sparks of attraction are definitely there, and that they might have a second chance together, but there are more than a few obstacles ahead including his work and travel schedule, his celebrity status (remember that Riley is in hiding because her ex- is stalking her), Jack's reputation as a player, the aforementioned paparazzi, Jack's ex-girlfriend and more. As they spend what little time they have together, the relationships heats up, and yes, this novel is definitely for the 18+ reader.
These are, for the most part, likable characters, but some of the plot elements didn't work for me at all, especially when Riley, who doesn't want to be photographed, attends red carpet events with hot Hollywood hunk, Jack, who, rather than trying to keep her out of the limelight and safe, drags her to these events instead, even leaving her alone for hours at a Hollywood party his agent throws. It seems that it's all about his stardom and his career, with not much time devoted to Riley except for sex. Jack says her loves her, but again, everything in his life, including Riley, takes a back seat to his career. I will admit to not being a fan of celebrity or rockstar romances because I generally find them lacking in depth and more about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll than they are about romance.
Will Riley and Jack find a way to make their relationship work despite the odds? Will Riley manage to make it as a songwriter? Will Riley's ex-husband catch up with her? What will happen if and when he does? The answers to these questions make up the rest of his well-written novel, which was, for the most part, an enjoyable read, but with a somewhat superficial story line.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel.
The novel opens 10 years into the past and one day after their high school graduation in the small town of Oleander, as Riley, the heroine, races along the train platform trying to find her best friend since the ninth grade, Jack. The two had planned to go to Los Angeles so that Jack could pursue his dream of becoming an actor and Riley her dream of becoming a songwriter. When Riley catches up with Jack, he's hardly recognizable because his face looks like someone beat him nearly to death, something he doesn't want to discuss. When Riley tells him she can't go with him, her reasons are not something she wants to share, and so Jack heads off alone .
Fast forward 10 years, and Jack is waking up after a wild night of partying at his beach house to find himself in bed with Harlow, an old girlfriend who he'd never have touched unless he was drunk, and he asks one of his roommates to get rid of her because he's late for a charity run in which he's participating. He's obviously made it big in Hollywood and has the women, fans, personal assistant, dressers, promotion managers, agent, crazy schedule and the paparazzi to show for it.
What he doesn't expect on this charity run is to get tripped up by a dog along the way, and end up on the ground facing the dog's owner--Riley. She's only just arrived in L.A. and she's living at the convent which will benefit from the proceeds of the run. She's been hired as their choir director to replace the last director who simply walked off the job. She's also been running--especially from her violent ex-husband, Tommy, who she divorced after 10 years of marriage, and who's been stalking her for the past year as she moved from place to place, trying to get away from him.
When Riley brings Jack inside to tend to the scrapes and bruises from his fall, it's clear that the sparks of attraction are definitely there, and that they might have a second chance together, but there are more than a few obstacles ahead including his work and travel schedule, his celebrity status (remember that Riley is in hiding because her ex- is stalking her), Jack's reputation as a player, the aforementioned paparazzi, Jack's ex-girlfriend and more. As they spend what little time they have together, the relationships heats up, and yes, this novel is definitely for the 18+ reader.
These are, for the most part, likable characters, but some of the plot elements didn't work for me at all, especially when Riley, who doesn't want to be photographed, attends red carpet events with hot Hollywood hunk, Jack, who, rather than trying to keep her out of the limelight and safe, drags her to these events instead, even leaving her alone for hours at a Hollywood party his agent throws. It seems that it's all about his stardom and his career, with not much time devoted to Riley except for sex. Jack says her loves her, but again, everything in his life, including Riley, takes a back seat to his career. I will admit to not being a fan of celebrity or rockstar romances because I generally find them lacking in depth and more about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll than they are about romance.
Will Riley and Jack find a way to make their relationship work despite the odds? Will Riley manage to make it as a songwriter? Will Riley's ex-husband catch up with her? What will happen if and when he does? The answers to these questions make up the rest of his well-written novel, which was, for the most part, an enjoyable read, but with a somewhat superficial story line.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel.
