Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar

by Rachel Higginson
Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar
My name is Clover Calloway and I’ve lived two separate lives. The first, I like to call “my past.” I never talk about it. I try not to think about it. My rockstar days of playing in one of the hottest bands on the planet are over. Along with the most volatile, beautiful, tragic love story of all time. Over the past five years, I’ve settled into my second life. My “normal life.” The one where I work a normal job, hang out with normal people and fall in love with a normal, but wonderful guy. The life where I’m admittedly a little bored, but also safe. My past wasn’t boring. But my past broke my heart into a million, unfixable pieces. So, I’m determined to keep it where it belongs—behind me. And the man responsible for the shattering of me? Malachi Porter, lead singer and mastermind of Bright Tragedy, should stay there too. Far away from me and this idyllic life I’ve carved out for myself. But what happens when my two lives collide? When Malachi comes crashing into my perfectly normal world, he threatens to destroy it, promises to annihilate everything I’ve replaced him with. He upends everything I thought I wanted and forces me to question the reasons I left Bright Tragedy all those years ago. But I didn’t walk away five years ago, I ran. As fast as I could go. And while my heart is whispering that it’s different this time—that he’s different—my brain is screaming for me to run again. Malachi Porter isn’t a normal guy. And he doesn’t belong in my “normal life.” But, nevertheless, he’s bound and determined to make a place for himself here. I just hope my heart can survive him, that we don’t burn into another bright tragedy.

Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar Details

TitleNever Fall in Love with a Rockstar
Author
LanguageEnglish
ReleaseJun 25th, 2019
PublisherReckless Siren Publishing
Rating
GenreContemporary, Romance, Music

Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar Review

  • Christie«SHBBblogger»
    January 1, 1970
    Title: Never Fall in Love with a RockstarSeries: StandaloneAuthor: Rachel HigginsonRelease date: June 25, 2019Cliffhanger: NoGenre: rockstar romanceThanks to my bestie, Astrid for urging me to try a Rachel Higginson book!! Without a doubt I will be checking out more of her backlist in the future. I have to say, I've read A LOT of rockstar romances. So many in fact, that it's pretty hard to find something to stand apart from the rest at this point. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar pulled it of Title: Never Fall in Love with a RockstarSeries: StandaloneAuthor: Rachel HigginsonRelease date: June 25, 2019Cliffhanger: NoGenre: rockstar romanceThanks to my bestie, Astrid for urging me to try a Rachel Higginson book!! Without a doubt I will be checking out more of her backlist in the future. I have to say, I've read A LOT of rockstar romances. So many in fact, that it's pretty hard to find something to stand apart from the rest at this point. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar pulled it off with its surprising emotional depth, nuanced characterization, and writing style that's effortless to engage with. If you're in the mood for a slow burn second chance love story, look no further. Clover and Kai have a complicated and messy past that was left unresolved for the last five years. Once, she was one of the rising stars of Bright Tragedy, a rock band she helped found with her brother and their friends. She and Kai were in love and inseparable until they got a taste of success and all of the temptations that come with the industry. That's when addiction forced its way between the two of them. Self medicating the pain from his tragic past, he lived life on the razor edge of destruction. Every day, she lived with the worry that he would pass the point of no return and be lost to her forever. Somehow the responsibility fell on her shoulders to carry the burden of his recklessness and hold everything together. Until she just didn't have it in her to put herself last anymore and chose a new "normal."This had been our battle since I met him—trying to convince him he was good, he was worthy of love, he deserved great things. His parents had beat that truth out of him long ago and filled his head with lies. And then the one person he trusted and loved and loved him back died before he could grow to know better.Her life was divided in two parts. Chaotic and normal. Removing herself from that unhealthy relationship was undoubtedly the best course of action. However, her life out of the public eye may have been safe, but became more of a safety blanket. Average, mundane jobs she could disappear into while never living up to her full potential. Her boyfriend is sweet, responsible, and stable, but there was no passion or intensity. Was this bland new normal enough for her creative soul in the long run? Clover reconnects with Kai very early in the book when her boyfriend surprises her with tickets to his favorite band: (you guessed it) Bright Tragedy. Here's a point that I thought wasn't entirely believable. It didn't seem realistic that he wouldn't realize