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Pretty Boy Rock #1

Phoenix Rising: Issue #1

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From USA Today bestselling authors, S.R. Watson and Ryan Stacks, comes a binge-worthy, rock star romance. The Pretty Boy Rock series is complete. Are you ready to indulge in this twisted hotness?

Phoenix’s bandmate has one rule: his sister is off limits. But Phoenix has never been very good about following the rules.

After a lifetime of being used, Phoenix’s walls are up, and there’s only one thing he wants: a woman to fully submit to him. Which turns out isn’t so hard to find as a rock star. In fact, he has never met a woman he couldn't conquer, until he meets Harlow...

Harlow is Phoenix’s bandmate’s sister, and completely off limits to the band. But as far as Harlow is concerned, she’s off limits to all men after what happened. Yet despite the secrets they both keep, Phoenix is drawn to Harlow like a moth to the flame. She doesn’t like what he stands for, but he’s turned on by the rebellion and determined to bring down her walls.

There’s only one thing he didn’t see coming …

That she would bring down his.

Phoenix Rising: Issue #1 puts a rock star twist on novels like Fifty Shades of Grey and The Steel Brothers Saga!

Scroll up and one click to see why readers are saying this rock star romance is making their bodies thrum and their hearts sing.

304 pages, ebook

First published October 15, 2020

249 people are currently reading
550 people want to read

About the author

S.R. Watson

39 books1,174 followers

USA Today bestselling author, S R Watson, is a Texas native who currently resides in Seattle, Washington. She writes contemporary, new adult, suspense, and a couple of sweet romance titles under the pen name S.Renée. She co-authors with Ryan Stacks and together the duo is planning to tap into the world of fantasy / paranormal.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wn8Adq

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5 stars
140 (45%)
4 stars
91 (29%)
3 stars
41 (13%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
1 star
21 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Alison.
1,507 reviews107 followers
April 25, 2021
Stars: 2
Length: Full Length
POV: Dual
Series: Phoenix Rising: Issue #1 (Pretty Boy Rock Series #1)
Ending: Cliffhanger
Re-read? NO

"The fact that I fucked Sasha set us back tremendously."

A heads up that I'm going to leave the same review for all three books in this series, I didn't find any of the books to be better than the other they were all disappointing.

Firstly, Phoenix is horrible. He is an arrogant asshole who only cares about sleeping with random women and even has rules about what he'll do with them depending on their attitude. He's disgusting. Does he change his ways after he meets our heroine? As you can tell by the quote above, no, no he doesn't. This is before the guy even has a record contract and is just playing local clubs. Sure there is an interesting twist in the story but not enough for me to not hate him and hope that he gets a venereal disease and his penis falls off.

Then we have poor stupid stupid stupid Harlow. This girl, ugh! I genuinely feel bad for her about what happened in her past but she needs to grow a spine. She runs around sniffing and Phoenix's heels. Get yourself some self respect girl. How many times can this guy play hot and cold with you and sleep with other women and have you right there waiting for him?

Honestly just horrible characters that made the story unbearable. The only reason I gave it two stars instead one one was because it was relatively well written I suppose. I will never touch this series again and don't know if I'll read anything else from this author ever. Don't walk from this book. RUN!
Profile Image for Dawn.
530 reviews
February 17, 2021
The fact that this is what the heroine says about herself and the guy who can’t stay faithful and her brother just destroy her self confidence says everything you need to know about this series... if you like to see a selfish man take advantage of of a young girl who has been raped by her stepfather to break her down and turn her into his “sub” (all while he is still out screwing other women, until the THIRD BOOK!) then this is for you.

“No, Lil. He’s right. Me spreading my skank ass legs is what caused all this. I mean, who can blame Phoenix for any of this? He is, after all, a guy, and it’s normal behavior for a guy to fuck around. I should have thought about the repercussions of my actions on the band and acted accordingly for both of us. We both knew the consequences, which is why we kept it a secret. Still, I should have been the one to say no, right?”
Profile Image for Rain .
211 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2021
Awful.

