What do you think?
Rate this book
Seattle Sound #1
Sweet Solace
I’m not ready to be seduced…
...and I’m definitely not ready to be ignited by an old flame.
It’s no secret I no longer believe in love. After my marriage broke me, the only way I fall in love is on the page with my characters. They get happily ever afters. I own a shattered heart.
But one night on the beach changes everything.
When sexy rock god Asher Smith locks his gaze with mine, the world melts away. Suddenly, I’m seventeen again, falling for the man whose siren song stole my heart. The song he wrote just for me before he disappeared from my life for good.
But now he’s back for an encore.
The powerful bad boy of rock wants what he left behind. Me. And when his whiskey-rough voice and firestarter touch inflame the passion between us that never truly died, I can’t deny the attraction anymore than I can’t hide just how much I want what his kisses promise, what this thing between us could be. If I dare give in to the rock god’s pleasures...
★ Don’t miss the chance to lose your heart to Lia, Asher, and their families in this angsty, feels-full saga of second chances, hope, and love from a USA Today bestselling author. ★
Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2016
552 people are currently reading
1181 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Padgett
48 books1,339 followersWith a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
April 29, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================
======================
Want to read
November 7, 2023💝 FREE on iBooks today (11/21/2018)!💝
February 7, 2021
Wow! Asher and Lia were absolutely amazing! They found each other again when they both needed someone. I loved how Asher helped Lia when she was going through a hard time. They definitely worked together so well. I loved how they found happiness that was missing in their lives. 💛
February 3, 2022
This was my first time reading an Alexa Padgett book and it didn't disappoint! I loved the chemistry that jumped off the pages between Asher and Dahlia! Asher and Dahlia have reconnected after many years apart and they both have baggage from their past and present that makes it complicated to give into want they truly want and I loved the other characters who helped make this such a good read. I really liked the writing and I know I will definitely be reading more of her books!
November 21, 2016
~I was given this book for an honest review~
This maybe one of the first time I've described as rock star book. It might also be the first time I've read a rock star that didn't include a whole lot of sex. This book is all about healing and giving a second chance at love.
Dahlia has dealt with a lot with her life including losing her husband. She is stuck in a rug and just living for her daughter. A chance meeting changes everything. Seeing Asher and talking again opened up something in her. She's writing again and opening her heart to love again. Things are starting to fall into place until it's not.
Asher has made his name in music but has failed in his marriage. His wife is crazy one and makes his life a living hell. He's out to prove he's a good father while she goes out and screws the car wash guy. Asher and Dahlia form a friendship, just to be in the safe side but each can't stop the pull they feel for each other. Sparks fly but dahlia isn't ready. Asher is a gem. He's so sweet,despite dealing with all he is, but still manages to be an incredible dad. His whole world is about Mason but there's something still eating at him. Both him and soon to be ex need the truth and needs healing to move on peacefully. This book had so many sweet moments between Asher and Dahlia especially between the kids. I absolutely loved both characters. Dahlia was so respectful of Asher's situation and didnt try anything but be a friend. I love the built up of feelings and them finally getting together. There's also some dirty play as well but don't worry, it all works out with a happy ending. As I said before, this book is a different take, its more about the life outside of tours and more personal. I really enjoyed reading this book and was glad to get the chance to read it.
This maybe one of the first time I've described as rock star book. It might also be the first time I've read a rock star that didn't include a whole lot of sex. This book is all about healing and giving a second chance at love.
Dahlia has dealt with a lot with her life including losing her husband. She is stuck in a rug and just living for her daughter. A chance meeting changes everything. Seeing Asher and talking again opened up something in her. She's writing again and opening her heart to love again. Things are starting to fall into place until it's not.
Asher has made his name in music but has failed in his marriage. His wife is crazy one and makes his life a living hell. He's out to prove he's a good father while she goes out and screws the car wash guy. Asher and Dahlia form a friendship, just to be in the safe side but each can't stop the pull they feel for each other. Sparks fly but dahlia isn't ready. Asher is a gem. He's so sweet,despite dealing with all he is, but still manages to be an incredible dad. His whole world is about Mason but there's something still eating at him. Both him and soon to be ex need the truth and needs healing to move on peacefully. This book had so many sweet moments between Asher and Dahlia especially between the kids. I absolutely loved both characters. Dahlia was so respectful of Asher's situation and didnt try anything but be a friend. I love the built up of feelings and them finally getting together. There's also some dirty play as well but don't worry, it all works out with a happy ending. As I said before, this book is a different take, its more about the life outside of tours and more personal. I really enjoyed reading this book and was glad to get the chance to read it.
