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She came into my life without warning. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the more time I spent with her, I knew she was the one. Our relationship was complicated, and I knew I had my work cut out for me. I have to prove to her that she’s all I see. That no matter how the past reads, we can re-write the future. He’s the sexiest one of the group, in my personal opinion. We’re friends, and colleagues, well technically he’s my boss. He’s also the man that consumes my thoughts, and my desires. I have too much at stake to allow myself to jump into bed with him, but I really really want to. One taste and I know I’ll never be the same. Cassidy can prolong this all she wants, but I know how it ends. When she’s mine. He’s relentless, and I let him drag me under his spell. It can’t happen again, but Gavin, he’s Insistent that this is just the beginning.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

430 people are currently reading
945 people want to read

About the author

Kaylee Ryan

98 books6,378 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
November 27, 2018
description
With the fourth installment of the Soul Serenade Series, Ryan gives us a super sexy boss/employee and friends to lovers story wrapped up in one. Cassidy is Gavin’s assistant and she desperately needs her job. Working together and growing close as friends, these two have been tip toeing around one another for quite awhile. When the rest of the band suggests a scouting mission out of town and nominates Gav and Cass, I knew the sparks were gonna fly. Gavin takes this opportunity to prove to Cassidy that they’re worth the risk.

The back and forth that Cassidy struggled with became extremely repetitive. While this grew frustrating, it definitely added angst to the story as well as a sense of anticipation. I wasn’t sure how long she’d fight her feelings or if she’d give in to them.

Overall, the story was fast-paced, exciting, and a bit emotional at times. I enjoyed the relationship between Gavin and Cassidy. Gav was completely swoon worthy. I also loved getting to spend some time with the rest of the band and their families.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2018
Insistent by Kaylee Ryan is book Four in the Soul Serenade series. This is the story of Cassidy and Gavin. I haven't yet read the previous books so for me this was a standalone book. Gavin sees his follow friends/band mates getting married and he wants that too. But he wants Cassidy and tries to pursue the feeling he has but she is to guarded. Cassidy has worked hard to get where she is and has overcome a lot from her background. So she is fighting the attraction she has for Gavin and his slow seduction into her life. Lucky he has some friends to help him out.
Enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Liz.
3,706 reviews64 followers
November 27, 2018
Insistent by Kaylee Ryan is the fourth book in the Soul Serenade series and only the second one I read. It can be read as a standalone, though I am excited to go back and read the first two in the series. Each book is a story of the bandmates of Soul Serenade.

Gavin has seen his friends and bandmates fall in love. I loved Gavin. He was such a good guy with a big heart. He was caring and determined. Cassidy has worked very hard to build the life she has. Though she wants Gavin, she is worried about taking that risk. Can Gavin show her she is the one and only for him and win her over?

Gavin and Cassidy were amazing together and Gavin was such a sweetheart! I absolutely loved his character! His patience and understanding was everything. Insistent by Kaylee Ryan was such a sweet book and one I highly recommend.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
January 24, 2019
And the last guy falls with this one. I liked that once Gavin realized he was really interested in Cassie he changed his ways, no more women and he did what he could to be closer to her, that he cultivated a friendship all in case at some point she would become interested in him. Cassie had very valid points for not going after Gavin, but once they crossed the line there was no going back for them. I liked that at that point it was all about living life, even when bad things happened and boy did they have to weather some bad things.

I really loved the conversation that Gavin had with Cassie's mom, loved that he recorded it so that Cassie would really know what her mom thought and that her mom knew that Cassie would know she was very loved.

The last couple of chapters were great! Loved seeing all of them happy and building their families on the private street.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
805 reviews19 followers
October 26, 2018
The boys of Soul Serenade are back! And more swoon-worthy than ever! This is the last book in the series, and features Gavin and Cassidy! We saw hints of what was coming in the other books, but they are finally getting their story told!

Gavin is a member of the Rock band, Soul Serenade. But things are changing for the band. The other members are getting married, and having families, settling down. And Gavin wants that, but the one he wants it with is resisting him at every turn. Gavin is that guy! He is sweet, and determined, and confident in who he is and what he wants. And like his band brothers, he is willing to put in the work to get the one that he wants.

Cassidy has had rough life, but now she has a life she can be proud of. She has a job that she loves and works hard at it. But Gavin is....unwavering. The problem is, she wants him too. She just doesn't think she can have him, and her job too. There are so many things standing in their way, she doesn't see any possibility for a future between them.

