From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Lauren comes a sizzling rockstar romance bursting with fame, fire, and forbidden tension. Ever Lonely is a heart-racing tale of spotlight secrets, media mayhem, and the kind of chemistry that sets the stage on fire.
Ever James is a platinum-selling rock star and a tabloid favorite—for all the wrong reasons. She’s infamous for partying with Hollywood’s hottest, stirring up scandalous headlines, and mastering the art of distraction. Rehab rumors. Secret affairs. Surprise pregnancies. The gossip never stops—and Ever doesn’t mind keeping them guessing.
She sings the songs they write. Wears the labels they send. Poses for the cameras they shove in her face.
Until Rhett.
Rhett Grayson plays to packed subway platforms, not sold-out arenas. He’s got one guitar, a rent-controlled apartment in Manhattan, and no interest in the circus of fame. But when he’s unexpectedly offered a spot as the lead guitarist in Ever’s band, his underground world collides with her spotlight—and neither of them is ready for what follows.
He’s grounded. She’s fire. He doesn’t chase fame. She lives in it. But when opposites attract under the glare of the stage, will their rhythm be the thing that finally breaks them... or saves them?
USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Lauren writes love stories that are intense, addictive, and just a little scandalous. She has a soft spot for twisting classic romance tropes until they beg for mercy, which is exactly what she did in her electrifying Broken series and her rockstar-fueled Spotlight series. She believes love should be messy, magnetic, and impossible to walk away from. She is known to drop a book and vanish like a dramatic third-act breakup. Don’t panic. She always comes back. Until then, she’s somewhere plotting tension, redemption arcs, and scenes that will absolutely require a fan.
When Ever James, the platinum album-selling rock star's band sales dip, her label is out to reignite the spark that made Ever James a household name. It would be her assistant who lights the match by introducing subway musician Rhett Grayson into the mix. There is no denying the chemistry between Ever and Rhett, both on and off the stage. But it is the onstage chemistry that caught the label executives eyes, and before she was aware of what was happening, Ever was forced to share the stage and her band, with Grayson.
Rhett Grayson may have his own connections in the music industry, but he's insistent on making it on his own. He hones his talent by busking in the subway and singing in a bar. When offered a chance of a lifetime, he knows singing in James' band is an opportunity he can't turn down. But it is the chemistry the two share off stage that he wants to explore.
❝... I know you're the loneliest person I've ever met swimming in a sea of people.❞
Rhett is charming, a little bit alpha, and a whole lot sexy! He's perfect for Ever because he challenges her to find her strength and stand up for herself in an industry where she's a commodity, not a person. There were some great secondary characters in this book, hopefully, we will get more of their story!
I'm glad Kimberly Lauren is publishing books again! Lauren's writing is fluid and her characters are like friends. If you've not read this author, I would also recommend her Broken series. I loved it!
I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.
Ever James is a platinum-selling rock star, who has purposely made a reputation for herself as the industry’s favorite wild girl. She’s been photographed partying hard and dating the hottest actors. She’s been caught in the middle of numerous wardrobe malfunctions and frequents the covers of gossip magazines with scandalous rumors of rehab, affairs and pregnancies. Only some are true.
She sings their songs. She poses for their pictures. She wears their clothes. Until Rhett…
Rhett Grayson has one of the most sought-after spots in the New York subway system to play his music. Travelers fill his guitar case with enough money to pay his bills and buy a round of drinks for his friends every week. He has his own apartment in Manhattan. Who cares if he can touch the walls with his arms stretched out wide? It’s his.
When Rhett is unexpectedly asked to join Ever’s band as lead guitarist, will Ever be able to cope with a new bandmate who’s as infuriating as he is tempting? Can she show him it’s okay to step out of his comfort zone while he teaches her a thing or two along the way about staying true to herself?
4.5 stars Ever Jones is a beautiful rock superstar. She has money, fame, popularity, and an entourage. But she is also the puppet of her record label. They tell her what to sing, when to do it, when to get herself attention in social media, how to dress, and where to be. Even the other part of her power couple, her actor boyfriend is more interested in publicity than anything real.
When Ever is exposed to a soulful singer and his down-to-Earth friend group, it makes her want to step out of her box. But she had no idea that the raw and real singer, Rhett Grayson would soon become part of her life and business. Now he is part of her band and pushing and challenging her. He is fun, flirty, sweet, and humble.