May 19, 2017
You will be transported directly into the heart of LA, Hollywood and everything Orange County has to offer when you jump into the wonderful world of Mia Hopkins. Mia’s talent to bring the world alive, to transport you so vividly to the surroundings her characters live in, you’ll feel as if you’ve experienced the wind whipping through your hair after driving along the coastline and tasted the salt upon your tongue after swimming in the ocean.
Mia’s descriptive writing isn’t the only reason why you should fall in love with her work. Her talent for writing characters that deal with everyday problems will melt your heart, most likely steam up your late night reading, and well, you just can’t help but root for them to fall in love.
Jack Lamont left Oleander ten years ago and set out to make it big in Hollywood. With hard work and a bit of luck, Jack’s fame was rising and he was the newest face walking the red carpets. However, he was done with partying and one night stands he wanted something more. He just wasn't sure what. Something was missing in his life and he couldn’t place it until that something literally tripped him and ran back into his life. He was never more thankful to a distracted dog than he was when it forced Riley back into his life.
Riley Rodriguez had the opportunity to leave Oleander with Jack ten years ago, but family obligations kept her from doing what her heart wanted. Now a decade had passed, yet it had felt more like a lifetime. Saddled with an ugly divorce, no career, no family, and no money she has nothing to offer a Hollywood hunk like Jack. Starting over was hard enough, but starting over when the Hollywood ragmags watch your every move is torture.
Jack and Riley were high school friends, never lovers. When they meet again after a decade of changes and experiences, they meet on an entirely different plane. They are still friends, but a new sexual tension exists that didn’t exist before. With paparazzi following their every move, is this really the life Riley is ready for? Can Jack be the man for Riley and be the leading man for everyone else?
There are so many things to love about this book, but probably among my top favorite is how real the characters are. Jack may be a movie star, but he never once comes across as a pompous, entitled ass and Riley never looked at him or treated him like he was a movie star. When they were together they were just two people who had a basis of friendship that boiled and evolved into a blazing inferno of passion. That made this an exciting, page-turning read.
Mia’s descriptive writing isn’t the only reason why you should fall in love with her work. Her talent for writing characters that deal with everyday problems will melt your heart, most likely steam up your late night reading, and well, you just can’t help but root for them to fall in love.
Jack Lamont left Oleander ten years ago and set out to make it big in Hollywood. With hard work and a bit of luck, Jack’s fame was rising and he was the newest face walking the red carpets. However, he was done with partying and one night stands he wanted something more. He just wasn't sure what. Something was missing in his life and he couldn’t place it until that something literally tripped him and ran back into his life. He was never more thankful to a distracted dog than he was when it forced Riley back into his life.
Riley Rodriguez had the opportunity to leave Oleander with Jack ten years ago, but family obligations kept her from doing what her heart wanted. Now a decade had passed, yet it had felt more like a lifetime. Saddled with an ugly divorce, no career, no family, and no money she has nothing to offer a Hollywood hunk like Jack. Starting over was hard enough, but starting over when the Hollywood ragmags watch your every move is torture.
Jack and Riley were high school friends, never lovers. When they meet again after a decade of changes and experiences, they meet on an entirely different plane. They are still friends, but a new sexual tension exists that didn’t exist before. With paparazzi following their every move, is this really the life Riley is ready for? Can Jack be the man for Riley and be the leading man for everyone else?
There are so many things to love about this book, but probably among my top favorite is how real the characters are. Jack may be a movie star, but he never once comes across as a pompous, entitled ass and Riley never looked at him or treated him like he was a movie star. When they were together they were just two people who had a basis of friendship that boiled and evolved into a blazing inferno of passion. That made this an exciting, page-turning read.
March 30, 2017
5 paparazzi filed stars for HOLLYWOOD HONKYTONK!
Riley Marion has moved to LA with little more than her beat up truck and the clothes on her back escaping her ex-husband. When she runs into her old childhood friend, current movie star Jack Lamont, she's amazed at how the years just melt away...and just how attracted she is to him. Jack wanted Riley for years back in Oleander, and now that she's dropped back into his life, there's no way he's letting her go. But with Riley's ex-husband searching for her and Jack's crazy (and highly photographed) world, is there any way it could work between the two of them?
HOLLYWOOD HONKYTONK is book 2 in the Kings of California series, and it's SOOOO GOOD ya'll!! I absolutely adored every inch of this book, from Riley and Jack's reunion to the sparks that fly between them to the funny storyline.
"Look at the fabric here. Look at her hair. Look at the flesh on her arms." Riley sighed. "It takes a master artist to make something as hard as marble look like something so soft."
Jack silently wondered how something so soft – Riley, her hair, her skin, her flesh – could make him so hard.
I loved the back and forth banter, between Riley's somewhat shy and reserved attitude that went a bit wild and daring when she was with Jack, a natural extrovert who loves being in the spotlight. I'll most definitely go back and pick up the first book in the Kings of Hollywood series, Deep Down!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Riley Marion has moved to LA with little more than her beat up truck and the clothes on her back escaping her ex-husband. When she runs into her old childhood friend, current movie star Jack Lamont, she's amazed at how the years just melt away...and just how attracted she is to him. Jack wanted Riley for years back in Oleander, and now that she's dropped back into his life, there's no way he's letting her go. But with Riley's ex-husband searching for her and Jack's crazy (and highly photographed) world, is there any way it could work between the two of them?
HOLLYWOOD HONKYTONK is book 2 in the Kings of California series, and it's SOOOO GOOD ya'll!! I absolutely adored every inch of this book, from Riley and Jack's reunion to the sparks that fly between them to the funny storyline.
"Look at the fabric here. Look at her hair. Look at the flesh on her arms." Riley sighed. "It takes a master artist to make something as hard as marble look like something so soft."
Jack silently wondered how something so soft – Riley, her hair, her skin, her flesh – could make him so hard.
I loved the back and forth banter, between Riley's somewhat shy and reserved attitude that went a bit wild and daring when she was with Jack, a natural extrovert who loves being in the spotlight. I'll most definitely go back and pick up the first book in the Kings of Hollywood series, Deep Down!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
September 17, 2017
It was ok.
I really liked the authors writing, and I love Hollywood star finds and falls In love with "real girl," plots, however there were a few things that just bothered me too greatly to rate this book any higher. First off, I understand 10 years is a long time, and that lives change greatly and no one expects a hot Hollywood star to be a monk...however the hero claims to have been in love with the heroine most of his life, and that finding out she was married drove him to depression and a drinking binge. If he loved her this much, frankly his manwhore status REALLY REALLY BOTHERED ME! Yes, yes, it's not realistic to believe he would remain celibate waiting for the heroine, but this is a romance, I don't want reality, lol, well not always. I want (again this is just how I feel) my hero to have better standards, and truly be able to show the girl he claims to have loved his entire life that he loved her in words and actions...that he didn't sleep through all of Hollywood, yuck! Frankly the heroine should have waited longer to hook up with him knowing what she did about him. She heard every starlet out there admitting to taking a "ride" on him. That just skeeved me out. I Felt she was wimpy and should have stood up for herself more. Yes she eventually left her abusive husband, but the way she rebounded so quickly...ugh, didn't trust it. And I hated that the hero just told her what to do, where to go, and expected her to do it, he didn't even defend her to his oily jerk manager. And that was another loose end. The manager was a dick. He should have been fired! And the pervert music producer, we got no closure on that either. If anything the author should have included an epilogue that showed the hero and heroine married, maybe a few kids, etc...show his devotion to her, actually put some romance in the romance novel. Yes, definitely wasn't satisfied by this offering. Pity.
I really liked the authors writing, and I love Hollywood star finds and falls In love with "real girl," plots, however there were a few things that just bothered me too greatly to rate this book any higher. First off, I understand 10 years is a long time, and that lives change greatly and no one expects a hot Hollywood star to be a monk...however the hero claims to have been in love with the heroine most of his life, and that finding out she was married drove him to depression and a drinking binge. If he loved her this much, frankly his manwhore status REALLY REALLY BOTHERED ME! Yes, yes, it's not realistic to believe he would remain celibate waiting for the heroine, but this is a romance, I don't want reality, lol, well not always. I want (again this is just how I feel) my hero to have better standards, and truly be able to show the girl he claims to have loved his entire life that he loved her in words and actions...that he didn't sleep through all of Hollywood, yuck! Frankly the heroine should have waited longer to hook up with him knowing what she did about him. She heard every starlet out there admitting to taking a "ride" on him. That just skeeved me out. I Felt she was wimpy and should have stood up for herself more. Yes she eventually left her abusive husband, but the way she rebounded so quickly...ugh, didn't trust it. And I hated that the hero just told her what to do, where to go, and expected her to do it, he didn't even defend her to his oily jerk manager. And that was another loose end. The manager was a dick. He should have been fired! And the pervert music producer, we got no closure on that either. If anything the author should have included an epilogue that showed the hero and heroine married, maybe a few kids, etc...show his devotion to her, actually put some romance in the romance novel. Yes, definitely wasn't satisfied by this offering. Pity.