They guys of Soul Serenade are different from other Rockers you read about. They are typical rockers, but when they meet the one that is it for them, they are dedicated to letting her know that she is their life. Gavin is no exception. Even when things look grim, he doesn't give up, never sways in his insistence that Cassidy is his entire purpose. His dedication to sweeping away any objections Cassidy has is awe inspiring and beautiful! This story, this entire series, was amazing, and is one of my favorite re-read series! Love these guys!

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Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
November 28, 2018
5 Stars!

Kaylee Ryan is back with the finale of this series and she did not disappoint in one minute of this sweet, sweet book... every single word hit me hard and hit me fast and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It freaking feels like I've been waiting forever for these two... Gavin and Cassidy... and finally they are here to tell their swoony, sexy, sweet, undeniable captivating love story.

Insistent was an unforgettable romance... a book that I could not put down until long after the pages quit turning. She wants him but can't see past the complications in the way and he wants what his brothers.. band mates now have. And when the opportunity arises to prove he's all in, he takes it.

This series is a must read for rocker lovers. Full of fiery fire, sweet passion and soulful emotions... you'll get lost in the words and never want to leave Soul Serenade.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2018
** Spoiler free review**
Gavin Macintosh!!! I have a lot to say about this Rock Star! Let's start with the fact the man is 100% swoon worthy. You know how they say you know you found the "one". Well Gavin did. She is everything he wants. NOW he needs to convince Cassidy.
Let me just say Cassidy is so amazing. And trust me I get her 100%. She likes Gavin A LOT!! But she feels like she can't be him. They play a great game of tug of war. Does Gavin win? You have to read it.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,863 reviews136 followers
November 28, 2018
Insistent is the perfect word to describe Gavin. He is so focused on getting the girl and very alpha, but not in a way that would make me call him a stalker. He has been in love with her for quite some time now and what made me respect him as a character was his admission that he hadn't slept with another woman since the moment he met Cassidy. For once, we didn't have to read the overused plotline where the hero is a walking STD. Just like it happened in the third book (and the only other book I have read in the series), I couldn't help but get frustrated with the heroine and her constant pushing away of the hero. It seems like it's a theme in the series. The hero is chasing after the heroine and she is pushing him away because reasons. I understood Cassidy's fears, but Gavin kept telling her that he would protect her and he was willing to sign a contract stating that. Fortunately, she didn't need too much time to realize that Gavin was the one for her and that she was wasting precious time, which is the reason why I liked this book more than I liked the 3rd one. The story was good and I liked it a lot. I am happy that I decided to pick this book up and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,506 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2019
I pretty sure I have read the other books in this series as I love reading rockstars however this one did nothing for me. The book is aptly titled, as Gavin has been carrying a torch for Cassidy from previous books and Cassidy refuses to give in with good reasons at first. But her constant no we can’t got old. The storyline doesn’t really have much except when an evil dude from the previous books makes an appearance, brief as it was it kicked some life into the story. I tend to like my rockstars more hard rock even after they start settling down, this group turned into the Osmond Brothers
Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,111 reviews75 followers
November 27, 2018
description
Insistent is the fourth book in the Soul Serenade series by Kaylee Ryan.
In this series we witness four badass rockstars finding and falling head over heals in love. So far, Kacen, Cole, and Tristian have all found love. Now it's Gavin's turn to fall into the inevitable! And let me tell you, Gavin and Cassidy's love is one hell of a story.

Insistent is Gavin and Cassidy's story. This is a true, punch you in the heart with all it's lovableness, type novel. I have to warn you, there is a tad bit of angst surrounding around Cassidy and her mother who has Alzheimer's. These moments legit brought me to my knees. I even shed a few tears towards the end.

Cassidy shows true strength through this novel. It's never easy to see a family member suffer through Alzheimer's. There were so many moments where Cassidy could have turned around and left the assisted living home where her mother lives and never go back. But she is a freaking trooper and put her feelings and emotions on the back burner to make sure her mother is cared for the same way her mother cared for her when she was a girl. It's a bittersweet moment. One that really touched my heart.

The one thing that really made me swoon when it comes to Gavin was the fact that he stood by Cassidy's side through all the tears and all the emotional turmoil. Instead of using his words and asking if she was okay, he used his actions and held her tight. He was legit there for her, which in the end brought more tears to my eyes.....I'm not going to lie, I was a basket case towards the end of this novel...

