Phoenix

Rock Gods #1

by L.L. Ash

Alistair

God...one would think I have everything. I play for stadiums full of people, have more money than I know what to do with, and have the most attractive women eating out of the palm of my hand. But the bad boy persona that I keep tirelessly dipped in sex, drugs and rock &roll is only a bad cover-up for what's inside. Rather, what ISN'T inside. My heart is dead, my soul, dead. I don't know how it happened, but somehow the perfectly normal, perfectly average little sister of my best friend managed to claw her way into my chest and take residence in the empty cavity where my heart used to rest. It's the damnedest thing, but it happened. Only problem? She's the one girl in the world who couldn't care less about my prestige, fame or money. If I want her, I'll have to win her over the hard way, by digging up the charred ashes of my decimated soul and let her into the darkness hiding there. I'm no phoenix. I'm not rising from the ashes unless I crawl my way, bloody and broken, out of them.

Veronica

It's one thing to say life is messy, and a whole other thing to live a messy life. Mine? Mine is messy. Like, Brawny-strength paper towel messy. One messy divorce later I'm living in my rock star brother's apartment in Seattle and house-mates with the most attractive man I've ever laid eyes on. But he's not my type. At all. Smelling of whiskey and pain, the man has demons I can see just hiding behind his emerald eyes. I'm not a psychologist, I can't make his pain go away. He is a beautiful, wounded creature and I am drawn to him like I've got the strongest sort of magnet sewn into my chest. Like I said, messy. Between him and my ex, I'm still somehow trying to be true to myself while navigating life through incredibly uncertain waters. I didn't plan on falling in love with a rock god. I didn't plan on getting involved. And I certainly didn't plan on living this kind of life. It's a good thing I love him so darn much.


*This is a humorous but dramatic romance with scenes and topics that may be uncomfortable or disturbing to certain readers.

Genres: Second Chance, Music, Christian, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, ebook

Published December 26, 2018

About the author

L.L. Ash is a Washington-born writer who has traveled and lived across the western coast of the US. She lives in Utah with her husband and 3 kids, all of which are a handful!

Ash has been writing fiction since she was 11 years old, and finished her first full-length romance novella at 12. While her writing has improved since then, her love for literature has not changed. Oftentimes you can find Ash reading an indie romance or enjoying a historical fiction. She has been an artist for decades but found her true love and passion in romances.

But Ash is not content to write a romance with untried characters or predictable ‘happily ever afters’. Ash strives to create honest stories revolving around struggling heroins and bruised heroes, both trying to find happiness and acceptance, just like we in real life do. She writes about real struggles and real hardships, often giving the characters a tarnished facade. But through the constant loving and hating of the characters, you will fall in love with them as they grow and change and evolve through the stories.

As Ash always says, it’s all about real romance for real life.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

For that reason alone in my headline/sub header of "Cheating and Spousal Abuse" (Amazon) I have to give this a 1 star. Seriously, I choose to not read books with cheating. To top it off, she's giving birth to their first child (a girl) while he's cheating on her with an ex Victoria Secret's model, who he used to have a friends with benefits relationship with? All because her hormones are off because of being pregnant with HIS child while on the road with HER brother who is the drummer for their band? After she was beat by her first husband and he knew this...this is what he does? What's worse is that the author doesn't state the cheating, then the way it happens and this author expects me or other readers to just swallow it? Nope, sorry..I've only ever DNF 2 other books this will be my 3rd in many years and after thousands of books at this point I've read.

I'm not interested in how it ends. He's not good in my book, I don't care about his past demons. It's not right to not list the cheating and the spousal abuse in the synopsis. I am a very fair reader and reviewer, not much upsets me but this is my favorite genre Rock Star romance so I expect more.

"This is a humorous but dramatic romance with scenes and topics that may be uncomfortable or disturbing to certain readers." THAT DOESN'T CUT IT FOR ME. Cheating is a deal breaker for a lot of us who wait daily for a new rock star read to come out. Am I being harsh, yes, and if you read some of my reviews on other books you'll see I'm fair and to the point. I can easily disregard typos or some abuse if it IS listed in the synopsis, knowing what's in store. Well, I can't applaud anything here.

