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Second Sets #1
Bitter Notes
Long before the world bowed down to the band Whispered Words, they bowed down to me. I was a simple girl in a small town, working two jobs and juggling college full-time—all in the name of a better future. Until them...Kieran. Cal. Ash. Rad. They marched into my world like a hurricane, infiltrating every aspect of my life and taking control until they owned every inch of me. I became their obsession. Their toy to use. And I ate up every second of it. Looking back, I should have run in the opposite direction the moment they mentioned my family name. West. I should have known they were only chasing me for my father, Corbin West's multi-million-dollar music legacy. But I didn't. I stayed. I loved. And then I was wrecked. Every fortified wall I erected, they beat down until I was left in shambles, and then they shattered me to pieces. Music. Lies. Love. Betrayal. S*x. Money. Rock and roll. It all amounted to a whirlwind romance full of deceptive destruction and betrayal. My name is River West, and this is the story of how Whispered Words loved me, used me, and tore my heart in two, leaving me when I needed them most. *Bitter Notes is book 1 of 2 and will end in a HEA. *Bitter Notes is a full-length mature, contemporary, new adult romance. Full of love, spice, rock and roll, and betrayal. This book is meant for a mature audience and is recommended for 18+. *Bitter Notes is a whychoose novel, meaning the FMC has more than one love interest. FMMMM
461 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2022
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10065 people want to read
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December 19, 2024
ˋ°•*⁀➷Bitter Notes
❤︎ star rating: 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❤︎ spice rating: 3.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❥ First things first, this is not a slow burn. This Is A Wildfire!!! and the fire is hot, fuego, piquante, pikant, piccante, xīnlà de, muy caliente… okay. I think you get it.
This was more than touch her and you die. Although, you get that from all parties involved… This was chain her to me so she can forever be by my side
❥ Sometimes you know you’re going to love a book from the opening line. And this was one of those rare occasions for me. From the very first sentence, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. A little repetitive in the beginning but we get over that hurdle very quickly. And once you do… just buckle in and enjoy the journey. The storyline, the plot, The Whiplash from the twist and turns, and THE BETRAYAL..!!!
Music. Lies. Love. Betrayal. Sex. Money. Rock & Roll
❤︎ Tropes:
Rockstar
Instalove
Why Choose
Enemies To Lovers
Friends To Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
Virgin (H) that’s a first for me
♡ River:
“Bad things happen to everyone every single day. It's what you do with those dire situations that count.” -River
River is a survivor.
and my favorite FMC this year. Her perseverance, her drive. Her will to survive. There’s just so much to love about her.
I’m talking my soul dick. The dick that lives deep inside of me, not literally. So, suck my aura dick, society, and leave the name-calling out of your mouth. - River
♡ Kieran:
The Knight. The ferocious protector. Has always been protective of River since the moment they met. And that all comes flooding back a 100 fold when they reconnect.
The abuse and conditioning he had to go through. Not only to forget his past but to be molded to Nigel’s will.
❥ River Blue & Kieran Knight were childhood best friends on the wrong side of the Central City. Inseparable and in love with one another, even if they didn’t know what it was at the time. Until Kieran, vanishes without a goodbye when his new stepdad whisk him and his mom away to a “better life”
*inserts eye roll*
❥ Nine years later they finally come face to face again, although River seen Kieran everyday for her first two years of high school before he graduated. Kieran never recognized her
❥ River & Kieran were magnetic from the beginning. Even in their childhood flashbacks you could feel it seeping from the pages. You could see the tether holding them together.
♡ Rad:
The Hero. The nudist. The Wildcard. The funny guy with a heart of gold.
Rad was so easy to love. How could you not love him. Always the hero.
Pretty Girl & Rad
“You’ll never have to worry with me, Pretty Girl. I’ll fight off the monsters."
In my eyes, he will always be the kind-hearted hero who scooped my broken body off the darkened lawn. - River.
I loved their dynamic.
Rad took every worry from my mind and fixed it overnight.
♡ Callum:
“I’m Callum-Callum,” Callum says, brushing his blonde curly, shaggy locks from his gray eyes.
A deep blush rises on his cheeks, and he quickly looks away with a bashful smile and moves into the room, wringing his hands together. Looking back, he smiles again, and his blush deepens further. Only this time, he looks me in the eye and gives me a shaky wave, like it took everything inside him to make that connection. With a wink and a wave, I successfully make him blush so hard he resembles a tomato.
Page 116.
❥ This is the moment I fell at Callum’s feet — he’s was so unbelievably adorable here. The shy guy who fully immersed himself in my heart. He’s the gentle caring soul, who was a soothing balm to all the cracks in River’s heart. Every scene involving Callum made my heart blush 💓
My heart broke for Callum in so many ways, so many times. I just wanted to wrap the fictional man in my arms and never let him go.
Sidenote: I never pick a favorite in why-choose and although I love them all, Callum in my favorite.
Little Star & Callum:
I love how gentle River is with Callum. And how Callum is gentle and protective of River.
Their moments when it’s just the two of the are feel with so much vulnerability and intimacy.
”Callum is a gentle soul, and I never want anyone to take that from him. This world is a cruel, evil mess, and he’s the only goodness left to bring me light”
♡ Asher: Daddy Asher If You’re Nasty…🙃
The Leader. The Grump. The man always in control.
The way my heart weeps for Asher. The boy ruled by an iron fist. The guy gasping with his last breath for freedom. The guy who will do whatever it takes to see his family — the boys, free. The noose that Nigel held tight around his neck since he was a child only tightened every year. They way Nigel dealt with Asher’s mother death was despicable.
Little Brat & Asher
The magnetic field that is the push and pull of Asher and River’s dynamic. This was fun to watch unfold. Every layer peeled back just sucked you into the orbit more. Like a blackhole devouring everything in its wake.
“Do not make me get out of this car, drag your ass in here, and then spank it raw for being so goddamn defiant!” Asher snarls out the window, throwing the Tahoe into park, and opening the door with a growl. "If you make me get out of this car, I will punish you."
This is the moment I wanted to hand Asher my panties. The dominance he emits off the page.. whew.
♡ Side Characters:
Odette, Korrine and Leon are the best secondary family a girl could ever have. I truly love them.
I would’ve felt bad for Van if he wasn’t such a slimy excuse for a man and a damn coward.
Tessa was a cunt. There’s no other way to put. And I wanted to bitch slap Gloria so many times I started feeling phantom pain in my palms.
As for Nigel & Bradley I’ve never held so much disgust and hatred for characters in my life.
ღ My Wrap-Up: (Spoilers)
Chapter 22 - The Ferris Wheel Scene 🥵🥵🥵
“You feel that, Pretty Girl?”
“That’s what marks you as mine. No matter how far you get, I’ll always find you.” - Rad
A lot of things happened on the Ferris Wheel, but this quote will forever stay with me!
