Clutch

Trojan #1

by S.M. West

Fame kept everyone at a distance…until a long ride with one stubborn, sunshine woman brings me to my knees.


I wasn’t looking for more chaos when she nearly ran me down.
I was trying to escape it—the noise, the lies, and the wreckage of stardom.


But peace clearly isn’t meant for me.
Not when a redhead with a reckless smile crashes into my life.


Once she realizes I’m Silas Palmer, it’ll be fake adoration—then betrayal.
Fame and fortune aren’t known for true friendship, trust, and happiness.


Yet, Pansy proves me wrong.
My celebrity status doesn’t interest her.
This woman is a hurricane—real, wild, and intense…


…and I can’t help but want to be in the eye of the storm.


Pansy makes it clear her plans don’t include a retired rockstar.
In fact, I’m a reminder of all her screw ups.


But if I’m a mistake, I’ll show her I’m the best damn one she’s ever made.


An angsty, slow-burn grumpy/sunshine romance from USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author S.M. West.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Music, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Amazon

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2017

About the author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, S.M. West, writes sexy, angsty stories about brave hearts and wild love, including, more times than not, heart-pumping twists and turns.

Apart from her infinite love of books, she’s a self-professed wine, chocolate, and travel junkie. When not writing or hanging with her family, she’s usually talking to her characters (in her head) or planning her next adventure!

She currently lives near Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two smart and sassy daughters.

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Griffin - Best Thriller
Smash - Best Romance

Global eBook Awards
Griffin - Gold, Romantic Suspense
Scoring the Player - Silver, Romance

Global Book Award
Griffin - Silver, Romantic Suspense

NYC Big Book Award
Reverb - Distinguished Favorite, Romance

Finalist National Indie Excellence Awards
Griffin


Visit her at:

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2KHXIRi
website:https://www.smwestauthor.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/smwestauthor/
Instagram:hhttps://www.instagram.com/smwestwrites/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/SMWestAuthor
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https://www.pinterest.com/smwestwrites/

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |


Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb: Clutch – verb: to grasp and hold tightly; to seize; snatch.
Flighty. Stupid. That’s what my sisters think of me.
I’m tired of being misunderstood.
With a suitcase in hand and the ocean as my beacon, I’m charting my own path.
Yet, barely a day on the road, I almost crash and burn.
Running into Silas Palmer, a sexy-as-sin rock star, changes my life.
Silas makes me feel … Exceptional. Aimless.
He’s always known his course.
And even now, when he’s abandoning fame and fortune, he knows what he wants.
Me.
But life is never that simple.

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He has a way of making me feel like the only person in the room, and no matter how small or insignificant what I’m saying is, he makes me feel like it’s the most important thing in the world."

Silas ❤


I'll be super busy at the office until new year and I'm already so stressed out with the too much craziness in my personal/working life.. :-/ Uh anyway in that moment this book came to my life like a bag full of chocolate. This heartwarming story really helped me to forget my busy life just for a couple of days. It was so sweet and delicious. :D I really loved it. :)

Overall if you're looking for a new book boyfriend and a lovely story, I highly recommend this book to you. Pls don't forget to add it to your TBR list! 😄 And do not forget, Silas is mine! :D

*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a warm-hearted, lovely, sweet and romantic story of self-discovery in every personal and professional aspect, finding the person you are, the person you wanna be, and the right person you wanna be with , and even though I usually don't pick the lovingly, sweet tooth kinda romance, but the very writing of SM West re-assured me that, that too can be satisfyingly challenging and fulfilling.

One chance encounter of two opposites, Silas Palmer, a rockstar with angry issues tired of his lifestyle, fame and notorious image, he wants out of his band but still stay connected with the music, in aone way or another - and a feisty, open-hearted, blunt and direct, kind above all, 27 year old Pansy Dobson who still hasn't figured out what she wants to do with her life and is in constant search despite of the constant disapproval of her family...

We have an undeniable attraction, that's the easy part, but aside from that, is there something here to build on? He's everything I'm not - rich and famous. He's already made a name for himself and conquered the world, where I'm still struggling to figure out my shit.

Two unlikey souls ever to be placed in each other's path of life, happen to be star crossed in united search for familiarity, sense, meaning and fulfillment of their dreams firstly based on while formed friendship while fighting against the strong chemistry between them, but also growing with one another's inner spirits, desires and thoughts while fighting off doubts, insecurities and issues...as they finally embrace love.

