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River Valley Rebels #2
Pretty Words
On the eve of my eighteenth birthday, I fell in love with a rock god.
Light-haired, green-eyed, and carved to heavenly perfection. Oliver. He’s the guitarist of Ritual Disruption, and he writes songs that are as devastating as him.
Who would have thought that I, Ivy Abbott, would capture his attention? On tour with my brother’s band, Bleeding Moonlight, I hear what they say about me. Boring, shy, straitlaced. Compared to my famous sibling, I’m nothing special.
They’re wrong.
After all, what’s more special than being chosen by a god?
But where gods go, demons follow…
Jamie’s shared the stage with Oliver for years, but they’re nothing alike. He’s dark where Oliver’s light. Jamie claims his bandmate is nothing but a fraud who wants to use me and toss me aside. I don’t believe him, no matter how much he insists he only wants to help me. Jamie is an addict who steals kisses and spreads dirty lies.
Lies. Lies. Lies.
Or so I tell myself.
*Pretty Words is a contemporary, MF, romance novel. It is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and can be read as a standalone.*
Trigger Warnings: This book explores the topics of addiction and recovery. It also contains one graphic description of sexual assault.
Light-haired, green-eyed, and carved to heavenly perfection. Oliver. He’s the guitarist of Ritual Disruption, and he writes songs that are as devastating as him.
Who would have thought that I, Ivy Abbott, would capture his attention? On tour with my brother’s band, Bleeding Moonlight, I hear what they say about me. Boring, shy, straitlaced. Compared to my famous sibling, I’m nothing special.
They’re wrong.
After all, what’s more special than being chosen by a god?
But where gods go, demons follow…
Jamie’s shared the stage with Oliver for years, but they’re nothing alike. He’s dark where Oliver’s light. Jamie claims his bandmate is nothing but a fraud who wants to use me and toss me aside. I don’t believe him, no matter how much he insists he only wants to help me. Jamie is an addict who steals kisses and spreads dirty lies.
Lies. Lies. Lies.
Or so I tell myself.
*Pretty Words is a contemporary, MF, romance novel. It is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and can be read as a standalone.*
Trigger Warnings: This book explores the topics of addiction and recovery. It also contains one graphic description of sexual assault.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2021
48 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 7, 2021
Superb.
I read this book in one day several weeks ago and I've not been able to stop thinking about it since.
Sands' writing is so immersive, I feel like I'm living the lives of her protagonists. I completely forget that I'm reading, and as a writer, that's difficult to do these days. I'm not sure if I've ever felt such intense feelings for a hero as I did for Jamie. By the end of the book, I felt like I was actually in love with him! And Ivy was so complex and flawed, she could be a friend.
Good god you really need to read this book! Gabrielle Sands is the next Kristen Callihan. Yep, I said it. If you want exceptional writing, realistic characters and settings, and intense emotions, she's your girl!
I read this book in one day several weeks ago and I've not been able to stop thinking about it since.
Sands' writing is so immersive, I feel like I'm living the lives of her protagonists. I completely forget that I'm reading, and as a writer, that's difficult to do these days. I'm not sure if I've ever felt such intense feelings for a hero as I did for Jamie. By the end of the book, I felt like I was actually in love with him! And Ivy was so complex and flawed, she could be a friend.
Good god you really need to read this book! Gabrielle Sands is the next Kristen Callihan. Yep, I said it. If you want exceptional writing, realistic characters and settings, and intense emotions, she's your girl!
May 1, 2021
Pretty Words: An Enemies To Lovers Rock Star Romance (River Valley Rebels) is the second book written by Gabrielle Sands. I cannot believe Gabrielle has not written more books, to be quite honest.
This is the story of Ivy and Jamie. But the truth is that the story doesn’t start as your usual rockstar romance where the young girl falls in love with the main vocalist from the start. If you like your Rockstar romance with an angsty and slow burn this is the book for you
This is my first ever book read by Gabrielle and my first rockstar Romance trope. I loved it.
Gabrielle writes with such expertise and grips your heart from the beginning as you root for the young girl and the rockstar who you know are meant to be.
I love books that convince you of one thing at the beginning but then it completely reverts to something else entirely different. That is what makes a good writer succeed by gripping the reader from the very beginning. This book does just that. It grips your heart from the very beginning where you are rooting for the enemies to turn into lovers. This book is simply magnificent.
Gabrielle, never stop writing. I’m so very impressed by this book and can’t wait to read what other fantastic books you will bring to your readers. ❤️❤️
Pretty Words is a contemporary, MF, romance novel. It is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and can be read as a standalone.
Trigger Warnings: This book explores the topics of addiction and recovery. It also contains on-page drug use and one graphic description of sexual assault.
This is the story of Ivy and Jamie. But the truth is that the story doesn’t start as your usual rockstar romance where the young girl falls in love with the main vocalist from the start. If you like your Rockstar romance with an angsty and slow burn this is the book for you
This is my first ever book read by Gabrielle and my first rockstar Romance trope. I loved it.
Gabrielle writes with such expertise and grips your heart from the beginning as you root for the young girl and the rockstar who you know are meant to be.
I love books that convince you of one thing at the beginning but then it completely reverts to something else entirely different. That is what makes a good writer succeed by gripping the reader from the very beginning. This book does just that. It grips your heart from the very beginning where you are rooting for the enemies to turn into lovers. This book is simply magnificent.
Gabrielle, never stop writing. I’m so very impressed by this book and can’t wait to read what other fantastic books you will bring to your readers. ❤️❤️
Pretty Words is a contemporary, MF, romance novel. It is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and can be read as a standalone.
Trigger Warnings: This book explores the topics of addiction and recovery. It also contains on-page drug use and one graphic description of sexual assault.
April 9, 2022
4.5.
My goodness, these books are easy to devour! I stayed up stupidly late yesterday, without even realising I'd read 50%.
This is the second in a series, but each is a standalone, with some interconnected secondary characters. The first is a RH but this is your traditional m/f.
I definitely liked the first more, as it was more of an actual Rockstar Romance, as apart from the first section this could have been a regular contemporary, but I also liked the female MC more in the first.
Saying that, I have total admiration for the author is writing this book, and while the experience might not have been as enjoyable as the first, it clearly wasn't meant to.
This is a book about addiction and how easy it is to fall into. Ivy's crippling insecurity allows her to be essentially groomed and manipulated at 17 years old, causing her to be addicted to her live for Oliver. Jamie, on the other hand is an alcohol and drug addict, the reasons for whuch are revealed as the book progresses.
Two years after the events at the start of the book we have a Jamie who is a recovering addict and Ivy who's addiction is still very much in full force. I thought their relationship was incredibly well done and genuine. The addiction was dealt with sensitively and with no sense of gratuitousness.
Due to her addiction, Ivy was not always a massively likeable character. The author was clever to open the book with her at 17 and watching how Oliver manipulates and plays her, as without seeing this it would have been hard to sympathise with her. But she was incredibly genuine in her attitudes and behaviours and is someone who experienced a lot of growth.
I have to say I am very impressed with both books by this author. They have a gift for writing characters who are just so real and genuine, and even while writing about things that would be tropey or cheesy, she just manages to make them not come across like that. I'm off to read the third and final book.
