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The Spades #1
Faster
Drummers on tour aren’t relationship material. But hot one-night stand material? That’s a different story. At least that’s what Louana Higgins always thought. Until the sexy rockstar with the melt-your-heart eyes had the nerve to call her after their fling, wanting more. Her brain tells her to run the other way, but her heart—and her body—are apparently all out of synch …
Jake Riley’s paid his dues and finally has a hit song to show for it. But his new success also comes with a million ways to blow it and ruin everything. What he needs now is stability—a calm port in the storm. Someone who isn’t impressed by his fame and money to help ground him. He needs Louana. Now all he has to do is convince her that he’s not the potential heartbreak she thinks he is.
But the road to forever won’t be easy. Secrets from Jake’s past loom large, and not everyone in his life is happy about his retreat from the party scene. Can Jake and Louana overcome everything—and everyone—that stands between them? Or will their love be left in the rearview of Jake’s tour bus?
Jake Riley’s paid his dues and finally has a hit song to show for it. But his new success also comes with a million ways to blow it and ruin everything. What he needs now is stability—a calm port in the storm. Someone who isn’t impressed by his fame and money to help ground him. He needs Louana. Now all he has to do is convince her that he’s not the potential heartbreak she thinks he is.
But the road to forever won’t be easy. Secrets from Jake’s past loom large, and not everyone in his life is happy about his retreat from the party scene. Can Jake and Louana overcome everything—and everyone—that stands between them? Or will their love be left in the rearview of Jake’s tour bus?
304 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2018
47 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Deana Birch
16 books153 followersContemporary romance and erotica writer Deana Birch was named after her father’s first love, who just so happened not to be her mother. Born and raised in the Midwest, she made stops in Los Angeles and New York before settling in Europe where she lives with her own blue-eyed Happily Ever After. Her days are spent teaching yoga, playing tennis, ruining her children’s French homework, cleaning up dog vomit, writing her next book, or reading someone else’s.
She loves interacting with her readers and can be found mostly on Twitter.
She loves interacting with her readers and can be found mostly on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 17, 2018
“I think probably with any performer, but maybe with rock music especially, the audience wants to see the singer being real, and exploring, and not doing a rehearsed routine, so I’m just constantly looking for new things to try. I’m really curious out there, and my curiosity has led me into all kinds of bizarre situations.” – Rivers Cuomo
Bizarre like an office lunch room with a sexy brunette? Possibly the most normal thing that ever happened to Jake… which inherently makes it bizarre in his world.
This is where we meet the ridiculously hot Jake Riley, drummer for The Spades, an amazing up-and-coming rock band set to take the nation by storm. And also the author of their breakout hit. Meaning he is not only insanely attractive and brilliantly talented, but also rapidly becoming a less than starving artist. My darling Jake ticks all the boxes, ladies.
Enter Louana Higgins. So much more than a pretty face, she not only has brains, but an inside knowledge of the music industry as a producer for a film composer. Plus just enough sass to put cocky Jake in his place. And a cooking acumen that brings him to his knees. Louana is a very dynamic and multi-faceted character that has been raised to people please to a fault. Which makes her very relatable for certain readers who can identify with a mentality that happy is the only acceptable emotion to display and manners trump everything.
FASTER takes us on the, sometimes bumpy, journey as Jake learns to navigate his very first big boy relationship that actually involves learning the girl’s last name and Louana weighs whether Jake is worth risking her heart again. One celebrity boyfriend already dots her past and has left a sour taste. They face real life challenges of separation as Jake goes on tour, Louana struggles with trust, and they test the waters of integrating two lives while maintaining their independence. Punctuated with ridiculously hot sex.
But a review of FASTER just simply would not be complete without mentioning the two supporting characters who happen to steal the show: landlady Fern and her beloved pit bull Archie. If you walk away from this book not adoring them both, I question your sanity and your capacity for emotion. You clearly were not hugged enough as a child.
FASTER is a hot and spicy read that I devoured quickly and then mourned the end of because you simply can NOT get enough of Jake and Louana in one book. Thank all the things that are good that there is a second part to be released in the near future! There is no such thing as too much Jake. I mean, did I MENTION the ridiculously hot sex???
Make sure FASTER is high on your summer read list. You will NOT be disappointed.
Bizarre like an office lunch room with a sexy brunette? Possibly the most normal thing that ever happened to Jake… which inherently makes it bizarre in his world.
This is where we meet the ridiculously hot Jake Riley, drummer for The Spades, an amazing up-and-coming rock band set to take the nation by storm. And also the author of their breakout hit. Meaning he is not only insanely attractive and brilliantly talented, but also rapidly becoming a less than starving artist. My darling Jake ticks all the boxes, ladies.
Enter Louana Higgins. So much more than a pretty face, she not only has brains, but an inside knowledge of the music industry as a producer for a film composer. Plus just enough sass to put cocky Jake in his place. And a cooking acumen that brings him to his knees. Louana is a very dynamic and multi-faceted character that has been raised to people please to a fault. Which makes her very relatable for certain readers who can identify with a mentality that happy is the only acceptable emotion to display and manners trump everything.
