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Daltrey
I can feel myself spiraling out of control.
The pressure is getting too me. I'm not so sure that I can handle it.
If I leave the band, I hurt them.
If I stay, I might not come out of the experience the same person.
Then I meet Ella.
She's not a fan but she helps me at a time that could've turned out badly for me..
I want to be better for her. Want to be better for the band.
She's is now my babysitter. The one who's going to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Until I scare her away and I know I'm going to have to fight like hell to get her back.

Ella
Little did I know we were spending the week going to Pushing Daisies concerts was going to land me a job.
A chance encounter at a bar gets Daltrey out of a sticky situation.
I'm the only one he'll listen to and his brother offers me a job for so much money, I can't turn it down.
Keep Daltrey in line and help him get his head on straight.
That I can do. Years of practice helps.
Even when I see hist worst, I can't seem to walk away.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

36 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Heather Young-Nichols

79 books1,718 followers
Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.

When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,317 reviews88 followers
December 9, 2021
3.75 STARS
This is book 4 in the author’s series of interconnected standalones and is a bit more serious than the previous.
I like Ella and Daltrey and they meet at possibly a great time to help each other.
Daltrey is really struggling and in need of help to keep himself together.
Ella is there to help, some things happen to make her cut and run.
He then has to decide if/how to prove himself to her.
I like that it’s a rockstar band that is family/siblings.
It’s a fun and cute book and series.
Very easy reading, low angst/drama.
Not dark or gritty. Definitely on the sweet side.
It’s a nice “getaway read.”
This definitely was more of a intense storyline than previous books, but if still was pretty basic, sweet and easy to read.
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
December 5, 2021
I felt that this was a fun story but it only scratched the surface of what these two could have gone through. The back story for both of them had the potential for so much. But it all fell flat for me. There was a lot of discussion about a previous issue that Daltrey had but no real discussion about it. If you want to use this as a plot devise then use it, explain it, tell me why it is relevant. Don't bring it up, and use it as an excuse but never speak of it or why it was relevant. Aside from that this was book was just as fun as the others in this series. I enjoyed seeing all of the other brothers and their girls.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,700 reviews138 followers
June 16, 2021
Loved It!!

After reading the last book in this series I couldn't wait for another of this author's books and I was not disappointed. Daltrey is in the rock band Pushing Daisies and he is having some series issues dealing with everything. Ella is running from her demons as well and when she is promised really good money at the bar where she meets Daltrey there is no way she can turn it down. I mean what could be so hard because all she has to do is babysit Daltrey.

This was one heck of a rollercoaster ride and one I won't soon forget. I have come to really enjoy this author's books and can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Nancie Blume.
721 reviews14 followers
June 8, 2025
Daltrey and Ella

Daltrey's losing control, and it's a miracle Ella's there to catch him. After witnessing him at his worst, she's offered big bucks by his brothers to keep him in line. But as they spend more time together, they realize they're both fighting their own battles. This story's got it all - heart, humor, and a healthy dose of angst. Buckle up, folks! I've yet to read a book by Heather Young Nichols that I haven't loved... definitely recommend everyone read this series as well as her other series!
9,377 reviews140 followers
June 16, 2021
Book four in the series brings Daltrey and Ella's story. Their characters are strong and well developed and the story flows fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes. You can feel the emotions coming through the pages. It's well written ,moves fluidly and is a great read. Looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
10.9k reviews127 followers
June 18, 2021
I've read several books written by Heather Young-Nichols; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the Pushing Daisies Series, it can be read as a stand-alone; this is Daltrey & Ella’s story; his brother hires her to keep in out of trouble since she the only one he’ll listen too.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
November 8, 2021
Daltrey and Ella took my heart. They both have demons they are trying to move away from and seems they meet at the right time. Their chemistry is palpable and the story and their relationship flows well. I practically couldn't put this down.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,250 reviews19 followers
May 18, 2024
Daltrey, out of all the brothers was the most against relationship. But, I believe it was more that, he didn't want anyone too close. They would find out he was having anxiety problems. However, at that point, he didn't even have a name for it. All he knew was that this whole success thing was blowing up way too fast, and he needed his family more than ever. Yet, they were all pairing up. They were flies dropping quickly.

He couldn't understand how they were all making the transition so easily. Yet, he was having to have one or two drinks to calm his nerves. Well, a least that’s what it was when he started. However, admittedly he can not remember most nights getting home. Now, he and Van had always been jokesters and hotheads in equal measure. But, they were never mean-spirited until lately. If his momma heard some of the ways he was speaking to women in public, he doesn't know how bad most of the time because he is drunk or hungover. Yikes!