I know no matter what life throws at us, even if we have to be apart again, he'll never let me go. He'll always hold on, and I'll do the same for him.

***ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 Love & Music Hearts! <3

Clutch is a light and sweet contemporary romance, filled with sizzling sexual tension and romantic sparks in addition to a ton of heart.

“Let’s figure out together what we have here, and I promise not to let you give up your dreams. I’ll put your dreams before anything else.”

Silas is a rockstar seeking a new way of life and also learning to control his anger and emotional distress caused by avaricious parents. He is charming and tender when it comes to Pansy, however at times he lets his anger get the best of him, turning it into cruel words aimed at Pansy. He’s quick to acknowledge and apologize for his mistakes though, granting us moments of vulnerability with him that endear him to us as we see him as human with both strengths and faults. Pansy is hard to establish a connection with at first given her actions and thoughts appear immature for her age, yet her character development is nothing short of brilliant so that by the time we get to the end, we’re left with a young woman who has mentally and emotionally evolved from the callow girl trying to find her footing in life.

He has a way of making me feel like the only person in the room, and no matter how small or insignificant what I’m saying is, he makes me feel like it’s the most important thing in the world.

The two of them together are a perfect mix of sweet and sexy, their relationship bringing a smile to our faces and butterflies to our stomachs. We’re also introduced to Silas’s band members, Jared, Gray and Eli, all of whom have us hoping Ms. West gives us their stories in the future.

“Life isn’t always simple, and you can have a plan, but it’s okay to take a detour, or make a pit stop. Life isn’t linear. Seizing the opportunity is just as important as having a plan.”

Overall, Clutch is an entertaining read from beginning to end, one that leaves us satisfied in every way with its romance and lighthearted ambience.



~Arc generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review~



Posted: November 4, 2017

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon ➜ http://geni.us/ClutchSMWest
Apple ➜ https://apple.co/34UONcG
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/ClutchBN
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/ClutchK

[~Stéphanie~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about Pansy & Silas in Hitch which was part of the Love Happens Anthology. I already knew I needed more from them because it was obvious from the start these two had a connection.

I was thrilled when I first heard about Clutch: Pansy, a young lady looking to build her future and Silas, a rock star trying to put an end to a tiring lifestyle => Perfect meeting at the right time.

I’ve always enjoyed books involving music in any kind of form, from afar or close. The small insights we have of Trojan, Silas’ band were simply fantastic. Getting to know the guys, already imagining their own books, witnessing what and who they need to deal with was a part of the book I loved! It wasn’t the main focus of the book but to me it’s part of its success.

Silas is a flawed character with anger issues. Not violent by any means, his distress is evident and all I wanted was to hug him to make it all better. It was impossible to resist him, futile even. His charming ways, the way he wants to help Pansy and his story make it all book boyfriend material.

Pansy is another piece of cake. Not easy to follow and maybe acting younger than her actual age, her character grew on me with every page I read. The way Silas sees her was certainly all I need to cut her some slack.
I’m always harsher with heroines and Pansy was no different.

" Don't listen to them. Listen to you. That's all that matters."

Clutch isn’t an easy read in a perfect world. It’s a book with soul searching and real lives issues for those who don’t know what to do with their life.
S.M. West offers another insight in a world where everything needs to be said and done when you enter the adult life, yet it's not always the case and if you look into yourself, the answer is right there waiting.

As for me, I'm here trying to decide which book I want next first? Jared, the impossible difficult man? Eli, the single father or Gray, the quiet mysterious one?

~I voluntary read a copy of the book offered by the author~

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to rate this so bad, but I'm pretty upset so I won't. (I wasn’t going to rate this but I’ve changed my mind)

I will first say that up until the almost end of the book, I loved it! The characters, especially the H, were so sweet and I loved their relationship. But when the author adds in the blackmail sex tape of the H, his band member and their manager, I lost complete interest and got really mad. Why did that have to be added, why couldn't it have been just Jared and Bianca? Why did Silas, the H, have to be involved and why did the h have to see it? Having just Jared and Bianca would've served the same purpose of blackmail as it did having all three of them. What especially pisses me off, is the h wasn't even remotely upset. Which I guess in real life would be a good thing, but this is a book and I don't want my h to be laughing with the girl the H had a threesome with and I really don't want her comparing notes about how he has sex with her! It really grinds my gears knowing that even after this happened Bianca is part of the "family" and the H and h both just love her! I feel like this part was just added for the sake of drama and I definitely feel like it could've been left out.

That was seriously all I could focus on for the rest of the book, the H having a threesome with his friends. It pisses me off so bad because I was ready to rate this five stars!

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! AND THAT COVER???!!!

CLUTCH IS LIVE!!!
Only 99¢ at ALL retailers (release day only)! Then the price will go up and it will only be available on Amazon and KU.
Grab your copy today!
Amazon US ➜ http://amzn.to/2yZ1NfK
Amazon CA ➜ http://amzn.to/2yiwE9Y
Amazon UK ➜ http://amzn.to/2xBXPbE
Amazon AU ➜ http://amzn.to/2z7k3pD
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/ClutchNOOK
iBook ➜ http://bit.ly/ibooksclutch
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/ClutchKobo

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of coming out of age and figure out where you belong in this world. Pansey is a young woman who loses her way. On a moment of madness she stole her sister car and drives. She picks up Silas on the way. Silas is a rock star who decides to quit his band. Both are lost and finds each other.

This book can be so much more. The plot, the chemistry, the drama can be added. The insta lust between Pansey and Silas is too quick without any story. Even when the story progresses, the connection between them is very confusing.

A the end I gives this book 3 stars.

3 stars

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of two lost and wayward souls that come together at the right time and right place in their life. A rockstar that has burned out of the life, wanting more and a sweet sassy girl who doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. When they both collide one night, their lives would forever change.

There is angst, romance, sexual tension and there is great banter between the characters. Silas Palmer......the sexy rockstar and Pansy Dobson.......the lost girl looking for her purpose in life. The connection and ease they feel with one another creates an easy transition moving forward in their life. His band mates make for fun and lively entertainment and Silas and Pansy’s family makes for turmoil and angst in the story.

I loved Pansy’s determination in getting her life on track all the while Silas saw how his connection with Pansy was the real deal. It was a sweet journey of love and self awakening for both Silas and Pansy. This book was an easy read and one that put a smile on my face. A read for all lovers of contemporary romance.

*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[Alex ♈]

DNF @ 12 %

Annoying her & rude him

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when it was a short story in an Anthology earlier this year. So glad the author gave us their full story.

Pansy and Silas don't exactly meet in the best of circumstances but neither can deny the spark. I loved the chemistry and genuine affection between the characters. Pansy felt much younger than her 27 years and sometimes I wanted to give her a shake, other times I wanted to give her a hug. Silas was the kind of flawed character I am drawn to in books and he didn't disappoint.

It's a great, easy read and I hope we get books for the other band members because they definitely have me intrigued.

I received an ARC of this book.

[Annika]

DNF at 15%

I'm done. I can't do this.
Pathetic, spineless "heroine" meets verbally abusive asshat hero. Not exactlly my preferred relationship dynamic.
No rating for obvious reasons.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞]

kindle freebie 11/1/19

https://www.amazon.com/Clutch-S-M-Wes...

[Bethany-Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pansy Dobson is a girl with nothing and everything to prove. She has always been the flighty one (or so her sister says) of their family. She has no compass pointing her due north when it comes to things like drive, or determination. She can't seem to make her mind up about anything--life, career, college, men ... or otherwise.

Silas Palmer is America's golden boy when it comes to Rockstars. His band is what dreams are made of, and he's lived those dreams to the fullest. But he's also done -- done with the band, with the fame, and with all the rest that comes along with it. He needs something different. He needs a reason to remember why he loves music so much in the first place.

And so, these two opposites meet by chance, and thus the ride begins. Literally, on the side of the road when she picks him up, and figuratively, too.

I had meant to read Clutch a while ago, but life got in the way for me. So it lingered on my kindle far longer than it should have.

Pansy is what some might consider to be a bit of a flake, but really, she's just trying to figure out this life thing. She doesn't know what she wants, and she's never found something that gets her excited enough to continue to pursue it with her whole heart.

And then she does ...

And she is amazing.

