Places I've Never Been

The Bellamy Sisters #2

by Melinda VanLone

A former pop princess wants to write a song that will prove she’s not just the Back-Up Bellamy, but little does she realize the rockstar she’s working with has a different kind of duet on his mind.

Mattie Bellamy is a songwriter. Music has always been the biggest and best part of her life, but there’s been a hole in it ever since she and her sisters broke up. Piper and Della were the voices she wrote her songs for and without them she’s struggling to find a voice of her own. She’s tried to find other musical partnerships, but the press and most of the other musicians she’s worked with just see her as the least popular member of a former girl group. Not the talented lyricist and musician she is in her own right. The respect and recognition she yearns for seem out of reach, at least until Adam Brooks demands to work with her.

Adam Brooks, front man and driving force behind chart-topping rock band Delusions of Glory, is having album troubles. His bandmate and co-writer has abruptly retired to take care of his family and now there’s a hole in Adam’s creative process. He’s tried to make it work with some of the top songwriters in LA, but isn’t having any luck finding the harmony to his melody. That is until he hears Mattie Bellamy’s musical expertise is on the table. Adam’s had a thing for her since he was a kid. And if all expenses paid working trip to a private tropical island is what she needs to say yes… well, the band was due for some fun in the sun.

But what begins as Adam’s excuse to spend time with his teenage crush quickly morphs into something far more serious. Mattie can’t believe she’s finally found someone who really believes in her, and spending time with Mattie is even better than Adam’s teenage dreams imagined. But not even lovely remote Syer Island can shield Mattie and Adam from the cold harsh camera flash of reality forever. Can Adam convince Mattie they’re meant to be together? Or is their relationship destined to be just one more tragic lovesong?

Author's Note: Take a rockstar hero and pop princess heroine. Stick them in forced proximity on a tropical island. He’s all in and she’s got good reasons for staying out. Add in ocean surf, moonlight, and a mutual passion for music. The result? An unconventional workplace romance that’s as impossible to resist as a Sex on The Beach cocktail. Steam Level: Sunburn. Shenanigan Level: Extreme. Feels: Hits all the high notes.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2021

About the author

Melinda lives in Houston, with her husband and furbabies.. When she’s not playing with her imaginary friends you can find her wandering aimlessly through the streets taking photos, or looking for the best coffee shops in the city.

If you would like to stay up to date with her latest blog posts, free offers, or general information, please sign up for the mailing list at www.melindavan.com. She’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Melinda online at www.melindavan.com
Twitter: @melindavan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelindaVanLone

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with Lizzie’s book, this just sucked me into the story from the very beginning and refused to let me go. And like Lizzie, Mattie always considered herself a ‘background Bellamy’; not one of the sisters in the limelight even though she was onstage performing. There is something so adorably awkward about Adam. He’s this big bad rock star and yet when faced with his high school dream girl, he becomes a bit of a tongue-tied dork. I loved watching this pair as they got to know one another and fell in love. It almost killed me to see them on the outs, but it meant I was completely invested in seeing them get their happy ever after. And now that I’ve met Adam, his brother, and their band, I have a whole new “family” I want to know more about.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation of the Bellamy Sisters story. Often rock star stories follow the bad boy rocker but this series is about sisters and this one in particular is not about the lead but the sister who, while on the stage, is more in the background. Mattie was a wonderful character - she’s thoughtful and a creative lyricist who is often taken advantage of, both professionally and emotionally. Adam is not the typical bad boy rocker. He’s close with his band, takes care of his parents and though he makes mistakes, he’s a good match for Mattie. This story has steam, certainly, but really is more a heartfelt, touching story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Rosman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie Bellamy's world falls apart when her all sister music group breaks up. She gets work writing songs for other performers but finds herself in a horrible press duke out with a petulant artist she refused to sleep with. Her dream? Win a Grammy for best song. She just needs to find the right words and the right person to sing them.

