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Starfish #1
Starfish
8 hours, 33 minutes
A Rockstar Romance
Ambitious graduate Marin Collins accepts a four-month internship at a prestigious public relations firm to work on a tech account, but her plans are derailed when she’s assigned to go on the road with touring rock band Kings Quarters, hailed by Rolling Stone as the next big thing.
Enter Brad Osterhauser, the reluctant rock star who would rather be coding computer games than penning Grammy-nominated songs.
Traveling by bus, city to city with a group of practical joking bandmates and a greedy manager, Marin and Brad forge a friendship and forbidden romance over a shared love of Seinfeld episodes, stolen moments and Red Vines.
But when Marin’s accused of betraying her company and the band, will Brad come to her defense or believe she was disloyal to him for the sake of her career?
Told in alternating perspectives of Marin and Brad, Starfish is a contemporary romance of unexpected love, the redemptive power of music and hogging the bed.
A Rockstar Romance
Ambitious graduate Marin Collins accepts a four-month internship at a prestigious public relations firm to work on a tech account, but her plans are derailed when she’s assigned to go on the road with touring rock band Kings Quarters, hailed by Rolling Stone as the next big thing.
Enter Brad Osterhauser, the reluctant rock star who would rather be coding computer games than penning Grammy-nominated songs.
Traveling by bus, city to city with a group of practical joking bandmates and a greedy manager, Marin and Brad forge a friendship and forbidden romance over a shared love of Seinfeld episodes, stolen moments and Red Vines.
But when Marin’s accused of betraying her company and the band, will Brad come to her defense or believe she was disloyal to him for the sake of her career?
Told in alternating perspectives of Marin and Brad, Starfish is a contemporary romance of unexpected love, the redemptive power of music and hogging the bed.
Audible Audio
First published August 1, 2019
177 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Becker
38 books322 followersLisa Becker is an award-winning romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at authorlisabecker.com
Find Lisa's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Becker/e/...
Find Lisa's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Becker/e/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 2, 2019
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute and sexy, but still very sweet romance!
Marin and Brad were such a cute couple. I loved their dynamic, especially how they brought out the best in each other and encouraged one another. That’s #RelationshipGoals.
I also liked the balance of the cute and sexy parts of the book. This is a book about rockstars so of course there was sex and some sex scenes. However, there were a ton of really sweet moments too, which just goes back to show how great of a couple they are. Their relationship isn’t just physical, they do connect on a deeper level.
The book also felt very realistic. At one point it talks about Marin having her period and I thought that was so refreshing to see. You don’t often see periods mentioned in romance books but they are a fact of life. I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from it.
As a random side note, I could totally tell that the author was from California since she name dropped some lesser known cities like Roseville and Camarillo. I always like seeing that because California is more than just Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Overall, this is a fun rockstar romance with a lot of heart.
This was such a cute and sexy, but still very sweet romance!
Marin and Brad were such a cute couple. I loved their dynamic, especially how they brought out the best in each other and encouraged one another. That’s #RelationshipGoals.
I also liked the balance of the cute and sexy parts of the book. This is a book about rockstars so of course there was sex and some sex scenes. However, there were a ton of really sweet moments too, which just goes back to show how great of a couple they are. Their relationship isn’t just physical, they do connect on a deeper level.
The book also felt very realistic. At one point it talks about Marin having her period and I thought that was so refreshing to see. You don’t often see periods mentioned in romance books but they are a fact of life. I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from it.
As a random side note, I could totally tell that the author was from California since she name dropped some lesser known cities like Roseville and Camarillo. I always like seeing that because California is more than just Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Overall, this is a fun rockstar romance with a lot of heart.
May 22, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
“This body is a temple,” replies Jase, holding his arms out and shrugging his shoulder. “Temple of doom, maybe,” fumes Oliver.
“If you learned anything from living with me for all these years, you still should have knocked. Remember the incident with Chad?” Cheeky Chad, as he was forever known, in homage to the muscular naked butt cheeks I accidentally saw.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to cramp your style,” she jokes. “I’ve got no style,” I respond. “I’m all substance,” I add with a smug grin.
“With your voice, even lip-synching is painful to those of us around you.” Her mouth gapes open in shock. “But you won’t even hear me,” she whines. “Doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “We all know what you sound like and can hear it in our heads.”
My Review:
This was a fun, entertaining, and sexy dual POV contemporary romance full of sizzle and sass between an up and coming rock star and the new intern handling their public relations on the tour bus. I adore Lisa Becker’s special brand of levity, she cleverly slides it in with pranks, colorful descriptions, witty quips, bantering, and games and hijinks between the vibrant and enticing characters. The storylines were active and eventful as the band toured across the country, stirring up hearts, gossip, libidos, turbulence, obsessed fans, while also indulging in a variety of pastimes and antics.
“This body is a temple,” replies Jase, holding his arms out and shrugging his shoulder. “Temple of doom, maybe,” fumes Oliver.
“If you learned anything from living with me for all these years, you still should have knocked. Remember the incident with Chad?” Cheeky Chad, as he was forever known, in homage to the muscular naked butt cheeks I accidentally saw.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to cramp your style,” she jokes. “I’ve got no style,” I respond. “I’m all substance,” I add with a smug grin.
“With your voice, even lip-synching is painful to those of us around you.” Her mouth gapes open in shock. “But you won’t even hear me,” she whines. “Doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “We all know what you sound like and can hear it in our heads.”
My Review:
This was a fun, entertaining, and sexy dual POV contemporary romance full of sizzle and sass between an up and coming rock star and the new intern handling their public relations on the tour bus. I adore Lisa Becker’s special brand of levity, she cleverly slides it in with pranks, colorful descriptions, witty quips, bantering, and games and hijinks between the vibrant and enticing characters. The storylines were active and eventful as the band toured across the country, stirring up hearts, gossip, libidos, turbulence, obsessed fans, while also indulging in a variety of pastimes and antics.
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April 4, 2023
RATING: 5 stars to Starfish! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Yeah, my dad says I sleep like a starfish,” she laughs.
“A starfish?” I repeat…
“Yeah, I’m a bunch of limbs all sprawled out in different directions, taking up all the space,”
…If she’s a starfish, then I’m a greedy octopus.'
As for my first rock star romance? Thank you Lisa Becker for setting the proverbial bar high because Starfish is patently one of the best love affairs I’ve read this year. I absolutely loved this rockstar rom-com.
Marin Collins is the female protagonist of this unfeigned story. Brad Ostenhauser is the male lead of this spirited romance. As Marin’s life falls steeply but unexpectedly into a rock star river of songs and sin, this diversion of life might just be a blessing in disguise and a love waiting to unfurl.
‘It’s like she enjoys and appreciates people. Values them. I haven’t come across someone like that on the tour before now and I’m hopeful that someday she’ll value me too.’
‘I wanted so much more. I was hoping she did too.'