Chapter 24 - Broke me
Chapter 31 - Destroyed Me.
I was not okay after I finished chapter 31, I honestly think I stopped breathing twice. I heard my heart crack.
❥ The final two chapters were a balm to some of the wounds this book inflicted on me. Seeing River getting so close to Zepp & Seger. Her brothers, her family, the one she thought she would NEVER have. That was the band-aid I needed. That and the revenge plot.
And Sweet Lyric, I cannot wait to get more of her in the next book and everything new the FIVE YEAR jump brought along.
❥ This book definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster with all the feels.
River, Kieran, Asher, Rad & Callum were meant to be in each others life. There were too many coincidences, too many shared crossed roads. They were all broken and battered souls who made a bond with one another, who found a home in one another.
❥ This was a beautiful story, beautifully written. I was able to fully immerse myself in their world. I easily and whole heartedly fell in love with these characters. They have my heart.
I cannot wait for the second half of this duet to be released, I’m foaming at the mouth for it. I am fully invested.
❤︎ star rating: 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❤︎ spice rating: 3.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❥ First things first, this is not a slow burn. This Is A Wildfire!!! and the fire is hot, fuego, piquante, pikant, piccante, xīnlà de, muy caliente… okay. I think you get it.
This was more than touch her and you die. Although, you get that from all parties involved… This was chain her to me so she can forever be by my side
❥ Sometimes you know you’re going to love a book from the opening line. And this was one of those rare occasions for me. From the very first sentence, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. A little repetitive in the beginning but we get over that hurdle very quickly. And once you do… just buckle in and enjoy the journey. The storyline, the plot, The Whiplash from the twist and turns, and THE BETRAYAL..!!!
Music. Lies. Love. Betrayal. Sex. Money. Rock & Roll
❤︎ Tropes:
Rockstar
Instalove
Why Choose
Enemies To Lovers
Friends To Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
Virgin (H) that’s a first for me
♡ River:
“Bad things happen to everyone every single day. It's what you do with those dire situations that count.” -River
River is a survivor.
and my favorite FMC this year. Her perseverance, her drive. Her will to survive. There’s just so much to love about her.
I’m talking my soul dick. The dick that lives deep inside of me, not literally. So, suck my aura dick, society, and leave the name-calling out of your mouth. - River
♡ Kieran:
The Knight. The ferocious protector. Has always been protective of River since the moment they met. And that all comes flooding back a 100 fold when they reconnect.
The abuse and conditioning he had to go through. Not only to forget his past but to be molded to Nigel’s will.
❥ River Blue & Kieran Knight were childhood best friends on the wrong side of the Central City. Inseparable and in love with one another, even if they didn’t know what it was at the time. Until Kieran, vanishes without a goodbye when his new stepdad whisk him and his mom away to a “better life”
*inserts eye roll*
❥ Nine years later they finally come face to face again, although River seen Kieran everyday for her first two years of high school before he graduated. Kieran never recognized her
❥ River & Kieran were magnetic from the beginning. Even in their childhood flashbacks you could feel it seeping from the pages. You could see the tether holding them together.
♡ Rad:
The Hero. The nudist. The Wildcard. The funny guy with a heart of gold.
Rad was so easy to love. How could you not love him. Always the hero.
Pretty Girl & Rad
“You’ll never have to worry with me, Pretty Girl. I’ll fight off the monsters."
In my eyes, he will always be the kind-hearted hero who scooped my broken body off the darkened lawn. - River.
I loved their dynamic.
Rad took every worry from my mind and fixed it overnight.
♡ Callum:
“I’m Callum-Callum,” Callum says, brushing his blonde curly, shaggy locks from his gray eyes.
A deep blush rises on his cheeks, and he quickly looks away with a bashful smile and moves into the room, wringing his hands together. Looking back, he smiles again, and his blush deepens further. Only this time, he looks me in the eye and gives me a shaky wave, like it took everything inside him to make that connection. With a wink and a wave, I successfully make him blush so hard he resembles a tomato.
Page 116.
❥ This is the moment I fell at Callum’s feet — he’s was so unbelievably adorable here. The shy guy who fully immersed himself in my heart. He’s the gentle caring soul, who was a soothing balm to all the cracks in River’s heart. Every scene involving Callum made my heart blush 💓
My heart broke for Callum in so many ways, so many times. I just wanted to wrap the fictional man in my arms and never let him go.
Sidenote: I never pick a favorite in why-choose and although I love them all, Callum in my favorite.
Little Star & Callum:
I love how gentle River is with Callum. And how Callum is gentle and protective of River.
Their moments when it’s just the two of the are feel with so much vulnerability and intimacy.
”Callum is a gentle soul, and I never want anyone to take that from him. This world is a cruel, evil mess, and he’s the only goodness left to bring me light”
♡ Asher: Daddy Asher If You’re Nasty…🙃
The Leader. The Grump. The man always in control.
The way my heart weeps for Asher. The boy ruled by an iron fist. The guy gasping with his last breath for freedom. The guy who will do whatever it takes to see his family — the boys, free. The noose that Nigel held tight around his neck since he was a child only tightened every year. They way Nigel dealt with Asher’s mother death was despicable.
Little Brat & Asher
The magnetic field that is the push and pull of Asher and River’s dynamic. This was fun to watch unfold. Every layer peeled back just sucked you into the orbit more. Like a blackhole devouring everything in its wake.
“Do not make me get out of this car, drag your ass in here, and then spank it raw for being so goddamn defiant!” Asher snarls out the window, throwing the Tahoe into park, and opening the door with a growl. "If you make me get out of this car, I will punish you."
This is the moment I wanted to hand Asher my panties. The dominance he emits off the page.. whew.
♡ Side Characters:
Odette, Korrine and Leon are the best secondary family a girl could ever have. I truly love them.
I would’ve felt bad for Van if he wasn’t such a slimy excuse for a man and a damn coward.
Tessa was a cunt. There’s no other way to put. And I wanted to bitch slap Gloria so many times I started feeling phantom pain in my palms.
As for Nigel & Bradley I’ve never held so much disgust and hatred for characters in my life.
ღ My Wrap-Up: (Spoilers)
Chapter 22 - The Ferris Wheel Scene 🥵🥵🥵
“You feel that, Pretty Girl?”
“That’s what marks you as mine. No matter how far you get, I’ll always find you.” - Rad
A lot of things happened on the Ferris Wheel, but this quote will forever stay with me!
Chapter 24 - Broke me
Chapter 31 - Destroyed Me.
I was not okay after I finished chapter 31, I honestly think I stopped breathing twice. I heard my heart crack.
❥ The final two chapters were a balm to some of the wounds this book inflicted on me. Seeing River getting so close to Zepp & Seger. Her brothers, her family, the one she thought she would NEVER have. That was the band-aid I needed. That and the revenge plot.