My goodness, these books are easy to devour! I stayed up stupidly late yesterday, without even realising I'd read 50%.
This is the second in a series, but each is a standalone, with some interconnected secondary characters. The first is a RH but this is your traditional m/f.
I definitely liked the first more, as it was more of an actual Rockstar Romance, as apart from the first section this could have been a regular contemporary, but I also liked the female MC more in the first.
Saying that, I have total admiration for the author is writing this book, and while the experience might not have been as enjoyable as the first, it clearly wasn't meant to.
This is a book about addiction and how easy it is to fall into. Ivy's crippling insecurity allows her to be essentially groomed and manipulated at 17 years old, causing her to be addicted to her live for Oliver. Jamie, on the other hand is an alcohol and drug addict, the reasons for whuch are revealed as the book progresses.
Two years after the events at the start of the book we have a Jamie who is a recovering addict and Ivy who's addiction is still very much in full force. I thought their relationship was incredibly well done and genuine. The addiction was dealt with sensitively and with no sense of gratuitousness.
Due to her addiction, Ivy was not always a massively likeable character. The author was clever to open the book with her at 17 and watching how Oliver manipulates and plays her, as without seeing this it would have been hard to sympathise with her. But she was incredibly genuine in her attitudes and behaviours and is someone who experienced a lot of growth.
I have to say I am very impressed with both books by this author. They have a gift for writing characters who are just so real and genuine, and even while writing about things that would be tropey or cheesy, she just manages to make them not come across like that. I'm off to read the third and final book.
May 12, 2021
3.5 stars
The words use and overall review shouldn’t reflect personally on the author or any other of her series and books.
I have to say I love the plot! Is been a while that I read a book with a plot that got my attention! Like really so close to my perfect plot! Also I been missing my Rockband boys that I used to read about! A Opposite attract couple! A little sister and a tour filled with guy who like to party! Like heck yeah give me more books with this tropes!!
The reason it wasn’t a higher rating it feel like some part of the books the writing was like a not so experience writer? I never read anything from this writer so I don’t know if she has many more books on her list or she is new. But I will for sure check more on her future releases!
May 8, 2021
Fantastic Rock Romance
I have fallen in love with this author. Even though it's the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. This book dealt with the tough subject of addiction. Ivy was a shy seventeen year old who was going on tour with her brother's band. That's where everything begins. This book as a winner and I can't wait took read more from this author.
I have fallen in love with this author. Even though it's the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. This book dealt with the tough subject of addiction. Ivy was a shy seventeen year old who was going on tour with her brother's band. That's where everything begins. This book as a winner and I can't wait took read more from this author.
May 7, 2021
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Steam:🔥🔥🔥🔥/ medium smut
"T𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎. T𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 I'𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞. I 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠"
I was super excited for this book after reading how much Cole(from book 1) didn't like his sister being with a Rockstar. So i wanted to know...why Cole? what's up with her being with dude? and man oh man did we find out!
I loved reading about Ivy and Jamie. i really loved the drama throughout the book. The plot was great and I always love Gabrielle's writing.
Watching Jamie redeem himself was great. He had so much growth out of the two of them and at times I wished Ivy had the same amount of growth because she was very naïve throughout, but i also think a lot of people can relate to what she went through. but them together was explosive and i loved it! the moments they had together, the tension. it was wild!
def pick this up if you like:
-Hate to love
-Rockstar Romances
Steam:🔥🔥🔥🔥/ medium smut
"T𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎. T𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 I'𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞. I 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠"
I was super excited for this book after reading how much Cole(from book 1) didn't like his sister being with a Rockstar. So i wanted to know...why Cole? what's up with her being with dude? and man oh man did we find out!
I loved reading about Ivy and Jamie. i really loved the drama throughout the book. The plot was great and I always love Gabrielle's writing.
Watching Jamie redeem himself was great. He had so much growth out of the two of them and at times I wished Ivy had the same amount of growth because she was very naïve throughout, but i also think a lot of people can relate to what she went through. but them together was explosive and i loved it! the moments they had together, the tension. it was wild!
def pick this up if you like:
-Hate to love
-Rockstar Romances
June 19, 2022
ku read
I devoured this book. But the heroine was really tough to like. I understand why certain things happened since this was an enemies to lovers book, but damn, she felt really naive and stupid early on. I loved her chemistry with her hero. The pacing of this story was even more slow burn than book one. Steam level probably one or two peppers LOL. But this was a lovely read that engaged me. I'm going to binge the next book right away
I devoured this book. But the heroine was really tough to like. I understand why certain things happened since this was an enemies to lovers book, but damn, she felt really naive and stupid early on. I loved her chemistry with her hero. The pacing of this story was even more slow burn than book one. Steam level probably one or two peppers LOL. But this was a lovely read that engaged me. I'm going to binge the next book right away
May 2, 2021
-Jenna, ☆☆☆☆
This was my first by the author, although it looks like this may be book two in the series. But this story can be completely enjoyed as a standalone. And enjoy it I did!
We meet fresh faced Ivy who at times in the story really frustrated me. But I did have to remember her age and innocence. The growth she showed by the end of the story though really made me like her more.
Our hero is rock star Jamie. He also has some mighty big issues when we first meet him. But he also shows great growth and I completely fell in love with him.
The story was very well written with some very real life lessons within it. At times I wanted to strangle the characters but they redeemed themselves by the end. This was sweet at times, steamy, and filled with a ton of emotion. I highly recommend this story.
This was my first by the author, although it looks like this may be book two in the series. But this story can be completely enjoyed as a standalone. And enjoy it I did!
We meet fresh faced Ivy who at times in the story really frustrated me. But I did have to remember her age and innocence. The growth she showed by the end of the story though really made me like her more.
Our hero is rock star Jamie. He also has some mighty big issues when we first meet him. But he also shows great growth and I completely fell in love with him.
The story was very well written with some very real life lessons within it. At times I wanted to strangle the characters but they redeemed themselves by the end. This was sweet at times, steamy, and filled with a ton of emotion. I highly recommend this story.
April 25, 2021
I absolutely adore this book and I fell in love with Jamie after thinking he was an arse following his brief mention in Taut Strings.
Gabrielle explores so many intense themes through the main characters in this book. Whilst yes it is an mf romance, its soooo much more. A major character redemption arc, we explore the complexities of mental manipulation, addiction, toxic love and self discovery.
The journey of self discovery Ivy goes on is nothing short of epic. She starts of as an introvert who goes to join her brother on tour to make her big break into the world but is instead drawn into lies and manipulation by those she meets. She thinks she becomes someone new, braver, louder only to shredded after helping someone who needed it and ending up utterly broken.
The far reaching affects of the tour are massive, 2 years later she is still deeply controlled by the mental and emotional manipulation. She is a husk of a person, when the past she wishes she could forget asks to meet her whole world changes.
Jamie the rock God who takes what he wants, who uses whoever he fancies, is hiding alot from the world. He is broken, he is beaten and he is giving up. Jamie has been manipulated and used by someone who he thought is was his best friend but after 10 years he's finally realised the truth.
I loved the symmetry of Jamie and Ivy. Both major introverts, both terrified of the world and both turn to substances to help become someone more outgoing. They both battle addictions and manipulation throughout but together they save each other.
I love how the story comes full circle and Jamie saves Ivy from herself after discovering the truth behind the mask of the master manipulator.
This book touched my heart, the character growth, their individual despair, their own self discovery in fighting their addictions and the happy ending.
Gabrielle explores so many intense themes through the main characters in this book. Whilst yes it is an mf romance, its soooo much more. A major character redemption arc, we explore the complexities of mental manipulation, addiction, toxic love and self discovery.
The journey of self discovery Ivy goes on is nothing short of epic. She starts of as an introvert who goes to join her brother on tour to make her big break into the world but is instead drawn into lies and manipulation by those she meets. She thinks she becomes someone new, braver, louder only to shredded after helping someone who needed it and ending up utterly broken.
The far reaching affects of the tour are massive, 2 years later she is still deeply controlled by the mental and emotional manipulation. She is a husk of a person, when the past she wishes she could forget asks to meet her whole world changes.
Jamie the rock God who takes what he wants, who uses whoever he fancies, is hiding alot from the world. He is broken, he is beaten and he is giving up. Jamie has been manipulated and used by someone who he thought is was his best friend but after 10 years he's finally realised the truth.
I loved the symmetry of Jamie and Ivy. Both major introverts, both terrified of the world and both turn to substances to help become someone more outgoing. They both battle addictions and manipulation throughout but together they save each other.
I love how the story comes full circle and Jamie saves Ivy from herself after discovering the truth behind the mask of the master manipulator.
This book touched my heart, the character growth, their individual despair, their own self discovery in fighting their addictions and the happy ending.
May 6, 2021
Our main characters are Ivy and Jamie. Ivy is shy, young and kind of a wallflower. So to get herself out of her comfort zone she goes on tour with her brother for two weeks, who is in a band (the band from the first book). While on tour she meets the other bands that are in the tour lineup. Oliver and Jamie are in the same band (not the band from the first book), and have two completely different first meetings with her. Oliver is confident, strong and beautiful. Everything Ivy could ever want. And Jamie is a hot damn mess. He's a drug addict and alcoholic. He's wasting away. But before she leaves to go home an incident happens and changes their lives forever.
This is a story of falling for someone you idolize and first love and them not being who you thought they were at all vs. who you grow and learn with and might not have been right for you at one point and time but turns out to be everything you could have dreamed and more.
I will admit I did like this story a bit more than the first. But there were still a couple of things I personally wasn't a fan of, and that just comes down to personal preference and decisions the author made. I wasn't particularly a fan of the MFC, I don't want to say why cause it will spoil moments in the book. But the saving grace of this book was Jamie for me. I absolutely loved him. He was everything. Even when he was a hot mess I could see his character. Oliver gave me shady vibes from the beginning.
This author is still growing in her writing being that its her second book, but I cant wait to see her get more comfortable and take her writing further.
If you like rockstar romances, angst, second chances and sweet romance with a touch of edge you'll love this book!
This is a story of falling for someone you idolize and first love and them not being who you thought they were at all vs. who you grow and learn with and might not have been right for you at one point and time but turns out to be everything you could have dreamed and more.
I will admit I did like this story a bit more than the first. But there were still a couple of things I personally wasn't a fan of, and that just comes down to personal preference and decisions the author made. I wasn't particularly a fan of the MFC, I don't want to say why cause it will spoil moments in the book. But the saving grace of this book was Jamie for me. I absolutely loved him. He was everything. Even when he was a hot mess I could see his character. Oliver gave me shady vibes from the beginning.
This author is still growing in her writing being that its her second book, but I cant wait to see her get more comfortable and take her writing further.
If you like rockstar romances, angst, second chances and sweet romance with a touch of edge you'll love this book!
May 7, 2021
4 Stars!
Whoa. If you were a fan of book one like me (Gabrielle Sands slayed with her debut, the first in this series!) then hold on to your hearts and panties because whoa. Your heart and head isn't ready for this one.
Drama, angst, heat, heart, drama, angst and did I mention all the heart-tugging, heart-stopping, heart-wrenching angst? Pretty Words is the second standalone in the River Valley Rebels series and what an intriguing, unpredictable, intense, and quite unforgettable in moments journey.
This book was hard at times and dark, dirty, gritty, raw in others. It's heavy and packed to the brim with those pesky feels that'll cut you deep. But gahhhh this book, these characters, you can't help but get lost in them, lost in their words and find every single moment worth it.
What a journey they told.
Not your typical rock star romance, both books in the series have bumped the norm for this trope and quite honestly, this new author has completely rocked it.
I can definitely recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Whoa. If you were a fan of book one like me (Gabrielle Sands slayed with her debut, the first in this series!) then hold on to your hearts and panties because whoa. Your heart and head isn't ready for this one.
Drama, angst, heat, heart, drama, angst and did I mention all the heart-tugging, heart-stopping, heart-wrenching angst? Pretty Words is the second standalone in the River Valley Rebels series and what an intriguing, unpredictable, intense, and quite unforgettable in moments journey.
This book was hard at times and dark, dirty, gritty, raw in others. It's heavy and packed to the brim with those pesky feels that'll cut you deep. But gahhhh this book, these characters, you can't help but get lost in them, lost in their words and find every single moment worth it.
What a journey they told.
Not your typical rock star romance, both books in the series have bumped the norm for this trope and quite honestly, this new author has completely rocked it.
I can definitely recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
November 16, 2021
3.5⭐ undecided on my rounding atm
Overall, I liked the story. It's well written and I loved the comparison of unhealthy love and addiction. However, it was nearly a DNF for me because I didn't find the FMC likable and I didn't have much empathy for her. The second half was better, but I attribute that more to feeling invested in Jamie's journey. The FMC did show some growth, but it was too little, too late for me.
This is a contemporary standalone MF romance in Dual-POV. The blurb describes it as enemies-to-lovers, but it's more of one-sided with the FMC thinking the worst of him because she's told things by someone she's enamored with and she acts like a total b*tch anytime someone challenged her views.
Even though this one landed short for me, I really enjoyed the first book, Taut Strings, and I'll definitely be checking out more by this author.
Overall, I liked the story. It's well written and I loved the comparison of unhealthy love and addiction. However, it was nearly a DNF for me because I didn't find the FMC likable and I didn't have much empathy for her. The second half was better, but I attribute that more to feeling invested in Jamie's journey. The FMC did show some growth, but it was too little, too late for me.
This is a contemporary standalone MF romance in Dual-POV. The blurb describes it as enemies-to-lovers, but it's more of one-sided with the FMC thinking the worst of him because she's told things by someone she's enamored with and she acts like a total b*tch anytime someone challenged her views.
Even though this one landed short for me, I really enjoyed the first book, Taut Strings, and I'll definitely be checking out more by this author.
February 16, 2022
4.5⭐️
"I’d found someone whose soul spoke to mine"
I’m just going to start by saying I loved this book! This is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and so far we are two for two.
Age gap, enemies to lovers, rockstar romance aka perfection!
I love Sands’ writing style. The plot and dialogue have a great flow and even with a 2 year time jump it did not feel disjointed in the slightest.
I loved the character development of both MCs. Despite wanting to shake Ivy at times, we got to see them both grow and mature throughout the book.
The author handled substance abuse and addiction both accurately and sensitively. The rockstar lifestyle was not romanticised, we got the real and raw version which I loved.