Look I love dark reads, but this is t even dark. He is a baby dim who manipulates a rape victim into becoming his fantasy with no worry about her self confidence or trauma. There is nothing showing that they are having a “scene” or aftercare etc. There is no equality, he takes not time to reassure her that hat it is a scene and hell her build herself up. This is what the girl is saying about herself in the third book for Pete’s sake! Where is the hero or her brother to make her understand that she has value. No the hero spends all of his time tearing her down (especially) in the bedroom but outside of it as well. He still won’t label his commitment or swear off women until the end of the third book. She just waits around for him even after she knows he has been with other women. Good lord author give this grim a backbone. You obviously have no idea how a Dom/Sub relationship works. He was a a predator who took advantage of a weak traumatized girl and never once thought about what was best for her. I mean good lord even once he realized everything that had happened to her, he still doesn’t suggest therapy etc. Nope he keeps preying in her to keep her (as this authors bad idea of) a sub. These authors need to find another genre because they could not have done this worse. Reading 50 shades, does not an expert make... Here is the nail in the coffin of this book...
This is what the heroine truly thinks about his being a cheating ahole, and her brother attacking her, blaming her (who is almost a child) for her screwing his band mate.
“No, Lil. He’s right. Me spreading my skank ass legs is what caused all this. I mean, who can blame Phoenix for any of this? He is, after all, a guy, and it’s normal behavior for a guy to fuck around. I should have thought about the repercussions of my actions on the band and acted accordingly for both of us. We both knew the consequences, which is why we kept it a secret. Still, I should have been the one to say no, right?”
Profile Image for Lilly.
46 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2024
I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY
Okay, the rant begins. Talk about internalized misogyny; I am not one to make a big deal about things that aren't very feminist in the books I read. Cause if I am going to be objectified, let it be by the hot book boyfriend, but THIS. Over the top: UNNECESSARY. Harlow completely encourages the thinking for so long and doesn't really switch out of it. AND there is this absolute imbalance of trauma and their "demons." He talks about his demons all the time, and so does she. His? The fact that he's a Dom! That's NOTHING. Sure, control is your thing, whatever big whoop. But his whole trauma is literally that the girl that introduced him to the lifestyle did what, break up with you? Oh no, his feelings wahhhhhh. Also, you literally confessed to purposely manipulating her so she would be jealous and be dependent enough to not leave you. You're literally only upset because it DIDN'T WORK. And Harlow was literally raped, which we can guess it's some kind of assault from the get-go, but this inclusion honestly made me very mad. The authors set this up as a precursor only because her coping mechanism was baggy clothes and makeup as "armour" just to make it more insinuative that it was such a big deal that she "dropped her armour" for Pheonix. Who never really proved himself to be even capable of being a good or even decent potential partner! Just because you have mutual feelings for each other does not make you better compatible or capable of being in a healthy relationship. When he tells you he's not into romance, goes hot and cold, and his actions fortify his bad habits, BELIEVE HIM. And then this SEVYN GUY. 1. Where the frick frack paddy whack did you come from??? Yes, you were some mystery man from the start, but who even are you? 2. Okay chill Harlow, I get it; crazy that you didn't know it was him for those 5 minutes you kissed him but my God, is it that bad? He is just another guy, and he happens to be his twin, whatever. ALSO, if you really planned to and still plan to be in a relationship with this Phoenix guy, then you would have met him eventually, and it makes more sense to find out now than not. Plus, some people would actually beg to have 2 of their man, and twins? A common interest, you'd get on board eventually, Harlow. 3. I do have to say that this absolutely identical twin thing is a little stupid. Even down to the tattoos? For what? It can't be for some logical reason like drug dealing or the mafia. You have a no-drugs-in-the-band policy, but I also assumed that the unspoken no-lying-to-bandmates policy would be followed, so who knows anything about morale around here when you weren't even supposed to go near Harlow in the first place and didn't mention you have a twin. I don't know why I assumed this would be a HEA, and I was not expecting much from this book and was not invested when I started. I really don't want to read another book from this series. The story was just enough to keep me reading, and yet I want to know how they patch things up. I am just glad this had proper readability in its grammar. I will give props to the writers only for the fact that now I want to know what happens. Preying on my curiosity, how cruel and strategic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
October 15, 2020







"My sexual appetite is unparalleled, and so are my desires. Not everyone woman is privy to my tastes- I'm selective in that regard."

5 Rock Star Stars! Phoenix is everything you'll love to hate!

Phoenix is your typical rock stars. He's hot stuff and knows it. He can have any woman he wants and he gets any woman he wants. And the one woman he wants he can't have. Harlow, is the sister of Phoenix bandmate and all the bandmates have been sworn to stay away from her. But Phoenix likes a challenge. The only problem is Harlow has a huge wall built up around her heart and the last person she's going to let tear that wall down is Phoenix... or will she?