February 7, 2017
Emotionally Charged
After heartbreakingly telling Jack she couldn't leave Oleander, their little town for Hollywood after graduation with him. Plus not telling him the real reason why, she ends up marrying Tommy Blake. Now 10 years later she's in L.A. to teach music at a Catholic all girls high school. Thanks to Sister Karen her high school drama teacher, she jumped in her beat-up little truck and beat feet from Tennessee. She arrives the night before the big 5K fundraiser race the high school puts on.
Riley and Jack had always talked about leaving Oleander for Hollywood right after graduation. Well Jack did but Riley stayed behind. It broke his heart, but what was he supposed up do? Now 10 years later he's made it big as a movie star. He planned on surprising his old teacher with his appearance for the race to raise funds for the St. Amaro program, a gang intervention charity. But he was late so he'd have to see Sister Karen after the race. However right after the race starts he's plowed down by a dog chasing a squirrel. The owner of the dog is none other than Riley, Jack cannot believe it!
Will they get their second chance 10 years later? Sometimes it takes 10 years to get it right, and unfortunately sometimes you have to go through hell to finally get to where you're supposed to be in life. You'll have to read HOLLYWOOD HONKEYTONK to find out how it all works out for these two. It's a roller coaster of emotions, but oh SSSSOOOOOOOO worth reading. Another great story by Mia Hopkins, I love this series. Each story has inter-connected family members but are their own standalone story and could be read in any order. I cannot wait to see what comes next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to explicit sexual content and adult language this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older.
After heartbreakingly telling Jack she couldn't leave Oleander, their little town for Hollywood after graduation with him. Plus not telling him the real reason why, she ends up marrying Tommy Blake. Now 10 years later she's in L.A. to teach music at a Catholic all girls high school. Thanks to Sister Karen her high school drama teacher, she jumped in her beat-up little truck and beat feet from Tennessee. She arrives the night before the big 5K fundraiser race the high school puts on.
Riley and Jack had always talked about leaving Oleander for Hollywood right after graduation. Well Jack did but Riley stayed behind. It broke his heart, but what was he supposed up do? Now 10 years later he's made it big as a movie star. He planned on surprising his old teacher with his appearance for the race to raise funds for the St. Amaro program, a gang intervention charity. But he was late so he'd have to see Sister Karen after the race. However right after the race starts he's plowed down by a dog chasing a squirrel. The owner of the dog is none other than Riley, Jack cannot believe it!
Will they get their second chance 10 years later? Sometimes it takes 10 years to get it right, and unfortunately sometimes you have to go through hell to finally get to where you're supposed to be in life. You'll have to read HOLLYWOOD HONKEYTONK to find out how it all works out for these two. It's a roller coaster of emotions, but oh SSSSOOOOOOOO worth reading. Another great story by Mia Hopkins, I love this series. Each story has inter-connected family members but are their own standalone story and could be read in any order. I cannot wait to see what comes next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to explicit sexual content and adult language this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older.
February 7, 2017
Okay, I have to admit that I read both books and will review them separately. I also have to admit, that I liked this one better. There is a sweetness to it. The romance is there. The trope, friends to lovers is there, too. But what really sold me on the book were Riley and Jack. These are the types of characters that I love in a contemporary romance. They have a history with each other. They are friends, first, and then they finally admitted their long held feelings for each other but it isn’t easy. Oh yes, there are other forces they have to deal with.