My opinion, I do not recommend this book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How are their so few reviews?

I am trying very hard not to give stats on infidelity, remind that humans are fragile and prone to error and that everything is far from black and white.Drives me insane when a book is trashed solely for including a topic so prominent in society, sad or not.Especially in a novel where it is handled so expertly and with care.Incredible growth occurs in both the H and h and this was a wonderful albeit ,angst laden journey.For me it is one of the better,well crafted Rock romances that I have had the privilege to enjoy.The unique progression of the relationship of these two wounded individuals is compelling,ultimately uplifting and ....sexy! The pinnacle of the sequela of Allister and Veronica's traumatic emotional baggage is a singular episode of infidelity that is handled with finesse as is the entire saga .These characters will remain beloved.I plan to read on further in the series.Highly recommended!xx
Addendum.Upon noting some criticism in low rating reviews, I felt compelled to elaborate on said critique.Upon communication, Veronica identifies a pattern of behavior initiated with her former husband,abuser and chief . Onica notes how unfair and offensive to use sex as a bargaining chip and immediately ceases.Similarly, Alistair realizes that his excuse for instigating the infidelity is an attempt to relieve himself from responsibility and avoid the lych pin issues and resultant powder keg self insight will incite.Over time and after a tragedy,they note their complicity in the rapid downfall of their marriage and are willing to do the work.

[Terry Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a rule, I’m not into the whole “Star” genre of books, but when pushed, I do prefer the musician/band types over Hollywood types. L L Ash brings us this first novel in the new Rock God Series. We are introduced to Alistair and his band - The Molly Rollers. Ali and his band mates, Jeremy, Cooper, and Gerald, tap their female groupies as quickly as the women can line up after a concert. Jeremy receives a call from home that will realign Alistair’s sense of balance.

Next we are introduced to Jeremy’s sister, Veronica. She has been abused physically and mentally by her husband, and she’s fled across the country to avoid her brutal husband. Sparks ignite, but Ali is too scared and scarred by his past to take the leap of faith to pursue Veronica. Ali denies his feelings for her as he flaunts his on-again/off-again relationship with Lola. Veronica turns back she to her abusive husband in order to flee from her emotions for Alistair.

This novel explores the most raw emotions that can be felt - love, disappointment, betrayal, loss of self-worth, and abuse. The paths taken by these characters will expose the reader to all of those feelings. Take the step needed to become a part of this experience. You will be well pleased.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good rocker that messes up, and then finds his way.
This rocker sure messes up. This please me, since I love the heartbreak involved. But, the heavily pregnant h that blames herself for not being nicer /sexually in the mood, as a reason for his cheating ?
Nope…. I can’t play this tune.

Add on top of this, that when his child is being born, this is when he is exploring his ex F buddy….. Without a condom! What happened with this - is the OW pregnant? Is anyone not going to even ask the question about that?? I don’t see anything mentioned about it, so I assume I am to put it out of my mind.

Just like I am to believe that a pregnant woman about to deliver and is miserable, she is the reason for his wandering ways. Sure.
Blame the woman.
It’s her fault he isn’t loyal!!!