she was an original member of his all time favorite band. The reasoning was that she'd went back to her natural red curly hair so she was unrecognizable? I just didn't see it. Not a big deal overall, but it was worth mentioning. Anyway, of course she doesn't slide in and out of the concert undetected, and things get complicated really fast. This won't be a point of contention for everyone, but I was a little nervous how love triangle-y this would be and if there would be cheating involved that I couldn't deal with. Adam's greatest sin was that he was on the wrong side of boring, and he was genuinely a nice guy. I was really happy with how the relationship was handled in this respect. I do have to bring up the pacing of her sorting through her feelings between the two men though. As I said before, this is pretty slow burn with the characters. Many will be fine with how long it takes for her to start the second chance portion. The rekindling of Kai and Clover's relationship. But I admit to getting impatient when she was still sleeping with Adam 70% in, and only single and open to trying with Kai at 88%. With 12% of the book left, the actual romance and reconnection between the two of them wasn't that much. Mainly, the book focuses on Clover sorting through her feelings and finding the ability to believe that Kai is a newer, stronger man. Capable of a healthy relationship that she can put her fragile trust in. I do think that the lengthy exploration of their history was needed rather than jumping into anything impulsively. I just wish that she hadn't taken quite so long to let go of Adam. But again, that's my subjective opinion and it won't necessarily be the case with others. I was so impressed with the refreshingly three dimensional characters, most notably Brennan. The band had a love/hate relationship with him, and he was arguably somewhat of an antagonist. Clover's dealings with him in the past were not good at all, and she was immediately on her guard with him. But she realized that Kai wasn't the only one who had gone through change while she was gone. There were times he was blunt and offensive, but then she would see another side of him and realize that underneath it all he genuinely did care. I really appreciated the fact that he wasn't some caricature villain as it could have easily gone, but a flawed and relatable character who you even grow to like. I really loved Higginson's style of writing, and her focus on realistic characters, their emotions behind their actions, and her care with the topic of addiction. She's just the kind of author I like, and I'm kind of shocked it took me this long to read one of her books. If you're a fan of rockstar romance and want something fresh to the genre, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. These roots. These roots really did stretch down to my toes. They would never let go. They’d turn me out and upside down and always be in my soul. And I was so okay with that.FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
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  • Bookgasms Book Blog
    January 1, 1970
    Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It’s so much more than a rockstar book. So much more than a second chance romance. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is about finding yourself. About figuring out who you are, away from family and friends. Finding your inner peace. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is about forgiveness. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes. Forgiving yourself for decisions made. Forgiving yourself for loving your Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It’s so much more than a rockstar book. So much more than a second chance romance. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is about finding yourself. About figuring out who you are, away from family and friends. Finding your inner peace. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is about forgiveness. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes. Forgiving yourself for decisions made. Forgiving yourself for loving yourself enough to walk away. Forgiving those that hurt you. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is about hope. Hope for the future. Hope for the past not rising up to put your future in jeopardy. Hope that love really will win.I loved Clover and Malachi’s relationship. That they somehow managed to get through their past issues—that they could really work this time. Their whole relationship felt genuine, real. And my heart hurt for them when they struggled, and my heart rejoiced when they didn’t.Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar kept me awake long after I finished reading it and the sleep deprivation was so very worth it! I absolutely adored this beautiful, brave love story—one of my top reads this year. ~ Missy, 5 stars***Wow. That was…beautiful.This book was not at all what I was expecting. I was incredibly nervous going into it. I was afraid there may be an angsty love triangle in store for me, and I can’t handle it when my heart is split in two like that. I promised myself I would give it a shot, that I would trust Rachel Higginson and her special brand of captivating storytelling and her almost lyrical way with words. I went in feeling completely unsure and was rewarded with this beautiful, poignant, and utterly enthralling love story.I loved it.It’s a different kind of romance than I’ve read from this author before. It focused almost as much on the healing and growth of Malachi and Clover as individuals as it did on them as a couple. There is a fair amount of angst here, but it didn’t feel overly angsty. The burn is slow and it sparks and smolders throughout the story. The focus here is definitely on the emotional aspect of this second chance romance, versus the physical chemistry (though that is present as well). That made it a perfect fit for me. There are some tough issues addressed here, and I felt like it was handled with a sort of gritty honesty mixed with tender care. It was difficult to read and easy to read all at the same time. How is that even possible? The magic of a really good book, I suppose. In the end, this is a journey I am so happy to have taken. My heart wrapped itself around Clover and Malachi so very easily, and I lost myself easily in Ms. Higginson’s enchanting storytelling. My heart ached for Clover and Malachi as they sorted through the wreckage of their past, and bravely reclaimed their love story. No feels were left untouched – I hurt, I laughed, I cried (happy tears, mostly). I can’t tell you how happy I am that I took a chance on this book that made me so nervous. This story is something special and I enthusiastically recommend it! ~ Shelly, 4.5 “Wildflower” Stars
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  • Amy
    January 1, 1970
    4.5 Stars!!“When the two of us were together, we were all that existed in the world.”“This song was going to end us the same way we did five years ago—one gloriously intense bright tragedy.”“I wanted normal. Simple. A love so deep I could feel it with every breath. A love so long and endless and consuming there were not words accurate enough to describe it. A love that would heal me. Hold me. Help me.”“Kai Porter was the devil that had come back into my life, asking me to hand over my soul so he 4.5 Stars!!“When the two of us were together, we were all that existed in the world.”“This song was going to end us the same way we did five years ago—one gloriously intense bright tragedy.”“I wanted normal. Simple. A love so deep I could feel it with every breath. A love so long and endless and consuming there were not words accurate enough to describe it. A love that would heal me. Hold me. Help me.”“Kai Porter was the devil that had come back into my life, asking me to hand over my soul so he could what he wanted with it. And I was the idiot that had agreed. Okay indeed.”Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is a rock star romance destined to sweep you off your feet and make you believe in second chances.When I heard that Rachel Higginson was writing a rock star romance, I was totally giddy. I couldn’t wait to see what she would bring to the table and I was not disappointed. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is an angsty second chance romance that will pull at your heartstrings and take your emotions on one heck of a rollercoaster ride.Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar follows the story of Clover and Kai. Clover has a past that she doesn’t let most people in on. And when her boyfriend surprises her with concert tickets to see his favorite band, Clover’s quiet existence is about to be turned upside down. Clover suddenly finds her past and present together. Her once normal life is now anything but. Her secret is out of the bag, and she’s brought face to face with the one man who destroyed and still owns her heart. And when an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, Clover can’t help but jump on it. It’s supposed to be just one song…Will that one song remind Clover of all that she’s missed and rejoin the past? Or will this proposition destroy her for good this time?? There’s only one way to find out….Man, oh man, did I love this story. I fell in love with Clover the moment I met her. She is wickedly talented yet reserved. She loves hard and guards her heart. Walking away from Kai all those years ago was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do. But, if she wanted any chance at a real life, she had to do it. She couldn’t continue to be his crutch. She couldn’t continue to watch him spiral. It wasn’t easy trying to move on, but boy did she ever try. And then there is Kai. It’s no secret that Kai has struggled with addiction. Unfortunately for him, he had to hit rock bottom before any changes would made. It wasn’t easy getting sober, but once Kai sets his mind to something, you know it will get done. He’s a changed man, but still has his own demons and when life presents him with a second chance, he grabs on to it with both hands.Kai and Clover’s journey wasn’t an easy one. They had a lot of pain and heartache to move past. They had to learn to become friends and rebuild their foundation. I loved watching them go through the motions and see them come out to the other side. I enjoyed seeing how they worked together and just how talented they both were. Their connection was stronger than ever, no matter how much they both tried to deny it. I loved the slow burn. I think it led to some incredible will they/won’t they moments. My heart ached for these two and I couldn’t wait to see how their story would play out.Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar was a terrific read, from beginning to end. The characters were a lot of fun and the story-line was entertaining. I had a wonderful getting lost in Kai and Clover’s story and I really enjoyed this author’s take on a rockstar romance. We were introduced to a lot of terrific characters and I really, really hope that this won’t be the last that we see of them.*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
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  • Ellen ✦ Book Bellas ✦
    January 1, 1970
    3.5 StarsI enjoyed this sweet, slow-burn romance featuring real, down-to-earth characters. Rachel Higginson's stories always contain romance and a happy ending and 'Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar' is no different! Clover has traded in life on the road as the member of a popular rock band for a life of relative anonymity in the Midwest. She is seemingly content if not a little restless but has an amazing relationship with a wonderful boyfriend and a quiet, steady, "normal" life. "This was jus 3.5 StarsI enjoyed this sweet, slow-burn romance featuring real, down-to-earth characters. Rachel Higginson's stories always contain romance and a happy ending and 'Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar' is no different! Clover has traded in life on the road as the member of a popular rock band for a life of relative anonymity in the Midwest. She is seemingly content if not a little restless but has an amazing relationship with a wonderful boyfriend and a quiet, steady, "normal" life. "This was just me. Clover Callaway, completely natural. Completely ordinary. Completely anonymous. Nobody expected the red curls. They were my new signature. And I was slowly learning to love them. Just like I was slowly learning to love this life." When her former band comes to town, Clover is reunited with Kai, her former love. Clover had abruptly walked away from the band and blamed herself for her decision. Kai eventually convinces Clover to rejoin the band because they were never the same when she left. I enjoyed the story line and liked how the author dealt with serious topics like addiction and destructive behaviors. Ms. Higginson obviously knows a lot about music and it shows in the details. Kai's background was heartbreaking but I never felt truly emotional about any of these characters. I loved how strong and determined Clover was, which is what kept me invested in the story. I would not call this a deeply emotional book but I did enjoy the supporting characters and the romance between Clover and Kai. I am a fan of slow-burn romance and that is exactly what this one was. Rachel Higginson's books are always refreshing and enjoyable and you should definitely pick this one up if you like rock star romances. This was not my favorite of her books but it might be for you. Happy ever after guaranteed! “Tragedy made me leave. Fear kept me away. But this bright, bright love brought me back in the most beautiful way.”
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  • Anne Z.
    January 1, 1970
    I have a weakness for Rock Star Romances...So needless to say, there was a good chance I was going to love this from the gecko.And love it I did!!!I absolutely adore Rachel Higginson. She writes amazing stories and Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar was no different!I really felt for Clover. Nothing had prepared her to face her past the way she did, and what a painful past that was... we always talk about the people with an addiction and not often about the ones that suffer because of them and w I have a weakness for Rock Star Romances...So needless to say, there was a good chance I was going to love this from the gecko.And love it I did!!!I absolutely adore Rachel Higginson. She writes amazing stories and Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar was no different!I really felt for Clover. Nothing had prepared her to face her past the way she did, and what a painful past that was... we always talk about the people with an addiction and not often about the ones that suffer because of them and with them. Clover went through a lot because of Malachi.Malachi was a great character as well. He made no excuses for his past and has been trying for some time to write his wrongs, and now that his path has crossed with Clover again, apologizing to her and getting her back is his priority. When it come to Rock Star Romances this sort of plot is common. But I don't say that in a negative way, when it is done well it makes for a wonderful read, and this was certainly done well.The side characters -mainly the other band members and manager- had great individual personalities and if Rachel makes this into a series they will make great main characters.As a whole this was a well told story of substance abuse and second chances. It was a romance with a deep and emotional backstory to go with it. What is not to love?