She has issues that hold her back. She has always been insecure, and lonely, and tends to get walked all over. And now she is not even sure how stable and safe her own career is with all the changes and attention on Rhett. But he begins to encourage her to be who she wants to be, sing what she wants to sing, and stand up for herself. He sees the woman under the publicity mask, but he also scares her because he is so real.
This is a story about inspiration, trust, self worth, finding a voice, and taking chances. It has drama, angst, and questionable choices. This new world of rockstars, music, and celebrities is fun. Being part of the creative process and this crazy celebrity world is interesting. Ever and Rhett are so intense and care so deeply about the music. I loved seeing them push each other's boundaries and encourage growth. They had such sexual tension and chemistry, and I loved their banter and passion.
I had forgotten how Kimberly Lauren can suck me into a world and make me feel like the characters are real and that I am part of their friend group. I enjoyed all of their friends from both of their worlds...Lola, Beau, Rose, Jared, Nixon, Gage, Sienna, and Alex. They are all interesting, dynamic, well developed, and have fun banter and rapport. I am looking forward to more with the characters, but am also a little afraid of what drama might be coming their way. But the side characters also have stories brewing so I hope we get more progression with those as well.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
The beginning . . . of Rhett and Ever's story. This one gave us the introductions to a strong cast of characters and welcomed Rhett to Ever's world as a rock star. There wasn't a lot of angst -- but there was wild and crazy -- as their relationship ignited quickly. A lot of the story was them making music and writing songs together while trying to sidestep crazy fans and overly aggressive paps -- and yes, indulging in lots of sex. Even though the whole thing was a little over-the-top, it was rock-n-roll, so what can you expect?
Because the author warned that readers shouldn't expect this couple to relax into a happy ever after without some ups and down, there's another book (Ever Yours) in the works -- no date scheduled at this time -- that I'm assuming is going to test the new relationship and put up some unforeseen roadblocks first.
*ARC for review* This will be a pretty short review. Why? Well there are just so many words to say how amazing this book was. The writing sucked you into the story, had an amazing flow and you didn't even realize you were reading. Also it made me feel for the characters so much that I was on the edge of my seat. The character development for Ever was one of the best I've read in a while and I was such a fan of hers. Ever and Rhett were the cutest and I loved how there was no drama and how their relationship developed through the book. Plus I love Rock star books and this was one of the best I've ever read.
🔥🔥🔥THE QUEEN IS BACK ... and the wait was worth it!!!🔥🔥🔥
I literally devoured the book. If you read a book from Kimberly, you can always count on her. The characters are wonderfully structured. The supporting roles (friends and family) were not neglected and brought their dynamics into play. The conversations are funny, refined and passionate.
I haven't ENJOYED such a book for a long time ... and realized that I had the same feeling about Beautiful Broken Rules back in the day.♥️
I so wanted to love this but i feel like it didnt hit that hitlgh mark that beautiful broken rules did for me. That was one of my favorite books. I felt connected to those characters but these ones i did not. Maybe it wasnt the right book for me but it might not be for you so please pick this book up. The writing was amazing tho
Man, do I love a rock star romance. Usually the male lead is the star but in this case Ever James is female, genuine and has such depth to her character. She's been in the game since she was 15 and has become a product of the studio. She and her band are seeing a drop in sales and the studio is working behind her back for a solution.
I knew my sales had taken a little dip. But what did they expect? It had been almost two years since my last album was released, and they dictated every song that went on it.
She's dragged to the subway (some place she's never been before!) to hear a guy play who her assistant says is worth the trip. Yeah, he can play and he's hot, but where is this going? The same assistant takes her and her label think tank to hear him at a bar. Let's just say there's magic coming out of that bar.
Then some things happened which I really did not care for-some betrayals of trust. But suffice it to say hot guy -Rhett Grayson is now part of the band.
"I don't know if I'll be able to trust you again," I said quietly.
Rhett is a great character-unpretentious, smart, talented-he's the real deal. Ever's life, with the exception of a few people, is full of phonies. Her boyfriend Noah is a complete douche. Jeez, kick this guy to the curb already!
"I can't be the other guy. I've never been the other guy."