November 15, 2016
Sweet Solace By: Alexa Padgett
First off I gave 4 Stars
This is a truly slow building love story of 20 plus years!!
Lia has some deep emotional issues!!
Will she be able to move past them?
To maybe find the Love she always wanted with Asher?
Asher has Loved Lia since the first time he saw her but she belonged to someone else. So he tries to move on with his life.
Now the universe has given him another chance. Can he deal with a Nasty divorce and what it reveals? Will he ever be able to trust another woman after the wife from Hell? Find out in this great read!!!
I got this book as gift from a friend…
First off I gave 4 Stars
This is a truly slow building love story of 20 plus years!!
Lia has some deep emotional issues!!
Will she be able to move past them?
To maybe find the Love she always wanted with Asher?
Asher has Loved Lia since the first time he saw her but she belonged to someone else. So he tries to move on with his life.
Now the universe has given him another chance. Can he deal with a Nasty divorce and what it reveals? Will he ever be able to trust another woman after the wife from Hell? Find out in this great read!!!
I got this book as gift from a friend…
May 26, 2017
I see there are 3 books in the series, can't wait to check the other out!! "Seattle Sound Series", 1st book I have read by Alexa ...& it will not be the last, this book was beautifully written, well developed characters, second chance romance, I love the cover. .. this book is set in Seattle, so would love to see Washington, never been to that part though. Love the views there. very similar to Virginia is my opinion. A very quick, romantic, sexy read. So can't wait to read more from Alexa Padgett very very soon. Must read. ( ;
December 30, 2020
I loved this book! Hope the rest of the series is just as good!
February 6, 2017
The cover makes you think this is gonna be a "rocker" book...but is really a story about two adults, Two adults who have pasts that include happiness, sorrow and tragedy. It was refreshing to ready how these characters handiled their situations by making solid, thought-out decision and leaving the angst out of their relationship. If you're looking for a change from your typical YA rocker book, pick ths one up!
December 13, 2016
This book was so captivating! I couldn't seem to put it down and read it in one day❤️
August 20, 2018
Dahlia had been with her husband Doug for what had seemed liked forever, committed to the vows she made to the musician as a teenager. Even if he didn't take them as seriously. He had betrayed her trust, hurt her, destroyed her in ways she didn't think possible, and that was before his diagnosis, things had only got worse after. His death had opened more wounds, despite everything she had loved him, once. When her path crosses with Asher's, an old crush and famous rock star, she begins to feel things she thought were long lost in her. But she never thought her feelings had been, and still were, reciprocated. The problem is, neither of them are in a place where they feel they can pursue a relationship. After Doug, Dahlia swore to never love, especially not a musician, she knew all too well the price she paid, and she couldn't do it again. Will she pass up her chance of happiness because of the fears and betrayal of her husband, or will she take the risk, will she give love one final chance?
Sweet Solace (Seattle Sound Series Book 1) is a slow burn romance by Alexa Padgett who is certainly an expert in their craft. I was hung on every word, loving the steady pace and involved plot of the lives of Asher and Dahlia as they are brought together, both with their own complications. I loved the slow change in Dahlia's character as she began to reclaim who she had once been before things had turned sour with Doug. There is plenty to enjoy, and the erotic scenes were well scripted perfectly attuned to the book without becoming over the top, they were no more or less than was needed. I can honestly day it has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book in the romance genre as much as I enjoyed Sweet Solace I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and I can certainly see myself picking up some of the other books from the talented Alexa Padgett It has everything you could ask for, passion, doubts, insecurity, longing, and the fears that come with someone already deeply hurt. and more.
Sweet Solace (Seattle Sound Series Book 1) is a slow burn romance by Alexa Padgett who is certainly an expert in their craft. I was hung on every word, loving the steady pace and involved plot of the lives of Asher and Dahlia as they are brought together, both with their own complications. I loved the slow change in Dahlia's character as she began to reclaim who she had once been before things had turned sour with Doug. There is plenty to enjoy, and the erotic scenes were well scripted perfectly attuned to the book without becoming over the top, they were no more or less than was needed. I can honestly day it has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book in the romance genre as much as I enjoyed Sweet Solace I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and I can certainly see myself picking up some of the other books from the talented Alexa Padgett It has everything you could ask for, passion, doubts, insecurity, longing, and the fears that come with someone already deeply hurt. and more.
