The Rock Star's Guide to Getting Your Man

by Ashlyn Kane

When Jeff Pine rents a cabin in the hometown he’s been avoiding for fifteen years, he just wants some time away from his rock 'n roll world to figure out his life. Instead he runs into his former BFF—and the inspiration for dozens of love songs—on the first day. Facepalm.

Park naturalist Carter Rhodes is a cinnamon roll dressed like a lumberjack. Fame and fortune don’t turn his head, but the snarky little nerd who followed him around as a kid? The guy who makes him laugh when he’s grieving and relax when he overextends himself? Not the rock star, but *Jeff*? That guy has a chance.

Jeff has always known Carter is it for him, but he’s facing a tour with increasingly hostile bandmates, a looming album deadline, and the suspicion that their label is up to no good. Can he find the courage—and the time—to write a true love song with Carter?

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Music, Humor

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Ashlyn Kane is a thirtysomething writer, editor, procrastinator, and dog mom. She likes cheese, puns, and hockey.

Reviews

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely, heartwarming book. What’s not to like? It has it all: rockstars and park rangers, friends to lovers, mutual pining, a small-town vibe with low angst, and the beautiful backdrop of a Canadian setting.🍁

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Thank you for your gift, Kinky Tinsel Licker - An Elf on the Naughty List!

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm, fun childhood friends reuinited story with a burned-out rock star reevaluating his life, and a sweet teddybear of a park ranger (who is perhaps more driven to his perfection than is at first apparent.) Rock star Jeff's issues with his career, his label, his band and all the stresses of his life are balanced against his growing relationship with ranger Carter. The guys are great to watch together, with teasing and banter, shyness and discovery, and a lot of warmth. There's not big tension between them in their friends to lovers romance. Instead, they fairly quickly provided each other with a safe space to figure out the external pressures and demands and insecurities. I liked that they both had their strengths, and each had a profession he was passionate about. Add a little small-town sweetness, and this is a comfort read for sure.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite lighter tropes is small town, childhood best friends to lovers with a 'second chance' aspect and this ticked every box.

I adored Carter and his eco-conscious ways -the Youtube videos made me laugh so much! I also really liked how he's just super supportive of Jeff, and their chemistry was so good.

I really liked Jeff's character development although I do wish he'd continued his snark a bit more, but the relationship with Carter just made me so happy.

There were a lot of things that felt unrealistic, but I really enjoyed going on Jeff's journey with him.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was really excited to read this book because it's Ashlyn Kane doing rock star romance, and American Love Songs will forever be my favorite romance including musicians.

Despite some glaringly obvious editing mistakes that managed to confuse me out of the book at times, I really had fun reading it. The romance was easy and sweet, though mostly in the background in the later half of the book, and imho, a bit lacking even though they were toothache inducingly sweet together. After they got together the focus shifts to Jeff's band and his band-mates, and them figuring stuff out together. That part was fun too, and I felt vindicated when they finally managed to change their label. I also forgot how much I like the way Kane writes banter.

I think I'm due a re-read of American Love Songs now :)

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair review. I am also friends with the author.

4.5 stars

This was a delight! I really liked Jeff as a MC and spending time with him was a lot of fun. This is not quite a "second chance" romance, but Jeff and Carter are estranged childhood best friends, so it has a bit of that feel for me. The book is set in my neck of the woods, so it was nice getting to settle into a setting that is familiar to me. I also really enjoyed the background characters: Jeff's bandmates and Carter's family.

Watching Jeff rediscover himself, and reacquaint himself with his hometown and his feelings for Carter took me on such a wonderful feelings journey.

Content warning: substance abuse and recovery in a secondary character.

[Taya:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a mixed bag of goodness. The last music theme I read by this author was a good ten years ago. American Love Songs in case you were wondering. I'm not a fan of music themes books lately, but something compelled me to read this one. I'm glad I did. Jeff and Carter were inevitable. There was no angst about getting together and staying together. The rockstar aspect mainly was behind the scene shenanigans. The flow was good. It was on the long side, but I wish for more.

Overall, a good book and a good reminder to read more by this author.

I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.

[MaDoReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

No ha estado mal, quizás me hubiera gustado mejor explicado su reencuentro desde el punto de vista emocional, pero me vale xD

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh those two.. they are just something..