Enough of the angst because it's honestly very minimal, but the moments that are angsty are so impactful. Now lets focus on how sweet Gavin and Cassidy are. These two legit had me smiling so hard my face muscles hurt. I can't get over how cute their relationship is. For a rockstar romance this novel has an emotional dynamic that I've never seen in this trope. What you expect going into a romance with a rockstar is the typical manwhore who refuses to settle down. But Gavin was a complete surprise. This man is dedicated to one woman and has been ever since he's seen her. He wants Cassidy as his girlfriend, his wife, the mother of his children, and he'll do whatever it takes to make her see life with him could be great. So fucking cute!!!

Alright, I feel like I'm rambling so I'm going to end this review by saying overall I loved the hell out of Insistent by Kaylee Ryan. It honestly took me a chapter or two to understand the relationship between Cassidy and Gavin, but when everything sunk in I had a hell of a time putting this one down. As a reader who has only read Definite (Book 3) and Insistent (Book 4) I can honestly say, this book can totally be read as a standalone. But be warned, once you finish Insistent you are going to have the strong urge to marathon this series! That is my current situation. I'm dying to read the first two books in the series due to all the glimpses from the couples I received in this book. I'm very intrigued!

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Profile Image for Sheri.
933 reviews26 followers
November 27, 2018

I cannot adequately express in words how much I adored Gavin McIntosh. Like at all. He's one of the best guys I've read all year and I LOVE HIM. Did I say I LOVE HIM???

Gavin is a member of Soul Serenade, a rock group. The other band members have all gotten married and started having babies, so the guys buy a record label to stay close to their families. Cassidy works for the label and the guys, and Gavin is madly in love with her. Cassidy won't cross that line - her mother is ill and in care and Cassidy can't risk her job, despite her feelings for Gavin as well.

I will say I was a little annoyed at how long Cassidy carried on about not wanting to cave with Gavin. She was obviously into him, and he repeatedly assured her that she had nothing to worry about when it came to her job, but she was relentless. She was a strong character, and very loyal to her mother, which I appreciated, but it dragged on a little too long.

Gavin.....I had a little trouble with the name at first (it's my boss's name) but man did I love this guy. I know there are good rockers out there (Jon Bon Jovi comes to mind) who love their women fiercely. All the members of Soul Serenade were like that. They were a family. I loved all the guys and their wives, despite not having read any of their books (which will be remedied soon).

The story moved at a good pace, not a ton of drama and great characters made me love this book. I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down. It's that good. Give it a try - I guarantee you'll love Gavin as much as me!

I very much recommend this story.

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Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,523 reviews181 followers
November 27, 2018
This story was amazing just simply amazing. First off I loved the setting and the characters. They all had a role to play and they played it well. I love the band mates and how they were all settling down having families and still doing the road life but they knew it was time to settle down and put the playboy days away. Gavin is the last to do this but he has never felt anything for a woman before that would make him say hell yes I need her as my wife. That is until Cassidy comes to work for the band and he is swept off his feet. He knows it is going to be hard to get her because she has seen him in action with other women and stays far away from him.

Cassidy likes Gavin and she wants more from him but she is not willing to trade in her heart for him. He is a heart breaker and she is staying clear away from him. That is until one night they have that special night and they both fall hard but Cassidy is determined to keep her heart intact so she holds Gavin at bay. But her resolve and Gavin's determination are wearing her down thin and she just might break and be his one and only.
Profile Image for Frances.
1,477 reviews35 followers
November 27, 2018
I really enjoy Kaylee Ryan's writing style. She keeps it interesting and sweet. I have not read any of the other books in this series. These aren't necessary, but obviously you get more back story and the previous characters are included in this story. You can tell the stories are similar, but each has to do with a different band member, but have their own twist.
I liked how this relationship wasn't love at first sight. It was a bit of a build up. Cassidy has had a rough time and is finally say she's successful. She won't let some band member and his insistency ruin her goals. I liked that Gavin was indeed super insistent.
I really loved the end of the book. How it was all wrapped up and you saw into the future. Epilogues can make or break a book. This one added to an already good story.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
November 28, 2018
Insistent is the 4th and final book in the Soul Serenade series.This is the story of Cassidy and Gavin. If you have read the previous 3 books, then you have seen hints of Gavin and Cassidy's story and the bubbling up of the heart and heat of their love story. With Gavin , he is sexy, sweet, fierce, confident, and one handsome man who knows what and who he wants and that is Cassidy. He’s determined to show Cassidy just how good they could be together but Cassidy keeps resisting him at every single turn. With help from their friends, Gavin takes Cassidy off on a life changing 4 day trip. Will Cassidy see she can let go of fears and let love into her life or will she fall further into the depth of her fears ? This is one fabulous ending to an amazing series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
Profile Image for Danielle S..
272 reviews
November 25, 2018
Gavin and Cassidy’s story is a sweet one. He’s in the band. She works for the band. He wants her, she wants him but she doesn’t want to risk her job so she denies her feelings. Gavin on the other hand is insistent. He won’t stop until she’s his.