Jack was introduced in Deep Down when he was a teenager. I smirked when I read those pages because I couldn’t wait to read what the deal was with Jack and Riley. I was not disappointed at all. Jack and Riley had to work for their romance. Miscommunication, stupid exes and the Hollywood scene don’t make it easy for them but they fight for what they want…each other. I sighed and swooned throughout the book. The length that Jack went through for Riley one time. Oh my…best part of the book.
The secondary characters in the book are top notch. The nuns are a hoot and I particularly liked how they were connected to Jack and Riley. Jack’s friends were just okay and I would have liked to have gotten to know them a bit better. Also, I felt like Ana, Jack’s assistant, could have been a great friend for Riley. The pacing in this book is perfect. Before long, it was over and I was sad. I could have read about Jack and Riley like…forever. Yes, forever. I miss them.
Overall, I really, really liked this book. The sexy times were great but not nearly has erotic as Deep Down. In fact, I would have labeled this book spicy. This story didn’t need the sex in it as much as Deep Down. Again, there is a sweetness to this book that has stayed with me long after I read it.
Jack was introduced in Deep Down when he was a teenager. I smirked when I read those pages because I couldn’t wait to read what the deal was with Jack and Riley. I was not disappointed at all. Jack and Riley had to work for their romance. Miscommunication, stupid exes and the Hollywood scene don’t make it easy for them but they fight for what they want…each other. I sighed and swooned throughout the book. The length that Jack went through for Riley one time. Oh my…best part of the book.
The secondary characters in the book are top notch. The nuns are a hoot and I particularly liked how they were connected to Jack and Riley. Jack’s friends were just okay and I would have liked to have gotten to know them a bit better. Also, I felt like Ana, Jack’s assistant, could have been a great friend for Riley. The pacing in this book is perfect. Before long, it was over and I was sad. I could have read about Jack and Riley like…forever. Yes, forever. I miss them.
Overall, I really, really liked this book. The sexy times were great but not nearly has erotic as Deep Down. In fact, I would have labeled this book spicy. This story didn’t need the sex in it as much as Deep Down. Again, there is a sweetness to this book that has stayed with me long after I read it.
December 29, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book... It tells a tale of 2 best friends who have dreams of making it big someday- one as an actor and one as a musician.. But not all dreams come true for some people... Jack Lamont is one of the lucky ones who was able to make his dream come true and becomes a hollywood celebrity whereas Riley Marion gets left behind to take care of her ailing mother and gets married to some rich dude who later turns out to be an abusive dbag.
After her divorce, Riley runs away to LA and becomes a music teacher in a an all girls high school.. Its during one of the sponsored events that she literally bumps ( thanks to her therapy dog) into Jack. They get to talk, Jack takes her on a tour of LA since Riley has never been to LA and the story takes off from there...
I love reading this kinds of books- it shows you how celebrities live their lives, what they have to go through with the papparazzi and all, the exercise and the diet just to maintain their figures... Some of us think that they have it good- that life is great for them since they have the money and can do whatever they want.. But the price they have to pay for that kind of life- you loose your privacy- your life, every minute and every second is captured and splattered all over the tabloids.. And the people they fall in love with.. This book shows you what happens when a small town girl falls in love with a celebrity= the comments and the cruelty of the fans, social media, how it can cut you deep and you start doubting yourself... Its all in this book... Awesome read!
Thank you to NetGally, The Wild Rose Press and Ms. Mia Hopkins for providing the ARC.
After her divorce, Riley runs away to LA and becomes a music teacher in a an all girls high school.. Its during one of the sponsored events that she literally bumps ( thanks to her therapy dog) into Jack. They get to talk, Jack takes her on a tour of LA since Riley has never been to LA and the story takes off from there...
I love reading this kinds of books- it shows you how celebrities live their lives, what they have to go through with the papparazzi and all, the exercise and the diet just to maintain their figures... Some of us think that they have it good- that life is great for them since they have the money and can do whatever they want.. But the price they have to pay for that kind of life- you loose your privacy- your life, every minute and every second is captured and splattered all over the tabloids.. And the people they fall in love with.. This book shows you what happens when a small town girl falls in love with a celebrity= the comments and the cruelty of the fans, social media, how it can cut you deep and you start doubting yourself... Its all in this book... Awesome read!
