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The Last Shot Tavern
Finding Emotion
Skylar has always lived life her way. Skylar Reece often leaps before she looks. That was true when she ran away as a teenager to tour with her first band. The same instinct causes her to plant one on fellow singer Damon Lynch during a live interview. She’d been trying to cover his media misstep, but he seems much more deliciously flustered after the kiss. Damon is the last person meant to be a rock star. Damon hates that the media took his crazed-fan situation and twisted it into insecurity on his part. Caught floundering, rescue comes from an unexpected source. A source that includes hot lips and tongue and a knowing smirk. If he’d thought his dweebie past made him an imposter before, fake dating the epitome of the rock lifestyle was only going to make it worse. But it turns out there are a lot more layers to Skylar than he ever imagined. Dark and painful ones. When her past rears its head, Damon wants to help her like she did him, and real emotion flares. His fans are ecstatic. All but one. That fan wants to take away everything. Especially the person that has become his world. Finding Comfort – Trenton and Celia
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
11 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Amber Warden
28 books48 followersA former numbers cruncher, Amber Warden left the accounting world to write emotional and steamy contemporary romance instead.
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 28, 2023
Heavy, happy sigh. What a terrific end (or will there be more?) to a very good, if slightly uneven, series. I was blown away by the first book, but each successive one let me down a little more. A fair amount of time passed before this one ended up on my TBR pile, and I started it not quite sure what to expect. What I got was an emotional yet charming ride that left me with all the feels. Not uncommon with an Amber Warden story, there are content warnings though. I'll put them at the very end, as usual.
Although this book is part of the Last Shot Tavern series, it stars two people who were more tangential in the previous books: Jami's sister Skylar and Erin's brother/fourth guy BFF Damon. That both are rockstars is almost incidental. Typically, I don't love the rockstar trope (let's be real, the lifestyle just isn't conducive to a successful relationship), I found myself absolutely charmed by Damon. I hated how he was belittled here and there as being weak just because he wasn't all dom or into group (or groupie) hookups. The fact that he wasn't constantly as hard as a pike and instead was so quietly observant made him FAR more attractive than his more sexually godlike book-boyfriend counterparts. In short, he's as adorable and sexy as he's made out to be, and what others make out as wussiness is, quite simply, that he's uncommonly kind.
Skylar was harder to like at first, mostly because she's harder to get to know, and that's exactly the character she's supposed to be. She's been through a lot and is both tough and fragile as a result, but she's a perfect match for "Mr. Sweetface." I'm not much of a fan of the fake relationship trope, but things quickly turn real anyway, and I'm glad the author doesn't mess around with it too much. I was worried Skylar would spend more time pushing Damon away than not, but she didn't.
If I had any issues, it would probably be the unlikelihood of the Last Shot Tavern gang having not one but two stars in their orbit, and that they ended up together completely coincidentally (i.e., they didn't meet through the tavern). It's a little odd that more of a big deal wasn't made of it by their respective fans, actually. Also, the bit of suspense tossed in surrounding Damon's stalker is not hard to figure out. A red herring or two wouldn't have been a bad idea.
Overall, yay! Great novel! Is it too much to ask that Mandy get her own book now?
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Content warnings: Rape, PTSD, panic attacks, violence
Although this book is part of the Last Shot Tavern series, it stars two people who were more tangential in the previous books: Jami's sister Skylar and Erin's brother/fourth guy BFF Damon. That both are rockstars is almost incidental. Typically, I don't love the rockstar trope (let's be real, the lifestyle just isn't conducive to a successful relationship), I found myself absolutely charmed by Damon. I hated how he was belittled here and there as being weak just because he wasn't all dom or into group (or groupie) hookups. The fact that he wasn't constantly as hard as a pike and instead was so quietly observant made him FAR more attractive than his more sexually godlike book-boyfriend counterparts. In short, he's as adorable and sexy as he's made out to be, and what others make out as wussiness is, quite simply, that he's uncommonly kind.
Skylar was harder to like at first, mostly because she's harder to get to know, and that's exactly the character she's supposed to be. She's been through a lot and is both tough and fragile as a result, but she's a perfect match for "Mr. Sweetface." I'm not much of a fan of the fake relationship trope, but things quickly turn real anyway, and I'm glad the author doesn't mess around with it too much. I was worried Skylar would spend more time pushing Damon away than not, but she didn't.