Adam Brooks is struggling to finish an album with his band, Delusions of Glory. His friend and songwriter had to leave suddenly when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. He needs someone else to come in and shape their work...he needs Mattie. Adam's been obsessed with the spotlight shy Bellamy sister since childhood, maybe this is the opportunity he's been waiting for?

Mattie is hesitant and to sweeten the pot, Adam spots for an all inclusive resort in the Seychelle Islands for a writer's retreat hoping escape from the paparazzi for her and the band. Mattie agrees and pushes hard to work on the album where Adam pulls to play and enjoy the resort. Eventually they find a happy medium, creating meaningful music while exploring the attraction between them.

When a sniper paparazzo shows up and destroys the budding romance between them, Mattie gets out of there as fast as she can. Adam and the guys discover that someone close has betrayed them, selling them out for press exposure.

Throughout all this, Mattie is also struggling with her sisters. The youngest sister primarily responsible for the group's dissolution is attempting to reform the act. This brings up resentments and tension. I really enjoyed the sisterly part of this story. I loved resenting Della, she's a spoiled little princess. Mattie grows a spine and stands up for herself and refuses to reform the group. That scene was epic!

This is a great story. Adam's teenage obsession turning into love for Mattie, the camaraderie of the band and sisters trying to find each other again all come together into a great read.

I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie Bellamy has been in the music business since she was a young girl, one of the 3 Bellamy sisters who rose to stardom as a pop princess. Their group was suddenly broken up when the youngest sister decided to strike out as a solo act, and Mattie has struggled in the years since to find herself…her voice. She is a talented songwriter who has struggled to be seen as such.

Adam Brooks is a rockstar who not so secretly has had a crush on Mattie since he was 15 years old. She was his high school crush and his inspiration.

A chance to work together turns into a month long vacation at one of the most secluded and romantic resorts on the planet. Misunderstandings and hidden truths come to light in the worst possible way, leaving Mattie reeling from the pain and Adam’s perceived betrayal. Adam is fighting to save his chance at finding love with his fantasy girl.

These two working together make amazing music while they settle into a comfortable and easy relationship which allows both of them to really open up and share their vulnerabilities. When the tabloids get ahold of a newsworthy scoop Mattie runs. Can Adam convince her he didn’t betray her and his feelings are real and trustworthy?

This second book in the series was my first book by the author. Having not read the prior book in the series didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book.

I enjoyed the book and really connected with the characters. Mattie’s and insecurity and reaction to headlines or Twitter posts were realistic based on who she is as a character; however, I wanted to shake her because this part of drove me crazy after just a few chapters. Again, I liked Mattie, but her character represents a significant portion of the 20-something demographic that seem to live by their social media presence or most recent trending.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Bellamy Sister's Series and it is Mattie and Adam's story and it is a must read. When Mattie's sister decided that she wanted to go out on her own the band broke up leaving Mattie's life in a bit of a tail spin and she needed something to kick start her life again as she is a songwriter but never given the credit that she deserved so when she is asked to go on a retreat with a band and write some songs so that they can finish there album it is the perfect opportunity to get away. Adam has had a crush on Mattie for a long time so when there songwriter has to leave due to a crisis in his family Adam sees this as a opportunity to get Mattie to go with them on a retreat to write some songs for them and also for Adam to get to know Mattie away from everyone would but things don't always go as planned. This was a really great read and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Melinda Vanlove is a brilliant author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book is amazing. It has all the feels in fact it broke my heart at one point, but it got fixed in the end! Also there is some angst thrown in for good measure! This is the second book in the Bellamy Sisters series. Mattie Bellamy is the songwriter in the family and dislikes being in the spotlight. She has had problems in the past when writing songs for other people because she was not acknowledged as the writer of the songs so she is reluctant when she is approached to write some songs for the rock band Delusions of Glory. The lead singer, Adam Brooks has had a huge crush on Mattie since he was a teenager and would do anything to spend time with her which is why Mattie finds herself on a remote tropical island along with Adam and the rest of the guys on a "writing retreat" for a month. However it's Adams reluctance to tell Mattie about his crush on her and some sneaky goings on behind the scenes that leads to a devastated Mattie. The connection between Mattie and Adam is incendiary. I really enjoyed this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a big fan of Melinda VanLone. She is able to write sexy romance with a plot and a point other than sex. This book is the second in the Bellamy sisters series but could be read without reading the first. Mattie is the songwriter in her musical family and has been writing for others since the family band broke up. She is tired and feeling exploited by social media nastiness. However, another band whose members she knows needs her skills, so she agrees to help. Adam, the one who calls for help, has been crushing on Mattie forever, so he sets up an island retreat for the band to get next to her. It works until it doesn't.