Thank you to NetGally, The Wild Rose Press and Ms. Mia Hopkins for providing the ARC.
January 18, 2017
Riley Marion and Jack Lamont planned to leave their little town when they graduated, but when Jack was ready to leave it, real life got in the way, and Riley stayed behind. Now Jack is rising actor in Hollywood, when Riley ends up in Los Angeles, on the run from her abusive ex. She only has her guitar, cowboy boots, and her dog, when she gets a job offer to teach music at a private school. The very first weekend she's there, she runs into Jack, and they start spending time together. However, since Jack is Hollywood's now, the paps may be more than Riley can deal with. Will Jack be able to protect her from the vipers of Hollywood, or will he distance himself?
This is an awesome story that I really enjoyed. Jack is a great character with flaws, but Riley, although super sweet, was a bit too low key for me. I found myself firmly in Ana's camp about teaching her to use her tongue, not to mention her well placed humorous moments that were awesome. But if Ana's attitude wasn't funny enough, OMG the nuns kept me laughing until my stomach hurt! Mia Hopkins has a talented writing style that quickly captivated me fully, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Some big twists had me loudly powering up the f-bomb dropping parade, which kept going around the block even after I finished. But just when Riley really picked up, and started kicking a**, the story was just about over, so the ending was a bit rushed for me. This doesn't change the fact that I'm highly intrigued to check out all of her other work, past or future, so I'll go ahead and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is an awesome story that I really enjoyed. Jack is a great character with flaws, but Riley, although super sweet, was a bit too low key for me. I found myself firmly in Ana's camp about teaching her to use her tongue, not to mention her well placed humorous moments that were awesome. But if Ana's attitude wasn't funny enough, OMG the nuns kept me laughing until my stomach hurt! Mia Hopkins has a talented writing style that quickly captivated me fully, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Some big twists had me loudly powering up the f-bomb dropping parade, which kept going around the block even after I finished. But just when Riley really picked up, and started kicking a**, the story was just about over, so the ending was a bit rushed for me. This doesn't change the fact that I'm highly intrigued to check out all of her other work, past or future, so I'll go ahead and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 7, 2017
Sweet and sexy, second chance romance!!
Riley and Jack were best friends surviving high school together in the small town of Oleander. Riley wrote music and Jack starred in the school plays. When Jack leaves to pursue his dream, Riley must stay behind due to family obligations. A failed marriage, the ultimate death of her mother and the escalating abuse of her ex have Riley on the run ten years later.
When Jack and Riley literally run into each other the friendship they had is still there, yet there is a new undercurrent brewing as to what might have been. “Riley Marion. The girl who’d haunted both his wet and waking dreams for years. His best friend. His secret crush. The woman who’d given his heart its first big break.”
It didn’t hurt that Jack was now preparing for a new film and was on a special diet and under the care of a trainer; He was ripped and had a tantalizing six-pack. Riley sees both the boy he was and the man he has become.
Jack (and the author) takes us on a personal tour of LA. Not the glamorous side – but the special sights, views and restaurants which make the location special. We are taken on the relationship journey with these two through cleverly enticing words; and drawn irrevocably into their world. Touching, sexy, humorous, heart-warming read!!!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Riley and Jack were best friends surviving high school together in the small town of Oleander. Riley wrote music and Jack starred in the school plays. When Jack leaves to pursue his dream, Riley must stay behind due to family obligations. A failed marriage, the ultimate death of her mother and the escalating abuse of her ex have Riley on the run ten years later.
When Jack and Riley literally run into each other the friendship they had is still there, yet there is a new undercurrent brewing as to what might have been. “Riley Marion. The girl who’d haunted both his wet and waking dreams for years. His best friend. His secret crush. The woman who’d given his heart its first big break.”
It didn’t hurt that Jack was now preparing for a new film and was on a special diet and under the care of a trainer; He was ripped and had a tantalizing six-pack. Riley sees both the boy he was and the man he has become.