Other than that, I loved it 🤣

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed pulls all the emotions.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and what an introduction! Meet Allister, he is a rock star and has it all. But money, fame, drugs and rock and roll are not the keys to overall happiness. Allister is figuring this all out, he feels that he has lost his heart and soul. There is one girl that captures his eyes but she is off limits as she is his best friend's little sister and she doesn't care one red cent about his success. If he really wants her, he is going to have to work for it, can he do it? Does he even know or remember how?
Veronica, my life is a mess and I do not need to add complicated or anything else until it. I move into my brother's apartment that he shares with his bandmates. No big deal, right? All that fit, sexy and hit goodness at your disposal, sigh. There is only one man in the bunch that I swear he draws me into him. He is everything that I do not need right now. I just got divorced and need to find and straighten out me. But how do I concentrate on that with the most amazing green eyes looking back at me with so much turmoil swirling around in them. Can Allister and Veronica find their HEA? Can each of them offer what the other needs to make them.feel whole again? I will definitely be reading more of this author in the immediate future. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Demetra Georgiou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Captivating, breathtaking, an utter page-turner.  I loved everything about this book. It made me swoon, squee and swear which in my books is an awesome combination. The emotions the heroes experience, the scenes unraveling before us and the free backstage pass of the world of rock singers we are being given is fascinating.  Simply-put, I couldn't put it down. I was so caught up in Veronica and Alistair's story that I wanted to find out everything about them.  Two people of different mindsets but with their own share of 'darkness' try to find love, happiness and success against all odds.  Veronica, a woman who has been through a hellish marriage strives to get her life back on track. She makes her own mistakes, of course, but refuse to bow to difficulties.  Alistair on the other hand, a Scottish Rogue Rockstar is a man who has been dealt a rough hand at a very early age. He may not be acknowledging it, but he is a man worth loving and definitely deserving his own HEA.  Veronica's feisty character and Alistair's sexy bad-boy attitude make this book an absolute MUST READ.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alistair And Veronica's Angst-Filled Story Will Keep You On The Edge Of Your Seat, Praying Along With Veronica For Their HEA.

Molly Rollers is a successful Seattle-based rock band composed of four bad boy rock gods. Lead singer Alistair Mckinney and drummer Jeremy met when Jeremy began at the Art Institute of Seattle and they worked together in a downtown sandwich shop. Years later, they are still best friends and practically inseparable. Like brothers now, the committed bachelors have lived together for years. Alistair has ghosts in his closet and a darkness that consumes him, while Jeremy was raised in a happy family. Bass guitarist Conner/Cooper began at the Art Institute of Seattle along with Jeremy and was brought into the fold. And finally Gerald happened to live in the same apartment building as Alistair. He met the guys when he knocked on Alistair's door to complain about the noise from their jamming sessions. Years later Conner/Cooper and Gerald are best friends and inseparable as well. They party a little harder than Jeremy and Alistair, who rely more on booze. Conner/Cooper is unquestionably a druggie and lives for a good time, while Gerald is a romantic at heart and would walk away from fame for love. Marcus, the band's attentive and caring manager, works hard to keep the men happy and on schedule. 

Veronica, a wholesome-looking southern beauty, has suffered through six years of abuse from her husband Eric. It all began within the first week following the wedding. Mostly Eric's abuse hadn't left much physical evidence, and a lot of the abuse was verbal. Eric had a drinking problem that played a role in his inability change. With much patience and prayer, she has finally exhausted every possible attempt to fix her marriage. Guilt and a sense of responsibility had had her keep the abuse a secret, so half of her small Georgia town will never believe her side if the story gets out. She confides in her very religious mother, who wants Veronica to stay with her husband, but accepts Veronica's decision and agrees that she should leave town until the divorce is final.

Alistair Mckinney, twenty-five or twenty-six at this point, is happy to return home after another grueling tour. It is exhausting to be gone so long, living on a tour bus eight months per year, cramped and dirty and without a shred of privacy. He drinks to stay numb and hold the darkness at bay, while the girls help him to feel something other than dead inside. Unlike Gerald, Alistair isn't capable of monogamy and doesn't believe in love. Although Jeremy is now the leader in terms of the volume of girls he has, Alistair doesn't mind. The fangirls have recently lost their appeal for the most part. He has become more selective, and a certain supermodel has become a frequent visitor on the road. He and Lola get along brilliantly - they are exactly alike - incapable of love and down for a good time.

When the door to Jeremy's apartment opens but a strange man answers it instead, Veronica is shocked to learn that her little brother has a roommate, but soon recognizes that the man resembles a face on the cover of Jeremy's first CD. She hates to be an inconvenience, but Alistair insists she is welcome and he considers her a sister. 

Alistair finds Jeremy's sister absolutely adorable. Plain yet beautiful, she exudes a light, an innocence, and he cannot get her out of his thoughts. Her frequent blushes only add to her alure. Too bad Jeremy made him swear not to lay a hand on Veronica. 

Veronica and Alistair meet and fall for one another but the timing couldn't be worse. They both have emotional baggage that needs to be dealt with before they can have a healthy relationship. Their journey is long, and the pain isn't over. So much of their story is a struggle, yet you cannot help but pray they find peace. They are a compelling couple, real and far from perfect. They hurt and they hurt one another. But theirs is also a story of perseverance and forgiveness, of striving to regain control of the present by coming to terms with the past. Their story will shred you before it reaches a well-deserved HEA. 