There's lots of hidden canoodling, rock star brain storming and more than a few romances panning out all around. But is Ever going to leave her safe world and finally stand up for herself?
I no longer wanted to be afraid of the fire. I wanted to become the fire.
I loved this long awaited story from Kimberly Lauren. As a fan of her first series, I'm not surprised at how delicious this one is-and apparently there's another book coming our way- Ever Yours!
"I don't want to be the one to take your breath away." His words were vibrations against my skin. "I want to be the one that reminds you to keep breathing."
I'm a sucker for rock star romances. Most of the rock star romance books that I've read featured males as the rock stars of the books. So when I read the synopsis for this book, I was immediately intrigued. The attraction and connection between Ever and Rhett is almost instantaneous. Ever and Rhett are really likable characters (so were a lot of the other supporting characters) and I loved seeing their relationship progress. Their romance is a slow burn romance because of a lot of different factors. Ever is already involved in a relationship when this book begins; she has been with Noah (an actor) for about 1 year. Ever's record company and the other "powers that be" force some unwanted changes on Ever with regards to her band and Rhett is one of those changes. So there is quite a bit of friction between Ever and Rhett regarding those changes and how they adjust to everything. For people who do not like reading books with cheating, there is cheating in this book, but I considered it a mild version, especially considering the type of relationship Ever has with Noah. This book is told primarily from Ever's POV, but the reader does get a peek into Rhett's head in the final chapter; it does have a HEA. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do think there were some aspects of the storyline that could have been tweaked a little to create a little more drama and add some suspense to the book. I think the next book in the series will focus on Ever and Rhett again, but I hope there will be additional books in the series that focuses on some of the other characters (Sienna, Alex, Gage, Lola). I'd really love to read a book about Rose because I think there is a lot more to Rose than meets the eye, especially based on some of her actions and reactions during the course of this book.
"I want to be the one that reminds you to keep breathing."
When I heard that Kimberly Lauren was working on a new book I was so excited especially with that beautiful cover! Let me just say that she did not disappoint with this book. I absolutely loved it!
Ever James is a rock star who finds herself first in a subway with a wig on to try and hide her identity then in a club she would have never stepped foot into. Her assistant claims it's exactly where they need to be, and meeting Rhett wasn't what she expected. Hearing him play his guitar does things to her that her mind won't allow her to process.
Now fast forward, sorry don't want to give away all of the details. ;) Rhett is sitting there with her and her label. What she never expected to hear was that she just isn't all the label wants anymore and they are bringing Rhett into her band to shake things up. Ever feels like everything around her is slipping, that one change after another is going to ruin her, but each day that passes with Rhett in her life gives Ever new hindsight for how she has been living her life. Like a puppet basically.
Ever has always just done as told, but now more than ever she wants to have a say, to have a voice. Rhett brings out those changes in her, and so much more! The chemistry between the two is off the charts hot! Did I mention that Rhett is the perfect book boyfriend?
You're a goddamn diamond. You're precious and rare, and everyone wants a piece of you. And some days- days like today - I can't stand that they think they can just take what they want from you."
Well he is, he not only is caring and considerate of those around him but he is also protective. Now the man does have flaws like jealousy but I think that's normal. He's this new gorgeous up and coming Rockstar that rocks Ever James world for the best!!
"I no longer wanted to be afraid of the fire. I would become the fire."
I truly loved this book and am so happy that I was given the opportunity to read an Arc for my honest opinion. I truly look forward for more of this couple and Lauren's beautiful writing!!
I love Rockstar romance books and this one was excellent! The main character Ever is a bit of a stiletto wearing badass! When her label decides she has to add the subway busker Rhett to her band she is not happy. Rhett and Ever have instant chemistry but shes stubborn and doesn’t want him in the band.
This is a great story showing a rockstars life is not all fame money and privilege. Rhett and Ever are great together both on stage and personally. This is one of those books when you get the green eyed monster and want to be the female. Well it did for me! I want to be Ever!
Ever Lonely really sucked me in, there’s so many characters I want to get to know better, I’m hoping the series will give them all their own book. I’m also a little anxious for the next book, I hope Rhett and Ever get their happily ever after, but I have a feeling they have many ups and downs in their future.