FASTER takes us on the, sometimes bumpy, journey as Jake learns to navigate his very first big boy relationship that actually involves learning the girl’s last name and Louana weighs whether Jake is worth risking her heart again. One celebrity boyfriend already dots her past and has left a sour taste. They face real life challenges of separation as Jake goes on tour, Louana struggles with trust, and they test the waters of integrating two lives while maintaining their independence. Punctuated with ridiculously hot sex.
But a review of FASTER just simply would not be complete without mentioning the two supporting characters who happen to steal the show: landlady Fern and her beloved pit bull Archie. If you walk away from this book not adoring them both, I question your sanity and your capacity for emotion. You clearly were not hugged enough as a child.
FASTER is a hot and spicy read that I devoured quickly and then mourned the end of because you simply can NOT get enough of Jake and Louana in one book. Thank all the things that are good that there is a second part to be released in the near future! There is no such thing as too much Jake. I mean, did I MENTION the ridiculously hot sex???
Make sure FASTER is high on your summer read list. You will NOT be disappointed.
June 4, 2018
*Arc received in exchange for honest review
As per usual, I would like to thank the publisher for reaching out to me to review this book.
Now, onto the review:
“Lose the bra.”
His bossiness was sexy, but I wouldn’t surrender without at least a little fight. I tilted my head to the side and dared him : “Lose the pants.”
“My pleasure.” He dropped his pants, calling my bluff and smirking.
His dick was the perfect personification of the rest of his body. I studied him as I removed my bra.
He moved to the side of the bed and said, “Put it on.”
I was happy to follow orders, but when my task was complete, I wasn’t sure of my next move.
“Lie back,” he said, “Flip over.”.
Do you see the problem here?
This book does a lot of telling and not enough showing.
Take off your bra, put on condom, flip over, suck my dick, turn around, lie back, straddle me....bored yet?
Me too.
All of those could be shown to the reader instead of constantly trying to make it into a conversation. Sex scenes should add something into the plot, not just trying to show off how big and long the size of someone's penis is, or how perfectly shaped his cock looks like, or how loud he can make a girl scream.
I don't care how skilled he is if the author cannot show it to me. If I cannot feel the emotions of the MCs when they are having sex, if I do not feel like a bitch in heat squirming in my seat while I was reading the sex scenes because I was turned on, then I am sorry to say, the author has failed to do her job as an author to influence readers' emotions.
“Will you stay?”
“What will the neighbors say?” he joked.
“The neighbors will say, ‘Louana got laid.’” I wrapped my fluffy white
towel around my chest.
“I think they might already know.”
I smacked him on the arm. “Not my fault.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “You don’t always scream?”
“I’ve never screamed like that.”
He is Adonis. With his perfect body, delectable abs, perfectly shaped cock and plump ass who has the power of all Sex Gods to be able to make out MC scream like never before in her life.
Ou thy perfect man.
Where hath thou been all my life.
I hath been waiting for you to bring me to the high heavens with the orgasms you gave me.
Again.
WhY. Why. WHY. FUCKING WHY.
Why do you feel the need to make a conversation out of everything?
Literally, this book was filled 3/4 with conversations. If that was what I wanted, I would have went and watch soap opera not read a book.
Pro tip : DO NOT make it into a conversation if it does not add value to the plot.
What can you do instead, you ask?
WRITE.
Describe that shit. Express how they are feeling. Paint a picture of how the situation was.
That is what an author does.
N A R R A T E.
Plot wise : everything is predictable. No Arc. Honestly, it was altogether pretty bland.
Characters are, I don't know. They are cool I guess. Again. When the narration is bad, no matter how well and how easily lovable a character is, it get kind of hard to empathize with the characters.
Throughout the book, I don't feel anything. I do not feel connected at all to the MCs.
Simply put : This book brings nothing new to the table.
Blog : Tadah! I have a blog! Check it out?
As per usual, I would like to thank the publisher for reaching out to me to review this book.
Now, onto the review:
“Lose the bra.”
His bossiness was sexy, but I wouldn’t surrender without at least a little fight. I tilted my head to the side and dared him : “Lose the pants.”
“My pleasure.” He dropped his pants, calling my bluff and smirking.
His dick was the perfect personification of the rest of his body. I studied him as I removed my bra.
He moved to the side of the bed and said, “Put it on.”
I was happy to follow orders, but when my task was complete, I wasn’t sure of my next move.
“Lie back,” he said, “Flip over.”.
Do you see the problem here?
This book does a lot of telling and not enough showing.
Take off your bra, put on condom, flip over, suck my dick, turn around, lie back, straddle me....bored yet?
Me too.
All of those could be shown to the reader instead of constantly trying to make it into a conversation. Sex scenes should add something into the plot, not just trying to show off how big and long the size of someone's penis is, or how perfectly shaped his cock looks like, or how loud he can make a girl scream.
I don't care how skilled he is if the author cannot show it to me. If I cannot feel the emotions of the MCs when they are having sex, if I do not feel like a bitch in heat squirming in my seat while I was reading the sex scenes because I was turned on, then I am sorry to say, the author has failed to do her job as an author to influence readers' emotions.