If I had any issues, it would probably be the unlikelihood of the Last Shot Tavern gang having not one but two stars in their orbit, and that they ended up together completely coincidentally (i.e., they didn't meet through the tavern). It's a little odd that more of a big deal wasn't made of it by their respective fans, actually. Also, the bit of suspense tossed in surrounding Damon's stalker is not hard to figure out. A red herring or two wouldn't have been a bad idea.
Overall, yay! Great novel! Is it too much to ask that Mandy get her own book now?
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Content warnings: Rape, PTSD, panic attacks, violence
March 19, 2023
“Skylar was more rock star than he would ever be.”
Reading this fifth and final book in the Last Shot Tavern series had me torn. While the book was amazing, no question, I’m so very sad the series has come to an end. These people became friends to me and I’m really not ready to say goodbye.
But what an ending did we get. Damon has been a consistent but out of sight part of the series. He physically was not around in the other books but was often talked about and he participated virtually in any way he could, from joining in on boys night to singing Blake’s baby daughter to sleep over the phone. It was a lot of fun to have him finally come home and see the four best friends together again. All of these men are sweethearts, even Blake is in his own way. I think Damon is hands down the biggest softie although he believes Malcolm deserves that title. Damon is so not like a rockstar it’s not even funny. He’s kind and gentle and patient and selfless. He’s also exactly what Skylar needs.
Skylar we only just met in book four but, despite only having two brief appearances, we still had a good idea what she was like, or so we thought. I knew Skylar was tough and independent and preferred keeping everyone at arms length. I was not expecting for her to be so broken inside. Damon slips past all her armor fairly quickly and I loved watching how much she changed.
To get the most out of this book you really need to read the series in order. And don’t forget to get the bonus extra Finding Malcolm, offered in the back of Finding Hope. While it’s mostly a fun glimpse into Malcolm and Jami’s first time together, it also serves as a great series prologue as just about everyone makes an appearance. My only real complaint about the end of the series is that I hate we never found out if Erin ever convinced Nicholas to have a baby. I know it’s a small thing but I really wanted them to decide to go for it. I would have loved to see Nicholas being wrapped around the finger of his own little daughter. Oh well, can’t have everything and as we all know, nothing lasts forever….
Reading this fifth and final book in the Last Shot Tavern series had me torn. While the book was amazing, no question, I’m so very sad the series has come to an end. These people became friends to me and I’m really not ready to say goodbye.
But what an ending did we get. Damon has been a consistent but out of sight part of the series. He physically was not around in the other books but was often talked about and he participated virtually in any way he could, from joining in on boys night to singing Blake’s baby daughter to sleep over the phone. It was a lot of fun to have him finally come home and see the four best friends together again. All of these men are sweethearts, even Blake is in his own way. I think Damon is hands down the biggest softie although he believes Malcolm deserves that title. Damon is so not like a rockstar it’s not even funny. He’s kind and gentle and patient and selfless. He’s also exactly what Skylar needs.
Skylar we only just met in book four but, despite only having two brief appearances, we still had a good idea what she was like, or so we thought. I knew Skylar was tough and independent and preferred keeping everyone at arms length. I was not expecting for her to be so broken inside. Damon slips past all her armor fairly quickly and I loved watching how much she changed.
To get the most out of this book you really need to read the series in order. And don’t forget to get the bonus extra Finding Malcolm, offered in the back of Finding Hope. While it’s mostly a fun glimpse into Malcolm and Jami’s first time together, it also serves as a great series prologue as just about everyone makes an appearance. My only real complaint about the end of the series is that I hate we never found out if Erin ever convinced Nicholas to have a baby. I know it’s a small thing but I really wanted them to decide to go for it. I would have loved to see Nicholas being wrapped around the finger of his own little daughter. Oh well, can’t have everything and as we all know, nothing lasts forever….
February 25, 2023
Finding Emotion (Last Shot Tavern Series Book 5) by Amber Warden is a rockstar romance. She addresses issues of a past bully, trauma of gang rape by flashbacks, and panic attacks. Damon is more a clean-cut pop icon with high-selling songs, while Skyler is a grunge solo singer who ventured out on her own after leaving her previous band. Two very unlikely singers find they have more in common than just being musicians. Skyler's sister Jami is with Damon's best friend, Malcomb, in Skyler's hometown. Both are dealing with past trauma that causes each to respond to sexual encounters differently. Both need new experiences to enjoy and heal their past so each can grab onto the future with gusto. That is where Skylar is just the right person to compliment Damon and vice versa. I was so enthralled with Amy Warden's story that I had to find more books she has written to read. Amy is not afraid to sensitively broach complex tropics involving trauma and abuse. She also threads in healthy ways for the characters to work through their past or present traumas. Outstanding read!
January 28, 2023
Well this rockstar story is a little different. Damon is a rockstar but he’s no alpha, he’s gorgeous but very sweet and kind of nerdy. He’s only ever had two girlfriends and the second one told him he was a lousy lover. Meanwhile the punk rock princess, Skylar has zero problems with sex, and she’s made him an offer that’s as outrageous as she is.
This character has serious issues with what “manliness” means, but I like her. These two are a hot mess but together they make a great couple. I love how gentle Damon is with her, he brings this broken, beautiful, talented woman back to life. This story is emotional and it touches on a subject that’s difficult for any woman to come to terms with, it’s not a happy go lucky story. The ending was good, I’m giving it five stars and highly recommend it.
This character has serious issues with what “manliness” means, but I like her. These two are a hot mess but together they make a great couple. I love how gentle Damon is with her, he brings this broken, beautiful, talented woman back to life. This story is emotional and it touches on a subject that’s difficult for any woman to come to terms with, it’s not a happy go lucky story. The ending was good, I’m giving it five stars and highly recommend it.
February 27, 2023
The title says it all:
What a heart wrenching and emotional story. Whilst it certainly was steamy and edgy, it was simultaneously sweet and tender too.
Skylar and Damon were both broken in their own way and I loved seeing the fragile, messy shards of their lives come together to form a strong and beautiful mosaic of resiliency and healing instead. This book will not be for everyone as it details past rape and trauma which made it difficult to read at times. However overall the tone of the book was positive and encouraging.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a heart wrenching and emotional story. Whilst it certainly was steamy and edgy, it was simultaneously sweet and tender too.
Skylar and Damon were both broken in their own way and I loved seeing the fragile, messy shards of their lives come together to form a strong and beautiful mosaic of resiliency and healing instead. This book will not be for everyone as it details past rape and trauma which made it difficult to read at times. However overall the tone of the book was positive and encouraging.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2023
Finding Emotion was a soul shattering think outside of the box hearbreaking story Amber Warden makes you feel ever Emotion that Skylar and Damon portray as they navigate through the minefields of their traumatic and unhealthy past experiences to slowly help each other heal. I loved the way Damon was portrayed he wasn't your typical alpha male but he was more than enough in ever way and Skylar was a take no prisoners I can save you and me both type of woman their story is full of extreme sadness laughter and finally hope and love.
I received a advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2023
Thank you to Amber Warden and BookSirens for providing me with an ebook copy of Finding Emotion for me to read and review. What an excellent 5th book in Warden's Last Shot Tavern Series! This book continues the series in a unique and beautiful way, with excellent character development of the 2 main characters and wonderful reappearances of the other characters from the past books. There was a unique blend of past trauma and current harassment to keep the story interesting and draw readers in all the way through. If this is the final book in the series it is wrapped up beautifully, but I would not say no to seeing more of any of these characters again!
March 19, 2023
So many emotions right now!! Skylar and Damon are both so damaged in their own ways. They have both had people in their lives hurt them. Damon has been a rock star for 12 years and still gets flustered and is unsure of himself, feeling that he really isn't the star others see him as. Skylar puts up a tough exterior to cover the trauma of her past (there are flashbacks to this event that may be triggering for some readers).
I loved reading their interactions and how patient, understanding, and sweet he was with her. Talk about a new favorite book boyfriend!! This is a definite must read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved reading their interactions and how patient, understanding, and sweet he was with her. Talk about a new favorite book boyfriend!! This is a definite must read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2023
This was a fantastic story. Damon and Skyler are the perfect mismatched couple ever! Well, mismatched, but the same in all the ways that matter. The writing is exceptional. Both characters have many fears, losses, emotional baggage, and the need for love in common. However, these commonalities are carefully woven to show the different paths Damon and Skyler have taken to save themselves from past traumas. Friends and family play a huge role. There’s a stalker, sketchy music executives, and an abundance of steaminess. Just loved it!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2023
Every book in this series is a winner but this one gets my utmost admiration. When I started reading this book I really did not like Skyler. I thought she was crass, rude and downright mean. However as the book progressed I came to admire and respect her. She became my hero. It was hard at first to see what Damon saw in her but she grows on you with her strength, loyalty and fierceness. Damon and Skyler totally rock. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2023
Lots of emotions (probably triggers for some). Sometimes hearts meet and the “outside packaging” just isn’t important. We’ve waited a long time, it seems, for Damon’s story and it was worth it. Though it seems he’s “got it all” and Skylar is about his polar opposite, in their love and need for music, they are one. He seemed like Mr. All-American and she was kind of a train-wreck, everything was not what it seemed. Good story, great suspense, hot and sweet interactions. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2023
Damon and Skylar brought this story to life with issues that are front and center and happens a lot in real life. They both have baggage and together they really help each other. This story had me cheering for the two to get their chance for happiness. Be warned that there are triggers in this story and may not be a good read for some.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
This is the 5th book in this incredible series, and this is Skylar and Damon’s story. These two both have more than their fair share of baggage, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with angst, suspense, haunting, tragedy, heartbreak, and love, which leads to a heartwrenching and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2023
The story of Skylar and Damon took me by surprise because it is intensely painful. The depth of pain she had experienced, the negative self-talk, and how the world viewed her all led to a very difficult journey.
Damon is insightful and caring, giving her time, space and while taking time to understand her demons.
Well written. Keep your tissues close, this one made me cry.
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm voluntarily reviewing it
Damon is insightful and caring, giving her time, space and while taking time to understand her demons.
Well written. Keep your tissues close, this one made me cry.
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm voluntarily reviewing it
August 28, 2023
Complex, beautiful, a lot of emotions, and difficult life situations. This story has a lot of twists and turns, struggles, and many strong triggers to be an easy read. It's not at all a typical rockstar story. Although lengthy, it's a page-turner—intelligent writing with realistic dialogue and strong characters. I highly recommend reading anything by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2023
Okay this was surprisingly amazing. Like I always kind of expect rockstar romances to be a little cheesy and awful. But holy crap this one was NOT. It was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. I gotta go back and read the other four in the series now because I'm HOOKED.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2023
This is not the regular rock-star story. It’s very emotional and I love that the main male character isn’t the usual alpha-rock-star. It’s sweet and spicy but it also touches some hard to read experience for the female character. I need to read the other books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2023
Damon and Skylar have an undeniable connection between them. They also both have damaged pasts and plenty of baggage. There's plenty of suspense, passion, heartache, love and so much more throughout. Enjoy this completely captivating page turner!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2023
This is my first book by this author and I very much enjoyed the story.
It had good interesting characters and storyline. Although it can be read as a standalone, I wished I had read the other books in the series first
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It had good interesting characters and storyline. Although it can be read as a standalone, I wished I had read the other books in the series first
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2023
This was a good read. I enjoyed seeing past characters and getting to know more about Skylar. This book touched on something that is a little sensitive and I appreciated seeing Damon help Skylar work through it.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
March 2, 2023
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read.The romance the love drama between the characters were beautifully written.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2023
I loved the story. Skylar was an amazing character, the only thing I had a problem with was the fact that the story was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2023
OMG! I’m in love!
This is my first time reading this author, but it for sure won’t be my last. I could not put it down. Absolutely stunning. This author is going straight into my favourite author list. ❤️
This is my first time reading this author, but it for sure won’t be my last. I could not put it down. Absolutely stunning. This author is going straight into my favourite author list. ❤️
September 2, 2024
Was hooked from the first chapter. A wonderful story. A emotional story that had me crying. I loved the characters. a page turner. and wonderful addition to the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2023
I’m hoping this is not the end of this series! I hope there are a couple more… Mandy’s story still needs to be told!
Even though you can read this novel as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this entire series… each character has such realistic traits and issues that it’s like being within this group as you read each one’s story.
This particular story is like the others, revealing both MC’s stories as it progresses. It made my heart and mind ache for them both, a bit more graphic than I usually read but the story wouldn’t be as passionate without it all.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Even though you can read this novel as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this entire series… each character has such realistic traits and issues that it’s like being within this group as you read each one’s story.
This particular story is like the others, revealing both MC’s stories as it progresses. It made my heart and mind ache for them both, a bit more graphic than I usually read but the story wouldn’t be as passionate without it all.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2023
Skylar is a tough as nails woman with skeletons in her closet. She uses sexuality to mask her true feelings. Damon is a legit “nice guy”. Even though he is a rockstar he has held onto his ideals and still believes in love. When an interview goes awry for Damon, Skylar jumps in and claims him as one of her many relationship. While they navigate the fake relationship and plan a break up the sparks fly and feelings get real. This is great as a stand-alone but reading it as part of the series is even better!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews