Idol (VIP #1) by Kristen Callihan

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Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse—and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find away to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything. 



I'm rather picky when it comes to reading rock star romances.  Only two other writers do it for me and now I can add Kristen Callihan to the short list. Why am I so picky? I suppose because I want to believe in the connection between a superstar and someone who isn't famous. I want the witty humour along with the ridiculous hot chemistry. Idol gives me all of those things!

Meeting a famous rock star would make an impact on anyone. Libby's world changes when mega rock god, Killian James literally crashes into her world. Turns out he's her new neighbour for a few months. She goes from living a secluded lifestyle to her privacy being invaded by this stranger who constantly seeks out her company. Killian has grown weary of being in the public eye and the partying. He's enjoying the calm he so desperately needs after the near implosion of his band. Libby's no-nonsense talk and her quiet life are a kind of soothing balm for his soul. In Libby's company he can just be as he rediscovers his love of music and finds his way back to his lifelong passion. While he's there, he also encourages her to take teeny tiny steps out of her isolation, to recognize her talents and to venture on a new path that she hadn't considered before. When reality comes knocking on their door, they have to figure out what they want and how they're going to achieve it on their own terms.

I have to tell you that my favourite thing about Idol is that this is a friends-to-lovers story. They come into each other's lives at the right time with both needing to heal and grow from their past. They light a spark under each other to move on and reach for their dreams. The physical attraction is always there in the background but it doesn't overpower the story. When they do finally act on it, it's gratifying ... and also funny! Another reason I like Idol is that Killian is not the typical rock star hero. He's amusing and cocky but not arrogant. He's a man of many talents who's fiercely loyal and protective of those he cares about. Libby may enjoy her quiet life but she's by no means a pushover. She's unafraid to speak her mind and gets to the point. I was thrilled about the many references to the 90's music scene. It was like revisiting the soundtrack of my college days - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Wilco, Prince - they all gave me good feels! 

Callihan is a busy lady with three books releasing this year for her three different series (the other two are Darkest London and Game On). I'm a fan of all of them, therefore, I'm so happy that she decided to do a music-based one with the VIP series. She has introduced a new crop of characters that are funny, wild, complex and vulnerable. Idol is brilliant and entertaining and filled with music nostalgia. I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters better as the series progresses. 

~ Bel