I adore Kimberly Lauren and have anxiously been awaiting this release! Her writing is always so captivating and intriguing and Ever Lonely did not disappoint. Rock Star romances are not always my cup of tea but seeing as how this author has never let me down I jumped in excited to see what she would give me. I love any couple who has to sneak around a bit, I personally find it just intensifies the connection and that is exactly what happened here. I was desperate for these two and can't wait to see what happens next for them. Ever and Rhett's story yanked on my heart and had me eager for more books from this amazing author! ~m
Seriously?! That ending?! Swoon ladies, swoon hard for Rhett Grayson! Gah this is one heck of a rocker romance. This is my first time reading this authors work but it sure stands out among other rocker writers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be lost in the land of Ever James. She's so lost and broken that she just let's everyone run all over her. Enter Mr gorgeous, subway musician, Rhett. He slowly becomes the rock she didn't know she needed. It's addiction at it's best with easy to fly through pages. I couldn't and wouldn't put the down until the end!
Ever and her high heels...she rocks them! No pun intended! The heels are a second skin, so she says, but who would she be without them?
She's been bred to be a star, but she longs for more. When she's forced into working with Rhett, her true self starts to shine, even under the circumstances she's been handed.
Rhett has had his own gig going for some time now, but when the two of them get together, it's magic.
I love these two...together and apart, and can't wait to see what happens with them and others in this awesome rock and roll story by the amazing Kimberly Lauren.
I typically stick to paranormal and urban fantasy books, but occasionally I will read a contemporary romance just to add a little normalcy to my life. Most of the contemporaries I read are ok and a pleasant way to pass the time. However this book is making me seek out more by Kimberly Lauren. I wonder if she writes paranormal…. Lol What I’m getting at is how much i enjoyed this book! It was heartfelt and raw at times. It made me genuinely laugh out loud at times. And it made me feel all the feels. Ever was fun to read and Rhett is just hot. Together they made each other better and their story was so engrossing, I could hardly put this one down! 5 stars for Ever Lonely!
I am so happy Kimberly Lauren is back, kicking butt and taking names! I love this book so much. I got it for the cover and was stunned by the writing and story. Thank you so much for letting me read and review!
"I don't like the usual lovey-dovey romantic stuff. I don't want someone who can give me expensive jewels. I have all that. I don't want someone who can take me on a fancy date. I just want someone who will fall asleep with me every night. Who will challenge me. Who will call me out on my celebrity bullshit. Who can keep my heart safe."
Gawd, this quote? Gutted me like a fish I tell you. So TRUE in every aspect, right?
AHHH!! I loved everything about this book! I loved the storyline: that young-love, rock star romance, and I loved these characters. They all brought such uniqueness to the story individually.
~ Sienna is the sweet and funny one, stylist extraordinaire, who secretly harbours feelings for her brother's best friend. ~ Alex is super cute and harmless - mind you, he needs to pull his head out of his ass when it comes to Sienna. ~ Gage is the down-to-earth loyal type who is beyond sexy and can I just say, I loved the fact he got bit by the love bug because at first, he came across as a player. He totally had me smitten. ~Lola is the be-all-end-all, do-or-die bitch for our girl Ever. She's the makeup extraordinaire, stylist-fashionista, confidant, impulsive, and a most loyal friend. Plus, Gage's jellybean! lol so cute:) ~ Rose is the worker bee, follows a timeline to a 't,' gets Ever to the places she needs to be, a loyal confidant whether Ever wants to admit it, and a good friend who has Ever's best interest at heart. ~ Beau: you stole the show, my friend. Bodyguard, sexy, loyal, funny, and most trusted employee to Ever; was obsessed with their dynamic and I couldn't get enough. ~ Rhett: Ahh boy, you stole my heart. He has all the qualities I look for in a man; he's genuine, real, talented, passionate, loyal, and supportive. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, this man! ~ Ever: girl, you're a fierce to be reckoned with, I tell you. I loved how you finally, with a little push in the right direction from a certain boy - not to be named- found your footing, stood your ground and did YOU. You woke up, you shook off the ugly, and you found your place in this beautiful world. You were a great heroine for this book, and I loved the strong woman you progressed into over this read.
I just had so much FUN with this book. I finished it in one sitting, it was a light read, a fun read, and just EVERYTHING!