Fresh out of study, and absolutely aflutter for a privileged chance to work at the most influential public relations company and for a woman who Marin holds in high respect, Marin’s grail is in sight. And with a strong sense of onus and a gutsy volition to consummate her avid aspirations in the tech world, Marin has her sights set on great things. With a career-driven resolve to make something of herself nothing is more important for this smart young woman than paving a successful road in her life and to precisely avoid ever becoming the double of her mother.
‘Constantly moving from one locale to the next, always surrounded by people but feeling friendless…it’s taking its toll.’
“I have no secrets,” she says with a shrug.
“Somehow I find that hard to believe,'
With a chance to prove herself Marin is desperate for her prospective employer to give her a long-term position if she does well with this internship. A startling swivel of direction though takes Marin on a disheartening run of feelings from panic to devastation. Marin expected a position in Seattle’s tech world, not to travel on a four month assignment, managing promo for the rock band, Kings Quarters - a famed, upcoming circle of misfits, troublemakers and pranksters.
‘For all their shortcomings, the Kings Quarters guys are seriously magnetic.'
Marin doesn’t have the luxury of pulling money off of trees so career concentrated she has to be and wants to be. The Kings Quarters are ready for their summer tour, and Marin is going with them! She is dubious of this great opportunity, and Marin is now stuck trailing a group of crazy, wanton musicians from city to city, impeding her plan. This is a new experience for Marin, and as always she works vigorously with her best efforts. Marin isn’t just blindsided by this new instruction, but also by Brad Ostenhauser, the band’s gorgeous lead guitarist.
‘Nothing in my life has ever felt so right and so wrong at the same time.’
Marin’s future loses it’s sense of consistency. How can she walk away from the amazing rock star who upgraded her life in the best and most meaningful ways possible? Brad becomes a quandary as well as a relief, one that Marin wants to stay with forever but simultaneously run away from. As tactical as Brad is in his approach to pursue Marin, she doesn’t know if sharing a heated dalliance with someone she has a chargingly heated chemistry with is worth risking her credibility. But Brad has tunnel vision, and straight ahead is one sight: Marin Collins.
“I couldn’t sleep over all the snoring,” I tell her.
“I don’t snore,” she huffs. I love this side of her, all defiant and feisty.
“Yeah, you do,” I egg her on. “You make these little grunting noises.” She’s horrified.’
Starfish by Lisa Becker is light on the brain, cheerfully auspicious, heartfelt and beautifully fruitful for the heart. Though the feverish life of a musician is a fast-paced one, Lisa Becker sets a clean pace for this slow-burn romance with layers of friendship and fondness that softens the heart. Saucy secrets, backstage bonanzas, hotel room horseplay, touch and go pranks, Marin definitively learns to always knock before entering. This unique, gentle and spicy romantic drama is full of genuine passion, originality and a believable narrative that cries for any romance reader's attention.
‘Which do you like better - the sunrise or the sunset?” he asks.
“I like the sunset better…The colours, the streaks of light in the sky, the sun moving between the clouds - think it’s beautiful. What about you?”
“I’ve always preferred the sunrise. Something about the start of a new day.New possibilities. Beginnings.”
A feel-good, emotionally wholesome story with the telltales of an obliging romance. Not only do Marin and Brad have hospitable hearts, but this story is all heart with ample love that abounds with with sexy dialogue, heat and something much deeper. An adorable friendship with a sizzle of the forbidden, Lisa Becker writes with a penchant for playful, heartfelt romance with sizzling moments of libidinous tension. I loved this book as much as Brad loves bacon.
“Second hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he says with a pained grin.
“What’s the first?”
“Watching you walk away.”
Brad is the perfect mix of naughty and nice, but overriding his mischievousness is a solicitous nature that’s warm and tender. Marin complements Brad as much as she does this story and we watch as she decides how and if to say yes to fortuity and love.The writing style of this was crisp, simple to trail and easy to fathom. An absolute joy and pleasure to have a front-row seat watching this starfishy romance unfold. One that shines a direct spotlight on Brad and Marin with a favourable beam. Unceasing attraction, perpetual connection and a lasting bond Starfishprocures the ageless thought of a romance that instills hope to the muddled heart and a pledge to the cautious mind, with plenty of bodily sensations to keep the reader occupied.
I continuously wondered what relevance this title had to the story, and once I found out I grinned through the entire thing…
‘I’m still his starfish…I still take up two-thirds of the bed and all the covers, and he says he wouldn’t want it any other way.'
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves their novels to flourish with romance and plenty of humour
P.S. Thank you Penny for getting in touch with me!
And thank you dearly Lisa for sending a physical copy to me
“Yeah, my dad says I sleep like a starfish,” she laughs.
“A starfish?” I repeat…
“Yeah, I’m a bunch of limbs all sprawled out in different directions, taking up all the space,”
…If she’s a starfish, then I’m a greedy octopus.'
As for my first rock star romance? Thank you Lisa Becker for setting the proverbial bar high because Starfish is patently one of the best love affairs I’ve read this year. I absolutely loved this rockstar rom-com.
Marin Collins is the female protagonist of this unfeigned story. Brad Ostenhauser is the male lead of this spirited romance. As Marin’s life falls steeply but unexpectedly into a rock star river of songs and sin, this diversion of life might just be a blessing in disguise and a love waiting to unfurl.
‘It’s like she enjoys and appreciates people. Values them. I haven’t come across someone like that on the tour before now and I’m hopeful that someday she’ll value me too.’
‘I wanted so much more. I was hoping she did too.'
Fresh out of study, and absolutely aflutter for a privileged chance to work at the most influential public relations company and for a woman who Marin holds in high respect, Marin’s grail is in sight. And with a strong sense of onus and a gutsy volition to consummate her avid aspirations in the tech world, Marin has her sights set on great things. With a career-driven resolve to make something of herself nothing is more important for this smart young woman than paving a successful road in her life and to precisely avoid ever becoming the double of her mother.
‘Constantly moving from one locale to the next, always surrounded by people but feeling friendless…it’s taking its toll.’
“I have no secrets,” she says with a shrug.
“Somehow I find that hard to believe,'
With a chance to prove herself Marin is desperate for her prospective employer to give her a long-term position if she does well with this internship. A startling swivel of direction though takes Marin on a disheartening run of feelings from panic to devastation. Marin expected a position in Seattle’s tech world, not to travel on a four month assignment, managing promo for the rock band, Kings Quarters - a famed, upcoming circle of misfits, troublemakers and pranksters.
‘For all their shortcomings, the Kings Quarters guys are seriously magnetic.'
Marin doesn’t have the luxury of pulling money off of trees so career concentrated she has to be and wants to be. The Kings Quarters are ready for their summer tour, and Marin is going with them! She is dubious of this great opportunity, and Marin is now stuck trailing a group of crazy, wanton musicians from city to city, impeding her plan. This is a new experience for Marin, and as always she works vigorously with her best efforts. Marin isn’t just blindsided by this new instruction, but also by Brad Ostenhauser, the band’s gorgeous lead guitarist.