After considerable angst, all turns out as it should! The island setting is blissful! The love story is so good! They also manage to ruin some nasty people!

The writing is excellent!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series and could not stop reading. As with Lizzie’s book, this just held my attention from the very beginning and could not put it down. Both Lizzie and Mattie thought of themselves as a ‘background Bellamy’; but unlike Lizzie, Mattie was one of the sisters onstage performing. Loved the character Adam as he was so sweet and awkward even though he is a big bad rock star, but when faced with his high school dream girl, he becomes a bit of a tongue-tied dork. I really love reading about the sisters and their are two more to go, cannot wait to read their stories. Also, I enjoyed reading about Adam, his brother and their band, what great reads those would make. I definitely recommend read this series.

Received the ARC from Booksprout for voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Bellamy Sisters Romance novels. I'm not usually a big poetry fan, but love the song lyrics sprinkled through these books as the story is centered around writing songs. Mattie and Adam meet when Adam's band needs a new lyricist, but he doesn't tell Mattie that he's had a crush on him since he was a teenager and she was in a band with her sisters. Of course this leads to lots of ribbing from his bandmates and plenty of misunderstandings as he tries not to overwhelm her as they start to develop a real relationship. There were a few predictable plot twists as well as some unpredictable ones, overall a fun, light read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read! Mattie is one of three sisters that were in a singing group with the older fourth sister helping behind the stage. Mattie felt that she was the backup, writing the song that her sisters stepped into the spotlight to sing. When youngest sister goes solo without consulting the others a rift was established. Mattie pursued her writing career but co-writing seems to be an after thought by the artists but when Adam lead singer of a rock band needing her songwriting. Tropical retreat, alone in paradise, sexy man and music...prefect setting until a secreted photo leaks then the feels hit, liked how it summed up.

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie was part of the sister act the Bellamy sisters until her youngest sister decides to up and leave for a solo act. Fast forward a few years and Mattie is now writing songs. Only after her last song is written and the artist starts saying they broke up and causes her problems she goes into hiding with Adam and his band. She agrees to help Adam and he whisks her away to a tropical island. But Adam is hiding a secret .. a secret crush on her. But he wants to know the real Mattie not the made-up one. This book is really good with wonderful characters. I look forward to seeing what happens with the others.
I am leaving my honest voluntary review for this book.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a pop Princess and a rock star write a hit song together? How about three hit songs to complete an album? Adam Brooks is the lead singer and songwriter for Delusions of Glory. The band needs three more songs to complete their new album. Looking for a new collaborator, they reach out to Mattie Bellamy, a member of the former super pop group The Bellamy Sisters, and coincidentally Adam’s high school celebrity crush.
This is a great story about the merging of two different types of music, two different methods of writing it, and two different lifestyles.
My first book by Melinda VanLone and I loved it!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling in Love . . .

Mattie Bellamy and her sisters had been in a band which broke up when one of them wanted to go solo. So shy Mattie turned to songwriting, but she wasn’t taken seriously. When she was offered the chance to work with Delusions of Glory, a rock band, she agreed. The lead singer, Adam Brooks, has had feelings for Mattie for a very long time.