The topics of religion and cheating are present in the story and there is a considerable amount of angst.Those that may be uncomfortable with it should take that into consideration.

The beginning is strong, but the remainder needs scrubbed. Most issues are grammatical errors and formatting problems (chapter breaks are missing), etc. There are facts that need tidied up, though. Conner's name quickly becomes Cooper, for example. Also, Alistair talks about going six months and references it a few times ... but six months takes him back to a different event that he probably would be best NOT to discuss out loud. Eight months is the appropriate reference point. This doesn't detract from enjoying the overall story, however. 

Alistair and Veronica's angst-filled story will keep you on the edge of your seat, praying along with Veronica for their HEA. The POV alternates between Alistair and Veronica. The story is decently written (see above). The plot is complex and real, though Veronica's low is sensational. It is so real that the story becomes messy, like life. The characters are very well-defined and feel real. Veronica's strength is amazing, as is her ability to be objective when she might be emotional. Yet she has weaknesses, too, and is too stubborn for her own good. Alistair is ... so compelling. He is the true bad boy rock god, broken and numb, but he musters the courage to hope for more and be willing to work for it in the midst of his fame and endless choices for instant gratification. Watching his difficult journey is sometimes hard, but so rewarding. Like the prodigal son, his success is a real celebration. If scrubbed, I would rate this at least 4.5 stars. As is, I rate this book four stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Hinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She was my home. Within her I felt whole, complete. My darkness retreated every time her brightness blazed over me. She was the sun in my universe, and everything revolved around her."



I am a big fan of the rocker romance genre, so after reading the blurb for this one I knew I would be a fan. This author is new to me, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect as far as her writing style but found myself pleasantly surprised overall. She was able to tell a take a story that's been told in similar ways by multiple authors and create a totally different take on it. It was fascinating! There were parts that made me totally rage-y (I am NOT a fan of the female lead at all), immediately wanting to put this book down and not finish it....but, that's the beauty in truly gifted writing right? To make you feel so passionately that it affects you deeper than surface level.

"Our chemistry was like fire and dynamite. The explosion could be seen from miles."

Told in dual POV, this is book one of the Rock Gods series. Unlike typical rocker romances, this one doesn't steer towards an ending where the rocker gets the girl.....nope it doesn't stop there. The real story begins after he gets her, and spins a beautiful and sometimes tragic love story detailing their ups and downs within the lifestyle. It ends with a HEA, and I hope that the series continues with other members of the Molly Rollers. It does contain some sensitive subjects including details about child molestation, domestic abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse, as well as abandonment and cheating.

After deciding to file for divorce and escape her abusive husband, Veronica finds herself in Seattle living with her drummer brother and the lead vocalist for his band. She's instantly attracted to him, but their lifestyles couldn't be more different. Hes a famous rock god, the most beautiful man she has ever seen. But hes also a heavy drinker and partier and has an over the top love for one night stands. She is a wholesome Southern girl, plain but "adorable" who spends a lot of free time on her knees praying to God. They could never work......

"Had I looked at him like he could eat me? I'm sure I did. Because I knew that he was wholly capable of devouring every last morsel of me."

Alistair might be a rock god with the world at his feet, but he lives in the darkness of his traumatic past. When he first meets Veronica he can't deny the attraction, but she is too pure for his world. One explosive kiss changes it all, the man incapable of love suddenly finds himself loving the one girl that slips between in fingers.

"Don't worry, I'll stay away from her." "Please do. I know women can't say no to that face. Probably better than most. But I don't want to pick up the splattered remains of her heart after you crush it, Ali. I love you, but not that much."

It will be more than a year later before these two meet again and things have changed but their feelings have not. Can they make it work when they live two totally different lives? Will Ali's past ruin his chance at being the man Veronica deserves? And what happens when they both break promises that have life altering consequences?

"We're both broken, Ali. I just know how to deal with your particular shade of broken better than most."

