Review: Rock n Roll and the Not-So-Real Reality TV
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 30, 2013
Tucked into the timeline of the other Rock Me books, this story features the lead singer Tyler Matthews, who accepts an offer to make the band part of a reality show. Kaitlyn, is a documentary producer, roped into directing/producing the show by her former boss. Tyler is an attention-whore, but he’s also amusing and adorable at times too. The scene where he first meets Katie and misleads her about his identity is cute. Sparks fly between them and they quickly find themselves falling for each other (perhaps a little too quickly). Still the plot is entertaining and the book is a quick, fun read. I wasn't bothered by the band’s drug and alcohol use since they are a rock band after all, and it’s not extensive.Tyler and Kaitlyn are both likable characters, and it was nice that despite their physical attraction to each other, ultimately it was each other’s integrity that was important to them.  I didn't find them as steamy as Nick and Allie, but it’s still a good story. HEA. No cliffhanger but with the possibility of more Cold Fusion stories to come.This is the second book in the series that I have read (although it’s the fourth one released). Like the other one, POV is alternated between 1st person (Katie) and 3rd person to tell Tyler’s side. The switch from first person to narrator continues to feel a bit awkward at times, and I’m not sure why Tyler’s perspective couldn't have just been told in the first person.*Spoilers*Pros:It was nice to have tidbits about the other band members featured in the previous books, and I liked how the guys came together for a little “girl talk” at the end.  I was also glad there was some explanation about Nick’s family and their reaction to his scandal with Allie, as that was missing from their book.Cons:I personally dislike when books play loose with medical/pregnancy details. So two things about the way Cassie’s pregnancy was handled bugged me. First Cassie and her doctor claimed to know she was having a boy from her 13 week ultrasound without any further explanation. While not medically impossible, it’s also not standard to have an ultrasound for gender at 13 weeks unless there are outstanding medical concerns such as genetic issues. Gender isn't accurate till closer to 16-20 weeks, and Cassie’s baby’s gender wasn't significant to the plot so I’m not sure why it was included. Second, Cassie’s doctor quickly offered up a simple blood test before birth to determine paternity. While this is now medically possible, it’s new technology that is not used everywhere and comes with concerns of accuracy and increased fees. Like the baby’s gender, it was treated as something standard while at the same time it was a bit unnecessary since Cassie fessed up right afterwards.