Jack (and the author) takes us on a personal tour of LA. Not the glamorous side – but the special sights, views and restaurants which make the location special. We are taken on the relationship journey with these two through cleverly enticing words; and drawn irrevocably into their world. Touching, sexy, humorous, heart-warming read!!!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
August 11, 2017
Hollywood Honkytonk is a one of those stories where you first get a brief glimpse of young love fallen apart. Then years later Jack trips over Riley, the girl he never really forgot. Jack and Riley go about trying to have an adult relationship, carrying around adult baggage. Jack has to learn to what it is to have a serious relationship while Riley is only just beginning to understand what it is to really date and love.
Jack and Riley make mistakes, and both are full of buried emotions from the past and the present. Seeing Jack's side, it was easy to root for him. To know that he had matured and that he was the anchor that all of his friends needed. The quiet one that could be counted on. Jack needed a little polishing up, a fact that Riley made clear to him. Riley's inner emotions kept her in constant turmoil. I almost had my stomach in knots just seeing from her side of the story. The ending was a good twist that allowed Riley to grow and be in the right place for the happy ending with Jack. This was one story where you knew where it was most likely going, but sure got your bucks worth out of the ride.
Jack and Riley make mistakes, and both are full of buried emotions from the past and the present. Seeing Jack's side, it was easy to root for him. To know that he had matured and that he was the anchor that all of his friends needed. The quiet one that could be counted on. Jack needed a little polishing up, a fact that Riley made clear to him. Riley's inner emotions kept her in constant turmoil. I almost had my stomach in knots just seeing from her side of the story. The ending was a good twist that allowed Riley to grow and be in the right place for the happy ending with Jack. This was one story where you knew where it was most likely going, but sure got your bucks worth out of the ride.
February 6, 2017
Wanted to love it….3.5 stars!
I love second chance romance, and this story had some great moments. I liked Riley. I liked Jack. Their reconnection after ten long years was a bit slow at the get go, it dragged a bit for me. It is understandable Riley is nervous since her stalkerish abusive ex-husband wants her back. Poor Riley is unprepared and dazed over Jack’s mega-star personality and crazy schedule. Not to mention the constant hounding by the paparazzi.
Though Hollywood Honkytonk offers a chaotic plot, I loved Jack’s grand gesture towards the end. When Ana, Jack’s personal assistant, reveals Riley is mixed up with one sleazy, record producer and probably headed for trouble, Jack flies half way across the world from his film location to Las Vegas to rescue her. That was my favorite part. Although the story has sexy goodness, I didn’t feel the sizzle and spark with these two. Don’t get me wrong, the book is well-written, the storyline and dialogue just didn’t wow me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book.
I love second chance romance, and this story had some great moments. I liked Riley. I liked Jack. Their reconnection after ten long years was a bit slow at the get go, it dragged a bit for me. It is understandable Riley is nervous since her stalkerish abusive ex-husband wants her back. Poor Riley is unprepared and dazed over Jack’s mega-star personality and crazy schedule. Not to mention the constant hounding by the paparazzi.
Though Hollywood Honkytonk offers a chaotic plot, I loved Jack’s grand gesture towards the end. When Ana, Jack’s personal assistant, reveals Riley is mixed up with one sleazy, record producer and probably headed for trouble, Jack flies half way across the world from his film location to Las Vegas to rescue her. That was my favorite part. Although the story has sexy goodness, I didn’t feel the sizzle and spark with these two. Don’t get me wrong, the book is well-written, the storyline and dialogue just didn’t wow me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book.
January 8, 2017
Mia Hopkins has a knack for drawing the reader into her stories with true-to-life characters, realistic world building and a tale that keeps you riveted till the very last page.
Hollywood Honkytonk is not a second chance romance, but an opportunity for a couple that were once fast friends, to embark on a passionate, new beginning. But dealing with the paparazzi and all the hype that surrounds a Hollywood superstar, will put their sizzling attraction front and centre, rather than allowing it to burn privately in the background.
The ability to capture and hold a readers attention is essential, but Ms Hopkins also ensures that the emotion and passion portrayed in her stories is felt deep within the readers heart.
Hollywood Honkytonk is not a second chance romance, but an opportunity for a couple that were once fast friends, to embark on a passionate, new beginning. But dealing with the paparazzi and all the hype that surrounds a Hollywood superstar, will put their sizzling attraction front and centre, rather than allowing it to burn privately in the background.
The ability to capture and hold a readers attention is essential, but Ms Hopkins also ensures that the emotion and passion portrayed in her stories is felt deep within the readers heart.