Silas is at a point in his life where the sex, drugs, and rock and roll just isn't doing it for him. He's worn out, used up, and he knows it. He knows if he keeps going, it's going to leave him with nothing, or it's going to kill him. Add in baggage like shoddy parents and a troubled bandmate, and it really makes for an interesting storyline.

He, too, is looking for something he hasn't yet found. A muse for life.

And then he does.

And he is amazing.

The book is a slow burn. But by the end, everything is perfect and wonderful. I am a huge fan of epilogues, so getting that thrown in there was a treat, too. Also loved the formatting in this book -- all the chapter headers were very cute.

I am a huge fan of SM West. I am so proud of how well she's telling these stories, and how I can really see her growth with each new book I pick up. I don't know if enough people are telling her or not, but she is doing the thing! Doing all the things, I swear.

I can't wait for Green.

And everything else, too.

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the previous work of this author and for me, this is her best book to date. The way it was written captivate me to read further and glad I did. It is a heartwarming story about a woman trying to prove her self-worth to people who belittle her. And a rock star looking for someone who will love him as him and not the lead singer of a rock group. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading the story of Pansy and Silas! Thank you, Author S.M. West for writing a beautiful story!

[Mandie Foxylutely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this was originally part of an anthology and has now been extended into a full novel.

Silas and Pansy meet at a time when they are both at a crossroad in their lives and each seeking a new destination. This is literally too as Pansy picks up Silas on the roadside after his band threw him off the tour bus.

Pansy has always been the flighty one of her family and her sisters have never taken her seriously and dictated to her what she should be doing. Now wanting to make a start on her own two feet she takes off on the start of a road trip. She picks up Silas and instantly recognises him as the rocker from the band Trojan, not a band of her choice but he is seriously hot.

Silas is still reeling from his band mates and their reaction to his announcement of leaving the band. When he hitches a lift from Pansy the two instantly ignite a spark that at times is frustrating and at others intense.

This was a quick and punchy read. I did find Pansy a little immature for her age and Silas’s fits of anger a little strange (he kicked off for the most small reasons at times) Otherwise though this was an enjoyable read and I did like the main and secondary characters.

This could be the start of a series as there is plenty of openings for the rest of the band members to get a story each which was nicely set up. Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me.

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a new-to-me author, S.M. West gives readers the kind of book that strikes close to the heart.  The cover on this new release captured my attention immediately — I love it!  And as  you’ll note in the book blurb, it’s a rock star romance which just happens to be one of my favorite themes.  I’m not going to give many details for fear of spoiling the full enjoyment for other readers.

The quality of writing is great. The story is well-balanced and flows evenly, and all-around fun and enjoyable to read. This was such a sweet and sexy love story between two characters that had such an intense attraction and connection to each other.  The romance strikes the heartstrings.  There were times I wanted to reach through the pages and give both of them a big hug.  I really enjoyed following Pansy and Silas on their journey to finding their way individually and inevitably as a couple.  This author delivers a quality read with beautiful character development and so much emotion you feel every high and every low.  A little family angst thrown into the mix for another level or two of depth.  West’s storytelling pulls you in from the very beginning.  The wit and sassy banter provides lots of laugh out loud moments, along with swoon-tastic romance.  With the exception of a few not-so-nice “bad guys” that you’ll love to hate, the rest of the cast including the remaining band members, is very likable in a riveting storyline that kept me up long into the night.
 
“Why didn’t you say something or go all fangirl?”
She grimaces before glancing back at the road.  “Well . . . I’m not a fan.”

After being thrown off the tour bus by his bandmates, and then nearly killed by an out-of-control vehicle, Silas Palmer meets Pansy Dobson literally by accident.  And what a superb combination these two opposites make.
 
Both are searching for something different in life — feeling the need for big changes.  The word “stupid” is the trigger for many feelings inside Pansy’s head.  She’s the youngest of three sisters.  The older two have found their place in the world — one a doctor and the other a world-famous model.  Pansy hasn’t found anything that sticks.  But she’s determined.  At thirty, Silas, the lead singer in the world famous Trojan rock band, is tired of the travel and wild life, but walking away from the concert stage has caused some problematic issues between him and his fellow band members.  He also writes the songs that have propelled Trojan to the top of the charts — and that’s all he wants to do.  No more touring – no more one-night stands – no more drunken parties and groupies.  A home and family is looking better to him all the time.

