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Rock and Roll Forever #1
Almost Paradise
One year. One rule.
NO SEX. Nobody said anything about falling in love.
NO SEX. Nobody said anything about falling in love.
Music was Jax's life. He knew what he wanted—fame, fortune—and nothing would stand in his way. Then, he met Skye, and everything changed. Suddenly, she became part of his dreams. Too bad her family had other ideas.
Skye’s ambitions reached beyond her small hometown. But teaching was a practical profession, acting wasn’t. When she met confident, heart melting Jax, she started to believe dreams might really come true. He offered her a way out. One year on the road with his band. After that? The world would be theirs for the taking.
But Skye was devoted to her family. Her father used guilt as a weapon, one she was powerless to defeat. He agreed to let her go on tour under one condition. A relationship with Jaxon Cross was off limits.
Jax wanted Skye. Not having her body didn’t stop his love from growing stronger every day. But his feelings made him vulnerable. When he believed she betrayed him, and their world imploded.
Secrets and lies tore them apart. Can an out of the blue second chance heal two broken hearts? Falling into bed is easy. Falling in love again could change everything.
A standalone rock star romance. Grab your copy today.
Coming Soon
Almost Blue (Rock & Roll Forever Book Two) Almost Everything (Rock & Roll Forever Book Three) Almost Home (Rock & Roll Forever Book Four)Available now
The entire Hart of Rock & Roll series
Flowers on the Wall (Hart of Rock & Roll Book One) Flowers and Cages (Hart of Rock & Roll Book Two) Flowers are Red (Hart of Rock & Roll Book Three) Flowers for Zoe (Hart of Rock & Roll Book Four) Flowers in Winter (Hart of Rock & Roll Book Five)332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2019
58 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Mary J. Williams
56 books749 followersI love books, I always have and always will. Writing is an extension of that and though it has taken me a while to get here, I now can officially call myself a published author.
I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.
My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don't love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn't bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into "If I Loved You", I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.
I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I'm getting there).
My Facebook page is up and running, please stop by for a look and a like.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-J.... I'm also on twitter https://twitter.com/maryjwilliams05
I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.
My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don't love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn't bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into "If I Loved You", I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.
I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I'm getting there).
My Facebook page is up and running, please stop by for a look and a like.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-J.... I'm also on twitter https://twitter.com/maryjwilliams05
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 5, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
June 12, 2019
I just love Mary J Williams books. If you are a fan of Nora Roberts Trilogies or Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series, you will love Mary J Williams books.
Almost Paradise is about a young and upcoming Rock Band who let jealousy, naivety, alcohol, and lies tear them apart. Six years later they are asked to preform one more time. Can they get by their hurt feeling and anger to provide this dying wish? Skye was the hometown girl working in the club Jax and his friends performed in. She took care of her Dad and younger sister until she got the opportunity to sing and tour with Razors Edge. A chance of a life-time for her especially since she started having feelings for Jax. But she made her over-protected Father one promise, no sex. Jax fell hard for Skye and would do anything for her to come in tour with him. Including helping her keep her promise to her Dad. But when he sees her kissing another band member, his anger gets the best of him. He doesn’t stick around for answers. Six years after the band breaks up, Jax and Skyes paths cross again. He is a big rock singer and she is auditioning for the lead part in the movie of her dreams. Love does last and moves past all the obstacles and lies. Jax and Skye, together at last
Almost Paradise is about a young and upcoming Rock Band who let jealousy, naivety, alcohol, and lies tear them apart. Six years later they are asked to preform one more time. Can they get by their hurt feeling and anger to provide this dying wish? Skye was the hometown girl working in the club Jax and his friends performed in. She took care of her Dad and younger sister until she got the opportunity to sing and tour with Razors Edge. A chance of a life-time for her especially since she started having feelings for Jax. But she made her over-protected Father one promise, no sex. Jax fell hard for Skye and would do anything for her to come in tour with him. Including helping her keep her promise to her Dad. But when he sees her kissing another band member, his anger gets the best of him. He doesn’t stick around for answers. Six years after the band breaks up, Jax and Skyes paths cross again. He is a big rock singer and she is auditioning for the lead part in the movie of her dreams. Love does last and moves past all the obstacles and lies. Jax and Skye, together at last
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2019
This is a wonderful warm story for Jax and Summer. Lots of conflict and personal discovery. Looking forward to the rest of the bands stories in this series.