“Will you stay?”
“What will the neighbors say?” he joked.
“The neighbors will say, ‘Louana got laid.’” I wrapped my fluffy white
towel around my chest.
“I think they might already know.”
I smacked him on the arm. “Not my fault.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “You don’t always scream?”
“I’ve never screamed like that.”
He is Adonis. With his perfect body, delectable abs, perfectly shaped cock and plump ass who has the power of all Sex Gods to be able to make out MC scream like never before in her life.
Ou thy perfect man.
Where hath thou been all my life.
I hath been waiting for you to bring me to the high heavens with the orgasms you gave me.
Again.
WhY. Why. WHY. FUCKING WHY.
Why do you feel the need to make a conversation out of everything?
Literally, this book was filled 3/4 with conversations. If that was what I wanted, I would have went and watch soap opera not read a book.
Pro tip : DO NOT make it into a conversation if it does not add value to the plot.
What can you do instead, you ask?
WRITE.
Describe that shit. Express how they are feeling. Paint a picture of how the situation was.
That is what an author does.
N A R R A T E.
Plot wise : everything is predictable. No Arc. Honestly, it was altogether pretty bland.
Characters are, I don't know. They are cool I guess. Again. When the narration is bad, no matter how well and how easily lovable a character is, it get kind of hard to empathize with the characters.
Throughout the book, I don't feel anything. I do not feel connected at all to the MCs.
Simply put : This book brings nothing new to the table.
Blog : Tadah! I have a blog! Check it out?
June 3, 2018
FASTER is a funny, adorable, fast read.
In this fluffy, feel-good romance, there's something for everyone. An independent heroine who likes to cook. A lot. A delicious drummer with the build of someone who works out. Steamy scenes and sweet ones. Adorable love story between the two. Tons of humorous exchanges, which are the strongest elements of this book.
And if you're rooting for the other team, there's a scorching hot male lead singer for you. All these intertwine in the hectic, yet glamorous life of rock'n'roll. Not to mention there's a cute furry friend named Archie, which makes this debut, yes, I'll say it again, adorable.
In this fluffy, feel-good romance, there's something for everyone. An independent heroine who likes to cook. A lot. A delicious drummer with the build of someone who works out. Steamy scenes and sweet ones. Adorable love story between the two. Tons of humorous exchanges, which are the strongest elements of this book.
And if you're rooting for the other team, there's a scorching hot male lead singer for you. All these intertwine in the hectic, yet glamorous life of rock'n'roll. Not to mention there's a cute furry friend named Archie, which makes this debut, yes, I'll say it again, adorable.
July 9, 2018
Faster is a fast paced, sexy thrill of a read that any romance can will love to sink their teeth into. I'm not much for rockstar romances. They seem to always be the same to me but when asked to review and give my honest opinion there was something different about this novel. I felt drawn to the characters.
After a quick but memorable fling, Louana Higgins leaves the drummer for The Spades exactly where he belongs: a tour bus. The junior producer knows she’s dodged a bullet. Because, despite his melt-your-heart chocolate eyes and rising fame, Jake Riley is not boyfriend material. And those messages he sends in the middle of the night get filed under, “drunk text, best to ignore,” without delay.
Twelve grueling years of paying dues has finally resulted in a hit song for Jake. But, knowing the new zeroes in his bank account come with as many ways to blow it, he craves stability. So, stocked with an arsenal of charm, and a reminder of what happened against her front door, he persuades Louana to see him again the next time he’s in town. Now, certain he’s found the calm to his storm, he asks her for the previously unthinkable: Monogamy.
Louana is a strong female character that the reader will find very likeable right from the get go. Jake is hot and dreamy, but also sweet and romantic. These two burst off the page and the reader will quickly fall for this duo.
After a quick but memorable fling, Louana Higgins leaves the drummer for The Spades exactly where he belongs: a tour bus. The junior producer knows she’s dodged a bullet. Because, despite his melt-your-heart chocolate eyes and rising fame, Jake Riley is not boyfriend material. And those messages he sends in the middle of the night get filed under, “drunk text, best to ignore,” without delay.
Twelve grueling years of paying dues has finally resulted in a hit song for Jake. But, knowing the new zeroes in his bank account come with as many ways to blow it, he craves stability. So, stocked with an arsenal of charm, and a reminder of what happened against her front door, he persuades Louana to see him again the next time he’s in town. Now, certain he’s found the calm to his storm, he asks her for the previously unthinkable: Monogamy.
Louana is a strong female character that the reader will find very likeable right from the get go. Jake is hot and dreamy, but also sweet and romantic. These two burst off the page and the reader will quickly fall for this duo.
June 18, 2018
First and foremost, let’s talk basics. Faster, written by Deana Birch, is listed as both romance and women’s fiction, but at its heart, it’s a steamy, dreamy, page-turning rock star romance.
