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jennp28's review
lighthearted
4.0
Enjoyable entry in the famous-person-meets-random-person genre, with gay awakening in the mix. Nice spice level. Good meet-cute. Instalove.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
midaeros's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
caitlin_03's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ciarabartley's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
tamke's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
CW: main character dealing with mental health issues, including on page anxiety attacks. References to a minor side character dying by suicide (off page and happens prior to the story starting). Cheating but not between the main characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
loverexreads's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
enayqueerbooklover's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was happily surprised by this one, and am happy to admit it!
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭
My first book for this author, as I’m a sucker for the forced-proximity and sexual-awakening tropes. Famous rockstar Luca is trapped in a lift with journalist Ollie, who is having one of the worst days in his life. Luca is flirty & captivating, and of course things happen between them.
Now I’m not a huge fan of Insta-love and there IS a bit of it here, especially from Luca. When they’re reunited when Ollie goes on tour with Luca’s band to write articles about them, their connection blooms, however they both have trust issues. Luca questions if Ollie likes him only for his fame, and Ollie questions whether Luca will be faithful (Ollie’s previous partner cheated on him), and whether this is just a tour-fling. Communication issues between the two of them are used as a plot point, and are kinda annoying but in saying that… these boys got under my skin. And I didn’t realise how much until they broke up & I sobbed. Like fully cried my eyes out. The circumstances around it are frustrating & upsetting as another person intervenes & plants doubt between them. And this is what surprised me - I realised was completely invested in these gorgeous boys and was really upset when they were separated. But they do get back together, sort out their communication, and get their HEA.
The author sets up the next book in the series really well, and I’ll definitely be checking out Kai & Silas’ story!
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads & Bookbub, all under the same name!
kp_hobbitreads's review
4.0
#1 White Noise: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
After loving The Reckless Damned series I was excited to see what Lark Taylor could do in a contemporary romance. And, this hit all the right notes for me. (Get it? Notes...music? Haha.)
Ollie Winters is having a no good, very bad day when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with Luca Weston, the world famous lead singer of Caffeine Daydreams. So not only does he have to deal with missing the interview for his dream job right after finding out that his girlfriend and best friend have been knocking boots behind his back, he's got to deal with a dramatic shift in his sexuality when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Luca. Things get even more complicated when 5 months after their initial meeting, Ollie finds himself on tour with Caffeine Daydreams being pursed by the man he can't stop thinking about. While Ollie is struggling to maintain a professional distance, Luca is determined to find out if Ollie is the man of his dreams. And if he is? Luca will do whatever it takes to keep him.
I adored both of these characters. Ollie is a repressed mess who is scared to let anyone in and Luca is tired of people wanting him for his public persona rather than who he actually is. And, the way they compliment each other was really lovely. I also think the 5 month time jump right at the beginning was really important because it gave Ollie time to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality while allowing him to grieve his last relationship. It kept this from feeling like a rebound fling, and instead allowed for a really meaningful relationship to develop between these two characters. And, Luca? He is such a sweetheart. I love the found family vibes between him and the rest of the band, and the way his fights for Ollie is *chef's kiss*.
Three Things:
1. Loved Ollie happening upon his ex-girlfriend and ex-best friend at the end of the book. That scene was perfection. It did my petty little heart good. Also, Luca is a real one for whatever he whispered to Callum.
2. I do wish we could have seen the band confronting Kevin cause I hate that little weasel, but for pacing reasons I understand why we don't.
3. I loved the Harlow and Baily cameo. (And this is exactly how I like my cameos done. It was unobtrusive, and wouldn't mean anything to those who haven't read the Reckless Damned series, but for those of us who love those books it was the perfect little easter egg.)
This book struck the perfect balance for me. Just the right amount of angst with plenty of steam and found family goodness. I know Kai and Silas's book is next (and I'm sure it is going to be fantastic), but I absolutely cannot wait for Jack and Arlo's book. I have a feeling it is going to break me in the best way possible.
content warnings: cheating (previous relationship), panic attacks, loos of parent by suicide (in the past), sex (on page), parental abandonment/estrangement
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.**
After loving The Reckless Damned series I was excited to see what Lark Taylor could do in a contemporary romance. And, this hit all the right notes for me. (Get it? Notes...music? Haha.)
Ollie Winters is having a no good, very bad day when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with Luca Weston, the world famous lead singer of Caffeine Daydreams. So not only does he have to deal with missing the interview for his dream job right after finding out that his girlfriend and best friend have been knocking boots behind his back, he's got to deal with a dramatic shift in his sexuality when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Luca. Things get even more complicated when 5 months after their initial meeting, Ollie finds himself on tour with Caffeine Daydreams being pursed by the man he can't stop thinking about. While Ollie is struggling to maintain a professional distance, Luca is determined to find out if Ollie is the man of his dreams. And if he is? Luca will do whatever it takes to keep him.
I adored both of these characters. Ollie is a repressed mess who is scared to let anyone in and Luca is tired of people wanting him for his public persona rather than who he actually is. And, the way they compliment each other was really lovely. I also think the 5 month time jump right at the beginning was really important because it gave Ollie time to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality while allowing him to grieve his last relationship. It kept this from feeling like a rebound fling, and instead allowed for a really meaningful relationship to develop between these two characters. And, Luca? He is such a sweetheart. I love the found family vibes between him and the rest of the band, and the way his fights for Ollie is *chef's kiss*.
Three Things:
1. Loved Ollie happening upon his ex-girlfriend and ex-best friend at the end of the book. That scene was perfection. It did my petty little heart good. Also, Luca is a real one for whatever he whispered to Callum.
2. I do wish we could have seen the band confronting Kevin cause I hate that little weasel, but for pacing reasons I understand why we don't.
3. I loved the Harlow and Baily cameo. (And this is exactly how I like my cameos done. It was unobtrusive, and wouldn't mean anything to those who haven't read the Reckless Damned series, but for those of us who love those books it was the perfect little easter egg.)
This book struck the perfect balance for me. Just the right amount of angst with plenty of steam and found family goodness. I know Kai and Silas's book is next (and I'm sure it is going to be fantastic), but I absolutely cannot wait for Jack and Arlo's book. I have a feeling it is going to break me in the best way possible.
content warnings: cheating (previous relationship), panic attacks, loos of parent by suicide (in the past), sex (on page), parental abandonment/estrangement
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.**