Enemies become lovers in this tale of an ex-rockstar getting a second chance at fame but running into chaos because of unexpectedly becoming a single parent along with finding a combustible connection to his new bandmate's assistant. Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Crashing East by Aly Stiles, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this fourth book in the Save Me series to your bookshelf!
He’s the bane of her existence.
She’s the latest thorn in his side.
Until angry sparks hint at a passionate blaze.
Personal Assistant Hadley Crawford was already against her boss’s decision to front a new band with a disgraced ex-rocker. Imagine her surprise when Viv’s new bandmate is also the arrogant jerk from upstairs. So what if he’s talented, hot, and captivating? People resist unhealthy attractions all the time.
What’s the step below rock bottom? That’s where Julian Campbell lives after the collapse of his former band and the death of his sister. A year later, things only get worse when his deadbeat brother-in-law drops off his niece and never comes back. The last thing he needs right now is his nightmare neighbor showing up to thwart his one chance at getting back on his feet.
But things get complicated when painful secrets turn a bitter rivalry into a risky attraction. What if the same fire driving them apart is the only thing strong enough to save them?
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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
Throughout the previous three books in the Save Me series I've found a compellingly crafted rockstar world, appealing characters, and a ton of emotions to push every one of my buttons. This latest release is another compelling addition to the series that dealt with various personal and professional issues while warming my heart through a man suddenly forced into fatherhood.
Julian Campbell was once on top of the rockstar world before his band imploded, leaving him now attempting to start over. To do that he agrees to being part of a new band that puts him in close quarters with a woman who always seems to rub him wrong...Hadley, his neighbor and assistant to one of his new bandmates. While butting heads as enemies though he can't ignore the attraction brewing between them that has him wanting to rub her oh so right in a combustible romance of enemies to lovers. Readers will find Julian a changed man in this book, after all the melodrama surrounding his previous band he's ready to start over. And he starts over in more ways than one here! Getting a new band going is stressful enough, but becoming guardian to his 11 year-old niece Naomi is even more life-changing, and I was proud of him for stepping up to do right by the angry little girl. Early on he seemed like the proverbial arrogant rockstar but that facade was hiding a man with a kind heart who wasn't afraid to show his feelings. Caring for Naomi brought out a protective and loving side that endeared him to me. He's clearly more than just a rockstar, there's definitely more substance to him than meets the eye.
Whereas Julian was all brash and bigger than life, Hadley Crawford's more quiet and focused. She loves her job and it's clear she's good at it. She comes from a family of wealth but has nothing to do with them because of their judgmental beliefs regarding her life and career. For all intents and purposes she's an orphan. That feeling of being on her own is a foundation that helped bind her to Naomi in scenes that warmed my heart and made the evolution to romance with Julian feel natural and believable. She and Naomi had experienced a lot of loss in their lives and seeing the strong connection between them brought a tear to my eye and it was powerful seeing the support they gave each other. There were lots of fireworks between Hadley and Julian early on, lots of push and pull in a connection full of sexual tension. Their relationship was full of crackling and witty banter, lots of steamy interludes, and I enjoyed watching them grow as a couple and as people who discovered there was more to them than what others saw. They're a formidable pair who made an even more compelling family once Naomi entered the picture in a romantic journey that had me cheering.
Though this author recently underwent a name change, the strong quality of her writing hasn't changed as she brought together two apparent opposites who ended up making beautiful music together. The overall storyline, set in the music world, is one of second chances and finding love where you least expect it. But it's also about family, the definition of it, and for this trio it's a definition that's unconventional but oh so satisfying. Julian and Hadley were wonderful together, strong and supportive, with a sweet and sexy connection that pulled at my heartstrings while causing me a blush or two along the way. Alongside this wonderful duo was the understandably angry Naomi. Having recently lost her mother, and being dumped by her father on her uncle's doorstep, left her hurting. Luckily though Julian was there to support her unconditionally, as was Hadley who understood and could easily relate to what Naomi felt. From the very start they were a family in the making and made the HEA even more satisfying. Though this book is part of a series it can stand strongly on its own. Seeing glimpses of these characters in past books will make their journey even more compelling though...and who doesn't want to read more great books...so I definitely recommend the entire Save Me series to readers looking for romances full of heart and soul.
My rating for this is an A.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
***GET THE SAVE ME SERIES - RISING WEST (Book 1) | FALLING NORTH (Book 2) | BREAKING SOUTH (Book 3)***
AUTHOR INFO:
From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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