Louana Higgins, our bold and beautiful leading lady, knows enough about the music industry as an up-and-coming producer for a film composer that she avoids mucking up her private life with flings that involve cocky, bull-headed musicians. That is, until Jake Riley—drummer and number-one-hit-writer for the talented and rising rock band, The Spades—struts into her perfectly ordered world and proves not all rockers fit the same mold.
While the general plot itself fits the rock star romance trope, the meat and potatoes of the story strays quite a bit from what one might anticipate, which is part of what makes this such a fantastic read. Neither Louana nor Jake follow a predictable path, and their personalities are not only unique, but highly unexpected.
Louana is a strong, independent female who has already been there, done that with the famous boyfriend cliché. Jake’s fame, fortune, and bigger-than-life persona mean little to her, and she is hilariously—and adorably—unimpressed by it all. Something Jake enjoys almost as much as her scrumptious cooking and big, soft, non-tour-bus bed.
Jake, on the other hand, isn’t your stereotypical rock hero with the snarky arrogance and holier-than-thou ‘tude. He’s down-to-earth, relatable, and looking more for normalcy than the glitz and glamour his ever-expanding career guarantees.
When you lump these two together, not only do you get some smokin’ hot sex—I’m talkin’ have a SO or a BOB on hand ‘cause you’re gonna need some relief kinda smokin’ hot—but also some sweet, delightful interactions that are positively swoon-worthy and addicting.
I won’t delve any further into the plot because any more detail and I risk ruining the surprise! Again, I remind you: this book doesn’t follow in the footsteps of its ancestors. There are some wonderfully unexpected offshoots that make Faster its very own thing, far removed from the typical rock star romance, but in the most brilliant way.
Overall, this was a great summer read. It was fast-paced and fun, yet kept me guessing and, yes, on occasion, yelling at the characters as the story progressed. I’m a personal fan of stories and characters that inspire a true emotional reaction—whether it be tears of joy or sorrow; screams wrought from anguish or fury; or laughter borne from pure idiocy or intended humor.
And let me just say this, folks… Deana Birch drew some heavy reactions from this gal. At one point, my hubs had to take my coffee away because I was sloshing it about in a fit-to-be-tied rage. He was afraid I’d short circuit my Kindle, and he’s already had to replace one this year following a similar coffee-spilling incident. That one may or may not have also been the result of my notably over-the-top reactions.
What can I say? I love to read, especially when the words inspire passionate emotions that require full-body involvement… and shouty caps. Ask any of my critique partners. I’m famous for my shouty caps while making in-line comments. I always tell ‘em… if your words warranted Evie Shouty Caps, then they’re amazeballs. End. Of. Story.
And Faster? It definitely got some shouty caps.
So, what are you waiting for? Faster is available for pre-order or can be purchased for immediate enjoyment on or after its release date, June 26th, 2018!
Louana Higgins, our bold and beautiful leading lady, knows enough about the music industry as an up-and-coming producer for a film composer that she avoids mucking up her private life with flings that involve cocky, bull-headed musicians. That is, until Jake Riley—drummer and number-one-hit-writer for the talented and rising rock band, The Spades—struts into her perfectly ordered world and proves not all rockers fit the same mold.
While the general plot itself fits the rock star romance trope, the meat and potatoes of the story strays quite a bit from what one might anticipate, which is part of what makes this such a fantastic read. Neither Louana nor Jake follow a predictable path, and their personalities are not only unique, but highly unexpected.
Louana is a strong, independent female who has already been there, done that with the famous boyfriend cliché. Jake’s fame, fortune, and bigger-than-life persona mean little to her, and she is hilariously—and adorably—unimpressed by it all. Something Jake enjoys almost as much as her scrumptious cooking and big, soft, non-tour-bus bed.
Jake, on the other hand, isn’t your stereotypical rock hero with the snarky arrogance and holier-than-thou ‘tude. He’s down-to-earth, relatable, and looking more for normalcy than the glitz and glamour his ever-expanding career guarantees.
When you lump these two together, not only do you get some smokin’ hot sex—I’m talkin’ have a SO or a BOB on hand ‘cause you’re gonna need some relief kinda smokin’ hot—but also some sweet, delightful interactions that are positively swoon-worthy and addicting.
I won’t delve any further into the plot because any more detail and I risk ruining the surprise! Again, I remind you: this book doesn’t follow in the footsteps of its ancestors. There are some wonderfully unexpected offshoots that make Faster its very own thing, far removed from the typical rock star romance, but in the most brilliant way.
Overall, this was a great summer read. It was fast-paced and fun, yet kept me guessing and, yes, on occasion, yelling at the characters as the story progressed. I’m a personal fan of stories and characters that inspire a true emotional reaction—whether it be tears of joy or sorrow; screams wrought from anguish or fury; or laughter borne from pure idiocy or intended humor.
And let me just say this, folks… Deana Birch drew some heavy reactions from this gal. At one point, my hubs had to take my coffee away because I was sloshing it about in a fit-to-be-tied rage. He was afraid I’d short circuit my Kindle, and he’s already had to replace one this year following a similar coffee-spilling incident. That one may or may not have also been the result of my notably over-the-top reactions.