“He’s not perfect, and neither am I, but together we’re magnificent.”

Technically billed as a rock star romance, the music never outweighed the slow burning love story between this couple.  I found the chemistry between Pansy and Silas off the charts, and their sizzling magnetism scorched the pages.  The rock band portion was basically a backseat participant.  Characters you will melt for…characters you will cheer for…characters you will fall hard for, and a definite must read!  

The ending held a slight disappointment with a couple of loose ends dangling.  Nothing severe enough to deduct from my overall enjoyment.  A fantastic story layered with heart, music and wit all rolled into a terrific happily-ever-after that includes an adorable Epilogue!

[Rejane]

Alex only made to 12%.. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

can only imagine... lol
And I think she was lucky.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Pansy meet by accident, just about literally. Shortly after Pansy’s life has imploded, she loses control of her sister’s “borrowed” car, nearly hitting a hitch hiker on the side of the road. After Silas picks himself up and dusts himself off, Pansy convinces him to let her give him a lift. It’s the least she can do after making him dive for the ditch. Since Silas is hot and tired, having walked for two hours since his band mates threw him off the tour bus in the middle of the desert, he agrees. Thus begins an unlikely friendship between two slightly damaged souls who have lost their moorings but are searching for their new path. Pansy wants to prove to her family that she’s not the flaky, spoiled baby and can make something of her life. Silas loves his band mates of the wildly popular group, Trojan, but he’s tired of life on the road and seeks a new direction.

Clutch is my first work by this author and I was lucky enough to get an advance copy to read. What a fantastic novel! This is really an author to watch, and I can’t wait to read more from her! Ms. West gives every indication of growing in her craft, with each new work being better than the last, and it’s always a thrill for me to watch an author come into her own! Her seasoned voice presents an exciting, intriguing story that flows seamlessly and captures the reader’s attention from the very first page. She has a masterful way of humanizing characters, making them complex and fascinating while easily endearing them to the reader. I adored both of these main characters! Silas and Pansy are at a crossroads in their lives, each for different reasons, and fate seems to want them together. The thing that was fascinating to me, as well as such a great message, is that they both stayed true to themselves while forging a new relationship. They were both strong, knowing what they wanted for themselves, but each giving everything for the other, finding a beautiful balance that made each stronger together than they ever would have been individually.

The world of the guys from Trojan felt so real, as if I was part of the fabric of their story rather than a observer. Their flaws and imperfections somehow made them even more loveable, so much so that even the least redeemable of the secondary characters had me opening my heart to them by the end of the book. I’ve not been a big fan of rockstar romances, but it’s books like this that completely change that opinion. This book has tons of heart, just the right amount of angst, and amazing characters that sneak into your heart. Take a chance on this author with this absolute must read – you won’t be sorry!!

[Tyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the story, I wasn't quite sure about Pansy. I was feeling Silas pain. Slowly but surely, Pansy grew on me and I started to love her as much as Silas. The way these two main characters met had to fate. It must have been predestined. There were so many bumps in the road for the couple. So bumps came from personal issues--mainly dealing with family. Their family had a big affect on the couple and I'm glad through each crazy moment they were able to work through it.

I'm more of a dark romance reader but if I have to take a chance on something light, this would be it. It has everything from mishaps, good wtf moments, steamy sex scenes, rockers, family, and of course good old fashion love.

[Heather South · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This was a super cute and fun read! I enjoyed how much sass Pansy had and how sweet Silas was. Not your typical rockstar bad boy read. I really enjoyed reading this. Hope we get Jared, Eli, and Grey's book!!!

[Life on Readpeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *

I generously received this ARC from Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review...

Gosh...The COVER WH*RE in me wants to just sit here all day gushing about this GORGEOUS cover, but at the same time I want to tell you all the reasons why I fell so in love with Silas and Pansy's story...I guess I'll just have to try and do both 😉!

Okay so let's start off with the COVER of ALL covers! I am so freaking in love with the cover for this story and I must admit that it was what initially drew me to this story...I know never judge a book by it's cover, but COME ON how in the heck could I not fall head over heels in love with this one?! Seriously I cannot stop admiring it...every time I'm scrolling through Facebook and it pops up on my newsfeed, I make sure to stop and stare for a good minute before moving on.

Sure the cover is what initially caught my attention, but it was that BLURB that had me HOOK, LINE and SINKER! Gosh I devoured this story in one day because the second I started reading, there was no way I wanted to stop. I cruised through the first 60% in less than two hours before having to put it down and do some adulting... SIGH. Anyways, the moment I turned my kindle back on I was a goner and finished the last 40%!

Silas and Pansy's relationship starts off a bit unconventional, which is probably the reason I found myself falling so deeply for them. They are the kind of couple that reader root for from start to finish. You know the kind that sticks with you long after turning that last page. This couple had their ups and downs...their highs and their lows...in other words they were super relatable for readers who want a realistic feel (well as realistic as a book about a normal girl falling in love with a rockstar 😉).

Readers make sure to #ONECLICK this read when it releases on November 3, 2017! Trust me...you will be in for a REAL treat!

[Joy Novel Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pansy and Silas were originally in a novella and part of an anthology. When I read that story a few months back I knew that I need more from the couple and Clutch did them justice. There story could have ended with them driving off into a sunset like in the novella, but I was so happy to get the rest of their story.

"How did the lost girl of yesterday, looking for a fresh start, wind up weak-kneed and locking lips with a rockstar?"

Clutch was a journey. Clutch took us on a ride as Pansy and Silas who were both at crossword in their lives figure out where to go from here and if and how they fit together. I simply enjoyed reading the dance these to shared. There were ups and downs and I was so scared for them at times. Circumstances I thought for sure would rip them apart and they kept me on my toes.

"I love Pansy more than I love music, and that says it all. She crashed into my life, and while trying to free myself from the wreckage, the disaster that I thought she was; she became the one pure thing in my life."

Read Clutch and get ready for a read that will have you giddy and cheering for two people to figure everything and end with a sense of triumph!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc provided on behalf of The Wandering Bookaholic in exchange of an honest review

Clutch is about two lost souls who meet literally by accident, Pansy loses control of her car and almost runs Silas over. Both characters are at a crossroads, Pansy is looking for a fresh start and Silas is fed up of his rock and roll lifestyle.
Although the story was good I struggled to enjoy this book, I’m not sure what exactly it was that put me off but something just didn’t grab my attention enough.
I liked Pansy’s sass and her confidence to prove she wasn’t stupid or flighty it made me want to root for her to succeed but at the same time she completely annoyed me and I didn’t take to her at all, she was very kid like at times.
A read most will love but unfortunately just not for me.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS FOR CLUTCH!! Have you ever heard a song that you love and can't get it out of your head, well that is this book for me. I loved everything about this story from feisty Pansy to the hot rock star Silas and boy do they have a story to tell. This book hit my emotion buttons and kept me turning the pages. S.M. West is quickly becoming one of my one click authors with her fabulous storytelling. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jae Mod · Rating 4 out of 5]

** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **

When your dream is within your reach you seize it. When you find your family, through blood or friendship, you hold them tightly to your heart. Clutch by S.M. West was originally a short story in the anthology Love Happens titled Hitch. This story is filled with dreams and love, family and friendship. Technically a Rockstar romance, but I wouldn’t classify it as such. It’s simply a slow burning love story.

Pansy Dobson is tired of everyone thinking she is stupid. She despises the word. She’s not stupid anyway, she just hasn’t found what it is she’s meant to do. Fed up with her sister’s condescending remarks and refusal to help after her recent break up, she decides to head out on her own and find her dream. And so, begins a spiral of events that lead her exactly where she is meant to be, starting with “borrowing” her sister’s car and almost running over Rockstar Silas Palmer.

“Why didn’t you say something or go all fangirl?”
She grimaces before glancing back at the road. “Well…I’m not a fan.”

Silas has had a bad day already when the crazy woman nearly runs him over. She frustrates him and brings out his quick temper. One minute she’s seemingly trying to kill him with a car, the next they are in a shouting match. After they calm down and he realizes not everything is her fault, things quickly escalate and head toward foggy window territory. Until he sees the flashing lights and ends up in the back of a cop car. Pansy is trouble with her actions first consequences later attitude, but he can’t stay away. One dream is ending for him, but he’s found a new one he wants more.