April 18, 2018
This book reminds me of two things: the saying “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans,” and the concept of the road not taken. The thing that I loved with all my heart is how Asher and Lisa’s story showed that in spite of all the trials, difficulties and roadblocks life tends to throw in our path, hope, love and happily ever after are still possible, and all those trials can make us stronger and more able to receive and appreciate the good things life has in store.
Sweet Solace is my first work by this author and will certainly not be my last. Through all the pain, betrayal and loss that both Asher and Lia endure, there's still a thread of hope which makes the angst and suffering easier for the reader, because you just know these two belong together. This story is so beautiful, heartfelt and realistic, and the characters are exquisite in their complexity, flaws and fallibility. Their journey is not an easy one, but it’s a story well worth reading. It's carefully crafted to pull the reader in and engages the emotions with characters who will leave their mark on your soul. I can’t wait to read more in this series and definitely recommend you add this book to your Must Read list!
Sweet Solace is my first work by this author and will certainly not be my last. Through all the pain, betrayal and loss that both Asher and Lia endure, there's still a thread of hope which makes the angst and suffering easier for the reader, because you just know these two belong together. This story is so beautiful, heartfelt and realistic, and the characters are exquisite in their complexity, flaws and fallibility. Their journey is not an easy one, but it’s a story well worth reading. It's carefully crafted to pull the reader in and engages the emotions with characters who will leave their mark on your soul. I can’t wait to read more in this series and definitely recommend you add this book to your Must Read list!
September 27, 2024
I really really liked this, I'm so pleasantly surprised. I thought it was going to be a Mediocre rockstar romance but instead it was found family, second chances and love. ✨️💓
I get too upset when I read second chances, especially when it's been years because all I'm thinking about, is all those years, all that time wasted. So I struggled with this one in the beginning. Both MMC and FMC have children and had spouses, Dahlias husband died and Asher was in the middle of a divorce with his vindictive and selfish wife. Dahlia also had a 16 year teenage daughter which was also something different. But I loved their relationship, it was so mature and loving. Asher had a cute 8 year old son, and the way, all four were such a perfect family. So cute. ✋️
This lacked all the sex, drugs and rock and roll that we get in other rockstar kinda musician romances, yh his past was mentioned but this was different. It was about taking chances and ownership of your own life, regardless of the risks. It was very adorable but also heartbreaking for reasons I cannot divulge. But both Asher and Dahlia had gone through SO much so it was perfect seeing their happily ever after.
The ending was abrupt though and I HATE abrupt endings so that disappointed me. But I did like this. 💖🫶
I get too upset when I read second chances, especially when it's been years because all I'm thinking about, is all those years, all that time wasted. So I struggled with this one in the beginning. Both MMC and FMC have children and had spouses, Dahlias husband died and Asher was in the middle of a divorce with his vindictive and selfish wife. Dahlia also had a 16 year teenage daughter which was also something different. But I loved their relationship, it was so mature and loving. Asher had a cute 8 year old son, and the way, all four were such a perfect family. So cute. ✋️
This lacked all the sex, drugs and rock and roll that we get in other rockstar kinda musician romances, yh his past was mentioned but this was different. It was about taking chances and ownership of your own life, regardless of the risks. It was very adorable but also heartbreaking for reasons I cannot divulge. But both Asher and Dahlia had gone through SO much so it was perfect seeing their happily ever after.
The ending was abrupt though and I HATE abrupt endings so that disappointed me. But I did like this. 💖🫶
April 3, 2023
This is a second chance Trope.
This story grabbed my heart and made feel everything. That shows talent in the writing.
Lia is a widow and single mum. She struggles with mental health and panic attacks. It's really good how the author approached these subjects.
It seems fate might just be kind to her and brings her to her 1st love from 20 yrs ago.
Asher loved her back then and deep down he still does. But he had to leave her because he was made to!!!
Can they both finally have what they both deserve? Will their true love win?
It seems so many people have been playing against them even from 20 yrs ago.
It was such a emotional story with both of them carrying so much baggage.