I love reading books and writing reviews, but I have to be honest, I don’t have a lot to write about this story. It didn’t do much for me. Don’t get me wrong I’m all about marriage and babies but the obsession in this storyline was too much. I just threw me off. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t make it work for me :|
Profile Image for Nana Pickrell.
679 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2020
You know that elusive book hangover we all look for? Kaylee delivers that with Insistent. Every book Kaylee puts out, I always say it is my favorite one and yes, it happened again!!! She knows how to keep readers entertained and definitely keeps us on our toes. Her books are heartwarming, tender, funny, sexy, and romantic. She puts her heart and soul into each and every book she publishes and you can tell this. Insistent took me through several emotions, I may have even shed a tear or two. Wonderful way to end the series.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,808 reviews176 followers
February 6, 2023
Working hard to get the record company under their belts, Gavin has spent a lot of time with Cassidy. The two have feelings for each other but Cassidy is hesitant to fall for her boss. When a business trip opens them up to unbridled passion Gavin is all in but Cassidy is still on the fence. Can Gavin prove to her that he is the man for her? Or will she walk away form the best thing in her life to save her job? I enjoyed this book tremendously but in the end I am sad to see the series complete. The epilogue really shows how far the four band-mates have grown. Loved this series!!
364 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
Not sure what made me like the first ones in this series to keep going. I marked this as hot rocker although their rocking days were over. Bunch of stay at home dad's living HEA.

Gavin was certainly insistent. Cassidy was just a PIA whiner. Get over the sacrifices your mother made for you! She did that so you could live your best life. Go out there and live it!! That would be the best thank you to her.
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,130 reviews34 followers
November 27, 2018
Wow, wow, wow!! I fell immediately in love with this book and Gavin and Cassidy. I haven’t read any of the Soul Serenade books and I’m going to have to change that. I’m in love with these characters and with everything they stand for!! I just, my heart is so very full after finishing this story!
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,357 reviews102 followers
November 25, 2018
5 Being Insistent Gets the Girl of His Dreams Stars!!

I've been waiting for Gavin's book since Ms. Ryan announced she was giving each Soul Serenade member their own books. And the wait has been totally worth it! We got hints of Gavin and Cassidy in the previous books and I really thought I knew what was happening between them, but oh how wrong I was!

Cassidy is a young women that's beautiful, intelligent, independent and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's definitely attracted and wants Gavin with everything she has, but, she's not willing to risk what would happen if they don't work out. And this fear is truly tangible. I felt her every doubt on each page of this book. What I also felt was Gavin's insistence that he would have Cassidy not only in his bed, but in his life permanently and not just as an employee of Soul Records...
"I've wanted her for so long, it's almost as if it's just a fantasy. She is my fantasy."
I have to give Gavin credit, once he sets his mind on something, he doesn't give up. And thanks to his brotherhood with Kacen, Tristan, Cole and their wives, he's going to finally get his girl...but will it be forever? What I loved so much about his campaign to get Cassidy is that he could see into her soul and understood her reasons for not wanting to get involved. So when they have an opportunity to have four days to do whatever they want, they both take it, she thinks it's going to end after those few days, Gavin however, well he's got a different plan...I love a man with a plan!!!

And so begins the "make Cassidy understand we're forever" campaign. I literally devoured this book. These two are perfect for each other. They literally balance each other out. The love Gavin has for this woman truly touched my heart in so many ways. There's a empathy within Gavin that truly expanded my heart. Ms. Ryan does a wonderful job in addressing why Cassidy tries her best to ignore the draw Gavin has to her both physically and emotionally. Never let it be said that love can't conquer all!!