“I could stay like this forever, lips locked with Silas Palmer—not the famous rock star or the irate man, but sweet, sexy Silas who’s sucking on my tongue like candy.”—Pansy

Pansy is so honest and caring. I loved her take no s*** attitude and how it was tempered with her loving nature. The fact that she is seen as a failure by her sisters made me so angry. Ivy was a capital B. Even towards the end when I think I was supposed to like her just a little bit, I still thought the same thing. She just thought she was better and knew better than Pansy. I liked Daisy though, she was different than what I was expecting, and it was welcome. Pansy is relatable to me, but I find her reasoning irritated me, she was focused on what others thought. She saw achieving material and financial gains as being successful. Most of that thinking is because of her sisters and the way they treat her, but I like how Silas made her feel like she mattered.

“Don’t listen to them. Listen to you. That’s all that matters.”—Silas

Silas was not the typical Rockstar, in fact there are few actual “Rockstar” scenes. He was just a normal guy, a sweet normal loving guy with anger issues. Finding out where his anger came from made me want to hurt someone. And knowing that others couldn’t see what he did left him feeling alone. I just wanted to hold him. His band members are his family and it’s a good thing he has them. Even Jared, who breaks my heart. I hope that he gets a book and a HEA because he deserves it. They all do.

“I don’t deserve you.”
“Stop right there. We all deserve people to care about us even when we’re difficult or not nice.”

Silas and Pansy are both lonely and in need of true family when they find each other. I loved their story and how they made their own family and dreams from the happiness they found with each other. I hope that the sisters and the other band members get books, and that Poppy shows up because I am super curious about the sister who didn’t make an appearance. I was sucked into this world and I didn’t want to leave. FOUR stars.

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas and Pansy with two completely different reasons for being in the same spot at the same time are both at a crossroads in their life; however, call it fate or whatever you would like it to be called these two were destined to meet and balance each other out. It won’t be easy, both are strong and giving, but as they are building a new relationship they help balance each other out while still staying true to making what they want in life (new life) and not their old life.
Being in a popular band, Trojan you feel like you are not only with the characters on the road (and I mean that in a literal sense too), but on the road with the band members who are secondary characters as well. There were some crazy moments, but that just made you want to turn the page that much faster to read to see where this story was headed. Not only will you fall in love with Silas and Pansy you will be left wanting to know more about the band members. I can only hope that we see Jared, Eli and Grey down the road including seeing more of Silas and Pansy. Maybe even those crazy sisters of hers. Change is not always good, but in Clutch the message and reason for change was spot on for these two. You get laughter, love and hate moments with the added tension that makes it a great read and makes the characters that much more real to us. Now to only think what hot Rockstar we would pick if this happened to us?? Mmm

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Go, but Good

As a huge fan of the man whore rock star changing his ways and not so much a fan of insta-love, S.M. West kept a nice balance of both throughout Clutch. Silas and Pansy are an opposites attract couple if I've ever seen one.

"He's not perfect, and neither am I, but together we're magnificent."

It was refreshing to read about a guy finally sick of the sex, drugs and rock n roll lifestyle like Silas. After telling his band mates, they threw him out of the tour and not even a few minutes later Pansy almost runs him over as he walks on the side of the road. Needless to say, he wasn't the nicest guy to her right away, but boy did that change.

Like Silas, Pansy was looking for a change. She needed to get away from her sisters and finally do what she wants to do. The only problem, she has no idea what that is. After almost killing rock god Silas Palmer her plans take a drastic turn.

The interaction was fun between these two right off the bat. They joked and bantered, side-stepping the real reasons either of them were on the road. After Silas realizes this is the most down to earth chick he has met, he wants more of her. Pansy on the other hand, isn't looking for someone else to take care of her, she's in LA to make it on her own.

The book is well written and while they seemed to fall for each other instantly, S.M. West gave Pansy and Silas some time to really get to know each other and I liked that. Things aren't easy and that was a selling point for me too. Pansy stayed true to her character until the end. Clutch reads as a standalone with a nice epilogue to wrap things up.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Elise Heness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story, I loved how happenstance happens and just wanting better and heading out into the world can not only be the best or worst decision but along the way you could "happen" to come across something or someone that could quite possible turn your world up-side-down and it "happens" to be in the best way! Loved the Story and Silas is the absolute - in all forms, Sweet yet hard and edgy also, I love a man that wears his heart on his sleeve. So Good!

Add to your TBR absolutely and it is available on KU so #GETIT