Book Review – Documentary by A.J. Sand

Documentary
I liked it. This one had a consistent flow of realistic “romance with a rock star” drama. Er… wait. What do I know about realistic and rock stars? Ok, you got me. Lemme re-word. It felt realistic. Sure there were a few moments that had me thinking hrmmm… I dunno if that would have happened in real life, but overall, this one never reached that over-the-top too much angst level.

But! There were plenty of angsty moments interspersed nicely throughout. Romance, and then… not-so-romance. Rock stars, and their beautiful fans. Jealousy and game playing. And a famous gorgeous rock star that was keeping a big secret and had a slightly volatile reputation (with tons of speculation).

“Take your pick, his d%ck or his temper, one of them will be the death of him.”

And let’s not get into the “friend” that seems to be so much more. The one he’d drop anything for, no matter where he is, and who he is with. Including this book’s heroine.

But she was touched by how he had dropped everything for someone calling in the middle of the night. She checked it into the column of things she really liked about him. Leaving her at a party he had invited her to without any real explanation? Well, that was in another column.

So what’s it about?

Dylan (the heroine) is hired to film a documentary chronicling Kai’s private, personal moments and his larger than life public persona while on his current tour. Famous (gorgeous) guitar player/singer with a bad reputation. On probation for having savagely beaten an ex-bandmate/best friend, rumors are circulating about his spat, and he won’t come clean.

“No… it was a disagreement I let get out of hand. Regardless of my problems with Jeremy, I shouldn’t have done it.” Kai gulped down hard. “Does it make you not want to work with me?” He sounded so vulnerable that her chest squeezed.

His publicist is hoping that Dylan’s time with him will pull him out of his shell, have him reveal his secret (in turn, clearing his name) and put his career back on the “right” path. But Kai’s secrets run deep, and while he really likes Dylan, her career priorities (no sex with the band!!) and their developing friendship (and his occasional disappearing acts) are messing her up. They both struggle with their loyalties (hurting each other and themselves, in the process).

And I liked all that “crazy” (sorry characters ;)). The issues are what held me. And their subtly intense moments, too. Sure… I never completely freaked out reading this one. It (and I) was pretty much even-keeled throughout. However, there were a few adrenaline spikes, and enough of ’em to keep me interested. At times it was extra wordy (but still well written even in it’s wordiness). A bit long. But it kept coming back to exploring the connection that couldn’t be denied between the two main characters, despite all the problems they were causing themselves. With reason, of course (nothing too off-the-wall although at one point, towards the end… I thought… Oh COME ON!!). Ah well… there were reasons for that too.

And it’s discovering those reasons and working through the issues, that kept me reading. Hoping for a reward in the end. “Kai” is HOT. Undeniably so. I enjoyed his intensity, and I how he handled (or mishandled) himself. Real reactions, if you ask me. 😉

By the way… there will be a book two at the end of April 2013. Does that mean this one ends on a cliffhanger. Hrmm… sorta. Nothing too drastic (like I said, nothing about this book was over-the-top) but definitely made me go… whaaaaa?

3.75 stars