What can I say? I love to read, especially when the words inspire passionate emotions that require full-body involvement… and shouty caps. Ask any of my critique partners. I’m famous for my shouty caps while making in-line comments. I always tell ‘em… if your words warranted Evie Shouty Caps, then they’re amazeballs. End. Of. Story.
And Faster? It definitely got some shouty caps.
So, what are you waiting for? Faster is available for pre-order or can be purchased for immediate enjoyment on or after its release date, June 26th, 2018!
June 16, 2018
Loved it! I love rock bands! Louana and Jake are great! The texts and interactions between them are so addicting to read. I loved them.This story was angry and steamy! This is first book I've read by this author but it definitely won't be the last!
May 15, 2018
I don't always love romance books, but this one snuck up on me and I ended up telling all of my friends about it! I love Louana and Jake together and I was rooting for them from the beginning. No cliches here -- their relationship and dialogue feels real and earned. Pick this one up now!!
June 3, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I honestly didn't think I would like Jake in the beginning. I get that he's a rock star but his thoughts toward women were kinda bad at the beginning. This changes by chapter four however. I started to like him as he started to crave Louana. Louana was actually very awesome. Too awesome. She's good at pretty much everything (cooking, takes care of her neighbor, speaks multiple languages, and more) which actually starts to feel annoying. It turned funny when the hero said the same thing. “You know, you and all your talents are a little annoying,” .... “You’re like Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way.". I laughed over this comment. And somehow after this comment, I started liking the two as a couple.
Overall, I liked the book but didn't love it. Other then the love scenes, the dialogue and scene a felt a little forced and slow. However, I did like the book enough that I would read it again and look for other books by this author.
I honestly didn't think I would like Jake in the beginning. I get that he's a rock star but his thoughts toward women were kinda bad at the beginning. This changes by chapter four however. I started to like him as he started to crave Louana. Louana was actually very awesome. Too awesome. She's good at pretty much everything (cooking, takes care of her neighbor, speaks multiple languages, and more) which actually starts to feel annoying. It turned funny when the hero said the same thing. “You know, you and all your talents are a little annoying,” .... “You’re like Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way.". I laughed over this comment. And somehow after this comment, I started liking the two as a couple.
Overall, I liked the book but didn't love it. Other then the love scenes, the dialogue and scene a felt a little forced and slow. However, I did like the book enough that I would read it again and look for other books by this author.
October 2, 2018
I just loved this book. It was such a modern romance. I adored how both characters were passionate about their careers and balancing that drove the tension. I loved how each of their careers were treated equally by the author and we got to really see them grappling with fitting into each others' lives. I just really recommend this book.
August 18, 2018
I am an emotional and reactionary reader. I want to be sucked into a story and experience what the characters experience. I yell, eye roll, cuss, laugh…you know react. If a story can’t get a reaction out of me, it’s not a story I will enjoy. I didn’t have that issue with Faster. I found myself rolling my eyes and laughing at some of Jake’s antics pretty early on.
From the start, each character’s voice was established as distinct and while some of their behavior would annoy me (more on that later) they remained true to the personalities that Deana created for them.
Jake was, at times, a man-child. If ever there was an epitome of ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ it would be him, well him and his bandmate Shane. He is a rising rock star and wanted to bask in the glory of all that came with that title. Until he met Louana.
Louana, a career focused, level-headed woman, and so very much the opposite of anything even resembling a groupie, was not in the market for a relationship. Then Jake bulldozed his way into her life. What starts out as a hot sex only thing quickly spirals into something neither of them expected and brings with it all the baggage of a whirlwind romance.
Their biggest issue and a bit of a pet peeve of mine, lack of communication. They both sucked at it. To be fair, Jake, as I said is a man-child, and one that had never been in a real relationship before. Lou, well while she is a handler in her professional life, she is an avoider of conflict in her personal. As one could imagine, that combo can make for some frustrating times as a reader. There were plenty of times where I’d yell at them to just say what they were thinking. Just open your mouth and talk! But as an author, I realize that some of it is needed to help build the tension, doesn’t mean I like it when on the reader end.
Their relationship is on fast forward and while Jake seems fully on board for these changes because Lou takes care of him and gives him a sense of home, Lou does battle some conflicting feelings. Her last serious relationship was one-sided in the needs department with her often caving to the wants/needs of her ex. I understood her need to maintain her independence as to not get lost in the vortex that is Jake Riley, at the same time, I again wish she’d been a little more open about how she felt.
As much as these two were opposites in nearly every way, when they were together, you could see how their pieces could fit together. Faster is the first in a duology, so while this story doesn’t end with a complete HEA, you are left with an ending that leaves their future open in a hopeful way.
From the start, each character’s voice was established as distinct and while some of their behavior would annoy me (more on that later) they remained true to the personalities that Deana created for them.
Jake was, at times, a man-child. If ever there was an epitome of ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ it would be him, well him and his bandmate Shane. He is a rising rock star and wanted to bask in the glory of all that came with that title. Until he met Louana.
Louana, a career focused, level-headed woman, and so very much the opposite of anything even resembling a groupie, was not in the market for a relationship. Then Jake bulldozed his way into her life. What starts out as a hot sex only thing quickly spirals into something neither of them expected and brings with it all the baggage of a whirlwind romance.
Their biggest issue and a bit of a pet peeve of mine, lack of communication. They both sucked at it. To be fair, Jake, as I said is a man-child, and one that had never been in a real relationship before. Lou, well while she is a handler in her professional life, she is an avoider of conflict in her personal. As one could imagine, that combo can make for some frustrating times as a reader. There were plenty of times where I’d yell at them to just say what they were thinking. Just open your mouth and talk! But as an author, I realize that some of it is needed to help build the tension, doesn’t mean I like it when on the reader end.
Their relationship is on fast forward and while Jake seems fully on board for these changes because Lou takes care of him and gives him a sense of home, Lou does battle some conflicting feelings. Her last serious relationship was one-sided in the needs department with her often caving to the wants/needs of her ex. I understood her need to maintain her independence as to not get lost in the vortex that is Jake Riley, at the same time, I again wish she’d been a little more open about how she felt.
As much as these two were opposites in nearly every way, when they were together, you could see how their pieces could fit together. Faster is the first in a duology, so while this story doesn’t end with a complete HEA, you are left with an ending that leaves their future open in a hopeful way.
June 27, 2018
Jake was a drummer for the rock band Spade and had wrote their first number one hit Faster. Jake had been in the music business for twelve years and had been in a total of three bands. Jake was attracted to Louana who he had seen while he was in his friend’s Steven’s office. Jake asks Louana out to dinner as she had shared her lunch with him. The crazy stuff on the road was making Jake crave normalcy, plus his bandmate Sam had a girlfriend and Jake thought about that even though he didn’t know how to be in a relationship. Louana’s social life was basically was non-existence. Jake came back to Melody’s the next day and had dinner with Louana and her landlady Fern and Fern’s dog Archie. Then Melody and Jake had sex and he stayed the night. The next day he was to go on tour and Jake wanted to see Louana before he left and Louana was giving him a ride to the tour bus. Before they left Louana got a call from her ex boyfriend Dimitri who was a French soccer player and she had grown up with. She took the call to make sure her grandmother was ok and she was Dimitri had gotten a knee injury and couldn’t play soccer for three months. Melody and Dimitri were still friends. Jake texted Louana and called her while he was on tour. Then Jake told her he wanted to try an exclusive relationship with Melody.
I loved this book. I think the author did a great job showing the life of a rock star. I liked how the relationship between Jake and Louana grew slowly as far as feelings go I was happy Louana stayed her own woman and also stood up for Jake and I loved how she handled the problem with Shane. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
I loved this book. I think the author did a great job showing the life of a rock star. I liked how the relationship between Jake and Louana grew slowly as far as feelings go I was happy Louana stayed her own woman and also stood up for Jake and I loved how she handled the problem with Shane. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
June 5, 2018
"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."
Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!
Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!
May 21, 2018
Romance fans will rejoice as Deana Birch's "Faster" presents them with a couple to root for, steamy sex scenes to get lost in, and a story that will keep them riveted.
May 21, 2018
Deana Birch presents us with a hot and fresh new romance which is sure to please!!
July 10, 2018
Wow....so far excellent. I just got hooked on it!
June 24, 2018
4 stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Do you love rock star romances? Standalones? Emotions? If yes, I suggest reading Faster by Deana Birch.
I am going to be honest here, it took a bit longer than usual for me to really get into Faster. I do not know why, could be because I just could not connect with it right away.
At first I could not stand Jake. All he wanted was to get into Louana"s pants. Granted she wanted in his as well which is why they started a fling. However, their fling turned into more. The chemistry between them is as hot as the sex.
You will scream at your e-reader a few times because lets face it, they deserve it. Like all relationships there are ups and downs. They are not perfect and never will be. They work for what they have and when things pop up they must decide to keep moving forward or say goodbye.
I want to say more but I do not want to give any spoilers. All I can say is if you want a good read, read Faster.
**ARC provided by author for honest review**
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Do you love rock star romances? Standalones? Emotions? If yes, I suggest reading Faster by Deana Birch.
I am going to be honest here, it took a bit longer than usual for me to really get into Faster. I do not know why, could be because I just could not connect with it right away.
At first I could not stand Jake. All he wanted was to get into Louana"s pants. Granted she wanted in his as well which is why they started a fling. However, their fling turned into more. The chemistry between them is as hot as the sex.
You will scream at your e-reader a few times because lets face it, they deserve it. Like all relationships there are ups and downs. They are not perfect and never will be. They work for what they have and when things pop up they must decide to keep moving forward or say goodbye.
I want to say more but I do not want to give any spoilers. All I can say is if you want a good read, read Faster.
**ARC provided by author for honest review**
July 3, 2018
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Can I start out by saying I felt to connected to Jake and Louanna as they had real life problems in their relationship? Sure the other romance novels with the non-average life issues are wonderful, but reading about things that you can actual relate to is great.