Kimberly Lauren, I am seriously obsessed with your style of writing. This was amazing. Bravo.
I received a free copy from NABC in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely loved this story. I am a sucker for musicians of any kind and putting them into books is definitely my favourite kind. I've been reading musician fan fiction since I was sixteen and as music and reading are basically the two things I live for, putting them together always makes me happy.
Ever James thinks her life is perfect. She believes it. She has a famous boyfriend and a kickass rock band and records and awards. She is adored and worshipped all over the world. She thinks she's happy until her best friend and assistant drags her down into the NYC subway, where she meets Rhett Grayson and her life is changed forever... and for the better IMO
Rhett doesn't hold back, even when he's the main reason that Ever thinks her life is falling apart. But he pulls her up and out of her world and introduces her to a side she didn't think existed. Their love grows and blossoms and blooms and he is just so freaking perfect. Rhett is like... the book boyfriend I have always wanted. I've read a million (may be an exaggeration but shhh) books and there have been quite a few musician dudes in those million books. And they are probably mostly just the same as Rhett, but they're also not.
Rhett has his own shit going on and all he wants to do is make music, so of course getting the chance to be in a band with THE Ever James is kind of like a dream come true for the guy. But he's more than just music and he's more than just his guitar. He's loving and sweet and protective and so definitely an Alpha Male without being an Alpha Male and honestly if Rhett existed in real life, I would be heart eyeing the hell out of the guy.
The ending was amazing and hilarious as well. The one inside joke that had played out (I won't spoil for those who haven't read and want to) throughout the story comes to a thrilling conclusion at the end and it's all laughter and happiness and tears because tears are required when you're happy. Until you get to the end and you find out THERE'S AN UNWRITTEN SEQUEL AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT!!!! UGH! So that's my only annoyance to this book. But also excites me because I am definitely not ready to let these two go just yet.
This might be one of the first few Rockstar books who MCs is a leading lady. There is definitely a shortage of female rockstar books, or maybe I am looking in all the wrong places. In which case, please suggest some books for my reading pleasure in 2019.
While I didn't really like Ever much (a tad bit too soft and letting everyone walk all over her for my liking), the story is a good one that told her tale - made her a little more human. Being young and impressionable, poor Ever kept getting controlled by many people around her. Altho she should have outgrown that and had some steel in her spine, instead of just being a slightly spoilt brat.
On the other side of the spectrum is Rhett - who has a devil may care attitude. The chemistry is off the charts with these two as they navigate the waters of a new relationship while trying to balance the views of all the people around them.
Parts of the book seems a little rushed and could have been fleshed out a little bit more. Overall, the book was pretty good, and I am looking forward to the next book.
This one started a bit slow for me, but once I got past about the 15% mark, things started really picking up. I thought the story was really well paced overall and I absolutely adored the chemistry between Ever and Rhett! I also really enjoyed the balance Lauren struck between talking about the music industry/writing songs and the romantic scenes between the main characters.
I’m excited to see that a sequel, titled Ever Yours, is coming out soon! I can tell that Ever and Rhett’s insane life is just getting started.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!
Firstly, it was good to have female rock star as the main character - even if she was s little insecure. I think this may have made her more likeable though. It was a good story, great pace, great characters, great chemistry, I’d really like to hear more about the others particularly Gage & Lola! The friends were far more interesting than the band members so I hope the author visits this next. The only reason why it wasn’t a 5* as I felt it dragged a little towards the end but I’d definitely read on should there be more books. 👌🏼
Rhett likes to put his foot in his mouth, but he's man enough to admit when he's done so, "chill, feisty,” he whispered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” When his mouth moved to my neck, I tilted my head and gave him room to press his lips against my pulse point." Rhett sometimes doesnt appreciate his woman's wardrobe, “she’s wearing that… out there?” He gestured toward the door. “It’s effing winter.” I liked this book, I liked Ever and Rhett.
I love Kimberly Lauren's writing. I love the story. I love Ever. I love Rhett. I love that we don't have the typical player here. He's still not innocent, but not a manwhore who needs to be tamed either. And I love that we don't have the virgin who is waiting for Mr. Right to sweep her off her feet. Far from it actually, but still one starts to feel quite protective of her. In case you couldn't tell: I loved this book!