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nessreads11's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i couldn’t put this book down. it consumed me, it had all my undivided attention and all that mattered were these characters, i couldn’t think about anything only lacey and drew. i was a goner for these two and rightfully so, they took hold of my heart and didn’t let go.
lacey and drew were both going through some personal things and just needed an escape and with a chance encounter they found that in each other for one night. little did they know the universe had its way in bringing them back together.
i couldn’t get enough of lacey and drew. it didn’t matter how they came to be, they were destined to be together. their banter was amazing and they had incredible chemistry. the vulnerability they both showed and how they both were there for each other was beautiful. they were each others missing piece and fit seamlessly together. i absolutely adored them.
on the rocks brought the onslaught of emotions. heartbreakingly beautiful and filled with an abundance of hope. i loved everything about this book and i can’t wait to see what marja has in store for the rest of the fool’s gambit series!
lacey and drew were both going through some personal things and just needed an escape and with a chance encounter they found that in each other for one night. little did they know the universe had its way in bringing them back together.
i couldn’t get enough of lacey and drew. it didn’t matter how they came to be, they were destined to be together. their banter was amazing and they had incredible chemistry. the vulnerability they both showed and how they both were there for each other was beautiful. they were each others missing piece and fit seamlessly together. i absolutely adored them.
on the rocks brought the onslaught of emotions. heartbreakingly beautiful and filled with an abundance of hope. i loved everything about this book and i can’t wait to see what marja has in store for the rest of the fool’s gambit series!
phillygirlreads's review
5.0
I knew by chapter 3 that I was going to love this book. Drew and Lacey both had such a witty instantaneous connection (even if they didn’t want to admit it.) I also love the way that Marja Graham wrote both characters mental health struggles throughout the story. It was honest and real without being too forced and made me want to just reach in and hug both of them (especially Drew when he’s playing again!) Lacey also gives such an honest representation of anxiety as an adult. For how heavy it could be, the spice was SPICING too do not get me wrong! Love when she teased us with some spice early and made us wait a little while, but when it happened again… let’s just say it was worth the wait! I was so honored to be an ARC reader for Marja’s newest book. I have no doubt that it will absolutely blow up when everyone else sees how amazing she is!
mishbookish's review
5.0
Read this book if you like:
✨blackcat energy fmc
✨Secret identity
✨Rockstar Romance
✨Housemates
✨Domesticated Life
✨Invisible Strings
✨I don’t want to like you
✨ Playboy Playgirl Lifestyle
On the Rock was such a beautiful story about two people who thought that they were living a settled life and considered it to be their happiness but when they bump into each other in the bar without their identities being known to each other there is this connection which is unknown to both of them but they know it’s a one time deal.
Drew is a drummer and struggling with the fact that he cant play anymore but he has to, he needs to due to the reunion. Lacey was hurt by how her father left her mother and knows how to maintain distance and works for the icehockey tea as their photographer. What Drew doesn’t know is she is also the daughter of the manager. What Lacey doesn’t know is he is a drummer and also the owner of the bar they met in. What they don’t know is what’s in their fate because few days later they meet again in different circumstances and ends up being housemates. How is this unknown? They decide to keep their lives a secret and cordially live in their bubble called Drew’s house.
I enjoyed their connection and how it was built over the time. Both the characters healed something in each other and they just felt like it was meant to be.
What I didn’t like was how Lacey reacted when she got to know the truth. It felt a little double standard to me but overall the book was great.
megannsharkey's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is such a sweet forced proximity, celebrity romance. There’s so much pining and angst!
Lacey as a character was amazing, and so realistic! There was so much character development through this book, from both the FMC and the MMC, Drew. Lacey starts off really closed off from the world, and unable to accept love and care from others due to grief and trauma. Drew has also isolated himself, due to trauma. As they’re forced into a situation where they’re having to live together after a one night stand, they begin to open up to one another and help each other grow and accept love from others. The fact they made a therapy pact together as well!!! Iconic.
Overall the story was amazing. The third-act breakup was a bit predictable, but largely due to the readers knowing the truth and the FMC not. I loved the character development, and the way they worked together and pushed each other to become better.
asmittenreader's review
4.0
This was such a good read!