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  • Mel
    January 1, 1970
    4.5 stars!!Once upon a time Clover was the keyboard player for the popular band, Bright Tragedy. She thought she had it all until everything went up in smoke. Her HEA was ripped from her hands and she left the limelight to pursue a quieter life. Leaving it all behind five years ago, she is finally adjusting to her new normal and trying to be happy. The past still haunts her though, and she has no idea that she’s about to come face to face with it once again.Rachel Higginson took a frequently use 4.5 stars!!
Once upon a time Clover was the keyboard player for the popular band, Bright Tragedy. She thought she had it all until everything went up in smoke. Her HEA was ripped from her hands and she left the limelight to pursue a quieter life. Leaving it all behind five years ago, she is finally adjusting to her new normal and trying to be happy. The past still haunts her though, and she has no idea that she’s about to come face to face with it once again.
Rachel Higginson took a frequently used trope and gave it her own spin. She created an entertaining, well-developed, and emotional rockstar romance with first loves and second chances. Full of growth, healing, forgiveness, and all the feels, it’s about finding your way back to your true love while still becoming the person you were meant to be, and I loved it!!Clover and Malachi are wonderfully messy characters. They were childhood sweethearts and meant everything to each other. They were young when their band started to hit it big and their dreams were in their grasps but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes you can no longer pretend everything is alright when you are slowing dying inside. Sometimes you have to leave. I was as in it as much he was back then. He was my entire world. Which was why I ran.Not because I didn’t love him or had stopped loving him. But because loving him was going to kill me. 
Clover is not perfect but her imperfections make her real and relatable. She is strong and brave, and I was happy she did what she needed to do to find herself. She did one of the hardest things she could have done when she left her love, her friends, and her dreams behind. Now, she craves normality. Reliability. Responsibility. She wants a simple life that is easy and with Adam, she has finally found it. I’ll admit that I am typically not a fan of love triangles. Most of the time it can ruin a book for me so I tend to stay away from them. However, if it is done right then I can get on board with them and find myself fully engrossed in the story, anxious to see how things play out. This is one of those times. The triangle is not terrible and I completely believed it. I understood her life with Adam and why she wanted it but I also saw the connection she had with Malachi. It was definitely not going away once Malachi was back in her life. I only wish she made up her mind a little sooner because I would have liked more Clover/Malachi time.
There were times I felt a bit conflicted, not about who she would end up with but rather what she would go through to get there. I knew she shouldn’t be with Adam but I was worried about her past with Kai. What she saw and went through was awful and I understood why she didn’t want to go back. However, from their first interaction I knew Malachi was it for Clover. There was no denying the emotional connection and electric chemistry between the two of them. I knew they would fit perfectly if they could find their way back to each other. The fallout between Malachi and Clover was devastating. We only get snippets of their past and we don’t get to see them fall in love but we sure do get to feel the all-consuming love they shared. All the emotion comes rushing back when Clover and Malachi see each other again. Anger, fear, grief, regret, guilt, and sadness flood the pages. It’s real and believable, and you literally feel everything. Most of the book I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, desperate to know what would happen but worried about how my heart was going to handle it. So much is stacked against Clover and Malachi as past and present merge that it was agonizing to read all the heartache they experience. “You know, my whole life I’ve only known you as mine. You were my friend. My girlfriend. My soulmate. I know you’re not still those things, but it’s hard to let go of that feeling, that… ownership. It’s hard to admit that you’re not mine anymore, you’re someone else’s.” Even though the attraction and history are there, the romance has more of a slow burn feel and I thought it worked wonderfully in this story. It’s heartbreaking but necessary to take things slow and I liked that they didn’t just dive into a relationship. Both Clover and Malachi go through a lot of character growth as they navigate their new relationship. There is healing, forgiveness, acceptance, and hope. They don’t ignore the past but learn from it and discover a way to be true to themselves so that they can finally be true to one another, and it is beautiful. 