June 9, 2019
Another fab romance from this author! A well written rock star romance filled with emotion, secrets and lies, fab characters and a great storyline and I can’t wait to read more!
June 8, 2019
Loved it
5/5 stars most definitely. A great story of love, lack of communication, broken hearts and finding love again. Enjoy the book.
5/5 stars most definitely. A great story of love, lack of communication, broken hearts and finding love again. Enjoy the book.
June 5, 2019
Another wonderful series to fall in love with. The characters in Mary Williams’ stories are so genuine and amazing. I was just immersed in this first book of a new series that I’m sure I’ll devour.
Jaxson Cross has lived and breathed music since he could remember. Playing gigs with his buddies in dive bars, trying to make it big, is what he’s been doing when he meets Skye Monroe. He’s intrigued by her and can’t seem to stay away from her. She’s sweet and shy and has dreams of her own but is stuck working to help support her family, a father who is constantly making her feel guilty for wanting more and a younger sister who needs her.
Skye is sucked into the Razor’s Edge whirlwind when she unexpectedly performs with the band in one gig, the gig where she works as a waitress, the one gig where the band is discovered by Joplin Ashford, manager extraordinaire! (and another fabulous character). The opportunity to tour with the band is a chance of a lifetime for Skye. Her father reluctantly agrees with one condition - Jax Cross is off limits. For one year, they tour and refrain from any intimate contact. But the time they spend together makes their feelings grow stronger.
After much work and sacrifice, Razor’s Edge is finally making it to the top but at what price. It seems the higher you go, the harder the fall. Relationships are destroyed, misunderstandings lead to breakups and then nothing is left. When an opportunity at a second chance comes around, will Jax and Skye get it right this time around?
I love these characters. I love that they fall for each other before they become famous. They have a special chemistry. They seem so at ease with each other and they just hit it off almost from the very beginning. I love the angst and the unexpected twists that kept me anxiously turning pages. Skye’s family is a piece of work and I’m always pleased when the author keeps it real when it comes to solving family dilemmas.
We also get to meet the rest of the band members and also Joplin, the band manager who is such a great character. I’m already invested in this story and the people involved. Such a good read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I can tell this will be an awesome series.
Jaxson Cross has lived and breathed music since he could remember. Playing gigs with his buddies in dive bars, trying to make it big, is what he’s been doing when he meets Skye Monroe. He’s intrigued by her and can’t seem to stay away from her. She’s sweet and shy and has dreams of her own but is stuck working to help support her family, a father who is constantly making her feel guilty for wanting more and a younger sister who needs her.
Skye is sucked into the Razor’s Edge whirlwind when she unexpectedly performs with the band in one gig, the gig where she works as a waitress, the one gig where the band is discovered by Joplin Ashford, manager extraordinaire! (and another fabulous character). The opportunity to tour with the band is a chance of a lifetime for Skye. Her father reluctantly agrees with one condition - Jax Cross is off limits. For one year, they tour and refrain from any intimate contact. But the time they spend together makes their feelings grow stronger.
After much work and sacrifice, Razor’s Edge is finally making it to the top but at what price. It seems the higher you go, the harder the fall. Relationships are destroyed, misunderstandings lead to breakups and then nothing is left. When an opportunity at a second chance comes around, will Jax and Skye get it right this time around?
I love these characters. I love that they fall for each other before they become famous. They have a special chemistry. They seem so at ease with each other and they just hit it off almost from the very beginning. I love the angst and the unexpected twists that kept me anxiously turning pages. Skye’s family is a piece of work and I’m always pleased when the author keeps it real when it comes to solving family dilemmas.
We also get to meet the rest of the band members and also Joplin, the band manager who is such a great character. I’m already invested in this story and the people involved. Such a good read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I can tell this will be an awesome series.
June 22, 2019
Almost Paradise
Jax is the lead singer in a band named Razor’s Edge, singing along with his friends Morgan, Kane, and Beck. They get a lucky break when Joplin Ashford ‘discovers’ them and her uncle Danny, a legend in the music business, offers them a spot as the opening act for The Ryder Hart Band. Jax has been spending time with Skye, and getting to know her while performing at a bar where she works. Turns out Skye can sing, and on their last night performing, Jax persuades Skye to join him in a duet. She’s really good at it, and when the offer arrives for the tour, Kane suggests that Skye join them on tour and Jax agrees.
Skye has some back-history with an over-protective father and an absent mother. She’s got issues to deal with, and her father gives her conditions that she has to abide by in order to go with the band. Over the course of the book, Skye matures and finds her voice and the confidence to pursue her dreams. Jax has to figure out some issues as well, especially after he jumps to an erroneous conclusion regarding Skye, which causes all kinds of fallout.
Nevertheless, both protagonists eventually grow up and figure things out. The pace in this book is steady, and the conflicts are fairly easily discerned. This is the first book in a series of four, and each seems like it will stand alone, with an inter-connected storyline. This is a wonderful start to what appears to be an fascinating group of musicians with very interesting stories.
Jax is the lead singer in a band named Razor’s Edge, singing along with his friends Morgan, Kane, and Beck. They get a lucky break when Joplin Ashford ‘discovers’ them and her uncle Danny, a legend in the music business, offers them a spot as the opening act for The Ryder Hart Band. Jax has been spending time with Skye, and getting to know her while performing at a bar where she works. Turns out Skye can sing, and on their last night performing, Jax persuades Skye to join him in a duet. She’s really good at it, and when the offer arrives for the tour, Kane suggests that Skye join them on tour and Jax agrees.
Skye has some back-history with an over-protective father and an absent mother. She’s got issues to deal with, and her father gives her conditions that she has to abide by in order to go with the band. Over the course of the book, Skye matures and finds her voice and the confidence to pursue her dreams. Jax has to figure out some issues as well, especially after he jumps to an erroneous conclusion regarding Skye, which causes all kinds of fallout.
Nevertheless, both protagonists eventually grow up and figure things out. The pace in this book is steady, and the conflicts are fairly easily discerned. This is the first book in a series of four, and each seems like it will stand alone, with an inter-connected storyline. This is a wonderful start to what appears to be an fascinating group of musicians with very interesting stories.
May 11, 2019
This was a good start to introduce us readers to a new series by Mary J. Williams. Razor's Edge became one of the "it" new bands before they imploded. Jaxon Cross was one of the founders and the front-man singer of the band. Skye Monroe had dreams and waiting tables paid the bills but it was not what she wanted to do forever. Upon sight, Jax was drawn to Skye but boundaries were laid when she joined Razor's Edge on their way to fame. Although the band broke apart, Jax continued along with a solo career and regrets. When given a second chance with Skye, can they clear the air and heal the empty holes in their hearts?
I am excited to read about the other band member's stories.
"Through the misunderstandings, and the years apart, the hate and the bitterness, you held my heart. Now, then, always." ~ Jax
I am excited to read about the other band member's stories.
"Through the misunderstandings, and the years apart, the hate and the bitterness, you held my heart. Now, then, always." ~ Jax
June 7, 2019
"This was a good start to introduce us readers to a new series by Mary J. Williams. Razor's Edge became one of the ""it"" new bands before they imploded. Jaxon Cross was one of the founders and the front-man singer of the band. Skye Monroe had dreams and waiting tables paid the bills but it was not what she wanted to do forever. Upon sight, Jax was drawn to Skye but boundaries were laid when she joined Razor's Edge on their way to fame. Although the band broke apart, Jax continued along with a solo career and regrets. When given a second chance with Skye, can they clear the air and heal the empty holes in their hearts?
I am excited to read about the other band member's stories.
""Through the misunderstandings, and the years apart, the hate and the bitterness, you held my heart. Now, then, always."" ~ Jax"
I am excited to read about the other band member's stories.
""Through the misunderstandings, and the years apart, the hate and the bitterness, you held my heart. Now, then, always."" ~ Jax"
May 4, 2019
I loved Mary J. Williams new book “Almost Paradise.” She has really captured the essence of her characters from young adult rock band members playing in any bar they can find into making it into the big time and becoming successful with all that that entails. Jax and his buddies have always wanted to make it as a rock band. He hears Skye singing to herself in a bar one night and she ends up singing with the band. Her father gives permission as long as she has no romance with the band members. Therefore, Jax loves her from afar even after the band breaks up and he makes it as a solo rocker. This is their story. I couldn’t put it down. This is a well paced and emotionally charged story that I loved and think everyone will also.
May 10, 2019
Jax and Skye's story was very realistic. Well, some parts of it....except for the whole rock star lifestyle. How many of us actually get to experience that? Not me. But as for the complications and hurdles that these two had to endure and overcome, those were realistic problems. I can relate so well to Skye letting her family dictate too much of her life all for reasons that seemed so important at the time. But in retrospect they shouldn't have been an issue at all. And Jax not talking about things, asking the hard questions to get the correct answer....letting his insecurities and anger get the best of him? Just like any man I've ever met. The story was amazing and I really enjoyed it!
May 12, 2019
Jax and Skye's story is very emotional. From the beginning there is a strong attraction between both characters. But circumstances speak against them and it takes them six years to take their second chance. Even then, it's an emotional roller coaster ride that makes a happy ending seem unreachable ...
I loved the protagonists with their complex personalities. Ms. Williams makes like no other author the discrepancies in a person’s character comprehensible.
I loved this first part of this new series and I can not wait to read more about the members of Razor's Edge.
I loved the protagonists with their complex personalities. Ms. Williams makes like no other author the discrepancies in a person’s character comprehensible.
I loved this first part of this new series and I can not wait to read more about the members of Razor's Edge.
June 6, 2019
Jaxon and Skye's story is great! Jaxon is the lead singer and guitarist in the band Razor's Edge. He meets Skye at a bar along the way. Sparks fly! When Razor's Edge gets a chance at the big times, they take it. They have room for a female lead singer and convince Skye to come along. Her controlling father disapproves and makes her promise to not sleep with Jax on the one year tour. Within a year, everything falls apart and everyone parts ways.
Five years later, Skye and Jaxon meet up again. There are unresolved issues and mistrust. Can they get past it all and start over? Must read!
Five years later, Skye and Jaxon meet up again. There are unresolved issues and mistrust. Can they get past it all and start over? Must read!
June 6, 2019
Another outstanding book from Ms Williams! Such an enthralling storyline that I kept excitedly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next between Jax and Skye.
This new series has introduced us into the electrifying world of rock-and-roll and the band and those each member will meet and fall in love with. I am so excited to get to know each member of the band and go along on their journey through life and love!
This new series has introduced us into the electrifying world of rock-and-roll and the band and those each member will meet and fall in love with. I am so excited to get to know each member of the band and go along on their journey through life and love!
June 6, 2019
I received an arc and the opinions and views are my own. This is a story of love and misunderstandings. Jax and Skye fall in love at the wrong time, too many things try to keep them apart. I’m glad they had a second chance at love. Would love to see the band get back together again. Would recommend this book to all who love a contemporary romance.
June 4, 2019
Mary J Williams had done it again. I loved Almost Paradise. Jax and Skye connected from the very first time they met but fate determines that their relationship will not be an easy one. I was so glad that they got a second chance for happinesss. This was a great book and I definitely recommend it. Thanks, Mary J Williams, for another awesome series.
June 6, 2019
I was surprised by the reason that Jax and Skye were not together. Everything about relationships really does boil down to communication and trust but then again when passion/rage is added to the mix, sometimes communication and trust are not enough. I’m glad they finally got it right the second time. I’m anxiously waiting for the next book.
June 10, 2019
Almost Paradise is a beautiful, heart wrenching story. I loved it and once I started it, I could not put it down. The characters were amazing. This is a great start to a new series. I can not wait for the next one to come out.
July 27, 2022
This was my second read by Mary J Williams, and I was hoping for something more than I got from the first one, but I'm just not sure her books are for me.
It took me a while to get into and there just didn't seem to be a very strong storyline that kept me wanting more. I did finish it though because I hate dnf'ing a book unless I'm really really struggling. It wasn't awful, but I feel that it lacked depth for me.
The characters - again, they lacked any depth for me and I didn't find myself really drawn to any of them.
I found the narration a little hard too, it just didn't seem to flow with the story. For example, if there is an accent different to the other characters, I like to hear that accent; in this case, one Australian character compared to American, and it was completely narrated in an American accent.
If you want an easy listen/read rockstar romance then this might be for you, but unfortunately it didn't do much for me.
It took me a while to get into and there just didn't seem to be a very strong storyline that kept me wanting more. I did finish it though because I hate dnf'ing a book unless I'm really really struggling. It wasn't awful, but I feel that it lacked depth for me.
The characters - again, they lacked any depth for me and I didn't find myself really drawn to any of them.
I found the narration a little hard too, it just didn't seem to flow with the story. For example, if there is an accent different to the other characters, I like to hear that accent; in this case, one Australian character compared to American, and it was completely narrated in an American accent.
If you want an easy listen/read rockstar romance then this might be for you, but unfortunately it didn't do much for me.
January 17, 2020
A waitress and a singer in the band meet and are attracted to each other. She has a beautiful voice but isn’t interested in a singing career. He insists that she join his band on stage. They make fantastic music together. When opportunity comes knocking, her father tries to stand in the way. Eventually the band breaks up and everyone goes their own way. Years pass...
I really enjoyed the story. I listened to it on audio and I thought the narrator was very good, although on my phone, I had to speed up the audio to 1.25X. This book has sex and some language so it's not for everyone, but I thought it was well written and kept my interest from page 1 through the end.
I really enjoyed the story. I listened to it on audio and I thought the narrator was very good, although on my phone, I had to speed up the audio to 1.25X. This book has sex and some language so it's not for everyone, but I thought it was well written and kept my interest from page 1 through the end.
January 30, 2020
If the rest of the series is anything like this first book, then we’re in for a treat! The story is of the lead singer of the band and a young woman who goes on tour with them. Sweet romance, sometimes angsty, sometimes heartbreaking, but altogether perfect. We watch the duo mature throughout the book and eventually get their HEA. Looking forward to the next book.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2019
Rock n Roll Love
I love a happy ending with smart characters winning out. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Rock n Roll forever!
I love a happy ending with smart characters winning out. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Rock n Roll forever!
March 26, 2024
Good story
I sure miss the band side though. I'm curious if the band is done it barely got off the ground.
I sure miss the band side though. I'm curious if the band is done it barely got off the ground.
April 9, 2020
Fabulous Story & Listen🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
Almost Paradise: Rockstar Romance
Rock & Roll Forever, Book 1
By: Mary J. Williams
Narrated by: Daniela Acitelli
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Mary J. Williams is a gifted author, the story she created grabbed my attention and my heart, it captivated me from start to end. The characters are complex and well developed, they are realistic and easy to relate to. The books starts off with Jaxon ‘Jax’ Cross and his friends, fellow bandmates of Razor’s Edge, Kane, Beck and Morgan playing bar scene. There is a great camaraderie amongst themJ both on and off stage. Jax is attracted and intrigued by a waitress in one of the bars, Skye Monroe, he has had his eye on her and when their female singer fails to show up to sing with the band they ask her to join them on stage to sing. Skye is a nice girl but she has issues, the main one being a controlling father who she lives to please. Joplin Ashford scouting the bar scene for talent approaches Razor’s Edge with an offer to go on tour as an opener, the offer included Skye. She gets permission from her father with a stipulation she can not get romantically involved while touring. The band goes on tour and start to make a name for themselves. The chemistry between Skye and Jax is electric but Skye holds back because of her father. The fame, the success and the stress of touring is starts to get to them, they are still great together while on stage, but once off stage their relationships are taking a hit. When Jax misinterprets something he see he loses it and walks away from the band. The story fast forwards five years, Jax a successful solo artist is coming off a world tour, he more bitter now and his success has not brought him happiness. Joplin had approached him asking to fulfill her Uncle’s dying wish, a “Razor’s Edge” reunion. She approaches Skye as well and both give a flat out no. Skye is working in her hometown, doing community theatre with hopes of getting the lead role in a movie, a role she always wanted to play. Going to audition reunites her people from her past including Jax. They departed in a bad way and have spoken to each other since the band’s breakup. They both held a lot of animosity towards each other but their reunion did not turn out as plan. I loved how everything plays out, it is well plotted with plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones and a slow burn romance and a second chance to love and live. Thank you Mary J. Williams for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Daniela Acitelli is a fabulous narrator and voice artist. She brings the characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart she puts into her work as she projects the emotions of the characters as well as drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this wonderful listen🎧
Almost Paradise: Rockstar Romance
Rock & Roll Forever, Book 1
By: Mary J. Williams
Narrated by: Daniela Acitelli
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Mary J. Williams is a gifted author, the story she created grabbed my attention and my heart, it captivated me from start to end. The characters are complex and well developed, they are realistic and easy to relate to. The books starts off with Jaxon ‘Jax’ Cross and his friends, fellow bandmates of Razor’s Edge, Kane, Beck and Morgan playing bar scene. There is a great camaraderie amongst themJ both on and off stage. Jax is attracted and intrigued by a waitress in one of the bars, Skye Monroe, he has had his eye on her and when their female singer fails to show up to sing with the band they ask her to join them on stage to sing. Skye is a nice girl but she has issues, the main one being a controlling father who she lives to please. Joplin Ashford scouting the bar scene for talent approaches Razor’s Edge with an offer to go on tour as an opener, the offer included Skye. She gets permission from her father with a stipulation she can not get romantically involved while touring. The band goes on tour and start to make a name for themselves. The chemistry between Skye and Jax is electric but Skye holds back because of her father. The fame, the success and the stress of touring is starts to get to them, they are still great together while on stage, but once off stage their relationships are taking a hit. When Jax misinterprets something he see he loses it and walks away from the band. The story fast forwards five years, Jax a successful solo artist is coming off a world tour, he more bitter now and his success has not brought him happiness. Joplin had approached him asking to fulfill her Uncle’s dying wish, a “Razor’s Edge” reunion. She approaches Skye as well and both give a flat out no. Skye is working in her hometown, doing community theatre with hopes of getting the lead role in a movie, a role she always wanted to play. Going to audition reunites her people from her past including Jax. They departed in a bad way and have spoken to each other since the band’s breakup. They both held a lot of animosity towards each other but their reunion did not turn out as plan. I loved how everything plays out, it is well plotted with plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones and a slow burn romance and a second chance to love and live. Thank you Mary J. Williams for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Daniela Acitelli is a fabulous narrator and voice artist. She brings the characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart she puts into her work as she projects the emotions of the characters as well as drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this wonderful listen🎧
May 17, 2020
This is the story of Jax and Skye and Razors Edge.
Jax is the lead to the band Razors Edge. They are playing the college circuit. One night, the female lead doesn’t show up. Skye is waitressing at the bar they are playing. Jax convinces Skye to fill in and she is phenomenal.
That same night, they are approached for a music contract. The guys in the band want Skye to join them in the big time. Fighting against her overprotective dad, Skye agrees with the condition to stay celibate. Problem is Jax wants her.
They survive a year, both celibate. A big misunderstanding breaks the band up at the end of the tour. Five years later, Skye tries out for a part in a movie. Jax is going to do the soundtrack for the same movie. They meet at the pre party and go away together for the night. Eventually, they fix the misunderstanding and take the chance on each other again.
Opinion
The narrator, Daniela Acitelli, does a fabulous job. Her tone and inflictions help move the story. She is a smooth reader.
The story itself is very endearing. Jax comes from a family committed to each other. Skye comes from a controlling family. The way that Jax helps Skye see this, without being obvious, is perfect.
I love the build up of their love story. (It foreshadows others stories as well. I suspect that will be part of the next three books in the series.) Their attraction is instantaneous but they can’t act on it. This leaves me wanting more. With the deprivation comes a misunderstanding and the big climax in the book. I love how the resolution fixes it and how their love is just as strong as it was the first day.
I cannot wait until tomorrow when I can start book two, Almost Blue.
A big thanks to Daniela Acitelli for sending me a copy of the audiobook to review!
July 21, 2019
This is dramatic, heartbreaking and sweet. Jax met Skye right before his band made it big. After overhearing Skye singing Jax asked her to sing a duet with him one night, and everyone loved it, so Jax asked her to join them on their upcoming tour, but she said she could only go with her father's blessing. When her father agreed it was on the condition that she not sleep with Jax. They do a lot of talking, including her wish to star in a movie version of her favorite book. They make it al through the tour, then things fall apart. 5 years later Skye finds out that the book is being turned into a movie, and she has an audition. Then she finds out that Jax is writing the music for it. When Skye comes across Jax at a party thrown by the director, she realizes that she still wants Jax, and now she has a second chance to be with him. And they both have a chance to be part of a reunion of the original band. They both have to make some tough decisions in order to have a life together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
June 6, 2019
You're a musician. You want to be a star. You play night after night in 'no where' venues traveling constantly. You're hoping for your big break. Finally it's within reach. You're discovered, but you have to give up something that's right at your fingertips. Jaxon Cross, you have some thinking to do.
You want to leave home. You work night after night at a dead end job. You hope your sacrifice will help your family. Finally, you get an offer to make all your dreams come true, but, you have to give up something that you desperately want. Skye Monroe, you have some decisions to make.
Almost Paradise, Mary J. Williams first book in her new series, Forever Rock and Roll, really makes you think. Where does your allegiance lie? Can you be in love with someone but leave them? Will you get the second chance you crave, or will fate take it all away? So many difficult topics are discussed in Almost Paradise. Ultimately, will Jax and Skye be able to make their own paradise or will they let others determine which directions their lives will take. The resolution is worth it.
You want to leave home. You work night after night at a dead end job. You hope your sacrifice will help your family. Finally, you get an offer to make all your dreams come true, but, you have to give up something that you desperately want. Skye Monroe, you have some decisions to make.
Almost Paradise, Mary J. Williams first book in her new series, Forever Rock and Roll, really makes you think. Where does your allegiance lie? Can you be in love with someone but leave them? Will you get the second chance you crave, or will fate take it all away? So many difficult topics are discussed in Almost Paradise. Ultimately, will Jax and Skye be able to make their own paradise or will they let others determine which directions their lives will take. The resolution is worth it.
June 4, 2019
Mary j Williams is a magnificent writer. I loved The Hart of Rock and Roll, but this new series Forever Rock and Roll, Almost Paradise has blown me away. Jas and Skye’s story has my heart. Last night my husband and I just watched A Star is Born, the remake; this film was in the back of my mind as I completed the book Almost Paradise. Both the film A Star is Born and Almost Paradise are somewhat similar to me. Both pertaining to up and rising stars. They both were intense, both were love stories and both told a different perspective of rising to fame. Mary J Williams will always be my favourite writer as she knows how to get to your heart. Congratulations Mary on the success on the start of a new series and what is to come. Brilliantly written.
July 21, 2019
Almost Paradise is the first book in Mary J. Williams new Rock and Roll forever series, and is a wonderful book to start with. I loved reading and following Jax and Skye's second chance story, and am looking forward to book two.
May 5, 2019
3.5 stars for me.
It's a good story but I didn't enjoy it as much as others by this author. Its well written but I just felt there was something missing.
It's a good story but I didn't enjoy it as much as others by this author. Its well written but I just felt there was something missing.
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