One Kiss With A Rock Star (Half-Life, #2) by Amber Lin and Shari Slade
Erotic Romance
E book
November 6, 2014
Smashwords
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Stupid I can work with. Not hateful.”
Krist Mellas, bassist for the band Half-Life, finds himself in a PR nightmare when a sex tape featuring him, the lead singer of the band, and the lead singer’s girl is plastered across the internet. In order to draw the heat off his friends and the band, he calls in a favor from a fellow musician whose penchant for outrageousness guarantees no one will be thinking about Krist or the tape when she’s done.
America’s sweetheart Madeline Fox has been singing for her supper for a very long time. Working from a young age, she is tired of the choke leash the record company keeps on her, and longs to break free. When Krist asks his favor, Maddy jumps at the chance to help him and make the powers that be angry. But now the piper must be paid so their agent sets up a fake engagement between them in hopes it will clean up both their images.
Amongst the glittering lights and sugar drenched artifice, Maddy and Krist begin an age-old dance as they struggle to be what the world demands they be and what they need to be for themselves. Differences are laid aside as they open up to one another and meet the person behind the hype. But when the stage lights fall dark and the world goes silent…will they finally admit what they really feel for one another or will they go their separate ways?
One Kiss With A Rock Star is quick steamy erotic romance that takes a hard look at the mechanics behind a record label and the stars they represent. It addresses the craziness of the lifestyle and the lack of control stars have in regards to their public and private lives. Fast pacing and alternative points of views give us insights into the business and our protagionists’ intimate thoughts and desires. Highly sexualized, the chemistry is felt on each page while the dialogue keeps the sexual tension running high. Bits of humor are injected throughout that takes the edge off the bitterness and self loathing that permeates the pages.
The book opens with Krist all set to buy a vintage guitar but is turned down when the owner googles Krist and sees a sex tape. That pretty much sets the tone of the book. Krist is vilified for being caught in a bi-sexual situation. It’s not the sex tape that matters…it’s the fact he is caught giving a man a blow job.
“The word ‘bi sexual’ was forever attached to his name now. Not bassist Krist Mellas. Bisexual Krist Mellas.”
The fans go insane and suddenly Krist finds every aspect of his life scrutinized and judged-negatively. When his agent proposes a fake engagement with ditzy pop princess Madeline Fox, Krist cries foul but is quickly reminded he owes her. Soon he and Maddy are playing pretty for the cameras while sniping at one another behind closed doors.
I didn’t read book one-Three Nights With A Rock Star-and I don’t think you really have to unless you want a better understanding the dynamics that exist between Lock and Krist. Krist is feeling lost and unsure due to the tape and the fact Lock is distancing himself from Krist and the band. Surly and broken, Krist feelings cause him to lash out and unfairly judge the one person trying to help him; Madeline Fox.
“Admiration filled him, and he fought it. Because God, he couldn’t admire her. Couldn’t like her. Couldn’t let himself feel anything for her except raw, angry lust.”
Madeline Fox is anything but what everyone thinks of her. Her public persona hides a very intelligent, hardworking, talented young lady. Her offer to help Krist is two fold. A secret fan girl crush paves the way but her knowledge of what he is going through is the main reason. Maddy has been where Krist is…she just doesn’t care anymore.
“This is the easy part, the downhill slide to destruction. Just get out of your own way.”
The story is pretty easy to follow as Maddy tries to heal Krist by exercising both their demons and proving to him that life goes on regardless and you can either let it go or let it define you forever. A tad melodramatic at times, especially when Maddy or Krist get on a tear. The sexual chemistry is hot but the actually scenes are pretty tame. The moment Krist sees how wrong he’d been about Maddy and the steps he takes to correct his mistake are very sweet, romantic, and a definite step towards his healing.
“It wasn’t meant for us, that’s why it didn’t work. […] It’s Maddy’s song now.”
I did have some issues. For unknown reasons, Lock, Hailey, and Krist never discuss the tape, which I found unusual. I felt Lock blamed Krist for the tape and the aftermath; choosing silence as punishment. Krist’s bi-sexuality is the underlying factor the story is built upon but it’s never really explored. Same with his sexual submissive side. I just felt there was so much more to be told and we only skimmed the possibilities of what it could have been.
Regardless, One Kiss With A Rock Star was a fast steamy read that will appeal to broody rock star fans. I am looking forward to reading the drummer’s story, title and release date to be announced.
RATING: C+
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