Jake is an up and coming musician who falls deeply for Louana. Now Louanna is a super strong female character that agrees to just a physical relationship. Their connection is explosive and they can't remain 'no strings attached' for long!
Their story is amazing. At times I just wanted to shake both of them for their communication issues. Overall I'd suggest this to all my fellow romance reads. It's a fun easy read that will leave you wanting more rockers!
Can I start out by saying I felt to connected to Jake and Louanna as they had real life problems in their relationship? Sure the other romance novels with the non-average life issues are wonderful, but reading about things that you can actual relate to is great.
Jake is an up and coming musician who falls deeply for Louana. Now Louanna is a super strong female character that agrees to just a physical relationship. Their connection is explosive and they can't remain 'no strings attached' for long!
Their story is amazing. At times I just wanted to shake both of them for their communication issues. Overall I'd suggest this to all my fellow romance reads. It's a fun easy read that will leave you wanting more rockers!
May 30, 2018
Well crafted Romantic and Rock'n Roll ride. A great page turner, that I devoured FASTER than a drum solo by Dave Grohl.
November 8, 2018
FASTER is an enjoyable contemporary romance about a rock star drummer and a Hollywood-type businesswoman, with sexy scenes and quick banter and a satisfying, feel-good conclusion.
As the title implies, the relationship between Jake and Louana happens fast. There’s not much build-up of either character, but especially of Jake, before these two hit the sack, but it’s their time figuring it all out afterward that draws the reader in. And once I was sucked in, it was hard to put FASTER down.
Jake and Louana navigate the beginning of their relationship through complications with rock star life. Ms. Birch does a nice job of contrasting Louana’s typical working life and oasis of an apartment building, with the craziness of Jake’s nomadic, rock star life on tour. I loved Louana’s relationship with Fern, the landlord. Louana treated her like a feisty aunt, taking care of meals for her and walking her dog. When Jake joins their little “family,” he’s just as sweet with Fern as Louana is.
While Jake and Louana had no problem figuring each other out in the bedroom, Louana didn’t trust her love for Jake outside of the bedroom, not wanting to sacrifice her needs and go all in because of problems in her past relationships. I found myself swiping through the pages to see how and when Jake and Louana would finally let go of their insecurities and fully embrace the fact of their love.
The ending is satisfying but Jake and Louana’s story is not over! I look forward to reading book two of the series, SLOWER, to continue their journey!
As the title implies, the relationship between Jake and Louana happens fast. There’s not much build-up of either character, but especially of Jake, before these two hit the sack, but it’s their time figuring it all out afterward that draws the reader in. And once I was sucked in, it was hard to put FASTER down.
Jake and Louana navigate the beginning of their relationship through complications with rock star life. Ms. Birch does a nice job of contrasting Louana’s typical working life and oasis of an apartment building, with the craziness of Jake’s nomadic, rock star life on tour. I loved Louana’s relationship with Fern, the landlord. Louana treated her like a feisty aunt, taking care of meals for her and walking her dog. When Jake joins their little “family,” he’s just as sweet with Fern as Louana is.
While Jake and Louana had no problem figuring each other out in the bedroom, Louana didn’t trust her love for Jake outside of the bedroom, not wanting to sacrifice her needs and go all in because of problems in her past relationships. I found myself swiping through the pages to see how and when Jake and Louana would finally let go of their insecurities and fully embrace the fact of their love.
The ending is satisfying but Jake and Louana’s story is not over! I look forward to reading book two of the series, SLOWER, to continue their journey!
July 1, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and give my honest opinion.
Louana meets the drummer for the Spades and has a brief fling with him. Going back on tour Jake Riley still has mad hots for Louana and decides he wants more than a fling. This was a really good rock and roll story with all the problems that go with someone that's famous. Louana plays her part cool as a cucumber since she has dealt with fame her whole life. The chemistry between the two is panty combustible and fun. I respect that Lou never tells Jake what his supposed friend said...that was just golden and makes Lou into the perfect girl. Four huge stars of entertainment!
Louana meets the drummer for the Spades and has a brief fling with him. Going back on tour Jake Riley still has mad hots for Louana and decides he wants more than a fling. This was a really good rock and roll story with all the problems that go with someone that's famous. Louana plays her part cool as a cucumber since she has dealt with fame her whole life. The chemistry between the two is panty combustible and fun. I respect that Lou never tells Jake what his supposed friend said...that was just golden and makes Lou into the perfect girl. Four huge stars of entertainment!
June 23, 2018
I really enjoyed Faster it would be the first book I've read by Deana Birch and it wont be the last one I'll be reading by her . It drew me into what was happening to the characters and how they interacted with one another . I liked how the angst was quickly resolved I hate unnecessary drama that takes over half of the story and that didn't happen in this one .
June 27, 2018
Louana is a producer and Jake is a drummer for a rock band. They have a fling and Louana is determined to move on. Jake wants more. Shane is the band's lead singer and he is not happy with Jake and Louana's relationship. A twist in this rock star romance. A good read that I enjoyed and recommend.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
June 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot! The story flowed and was well done. It gave me all the feel good feelings of a good romance. The characters were great fun. I loved their interactions with each other. Fern was great! I thought she was one of the great characters. She gets to the point & doesn't beat around the bush. She's team Louana all the way & makes sure Jake knows it.