The road to HEA for these two is filled with mistakes, tragedy, hurt, surprises, healing and love. The road is the story, and it is one that will pull you in and have you going through a wide range of emotions.

"I love you," she managed. "I want you to be happy. I want you to love me as I love you. But you can't love me while you still belong to her."

So why couldn't I give it 5 stars?
I didn't think I would, but I loved how the author was able to bring together a devout Christian woman and a moral-less rocker. What I didn't like is some of Veronica's actions in the book. I can't go into detail because I would spoil some MAJOR plot points, but this was one of the rare times I was 100% on the male leads team. She does come to recognize her mistakes, but not before she does some very hurtful things. The same goes for her contradicting mother.
There were also a few too many typos for me to rate it a perfect 5, but I am hoping those errors were fixed prior to publishing (since I got an ARC).

Overall, I 100% recommend this book. Its truly a great read filled with everything you have come to love in a rocker romance plus everything you didn't know you were missing. It's definitely making its way on my 2019 favs list!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

"You've seen a glimpse...I don't want you to live where I live in my head." "Give me a chance to look around, to experience it with you, then I'll go. I won't live in your darkness, Ali. I want to help you so you don't have to anymore, either."

[Paige Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep

This is one of deepest rocker books I’ve read. It has all your rocker book items but it has so much more. Alistar could really be stubborn and frustratingly but in the end he did what he needed to do to be the man Oni and Gracie needed. Great start to this series.

[Lym Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix is my first read from this author and it was entertaining, much better then what I expected.

In Phoenix we meet damaged, bad boy, Alister, and Veronica whose coming out of a messy marriage. Both characters were compelling that evolved and matured throughout the book.

I had mixed emotions at first with regards to Veronica, but as I read the book I fell in love with her. Veronica held her own and showed us her strength and I was sucked in.

The author through her writing stripped away my day to day stress and replaced it with love, lust in an emotive story. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. I love reading about rock stars. This was my first read from this author and I will definitely read the rest of the series. Phoenix and Jeremy are in the rock band. Jeremy has a sister Veronica, who calls him one day, asking for a place to crash, because she will escape her violent husband.
I like strong characters, and what Veronica did, escaped the husband who was beating her, takes courage. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this series so I could find out what happened to poor Beth from the Harrison Family series. She deserved more than she got from Zach, but Beth is book 2, so I had to read about the frontman, Alister and Veronica first. The insta love was so unbelievably fast I couldn’t keep up, was confused. And I just hated Alister. All the things he did, and his excuses to Onica made me need a lot of groveling and it wasn’t enough. But I liked parts of the story. The writing was good and the guys in the band are going to make great MC’s for their own books.

[MeCalle Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to say

I didn't really like this book till close to the End. I didn't care for Veronica at all. I could see where he was coming from and she set him up to fail. They hardly knew each other and was apart for longer than they were together. Took a tragedy for her to get her act together. I had 6 kids and I never turned my hubby down followed him around cause my hormones were humming.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say about Alister?! I went in knowing there was cheating and it was so worth it. Phoenix was a slow burn book with a good story line. Ali was a douch, was he redeemable… maybe was there grovel not as much as I’d like. I do admit I skimmed a bit of the last 3 rd of the book but it was a decent read. 3.5 stars

[BooksBooksBooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe a woman wrote this.

The idiot hero gets mad at his wife for daring to leave the bus because she's seven months pregnant. He cheats on her the night she goes into labor, and he blames her for the cheating. Guess it's okay because it's not like he didn't warn he needed lots of sex.

[evieo17 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely not my cup of tea. I didn’t really like Veronica very much but I dislike Alistair even more after he tried to justify the reason he strayed.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated
3 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Lady Lauren Explorer]

It’s a boring for how much I have left to read. How much faith is brought up is getting to me and I’m just not liking the pacing!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sinner and the Saint

A unique take on the bad boy meets good girl story. Veronica relies heavily on her faith to get her through as much as Allister depends on alcohol and sex. This unlikely pair fell in love too quickly IMO. I also didn't like Veronica using sex almost as a bargaining chip again using her faith as an excuse. I have no problem with characters being religious just not using those beliefs as a weapon to get your way.