They head for a musical retreat to write the remainder of what they needed for the next album. Is this Adam’s opportunity to show Mattie how he feels about her? Or will someone betray them and bring in the paparazzi to ruin what was starting between them?

[Blair Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah! Love Adam and Mattie. I started this series with this book, so have to go back and read the first two, but I will be doing that! Really enjoyed the sister's relationship as well as the band family with Adam and his boys. Story was sweet and hot. Felt all the swooning and all the heartbreak and betrayal of these characters. Lobednin their hope. Take me away to a private island with a rockstar please! Really well written and enjoyable. I continue to enjoy this author's books and will keep searching them out. Recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie collaborated on a
Song with someone who fell for her and was now causing her a Twitter nightmare. So she accepted a job collaborating with a rock band and the lead singer Adam, insisted they go to an island paradise to write the three songs. Adam had been infatuated with Mattie since he was in high school. He wanted to get to know her, for him it’s was more about being with her then the songs. They had really great chemistry, this was truly a love story and I absolutely loved it. I also loved every member of Delusions of Glory and I really hope this author writes a book for each one of them. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommending it.

[Patrice Tipping · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

This is the second book of the Bellamy Sisters, although could be read as a standalone but best read after Backstage Love, this is the story of Mattie Bellamy now a songwriter in her own right since the break up of her and her sisters group The Bellamy Sisters and Adam Brooks front man of the famous rock group Delusions of Glory.

This book is a slow burn romance but turned into a book that I just couldn’t put down as I read on, I’m so looking forward to reading the next book in the series

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the continuation of this series, this time following Mattie in finding her happily ever after ending. It was realistic and sweet like Carrie's and Lizzie's happy endings were.

This book had less funny banter than the other two books, but it was understandable because Mattie was the more serious Bellamy sister.

Fun read for all the fuzzy feels from start to finish. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give five stars often. I can't even tell you how this book is better than others I read, but I flat out loved these characters. They did stupid, over-the-top stuff I would normally scorn, but it just works. I read another Bellamy Sisters Romance and liked it, but not the way I liked this book.

Just read it, you'll probably like it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series has good characters, family issues, bonds, misunderstandings, ups, downs, betrayal, emotions, truths, belief, trust, respect, chemistry, connections, personal issues, real life situations and plenty of love. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Mattie and Adam’s story. A sweet love story with some angst and drama. Being in the limelight can be taxing. Mattie has the same problem as my daughter - depending and worrying about social media. I wanted to shake her some times. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Delacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice solid book with great characters. This story had a bit of feelings, but without being overly dramatic. I did find the conflict very foreshadowed, so a lot of the book had a feeling of waiting for the shoe to drop. Overall, a good story. *I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read from the beginning. Loved the dynamics of all parties involved, both primary and secondary. Anxious to read book 3 in this series next.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm more of a 3.5 stars on Mattie's story. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes she drove me crazy. Sometimes professional but sometimes so wishy washy and insecure. Adam (I liked his parents) came across as a frat boy and not a member of a band. I definitely liked the ending

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from Hidden Gems for the promise of an honest review.

Mattie and Adam's story is a okay. Mattie used to be in a band with her two sisters called Bellamy Sisters when one sister, Della, decided to go solo. Mattie felt abandoned by her sister as the band broke apart. Mattie decided to pick her life back up and work as a songwriter. She has written majority of the songs for her band. Mattie was struggling as a songwriter because people in the music industry didn't she wrote her songs or she was used as PR studs by musicians who didn't want to give her credit. Then an offer came along to work with Delusions of Glory a rock band that was to do something different with their music after their songwriter left. Adam is the lead singer for Delusions of Glory and he has had a crush on Mattie since he was a teen. Mattie and the band goes on a musical retreat to write the last three songs for their next album. Adam and Mattie find love while on the retreat. This love is put into jeopardy when pictures start being published on the internet.

The book is good. It is a fast and easy read.