 Tragedy made me leave. Fear kept me away. But this bright, bright love brought me back in the most beautiful way. After having my heart stolen by this emotional love story, it’s no surprise that Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar joins the list of my favorites rockstar romances and is a must read for all rockstar fans!*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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  • Julie
    January 1, 1970
    Clover Calloway knows a thing or two about reinventing your life. With the pain of a broken heart fueling her desire for a change, Clover relishes in the ordinary things in her new life. Five years have passed, and yet those memories that haunt Clover feel like a lifetime ago. Now that Clover has settled into her ordinary life, she finds herself a bit bored by the change. Nothing would have prepared Clover to face the world that she left behind. However her new boyfriend – Adam – decided to surp Clover Calloway knows a thing or two about reinventing your life. With the pain of a broken heart fueling her desire for a change, Clover relishes in the ordinary things in her new life. Five years have passed, and yet those memories that haunt Clover feel like a lifetime ago. Now that Clover has settled into her ordinary life, she finds herself a bit bored by the change. Nothing would have prepared Clover to face the world that she left behind. However her new boyfriend – Adam – decided to surprise her with concert tickets to his favorite band. Determined not to let Adam down, Clover finds herself coming face to face with a past that just won’t stay hidden. Bright Tragedy is once again engulfing Clover without even trying. With a little intervention, Malachi comes crashing into Clover’s world once again. The past can’t stay hidden now that Malachi has spilled Clovers identity. It is a total upheaval from the life that Clover has planned out. Facing Malachi brings all the pain from days past back into the present. Determined to have Clover in his life once more, Malachi pulls out all the stops to get her back into the arms of Bright Tragedy. Is it enough? Can Clover survive the destruction that haunted her past once is comes crashing into the present?Get ready for the reinvention of the century! Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is the latest release from Rachel Higginson, and it is sure to pull you into this world of second chances. Clover Calloway will lead you through the journey that was once her life, and the tragedy that cause her to flee life in the spotlight. Malachi was supposed to remain a part of the past, but his presence only leads Clover into a spiral of indecision. This story devotes a great deal of the plot to substance abuse, and it was handled in a way that shows the honesty that comes with this disease. Clover and Malachi will show you how the tragedy from their past deserves a resolution. This glimpse into stardom will have you glued to your reader in anticipation of which path Clover and Malachi will choose. For me personally – Clover’s journey was one that I simply couldn’t pull myself away from. An entertaining and realistic journey for every rockstar at heart.
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  • Cassandra
    January 1, 1970
    Great. Sounds like this will hurt.