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January 15, 20173.5 Stars
Most everyone has has those what-if moments. When Riley's path crosses Jack's once gain years later they both have those thoughts. Could this be their chance of what could have been all those years ago? Riley is trying to out run her past while Jack his trying to become the great star he was destined to be. Jack is getting tired of the playboy hotshot Hollywood lifestyle. He wants more and when he's with Riley it makes him yearn for what he only dreamed of years ago. Trouble is just around the corner. Riley has a big life changing moment and it's beautiful to watch her blossom to the woman she becomes. Can these two find a happily ever after to their story?
Most everyone has has those what-if moments. When Riley's path crosses Jack's once gain years later they both have those thoughts. Could this be their chance of what could have been all those years ago? Riley is trying to out run her past while Jack his trying to become the great star he was destined to be. Jack is getting tired of the playboy hotshot Hollywood lifestyle. He wants more and when he's with Riley it makes him yearn for what he only dreamed of years ago. Trouble is just around the corner. Riley has a big life changing moment and it's beautiful to watch her blossom to the woman she becomes. Can these two find a happily ever after to their story?
October 5, 2020
3.5 Stars (Rounded up) A second chance romance between Jack the hot movie star and Riley the country song writer that he left behind. Their love story was hot and emotional but I did have trouble following the story at times. Some of the secondary characters I am not sure what they contributed to the story. The may have been characters from past or upcoming books but since this book was not listed as a series I am not sure. Overall an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy provided by Barclay Publishing/NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy provided by Barclay Publishing/NetGalley.
December 28, 2016
I brought this with me on vacation and found it a perfect, fun beach book! I loved everything about this book!
Jack and Riley's story is a true-to-life love story with crazy-good-sexy fun! Riley is a girl I would be great friends with and I'd love Jack and be totally jealous of her.
Mia is a fantastic writer who creates realistic characters and terrific scenes. I'm looking forward to her next book!
Jack and Riley's story is a true-to-life love story with crazy-good-sexy fun! Riley is a girl I would be great friends with and I'd love Jack and be totally jealous of her.
Mia is a fantastic writer who creates realistic characters and terrific scenes. I'm looking forward to her next book!
January 19, 2017
"Hollywood Honkytonk" (Kings of California Book 2) by Mia Hopkins is a great read! I loved reading about Riley and Jack. This story has romance, passion, overcoming loss and an abusive relationship, reuniting with an old flame, life in the spotlight, music, interesting and entertaining characters, happy endings, and more. This is another great story by Mia Hopkins. Highly recommend to all fans of romance.
January 19, 2017
"Hollywood Honkytonk" (Kings of California Book 2) by Mia Hopkins is a great read! I loved reading about Riley and Jack. This story has romance, passion, overcoming loss and an abusive relationship, reuniting with an old flame, life in the spotlight, music, interesting and entertaining characters, happy endings, and more. This is another great story by Mia Hopkins. Highly recommend to all fans of romance.
March 9, 2017
This is a romantic and entertaining story. Jack is an insecure sweetheart under his polished Hollywood persona. Riley is shy woman with an inner strength that helps her confront and overcome adversity. They are good together, and for each other. The storyline is full of drama, with the typical Hollywood crap that goes on, and a stalker. It's interesting and enjoyable and romantic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest opinion of it.
January 16, 2017
Hollywood Honkytonk by Mia Hopkins....Another fantastic book by this amazing author. Mia Hopkins write like a song lyrics that flow so nicely and sucks you in. I enjoyed seeing the love story be told for Riley and Jack, it is like watching a friend or family member, it seems so real. I highly recommend this book or any other by Mia Hopkins.
September 20, 2017
Small town California girl recovering from a bad divorce is reunited with her high school flame now a successful movie star. Exciting times in high pressure Hollywood atmosphere complicates their relationship and creates challenging situations to overcome. Principle characters are carefully drawn and very attractive.
December 31, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book its the first ive read in the series and by this author wont be the last it was a great read .Just loved Jack and Riley both came across as very real and noemal,i love the friends to lovers genre.Would recommend this book
December 18, 2016
via netgalley
an ok read.
an ok read.
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