* * * * *
The first time I met Jax Blackwood things went a little sideways.
In my defense, I didn’t know he was Jax Blackwood—who expects a legendary rock star to be shopping for groceries? More importantly, a blizzard was coming and he was about to grab the last carton of mint-chocolate chip.
Still, I might have walked away, but then he smugly dared me to try and take the coveted ice cream. So I kissed him. And distracted that mint-chip right out of his hands.
Okay, it was a dirty move, but desperate times and all that. Besides, I never expected he’d be my new neighbor.
An annoying neighbor who takes great pleasure in reminding me that I owe him ice cream but would happily accept more kisses as payment. An irresistible neighbor who keeps me up while playing guitar naked–spectacularly naked–in his living room.
Clearly, avoidance is key. Except nothing about Jax is easy to ignore—not the way he makes me laugh, or that his particular brand of darkness matches mine, or how one look from him melts me faster than butter under a hot sun.
Neither of us believes in love or forever. Yet we’re quickly becoming each other’s addiction. But we could be more. We could be everything.
All we have to do is trust enough to fall.
Source: advanced e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review
Man, talk about a meet-cute borne out of fantasy. I don't know about you but if I came across my favourite celebrity crush I don't know that I'd kiss him with the intent to distract him so I could take the last tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream out of his hands. To be fair, Stella isn't aware that she's kissed Jax Blackwood, the sexy and troubled lead singer of Kill John. At least not until later but there was a good reason for her cunning. A massive snowstorm in the city meant she had to have all her basic food groups. They walk away from each other - Stella with ice cream in hand - and think they'll never see each other again. But wait! Stella is contacted to house sit for someone while they're away. She's not aware whom she's housesitting for but her new neighbour is none other than the mystery man she kissed and then she finally puts all the pieces together.
I think of Stella as someone who's just kind of floating along. She has an unconventional job and to be honest, I'd never heard of such a thing but it makes sense. It became a lightbulb moment for me. Callihan touches on several issues from social awkwardness to anxiety to depression. If you've read the previous two books in the VIP series you know that Jax had tried to commit suicide two years before and that the aftermath left the band shaken and off-kilter. Jax strives on a daily basis to work through his feelings, doing everything he can to manage his mental health. Callihan purposefully stayed away from details about his suicide attempt and instead chose to focus on his recovery. Fall is a little more personal to Callihan and I admire that incorporated some of her own experiences with her mental health. She gave us a character actively working to understand his illness and take care of himself is positive encouragement to any reader, especially for anyone who lives with the same struggles.
The friendship between Stella and Jax has become such a bright point in their lives. Stella has never felt the love of a family and Jax who created his own family with his band have contrasting experiences but at the heart of it, they both want to feel that intimacy with someone they can trust and who will look out for them. Their approach to finding that is different but they undoubtedly find each other's company comforting, safe and most importantly, true.
I enjoyed Fall immensely because Stella's quirkiness played well with Jax's rock star moments and his always coy and flirtatious moves. They have such a great vibe together. You know I can't resist a cheeky guy and I love Jax's nicknames for Stella and his humour. There are appearances from the rest of the band and their significant others including many funny instances with Scottie, the band manager. I'm picky about my rock star romances and only a few authors do it for me, Kristen Callihan being one of them. She has created a sexy, beautiful romance that shows how powerful human connection is in helping us to be stronger, better and feel that we belong.
~ Bel
* * * * 1/2
It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.
I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle begin…
Source: an advance e-galley from the author in exchange for an honest review
OH. MY. LAWD! I have been waiting for this since I was done with Idol. At first, a story about Gabriel Scott, manager for mega famous band, Kill John, did not seem like the likely follow up to me. Good thing I'm not in charge of the decision making. I really liked Idol but Managed is something else!
Managed has so many incredible things to recommend it, one of them being the perfectly timed banter. When it's done right, it's everything. The banter here is not only witty and entertaining but showcases both Gabriel and Sophie's personalities so well. Gabriel is supposed to be insanely handsome, almost intimidatingly so to the point that most people are awestruck in his presence (I know I'd be a babbling mess). Not Sophie though. I have never adored a female character more. She has no qualms saying whatever is on her mind and thank goodness for that because she is hysterical! It's almost too good to pass up when he offers her a unique proposal while they join Kill John on their European tour. If there's one thing they can agree on, it's that they're both pretty messed up. Through their special arrangement, she's able to get Gabriel to loosen up (begrudgingly, I might add). It's rather alarming to the consummate professional who always seems to have his sh** together but it's nice to see him lighten up, and also sad to see what has made him so rigid. I like seeing characters explore the changes in their lives even if they're unnerved by them. These two cuddle-buddies thrown together by happenstance are exactly what they need.
There's more to the story than just Gabriel's gradually chipping armour. Sophie's past is a source of embarrassment and she's still working to escape that lowest point in her life. But if there's one thing I love about her is that she has grit. And the boys of Kill John are as mischievous as ever. It's always a blast when they're in any scene.
Kristen Callihan's muse for Gabriel is none other than, David Gandy, model and star of those sultry Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue commercials and ads. Even with knowing this, I without fail always end up inserting British actor, Richard Armitage as the face of every hot and broody British character with dark hair. Not sure why; my subconscious seems to have a thing for him and it did it here as well. Whatever the case it's a nice problem to have. Anyway, Managed is certainly the one to grab if you're all about the simmering chemistry and sharp dialogue. It'll have you gushing and squealing in delight - promise!
~ Bel
* * * *
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