Sands’ had me rooting for Jamie from the very beginning, even during his lowest, most self destructive period, I just wanted him to come out on top and conquer his demons.
I loved the epilogue and bonus scene with Cole!
TWs: SA, lovebombing/gaslighting, substance abuse and addiction
"I’d found someone whose soul spoke to mine"
I’m just going to start by saying I loved this book! This is the second book in the River Valley Rebels series and so far we are two for two.
Age gap, enemies to lovers, rockstar romance aka perfection!
I love Sands’ writing style. The plot and dialogue have a great flow and even with a 2 year time jump it did not feel disjointed in the slightest.
I loved the character development of both MCs. Despite wanting to shake Ivy at times, we got to see them both grow and mature throughout the book.
The author handled substance abuse and addiction both accurately and sensitively. The rockstar lifestyle was not romanticised, we got the real and raw version which I loved.
Sands’ had me rooting for Jamie from the very beginning, even during his lowest, most self destructive period, I just wanted him to come out on top and conquer his demons.
I loved the epilogue and bonus scene with Cole!
TWs: SA, lovebombing/gaslighting, substance abuse and addiction
April 28, 2021
This book is a phenomenal read. It totally keeps you on your toes and gives you totally wrong impression of people. This isn't an easy story to read by any stretch of the imagination. Every single character in this book is important but none more so than Ivy, Jamie, and Oliver. This isn't a book about cheating or even a consensual dual relationship. It's complicated, heartbreaking, and eye-opening.
This is a different kind of rockstar romance, it's not all bright lights and screaming crowds. This shows the dark side of an industry that seems shiny to the outside world. I found myself, so angry as the story began to emerge, revealing just how much you really can't trust people, even if they are a friend and someone whom you trust. Sometimes the boogeyman lives in your circle of friends.
Now I've been vague in my review and even then I second-guessed that I gave too much away. But I haven't. This story is one that left me broken, angry and I had plenty of tears but it also left me with hope. Hope that out in this world there is good and sometimes love can find a way. No matter how bad it seems.
This is book is a total recommendation from me, it is a brilliant story. And the first one I've read by this author and it's her second release. As well as second in this series. I don't feel anything would be spoilt for me, so it could be read as a standalone. But I will go back and read Taut Strings.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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This is a different kind of rockstar romance, it's not all bright lights and screaming crowds. This shows the dark side of an industry that seems shiny to the outside world. I found myself, so angry as the story began to emerge, revealing just how much you really can't trust people, even if they are a friend and someone whom you trust. Sometimes the boogeyman lives in your circle of friends.
Now I've been vague in my review and even then I second-guessed that I gave too much away. But I haven't. This story is one that left me broken, angry and I had plenty of tears but it also left me with hope. Hope that out in this world there is good and sometimes love can find a way. No matter how bad it seems.
This is book is a total recommendation from me, it is a brilliant story. And the first one I've read by this author and it's her second release. As well as second in this series. I don't feel anything would be spoilt for me, so it could be read as a standalone. But I will go back and read Taut Strings.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
May 7, 2021
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐ if I could.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Be warned there are scenes that might make you uncomfortable if you are upset by drug use, drug addiction or emotional manipulation.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series Taut Strings. When I was given the opportunity to review this book I was delighted to take the author up on the offer, because I was going to download it the day it came out anyway. The story was foreshadowed in the first book in the series as that book was set in the future of this book. I don’t think you need to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this book as it stands alone in terms of content.
Ivy will turn 18 in 2 weeks and her birthday present to herself is to spend those 2 weeks on tour with her older brother Cole, who plays bass guitar for a band that is support for Ritual Disruption a really big heavy metal band. She wants to take the trip to try and reinvent herself. She’s quiet, prefers small groups of people to crowds, only has a few really good friends and gets good grades, but not outstanding ones. She’s used to disappearing into the background and she wants a chance to try something new before she starts college, with people who she will be unlikely to see ever again.
Her first night on the tour she gets kissed out of nowhere by Jamie, the lead singer of Ritual Disruption. Jamie is an alcoholic and drug addict and is falling apart in front of everyone’s eyes. When Oliver, Jamie’s band mate, apologises for Jamie’s behaviour it’s the start of a fortnight of seduction by him, which has a huge impact on Ivy and the way she sees herself. A gorgeous, successful 28-year-old man is putting time and effort into getting to know her, when she’s barely seen by the people she’s lived her whole life with.
There were quite a few scenes in the first part of this book which made me feel uncomfortable. I felt that Ivy made some poor decisions, but then I remember the kinds of decisions I made at that age and thought actually she did ok! What I didn’t like in particular was the way she was manipulated into doing things she didn’t want to do. It cut a little too close to home a couple of times. I think we are incredibly fortunate if we never meet a manipulative person, sadly I made a similar sort of mistake as Ivy so some of the things she went through really resonated with me.
There was a lot of believable behaviour and emotions through this book and I think that’s what made it uncomfortable for me in places. The themes covered in the book could have worked with any kind of people, but probably made the most sense for people involved in the music business. There certainly wasn’t much of the glamour of the industry on display, just the grimy underside.
I didn’t really connect with the characters. Though I could empathise with all of them, I couldn’t see myself wanting to spend much time with any of them, until towards the final section of the book when Ivy and her man seemed to get their act together, and started being really honest with each other.
This isn’t really ‘light’ reading, as it sort of edges towards the greyer part of the gradient. It doesn’t cheer you up, but it does give you an emotional release if you are feeling in need of one, especially as it ends up with happy finish to the book.
I have no idea what this author is going to come up with next, but I imagine it will grip hold of your emotions and shake you up a bit, like the rest of this series.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Be warned there are scenes that might make you uncomfortable if you are upset by drug use, drug addiction or emotional manipulation.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series Taut Strings. When I was given the opportunity to review this book I was delighted to take the author up on the offer, because I was going to download it the day it came out anyway. The story was foreshadowed in the first book in the series as that book was set in the future of this book. I don’t think you need to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this book as it stands alone in terms of content.
Ivy will turn 18 in 2 weeks and her birthday present to herself is to spend those 2 weeks on tour with her older brother Cole, who plays bass guitar for a band that is support for Ritual Disruption a really big heavy metal band. She wants to take the trip to try and reinvent herself. She’s quiet, prefers small groups of people to crowds, only has a few really good friends and gets good grades, but not outstanding ones. She’s used to disappearing into the background and she wants a chance to try something new before she starts college, with people who she will be unlikely to see ever again.
Her first night on the tour she gets kissed out of nowhere by Jamie, the lead singer of Ritual Disruption. Jamie is an alcoholic and drug addict and is falling apart in front of everyone’s eyes. When Oliver, Jamie’s band mate, apologises for Jamie’s behaviour it’s the start of a fortnight of seduction by him, which has a huge impact on Ivy and the way she sees herself. A gorgeous, successful 28-year-old man is putting time and effort into getting to know her, when she’s barely seen by the people she’s lived her whole life with.
There were quite a few scenes in the first part of this book which made me feel uncomfortable. I felt that Ivy made some poor decisions, but then I remember the kinds of decisions I made at that age and thought actually she did ok! What I didn’t like in particular was the way she was manipulated into doing things she didn’t want to do. It cut a little too close to home a couple of times. I think we are incredibly fortunate if we never meet a manipulative person, sadly I made a similar sort of mistake as Ivy so some of the things she went through really resonated with me.
There was a lot of believable behaviour and emotions through this book and I think that’s what made it uncomfortable for me in places. The themes covered in the book could have worked with any kind of people, but probably made the most sense for people involved in the music business. There certainly wasn’t much of the glamour of the industry on display, just the grimy underside.
I didn’t really connect with the characters. Though I could empathise with all of them, I couldn’t see myself wanting to spend much time with any of them, until towards the final section of the book when Ivy and her man seemed to get their act together, and started being really honest with each other.
This isn’t really ‘light’ reading, as it sort of edges towards the greyer part of the gradient. It doesn’t cheer you up, but it does give you an emotional release if you are feeling in need of one, especially as it ends up with happy finish to the book.
I have no idea what this author is going to come up with next, but I imagine it will grip hold of your emotions and shake you up a bit, like the rest of this series.
May 3, 2021
I have never read this author before. This is her second book and the first one was a reverse harem story, I don't like multi partner books so I have never read it and have no plans to but this story is connected to this one in a slight way.
Cole who is a band member from the first book has a sister, Ivy and at 17 he takes her with them on a two week tour. They are not headliners and the headliners are a different band that ends up liking his sister Ivy. They try and protect her from the band but she is a a strong headed teen and so she gets away from them often and hangs around with the other bands manager, Oliver who is in his twenties. Oliver has a problem child, I guess you can say, Jaimie and he is high a lot and on drugs and he tries to help Jaimie keep his addiction under control.
This is a story really about Oliver, Jaimie and Ivy. The beginning happens 2 years before and takes up the first 30% of the book. It was pretty ugly at times and I almost gave up on the story. I don't want to spoil too much of it but I almost quit reading it a few times. I will say it is well written and its supposed to be ugly because the book picks up several years later and thats when the book becomes interesting and pretty awesome. This part of story centers on Jamie and Ivy and Oliver has a smaller part of this story.
Jaimie has a lot to make up with people over and he was so awesome on the way he works to atone for his sins. I loved that Ivy makes him really work for it and I loved how she opens her mind and heart up to him.
Oliver, his character comes thru in this part of the story and I loved how he ends up getting what he deserves. I hated how Ivy waits around for him in the intervening years but I loved how he gets exposed to Ivy.
Honestly this story was something I had never read before. It has depth and deals with addiction and manipulation. I ended up LOVING this story so much. Though the beginning was tougher to read. Ivy is so young and naive in the first part but she really grows up in the second part and I loved that Jaimie was a part of that.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cole who is a band member from the first book has a sister, Ivy and at 17 he takes her with them on a two week tour. They are not headliners and the headliners are a different band that ends up liking his sister Ivy. They try and protect her from the band but she is a a strong headed teen and so she gets away from them often and hangs around with the other bands manager, Oliver who is in his twenties. Oliver has a problem child, I guess you can say, Jaimie and he is high a lot and on drugs and he tries to help Jaimie keep his addiction under control.
This is a story really about Oliver, Jaimie and Ivy. The beginning happens 2 years before and takes up the first 30% of the book. It was pretty ugly at times and I almost gave up on the story. I don't want to spoil too much of it but I almost quit reading it a few times. I will say it is well written and its supposed to be ugly because the book picks up several years later and thats when the book becomes interesting and pretty awesome. This part of story centers on Jamie and Ivy and Oliver has a smaller part of this story.
Jaimie has a lot to make up with people over and he was so awesome on the way he works to atone for his sins. I loved that Ivy makes him really work for it and I loved how she opens her mind and heart up to him.
Oliver, his character comes thru in this part of the story and I loved how he ends up getting what he deserves. I hated how Ivy waits around for him in the intervening years but I loved how he gets exposed to Ivy.
Honestly this story was something I had never read before. It has depth and deals with addiction and manipulation. I ended up LOVING this story so much. Though the beginning was tougher to read. Ivy is so young and naive in the first part but she really grows up in the second part and I loved that Jaimie was a part of that.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2021
Loved it!
Pretty Words by @authorgabriellesands
............
“There was something cruel in the way all of his features came together—as if looking at his beauty came with a steep price.”
...............
Amazing! Gabrielle blew me away with this book! I absolutely loved the layers and the storyline that brought Ivy and Jamie together. This book had passionate starry eyed young love, unhealthy obsession, addiction and survival, all intertwined into a beautifully written story.
..............
“We can love in ways that are positive and enrich our lives, or we can love in ways that are harmful and decrease our self-contentment.”
..............
Ivy is a shy girl who struggles with anxiety but has decided to step out of her comfort zone by going on tour with her older brother. On her first day in tour, she gets accosted by the train wreck that is Jamie, the lead singer of the headlining band. This starts a series of events that leads her into the arms of their guitarist, Oliver. Ivy is infatuated with Oliver from the start and her rose colored glasses has her overlooking major details in their relationship. Jamie is an alcoholic and Ivys compassion for helping Jamie leads her to a turning point with Oliver. Ivy blames Jamie for the fall out but things are not how they appear. Will Ivy be able to see the truth in front of her eyes or will it take something major for her to see?
...............
“We used to be enemies. And now, we were becoming something else.”
...............
I don’t think I summarized this review well at all 😂 Theres so much to this story I just didn’t want to give away! She did a phenomenal job on the psychology aspect of this book with discussing the parallels of addiction and unhealthy obsession. I just couldn’t put it down! This is book 2 in the River Valley Rebels but can be read as a standalone. You could even read this one before the first book Taut Strings 😉. I loved this story and highly recommend!
Pretty Words by @authorgabriellesands
............
“There was something cruel in the way all of his features came together—as if looking at his beauty came with a steep price.”
...............
Amazing! Gabrielle blew me away with this book! I absolutely loved the layers and the storyline that brought Ivy and Jamie together. This book had passionate starry eyed young love, unhealthy obsession, addiction and survival, all intertwined into a beautifully written story.
..............
“We can love in ways that are positive and enrich our lives, or we can love in ways that are harmful and decrease our self-contentment.”
..............
Ivy is a shy girl who struggles with anxiety but has decided to step out of her comfort zone by going on tour with her older brother. On her first day in tour, she gets accosted by the train wreck that is Jamie, the lead singer of the headlining band. This starts a series of events that leads her into the arms of their guitarist, Oliver. Ivy is infatuated with Oliver from the start and her rose colored glasses has her overlooking major details in their relationship. Jamie is an alcoholic and Ivys compassion for helping Jamie leads her to a turning point with Oliver. Ivy blames Jamie for the fall out but things are not how they appear. Will Ivy be able to see the truth in front of her eyes or will it take something major for her to see?
...............
“We used to be enemies. And now, we were becoming something else.”
...............
I don’t think I summarized this review well at all 😂 Theres so much to this story I just didn’t want to give away! She did a phenomenal job on the psychology aspect of this book with discussing the parallels of addiction and unhealthy obsession. I just couldn’t put it down! This is book 2 in the River Valley Rebels but can be read as a standalone. You could even read this one before the first book Taut Strings 😉. I loved this story and highly recommend!
April 28, 2021
This books is a phenomenal read. It totally keeps you on your toes and gives you totally wrong impression of people. This isn't an easy story to read by any stretch of the imagination. Every single character in this book is important but none more so than Ivy, Jamie and Oliver. This isn't a book about cheating or even a consensual dual relationship. It's complicated, heartbreaking and eye opening.
This is a different kind of rockstar romance, it's not all bright lights and screaming crowds. This shows the darkside of an industry that seems shiny to the outside world. I found myself, so angry as the story began to emerge, revealing just how much you really can't trust people, even if they are a friend and someone whom you trust. Sometimes the boogeyman lives in your circle of friends.
Now I've been vague in my review and even then I second guessed that I gave too much away. But I haven't. This story is one that left me broken, angry and I had plenty of tears but it also left me with hope. Hope that, out in this world there is good and sometimes love can find a way. No matter how bad it seems.
This is book is a total recommend from me, it is a brilliant story. And the first one I've read by this author and it's her second release. As well as second in this series. I don't feel anything would be spoilt for me, so it could be read as a standalone. But I will go back and read Taut Strings.
April 30, 2021
Pretty Words is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone. It is an enemies to lovers rockstar romance with real emotional depth to it exploring first love, obsession, control, addiction, recovery and healing.
This book really surprised me. As I started reading it I thought it was headed in one direction and I thought I had an idea of what the book was. Then it went in a very different and much more emotionally satisfying direction. The story is beautiful for its highs and lows and for the journey as a whole.
This is the story of Ivy. At 17 she wants to broaden her horizons and push her boundaries by visiting her up and coming rockstar brother on tour. The two weeks amongst the rockstars changes and defines Ivy's life for the next few years. This story is born of the characters she meets and the impact they have on her emotionally. Ivy is hard to like and understand through the first third of the book, then you remember she is a child amongst overindulged performers. She is not meant to have everything figured out. She matures and grows through the story and it is a satisfying journey to take with her.
Jamie is a broken soul. He is so beautifully written that even at his worst you still feel his pain and want him to be better. Through him you really feel his battles and emotions and his triumphs.
While this isn't a steam packed story the love scenes are touching and relevant and sensual when they do happen. You feel a sense of power in Ivy at taking control of her life and love. I adored every page and I'm so glad this wasn't the story I thought was going to be told.
This book really surprised me. As I started reading it I thought it was headed in one direction and I thought I had an idea of what the book was. Then it went in a very different and much more emotionally satisfying direction. The story is beautiful for its highs and lows and for the journey as a whole.
This is the story of Ivy. At 17 she wants to broaden her horizons and push her boundaries by visiting her up and coming rockstar brother on tour. The two weeks amongst the rockstars changes and defines Ivy's life for the next few years. This story is born of the characters she meets and the impact they have on her emotionally. Ivy is hard to like and understand through the first third of the book, then you remember she is a child amongst overindulged performers. She is not meant to have everything figured out. She matures and grows through the story and it is a satisfying journey to take with her.
Jamie is a broken soul. He is so beautifully written that even at his worst you still feel his pain and want him to be better. Through him you really feel his battles and emotions and his triumphs.
While this isn't a steam packed story the love scenes are touching and relevant and sensual when they do happen. You feel a sense of power in Ivy at taking control of her life and love. I adored every page and I'm so glad this wasn't the story I thought was going to be told.
April 3, 2025
**Book Review: *Taut Strings* (River Valley Rebels #1) by Gabrielle Sands**
*Taut Strings* is a compelling reverse harem rockstar romance that delves into themes of loss, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows Adeline, a 21-year-old guitarist who put her musical aspirations on hold after being rejected by Juilliard and becoming the guardian of her younger sister following their parents' passing. Her life takes an unforeseen turn when Bleeding Moonlight—a renowned heavy metal band returning to their hometown to honor their late bandmate—invites her to step in as a temporary guitarist for their final album. citeturn0search0
Gabrielle Sands crafts a narrative rich with emotional depth, exploring Adeline's journey as she navigates complex relationships with the band members, each grappling with their own grief and pasts. The chemistry among the characters is palpable, and the progression of their connections is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. citeturn0search2
Readers have praised the novel for its engaging plot and well-developed characters. One reviewer noted, "I loved the dynamics between Adeline and her guys and their relationships. This is well written and makes me excited to read other works of Gabrielle Sands." citeturn0search6
While *Taut Strings* is the first installment in the River Valley Rebels series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The book offers a harmonious blend of music, romance, and personal growth, making it a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance and rockstar narratives. citeturn0search0
*Taut Strings* is a compelling reverse harem rockstar romance that delves into themes of loss, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows Adeline, a 21-year-old guitarist who put her musical aspirations on hold after being rejected by Juilliard and becoming the guardian of her younger sister following their parents' passing. Her life takes an unforeseen turn when Bleeding Moonlight—a renowned heavy metal band returning to their hometown to honor their late bandmate—invites her to step in as a temporary guitarist for their final album. citeturn0search0
Gabrielle Sands crafts a narrative rich with emotional depth, exploring Adeline's journey as she navigates complex relationships with the band members, each grappling with their own grief and pasts. The chemistry among the characters is palpable, and the progression of their connections is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. citeturn0search2
Readers have praised the novel for its engaging plot and well-developed characters. One reviewer noted, "I loved the dynamics between Adeline and her guys and their relationships. This is well written and makes me excited to read other works of Gabrielle Sands." citeturn0search6
While *Taut Strings* is the first installment in the River Valley Rebels series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The book offers a harmonious blend of music, romance, and personal growth, making it a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance and rockstar narratives. citeturn0search0
May 10, 2021
Author has great potential!
The author has great potential. Her characters were real and well developed. The plot was good and a bit different than other rockstar books that I have read. I love rockstars and I really wanted to like this book but I hit some plot points and tropes that I, personally, do not care for in my books. I could identify with the h in a lot of ways and I was interested to see what was in store for her. We have a naive 17-year-old high school girl spending some time with her older brother who's in a rock band. Not a problem until she has two messed up older dudes chasing after her. Nope. No can do. No 30-year-old should be chasing a high school girl. That's a predator. Not a boyfriend. Good thing it was only a two week visit. Also, I am not a fan of "the love triangle". Even though it was not the typical triangle once I hit that bump I couldn't go on. I skipped to the end to catch up with the story. I got the gist of what happened and the HEA. I did like the writing and I am sure that if the author writes some tropes and plot devices that I am down with, I will jump right on it. I love rock stars. I personally know a couple famous rockers so I know what goes on behind the scenes. The author did well there. Like I said, she has great potential. Even though I DNFed this, I am still giving it three stars and I will even wholeheartedly recommend it. As the saying goes, or should anyway, one wo/man's "DNF" is another wo/man's five star review. ✌🏻
The author has great potential. Her characters were real and well developed. The plot was good and a bit different than other rockstar books that I have read. I love rockstars and I really wanted to like this book but I hit some plot points and tropes that I, personally, do not care for in my books. I could identify with the h in a lot of ways and I was interested to see what was in store for her. We have a naive 17-year-old high school girl spending some time with her older brother who's in a rock band. Not a problem until she has two messed up older dudes chasing after her. Nope. No can do. No 30-year-old should be chasing a high school girl. That's a predator. Not a boyfriend. Good thing it was only a two week visit. Also, I am not a fan of "the love triangle". Even though it was not the typical triangle once I hit that bump I couldn't go on. I skipped to the end to catch up with the story. I got the gist of what happened and the HEA. I did like the writing and I am sure that if the author writes some tropes and plot devices that I am down with, I will jump right on it. I love rock stars. I personally know a couple famous rockers so I know what goes on behind the scenes. The author did well there. Like I said, she has great potential. Even though I DNFed this, I am still giving it three stars and I will even wholeheartedly recommend it. As the saying goes, or should anyway, one wo/man's "DNF" is another wo/man's five star review. ✌🏻
May 5, 2021
Pretty Words by Gabrielle Sands is the second book in the River Valley Rebels Series and it is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite series. This is Ivy and Jamie‘s story and it can also be read as a stand-alone. There is also a trigger warning and be sure to check that out before reading.
.
Ivy is a total introvert, very kind and caring and I could immediately relate to her and saw a lot of myself in her. Before she starts her studies at UCLA she decides to branch out and therefore accompanies her brother Cole on tour with his band Bleeding Moonlight.
.
There she also meets the members of the other band and two guys catch her attention. One is the rock god Oliver and he seems like a good person. The other one is Jamie who is a broken soul and battles his demons with alcohol and drugs and is in a very bad place. Everyone kind of accepted that until Ivy comes along and is genuinely concerned about him and wants to help him. At first glance he seems like trouble, but the book shows that it can be very rewarding to look twice.
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Years later Jamie reaches out to Ivy as a step in his healing and recovery process and that is were the story progresses. What I liked so much was that the characters reflected their actions and the past and they took responsibility for their mistakes. This is anything but easy and made the story so much more tangible and inspirational. Ivy and Jamie’s story is just incredible and I loved everything about it and I have so many favorite scenes. It is also an enemies-to-lovers romance and that adds the perfect about of tension and angst.
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Overall, I’m more than in love with this amazing story and it is for sure one of my new favorite books. I can only highly recommend this book to everyone. 5 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
.
Ivy is a total introvert, very kind and caring and I could immediately relate to her and saw a lot of myself in her. Before she starts her studies at UCLA she decides to branch out and therefore accompanies her brother Cole on tour with his band Bleeding Moonlight.
.
There she also meets the members of the other band and two guys catch her attention. One is the rock god Oliver and he seems like a good person. The other one is Jamie who is a broken soul and battles his demons with alcohol and drugs and is in a very bad place. Everyone kind of accepted that until Ivy comes along and is genuinely concerned about him and wants to help him. At first glance he seems like trouble, but the book shows that it can be very rewarding to look twice.
.
Years later Jamie reaches out to Ivy as a step in his healing and recovery process and that is were the story progresses. What I liked so much was that the characters reflected their actions and the past and they took responsibility for their mistakes. This is anything but easy and made the story so much more tangible and inspirational. Ivy and Jamie’s story is just incredible and I loved everything about it and I have so many favorite scenes. It is also an enemies-to-lovers romance and that adds the perfect about of tension and angst.
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Overall, I’m more than in love with this amazing story and it is for sure one of my new favorite books. I can only highly recommend this book to everyone. 5 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
May 9, 2021
This was the first book I have read from this writer and wow did she ever explode onto my author horizon with this one. Even after finishing this story a few days ago its rawness, pain and intensity is still with me. I am sure many of us can think back to how we were devastated by the loss of our first love. In this story teenage Ivy is cruelly hurt and tossed aside by Oliver the older rock star she has fallen in love with. Jamie the bands frontman had warned Ivy about Oliver and the way he treated women. Ivy refuses to believe him as he is always either drunk or high so she thinks he is jealous of Oliver. Oliver continues to feed Ivy's obsession with him making promises by text message that he has no intention of keeping and she keeps her life on hold waiting for him.
Gabrielle so cleverly weaves this story of obsession and shows how addictions can easily happen when insecurities are fueled and a person is manipulated into destructive behaviour which can ruin their lives. The tight bonds of addiction are difficult to break but in this story Jamie and Ivy's intervention in each other's lives help them to see reality and want to change.
This story is incredibly powerful, it is a rock star romance with a difference and such an unexpected twist that I was left totally dumbfounded. Having not read the first book in this series I don't know if it is as earth shattering as this one, but I am definitely going to find out.
Gabrielle so cleverly weaves this story of obsession and shows how addictions can easily happen when insecurities are fueled and a person is manipulated into destructive behaviour which can ruin their lives. The tight bonds of addiction are difficult to break but in this story Jamie and Ivy's intervention in each other's lives help them to see reality and want to change.
This story is incredibly powerful, it is a rock star romance with a difference and such an unexpected twist that I was left totally dumbfounded. Having not read the first book in this series I don't know if it is as earth shattering as this one, but I am definitely going to find out.
May 6, 2021
I didn’t know how much I needed their story! Ivy and Jamie have such an emotionally charged story! I Absolutely loved it!
Gabrielle’s books just pull me in so deep that I literally can’t put them down until I’m finished! If you haven’t read her, go grab Taut Strings now! Pretty Words pulled out so many emotions in me. I related so much with Ivy! Love these characters and their development!
Rockstars ✔️
Drama ✔️
Steamy Chemistry ✔️
Manipulation ✔️
A couple of weeks with rockstars on tour! What could go wrong? Sounds like the time of your life! Right? She’s looking to figure out who she is and where she belongs in the world. It definitely doesn’t fulfill Ivy’s expectations!
“These messages, always filled with pretty words and tempting fantasies, never failed to bring me to my knees.”
With Jamie, you see the hot mess that is his life! But things behind the scenes aren’t exactly what they seem. His spiral is so heartbreaking, it tugged on my heartstrings and made me hurt for him.
I absolutely recommend this book! This series has been amazing so far! I can’t wait for what’s to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**This book has some hard topics and features some drug use. Proceed with caution if that upsets you.
- received an arc for an honest review
Gabrielle’s books just pull me in so deep that I literally can’t put them down until I’m finished! If you haven’t read her, go grab Taut Strings now! Pretty Words pulled out so many emotions in me. I related so much with Ivy! Love these characters and their development!
Rockstars ✔️
Drama ✔️
Steamy Chemistry ✔️
Manipulation ✔️
A couple of weeks with rockstars on tour! What could go wrong? Sounds like the time of your life! Right? She’s looking to figure out who she is and where she belongs in the world. It definitely doesn’t fulfill Ivy’s expectations!
“These messages, always filled with pretty words and tempting fantasies, never failed to bring me to my knees.”
With Jamie, you see the hot mess that is his life! But things behind the scenes aren’t exactly what they seem. His spiral is so heartbreaking, it tugged on my heartstrings and made me hurt for him.
I absolutely recommend this book! This series has been amazing so far! I can’t wait for what’s to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**This book has some hard topics and features some drug use. Proceed with caution if that upsets you.
- received an arc for an honest review
May 22, 2021
Trigger Warnings: Drug Use, Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual Assault
I started Pretty Words by Gabrielle Sands without a complete understanding of what I was getting myself into. It sounded like an ideal rockstar romance, a genre that has recently been right up my alley. The description brings up two men, Oliver and Jamie, which had me intrigued about where the story would end up going from there.
The book delivered for me in its cat and mouse game of romance. It gently coaxes you into false senses of security and complacency only to dramatically pull the rug out from under you. Gabrielle Sands has a knack for doing a total reversal of the perception a reader may have about a character. Ones who you start out falling in love with inevitably betray the reader and others who you may not think much of can become favorites in the blink of an eye.
I was constantly engaged with what I was reading as I mapped out scenarios in the same way I may a well-plotted mystery novel. I found my mind spinning every second I was reading Pretty Words trying to anticipate what would happen next. This was the case in every aspect from the characters to the plot itself. Reading this book is like getting emotional whiplash with how quickly things can change on a dime in the best way possible.
I started Pretty Words by Gabrielle Sands without a complete understanding of what I was getting myself into. It sounded like an ideal rockstar romance, a genre that has recently been right up my alley. The description brings up two men, Oliver and Jamie, which had me intrigued about where the story would end up going from there.
The book delivered for me in its cat and mouse game of romance. It gently coaxes you into false senses of security and complacency only to dramatically pull the rug out from under you. Gabrielle Sands has a knack for doing a total reversal of the perception a reader may have about a character. Ones who you start out falling in love with inevitably betray the reader and others who you may not think much of can become favorites in the blink of an eye.
I was constantly engaged with what I was reading as I mapped out scenarios in the same way I may a well-plotted mystery novel. I found my mind spinning every second I was reading Pretty Words trying to anticipate what would happen next. This was the case in every aspect from the characters to the plot itself. Reading this book is like getting emotional whiplash with how quickly things can change on a dime in the best way possible.
May 5, 2021
We learned a little bit about Ivy in Taut Strings. Cole was completely not a fan of the life his sister was living. By some miracle (not really ) I remembered what his gripe was so when I started Pretty Words I was a bit taken away and a little confused.
BUT I trust Sands not to mess with me.
I had to trust the process. And eventually it all worked out.
Cole was right to be upset about the guy Ivy ends up with IF we judged him for his past. But we don't do that. We see the man he is today and that man made me swoon. He was literally a train wreck and the last time they had seen each other he was in the middle of overdosing. She saved his life. And it ruined hers, in her opinion. In my opinion, he did her a solid.
2 years later he's out here making his mends and trying to be a better person. Partially because of things she said way back when.
His story of redemption was absolutely beautiful.
Ivy though. The first half of the books was hard to read the amount of emotional abuse she indured in the name of love was hard. Im sure many people will be able to relate to her and hopefully if they find themselves in that situation they realize just how bad it really is.
BUT I trust Sands not to mess with me.
I had to trust the process. And eventually it all worked out.
Cole was right to be upset about the guy Ivy ends up with IF we judged him for his past. But we don't do that. We see the man he is today and that man made me swoon. He was literally a train wreck and the last time they had seen each other he was in the middle of overdosing. She saved his life. And it ruined hers, in her opinion. In my opinion, he did her a solid.
2 years later he's out here making his mends and trying to be a better person. Partially because of things she said way back when.
His story of redemption was absolutely beautiful.
Ivy though. The first half of the books was hard to read the amount of emotional abuse she indured in the name of love was hard. Im sure many people will be able to relate to her and hopefully if they find themselves in that situation they realize just how bad it really is.
May 6, 2021
This is a new author to me, and this is the 2nd book in a series, which has me 1-clicking the 1st novel without hesitation, and this is certainly an author to look out for in the future. Ivy is shy and quiet and prefers to blend into the background, and when she goes on tour with her brother Cole’s band who are the supporting act for “Ritual Disruption”. Jamie is the lead singer for RD, and he is a broken soul with alcohol and drug addiction, and when he grabs Ivy and kisses her, his bandmate Oliver who is the guitarist and song writer, steps up to apologise for Jamie’s actions. This is a beautifully written story which is not for the faint-at-heart, and is a dark, raw, gritty, emotional, and heartwrenching tale, with turmoil, manipulation, redemption, and an intense thought-provoking story. I was totally intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend. Be aware there may be triggers for some readers due to the sensitive content!
May 7, 2021
This is a story of falling for someone you idolize and first love . It is also about what is like to find out that person is not who you thought they were all , as well as realizing after getting to know that person better , that they may just be the perfect person for you now . I was completely falling for Ivy and Jaime by the end of the first chapter . They had my heart ❤️ , I was feeling so many emotions at once during this amazing story.There were also some very heavy moments thought the book . Pretty words is the perfect blend of everything that makes a perfect romance .manipulation, bad choices , steamy moments, off the charts chemistry. There are also some sensitive issues such as self esteem / worthiness issues .Ivy and Jamie are both extremely introverted people who have been used in one way or another most of their lives. But that all changed once they find one another and start a relationship. This is a story with all the feels , so grab on because you are going to be taken on the ride of your life .
May 7, 2021
Pretty Words is book number two in the River Valley Rebels series. I absolutely loved book one (can be read as a stand-alone), so I was excited to jump back in!
We meet Ivy, who is Cole’s sister from Taut Strings, as she embarks on tour with her brother. There she meets Oliver, the charming guy who seems too good to be true, and Jamie, the hot mess. Neither situation ends well and they all part ways.
Flash forward two years and Jamie comes back into the picture - things have definitely changed for him and he’s out to make things right with Ivy. It was great to see their relationship develop and I liked who they were together - understanding in spite of their flaws/weaknesses. The steam is a bit of a slow burn but once it kicked off about 60% in, it was hot!!
This was definitely a bit of an emotional ride and deals with sensitive topics, like addiction. But I loved Jamie and his journey - he was my favorite part of the book! And while I wished Ivy was a little stronger, I totally get that we all do stupid crap when we’re teenagers 🥴 Overall another great good from Gabrielle!!
We meet Ivy, who is Cole’s sister from Taut Strings, as she embarks on tour with her brother. There she meets Oliver, the charming guy who seems too good to be true, and Jamie, the hot mess. Neither situation ends well and they all part ways.
Flash forward two years and Jamie comes back into the picture - things have definitely changed for him and he’s out to make things right with Ivy. It was great to see their relationship develop and I liked who they were together - understanding in spite of their flaws/weaknesses. The steam is a bit of a slow burn but once it kicked off about 60% in, it was hot!!
This was definitely a bit of an emotional ride and deals with sensitive topics, like addiction. But I loved Jamie and his journey - he was my favorite part of the book! And while I wished Ivy was a little stronger, I totally get that we all do stupid crap when we’re teenagers 🥴 Overall another great good from Gabrielle!!
February 4, 2023
The writing wasn't the issue for me. When I rate books, it's based on the plot, the characters and their growth, and whether the book managed to evoke emotion out of me. This book had a good plot but it fell flat when it came to the characters.The issue was the FMC, I do understand that she was naive and young because she wasn't exposed to this part of life before, but there is a difference between naivety and stupidity. Unfortunately, the heroine was the latter for me, I overlooked her views in the beginning as she was still very young, but even after years how is it that she still had such juvenile views? How is it that right up until the end of the book her stupidity shined through? Her character had zero growth and development. However, the MMC did have a character arc, hence the 2 🌟. No hate to the author.
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