Our MCs start out as a one night stand, but kismet doesn't allow it. After the most satiating one night stand on both accounts, our MMC, Luca/Drew, finds Lacey crying on the sidewalk. Life is hitting her hard lately & he offers to help.
Both characters are famous in their own way, and to avoid being used, they decide to keep the personal stuff hidden. They learn so much about each other on a deeper level than family genealogy & stupid shit one did as a kid. They become connected on a deeper level.
When the masks are unveiled & the truth is revealed, the road gets rocky & the storm brews.
I really enjoyed both of these characters so very much.
Lacey stands her ground & continues to be her own woman. She doesn't get lost in the whirlwind that is Drew.
Drew is a mess of anxiety & I enjoyed seeing his struggles on paper. It was relatable.
-My heart broke at the shower scene.
-I was giddy over the "you can come to bed" scene.
-The purchased photograph!? Ugh yes
-The couch situation, I laughed so hard with Craig's involvement.
This was just such a good book. It will be released on 04/17. I highly recommend it.
Our MCs start out as a one night stand, but kismet doesn't allow it. After the most satiating one night stand on both accounts, our MMC, Luca/Drew, finds Lacey crying on the sidewalk. Life is hitting her hard lately & he offers to help.
Both characters are famous in their own way, and to avoid being used, they decide to keep the personal stuff hidden. They learn so much about each other on a deeper level than family genealogy & stupid shit one did as a kid. They become connected on a deeper level.
When the masks are unveiled & the truth is revealed, the road gets rocky & the storm brews.
I really enjoyed both of these characters so very much.
Lacey stands her ground & continues to be her own woman. She doesn't get lost in the whirlwind that is Drew.
Drew is a mess of anxiety & I enjoyed seeing his struggles on paper. It was relatable.
-My heart broke at the shower scene.
-I was giddy over the "you can come to bed" scene.
-The purchased photograph!? Ugh yes
-The couch situation, I laughed so hard with Craig's involvement.
This was just such a good book. It will be released on 04/17. I highly recommend it.
rainydaybookaddict's review
5.0
This story has everything it has spice, banter, swoon and heartbreaking moments I was hooked to this story and these characters as well as the side characters. Especially Craig he is the absolute best if he is in the scene, you know you are going to laugh, he is a nonstop good time, he is very blunt and tells it how it is.
Lacey the FMC is a hockey photographer with a famous dad she is not close with. She does like to keep a low profile and does not date because once people find out about either they want to ask/use her for certain perks. Lacey is very outspoken she does not have a problem with saying what's on her mind. Her one liners are simply the best.
Drew the MMC used to be in a band called Fool Gambit he was the drummer and more for the music than the fame. Much like Lacey he tries to keep a low profile due to the same reasons. This man's mouth my god had me blushing at times. In chapter 4 says “Not God. I gave you my name, and I expect you to use it.” That was a new one and I’m not mad about it.
Due to their proximity to fame they both decide to remain strangers and have one night that's it. As fate would have it, they end up becoming roommates but still want to keep the strangers aspect of their relationship. The banter between these two flows so easily there is even banter during spicy time. As the story progresses you realize how intwined their lives have been even before they even knew each other.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
~~What to Expect~~
🥃Strangers-Friends-Lovers
🥃Close Proximity
🥃Secret Identities
🥃Rockstar MMC (Drummer)
🥃Sports Photographer FMC (Hockey)
🥃Age Gap
~~Quotes~~
📷Lacey: You're kinda falling for me huh?
Drew: Not falling, fallen I just waiting for you to catch up.
📷Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done. Waiting for you, chasing you, hoping that I'm worthy of being in the same room as you. That shxt is hard. I deserve a gold medal for that but loving you has taught me what it's like to breathe again. so, if you do leave one day, you'll leave me a better person.
📷If I make a mess of him, he turns me to ruin.
Lacey the FMC is a hockey photographer with a famous dad she is not close with. She does like to keep a low profile and does not date because once people find out about either they want to ask/use her for certain perks. Lacey is very outspoken she does not have a problem with saying what's on her mind. Her one liners are simply the best.