This is a nice mix of romance, some rock star drama, environmental information and a dose of humor. The main characters are charming and delightful, taking care of each and exasperating each other in equal measures, which is somehow hilarious. I was instantly drawn into their lives, laughing and rolling my eyes all the way through, because those characters are all awesome and funny. It was totally a whirlwind romance, and the rest of the book is more about progression and sticking to your person through thick and thin. It was very charming, sweet and funny. A lovely read.


**I was provided an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review**

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rather hesitant to call this straight-up romance. Sure, it starts with Jeff coming home to Willow Sound and reunites with his crush... but after easily get back to their friendship, few stealth dates, Jeff and Carter fall into the relationship and well, never really get out of it.

Jeff and Carter are pretty solid (even from the beginning). the conflict is never really about them. Carter takes the life being a rock star's boyfriend quite maturely, and all the people in that small town, especially Carter's family, seem to be good support system for Jeff.

The main problem comes outside of the romantic relationship, with Jeff's band problem. I think this book is also about Howl's journey as a band, with Jeff dealing with his burn out, his horrible label, and the friendship between him and his friends, the band members.

It's a long book for my standard nowadays (recently, I prefer to read books around 200-250 pages, or 300 max) but I'm quite satisfied with how this turns out. Wouldn't mind a cute epilogue though

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly pleasant. The title is rather longer than the plot, but I enjoyed this.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

No shoes inside, eh?
Quickly resolved teenage angst.
Great band, park details.

Challenge reread. I really like Ashlyn Kane.

[Kochka94]

Canada, Willow Sound

Jeff Pine, l'un des quatre membres du célèbre groupe de rock Howl, qui cartonne depuis une dizaine d'années, n'en peut plus : pressuré par le label et leur manager, le groupe, formé de 4 amis rencontrés en fin d'adolescence, enchaine sans répit les concerts, les enregistrements, les promos, les nouveaux albums... rendant même l'entente entre les musiciens plutôt difficile. Bien décidé à faire un break, il loue un chalet isolé dans un parc forestier, situé à une vingtaine de minutes de là où il a passé son enfance et son adolescence, jusqu'à la mort de sa mère qui l'a fait quitter les lieux il y a quinze ans.

Willow Sound, l'endroit où il a partagé tant de choses avec son ami d'enfance, Carter Rhodes, son amour d'enfance à sens unique, celui qui n'a jamais su qu'il lui avait par la suite inspiré ses plus belles chansons d'amour.

Forcément, il tombe très vite sur Carter, qui veille sur le parc en tant que naturaliste, et après quelques moments un peu malaisants, leur amitié, leur lien se renoue très vite.

Et les deux hommes vont s'apercevoir assez rapidement qu'autre chose existe depuis toujours entre eux, et qu'il est sans doute temps de l'explorer.

Mais Jeff a aussi d'autres soucis à régler : la pression du label pour un nouvel album (assorti bien sûr d'une nouvelle tournée), deux des membres du groupe qui jouent pas réglo tandis que le troisième envisage aussi de ralentir.

Troisième roman de cet auteur que je lis, j'ai apprécié d'ailleurs le petit clin d'oeil à American Love Songs, que j'avais lu il y a plus de 4 ans et beaucoup aimé, et qui se passe aussi, comme son nom l'indique, dans le milieu musical du rock. Et comme dans le premier, ce guide ne se sert pas de la musique juste pour poser sa romance, nous sommes immergés dans ce monde du rock, des tournées, de la vie du groupe, de la pression ressentie face à cette vie qui est paradoxalement une vie de rêve.

Jeff a besoin finalement de revenir aux sources, comme pour recommencer sur de nouvelles bases plus saines, et c'est en se reconnectant avec Carter que son monde entier va se remettre sur le bon axe. J'ai vraiment aimé suivre l'histoire de Howl, la façon dont les membres vont aussi se serrer les coudes, perdus qu'ils étaient dans leurs propres problèmes. Leur amitié et leur complicité est forte, on la ressent particulièrement lors des moments où ils sont sur scène.

Rajoutez à cela un naturaliste craquant, une maman ourse avec ses deux oursons, une maman ourse avec ses 3 fils (et son fils "adoptif" Jeff), un manager infect, une avocate machiavélique, une famille soudée, de la bonne musique, des scènes sexy qui vont faire monter la température, une nièce craquante, et embarquez dans ce guide, dont j'ai apprécié aussi la construction, entre les apartés de Jeff qui découpent les chapitres et l'intégration de divers articles de presse et d'interview au fil de l'histoire.

Bref, une romance qui va vous plonger à la fois dans l'univers d'un groupe de rock et dans la quiétude d'un chalet au fond des bois, avec deux hommes attachants et sexy.

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3

Yes. Another one I forgot to mark as read. Sorry (not sorry)

I really liked it. ;-)

[Mysterious · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best outing with Kane yet. Just a really solid, lovely read.

[Truitt_T · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I don’t usually request ARCs, because I can be a somewhat harsh critic. But when I had the opportunity to get an early copy of The Rock Star's Guide to Getting Your Man, I took it, even though I’d already pre-ordered the book; I didn’t want to wait, lol. I’ve read five of Ashlyn Kane’s other books and have enjoyed them all, so I suspected I’d enjoy this one, too. I was right.

Jeff and Carter are a couple that’s easy to root for. Childhood friends, they had an abrupt parting that was never resolved. But now that rock star Jeff is back in his hometown, retreating from the stress and problems of being a rock star, his unintentional proximity to Carter offers them both a second chance to figure out what might have been in the past and what they can have now. Jeff's relationship with his bandmates needs work, too, and he has to figure out exactly what he wants before he can get it.

The Rock Star's Guide to Getting Your Man was really funny and charming - I was not disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third Ashlyn Kane book and wow, Kane is quickly becoming a go-to author for me. Mild spoiler ahead, but... I love when romance novels aren't about trumped up angst between the couple and instead are about the couple dealing with the shit together. This is actually a 4.5 star review rounded up, but that's because there were certain sexual acts included that aren't to my liking, but other than that, I loved this book. Got my public library to buy the copy I read, but I might have to buy a copy for my personal collection after how good it was.

[Mimi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book was just pure fun.

Jeff had me laughing throughout with such a distinct voice, there was very little romantic angst (possibly because Carter is a suspiciously perfect human being), and lots of found family. I don’t think I’ve ever read such a wholesome (but still very steamy) rock star romance.

I really enjoyed seeing the journey Jeff’s band went through, and also Carter’s family. I loved the naturalist glimpses and the small town community.

Honestly, I was expecting for the slide into HEA to be a little less smooth, so that’s the one small complaint I have.

[Elia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’ve been awake for over twenty hours at this point so take this all with a grain of salt but oh my GOD!!! that’s my shit that’s my shit that’s exactly precisely my shit!!!!! the journey the development the absence of a third act breakup!!! music and its healing powers!!!!!! taking time to figure up from down!!!!!! i’m crying i’m so happy oh my god. happy pride!!!

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a "guide to getting your man," there was very little of the story dedicated to the act of getting the man. I know nothing about who these characters are, let alone their relationship. Just that they are in one. Ok.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lots of lovely tropes to be had here: friends to lovers, second chance romance, hometown-homecoming, etc. One protagonist is a park naturalist, the other is a rockstar. There are a ton of cute (and vaguely terrifying) woodland creature cameos, from bears to squirrels. Lots of great human supporting characters too. This book is on the longer side, and there are times when it feels that way: while Carter and Jeff get themselves sorted out, and beautifully so, with relative efficiency (and plenty of sweetness and heat, too) it takes longer for the band dynamics to settle and their respective futures to be determined. For the most part, I really liked that this novel has a lot going on-- that it’s a romance that also has a lot to say about friendships, work partnerships, and the lessons you learn over time about what is and isn’t doable in the long run. That said, I did love the beginning of the book, in which Carter and Jeff reconnect, the most. There’s such a great blend of humor (the guys are great at banter) chemistry (all the chemistry) and shared history that tugs on all the feels that it’s easy to see why these two characters are practically destined for each other. All in all, a really enjoyable read.

*An ARC was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

[kim riek · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book I'm going to give a handful of content notes, this was an extremely sweet book. Second chance, returning to hometown, helping out with an injury romance between a rock star and a ranger with some hot explicit sex, an exceptionally calm processing of someone having an NDA, and just a lot of general kindness. And some literal bears.

In addition to really liking the characters, I really appreciated how frank the main character was about possessing financial privilege and using it and how vividly the performing music scenes were described. I picked this book up because I appreciated how directly Kane handled both academic and Covid exhaustion in String Theory, and figured if they could make a romance around those topics sweet and compelling, they could probably do that with pretty much anything, and they managed to do so with a book that had a plot that centered primarily around one of the protags/the entire band being the object of predatory business practices.

Despite it being the framework the very title references, the occasionally "lessons" through the story were something I found very jarring, but overall I would recommend this book.

content notes: substance abuse, discussion of past childhood sexual abuse, miscarriage,
abusive/neglectful parents, dead parents both recent and in the past, predatory business practices

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! I loved the Canadian setting, I loved the second chance romance, and I loved Carter and Jeff. There is a lot of emotion, some humour, some non relationship drama, and a whole lot of love.

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashlyn Kane managed to write a compelling, fun, and unique rock star romance with this novel. By setting it against the back drop of the small town where Jeff grew up instead of the hustle and bustle of rock star life, it stands out and helps to make a lasting impression on the reader.

Another thing that helps to make a lasting impression - at least on this reader - was the fact that the two characters were so well balanced and so complete outside of one another. They both had their own stories and their own interests. They were not so wrapped up in one another that it was impossible to tell where Jeff ended and Carter began.

I loved the fact that the book held a lot of focus on them finding themselves as well as each other. Throughout the book, Jeff struggled to discover who he was and what he wanted outside of Howl and being a rockstar. Throughout the book, Carter struggled with the feeling that he wasn't doing enough. Their relationship offered both of them a safe space to explore their insecurities. Also their relationship had some great communication, which spoiler: I'm a huge fan of strong communication in my romance novels.

It wasn't just Jeff and Carter that felt real to me. All of the side characters had their own lives and motivations, no matter if they were a B level character or the kid who worked at the grocery store and existed only in a few scenes with minimal dialogue. And the various interludes that were actually from the guide to getting your man (or person) cracked me up and provided good insight to Jeff as well.

All in all, this book was very strong. It was strong and left me smiling. It was low angst and fun with a few rock star antics for flavor and enough small town sweetness to balance out the rock star antics.

** ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEW **

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly long, not great but not terrible either but somewhere in between with moments of brilliance bogged down by just being way too dragged out for me, IDK. The central romance between Carter Rhodes the wholesome naturalist Canadian park ranger and the local childhood best friend made good rock star Jeff Pine, there wasn't enough investment or juice for me to fully buy into their relationship the way the text was telling me they were so fated to be together. They fell into dating and romance real quick when Jeff had stayed away from the hometown for fifteen whole years, and their relationship wasn't the focal point of the whole book, really. The focus later on being more plot on how Jeff's band and bandmates in Howl were going to get out of their predatory contract, that was more interesting as was the dynamics of the group with Max, Trix and Joe, the snippets on their public fame and how music was being made, pressures of touring and scenes of onstage concerts, etc. Oh, and the interjections seeming like the rock star's guide, like Jeff was writing this text in-world, was completely unnecessary and unexplained, just shoehorned in. I don't remember much of this author's first standalone M/M romance I'd read before about rockstars and musicians, but I remember enjoying that a bit more, and found the I think music blog format storytelling framework that used more natural than this. And the references peppered in here of TikTok, Taylor Swift's cottagecore album in Folklore, meeting a fan whose pronouns are they/them, are the tidbits that tell us this is set in present day, otherwise the rest of the setting could've been anywhere in the nineties to noughties, to me, had that half small town stasis feel in the Willow Sound, Ontario scenes, and half rock travel with the different Canadian and USian cities the band were touring in.

[Elena Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

New-to-me author that I picked up randomly on Hoopla while browsing the bisexual romance category because I was bored. You never know what you're going to get when you go in totally blind like that, and in the past I've gotten some really atrocious books on these fishing experiments. I was really glad this wasn't so awful in the first chapter I had to put it down and feel like I'd wasted a borrow.

But that's a really low bar. What's good about this? It's low-angst in the sense that the conflict in the book is actually mostly not about the romantic relationship at all: Jeff and Carter both have personal arcs, and there's the band drama plot, which is made up of several pieces but taken altogether is substantial enough to rival the romance for page time. I always had the sense that if these two lovable idiots got their own nonsense sorted out, they'd be perfect for each other, and that's pretty much what happens--the actual tensions between them are never more serious than they can talk out. And they do communicate, which I appreciate.

It's sweet at times, sexy at others, funny a fair bit. I'm not Canadian so a few things went over my head, but I understood some of the jokes, and since I live a stone's throw from the border and listen to Canadian radio stations in the car because they come in better, I do know what the LCBO is, at least.

The framing device of Jeff's snippets of memoir are the weakest element, they're just not very good, and they break up the flow of the story in a jarring way. But they're short, and there aren't that many, so fine, it's the conceit that lets the title be what it is.