While I'm sad to see this series come to an end, this is the perfect ending. We not only get a great love story, we get a true example of what family is even, if they're not blood related. Thank you Ms. Ryan for writing a book and a series that touched me in all the best ways!
190 reviews
August 10, 2022
Cassidy has been working for Soul Records. They suggested that she and Gavin needs to head to a music festival to scope some bands. Gavin is her boss and despite how she feels about him, she does not want to fall in love with him for fear of losing her job. Gavin tried to ask her out on a date, but she always refused him. It was hard for her to deal with her mom since she has an Alzheimer's disease wherein she does not remember her at all. They are staying at a hotel suite for the whole trip.
Gavin is a famous rock band member of Soul Serenade. They need to go to a music festival to scout some bands and he is happy that it would just be him and Cass for the entire four days. He decides to take Cass to sightsee around St. Louis. Seeing his friends getting married makes him want to start a family. Will his insistent ways to pursue her will develop a relationship between them?
Cass is a hard working, loyal, smart, dedicated and crafty woman who takes care of her mother. Gavin is a singer, confident, caring, attentive, and kind singer of Soul Serenade. The book is well-written and I like the sweet moments where he shows how much he wants her. They have a strong chemistry with each other and he always makes her a priority. I love reading the book and I also love how Cass and Gavin have a HEA ending
2,419 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2021
When you describe your hero as a blond don't be putting a dark haired guy on the cover. This is a big pet peeve of mine. For me that picture on the cover is who I picture all throughout the book, so when I am reading a totally different description than what I'm seeing I get irritated.
Gavin has been pursuing Cassidy for some time now. As he is her boss she keeps him at arms length. Another pet peeve. Don't be preaching your case over and over that you can't date the boss and then the next minute your in bed together. Once your time is over then go back to saying you can't do that and work with them. Make up your mind. Either it's fine or it's not but don't be wishy washy.
Was a little disappointed that Shattered Hearts just happened to bring in the enemy with them for their first meeting to get signed to the Soul label.
I know it was to add some drama to the book but it was so not needed.
Loved the epilogue and can honestly say would love to see a next generation of all of the kids books.
Profile Image for Abigail Li.
439 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2024
Love this book. Love Gavin and Cassidy’s romance story. Gavin is Cassidy’s boss. Gavin and Cassidy’s romance story was not one love-at-first-sight. It took time for them to have feelings for each other. Gavin knows that Cassidy wants him but she ends up pushing him away, thinking that they can’t be together because they work together. Someone from the band has to make a trip to watch a possible band that they may mentor. The band decides that Gavin is gonna go but they also decide that Gavin needs another pair of eyes to watch the potential band. The band asks Cassidy if she could go and she agrees. Gavin is thrilled that he gets Cassidy all to himself. He decides that he’s going to make Cassidy see that they can be together. Cassidy is reluctant because she works for him and she can’t lose the job. During this time, readers learn the truth behind why Cassidy does not want to date Gavin. Gavin finally wears Cassidy down to agree to date him. Love how these two ended up together. Worth the read.
20 reviews
October 15, 2025
I swear, this book broke me. It was literally the same story again—same personalities, same drama, just different names. Girl, are you even trying? Like, how do you manage to write the exact same book every single time?
The whole “true friendship” plot—please. It wasn’t even that deep. You’d think they were soulmates, but they barely even talked like real friends. And the smut? Girl. Every book, same damn line: “Hmm, I think you’re wearing way more clothes than me.” That’s it? That’s your idea of spicy? It’s giving high school fanfic.
I’m literally crying right now—not from emotion, but from pure frustration. I wasted my night on this trash. I DNF’d at 40% and even that felt generous. Girl, you don’t know how to write. You don’t know how to build tension, romance, or chemistry.
This whole series is just a copy-paste mess. Boring. Predictable. Cringe. Absolute garbage.
160 reviews
February 12, 2023
Book 4 of the Soul Serenade series, finally Gavin and Cassidy get their moment. Cassidy is focused on caring for her mother who is suffering from Alzheimers. Gavin has been focused on Cassidy for a long time, and is determined to convince her to give them a chance. The story overall was very good, though the depiction of Alzheimers was challenging to read. Having personally lived through this disease twice and spent 8 years interacting daily with 20+ people with this disease, I found this a very inaccurate representation of the disease. Though that wasn’t the focus of this story it did put me off a bit. The group of rock stars in this series are awesome men with very strong women in their group. Will be sad to say goodbye to these characters
Profile Image for Cami.
1,662 reviews76 followers
March 31, 2023
Rounding it up to a 4 Star because I like this author!

Okay, I’m really conflicted on this one. I liked both characters and I liked the story line and the added action/suspense was good BUT, I feel like each of these books in this series had a storyline that was too similar to the last. Guy wants girl, girl fights the attraction because she feels it is inappropriate due to the professional relationship/family relationship depending on which book you were reading. I was just hoping for a little more or something a little different.

I enjoyed the relationship that Cassidy had with her mother even with the illness & Gavin doing what he did (you have to read it to find out) was beyond sweet and emotional.

An okay read just nothing truly special.
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