And Sweet Lyric, I cannot wait to get more of her in the next book and everything new the FIVE YEAR jump brought along.
❥ This book definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster with all the feels.
River, Kieran, Asher, Rad & Callum were meant to be in each others life. There were too many coincidences, too many shared crossed roads. They were all broken and battered souls who made a bond with one another, who found a home in one another.
❥ This was a beautiful story, beautifully written. I was able to fully immerse myself in their world. I easily and whole heartedly fell in love with these characters. They have my heart.
I cannot wait for the second half of this duet to be released, I’m foaming at the mouth for it. I am fully invested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
— 𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
◦•●◉✿ 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ✿◉●•◦
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐲 (𝐇) have searched for an entry into the infamous KC Club in East Point, California, where Seger and Zeppelin West, the famous twin sons of Corbin West and River's brothers, frequent. Their goal is to get into the KC Club which is next to impossible if they don't know the right people, thats until they meet 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐡) who is the estranged daughter of Corbin West but does not have an “in” with the family. However, they all assume that they could use her to make it to California.
◦•●◉✿𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ✿◉●•◦
I wasn’t planning on continuing this because they all pissed me off at the end when they left her with no explanation because of Asher. I understand putting their career first, but I don’t think she would have ever allowed them to stay behind for her. She was a major part of their success and them winning Battle of the Bands because she helped with their socials and they just abandoned her. I was at a loss for words when they got a restraining order, Kieran told her to get an abortion and didn’t contact her for FIVE YEARS. I’m only continuing this duet because I want to see how she makes them grovel and gets her payback. The only good thing that came out of the time jump was that she’s a successful business woman and she’s close to Zeppelin and Seger. She finally got the family she deserves and has the support she needs. I don’t find any of the MMCs worthy of redemption because they cut off contact when she truly needed them the most and when it mattered. They didn’t even need to stay, they just had to BELIVE HER when she said she never got with Van. I’m 100% certain they found out what Asher did and that’s why their band is flopping.
As for the romance at the beginning, it was all smut. I can’t call it romance because all they did was have sex. It’s not a bad thing but the plot was sidetracked because that’s all that was happening. It was interesting to see a virgin hero, Callum was the nicest one and it was so 💓 when he would get shy and blush. Of course, I’m still mad that he didn’t believe her and cut her off too. So much for being in love with her and doing anything to protect her.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, I’m here for the revenge plot because all the men in the book are trash.
◦•●◉✿ 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ✿◉●•◦
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐲 (𝐇) have searched for an entry into the infamous KC Club in East Point, California, where Seger and Zeppelin West, the famous twin sons of Corbin West and River's brothers, frequent. Their goal is to get into the KC Club which is next to impossible if they don't know the right people, thats until they meet 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐡) who is the estranged daughter of Corbin West but does not have an “in” with the family. However, they all assume that they could use her to make it to California.
◦•●◉✿𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ✿◉●•◦
I wasn’t planning on continuing this because they all pissed me off at the end when they left her with no explanation because of Asher. I understand putting their career first, but I don’t think she would have ever allowed them to stay behind for her. She was a major part of their success and them winning Battle of the Bands because she helped with their socials and they just abandoned her. I was at a loss for words when they got a restraining order, Kieran told her to get an abortion and didn’t contact her for FIVE YEARS. I’m only continuing this duet because I want to see how she makes them grovel and gets her payback. The only good thing that came out of the time jump was that she’s a successful business woman and she’s close to Zeppelin and Seger. She finally got the family she deserves and has the support she needs. I don’t find any of the MMCs worthy of redemption because they cut off contact when she truly needed them the most and when it mattered. They didn’t even need to stay, they just had to BELIVE HER when she said she never got with Van. I’m 100% certain they found out what Asher did and that’s why their band is flopping.
As for the romance at the beginning, it was all smut. I can’t call it romance because all they did was have sex. It’s not a bad thing but the plot was sidetracked because that’s all that was happening. It was interesting to see a virgin hero, Callum was the nicest one and it was so 💓 when he would get shy and blush. Of course, I’m still mad that he didn’t believe her and cut her off too. So much for being in love with her and doing anything to protect her.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, I’m here for the revenge plot because all the men in the book are trash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
4 stars, eager for the grovel and bad@ssness
✅ 1 MMC is a virgin
✅ betrayal trope
We have to wait a year to see the boys get what they deserve, it’ll be worth it!
My thoughts:
*Obviously Asher wasn’t where the other guys were in terms of loving River. He’s going to need a huge role in the next book to solidify a connection with River, and that’s going to be hard when she finds out what he did, what he cost her and Lyric. They can’t get those years back with Lyric, and neither can Kieran. It’ll be interesting to see how he manages to redeem himself to everyone. I’d be ok if he didn’t end up in the harem, which is a miracle for me bc I always want everyone in the harem!
* I’m hoping all the guys will be pissed at Asher and NOT just forgive him in a chapter. What he did was awful and deserves grovel to the fullest extent.
* The rest also need to grovel for their own actions. Not even showing up to her mom’s funeral is despicable. If she even thinks about sleeping with them right away, just no. I’m ok to hold the smut in favor of good grovel and revenge.
* Please for the love of everything don’t make River celibate for the last five years. Because we all know the guys weren’t, except maybe Callum. She’s a beautiful woman now. A casual friend with benefits would be great for a little J/P action in the next book. Dinner dates, outings etc.
* I’m evil I know, but I totally want a scene where Lyric calls Kieran a ho to his face. Please. Please.
Why not 5 stars?
First the betrayal wasn’t believable. I don’t think videos of Van and River would have caused them to ghost her. Especially Kieran. They knew she was with him for 9 months. They saw how she hated him later. Callum was supposed to notice everything, why didn’t he notice her fighting the kiss? Just given their nature I don’t think K or Rad wouldn’t have confronted her after.
Second $5k isn’t a lot of money. The boys easily made that at the bike track in a few months. Maybe $50k I could understand, but $5k didn’t make sense. Also what 21 year old doesn’t have their own bank account?
✅ 1 MMC is a virgin
✅ betrayal trope
We have to wait a year to see the boys get what they deserve, it’ll be worth it!
My thoughts:
*Obviously Asher wasn’t where the other guys were in terms of loving River. He’s going to need a huge role in the next book to solidify a connection with River, and that’s going to be hard when she finds out what he did, what he cost her and Lyric. They can’t get those years back with Lyric, and neither can Kieran. It’ll be interesting to see how he manages to redeem himself to everyone. I’d be ok if he didn’t end up in the harem, which is a miracle for me bc I always want everyone in the harem!
* I’m hoping all the guys will be pissed at Asher and NOT just forgive him in a chapter. What he did was awful and deserves grovel to the fullest extent.