Drew the MMC used to be in a band called Fool Gambit he was the drummer and more for the music than the fame. Much like Lacey he tries to keep a low profile due to the same reasons. This man's mouth my god had me blushing at times. In chapter 4 says “Not God. I gave you my name, and I expect you to use it.” That was a new one and I’m not mad about it.
Due to their proximity to fame they both decide to remain strangers and have one night that's it. As fate would have it, they end up becoming roommates but still want to keep the strangers aspect of their relationship. The banter between these two flows so easily there is even banter during spicy time. As the story progresses you realize how intwined their lives have been even before they even knew each other.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
~~What to Expect~~
🥃Strangers-Friends-Lovers
🥃Close Proximity
🥃Secret Identities
🥃Rockstar MMC (Drummer)
🥃Sports Photographer FMC (Hockey)
🥃Age Gap
~~Quotes~~
📷Lacey: You're kinda falling for me huh?
Drew: Not falling, fallen I just waiting for you to catch up.
📷Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done. Waiting for you, chasing you, hoping that I'm worthy of being in the same room as you. That shxt is hard. I deserve a gold medal for that but loving you has taught me what it's like to breathe again. so, if you do leave one day, you'll leave me a better person.
📷If I make a mess of him, he turns me to ruin.
ceepoly's review
4.0
ARC Review
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Marja for the eARC, I absolutely loved reading this and I cannot wait to read your future projects. This was very well written and I couldn't flaw it even if I wanted to, I cannot wait to see you grow even more as an author and see what else you bring into the world.
"You're kinda falling for me, huh?" "Not falling, fallen. And I've been waiting for you to catch up."
I really enjoyed the back stories of both Drew and Lacey and I loved how we got to see a little into their past to really understand them both. The way they grew together made my heart happy, they were so perfect for each other from the start.
Drew, where do I start with Drew. He was such a sweetheart but a broken sweetheart, we need to protect this man at all costs. The way he built his bar around his old band, so cute. Don't even get me started on how he was with Lacey. This man cares so much he was prepared to leave his own apartment!
Lacey, can I just take a moment to express how much I love her job! Okay now that's done I loved Lacey and her sarcasm, I found myself relating to Lacey's inner monologue a fair bit. I loved seeing her grow from having trouble opening up to letting Drew in completely.
"Whiskey for bad days, tequila for celebrations, wine for everything else."
I LOVED the side characters (looking at you Craig) I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the Fool's Gambit series and see what is in store for the rest of the lovely characters.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Marja for the eARC, I absolutely loved reading this and I cannot wait to read your future projects. This was very well written and I couldn't flaw it even if I wanted to, I cannot wait to see you grow even more as an author and see what else you bring into the world.
"You're kinda falling for me, huh?" "Not falling, fallen. And I've been waiting for you to catch up."
I really enjoyed the back stories of both Drew and Lacey and I loved how we got to see a little into their past to really understand them both. The way they grew together made my heart happy, they were so perfect for each other from the start.
Drew, where do I start with Drew. He was such a sweetheart but a broken sweetheart, we need to protect this man at all costs. The way he built his bar around his old band, so cute. Don't even get me started on how he was with Lacey. This man cares so much he was prepared to leave his own apartment!
Lacey, can I just take a moment to express how much I love her job! Okay now that's done I loved Lacey and her sarcasm, I found myself relating to Lacey's inner monologue a fair bit. I loved seeing her grow from having trouble opening up to letting Drew in completely.
"Whiskey for bad days, tequila for celebrations, wine for everything else."
I LOVED the side characters (looking at you Craig) I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the Fool's Gambit series and see what is in store for the rest of the lovely characters.
amandareadsbooks_'s review
4.0
If you were a fan of one direction then this book is gonna be your vibe. The whole time reading this I couldn’t help but feel like it was 1D getting back together for a reunion, now which member would be Drew? I don’t know. BUT it was the vibes.
Now Drew. What a wonderful man. He fell, and he fell HARD. The guy was done for the moment she didn’t recognize him. He was the sweetest and most patient man. We all need a Drew in our lives. I love how much growth he went through to get to the end.
Lacey should have commitment issues tattooed across her forehead because she is the QUEEN of them. My girl didn’t believe she was worth sticking around for, but boy was she wrong. I love her sass and her passion. She also went through huge growth especially through her grief and moving past the point of feeling stuck.
Marja wrote a beautiful book and I hope you all take the chance to read Drew and Lacey’s story.
_zaima08's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jehntooch's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I came across Marja on Instagram and am grateful to snag an ARC of the first in a series titled Fool’s Gambit.
Tropes
Age Gap
One night stand
Roommates
A Nickname!
INVISIBLE STRING
Set in Atlanta, GA
Lacey: sports photographer (hockey), only child of a rockstar. Lover of “B-horror films and used paperbacks with a five-dollar bottle of Sauvignon Blanc”
Drew: 33, ex-pop star drummer, owns a bar, hiding from his past in plain sight.
Oh my god this first interaction between the MCs:
“Whiskey is whiskey,” I defend.
“You’d probably like the taste of straight ethanol then.”
“And I bet you’d like the benefits of therapy, but I don’t think it’s worth listing things neither of us will try.”
Their continuous banter… the dirty talk from Drew right off the bat was chef kiss. It does quiet down and tame down through the rest of the book.
“I show him instead, intent on carving the words into his soul with my touch alone”
“And I know this ache will never truly stop because that’s grief. It isn’t the end of love; it’s the continuation of it. It’s carrying someone with you because the love you shared was so strong that you refuse to let them disappear.”
I enjoyed…
The age gap wasn’t made into a big deal.
The role of the chosen family Lacey has with the hockey team and her best friend, Price.
The relationship that Craig has with Drew and continuously wanting what’s best for Drew.
Meeting the band and setting up the next books in this series between Wes and Avery and Garrett and Evelyn. (Okay but Craig and Cara?!)
The undertones of grief (loss of person, life you once lived) are addressed with proper attention and care and finding a sense of closure.
A few things kept this from being a 5 star read for me:
The pacing is a bit uneven
Not a fan of how Lacey’s coworker, Tessa, is portrayed through the mid-end of the book.
When Lacey discloses her job to Drew, I wish they talked about his time in Chicago at the game.
THE picture in the apartment. I wanted more from that moment.
I appreciated the trigger warnings in a heartfelt note to the readers.
Overall, a 3.5 star read, rounding up.
Thank you to the author, Marja, for this eARC!
Tropes
Age Gap
One night stand
Roommates
A Nickname!
INVISIBLE STRING
Set in Atlanta, GA
Lacey: sports photographer (hockey), only child of a rockstar. Lover of “B-horror films and used paperbacks with a five-dollar bottle of Sauvignon Blanc”
Drew: 33, ex-pop star drummer, owns a bar, hiding from his past in plain sight.
Oh my god this first interaction between the MCs:
“Whiskey is whiskey,” I defend.
“You’d probably like the taste of straight ethanol then.”
“And I bet you’d like the benefits of therapy, but I don’t think it’s worth listing things neither of us will try.”
Their continuous banter… the dirty talk from Drew right off the bat was chef kiss. It does quiet down and tame down through the rest of the book.
“I show him instead, intent on carving the words into his soul with my touch alone”
“And I know this ache will never truly stop because that’s grief. It isn’t the end of love; it’s the continuation of it. It’s carrying someone with you because the love you shared was so strong that you refuse to let them disappear.”
I enjoyed…
The age gap wasn’t made into a big deal.
The role of the chosen family Lacey has with the hockey team and her best friend, Price.
The relationship that Craig has with Drew and continuously wanting what’s best for Drew.
Meeting the band and setting up the next books in this series between Wes and Avery and Garrett and Evelyn. (Okay but Craig and Cara?!)
The undertones of grief (loss of person, life you once lived) are addressed with proper attention and care and finding a sense of closure.
A few things kept this from being a 5 star read for me:
The pacing is a bit uneven
Not a fan of how Lacey’s coworker, Tessa, is portrayed through the mid-end of the book.
When Lacey discloses her job to Drew, I wish they talked about his time in Chicago at the game.
THE picture in the apartment. I wanted more from that moment.
I appreciated the trigger warnings in a heartfelt note to the readers.
Overall, a 3.5 star read, rounding up.
Thank you to the author, Marja, for this eARC!