Review: Great start to a new series!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 2, 2014
I've been watching author Laramie Briscoe since I read and reviewed the first book in her Heaven Hills MC series, so I was quite thrilled to be asked to review the first book in her new Rockin' Country series, Only the Beginning. First off, let me state that this book is quite different from her previous series. It's much sweeter yet it's still very sexy. I've been reading a lot of books about musical artists lately but this one is different in that these two people come from very different backgrounds and very different worlds. I enjoyed this story quite a bit and am very interested to see what happens next in this series.This is one of those books that I love because on the outside the two main characters seem like such different people but inside they are really very much alike. In addition because they are both in the public eye, they very much understand the frustrations, the demands, and the downfalls of performing. Hannah "Harmony" Stewart is Country music's sweetheart so when she meets Garrett "Reaper" Thompson Heavy Metal's bad body at an awards show she is thrilled because she's a fan and she has no idea that Garrett is mesmerized by her as well.For being 24 years old Hannah has quite a bit of baggage but considering she's been performing since she was very young, it's not surprising. Her one serious relationship ended very badly and while she believes she's over it, the hurt from it still won't go away. Garrett has live the life of a musician and he admits fully that while he did the whole sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle he's at a point in his life where he wants more. He recognizes that Hannah is young and fairly inexperienced but he can't deny he feels something towards her more than just getting in her pants. I loved the way Garrett approached Hannah, that he let her get comfortable with him, his band, and his lifestyle. He didn't rush her yet he also let her know that he wanted her but was willing to wait until she was ready. Poor Hannah was confused and because of her past lacked confidence, she didn't feel worthy of Garrett and worried that his fans would feel the same way. I really loved the build up between these two, the way they made the moments they had together count, and the fact that even when they were apart they found a way to stay in touch.Because this is the first book in a series, we are introduced to a lot of characters yet it was overwhelming. Garrett's band members of course were present including his guitarist and best friend Jared. Hannah's best friend, manager, and business partner, Shell also played an important role in this story. Some of the best moments in this book were the ones were when the band were all together and especially when they were performing. Hannah's ex also made a few appearances and stirred up all kinds of trouble.Their very public relationship made them social media darlings but it also brought out the haters and left them wide open for attacks by Hannah's ex forcing them to reexamine their relationship and what they both want out of life.As the title implies Only the Beginning is really just the start of Hannah and Garrett's relationship, this books ends with what I call a happy for now ending and yes, it left me asking a lot of questions some probably most people wouldn't think about but I do. However, I feel this couple is on the right track and are doing everything in their power to make what seems like an impossible relationship work. So despite feeling a little unsettled, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens down the road as these two continue to make their music and figure out their crazy lives.Review copy provided for an honest review.