Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘In the Band’.
Riley was supposed to go interstate for a drumming scholarship, but has instead stayed home with her increasingly dysfunctional family. When she tries out for a band, she’s a shoo in, but will the sparks that fly between her and Romeo destroy the chemistry of the band?
The official blurb:
When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums.
Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the world and her family’s troubles evaporate.
If she wants to stay in the band, Riley just has to ignore the growing sparks between her and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time sig shift.
My review:
This novel was great. There was a main storyline which was really powerful without being cloying – the chemistry between Romeo and Riley. At the same time there are plenty of other romance storylines happening at once – so much drama!
Sex scenes in this one, and plenty of groping, but it’s not too bad. Really this one is in the category of young adult for a good reason. There’s plenty of swearing as well, which I learnt to ignore eventually.
I felt Riley as a person. I wanted to cry with her when some things happened, and other times I just wanted her to beat the crap out of other people. Romeo was understandable too, and frustrating.
Band dynamics are always interesting to see and interpret. It’s strange to me for over 18 shows (which are I suppose opposed to over 21 shows in the US), and the bribing the bouncer to get in. But I guess I never did that, so it didn’t make sense to me.
I hope to see more from this author in the same genre, with the same mix of heavy teenage issues. I really enjoyed this one, and was gripped right to the end.
About the Author
Jean Haus lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband and son who, other than cooking, have taken over homemaking duties since she started writing more. When Jean isn’t writing, she’s usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there is a bit of romance, she’ll load it on her Kindle. She loves to cook, and someday she will create the world’s best potsticker.
You can find her at:
Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other things at:
I like the sound of this one and that cover is awesome! Thats for stoppin' by and following me ~ following you back. <br /><br />Happy Reading :)<br /><br />Keely @ Realms of an Open Mind
This sounds really good I hadn't heard of it before. It sounds to have great characters and real emotion! I also kind of like the gritty cover! Great review!