Review: Heart-Wrenching But Immensely Satisfying Rockstar Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2014
As a groupie of rockstar-themed romances I've read many releases over the last year and I can honestly say this has been my favorite thus far.  It's an amazingly in-depth story, both emotionally and in regards to the music world, that completely sucked me in from the very first page to the last.  It realistically depicts the rise and fall of a band, the high cost of fame, and how reaching rock bottom can sometimes be exactly what you need to find true happiness.Rockstar Dillon's band is just starting to gain fame as this story starts.  He's the brains behind their music, a talented man with pain from his childhood always surrounding him but fueling his talent.  His best friend since childhood and brother in shared pain, Ash, is the lead singer and together they forge a path of sex, drugs, and alcohol.  For Ash, these vices are slowly consuming him but for Dillon he's merely a bystander trying to keep Ash under control but losing his grip as alcohol becomes his favorite way to numb the pain.  The only bright spot during this chaotic time is Justine, lead singer of a band where she is becoming a star in the making.  Dillon's immediately drawn to her and their shared love of music binds them together from the moment they meet.  He's immensely attracted to her as well but knows he's no good for her but can't let her out of his life.  Being friends is difficult but anything else is unthinkable, and as his band and life falls apart he'll need her friendship more than ever.  She'll be the only person to believe in him and help him regain the muse he lost long ago.  She'll ultimately give him the family he never had just by being his friend.  I ached for Dillon from the very start as his mother cared nothing for him and left him to fend for himself at the age of twelve.  He's quiet but says so much through his music or a subtle look or small gesture.  He's extremely loyal which works against him at times but it's also appealing as he can always be counted on to help no matter how much pain he's in.Justine is an immensely likable heroine who's worked for everything in her life.  Nothing was handed to her and because of that she deserves the fame just starting to come her way.  She loves being on stage and signing songs people can dance to but is stuck in a band helmed by an egotistical control freak jealous of her obvious talent.  Meeting Dillon changes everything for her, both professionally and emotionally, and takes her on a journey of highs and lows that kept me on the edge of my seat rooting for her to succeed.  She loved Dillon from the moment she heard his music and being around him enthralled her even more but his lifestyle leaves no room for her love so the only thing left is friendship.  As her star rises she'll rely on his friendship even more as life and love bruise her confidence and break her heart.  Things come full circle by the end of the story though to put a smile on my face with a truly HEA.This was an intensely emotional story that goes full circle in two people's lives never pulling punches on the good or the bad.  It makes for a heart-wrenching read that's immensely rewarding for its believability.  The main characters are fully fleshed out and this made for a deep connection to the reader.  The author perfectly balanced vivid depictions of living in the chaos of the music world with the quiet of everyday life.  The sexual tension between Justine and Dillon was palpable which made their friendship heartbreaking at times since it was obvious they were made for each other and it left me rooting for that outcome no matter where life took them.  Ultimately this was an exceptional read that left me exhausted, but oh so satisfied, by the gamut of emotions I went through.  The characters were compelling and I didn't want the story to end but am looking forward to what Ms. Weaver has planned next as this story left me impressed by her talent.