They have so many factors still playing against them.
These two were so beautiful together and you could feel the sizzling chemistry between them from the start.
Excellent Read and highly recommended.
This story grabbed my heart and made feel everything. That shows talent in the writing.
Lia is a widow and single mum. She struggles with mental health and panic attacks. It's really good how the author approached these subjects.
It seems fate might just be kind to her and brings her to her 1st love from 20 yrs ago.
Asher loved her back then and deep down he still does. But he had to leave her because he was made to!!!
Can they both finally have what they both deserve? Will their true love win?
It seems so many people have been playing against them even from 20 yrs ago.
It was such a emotional story with both of them carrying so much baggage.
They have so many factors still playing against them.
These two were so beautiful together and you could feel the sizzling chemistry between them from the start.
Excellent Read and highly recommended.
February 19, 2021
Emotional Second Chance At Love
Dahlia and Asher's is a great second chance romance that will grab your heart in this first book in the Seattle Sound Series. They were so young when they first fell in love and she was already engaged to someone else so he had to leave her behind. Then life gets in the way he becomes a big rock star but has a nasty ex wife and an even nastier divorce that rattles his trust in women. Dahlia's romance writer days are on a slide and she's a widower. Fate brings them back together and the flame is still there. Emotional and drama filled as they deal with all the baggage. They deal with lots of real life issues like panic attacks, divorce, etc. The book is emotional and heartwarming. A great read that I read as an arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
Dahlia and Asher's is a great second chance romance that will grab your heart in this first book in the Seattle Sound Series. They were so young when they first fell in love and she was already engaged to someone else so he had to leave her behind. Then life gets in the way he becomes a big rock star but has a nasty ex wife and an even nastier divorce that rattles his trust in women. Dahlia's romance writer days are on a slide and she's a widower. Fate brings them back together and the flame is still there. Emotional and drama filled as they deal with all the baggage. They deal with lots of real life issues like panic attacks, divorce, etc. The book is emotional and heartwarming. A great read that I read as an arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 4, 2017
Romance author Dahlia and rock star Asher finally get to explore the attraction that has existed from the moment they met almost twenty years earlier. Each of them comes with a ton of a baggage but in this romance, where they actually take time to get to know each other before jumping into bed, they discover the load is easier to bear when you have someone to share it with. I loved Dahlia and Asher's beautiful love story. There's also a great cast of supporting characters in this engaging romance. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 21, 2017
Tragic and sweet love
Dahl is is a writer who hasn't written for a while. Her husband was a cheating liar who left her heart broken long before be died. Asher is a rock star with a cheating wife soon to be ex wife. Both knew each other before fame. Asher wants to be in Dahlia's life but she is too afraid to try. Family will give her a shove in that direction but life keeps setting them back. When love is all they need there can be a happy ending.
Dahl is is a writer who hasn't written for a while. Her husband was a cheating liar who left her heart broken long before be died. Asher is a rock star with a cheating wife soon to be ex wife. Both knew each other before fame. Asher wants to be in Dahlia's life but she is too afraid to try. Family will give her a shove in that direction but life keeps setting them back. When love is all they need there can be a happy ending.
April 10, 2017
Whooo - steamy. But not in a trashy beach-read way (though it would be nice to read on a beach). The storyline sucked me in - characters well developed, storyline moves along at a great pace. Really, really enjoyed it, especially after having read some "heavier" stuff lately.
October 25, 2018
I found the alternating point of views really helpful, and became quickly immersed in the story. True to life characters made the book supremely readable and although the foreshadowing was perhaps a little heavy handed, I enjoyed going on a journey with Asher & Dahlia
January 1, 2019
Sweet Solace is a heart gripping emotional stories from both Asher's and Dahlia's points of view. This tear jerking story will grab you from the start and not let go. Alexa has shown how rough life can be for popular musicians and their families.
February 16, 2021
What a fun book! It’s been along time since I’ve read romance and I’m so thankful that www.voraciousreadersonly.com allowed me to read this book and give a review what is storyline. Sadness, loss, anger, and viciousness wrapped up in romance. Love it!
April 29, 2025
A sweet 2nd chance book. I loved how Asher was there for Lia and how she was so determined to help him with his son. Lots of emotions in this book for sure.
June 7, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 2/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Prose was okay for a 1st POV book. However, the dialogues were too simplistic.