* The rest also need to grovel for their own actions. Not even showing up to her mom’s funeral is despicable. If she even thinks about sleeping with them right away, just no. I’m ok to hold the smut in favor of good grovel and revenge.
* Please for the love of everything don’t make River celibate for the last five years. Because we all know the guys weren’t, except maybe Callum. She’s a beautiful woman now. A casual friend with benefits would be great for a little J/P action in the next book. Dinner dates, outings etc.
* I’m evil I know, but I totally want a scene where Lyric calls Kieran a ho to his face. Please. Please.
Why not 5 stars?
First the betrayal wasn’t believable. I don’t think videos of Van and River would have caused them to ghost her. Especially Kieran. They knew she was with him for 9 months. They saw how she hated him later. Callum was supposed to notice everything, why didn’t he notice her fighting the kiss? Just given their nature I don’t think K or Rad wouldn’t have confronted her after.
Second $5k isn’t a lot of money. The boys easily made that at the bike track in a few months. Maybe $50k I could understand, but $5k didn’t make sense. Also what 21 year old doesn’t have their own bank account?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2023
This book degrades women
DNF20%
DNF20%
June 6, 2023
⭐️2.5/5! Very repetitive and wayyy too long, didn’t need to be 500 pages. I love the FMC but the men in this? Ew i’m good. I only felt connection with her and one of them at of all 4. After 60% it got better but the ending was something - the revenge coming is a NEED
June 3, 2023
Get it here
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This had a good mix of sweetness, and heat, and even a tiny hint of darkness and I ate it right up. I loved getting to know all the guys and seeing how they all were with River. Even Asher and his standoffish ways had my heart because I could just tell that deep down he was hurting and I so wanted to see River help him.
I do wish the last 30% or so didn't feel so rushed, there became a lot of telling instead of showing. Especially with the group of them together. But overall I loved the story and I dove right into the next book. This story gave me the betrayal that I crave in books sometimes and now i can't wait to see the grovel. And there needs to be a lot of it.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This had a good mix of sweetness, and heat, and even a tiny hint of darkness and I ate it right up. I loved getting to know all the guys and seeing how they all were with River. Even Asher and his standoffish ways had my heart because I could just tell that deep down he was hurting and I so wanted to see River help him.
I do wish the last 30% or so didn't feel so rushed, there became a lot of telling instead of showing. Especially with the group of them together. But overall I loved the story and I dove right into the next book. This story gave me the betrayal that I crave in books sometimes and now i can't wait to see the grovel. And there needs to be a lot of it.
March 19, 2024
You know when a book isn’t that great but the cliffhanger ending is everything? Yeah, that.
December 23, 2022
One day I will remember not to trust arc reviews.
March 22, 2023
Oh how I wished I DNF this book!
December 31, 2024
I fell into another booktok trap 😭 It’s had potential but it’s was more giving smut than plot I will still read book 2 because I’m curious about what fmc is gonna do
Read
December 10, 2022DNF, for now.
I was really excited for this book -- rh Rockstar romance, with a second chance thrown in the mix. But between all the repeating (and there's so much of it) and no likeable male leads, I was struggling.
I did really like River though, and she's what kept me reading for as long as I did. I emphasized with her quite a bit, and loved how she was this badass queen her reclaimed her power and was determined to make a name for herself.
I may go back and read at a later date, but for now I just couldn't get into it like I wanted.
I was really excited for this book -- rh Rockstar romance, with a second chance thrown in the mix. But between all the repeating (and there's so much of it) and no likeable male leads, I was struggling.
I did really like River though, and she's what kept me reading for as long as I did. I emphasized with her quite a bit, and loved how she was this badass queen her reclaimed her power and was determined to make a name for herself.
I may go back and read at a later date, but for now I just couldn't get into it like I wanted.
July 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- why choose
- aspiring rockstars
- rich x poor
- second chances
- lots of sex
- betrayal + abandonment
- surprise/accidental pregnancy
CW: Flashbacks of childhood abuse and current situations. Flashbacks of SA (no details on page) and the aftermath of the trauma. A current SA attempt (on page, but not in detail and only an attempt.) Physical assault resulting in hospitalization. Death of a loved one. Blood. Blackmail/bribery.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- why choose
- aspiring rockstars
- rich x poor
- second chances
- lots of sex
- betrayal + abandonment
- surprise/accidental pregnancy
CW: Flashbacks of childhood abuse and current situations. Flashbacks of SA (no details on page) and the aftermath of the trauma. A current SA attempt (on page, but not in detail and only an attempt.) Physical assault resulting in hospitalization. Death of a loved one. Blood. Blackmail/bribery.
February 12, 2023
Repetitive dialogue, internal thoughts, and descriptions killed what could have been a 5 star read
After seeing this book on tiktok I was intrigued and decided to give it a chance. Not even 20% in I found myself skimming thru it and getting bored with the overly repetitive writing. We get the same details repeated over and over again, to a point where I started losing interest in the story. It definitely had potential, but unfortunately the repetitiveness made it fall flat. This issue is one of my biggest pet peeves when reading. I want a book to flow and feel fresh the whole way through.
I wanted to like Rad, but his neverending sex obsession both with internal dialogue and during conversations was a bit over the top and took away from the protective, caring, sweet side of his personality. He just became annoying really quickly and I had a hard time liking his character because of that. His comments made me cringe more than laugh, and these were also a big contributor to the repetitiveness issue.
The sad thing is this story had a lot of potential if editors, beta readers, etc. had just pointed out the repetitiveness and helped cut out those things (I could have eliminated probably 1/4 of the book if I went through and marked out the repetitive dialogue, internal thoughts, and descriptions). The spicy scenes were great and when the story was moving along it was so good.
I almost DNFed the book, but decided to continue skimming through it. It was only after her brother's make an appearance towards the end that the repetitiveness wasn't as noticeable and we actually had a nice paced story that had me doing more reading vs skimming. The ending was amazing and I just wish book 2 would not be plagued by the repetitiveness that made this story drag and become frustrating to read. I will probably give book 2 a chance and hope that the author sees this review and looks more closely at eliminating the repetitiveness next time.
After seeing this book on tiktok I was intrigued and decided to give it a chance. Not even 20% in I found myself skimming thru it and getting bored with the overly repetitive writing. We get the same details repeated over and over again, to a point where I started losing interest in the story. It definitely had potential, but unfortunately the repetitiveness made it fall flat. This issue is one of my biggest pet peeves when reading. I want a book to flow and feel fresh the whole way through.
I wanted to like Rad, but his neverending sex obsession both with internal dialogue and during conversations was a bit over the top and took away from the protective, caring, sweet side of his personality. He just became annoying really quickly and I had a hard time liking his character because of that. His comments made me cringe more than laugh, and these were also a big contributor to the repetitiveness issue.