Enter Emery Nelson the Birthday Girl, granted backstage passes for two for her and a plus one. That would be her great ride-or-die best friend, Ella Matthews. As they are heading backstage to meet the band, a guy bumps into her. But, she says she is sorry because it caused him to drop and more than likely busted the instrument. Guess who that might be? Anyway, he was already late for the meet-and-greet. What’s a few more minutes? Once he finished a full body scan, he asked if she would like to bump into him later.

Boy did that piss Ella off. She couldn’t control someone's eyes. She admitted it felt good, to herself. But, his question, she could control, she asked if the line usually worked for him. He said, sometimes. She replied, all those poor women. And walks away. Meanwhile, Emery is dying because she knows who he is because Pushing Daisies is her favorite band. That’s why they have been following them for the past week. All seven days, going to concerts for Emery’s Birthday.

When Daltrey finally gets there, the girl from the hallway is there so he winks at her. She just groans and turns away. After the concert, the girls go to a bar & grill to eat. Somewhere along the way, Ella realizes Daltrey is there at the bar. He is hunched over minding his business. However, a woman and man come over to him, the woman says something to him, and she flinches.

The man steps in front of her and starts saying something but in an aggressive manner. Ella decides to jump in. Unfortunately, she’s had a great deal of practice getting drunks out of messes. Once, she cooled the guy's jets she and Emery took him to the Hotel the band was staying at. Lucky for Ella, who walked him in Mack was working in the Lobby. So, she explained no trouble she was used to caring for a drunk. Ella was my favorite. She had a backbone and she used it. Daltrey deals with an illness that can be treated. It sucks believe me.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,430 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2021
Daltrey Thompson's life is teetering on the edge of the rails, one slight shift and he is bound to fall. He finds himself searching for the bottom of the bottle more times than not, and things around him are starting to spiral. He is not present for the band when he needs to be, and no matter how much he tries to avoid trouble it keeps finding him. He needs help. Then she wanders into his life, and saves him.

He never expected he'd find help in the face of a beautiful stranger, but that is exactly what happened... and now that he has found his saving grace, Ella, he doesn't plan on letting her go.

In this fourth installment in the series we see Daltrey struggling with his fame, the expectations put upon him, and it's sending him down a path that most never recover from. Then he bumps into a stranger one night in a bar, and she saves him, she is the perfect calm to the storm raging in his head. She brings the quiet he has been craving for so long... she's the perfect addiction.

This emotional little page-turner will do a number on your heart and emotions, both our hero and heroine have demons chasing them, and struggle to find the power to face them on their own, but together they find that they are darn near invincible. They are the strength the other needs, the one person that makes things in their lives make sense, and the missing piece that they have longed to find. It is such a beautiful and heart-squeezing love story... one that should not be missed!! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,238 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2021
I binge reading their 4 books in 2 days and I have been hooked since Daisy. Heather Young-Nichols is new author to me but this series is so good, I think I am going to read her another series as well. If Rockstar Romance is one of your favorite, I recommend you this Pushing Daisies series because it's very good written and easy reading. The series is about a band which all members are siblings. The second book is about Daltrey, the second oldest of 5 siblings. While Van, Bonham, or even Mack have an issue with Daisy and Lawson's relationship, Daltrey is quiet and feel more like an observer so I don't know him much. But when it's his turn to fall in love, the author writes it so well I can feel his discomfort and I feel a little bit heartbreaking for Ella. I even cry a little bit when Daltrey causes Ella's heartbreak. Some must say, Ella should give him a chance but I think I understand Ella though. She had been through a lot and Daltrey's behavior brings her back to her insecure time so she has to protect herself. The author creates this book heavier and angstier than all 3 previous book but I'm ok with it. Next is Mack's story and I think I can guess who he will couple with. Can't wait for reading it. And this time I think Lawson would think Karma is a Bitch!
627 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2021
This is book 4 of the spin off series to Courting Chaos. Pushing Daisies are the opening band for Chaos and are all siblings, even their manager Mac. Daltrey is the guitarist for the band and is out of control with his drinking. Ella joins her best friend Emery on a week long tour following Pushing Daisies for Emery’s birthday. During the week they get to have a meet and greet and Ella ends up saving Daltrey from a drunken brawl and Mac offers her a job “babysitting” Daltrey for the rest of the tour or until he figured out his problems. Ella grew up with an alcoholic mother and from the age of 6 she took care of her mother and herself hiding her situation so she didn’t end up in foster care. Falling for a man with a drinking problem is more than complicated but the heart wants what it wants. Can Daltrey be the man she needs or will his anxiety and the way he has dealt with it be their ruin? Can Ella heal from her abusive past and see the possibilities? This book had lots of teasers about Mac’s romantic history and now I anxiously await his book this fall!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
June 14, 2021
This story was a roller-coaster ride; from laughter to tears to happy sighs. Parts of Ella’s journey took me back to dark places in my own personal history, so this book may have had a bit more of an impact on me than the author intended. I loved Daltrey and Ella together. I adored the time we got to spend watching as they fell in love. Though, there was a point where I badly wanted to take both of them and shake some sense into the pair. Daltrey for making a bad choice in how he dealt with the pressure, and Ella for judging him by the bad behavior of others in her past. It made me so happy to see that communication and the intervention of trained mental health professionals are shown as viable options to help them. Now, from the inklings I’ve gotten about what’s coming next, I’m dying to get my hands on Mack’s book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,308 reviews70 followers
July 19, 2021
Ella is on a road trip with her best friend Emery following the band Pushing Daisies to celebrate Ella's birthday. Emery is ecstatic when they get to meet the band its the perfect birthday gift for her. Daltrey has lost the rush he used to have when it came to performing. He hires Ella to help him when she rescued him they night they met the band. Ella has lived with an alcoholic so she has dealt with the issues before. Daltrey is hoping that'll make her more qualified to help him work through things without using alcohol. Sparks fly between them and soon they are fighting their attraction as they work together. Can they find something serious together? Or will his drinking become more than they can handle together?

This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews258 followers
December 6, 2021
This is the fourth book in this amazing series and is Daltrey and Ella’s story. Daltrey is struggling with expectations and dealing with life, and he is spiralling out of control. Ella is celebrating her best friend’s birthday which involves attending a Pushing Daisies concert, and afterwards she witnesses Daltrey in a bar which could be disastrous for him, and talks him from the brink, and as she is the only person that he is listening to, his brothers offer her a lot of money to “babysit” him and keep him on the straight and narrow. These two both have demons, and together they become stronger at overcoming challenges in their path. This is a beautifully written story which has palpable chemistry, and is an emotional roller coaster, with family, and love, which leads to an entertaining and all-consuming riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,467 reviews49 followers
June 17, 2021
Ella and her best friend Emery are following Pushing Daisies from city to city for their concerts Emery is their biggest fan but with Ella bands weren’t her thing but this is how they are celebrating Emery’s birthday so she is on a road trip with her best friend it couldn’t get any better than this and when they met the band it was Emery’s dream come true. Something is wrong with Daltrey he’s drinking heavily after every show he has been very anxious not even the band is making him happy anymore he can’t talk to anyone about it so when Ella is employed by the band to be his babysitter he’s not happy but she calms his mind. There is so much more going on in this amazing story plus this is my absolute favourite genre rockstars, bands etc, this is an amazing series and I can’t wait to read Mack’s story and I definitely recommend this book/ series.
Profile Image for Morgan Fox.
311 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Pushing Daisies series. This story is focused on Daltrey and Ella.

This is the classic tame the rockstar story. Daltrey is having issues getting his head on straight. He can't make up his mind on whether or not he wants to leave the band. He's making bad decisions and no one can get him under control.

Enter Ella. She manages to smooth over a situation in a bar one evening and because Daltrey listened to her, she got a job out of it. Her job is to babysit him and make sure he starts making better choices.

The time they spend together ultimately leads to feelings. They both have issues that they need to work through. I wish the author had spent a little more time developing the issues the characters faced. That time really would have enhanced this one to a five star must read.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
June 18, 2021
Daltrey and Ella's Story . . .

Daltrey is in the rock band “Pushing Daisies”. Things are closing in on him. He doesn’t want to hurt the band, but he’s feeling out of control until Ella steps in. She also has issues, but she is strong and can step back and calm him. Is she willing to tour with them and keep this as a full-time job while he settles down? Will she encourage him to seek professional help to get his issues under control?

The story line was good and brings up some of the battles these high-profile stars have to face. Daltrey and Ella were good together and good for each other. How long will she be willing to stay by his side? Could something deeper result from their care and support of each other?
Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
956 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2021
Daltrey was the gorgeous rockstar brother and bassist for Pushing Daisies and he was out of control. He was having issues and his brother thought he needed a babysitter. He hires Ella who had rescued him the night before and Daltrey seemed to listen to her so it was a win win. Ella had lived and basically raised herself because of her alcoholic mother so she wasn’t afraid of taking this job. These two had awesome chemistry and it was steamy. So far of the four books I’ve read of the Pushing Daisies series this was my favorite book. Daltrey is off the charts adorable and I love his character. I love the way he loves Ella and even when he messes up he takes full responsibility. I loved loved loved this book and I’m giving it five stars and I’m recommending it highly.
Profile Image for Chronic Chihuahua.
828 reviews20 followers
September 15, 2023
Ends With Hero On Step One

Wow, should preface this with a trigger warning that the heroine would not only be the victim of child abuse but the story is still making her feel bad for it at the end.

I mean...trust is earned, not repeatedly violated.

Also, why does she want to be a sober coach?

Is this all she is valued for?

Letting people pretend the issue is the addiction?

And not the trauma?

We just know he will never touch a drop, we just know it.

Apparently we have to trust it.

Which means he's just going to replace it with some other excuse not to be present in his own world.
1,309 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2021
I've enjoyed the Pushing Daisies series (and Courting Chaos before this) and was looking forward to reading Daltrey's story. I hadn't known what to expect and it was interesting to see how he dealt with the pressures of being in a band finally making a name for themselves. Then there's Ella who is along for the ride, forced to face her own demons. There are plenty of ups and downs for these two as they battle their way through their challenges... the question is, will they make each other stronger, or tear each other up. Enjoyed these two coming into their own.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,179 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2021
I've really been enjoying this series. The continuation of these storylines keep getting better. I love that each brother is getting their own happy ever afters. This particular storyline felt a little stretched but overall - still highly entertaining. I feel like we've been building up for Mack's story which is next. We've teased this storyline and it will be interesting to see how the series is wrapped up.
I highly recommend this book and series to keep you entertained from the first page to the last.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
136 reviews
June 21, 2021
This series keeps getting better. This time love finds brother #3 the second oldest Daltrey. He’s suffering extreme anxiety from the pressures of being a celebrity. He’s spiraling when he meets Ella. Somehow she is able to calm him in a way only a bottle could. She’s haunted by alcoholism in her family and his boozing terrifies her. Somehow he is going to have to find the strength to overcome the demons for both of them. I love how nuanced these books keep getting. I fall in love with the characters more and more.
2,952 reviews15 followers
July 21, 2021
I enjoyed this story a lot. Pushing Daisies is a band made up of siblings, who are on the brink of stardom. Daltrey is the fourth book of the series and is the story of second oldest brother Daltrey, who's been struggling a bit; and Ella, who is hired to keep him out of trouble. It's a sweet love story with likable characters who I really cared about. Not too much drama here but the story held my interest all the way through. Great story, great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,132 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Pushing Daisies Series and tells the story of Daltrey, the band's guitarist.
Daltrey and Ella meet one night when she saves him from a drunken brawl, so Mac hires her as his babysitter until the end of the tour.
Having grown up with an alcoholic mother, Ella knows how to handle the situation, what she didn't expect was to fall in love with Daltrey.
Will they be able to overcome Daltrey's drinking problem? Or will it drive them away forever?
I loved the story and the characters and I highly recommend the reading.
3,390 reviews72 followers
December 5, 2021
So far I have loved every single book in this series . Each character , couple and story is so very special and unique. This is the love story of Daltrey and Ella . Their connection is strong , the chemistry between them is so hot , what heartfelt rock star romance . One of the things I loved most about their characters is how flawed they both are , for me that along makes them very relatable and very likable . I love books that are full of emotion and angst as well as second chances , love , family , relationships and more . This series has it all . A must read
Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,988 reviews48 followers
December 6, 2021
Another amazing book in the series!

Daltreys life is going off the rails and he doesnt know how to stop it. He is always drinking and isnt doing what he is supposed to with the band. He knows he needs help and Ella enters his life right when he needs her.

Ella and Daltreys meet in a bar one night, and she is his savior. She is the only thing that can calm the storm he is stuck in.

These two together are amazing. This book is so emotional and you will be rooting them on. I absolutely loved this book!
287 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2021
After reading the previous books in the Pushing Daisies series by Heather Young-Nichols I was excited to read Daltrey's book. It certainly didn't disappoint because it was amazing! Daltrey is struggling with the touring and the fame that comes with it. Then he meets Ella and his life changed. I loved Ella and Daltrey together. They were simply amazing together. I am so glad I read their story. Looking forward to the next story!
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2021
Heather does rock star romance with that finesse that I can't even begin to tell you. It flows natural, the characters feel so close and the demons are ones you can't wait for them to run off.

I have read every single book she has written and Daltrey and Ella are definitely top 3 favorite.

It's emotional. I love how every stumble doesn't keep them down... well maybe a few scraps but healing is the name of the game. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
6,163 reviews18 followers
June 21, 2021
This is a sweet romance that is fairly clean. It is also an entertaining and roller coaster read that had me captivated from the very beginning. I love the characters and the plot is interesting and engaging. This is Daltry and Ella's story. Daltry is not making good choices and is kind of a wreck. His brother hires Ella to babysit him. She also has some issues. I really love how their story develops. Now I want to read the other ones in the series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.8k reviews28 followers
July 11, 2021
Daltrey is the bassist for the rock band Pushing Daisies. He's having issues and is out of control until Ella comes to his rescue. Ella lived a rough life with an alcoholic mother so she knew about chaos and control. I enjoyed reading this story with the intense characters and the crazy true to life things the band members deal with on a day to day basis. The writing is well done, the story is captivating and I can't wait to read Mack's book next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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