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 2/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Prose was okay for a 1st POV book. However, the dialogues were too simplistic.
April 10, 2020
Good story, good characters
This book caught my attention right away. It continuously gives hints about the backstory, which are explained later, and they're not always what I expected. Good characters, except one or two, and good story.
This book caught my attention right away. It continuously gives hints about the backstory, which are explained later, and they're not always what I expected. Good characters, except one or two, and good story.
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main characters are really well written; so much so I hoped their story continued in book 2. The character's depth had me enjoying each interaction they had and wanting more. I loved that the story line included more than just the main characters and that the age ranges of the characters varied so much and were so true to life. Looking forward to reading more of Alexa Padgett's work!
February 9, 2018
Great emotions!
I’ve gone back and forth on what to say about this book. At times it seemed a bit slow, while at others I cried and couldn’t put it down for anything. I’m definitely going to read the next book in this series for a couple of reasons. 1: to see if it was just this book that was up and down for me, and 2: and more importantly, to see if there’s any more about Asher and Dahlia, as well as Abbi and Mason. Abbi was amazing!
I’ve gone back and forth on what to say about this book. At times it seemed a bit slow, while at others I cried and couldn’t put it down for anything. I’m definitely going to read the next book in this series for a couple of reasons. 1: to see if it was just this book that was up and down for me, and 2: and more importantly, to see if there’s any more about Asher and Dahlia, as well as Abbi and Mason. Abbi was amazing!
February 13, 2021
I asked for a copy voluntarily and reviewed here.
This is about lost love and second chance. When the guy falls in love but she's into someone else, then he needs to give way so that she is happy.
Years later their paths cross again...they did not forget about one another.
I liked the very romantic writing, the right amount of steam and above all the feelings that the author is able to describe so precisely, even Asher's.
I also liked very much that Dahlia is older than the average female characters of romance books. She as a daughter. Asher's is a dad, so they both know about parenting.
Their chemistry is obvious and we feel it through the whole story.
This was my first novel from Alexa Padgett and i will read some more.
This is about lost love and second chance. When the guy falls in love but she's into someone else, then he needs to give way so that she is happy.
Years later their paths cross again...they did not forget about one another.
I liked the very romantic writing, the right amount of steam and above all the feelings that the author is able to describe so precisely, even Asher's.
I also liked very much that Dahlia is older than the average female characters of romance books. She as a daughter. Asher's is a dad, so they both know about parenting.
Their chemistry is obvious and we feel it through the whole story.
This was my first novel from Alexa Padgett and i will read some more.
February 6, 2017
What. A. Story.
Emotional for both Asher and Dehlia,Lia, and for their children. Liam is still having panic attacks after three years or being a widow but many more years of being a loving parent to her daughter and a push over from her high school sweetheart and rock star husband. He hurt her in many ways.
Asher is dealing with a b!tch of a soon to be ex wife, she wants want she wants no matter the consequences, like take all his money in the future in exchange for his son, and much more crap she'll spew towards him and whoever else is on his side. The highlights in his life fish's only surviving son, his only love he walked away from when he was 20 something while she was 17 and with another, soon to be reacquainted again after 20 years and her teenage daughter.
Things will get heated but before they have to feel for what they lost in their lives. Told in both p.o.v. and has a Happy for now, but I think their relationship will grow while in the other books in this series as a behind the scenes.
Emotional for both Asher and Dehlia,Lia, and for their children. Liam is still having panic attacks after three years or being a widow but many more years of being a loving parent to her daughter and a push over from her high school sweetheart and rock star husband. He hurt her in many ways.
Asher is dealing with a b!tch of a soon to be ex wife, she wants want she wants no matter the consequences, like take all his money in the future in exchange for his son, and much more crap she'll spew towards him and whoever else is on his side. The highlights in his life fish's only surviving son, his only love he walked away from when he was 20 something while she was 17 and with another, soon to be reacquainted again after 20 years and her teenage daughter.
Things will get heated but before they have to feel for what they lost in their lives. Told in both p.o.v. and has a Happy for now, but I think their relationship will grow while in the other books in this series as a behind the scenes.
August 14, 2017
WEll written, great story
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The progression of the characters and everything that they had to endure was wonderful. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I truly enjoyed the story. I cannot wait to see what else happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews