Maryse's Book Blog

How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo
You want rock star angst? I’ll give you angst. This one ranks VERY high after Thoughtless if you’re in the mood for an ugly cry. Indie rock star with an amazing following (and a bad-boy “slut” reputation) befriends his new roommate (sister of his friend). Their friendship… you know. Becomes more. But then the bigwigs offer him the opportunity of a lifetime and he struggles with his artistic principles and the dream of becoming huge. There’s enough angst for ya, right there. BUT NO. The angst is in the romance part. Oh boy, if you let yourself go with this one, (and it’s not hard to), you will… likely, hate me. *giggle* It’s gonna be so fun!!! Wanna see the latest “post” from fellow readers about this one (and I hear about it almost every. single. day):

Jaime: Very tired today because i stayed up all night reading How to Kill a Rock Star. OMG! I’m still not ok! That was an emotional roller coaster and SO many times I wanted to get off of the ride, but I had to know how it ended. Glad I read it. I hated it so much i loved it. But I’m still not ok!

Maryse’s Book Blog: ‎*hug* Join the club 😉 I always wonder how many people who have taken my personal recommendation for it, hate me at… some point. hee hee!

Jennifer: After seeing your review Maryse, I ve been wanting to read it!!

Jennifer. DO IT!!! Alllll of you (who like the angst)… doooooo it!! (quick little tidbit) –> I occasionally hear that the very beginning is a bit slow. I don’t remember feeling that way, but that is because I read reviews that said I was in for it, so I was already IN for it, ya know? If you are one of the “it’s too slow” readers… please. Stick with it. Chances are, you’re gonna freak out.

Check out my book review of How To Kill A Rock Star

The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
Annnnnd the angst just keeps on coming. Fair to say, there are no rock stars in this one, but the “hero” is highly coveted. So highly in fact, that two girls are willing to lie, deceive and cheat for his attention, and in the process, almost (do? – i’ll let you find out) lose sight of themselves. But there’s big history there, and one that I wouldn’t have been so willing to let go of, either.  This is “Olivia’s” take, on her journey to getting/keeping Caleb, and well let’s just say it’s a wild and crazy ride.  *shakes head*  WOW.

And… the other? Hey, her book is coming out next, so who am I to judge? But I did/do judge, because I WAS Olivia during this read, and let’s just say, we have a VERY active “The Opportunist Support Group” going on right now.

Check out my book review of The Opportunist

Dirty Red (book #2 of The Opportunist series) by Tarryn Fisher
Okay, this one isn’t actually out yet, but come on. WE KNOW it’s going to be angst-ridden and we are simply dying for the sequel. ‘Cause that’s what this one is. Not a re-telling of the last book (although I have a feeling we’ll relive a few of those moments, too), but a continuation from where we left off, from Leah’s perspective (grrrr. Dirty RED!!). So in the meantime, if you haven’t read The Opportunist (see above) read it.

I cried. Eventually. Once the shock wore off. 😉

And Tarryn (the author) told us this (on her Facebook page):

“It should be out by the end of the year.” —> expected release date just announced! December 28th 2012!!!

“Dirty Red propels the story forward, it is not a rehashing of what already happened.”

Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding Series) by K.A. Linde
Avoiding Commitment will have you second-guessing your sanity (her sanity, their sanity, everyone’s sanity) every step of the way. One minute you want them… next minute you don’t. One minute you “pine”, next minute you want to kick “him” you know where. One minute you get her. Next minute you’re thinking No!! No no no no no!!!!! Don’t!!! Don’t doooo it. Ohhhhhhh nooooooo! You did it. LOL!!!!

But through it all, you will feel the pain. The relief. The elation. The realization. The “other” realization… the pain again. And so on. It’s madness I tell you! Like a soap opera on steroids, but… there’s something, even though you know you shouldn’t, that keeps you… hoping. And wondering… why? It will keep you guessing to the very end.

I described it my feelings this way, in a recent discussion:

“I loved hating *spoiler*. … UGH!!! That was rough, but I secretly thrilled at the audacity…”

Check out my review of Avoiding Commitment

Avoiding Responsibility (Avoiding Series) by K.A. Linde
Another book that so many are highly anticipating, and should be out within the next month or so.  I’ve read it! And I will review as soon as the release becomes available, but in the meantime, let me say this book is to “Avoiding Commitment”, what “Effortless” was to “Thoughtless”. Having it’s own angst and drama (this author is great at the shenanigans!!), but definitely playing off of our scars from book #1. Also traumatic, but more… hrmmmm… I suppose, easy to swallow. Check out my review.

Beautiful Disaster
Most of you already know that this is one of my favorite books of all time, and just might be THE book that introduced me to absolute bad-boy agony. Confusing friendship that blurs the line between best friends and so much more. Coupled with extreme resistance, saying one thing (but internally wanting another) and in doing so, creating so much heartache for all involved.

Travis may not be a rock star, but he IS one, in his own way. Unbeatable “underground” MMA fighter, smart and gorgeous, and so confident it borders (okay no, it IS) cockiness. But how can he help it? He’s almost perfect. (hee hee!! Okaaaayy okay… that was my own opinion, ’cause I do know some of you who would beg to differ, but you know me ‘n’ Travis… It is what it is 😉 ).

And as I was saying… every girl wants him. Until one… doesn’t. Let the games begin!! Except at some point, you’ll want the games to stop. You’ll wish they’d just… “give in” already, so that you, the reader (aka: the heroine) can finally indulge in every bit of this love affair with “Travis”. And just when you think it’s safe… That’s all I’m gonna say.

Check out my book review of Beautiful Disaster

Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz
Plenty of “local” rock star angst in this one and Shane is obviously someone who has the potential to make it BIG. And all of his gorgeous groupies agree. Shane reminded me (well actually the “feel” of this story as a whole) reminded me of a mix between Travis & Kellan (Thoughtless & Beautiful Disaster).

Grace is hiding (and suffering from) a secret and pining over the one she believes to be the love of her life. That soul-deep knowledge that she was meant to be with only “him”, and she has no intention of ever looking at anyone else. On a quest to find him again, there can be no other for her. Until she meets Shane. 😉 And while she resists Shane with all her might (to Shane’s absolute exasperation), the romantic tension is undeniable, which of course, results in plenty of angst!

Check out my review of Fall From Grace

Sheet Music – A Rock ‘N’ Roll Love Story
This was one of my first “forays” into indie published work and lemme tell you, I was not expecting the raw, gritty, unsafe, uncomfortable yet almost unputtdownable storyline. It can be quite… dark at times. I fell hard with this rock star and then felt absolutely torn as to the drama that took place. A very long book that eases you into comfort zones, and yanks you out of them just as quickly. Years of a love affair gone bad, good and bad again. Moments where you hate him, and side with her, and then other times, where it is the complete opposite. Back then, I found the angst to be a bit much, perhaps overkill, and if you read my review you’ll see what I struggled with. Maybe to re-read it now since I’ve been put through the ringer a ton of times, and realize I like that kind of thing… I might appreciate the heartache, secrets and lies a whole lot more. I think I was shell-shocked, back then. Hehe. I loved it and yet… had a few serious reservations.

But I do remember one thing I struggled with the most, and had it not been for that, I may have just flat-out LOVED it. (not really a spoiler but if you want to have no idea going in, what to expect, scroll past this below)…

————-

It was the length of time that was allowed to pass during the bad times/breakups (and I mean long…) that perturbed me. The second book in the series (For All The Right Reasons – see below), I really liked (loved?) although I struggled with the exact same issue, keeping me on the reserved side of my enthusiasm.

But if you want the whole “being in love with a rock star” angst, and all of the drama that comes with it (drugs, tours, rumors, groupies…) then give this one a go. Theme, and angst wise, it fits this list perfectly.

Check out my review of Sheet Music – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Love Story

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber
This one doesn’t have a rock star, but it sure has the next best thing! An a-list “it” actor that can have anyone he wants, and his “chance encounter” with a gorgeous female bartender (rescuing him from crazed fans). Couple that with his quick infatuation with her, and his very determined “courting” of her, and you’ve got yourself a dream come true! I mean… you know. Had she been one of his fans, chasing him down the street, asking for his autograph, or even a picture, who knows. He may not have even looked at her twice (cute or not). But the fact that he met her the way he did, the fact that she knew who he was but didn’t treat him as his fans did… made the “normal girl” fantasy, a reality. Or not. ‘Cause it’s a book. Tee hee!!

But still, this isn’t just about sweet love, kisses and butterflies (with the occasional insecurity thrown in for drama’s sake). There’s a price to pay when dating an actor, and every fan, stalker, supporting actress and paparazzi guy wants her to pay it. And it’s not just in lies and deception, either. Some real drama comes into play, and really turned me upside down!

Check out my review of Love Unscripted

For All The Right Reasons (book #2 after “Sheet Music”) by Ann Lister
<—- cringing at the cover, but the story inside is so much more exciting. Gorgeous big time rock star (aren’t they all? YES!!! hehehe) that requests a famous (and pretty – lucky him!) photographer to tour with them and take concert, and behind the scenes photos for their biography. Of course, big time drama ensues, as she struggles with life on the road with a famous band, and resists the lead’s advances.

But beware. This one, too (as did it’s predecessor “Sheet Music”) had it’s eye-rolling, and  over-the-top angrifying moments. Not as dark, but at times so infuriating that you really wanted to stop reading. There was a part that… UGH!!!! An important part, too. And I mean, this part of the storyline took me from absolutely wholeheartedly loving the story to almost… not being able to recommend it.

This is straight out of my review, but I couldn’t have said it better a second time.

“This author is no holds barred when it comes to the drama. In each of her books, I’ve found myself seriously angry at the occasional idiocy of her characters, and the unnecessary trouble they make for themselves. I’ve felt annoyed and even a little distraught. Yet, her books have a slow enough progression that I get sucked right in no matter how dumb everyone’s behaving. I believe and live every detail with them, and there are plenty of “weak-at-the-knees” moments that help me get over the tragic parts.”

But still…  this is one that had me reading non-stop, had me agonizing with the characters and mumbling to myself, wanting to screech at the “moments” of absurdity and also had my heart beating wildly at times. So I would say… if you decide to read it, go into this knowing, you’re gonna go WTF!? at some point. Just sayin’ ;). When I look back on my reading experience of it, did I “overall” like it. YES. Dare I say… maybe even loved it. Mostly.

Check out my review of For All The Right Reasons (for a better idea of what I went through 😉 )

And here is a BONUS section!

A few more of my favorite rock star romance books (so far)! Angsty (sure) but not to the same crazy level as the books above. More fun and romance, than angst and heartache.

Falling Star (Earth Scents) by Olivia Brynn
Famous country star meets pretty florist who doesn’t recognize him. At first he’s internally arrogant about it, and then he’s intrigued and dates her without letting her know “who” he really is. And then it gets fun! There’s a moment when I was all… swoooooon and OMG Eeeeeeep!!

Backstage Pass (The Sinners on Tour) by Olivia Cunning
Sweet (not usually a bad-boy) famous guitarist meets his biggest fan. But SHE’S the one only wanting one night.  Interesting twist on heartache! Brian is still, to this day, one of my biggest “book-rockstar” crushes.

Rock Star’s Girl (A Hollywood Dating Story) by J.F. Kristen
Pining over her up-and-coming rock star best friend (who prefers the “friends” title), until she meets the real thing. Famous rock star, and HE wants her. But you know. There’s drama, and all that. Very good!

Please Don’t Stop The Music (Choc Lit) by Jane Lovering
Recently “ex-rockstar” sort of… in hiding. Until one of his fans happens upon him, by accident. He’s got secrets, and their tentative friendship reveals a LOT. I actually loved this one!