The sad thing is this story had a lot of potential if editors, beta readers, etc. had just pointed out the repetitiveness and helped cut out those things (I could have eliminated probably 1/4 of the book if I went through and marked out the repetitive dialogue, internal thoughts, and descriptions). The spicy scenes were great and when the story was moving along it was so good.
I almost DNFed the book, but decided to continue skimming through it. It was only after her brother's make an appearance towards the end that the repetitiveness wasn't as noticeable and we actually had a nice paced story that had me doing more reading vs skimming. The ending was amazing and I just wish book 2 would not be plagued by the repetitiveness that made this story drag and become frustrating to read. I will probably give book 2 a chance and hope that the author sees this review and looks more closely at eliminating the repetitiveness next time.
December 27, 2022
Women read this and think these men could ever be redeemed?
February 15, 2024
This book is ACTUALLY mad. 🤪 Like straight up demented.
What the actual 🦆 did I just convince myself to finish?
I want medical compensation for the absolutely nuclear levels of WHIPLASH this book gave me. I want a LAWYER wtf. 😫
The first half of this book? Was fine. No, like genuinely fine. I had some things the snagged me but it wasn’t frequent enough to think to myself: “haha! This is utter horsesh*te and I’m putting this read down now.” *adds to DNF*
Instead!!!!! Instead I stuck around and read the middle and then, with much suspicion, tentatively made my way over to the end. And let me tell you. The last half of this book is actually garbage. Like, light it on fire because it’s all 🦆-ing flammable- Garbage.
(I’m so sorry, I just realized, reading anything beyond this point of the review is basically me just ranting about the ending. Read at your own discretion. I’m pretty sure it’s a full tirade below this point.)
So, a couple of things to point out and the reasons I feel the way I do, shall we?
To begin, this book takes an insane amount of liberties with itself. Mainly, the convenient use- I’m sorry- the lack thereof, of Common Sense whenever and wherever the author desperately needs to further their own plot accommodation by pushing it directly into a closet to hide it from important company. Aka, the readers. Take for example, how quickly these characters completely tuned out their entire character-comprising MO’s to follow the siren song of author blessed, completely out of character, Pide Piper reactions. 💀
River was Graped. Brutally. At 15 y.o. Your telling me, that at no point whatsoever when she d@mn well KNOWS she’s getting really, really bad, triggering vibes from garbage-Vin, she doesn’t even TRY to be more cautious?? After everything she been through? Really?? 🫠🤯😐 Let me spoil this for y’all real fast. River invites a KNOWN weirdo into her home- WHERE SHE IS ALONE- and then proceeds to CLOSE and LOCK(!!!!!!!!) the door behind them. That is a man. A full grown man who she knows for a fact to be creeping on her. Entering her space after she JUST (literally days ago!!!) survived a second Grape attack!!!!! You’re trying to tell me she lets him in without an issue??? SERIOUSLY?! As a freshly traumatized survivor?
And I know, I Know she’s a strong independent lady who has constantly taken care of herself BY herself for nearly her whole life. I get that. But she so blithely ignores certain glaring, flashing, neon red flags around her and the last half of the book is just her appearing to be Frustratingly oblivious.
She gets caught with Vin, she sees Callum, the first words out of her mouth are “Wha-What?” Like she didn’t SEE and understand Vin was just preforming for an audience right in front of her??
Don’t even get me started on River’s Bambi mother whose sole existence was to literally serve as the weakest possible plot device. 🫥⚰️🪦 Alive = FL must work hard bc she loves her mom so much, wants to get out of slums. Dead = FL suddenly no longer has any mortal ties stopping her from following her dreeeeeaaams!!! ✨🎉✨ (we don’t even kno how she died btw. It sounds like suicide but it could have been an M.S attack?? Literally no idea bc no one cares or speaks about mom agains after she dies.)
And look, River’s not the only moron. The guys are too. 100%.
Like, Kieran, the guy who’s supposed to never let her go again, totally obsessed, ready to ride or die for her, his glaringly highlighted possessiveness for her doesn’t rear its ugly head and barge in to ask her “wtf” in his total “act now, think later” style?? When he sees her in that situation with Trash-Vin?
And Rad, also totally in love with her and literally a loony with a capital “L” the entire book- finally gets hit with the sanity-stick hard enough to part the manic clouds and scare him off of psycho-demanding his own answers from her????
Callum is supposed to remember everything he sees. Photographic memory. 📸 He is Literally described as someone who regularly can read the FL’s micro-expressions. He sees her in a situation with a guy (Recycle-Vin) he knows she has super bad rapport with and just accepts it and his love, faith and belief in her all crumble to accusatory nothing?? For real? He was supposed to be the hopelessly in love one.
Finally Evil Ash. I’m not even going to go there because he’s clearly the sort of pig-headed 🐷 arsehole too large to be saved from its own gaping, blackhole conducive, void. 💀🕳️
And again, it all circles back to the- absolutely lacking in brains department for the last 4 chapters- FL, when she says YES to her twin brothers poking to take on a new project and surprise, surprise! It’s Whispered Words or Mouthy Moans or Toothless Tones or something (her rockstar ex’s). And she just takes like, 3 seconds to say, “yea! Fck it! I absolutely can be manipulated into this! 🩷🩷🩷”
I just know the grovel arch in book 2 is going to be worthless and smarmy and tone deaf. I need her to cut them down at the knees in the coldest way possible. I need her to BE that cold bc she doesn’t CARE bc she’s completely out of love with them. I need her to set clear boundaries and 🦆-ing stick to them this time. I need her to watch them with only corporate interest levels of apathy. And I need them to not meet Ly until it hurts the most. But that’s just me. And i want 🦆-ing vicious in my grovel/ revenge arch’s.
Because it just makes no flipping sense to me how easily they all turned against her for fame after falling for her. (It also doesn’t make sense how any of the 4 of them could be the daddies if she’s only ever slept with two of them. 😐🙄) There are moments when the guys have consciences and recall their guilty plot to use the FL and they think about it and loath it and want to do better for the FL… and then, like a goldfish, that wonderful beginning of a good person? Disappears. 💀 *Poof!* Gone!
I’m so mad I read this whole thing. 😭💔 this was awful. No one has a working brain by the end and it’s driving ME insane by association. 😫🤪🫡 do not recommend.
What the actual 🦆 did I just convince myself to finish?
I want medical compensation for the absolutely nuclear levels of WHIPLASH this book gave me. I want a LAWYER wtf. 😫
The first half of this book? Was fine. No, like genuinely fine. I had some things the snagged me but it wasn’t frequent enough to think to myself: “haha! This is utter horsesh*te and I’m putting this read down now.” *adds to DNF*
Instead!!!!! Instead I stuck around and read the middle and then, with much suspicion, tentatively made my way over to the end. And let me tell you. The last half of this book is actually garbage. Like, light it on fire because it’s all 🦆-ing flammable- Garbage.
(I’m so sorry, I just realized, reading anything beyond this point of the review is basically me just ranting about the ending. Read at your own discretion. I’m pretty sure it’s a full tirade below this point.)
So, a couple of things to point out and the reasons I feel the way I do, shall we?
To begin, this book takes an insane amount of liberties with itself. Mainly, the convenient use- I’m sorry- the lack thereof, of Common Sense whenever and wherever the author desperately needs to further their own plot accommodation by pushing it directly into a closet to hide it from important company. Aka, the readers. Take for example, how quickly these characters completely tuned out their entire character-comprising MO’s to follow the siren song of author blessed, completely out of character, Pide Piper reactions. 💀
River was Graped. Brutally. At 15 y.o. Your telling me, that at no point whatsoever when she d@mn well KNOWS she’s getting really, really bad, triggering vibes from garbage-Vin, she doesn’t even TRY to be more cautious?? After everything she been through? Really?? 🫠🤯😐 Let me spoil this for y’all real fast. River invites a KNOWN weirdo into her home- WHERE SHE IS ALONE- and then proceeds to CLOSE and LOCK(!!!!!!!!) the door behind them. That is a man. A full grown man who she knows for a fact to be creeping on her. Entering her space after she JUST (literally days ago!!!) survived a second Grape attack!!!!! You’re trying to tell me she lets him in without an issue??? SERIOUSLY?! As a freshly traumatized survivor?
And I know, I Know she’s a strong independent lady who has constantly taken care of herself BY herself for nearly her whole life. I get that. But she so blithely ignores certain glaring, flashing, neon red flags around her and the last half of the book is just her appearing to be Frustratingly oblivious.
She gets caught with Vin, she sees Callum, the first words out of her mouth are “Wha-What?” Like she didn’t SEE and understand Vin was just preforming for an audience right in front of her??
Don’t even get me started on River’s Bambi mother whose sole existence was to literally serve as the weakest possible plot device. 🫥⚰️🪦 Alive = FL must work hard bc she loves her mom so much, wants to get out of slums. Dead = FL suddenly no longer has any mortal ties stopping her from following her dreeeeeaaams!!! ✨🎉✨ (we don’t even kno how she died btw. It sounds like suicide but it could have been an M.S attack?? Literally no idea bc no one cares or speaks about mom agains after she dies.)
And look, River’s not the only moron. The guys are too. 100%.
Like, Kieran, the guy who’s supposed to never let her go again, totally obsessed, ready to ride or die for her, his glaringly highlighted possessiveness for her doesn’t rear its ugly head and barge in to ask her “wtf” in his total “act now, think later” style?? When he sees her in that situation with Trash-Vin?
And Rad, also totally in love with her and literally a loony with a capital “L” the entire book- finally gets hit with the sanity-stick hard enough to part the manic clouds and scare him off of psycho-demanding his own answers from her????
Callum is supposed to remember everything he sees. Photographic memory. 📸 He is Literally described as someone who regularly can read the FL’s micro-expressions. He sees her in a situation with a guy (Recycle-Vin) he knows she has super bad rapport with and just accepts it and his love, faith and belief in her all crumble to accusatory nothing?? For real? He was supposed to be the hopelessly in love one.
Finally Evil Ash. I’m not even going to go there because he’s clearly the sort of pig-headed 🐷 arsehole too large to be saved from its own gaping, blackhole conducive, void. 💀🕳️
And again, it all circles back to the- absolutely lacking in brains department for the last 4 chapters- FL, when she says YES to her twin brothers poking to take on a new project and surprise, surprise! It’s Whispered Words or Mouthy Moans or Toothless Tones or something (her rockstar ex’s). And she just takes like, 3 seconds to say, “yea! Fck it! I absolutely can be manipulated into this! 🩷🩷🩷”
I just know the grovel arch in book 2 is going to be worthless and smarmy and tone deaf. I need her to cut them down at the knees in the coldest way possible. I need her to BE that cold bc she doesn’t CARE bc she’s completely out of love with them. I need her to set clear boundaries and 🦆-ing stick to them this time. I need her to watch them with only corporate interest levels of apathy. And I need them to not meet Ly until it hurts the most. But that’s just me. And i want 🦆-ing vicious in my grovel/ revenge arch’s.
Because it just makes no flipping sense to me how easily they all turned against her for fame after falling for her. (It also doesn’t make sense how any of the 4 of them could be the daddies if she’s only ever slept with two of them. 😐🙄) There are moments when the guys have consciences and recall their guilty plot to use the FL and they think about it and loath it and want to do better for the FL… and then, like a goldfish, that wonderful beginning of a good person? Disappears. 💀 *Poof!* Gone!
I’m so mad I read this whole thing. 😭💔 this was awful. No one has a working brain by the end and it’s driving ME insane by association. 😫🤪🫡 do not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
This is my quickest DNF book to date at 4%.
Why did I call it quits 13 pages in?. The writing. I instantly knew this writing type was not for me - I've read many books like this and I knew I would either hate the entirety of the book, or DNF at a later page, so I called it quits before getting to that point.
Firstly, let me note, I swear a lot. I don't care if books have foul language in the slightest, but fucking hell, I was only 3% in and I was already sick to death of it.
I didn't read enough to get a full grasp on the plot, but couldn't see myself getting a well-rounded book with a satisfying plot, or likeable characters with decent growth.
Please note: I read 200/300 books each year and I have done for 10+ years. I've read enough to recognise very quickly when I'm not going to like a book because of the writing type, so don't judge me too harshly for being leaving a review when I called it quits at 4% lol.
Why did I call it quits 13 pages in?. The writing. I instantly knew this writing type was not for me - I've read many books like this and I knew I would either hate the entirety of the book, or DNF at a later page, so I called it quits before getting to that point.
Firstly, let me note, I swear a lot. I don't care if books have foul language in the slightest, but fucking hell, I was only 3% in and I was already sick to death of it.
I didn't read enough to get a full grasp on the plot, but couldn't see myself getting a well-rounded book with a satisfying plot, or likeable characters with decent growth.
Please note: I read 200/300 books each year and I have done for 10+ years. I've read enough to recognise very quickly when I'm not going to like a book because of the writing type, so don't judge me too harshly for being leaving a review when I called it quits at 4% lol.
September 19, 2023
4.5 ✨
Docking half a star bc I don’t like all the internal monologue from the female mc or the fact that everybody wants to r4pe her all the time?? Why is she always a victim. Damn.
Anyway, I went into this knowing I was going to be pissed about the ending bc I saw a tiktok that was hyping up book 2 essentially spoiling book 1. But that’s fine, I’d rather it be spoiled than be upset lmao.
I’m on to book 2 let’s hope this doesn’t take a turn for the worst.
Docking half a star bc I don’t like all the internal monologue from the female mc or the fact that everybody wants to r4pe her all the time?? Why is she always a victim. Damn.
Anyway, I went into this knowing I was going to be pissed about the ending bc I saw a tiktok that was hyping up book 2 essentially spoiling book 1. But that’s fine, I’d rather it be spoiled than be upset lmao.
I’m on to book 2 let’s hope this doesn’t take a turn for the worst.
June 2, 2023
4 rockstars 1 girl sign me tf up!!! Onto the next one for some closure
June 9, 2023
couldn’t even get through the first half
I couldn’t even get through the first half of this book, completely unrealistic. While I don’t mind a slutty character with attitude, she literally sleeps with the dude within like a second and then keeps letting him touch her. I dunno, I’ve read a lot of reverse harem books and I just immediately hated River.
I couldn’t even get through the first half of this book, completely unrealistic. While I don’t mind a slutty character with attitude, she literally sleeps with the dude within like a second and then keeps letting him touch her. I dunno, I’ve read a lot of reverse harem books and I just immediately hated River.
Read
May 2, 2024I couldn't get into this story. It was so clear to me what will happen and mostly I was right, because I read the first 26% and then the last 14%. It was enough to say I know the story and it is not for me. No rating because I didn't get to the 50% mark.
But I'm taking a peak and see if book 2 is a sequel with lots of groveling.
But I'm taking a peak and see if book 2 is a sequel with lots of groveling.
Read
April 1, 2025Dnf-despite the repetition and cheesiness this FMC is such a chip on her shoulder victim it’s exhausting. Every single person who comes in her bar has more money than her and looks down on her for being poor and from the wrong side of the tracks, her professor looks into the camera and she can just tell he’s looking down on her for joining the class virtually which she can’t help bc she’s poor and has to attend school while she’s working, on and on.
She also magically comes as soon as a guy sticks his fingers in one of the least appealing two pump chump spicy scenes I’ve read with one of the MMC.
She also magically comes as soon as a guy sticks his fingers in one of the least appealing two pump chump spicy scenes I’ve read with one of the MMC.
December 8, 2022
Aly Beck has masterfully created a true winner with the beginning of her new series Second Sets, thats for sure! The storyline, plot, twists, turns, and betrayals were all extremely well done and pulled me right in. And the characters? River is a true survivor you can’t help but fall in love with. All of the guys complete her in their own way and they’re just amazing! (I will say Rad and Callum are probably my favorites though lol.)
“𝗜’𝗺 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹.“
River and her men will have you totally captivated as they pull you into their angsty tale of lies, betrayal, lust, and love.
That ending was absolutely devastating! So totally gut wrenching but man oh man. Seeing River rise from the ashes and planning on bringing her guys to their knees in Sweet Strings is going to be awesome! So totally worth the cliffhanger ending!
“𝗜’𝗺 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹.“
River and her men will have you totally captivated as they pull you into their angsty tale of lies, betrayal, lust, and love.
That ending was absolutely devastating! So totally gut wrenching but man oh man. Seeing River rise from the ashes and planning on bringing her guys to their knees in Sweet Strings is going to be awesome! So totally worth the cliffhanger ending!
December 4, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts on this book. First things first, I loved almost everything about it. I was immediately interested in the plot, as well as the characters’ pasts. I thought that River was a strong lead and despite everything she’s gone through, she continues to persevere, which I loved. I also really enjoyed the cameos from Zeppelin and Seger. I paused a few chapters in to go back and read their series and I’m so glad I did. Overall, I loved this book.
As for the men? Over the course of the book, I fell in love with them, but tbh by the end I kind of hated them. There’s a lot I can forgive male main characters for. Like I read dark romance, so I’ve read some pretty vile things from heroes and arguably what they did isn’t worse than some of that, but I’m definitely having a harder time letting it go than I would some of that other stuff. As far as I’m concerned, they’re gonna have to do a whole lot more than some groveling in the next book for me to root for that HEA, but I have no doubt Aly will get me there. I’m just a little bitter right now, which I guess is fitting lol. Either way, I’m looking forward to book two and seeing River make them suffer like they deserve.
As for the men? Over the course of the book, I fell in love with them, but tbh by the end I kind of hated them. There’s a lot I can forgive male main characters for. Like I read dark romance, so I’ve read some pretty vile things from heroes and arguably what they did isn’t worse than some of that, but I’m definitely having a harder time letting it go than I would some of that other stuff. As far as I’m concerned, they’re gonna have to do a whole lot more than some groveling in the next book for me to root for that HEA, but I have no doubt Aly will get me there. I’m just a little bitter right now, which I guess is fitting lol. Either way, I’m looking forward to book two and seeing River make them suffer like they deserve.
December 23, 2022
I'm sure there's a market for this. It's not me though.
May 14, 2024
5/5 ⭐️’s I loved this one SO much! And THAT ENDING?! Omgg. I’m already in the second book and I’m loving every second of this experience!
An amazing Contemporary, Rockstar, Why Choose Romance!
An amazing Contemporary, Rockstar, Why Choose Romance!
April 24, 2024
I *inhaled* this book. I have no other words for it. From the very beginning, I was hooked and I had to drag myself away to do the adult things I should be doing instead 😅 I loved River and her guys so much. The development and individual connections she had with each of them was *chef’s kiss*. I do not have words for how excited I am for the next book!!
August 30, 2025
5⭐️
I couldn’t put it down once I started it 😊. I always read about 3 books at once going from book to book but with this one I was enthralled. I loved the characters. Loved ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥. Especially Rad 🤣🤣🤣. He was hilarious.
Right on to book 2 in this awesome story.
I couldn’t put it down once I started it 😊. I always read about 3 books at once going from book to book but with this one I was enthralled. I loved the characters. Loved ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥. Especially Rad 🤣🤣🤣. He was hilarious.
Right on to book 2 in this awesome story.
January 3, 2023
I normally don't write reviews on here, because I read A LOT and it would take a ton of time. However, the emotional cliffhanger at the end really compelled me to submit one. First will be the book summary (my version) and second will be my thoughts.
Do I recommend? If you love a strong female character who has odds stacked against her but doesn't quit (and works through some personal trauma along the way but comes out stronger), then absolutely yes. If you don't like what I described above, then no.
Summary:
River is a young woman who is determined to break the cycle she has seen others get trapped in. I know of people who force open the doors to the future all on their own, and she is definitely one of them. In her new role of manager as a bar, she takes a chance on a band led by a childhood friend. One that has forgotten her and left her behind.
Kieran, the childhood friend, quite literally sees an entire potential future, and the discarded past, flash before his eyes when he finally recognizes River. The same girl whose last name is on their dream record label. With money signs flashing before their eyes, they make a plan to take advantage of her connections. But the band underestimates River, and soon realize she is much more than the last name that she despises so much.
Through twists and turns, you uncover the characters' past that explain their behavior and avoidance to certain things (such as trusting others). However, just when everything seems to be planned out, things drastically change.
Opinion:
River is absolutely, 1000% a role model when it comes to her work ethic and determination to change her fate. Yes, the book is not your typical romance, but her determination and drive is remarkable, why is why I completely ignored the warning that it ended in a cliffhanger. Boy do I regret that now. I went through every emotion possible in this book, especially the last few chapters. The final few chapters made me angry while also almost moving me to tears. But the last few pages were definitely a *mic drop* moment. I ship most of the relationships so much, but only if they choose to prove their worth and if they bring their best selves.
4/5 rating: only because I felt like once the tides turned it went very quickly, almost rushed. But that also could have been intentional based on what River was experiencing. Will DEFINITELY be waiting for the second one.
Do I recommend? If you love a strong female character who has odds stacked against her but doesn't quit (and works through some personal trauma along the way but comes out stronger), then absolutely yes. If you don't like what I described above, then no.
Summary:
River is a young woman who is determined to break the cycle she has seen others get trapped in. I know of people who force open the doors to the future all on their own, and she is definitely one of them. In her new role of manager as a bar, she takes a chance on a band led by a childhood friend. One that has forgotten her and left her behind.
Kieran, the childhood friend, quite literally sees an entire potential future, and the discarded past, flash before his eyes when he finally recognizes River. The same girl whose last name is on their dream record label. With money signs flashing before their eyes, they make a plan to take advantage of her connections. But the band underestimates River, and soon realize she is much more than the last name that she despises so much.
Through twists and turns, you uncover the characters' past that explain their behavior and avoidance to certain things (such as trusting others). However, just when everything seems to be planned out, things drastically change.
Opinion:
River is absolutely, 1000% a role model when it comes to her work ethic and determination to change her fate. Yes, the book is not your typical romance, but her determination and drive is remarkable, why is why I completely ignored the warning that it ended in a cliffhanger. Boy do I regret that now. I went through every emotion possible in this book, especially the last few chapters. The final few chapters made me angry while also almost moving me to tears. But the last few pages were definitely a *mic drop* moment. I ship most of the relationships so much, but only if they choose to prove their worth and if they bring their best selves.
4/5 rating: only because I felt like once the tides turned it went very quickly, almost rushed. But that also could have been intentional based on what River was experiencing. Will DEFINITELY be waiting for the second one.
May 31, 2023
Funny story. I’ve followed Aly Beck and read her books for a while, when I saw this book come out I knew I wanted to keep up with River after reading about her brothers. However, I saw some spoilers on tiktok and decided the ending was going to aggravate me to no end so I waited to read it until the second book was coming out. Then I decided I wasn’t going to read the second book unless there was epic grovel because again, knew I’d be so aggravated by the first book I couldn’t do it if the time didn’t fit the crime. Everyone who has reviewed Sweet Strings has agreed the grovel was perfect so I’m trusting them and read Bitter Notes.
As I predicted, it infuriated me to no end. The plot was great, River is a bad ass, I loved her past with Kieran and Rad, Callum was my absolute favorite and Ash can go die in a hole. When I tell you the last 86% of the book was excruciating to read, I mean it. I’m hoping the anxiety I suffered reading this book was worth it for the second because normally I have a real hard time with such long time gaps, such as them missing 5 years of their daughters life because of Ash and doing god knows what during that time. It’s so unforgivable I don’t see any redemption for him but we will see. Overall, this book was great and the spice was incredible. It was a refreshing spin on a rockstar romance and had an original concept, especially deciding to bring a baby into it at the end.
My only complaints are the repetitiveness of the dialogue. There was SO much repetition it got hard to read sometimes. Also, I still would like to know what Gloria’s issue is with River.
She literally lived in the same complex as her, I guess I just never understood her hatred? It didn’t seem to make sense. Finally, I don’t think the conflict at the end was 100% believable. When would she have had time to be with Van? Someone was with her from their group 24/7. If Kieran knew Ash was going to try and split them up, did he really not suspect anything when the info came from him? Why wouldn’t he seek out River to get her side? The fact that they didn’t believe her at all, or even hear her out after everything she did for them? When her mom had just died? It also didn’t entirely make sense, or it just made you hate them that much more.
Anyway, this was a good read that I recommend now that the second book is coming out. Let’s all hope and cross our fingers that River gives them all the hell they deserve.
As I predicted, it infuriated me to no end. The plot was great, River is a bad ass, I loved her past with Kieran and Rad, Callum was my absolute favorite and Ash can go die in a hole. When I tell you the last 86% of the book was excruciating to read, I mean it. I’m hoping the anxiety I suffered reading this book was worth it for the second because normally I have a real hard time with such long time gaps, such as them missing 5 years of their daughters life because of Ash and doing god knows what during that time. It’s so unforgivable I don’t see any redemption for him but we will see. Overall, this book was great and the spice was incredible. It was a refreshing spin on a rockstar romance and had an original concept, especially deciding to bring a baby into it at the end.
My only complaints are the repetitiveness of the dialogue. There was SO much repetition it got hard to read sometimes. Also, I still would like to know what Gloria’s issue is with River.
She literally lived in the same complex as her, I guess I just never understood her hatred? It didn’t seem to make sense. Finally, I don’t think the conflict at the end was 100% believable. When would she have had time to be with Van? Someone was with her from their group 24/7. If Kieran knew Ash was going to try and split them up, did he really not suspect anything when the info came from him? Why wouldn’t he seek out River to get her side? The fact that they didn’t believe her at all, or even hear her out after everything she did for them? When her mom had just died? It also didn’t entirely make sense, or it just made you hate them that much more.
Anyway, this was a good read that I recommend now that the second book is coming out. Let’s all hope and cross our fingers that River gives them all the hell they deserve.
March 11, 2023
Warning you all if you hate miscommunication this book is at the top of the pyramid for it. I literally wanted to scream.
It actually made me laugh that some of the guys forgot who the main girl was like it’s really not that hard to forgot someone.
Story line was actually okay at some points but some of the characters were just a bit childish and really some of the things happening could of been avoided.
Also the epilogue she said she wants revenge but I know and you know she’s going to fall back in love with them and she’s got a child to one of them so there is another bonus.
It actually made me laugh that some of the guys forgot who the main girl was like it’s really not that hard to forgot someone.
Story line was actually okay at some points but some of the characters were just a bit childish and really some of the things happening could of been avoided.
Also the epilogue she said she wants revenge but I know and you know she’s going to fall back in love with them and she’s got a child to one of them so there is another bonus.
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