Did it blow me away? No, but it wasn't really trying to. Would I read more by this author? Sure, let's see what else I can borrow.

[YonnoMaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love this I love this I love this. I’ll admit I’m biased for anything Canada. But trust me here it’s justified because this really is a good book. I just love reading stories set in Canada by Canadian authors about Canadian people. Kane did this very well. Willow Sound felt real. And the very minor characters they interacted with felt like real, three-dimensional Canadians (Chrissy was a stand-out!). Even more impressive, and much more difficult to achieve, were the concerts and songs. Kane did wonderful with the descriptions. It’s hard to describe music with words but Kane did exceptionally well with making me feel the vibes. Everything was tangible. That was one of the many highlights of this book. The second highlight was of course the MCs... Jeff and Carter *sigh*… Carter really is a dream. And Jeff’s growth and development throughout the book was very well done. I loved how things turned out with Howl and how the other guys (including Trix lol) figured themselves out and how they came together. In fact, most of the time this felt like it was Jeff's story with the Carter romance being one of the plotlines rather than it being mainly a romance, but I did not mind at all because like I said all those other plotlines besides the romance were so well done. And when it came to the bedroom scenes, everything between Jeff and Carter was passionate and full of love. The emotional relationship between them enhanced the physical. Not to mention that it wasn’t written in a cringe or unrealistic way lol. So yeah, a really well-written book with wonderful MCs and side characters and beautiful Canadian landscapes by an author who knows what she’s doing. Definitely recommend.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Jeff is the lead singer for a rock band that is slowly imploding, due in part to members various issues, and also in part to the hectic work schedule that the label is holding them to. Jeff takes time for himself and heads back to an area that he last saw when he was 15. He knows that he will probably run into people who knew him when he was younger, as well as people who will recognize him because of his fame. What he doesn't expect is to run into his ex best friend. But he does, and they very quickly build back the friendship. And once Jeff discovers that there is a chance that Carter might have feelings for him, too, everything changes. There are still issues with the band, and the label, but Jeff has a solid base and even more of an incentive to deal with things now.

I am not sure what I was expecting from this, because I've read a couple of lackluster books by this author, but this one was on the better side of the scale. I could buy how quickly Carter and Jeff had feelings for each other because they had those years of friendship that we catch glimpses of throughout the story. This is a love story, and but it's also a story about friendship, and finding the way back to friendship. I liked that the story didn't focus too much on the past, and how crappy it was for some of the characters, but rather what they were working toward, and, eventually, how they were going to get there.

[Aethena Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A cabin in the woods seems like an unusual setting for a rock star romance, but it is the perfect backdrop for a story about a rock star reassessing his tumultuous life in the spotlight. The woods is also an excellent place to encounter a park naturalist who just happens to be the former best friend of the rock star renting a cabin in the woods. When Jeff, the rock star, reconnects with his childhood friend, Carter, campfires aren't the only thing heating up the woods. The interactions between Jeff and Carter are a wonderful blend of sweet and steamy, and the tension between them grows with every page turn.

The author has done a wonderful job of creating an introspective story about the life of a rockstar. The life lessons that Jeff presents throughout the story are heartfelt and sometimes humorous. Every lesson offers up another perspective on the challenges of being part of a popular rock band while trying to gain some balance in your personal life. Jeff's determination and willingness to protect the people he cares about are tested with each life lesson.

This is an excellent read if you are looking for a rock star romance with a few steamy moments, several endearing moments, a cabin in the woods, and a wonderful cast of characters that includes a bear named Winnie.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. This was a super funny, with a second chance type of romance. Friends finding the courage to follow their heart.  Jeff had had enough of the drama with his bandmates. Just because someone is in the limelight, I have never understood why some one feels the need to ask any form of questions that they, themselves would take offense to being asked. Fame is a vengeful thing, it brings with the best best and worst of people, but when you're own band can't seem to care it's time to escape from his demanding life, taking with him a few necessary things for his music. A cabin in a middle of a park seemed like a great start..right? I mean what could go wrong going back to a place that he turned his back. It's so hilarious that Jeff gets called out for bad manners from his fourth grade teacher. Taking the rangers advice to attend a gathering for S'mores, may have been a mistake when ranger hotness turns out to be Carter. Can they reconnect or has to much time past? When Jeff is force to preform on stage an emotional and physical struggle song will that be the breaking point of no return.