‘Nothing in my life has ever felt so right and so wrong at the same time.’
Marin’s future loses it’s sense of consistency. How can she walk away from the amazing rock star who upgraded her life in the best and most meaningful ways possible? Brad becomes a quandary as well as a relief, one that Marin wants to stay with forever but simultaneously run away from. As tactical as Brad is in his approach to pursue Marin, she doesn’t know if sharing a heated dalliance with someone she has a chargingly heated chemistry with is worth risking her credibility. But Brad has tunnel vision, and straight ahead is one sight: Marin Collins.
“I couldn’t sleep over all the snoring,” I tell her.
“I don’t snore,” she huffs. I love this side of her, all defiant and feisty.
“Yeah, you do,” I egg her on. “You make these little grunting noises.” She’s horrified.’
Starfish by Lisa Becker is light on the brain, cheerfully auspicious, heartfelt and beautifully fruitful for the heart. Though the feverish life of a musician is a fast-paced one, Lisa Becker sets a clean pace for this slow-burn romance with layers of friendship and fondness that softens the heart. Saucy secrets, backstage bonanzas, hotel room horseplay, touch and go pranks, Marin definitively learns to always knock before entering. This unique, gentle and spicy romantic drama is full of genuine passion, originality and a believable narrative that cries for any romance reader's attention.
‘Which do you like better - the sunrise or the sunset?” he asks.
“I like the sunset better…The colours, the streaks of light in the sky, the sun moving between the clouds - think it’s beautiful. What about you?”
“I’ve always preferred the sunrise. Something about the start of a new day.New possibilities. Beginnings.”
A feel-good, emotionally wholesome story with the telltales of an obliging romance. Not only do Marin and Brad have hospitable hearts, but this story is all heart with ample love that abounds with with sexy dialogue, heat and something much deeper. An adorable friendship with a sizzle of the forbidden, Lisa Becker writes with a penchant for playful, heartfelt romance with sizzling moments of libidinous tension. I loved this book as much as Brad loves bacon.
“Second hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he says with a pained grin.
“What’s the first?”
“Watching you walk away.”
Brad is the perfect mix of naughty and nice, but overriding his mischievousness is a solicitous nature that’s warm and tender. Marin complements Brad as much as she does this story and we watch as she decides how and if to say yes to fortuity and love.The writing style of this was crisp, simple to trail and easy to fathom. An absolute joy and pleasure to have a front-row seat watching this starfishy romance unfold. One that shines a direct spotlight on Brad and Marin with a favourable beam. Unceasing attraction, perpetual connection and a lasting bond Starfishprocures the ageless thought of a romance that instills hope to the muddled heart and a pledge to the cautious mind, with plenty of bodily sensations to keep the reader occupied.
I continuously wondered what relevance this title had to the story, and once I found out I grinned through the entire thing…
‘I’m still his starfish…I still take up two-thirds of the bed and all the covers, and he says he wouldn’t want it any other way.'
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves their novels to flourish with romance and plenty of humour
P.S. Thank you Penny for getting in touch with me!
And thank you dearly Lisa for sending a physical copy to me
March 31, 2021
A slow burn rockstar romance that was equal parts fun and a sweet romance. I really enjoyed it and liked that it was sweet at the end part with the romance but not to crigngy sweet that makes my ears curl up into them self.
January 5, 2020
Marin is excited about starting an internship and living in Seattle when she finds out her assignment will actually be nothing like she thought. She will be on tour with Kings Quarters, looking after their PR and social media accounts. She will be on a tour bus, shadowing them and finding opportunities to show their fans what they are like out of the limelight.
Marin really had no idea what to expect and finds herself enjoying their company and endless pranks. The other thing she was not expecting was Brad. He is one of the band members who she has developed a friendship with. She assumed they all lived the rock star life of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll but it turns out that a lifestyle like that becomes a bit like groundhog day.
Brad’s head has been turned by the beautiful Marin and their shared love of some tv series has them spending most nights hanging out in his room. Well that and the fact that Marin’s room mate frequently brings her boyfriend (another band member) back to their room to bump uglies. After walking in on them once it was enough to make Marin wary about sleeping in the same room as her.
This has worked out well for Brad as he slowly chips away at Marin’s stance on keeping things professional between them. Marin knows she is a goner for Brad and eventually a line is crossed and there is no turning back for either of them. They cannot get enough of each other. Marin is the woman that Brad has been waiting for his whole life without realising he was even missing her. She is everything he has ever wanted.
Brad and Marin begin to imagine a future together and despite their busy schedules hope that at the end of the tour they can work something out. However, when the shite hits the fan, everyone is pointing the finger at Marin, including Brad. He is going to need to do some major grovelling if he wants to show Marin that what they have is worth fighting for.
I really enjoyed this audio read and loved reading a story with a rock band setting.
Marin really had no idea what to expect and finds herself enjoying their company and endless pranks. The other thing she was not expecting was Brad. He is one of the band members who she has developed a friendship with. She assumed they all lived the rock star life of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll but it turns out that a lifestyle like that becomes a bit like groundhog day.
Brad’s head has been turned by the beautiful Marin and their shared love of some tv series has them spending most nights hanging out in his room. Well that and the fact that Marin’s room mate frequently brings her boyfriend (another band member) back to their room to bump uglies. After walking in on them once it was enough to make Marin wary about sleeping in the same room as her.
This has worked out well for Brad as he slowly chips away at Marin’s stance on keeping things professional between them. Marin knows she is a goner for Brad and eventually a line is crossed and there is no turning back for either of them. They cannot get enough of each other. Marin is the woman that Brad has been waiting for his whole life without realising he was even missing her. She is everything he has ever wanted.
Brad and Marin begin to imagine a future together and despite their busy schedules hope that at the end of the tour they can work something out. However, when the shite hits the fan, everyone is pointing the finger at Marin, including Brad. He is going to need to do some major grovelling if he wants to show Marin that what they have is worth fighting for.
I really enjoyed this audio read and loved reading a story with a rock band setting.
October 20, 2020
I'm generally a fan of rock star romances. This book, in particular, piqued my interest because it seemed like the rock star in this story was a reluctant one, someone who was more interested in coding video games than living the glamorous life of a music celebrity. A geeky rock star who supposedly shares a love of Seinfeld with the heroine of this story? Sign me up.
Well ... this one didn't quite live up to my expectations. The "rock star" part of this was pretty muted. Yeah, they are a band on tour. Sure, they play concerts, have to deal with ridiculously forward fan girls, manage to throw lovely ballads together in no time at all, etc. But it didn't really have that "rock star romance" sort of vibe to the story. Probably that is because Brad, the hero of this story, doesn't really live the stereotypical rock star lifestyle. He and Marin, the heroine, pretty much hang out together all the time once they form a friendship when Marin joins the tour for a publicity internship. There are (let me honest) disgusting fan girls who show up at random moments, but Brad doesn't give them a second of notice. He simply sees Marin and instantly feels a connection to her.
As for the "geeky" part of this romance ... that was pretty muted too. Brad mentions his love of coding games, and occasionally he is shown working on this, but for a guy who has this as a dream, he doesn't really do much with it for the entirety of this story. Even the Seinfeld angle which is mentioned in the blurb is just a blip in the story. Fans of Seinfeld know that there are a ton of Seinfeld angles you could use to show this couple's interest in the show, but other than them mentioning it once or twice, it seems to just be thrown into the story without any really adding much to the characterization of relationship.
Here's my real beef with this story ... okay two of them. First of all, I have begun to realize that I HATE the story lines where one member of a couple refuses to commit because they don't want to end up like mom/dad. I really, really hate this. You don't want to be like mom or dad? Then DON'T be like mom or dad! It's that simple. Marin spent a good portion of this story pushing Brad away from anything deeper because she didn't want to end up like her mom. But we never really get to know exactly what her mom had done that was so bad for most of the story. Because we don't know what it was, it was hard to feel supportive of Marin's actions because they seemed ridiculous. And then when we figure out just how bad Marin's mom was? What a let down. Yeah, it was bad. But it was one choice. It wasn't an inherent character flaw that somehow gets passed from mother to daughter. It was an affair. Marin and Brad were not having an affair. So what was the frigging problem??????? So stupid. And I had no patience for it.
But then there was a second issue. Brad was lovely for most of this story. So nice and supportive and understanding. He was close to perfect. That made his actions at the end of the story so unexpected and disappointing. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that you can't paint a man as being super supportive and understanding and then have him flip out without warning. He can't be a man who is shown to be trusting, only to turn into Mr. Conspiracy Detective in five seconds. It was jarring, and I quickly went from loving Brad to wishing that he spent months of time in the dog house for his actions. Grrr. It made his just-how-you'd-expect-it-to-happen-in-a-story-like-this apology moment less than stellar. I was still ticked at him.
But this still gets three stars. It was well written, and I'm sure it will hit the spot for lots of fans of this particular niche of romances. The audio narration was phenomenal. You almost can't go wrong with a duo of Sebastian York and Erin Mallon. That made it worth the time. I didn't hate this at all. I just wish that it had been all that I hoped it to be. I give it three stars. I liked it.
Well ... this one didn't quite live up to my expectations. The "rock star" part of this was pretty muted. Yeah, they are a band on tour. Sure, they play concerts, have to deal with ridiculously forward fan girls, manage to throw lovely ballads together in no time at all, etc. But it didn't really have that "rock star romance" sort of vibe to the story. Probably that is because Brad, the hero of this story, doesn't really live the stereotypical rock star lifestyle. He and Marin, the heroine, pretty much hang out together all the time once they form a friendship when Marin joins the tour for a publicity internship. There are (let me honest) disgusting fan girls who show up at random moments, but Brad doesn't give them a second of notice. He simply sees Marin and instantly feels a connection to her.
As for the "geeky" part of this romance ... that was pretty muted too. Brad mentions his love of coding games, and occasionally he is shown working on this, but for a guy who has this as a dream, he doesn't really do much with it for the entirety of this story. Even the Seinfeld angle which is mentioned in the blurb is just a blip in the story. Fans of Seinfeld know that there are a ton of Seinfeld angles you could use to show this couple's interest in the show, but other than them mentioning it once or twice, it seems to just be thrown into the story without any really adding much to the characterization of relationship.
Here's my real beef with this story ... okay two of them. First of all, I have begun to realize that I HATE the story lines where one member of a couple refuses to commit because they don't want to end up like mom/dad. I really, really hate this. You don't want to be like mom or dad? Then DON'T be like mom or dad! It's that simple. Marin spent a good portion of this story pushing Brad away from anything deeper because she didn't want to end up like her mom. But we never really get to know exactly what her mom had done that was so bad for most of the story. Because we don't know what it was, it was hard to feel supportive of Marin's actions because they seemed ridiculous. And then when we figure out just how bad Marin's mom was? What a let down. Yeah, it was bad. But it was one choice. It wasn't an inherent character flaw that somehow gets passed from mother to daughter. It was an affair. Marin and Brad were not having an affair. So what was the frigging problem??????? So stupid. And I had no patience for it.
But then there was a second issue. Brad was lovely for most of this story. So nice and supportive and understanding. He was close to perfect. That made his actions at the end of the story so unexpected and disappointing. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that you can't paint a man as being super supportive and understanding and then have him flip out without warning. He can't be a man who is shown to be trusting, only to turn into Mr. Conspiracy Detective in five seconds. It was jarring, and I quickly went from loving Brad to wishing that he spent months of time in the dog house for his actions. Grrr. It made his just-how-you'd-expect-it-to-happen-in-a-story-like-this apology moment less than stellar. I was still ticked at him.
But this still gets three stars. It was well written, and I'm sure it will hit the spot for lots of fans of this particular niche of romances. The audio narration was phenomenal. You almost can't go wrong with a duo of Sebastian York and Erin Mallon. That made it worth the time. I didn't hate this at all. I just wish that it had been all that I hoped it to be. I give it three stars. I liked it.
May 21, 2019
🌟 Thank you Lisa Becker for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🌟
Y’all. This book. I read it in one sitting and it was SO DAMN GOOD!!! Remember when I was sharing how much I loved You’d Be Mine a couple months ago? This reminded me so much of that book in the best ways possible. But with adults and steam! Turns out I might have a soft spot for romances set around the music industry and touring.
Starfish was my first Becker book, but it sure as hell won’t be my last. I absolutely LOVED everything about this story!
Marin is a recent graduate who accepts an intense internship with a well known PR firm. Her first assignment? Go on tour with the rock band Kings Quarters for four months. Suddenly she goes from grad school to being on a tour bus with a bunch of practical joking band mates. And Brad, the member of the band she knows she shouldn’t be attracted to.
This was delightful! Marin knows she shouldn’t date a client after working so hard to get her internship, but the attraction between her and Brad is obvious. This is very much a slow burn instant love, but also a friends-to-lovers. Brad and Marin’s relationship develops as friends as they travel on tour. But once it becomes more...😏🔥 There’s a scene set in Ojai (one of my favorite places!) that was definitely worth the wait! I also very much appreciated Brad’s true passion being coding (wife of a handsome nerd and software engineer over here). He’s the perfect talented and nerdy book boyfriend!
I will say, there’s one part that made me cry a bit towards the end. Not to mention the reason the book is named Starfish, it hit me right in the feels. I was VERY invested in their story after spending the evening with them! But Lisa blessed us with TWO very satisfying epilogues. Ugh, I loved this one so much! Obviously five stars!
I highly recommend reading this delightful romance when it’s released on May 21st!
Y’all. This book. I read it in one sitting and it was SO DAMN GOOD!!! Remember when I was sharing how much I loved You’d Be Mine a couple months ago? This reminded me so much of that book in the best ways possible. But with adults and steam! Turns out I might have a soft spot for romances set around the music industry and touring.
Starfish was my first Becker book, but it sure as hell won’t be my last. I absolutely LOVED everything about this story!
Marin is a recent graduate who accepts an intense internship with a well known PR firm. Her first assignment? Go on tour with the rock band Kings Quarters for four months. Suddenly she goes from grad school to being on a tour bus with a bunch of practical joking band mates. And Brad, the member of the band she knows she shouldn’t be attracted to.
This was delightful! Marin knows she shouldn’t date a client after working so hard to get her internship, but the attraction between her and Brad is obvious. This is very much a slow burn instant love, but also a friends-to-lovers. Brad and Marin’s relationship develops as friends as they travel on tour. But once it becomes more...😏🔥 There’s a scene set in Ojai (one of my favorite places!) that was definitely worth the wait! I also very much appreciated Brad’s true passion being coding (wife of a handsome nerd and software engineer over here). He’s the perfect talented and nerdy book boyfriend!
I will say, there’s one part that made me cry a bit towards the end. Not to mention the reason the book is named Starfish, it hit me right in the feels. I was VERY invested in their story after spending the evening with them! But Lisa blessed us with TWO very satisfying epilogues. Ugh, I loved this one so much! Obviously five stars!
I highly recommend reading this delightful romance when it’s released on May 21st!
August 5, 2019
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It's absolutely wonderful and will make your heart light up in spots you may have forgotten about. I experienced so many feelings while reading Starfish and I loved every second of it!
Marin is a recent graduate who's interning for a prominent PR firm. She's eagerly anticipating an assignment in Seattle, but is instead shocked and disappointed to learn she'll be joining rock band, Kings Quarters, on their four-month-long summer tour. Tour buses, hotel life, and practical joking band members aren't exactly what she had in mind for her first foray into the world of PR. The band's guitarist Brad, however, is someone she'd like to get to know better -- except she knows she shouldn't feel that way since she's working for his band.
Brad and Marin's chemistry is instantly apparent but they both work hard to keep it concealed. Initially they become friends and then the story gets heart clenching, tension filled, slow burn, and a little bit angsty -- if you enjoy the conflict of a couple trying not to be a couple, you will love Brad and Marin. And I won't reveal much, but when that tension is released it is sooooo good and definitely worth the wait!
I really connected with Marin as she struggled over her feelings for Brad, especially since dating a client is off limits and she worked so hard to get this internship. Brad isn't your typical rock star hero which is a fun twist on his character. He's grown tired of the rock star life and would like to be free to pursue his passion for computer and video game programming -- hello sexy AND smart book boyfriend (and my hubby is a computer programmer so he's completely okay with my appreciation of Brad's nerdy side).
If you love contemporary romance, rock stars (or computer guys), independent and career-driven heroines, or friends-to-lovers slow burn romance, you need to read Starfish! I couldn't get enough of this adorable couple and their flirty, fun love story.
Marin is a recent graduate who's interning for a prominent PR firm. She's eagerly anticipating an assignment in Seattle, but is instead shocked and disappointed to learn she'll be joining rock band, Kings Quarters, on their four-month-long summer tour. Tour buses, hotel life, and practical joking band members aren't exactly what she had in mind for her first foray into the world of PR. The band's guitarist Brad, however, is someone she'd like to get to know better -- except she knows she shouldn't feel that way since she's working for his band.
Brad and Marin's chemistry is instantly apparent but they both work hard to keep it concealed. Initially they become friends and then the story gets heart clenching, tension filled, slow burn, and a little bit angsty -- if you enjoy the conflict of a couple trying not to be a couple, you will love Brad and Marin. And I won't reveal much, but when that tension is released it is sooooo good and definitely worth the wait!
I really connected with Marin as she struggled over her feelings for Brad, especially since dating a client is off limits and she worked so hard to get this internship. Brad isn't your typical rock star hero which is a fun twist on his character. He's grown tired of the rock star life and would like to be free to pursue his passion for computer and video game programming -- hello sexy AND smart book boyfriend (and my hubby is a computer programmer so he's completely okay with my appreciation of Brad's nerdy side).
If you love contemporary romance, rock stars (or computer guys), independent and career-driven heroines, or friends-to-lovers slow burn romance, you need to read Starfish! I couldn't get enough of this adorable couple and their flirty, fun love story.
March 19, 2020
What a cute twist on the rock star romance! There's a bit of forbidden (boss/employee), forced proximity, and a delicious slow burn in Starfish, as well as lots of laughs thanks to some very inventive pranks. The behind the scenes and the details of the what goes on during a band tour were really interesting. I enjoyed the build up between Marin and Brad (though there's quite a bit of instalust at the start), and how their relationship went from friendship to more. The adorkable moments were the best (Harry Potter! Star Wars!) and I loved that they had so much more than just a physical connection. There was some drama late in the book that felt a bit over the top, but given the situation, it was easy to understand how assumptions and emotions could get out of hand quickly. I really loved the epilogue though and the peek into the future for the band was just right. There's also a novella available called Dear Future Self, which is about the former front man for Kings Quarter, Jase Connors.
Erin Mallon and Sebastian York were fantastic as usual and I am always impressed with their range and ability to voice male and female characters so well. York's voice was a smidge too deep for me since Brad was described as more lean and not quite as over the top alpha as some other romance heroes, but I still loved his performance.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
🎧AudiobookObsession
Erin Mallon and Sebastian York were fantastic as usual and I am always impressed with their range and ability to voice male and female characters so well. York's voice was a smidge too deep for me since Brad was described as more lean and not quite as over the top alpha as some other romance heroes, but I still loved his performance.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
🎧AudiobookObsession
March 8, 2025
I started *Starfish* today and literally couldn’t stop until I’d devoured the entire thing. I ditched all my adulting duties and got completely lost in this book. Marin and Brad had me hooked from the first page, and their slow-burn, forbidden rockstar romance was pure perfection. If you’re into rockstar romances, trust me, you need to read this one!
October 10, 2019
In Starfish, Marin has been vying to get assigned to an elite tech-y internship, but instead - the poor thing - gets assigned to spend months on a tour bus with a bunch of super hot rock stars. Not a bad gig right?
Well, for studious, hardworking Marin, it’s definitely not what she had in mind. She’s kind bitter about it, but she will do her job, and not complain, and prove to her boss that she is a rockstar employee. And she will definitely NOT hook up with super hot rock star Brad who flirts with her, and is so sweet... and did I mention he’s super hot?
Nope, she will definitely not be hooking up with Brad…right? 🙄
Guys, this one was FUN! I felt like I was thrown on tour as a Band-Aid a la the movie Almost Famous and driving across the country living the rock star life, while slowly watching an adorable relationship bloom. The dynamic among the guys (the hysterical pranks!), her best friend Grace, and the flirtation and build up between Brad and Marin, was all such a delight to read.
I highly recommend you jump on the Starfish tour bus and go for a ride. It’s sweet, and sexy, and full of heart and it just might be the next big thing.
Well, for studious, hardworking Marin, it’s definitely not what she had in mind. She’s kind bitter about it, but she will do her job, and not complain, and prove to her boss that she is a rockstar employee. And she will definitely NOT hook up with super hot rock star Brad who flirts with her, and is so sweet... and did I mention he’s super hot?
Nope, she will definitely not be hooking up with Brad…right? 🙄
Guys, this one was FUN! I felt like I was thrown on tour as a Band-Aid a la the movie Almost Famous and driving across the country living the rock star life, while slowly watching an adorable relationship bloom. The dynamic among the guys (the hysterical pranks!), her best friend Grace, and the flirtation and build up between Brad and Marin, was all such a delight to read.
I highly recommend you jump on the Starfish tour bus and go for a ride. It’s sweet, and sexy, and full of heart and it just might be the next big thing.
September 25, 2019
“I want to give you more. I want to give you everything”
Lisa Becker is a new to me author but when I saw that Starfish was a Rockstar romance I was in!
Brad was so swoony, some of the things he did and said to Marin just got me straight in the feels.
Brad has other hopes and dreams other than the band and Marin encourages him to follow his dreams which I loved.
I loved Grace, everyone needs a friend like her, some of the stuff she said made me LOL.
The reason this is 4 stars for me is because there was a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming and I didn’t like the way that Brad reacted to it. He was in love with Marin but the first thing he did was blame her and jump to conclusions without hearing her out. That just didn’t sit right with me.
If you enjoy a slow burn rockstar romance then this is the book for you.
Lisa Becker is a new to me author but when I saw that Starfish was a Rockstar romance I was in!
Brad was so swoony, some of the things he did and said to Marin just got me straight in the feels.
Brad has other hopes and dreams other than the band and Marin encourages him to follow his dreams which I loved.
I loved Grace, everyone needs a friend like her, some of the stuff she said made me LOL.
The reason this is 4 stars for me is because there was a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming and I didn’t like the way that Brad reacted to it. He was in love with Marin but the first thing he did was blame her and jump to conclusions without hearing her out. That just didn’t sit right with me.
If you enjoy a slow burn rockstar romance then this is the book for you.
May 8, 2019
4.5/5.0
This forbidden love story warms the heart and provides lots of fun and quite a bit of drama as Marin joins the band on their tour bus.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This forbidden love story warms the heart and provides lots of fun and quite a bit of drama as Marin joins the band on their tour bus.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 23, 2019
I listened to this through Audible Express. Lisa Becker is a new to me author.
I loved the blurb, it intrigued me. I'm not usually a fan of rock star romances. There have been exceptions. This is definitely one of them.
I liked Brad and Marin.
This is a slow burn, which I love. Some of the early parts of the book had a lot of routine details that could have been cut to move the story forward.
I love it when the H and h become friends. Brad is very smart and musically talented.
I really enjoyed Erin Mallon's and Sebastian York's narration.
I loved Brad and Marin's chemistry .
I look forward to more books by this author.
I loved the blurb, it intrigued me. I'm not usually a fan of rock star romances. There have been exceptions. This is definitely one of them.
I liked Brad and Marin.
This is a slow burn, which I love. Some of the early parts of the book had a lot of routine details that could have been cut to move the story forward.
I love it when the H and h become friends. Brad is very smart and musically talented.
I really enjoyed Erin Mallon's and Sebastian York's narration.
I loved Brad and Marin's chemistry .
I look forward to more books by this author.
May 17, 2019
I'd enjoyed the other two books I'd read by this author, so was very excited to hear she had written a rock star romance, because those are one of my favorite types of stories these days.
While at first I was hooked pretty quickly, unfortunately, this one didn't quite work for me in the end. It had a few parts that I did enjoy, and there was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but even that messed up some things for me.
I was disappointed in this one because I'd enjoyed the other two of her books that I'd read so much. And hey, maybe I'm in the minority here, because everyone who reviewed on Goodreads so far loved this one it seems. I'll let you take what you want from this review, but what I'd suggest is to go back and read one of her other books that I really enjoyed, Links or Clutch. I hate posting a negative review, because I am grateful for getting the chance to read this one, but I have to be honest.
You can read my full, original review at Lisa Loves Literature.
While at first I was hooked pretty quickly, unfortunately, this one didn't quite work for me in the end. It had a few parts that I did enjoy, and there was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but even that messed up some things for me.
I was disappointed in this one because I'd enjoyed the other two of her books that I'd read so much. And hey, maybe I'm in the minority here, because everyone who reviewed on Goodreads so far loved this one it seems. I'll let you take what you want from this review, but what I'd suggest is to go back and read one of her other books that I really enjoyed, Links or Clutch. I hate posting a negative review, because I am grateful for getting the chance to read this one, but I have to be honest.
You can read my full, original review at Lisa Loves Literature.
March 22, 2019
Lisa's story telling is bright, witty, and fun! I'm sure she is going to turn this into a series with each band members unique story being told. It was a good introduction to Kong's Quarter🎸🎵🎶🎹
January 30, 2020
After getting her MBA, Marin takes an internship at a prestigious PR firm, assuming that she’ll be working for one of their trendy tech startup clients. Instead she finds herself assigned to tour with the rock band King’s Quarters (dream job, right?) and she is absolutely determined to keep things professional even though she’s spending her summer on the band’s tour bus.
I loved the buildup to Marin and Brad’s relationship and the slow burn was worth it! 🔥 I was annoyed on Marin’s hang up about turning out like her mother, but did understand that she wanted to keep things strictly professional with the band. Starfish was such a fun, refreshing read and totally reminded me of a CLo book. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a rockstar romance. I can’t wait to see what Lisa writes next for the guys of King’s Quarters.
Narration; Sebastian York and Erin Mallon narrate, and I can’t believe I haven’t listened to an audiobook narrated by of them before. Both are narrators I’ve listened to multiple times and would recommend. 4/5
Thanks to the author for providing me an audio copy for review.
I loved the buildup to Marin and Brad’s relationship and the slow burn was worth it! 🔥 I was annoyed on Marin’s hang up about turning out like her mother, but did understand that she wanted to keep things strictly professional with the band. Starfish was such a fun, refreshing read and totally reminded me of a CLo book. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a rockstar romance. I can’t wait to see what Lisa writes next for the guys of King’s Quarters.
Narration; Sebastian York and Erin Mallon narrate, and I can’t believe I haven’t listened to an audiobook narrated by of them before. Both are narrators I’ve listened to multiple times and would recommend. 4/5
Thanks to the author for providing me an audio copy for review.
May 21, 2019
4.5 stars
I really liked this book a lot..I always say this every time I read a Lisa Becker book but her books are such breath of fresh air. They are always so fun..lighthearted and witty.
Marin is an ambitious PR intern who’s waiting to be assigned to her dream job instead she’s assigned to a rock band named Kings Quarters. Needless to say she’s not happy about it. Brad is the lead guitarist in the band and the minute he meets Marin he’s instantly attracted to her.
Over the next few weeks they become friends and eventually one thing leads to another despite how much Marin doesn’t want to cross that professional line with Brad.
To me I feel like Starfish was a bit more sexier than her other books and I liked that a lot....it’s also a slow burn but it’s very entertaining and not boring in any way. Sometimes with slow burns I lose interest quick but I absolutely loved Brad and Marin’s chemistry. My only complaint is that it was slow in some spots but other than that Starfish was perfection.
*Thank you to the author for generously proving an ARC*
I really liked this book a lot..I always say this every time I read a Lisa Becker book but her books are such breath of fresh air. They are always so fun..lighthearted and witty.
Marin is an ambitious PR intern who’s waiting to be assigned to her dream job instead she’s assigned to a rock band named Kings Quarters. Needless to say she’s not happy about it. Brad is the lead guitarist in the band and the minute he meets Marin he’s instantly attracted to her.
Over the next few weeks they become friends and eventually one thing leads to another despite how much Marin doesn’t want to cross that professional line with Brad.
To me I feel like Starfish was a bit more sexier than her other books and I liked that a lot....it’s also a slow burn but it’s very entertaining and not boring in any way. Sometimes with slow burns I lose interest quick but I absolutely loved Brad and Marin’s chemistry. My only complaint is that it was slow in some spots but other than that Starfish was perfection.
*Thank you to the author for generously proving an ARC*
May 27, 2019
❤❤❤❤❤
This is the second Lisa Becker book I'm rating in hearts, because really: 😍😍😍.
I'm absolutely smitten. I fell in love with everything about it. It was so much fun and the tension and build up was the best. As are the characters, I can't even begin to try and describe my love for these two.
I have to confess that while Lisa Becker is on my insta-read list, I kind of hesitated with this one. I was not in the mood for a love story. Especially one that is centered around the main character's career. But, as it turns out, it's exactly what I needed. I was in such a low mood when I started this, I even worried a bit that it might effect my overall thoughts about it, but I quickly got so caught up in the story that everything else was forgotten. It became like a safe place for me.
It's been two weeks since I finsihed reading it and I'm still not anywhere near getting over how much I loved it.
This is the second Lisa Becker book I'm rating in hearts, because really: 😍😍😍.
I'm absolutely smitten. I fell in love with everything about it. It was so much fun and the tension and build up was the best. As are the characters, I can't even begin to try and describe my love for these two.
I have to confess that while Lisa Becker is on my insta-read list, I kind of hesitated with this one. I was not in the mood for a love story. Especially one that is centered around the main character's career. But, as it turns out, it's exactly what I needed. I was in such a low mood when I started this, I even worried a bit that it might effect my overall thoughts about it, but I quickly got so caught up in the story that everything else was forgotten. It became like a safe place for me.
It's been two weeks since I finsihed reading it and I'm still not anywhere near getting over how much I loved it.
Read
March 19, 2021I hope you'll fall in love with Marin and Brad's story, which combines heart, heat, humor and hogging the bed into a light and breezy love story. Enjoy! Enjoy!
Want to read
June 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/29/2019)! 🎁
May 22, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Will Marin stop second-guessing her life choices?
Starfish by Lisa Becker is another romance novel by this fantastic author that was hard to put down. It was steamier than the other two books that I have read of Ms. Becker’s. The characters are both excellent, and they are realistic.
Marin Collins
Marin Collins is the first point-of-view character that we met, and she is very determined to make a name for herself and not follow in her mom’s footsteps. This action is something that she struggles with throughout the whole book since it’s something that she doesn’t want to do. She does get through it, though, and that is an excellent thing.
What I like about Marin is that despite all the hardships she has faced, she still is a strong person and is trying to do things the way she wants. She is a great character that has grown a lot throughout this book. I especially like it when she starts to change her mind about working with the band in the first place.
The thing that I don’t like about her is that she doesn’t want to be like her mom, but she never really gave her mom a chance to make things right with her.
Brad Osterhauser
Brad Osterhauser is the second point-of-view character that we met, and he is struggling with how to tell his brother some things. He is the lead guitarist of Kings Quarters. Brad is a great guy and loves his family more than anything, which is why he is still in the band even though it’s not his passion anymore. These two make a sweet couple, and Brad tries to do what is best for Marin.
What I like about Brad is that he loves to joke around like any regular guy, especially around friends. He is very much in love with Marin, and it shows throughout the book as he changes once Marin joins the tour with them. The only thing that I didn’t like about him is that he believed Sasha, Marin’s boss, and Damon, his manager, that Marin leaked something when she shouldn’t have.
Five Stars
I am giving Starfish by Lisa Becker five stars and recommending it to all adult contemporary romance lovers out there. Despite all the odds stacked up against these two, mostly by Marin, they prevailed and came out stronger than ever.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Starfish by Lisa Becker.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Starfish by Lisa Becker is another romance novel by this fantastic author that was hard to put down. It was steamier than the other two books that I have read of Ms. Becker’s. The characters are both excellent, and they are realistic.
Marin Collins
Marin Collins is the first point-of-view character that we met, and she is very determined to make a name for herself and not follow in her mom’s footsteps. This action is something that she struggles with throughout the whole book since it’s something that she doesn’t want to do. She does get through it, though, and that is an excellent thing.
What I like about Marin is that despite all the hardships she has faced, she still is a strong person and is trying to do things the way she wants. She is a great character that has grown a lot throughout this book. I especially like it when she starts to change her mind about working with the band in the first place.
The thing that I don’t like about her is that she doesn’t want to be like her mom, but she never really gave her mom a chance to make things right with her.
Brad Osterhauser
Brad Osterhauser is the second point-of-view character that we met, and he is struggling with how to tell his brother some things. He is the lead guitarist of Kings Quarters. Brad is a great guy and loves his family more than anything, which is why he is still in the band even though it’s not his passion anymore. These two make a sweet couple, and Brad tries to do what is best for Marin.
What I like about Brad is that he loves to joke around like any regular guy, especially around friends. He is very much in love with Marin, and it shows throughout the book as he changes once Marin joins the tour with them. The only thing that I didn’t like about him is that he believed Sasha, Marin’s boss, and Damon, his manager, that Marin leaked something when she shouldn’t have.
Five Stars
I am giving Starfish by Lisa Becker five stars and recommending it to all adult contemporary romance lovers out there. Despite all the odds stacked up against these two, mostly by Marin, they prevailed and came out stronger than ever.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Starfish by Lisa Becker.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 25, 2019
Starfish by Lisa Becker follows Marin and Brad. Fresh off her internship, Marin is hopefully anticipating job placement at a tech company in Seattle. Much to her surprise and dismay, she gets assigned to follow rock band Kings Quarters on tour and work on boosting their social media presence. Her time on the road is initially filled with juvenile pranks and the boys’ antics and she wishes she were anywhere else..
Of all the band members, she feels an instant connection to Brad. He’s smart, considerate, a dedicated brother and he has other passions outside of music. They begin to bond over tv reruns when she’s continually misplaced from her hotel room when her roommate wants to spend alone time with her boyfriend. What starts out innocent threatens to bloom into something more but Marin has one rule: don’t get involved with anyone you work with...
I LOVED this one. The back and forth between Brad and Marin was witty and sharp. I loved that Brad had so many layers to him. This one is a slowww burn but the payoff is so worth it. There is a getaway trip that is just pure perfection. The story behind the book’s namesake is also perfection (and I too am one of these!) For you romance lovers that want two characters to just adore with some banter and a little heat - this one will rock your world! // ☕️☕️☕️☕️ 1/2
Thank you Lisa Becker for sending me a copy of Starfish in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
Of all the band members, she feels an instant connection to Brad. He’s smart, considerate, a dedicated brother and he has other passions outside of music. They begin to bond over tv reruns when she’s continually misplaced from her hotel room when her roommate wants to spend alone time with her boyfriend. What starts out innocent threatens to bloom into something more but Marin has one rule: don’t get involved with anyone you work with...
I LOVED this one. The back and forth between Brad and Marin was witty and sharp. I loved that Brad had so many layers to him. This one is a slowww burn but the payoff is so worth it. There is a getaway trip that is just pure perfection. The story behind the book’s namesake is also perfection (and I too am one of these!) For you romance lovers that want two characters to just adore with some banter and a little heat - this one will rock your world! // ☕️☕️☕️☕️ 1/2
Thank you Lisa Becker for sending me a copy of Starfish in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
July 24, 2019
This book. 😍
I wasn’t sure what to read last night. After a completely entertaining brief interaction with the author of this book, I thought heck she’s right why haven’t I read it?! I thought to myself I’ll start this tonight. What resulted was me inhaling the entire book in one sitting like it was a pint of ice cream. The author is a successful book #influencer ...
IF you are a fan of smiling. IF you are a fan of happiness. IF you are a fan of romance with no cheating, no games, no pretense, no general douchebaggery, well then go ahead and read STARFISH by Lisa Becker. You will be entertained. Your heart will thank you.
This is a slowburn bit of goodness that is similar to the crackling “friendship” that Mariana Zapata also does so well.
I wasn’t sure what to read last night. After a completely entertaining brief interaction with the author of this book, I thought heck she’s right why haven’t I read it?! I thought to myself I’ll start this tonight. What resulted was me inhaling the entire book in one sitting like it was a pint of ice cream. The author is a successful book #influencer ...
IF you are a fan of smiling. IF you are a fan of happiness. IF you are a fan of romance with no cheating, no games, no pretense, no general douchebaggery, well then go ahead and read STARFISH by Lisa Becker. You will be entertained. Your heart will thank you.
This is a slowburn bit of goodness that is similar to the crackling “friendship” that Mariana Zapata also does so well.
September 24, 2020
(audiobook+ebook) This book charmed me with its perfect balance of sweet and steam. Brad and Marin share tender friendly moments, while desire burns in their blood until they can’t deny it anymore. And when they finally do the deed, it’s passionate and hot. Perfect balance. And there’s a lot of fun too! Hilarious situations, playful conversations, some stupid games, crazy side characters… there’s a good laugh here.
I didn’t buy the reason why Marin refuses a relationship with Brad though, nor the way they end it–don’t worry, there IS a HEA. They both look more like excuses than good reasons. But hey, even in real life, people make stupid decisions.
Two talented narrators perform the audiobook, giving life to the main couple, but also to an array of fun characters–you’ll love Grace, and Oliver.
Sweet, steamy, fun, and with a beautiful HEA. Why haven’t you read it already?
Quickie
- Series: Starfish: a rock star romance #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #rock star romance #nerds #slow burn
- Triggers: substance abuse
- Main couple: Marin Collins & Brad Osterhauser
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I love how they become good friends before they become lovers
- – trust, Brad, you should learn to give some
I didn’t buy the reason why Marin refuses a relationship with Brad though, nor the way they end it–don’t worry, there IS a HEA. They both look more like excuses than good reasons. But hey, even in real life, people make stupid decisions.
Two talented narrators perform the audiobook, giving life to the main couple, but also to an array of fun characters–you’ll love Grace, and Oliver.
Sweet, steamy, fun, and with a beautiful HEA. Why haven’t you read it already?
Quickie
- Series: Starfish: a rock star romance #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #rock star romance #nerds #slow burn
- Triggers: substance abuse
- Main couple: Marin Collins & Brad Osterhauser
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I love how they become good friends before they become lovers
- – trust, Brad, you should learn to give some
May 24, 2019
Lisa Becker has some very solid novels, so I was looking forward to reading Starfish. Marin was a great lead character to follow - driven, motivated, and of course - slightly flawed with some family issues. I enjoyed the dual perspectives and that we also got into Brad’s thoughts, and I thought he was very well-written as a male character - and a rock star at that! There were a lot of layers to this story, from celebrity and fame to romance and betrayal, and I enjoyed this from start to finish. Definitely a great addition to your summer reading list!
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
June 26, 2020
The best thing about this book besides seeing Marin and Brad fall for one another, was Grace. There were so many time where I just kept thinking that I hope she gets her own story. She stole every scene she was in.
Marin and Brad had immediate chemistry, but I'm glad this was more of a slow burn because if they would have started up right away, it would have made Marin more like every other woman who throws themselves at rock stars.
Building up their friendship and attraction made this more believable.
Marin and Brad had immediate chemistry, but I'm glad this was more of a slow burn because if they would have started up right away, it would have made Marin more like every other woman who throws themselves at rock stars.
Building up their friendship and attraction made this more believable.
April 19, 2019
Ahhh another beautiful novel by the exceptional writer Lisa Becker. I can't seem to get enough of her books. I am feeling so lucky to have gotten an arc addition of this rock romance before it's officially out.
Marin and Brad were so sweet and easy to talk in love with. Their romance was anything but easy but you just knew they were meant to be. Her refusals to hook up and his constant banter just made this novel an emotionally charged read that I won't soon forget.
Marin and Brad were so sweet and easy to talk in love with. Their romance was anything but easy but you just knew they were meant to be. Her refusals to hook up and his constant banter just made this novel an emotionally charged read that I won't soon forget.
July 31, 2019
I received Starfish: A Rockstar Romance for free for an honest review and I am so glad I was able to read this one! I love the Characters Marin and Brad. I love how driven and honest Marin’s character is. I love How Brad makes Marin open up more and realize that is okay to have fun and live a little. It was fun seeing how their relationship grew. I also really enjoyed the the slow burn romance in this story. I also really enjoyed that is was a believable relationship and what the main character and side characters as a rockstar would go though.
Thank you so much Lisa Becker for the ebook!! I really enjoyed it! Thank you for giving me a chance to read and review your book!
Thank you so much Lisa Becker for the ebook!! I really enjoyed it! Thank you for giving me a chance to read and review your book!
July 28, 2019
This was a sweet, romantic book. I loved Marin and Brad. Everyone deserves a best friend like Grace.
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