Louana & Jake are very strong personalities who sometimes clash but overall mesh great. Their story was great to read. Their negotiations are great & funny. They each have hurdles to cross & it made for a good story.
I wish there had been a bit more of a complete ending though. I feel like the story cut out before an important part, even though everything in the story was wrapped up properly.
I would’ve enjoyed reading more. Maybe as a series with some of the same repeating characters? I give this book a 4/5 ⭐️.
May 31, 2018
This was a decent read for the most part but I felt like the conflicts that arose throughout the story were too easily resolved and the ending was a bit unsatisfying. I'm a reader that likes angst and intensity and this was a bit of a let down in that department. I can appreciate that the author wanted to demonstrate the unconditional love between the characters and their ability to set everything else aside for the sake of it, but I can't lie... I wanted more angst. There was such potential for more drama before that too-sweet-for-words HEA, and when it didn't happen, it left me frustrated and unsettled. I just wanted more.
August 3, 2018
I LOVED Louana and Jake. It’s a HFN, but they have so many unresolved issues. Can’t wait to read the next book!
October 17, 2018
Faster is one steamy rock-n-roll romance between a professional woman and the party-boy drummer of a band on their initial rise to fame. I enjoyed the turn-about that it's Jake who falls in insta-love (even if he doesn't realize it for a while), while Louana takes on a more pragmatic roll, no matter how hard the chemistry beats between them. It's not an easy lifestyle to be thrown into as a girlfriend and she handles the obstacles well. The ending is a satisfying HFN--no cliffhanger--with the promise of a sequel for these two.
November 23, 2018
I enjoyed this novel very much. The tension between Louana and Jake was on point, and I felt like I got a well-rounded sense of how their relationship developed. Louana felt very relatable to me, and Jake is hot without being improbable. His flaws are grounding...same for Louana. I was surprised by some of the plot twists, but they were surprises that made sense. Recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced, sexy read with dialogue that shoots sparks.
June 22, 2018
Louana is a junior composer for a film producer. Jake is a drummer for the rock band Spades. They meet in the office where Jakes's friend and Louana work. Jake has seen Louana before and although she appears to be distant he is determined to get her to go out with him. Louana has seen Jake before and is attracted to him, so when he offers to take her out for a drink in return for sharing her lunch with him she readily accepts. While they have a great time together, to Louana's disappointment Jake drops the "friend" word and leaves her after a passionate kiss on her doorstep.
To her surprise he is back the next day and what was supposed to be friendship becomes a hot passionate fling before he leaves to go on tour. Louana is afraid of having any kind of relationship with a celebrity having been badly hurt by one in the past. She doesn't expect Jake to continue their "friendship" after he has been on tour and has no intention of competing with or becoming one of his groupies. Jake quickly realises that he is only interested in Louana and definitely not the groupies and is surprised when she avoids his calls and doesnt answer his texts. Things very quickly change between them when he comes home, but they both have to learn to trust.
The characters in this story are so well written.. Fern, Louana's Landlady and Casey Louana's gay best friend are just hilarious! The sex scenes are hot, passionate and tasteful and the love story with all it's insecurities is
so believable to read. I really loved this book and look forward to reading more from Deana.
June 27, 2018
Jake and Louana completely stole my heart- between the witty banter and the angst- OH THE ANGST! I gobbled them up a few weeks back and still think about them from time to time! I would like to think Louana was from the South (although she isn't) with all of her sass because girlfriend brought it. She stuck to her guns but ultimately love won and that made me very happy. There were times when I thought there was no way I would hold out that long, so I really admire her tenacity.
Jake is a drummer in the band and I have a soft spot for books about drummers. It seemed like he was constantly chasing Louana, but it was still enjoyable to read. There was tons of witty banter between the two and the non-main characters in the book also made the book more enjoyable. I love when an author can take a fictional setting and make you wish that you lived there too. It's hard to accomplish, but she seemed to nail it right on the head.
This was the first book I have read by Deana and it won't be my last. I look forward to what is to come!
Jake is a drummer in the band and I have a soft spot for books about drummers. It seemed like he was constantly chasing Louana, but it was still enjoyable to read. There was tons of witty banter between the two and the non-main characters in the book also made the book more enjoyable. I love when an author can take a fictional setting and make you wish that you lived there too. It's hard to accomplish, but she seemed to nail it right on the head.
This was the first book I have read by Deana and it won't be my last. I look forward to what is to come!
August 28, 2018
Characters were well written and easy to love and sympathize with. It also kept me entertained. There was a good mix of sex and story so I didn't feel like was just reading to get off. :). A good thing, actually...I really am getting old.
Sometimes the exposition pulled me out of the story...the exposition was wordy, but not enough to deter my interest thanks to strong characters.
A fun read. :)
Sometimes the exposition pulled me out of the story...the exposition was wordy, but not enough to deter my interest thanks to strong characters.
A fun read. :)
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