Jennifer Chance unleashes her hot new series with the tale of a smoldering rocker and the fangirl who catches his eye—and finds herself living out her wildest dreams.
Lacey Dawes is a total pro at the talent agency where she works, and it doesn’t hurt that IMO Worldwide Media represents Dante Falcone. The rock god has starred in her fantasies since she was sixteen—and remains her secret crush to this day. So when Dante picks her to be the interim manager on his Dream It tour, Lacey can’t believe her luck. Handling Dante is sure to be the most exquisite, spine-tingling, nerve-wracking mix of business and pleasure ever.
Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.
Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.
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As a big fan of rock star stories, who's read many books with this theme, I was immediately drawn in by the cover and surprising storyline. While I found the hero drool-worthy with unexpected layers the overall execution wasn't what I'd hoped it would be as there wasn't much conflict or character development. I still found myself invested in the outcome though and hopeful for what comes next in the Rule Breakers series.
Lacey was an awkward teen with an obsession with singer Dante Falcone. She saw something special in him beyond the fabricated persona. She saw him as a kindred spirit whose music helped her get through her teenage years that were far from glamorous. She saw him as a person who she longed to take care of. As an adult she finally gets the opportunity when he chooses her to go on the road with him for two weeks when her talent agency signs him as a client. For so long she's devoted herself to work and getting ahead. She's lost the joy of living and enjoying music just for the happiness of it. Dante reacquaints her with the joys of music and leaves her questioning what she really wants which leads them to an unexpected future where they both make big changes that ultimately lead to HEA. Lacey's behavior as a teen showed a lonely girl making a connection where she could with someone who wouldn't judge her. As an adult she realizes that her actions were a bit over the top and tries to distance herself from her past. She's still full of insecurities though, letting others walk over her, but being around Dante gives her strength. He helps her embrace her wild and carefree side which leads to her sticking up for herself when her jealous boss tries to sabotage her.
Dante knew success at an early age with his stardom soon rocketing him to the top. His music has evolved to become more commercial, as has every one of his actions. He's become a commodity and everyone wants a pice of him. No one knows the man behind the rock star persona as an ailing brother in his youth has him devoting time and money to sick children as an adult. These moments are one of the few that bring him joy and satisfaction, along with those nights he plays his own brand of music in small and smoky bars far from his typical fans. He's used to the superficiality of groupies but the moment he sees Lacey he knows she's something special. In her eyes he sees her knowledge of the real him and undertakes a sensuous journey to get her to live life to the fullest, to leave her stress and uptight nature behind. When a jealous agent makes Lacey's past known he could easily run away from the obsessed fan but makes an unexpected decision that changes his and her future forever. I enjoyed Dante immensely as he was sexy and did things just to make Lacey blush. He was truly kindhearted and not obsessed with fame. He's loyal to his band and those few in his inner circle and I was left obsessed with him myself.
From its vividly depicted world of rock music with all it's sex, drugs, and alcohol it's easy to get immersed in this story from the first page. Dante's unexpected though as he hasn't become completely corrupted by all the glamour, he's retained his kindhearted side which is refreshing. Lacey is awkward from the start, and though I applaud her empowering transformation, I couldn't overlook her intense teenage attraction which hung over her and Dante's burgeoning relationship and felt a bit icky. The overall storyline felt a bit over-the-top too as events happened that seemed far-fetched, especially late in the story. There's very little conflict between the protagonists which made their road to HEA fairly simple and carefree which made the sexual interludes even more intense and satisfying. There was really nothing keeping them apart beyond Lacey's own self-esteem issues which quickly washed away when presented with the oh-so-sexy Dante. While this story wasn't perfect it was a nice addition to the increasingly popular rock star genre and I recommend it to those wanting an especially delectable hero!
My rating for this is a C+
*I received this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wonderful review, Jody! I liked your honest thoughts about Lacey's "teenage attraction." What do you think could have made it a little less icky, to you?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful comments and for taking the time to read my thoughts on this book! I would've been okay with her teenage infatuation if it had stayed in the past. But there were moments, particularly during romantic encounters, when Lacey would say "I can't believe Dante Falcone is actually kissing ME. It's everything I ever dreamed of." I wanted their relationship to be a mature one based on the people they are now and she kept bringing the past to the forefront in so many of their encounters. I realize that her doing this is related to her low self-esteem but these acts diminish their connection by causing doubts as to why she's with him (at least at the start). Is she merely with him to fulfill a teenage fantasy or does she see him as a man, separate from his career? Her teenage attraction blurred too many lines and created doubt as to the sincerity of their being together. I hope that all makes sense?
DeleteI do want to reiterate how much I LOVED Dante though! He was immensely sexy, supportive, and understanding of all her personal issues. I'm still picturing him (and this cover) late, late at night....
I'm excited for the next book in the series as the heroine (the glimpses seen of her in this book) show a much stronger character. Not too sure about the hero though, he's got some big shoes to fill!
I hope you'll stop by again as I'd love to talk more about books! Always on the lookout for more rock star stories after all...
The Scarf Princess