This was such a great start to the series!! The push and pull between these two was intense and will drive you crazy, but in all the best ways!! I love the growth that Phoenix goes through and Harlow is just such a strong female character. I can't wait to read more in this series!
3,368 reviews28 followers
October 15, 2020
OUTSTANDING READ!!! 10/10 I WISH I COULD GIVE IT MORE STARS
WOOOOHOOOOOO WHAT A READ!!!!! I WAS HOOKED FROM THE FIST CHAPTER AND COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. JUST WOW THIS IS ONE SUPER HOT EXPLOSIVE PASSIONATE READ WOOOOHOOOOO BLOWN AWAY. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK THESE BOYS NEED TO FIND THAT ONE WHO WILL MAKE THEIR WORLDS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN!!!!!!
Phoenix’s bandmate has one rule: his sister is off limits. But Phoenix has never been very good about following the rules. He is the lead singer of the rock group Phoenix rising and to say they are living the life would be an understatement. After every show they have woman throwing themselves at the band mates and they make sure to enjoy themselves before leaving without looking back!!!!
But when Harlow comes to visit things start to change. Harlow is Asher stepsister and he had made it clear that she is off limits to the guys but Phoenix has other plans.
Harlow wants Phoenix and really struggles with her feelings. She is hiding something but he sees her and it confuses her. But nothing will stop her from wanting him.
Phoenix doesn't know what he is feeling and tries his best to keep her at arms length but he isn't very good at not going after what he wants.
He blows hot and cold and Harlow has had enough What will she do to get his attention???
A BRILLIANT READ. IT WAS SUPER ADDICTIVE AND EXPLOSIVE JUST AMAZING WOOOOOOHOOOO

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
67 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2020
Phoenix & Harlow

So it's a series, not all released yet ... normally I wouldn't purchase one until all are released but I'm so happy I got this because talk about a page turner. FINALLY! Missed sleep and everything with book 2 before I realized there's another book yet to come.

Here's why I gave 4*s. One, my heroine needs to be stronger, his manwhore ways, alpha rocker or not, Harlow needed more back bone especially now knowing what she went through. Second, warning would've been nice the whole family sharing thing, not cool IMO. Third, the back and forth, no label, no relationship books 1 and 2, a little too long for that. I hope in 3 it's a HEA and not a HFN because that'll change my star rating. 3 books invested well IMO, we should get the whole nine yards. Not rushed either, please.

The good, well I loved it. My description this is a little dark, dirty and twisted. Hot, definitely erotic well written. This read has me on little to no sleep because I can't put it down. That speaks volumes, I read A LOT! Rock star romance is my favorite so I'm very critical and this was really, really good. For me to not put it down and stay up most of the night?! Hasn't happened in a long, long time. So bravo to these authors on their work.

Typos, some. Cursing, it's a rock star read. 3somes mentioned but not an active storyline.

100% recommend it!
Profile Image for Kathy Seabrease.
729 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2021
While reading the story of Phoenix and Harlow, I was intrigued in how long the game playing was going to last. How would their stories of their pasts be brought up. After all the time of hiding behind Goth makeup and baggy shapeless clothes, guarding a well kept secret, I was surprise at how fast Harlow shed that image and even more surprised at how fast she jumped into bed with Phoenix. I had already figured out what happened to her, so I thought even though Phoenix was awakening these desires in her, she would have been more perplexed about doing the nasty. I guess that is what is usually done though. The side plot of the record deal was what I thought was going to throw a wrench in the works. I was glad when after all the cat and mouse, they were taking a chance. I was happy to see Phoenix fighting his demons and wanting more with Harlow. I thought they were good together... but the end.... I did not see that coming! I was expecting more of her seeing Desiree there and misinterpreting something! Now I am even more interested in reading the sequel.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 15, 2020
Phoenix Rising is about lead singer, Phoenix, who has been burned in the past by women, so he's not looking for anything serious. He comes face to face with Harlow, who has come to visit her stepbrother, Asher, one of his bandmates. Asher makes it very clear that she's off limits to all of them, but Phoenix can't help being drawn to her. However, Harlow doesn't want anything to do with Phoenix at first, which just eggs him on since no woman has ever been like this towards him. It made for a crazy push & pull with sparks shooting everywhere. Harlow really starts struggling with wanting Phoenix, but she's got a secret she's hiding, and yet, he sees past the walls she has up. Of course his past comes into play so he really blows hot & cold which really frustrated not only me, but Harlow big time, so what happens when she puts her foot down?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Katelynn.
968 reviews30 followers
October 15, 2020
Phoenix rising is about rock star Phoenix and his bandmate's sister Harlow. Phoenix is lead singer of a local rock band and Harlow comes to visit her step brother Asher who's also in the band. Harlow is off limits to everyone but Phoenix loves a good challenge. Moreso he's intrigued by her and her refusal to give into any attraction to him. I loved the push and pull of their relationship! They have moments where everything works and others where they just combust. Now this is a rewrite of the SIN trilogy and the first book in the series. I remember loving that series and was happy to reread this book. There's a major twist at the end that delivers a significant shock to Harlow and Phoenix's tale. Can't wait for the next issue!
3 reviews
June 9, 2021
Unlike some of the reviews I have read on this series, I have to say that I am impressed. Well thought out characters and plot lines. In rebuttal to some of the reviews, how was the main character, Pheonix to know that the heroine, Harlow, had been raped? He didn't. As for offering or suggesting counseling what a bunch of bull. Speaking from experience some people have to deal with issues like this on their own( could kinda see that in the way Harlow didn't tell anyone even after the abuse stopped). As for the D/s relationship and "setting the scene" and aftercare, each relationship is different and who is to say what works for one couple is going to work for another. I for one cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out in Sept. 2021
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
October 14, 2020
This is the 1st book in a new series and is Phoenix and Harlow’s story. Phoenix knows that his bandmates sister is off limits, but he is drawn to her rebellious nature and the walls she has built up around her heart. Harlow classes herself off limits to all men but spending the summer with him and her brother is going to be a challenge. This is a well written flawless story which is an emotional roller coaster, and is filled with secrets, twists, and is an intriguing and riveting read, I was hooked and captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more in this amazing series. I recommend for all.
Profile Image for JoAnna Edger.
391 reviews
April 21, 2021
This book is literally soooo freaking good that it kept me reading each night into the wee hours of the morning. I was captivated, I was happy, sad, confused, angry, let’s just say I felt all the angst, all the emotions and wanted to know what happened next every second that I was reading.

The chemistry that Harlow and Phoenix have is OFF THE CHARTS HOT AF! 🔥 and oh so satisfying!

But boy do these 2 give you whiplash in the turn of events that take place in this book!

This was my first read by these two authors and I absolutely will say it won’t be my last.

5 stars! Without a doubt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Can’t wait to dive into the next one! 😁
Profile Image for Tracie Rogers.
467 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2020
In issue one we see the relationship between Phoenix and Harlow grow. Even though Phoenix keeps running hot and cold, Harlow can not seem to stay away from him. Something is going on but shes not sure what. We learn about her past as she tells her best friend trying to defend her relationship with Phoenix. As she goes to visit him she learns one of his secrets. Can not wait for issue 2 to see if they get their happy ever after or will it all burn up in the ashes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for lex.
301 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2021
3.5 stars. N me mmEasy enough read (less than 300 pages) — a lot of the story felt rushed. I know the passing of time was taking place but there was something I just can’t put my finger on that didn’t feel natural with the way it was written.

When we see a main character who is damaged, I always hope to see growth from them and I would have Liked to see Phoenix build Harlow’s confidence rather than it be a “submissive behavior”

I didn’t expect the end of the book and it has me interested to read the second one and give them another chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
October 7, 2020
Phoenix and Harlow took my ability to move away. I was so hooked in the going on's so when that final twist came I screamed because I need to know how Phoenix is going to fix that revelation.

I'm not sure how Phoenix doesn't get sunburn or freeze from how hot and cold he runs. Harlow's metamorphosis along with her ghost that haunt her, had me becoming a fan of her.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
3,552 reviews52 followers
October 16, 2020
Wow! This story was so good! It really kept me on my toes wondering if Phoenix and Harlow would end up together, and what were the ghosts in each of their pasts. And I seriously could not believe that happened! I cannot wait until the next book is out! This story was entertaining, enjoayable and steamy hot! I couldn’t stop reading from start to finish!

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
4,559 reviews19 followers
October 17, 2020
This was my first read from these two authors and I picked up this book because I love stories about rockers. I loved the first person point of view, plus Phoniex was a perfect rock and roll hero of this story. I loved the description of the stage, singing. You really have to be used to reading rocker stories so be aware. Sex and rock and roll go hand in hand. I will read more in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,537 reviews36 followers
October 24, 2020
4 1/2 stars
I chose this book based on the intriguing blurb supplied by the author. I am glad to say that the story delivered exactly what I love in a story. The forbidden nature of the story. The bad boy with the somewhat rebellious young woman. The ending was shocking yet perfectly set up the next book which I cannot wait to read.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Profile Image for Nadine.
18 reviews
July 10, 2021
Not all that bad!

I don’t usually read books written by two people, but the two authors wasn’t as obvious as I thought it would be! I’ve also never read a romance written by a man, so that was new.
Not sure if it was just the formatting, but I found the paragraphs breaks to be a little confusing, and made the narrative choppy. Not unmanageable, though.
The surprise ending is intriguing! Definitely didn’t guess that the “secret” would be what it was.
405 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2021
Rock Band Intrigue!

This is definitely a Rock band story. Trust is the most important part of any relationship. Having groupies throw themselves would be hard to resist. The characters in this story have deep emotional personalities and have reasons for their perspectives on how they live their lives. I'm hooked and have read the rest of this series to see how they each navigate through life on this roller coaster ride.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,104 reviews30 followers
April 28, 2022
Phoenix and his band are about to be famous

Harlow is his bandmate's sister and that's just complication number one. The band Phoenix Rising is trying to land a record deal and share a house. They offer Harlow a room till her college dorm room is available. Phoenix is drawn to Harlow the goth wanna be because he realises it's just an act. There is a mic drop moment in the epilogue that left me gob smacked. He brought Harlow out of her shell and shares his kink.
47 reviews
April 12, 2023
You got me.

What just happened?
I'm honestly so surprised!
Was not expecting that end, dropped me off a cliff.
From the beginning I was rooting for Harlow, not in a go get your man, but in a go find yourself.
Finding out what happened to her makes sense for how she portrayed herself in the beginning and just when you see her coming into herself, loving herself, it all falls apart.... or does it?
Book 2 here I come, fingers crossed for the outcome in my head.
Profile Image for Deanna Elwir.
21 reviews
October 1, 2024
It had potential

I really wanted to like this. The plot started off great but the story sort of didn’t go anywhere. Harlows character change happened way too suddenly and Phoenix was a bit laughable. The way he displayed and introduced his sexual proclivities was mechanical. Sort of like he’s reading off of a Wikipedia page. And even then the D/S relationship was very mild and not written properly. Dragged my feet to finish this.
Profile Image for Haz.
1,016 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2020
Wow what a read I was hook from the beginning very forbidden especially for the fact that sisters are off limits with the other guys in the band but phoenix can't help himself when he, see Harlow he, know, he, had to have her but Harlow got other ideas. this is a very great start in this, series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,654 reviews82 followers
October 17, 2020
★ Phoenix Rising is poised to soar ★

—>>> Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - A lot of Phoenix toggling between acting hot and cold with Harlow, but there is no denying to himself any longer that she has slowly worked her way under his skin. Secrets are slowly revealed, which make for intriguing possibilities in this first installment to continue.
Profile Image for 2 Chicks and a Book Kat & Melissa.
223 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2021
Page turning addiction

This book was anything but boring. The amount of drama sex love anger confusion and then when you think you got a handle on the whole story, boom mind blown. I would recommend this book I am going to be on the book number two and all I can say is I am so glad I started reading pretty boy rock series!!!
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
September 20, 2021
If you're a fan of well written, dark, and hot bad-boy rock star romance with an intriguing storyline, secrets, irresistible attraction, twists, angst, off-the-charts chemistry, with plenty of steam thrown in, then Phoenix Rising: Issue #1 is the book for you.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jeanne Kotsios.
2,421 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2020
This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect read.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for A E SMITH.
205 reviews
March 20, 2021
Wow

An amazing start to this series. It had me hooked. The chemistry between Phoenix and Harlow is wow!! At times I didn't like Phoenix but as the story continues you find out why he is the way he is. Can't wait to read the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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