  • Jo - *✽*•.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•*✽*
    January 1, 1970
    Five years ago Clover had it all. Kind of. She was in a successful band, touring the world and living the celebrity lifestyle. She was in love with the lead a singer Kai a man she met when they were teenagers and had loved ever since then. He loved her back just as hard but unfortunately it was a love that would not survive the choices that Kai made. Clover left and never looked back.Clover now lives a safe, quiet life. She has a few part time jobs, even one playing the piano to satisfy her musi Five years ago Clover had it all. Kind of. She was in a successful band, touring the world and living the celebrity lifestyle. She was in love with the lead a singer Kai a man she met when they were teenagers and had loved ever since then. He loved her back just as hard but unfortunately it was a love that would not survive the choices that Kai made. Clover left and never looked back.Clover now lives a safe, quiet life. She has a few part time jobs, even one playing the piano to satisfy her musical outlet. She has a lovely, normal boyfriend who she feels could potentially be her future husband one day. She has some great friends and life is pretty good these days. Then her past comes back in an unavoidable, unexpected way and she is faced with all the reasons and memories of why she ran from it in the first place. ‘You see me Clover, Like nobody else can.’ Kai is shocked to see Clo again, meshed with that is also happiness, love, heartbreak and hope. He never believed that she would ever walk away from him despite everything he put her through and he has dreamt of one day seeing her again. That familiar hum between them is ever present and the connection they shared is just as strong as it used to be. ‘He felled me with his honest, beautiful words and I would never be the same. Never again.’ Kai has a proposal for Clo, they used to write songs together and he is suffering from writers block, he needs her help to finish off a song they started years ago. Clo is very reluctant to have any involvement with Kai and the band, Bright Tragedy. Seeing everyone again is amazing but she is at such a good place in her life now and she never wants to go back to the way things were. Having said all that she has missed them all and seeing them again is wonderful. The urge to write and compose songs is calling her and saying yes seems to be the only answer right now. ‘Kai was this larger than life human with gigantic, never-ending problems and a long list of reasons I should run. But he was also like seeing colour for the first time. He was like fresh air and spring grass and hope for the very first time.’ Clo is surprised by how much Kai has changed, sure he is every more beautiful than he was last time they were together but he has grown up, matured and in control of his life. He has fought his demons and won the fight. It will take a while to get used to this version of him. He seems to respect that he has a new life now and if writing songs with him is the only connection he will have with her now he is happy with just that. ‘And I had been foolish to think a five year break would be enough to make me strong enough. I had never been strong enough. Malachi had always been my heart-rending end. And this song was going to end us the same way we did five years ago - one gloriously intense bright tragedy.’ Do you truly ever stop thinking about the person you have loved and lost? Can you ever really move on when there is still a tiny chance that they feel the same way you do? The love and pull between Clo & Kai is clear for all to see, including them. The thing is though, Clo never wants to put herself through anything like that again. It would be going backwards, instead of moving forward - which is what she needs to do with her life now. She never wants that all consuming music life again. ‘Somehow in the time apart, he’d become the strong one. Somehow, he’d become the refuge that sheltered me.’ Rediscovering this new version of Kai and remembering how amazing it is to write with him has Clover second guessing her decision to put distance between them. She is enjoying the new found friendship and the fun banter between them. He is pushing for a little bit more each time they see each other but this author does a fantastic job at building this slow building thing between them that I could feel coming and couldn’t read fast enough to discover. Trust me - the wait is worth it! ‘Now I can’t remember how life went on without you. How did I think without you by my side? Breathe without you here to fill my lungs with oxygen? Sing without your song in my blood? How did the world keep on going without you in it?’ This was a fantastic second chance at love tale that reignited my love of reading rock star romances. Once again Rachel has delivered with this heart wrenching story of redemption, forgiveness and the strength of love :)
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  • Jenny - TotallybookedBlog
    January 1, 1970
    ‘It had taken us a long time, a lifetime to fall in love. And nearly as long to fall out of it.’If you love a slow burn, a second chance love story, a tortured hero, a story of love and redemption with a rock star theme, Never Fall in Love with a Rock star is the book for you. Rock star themes are our kryptonite and who doesn’t dream of falling in love with a rock star, though it does come with its pitfalls as Clover Calloway discovered the hard way. “Because I can’t live without you. I just can ‘It had taken us a long time, a lifetime to fall in love. And nearly as long to fall out of it.’If you love a slow burn, a second chance love story, a tortured hero, a story of love and redemption with a rock star theme, Never Fall in Love with a Rock star is the book for you. Rock star themes are our kryptonite and who doesn’t dream of falling in love with a rock star, though it does come with its pitfalls as Clover Calloway discovered the hard way. “Because I can’t live without you. I just can’t. And more than that….I don’t want to.” We really do love Rachel Higginson’s brand of storytelling. This author takes her time acquainting the reader with the characters, building the story at a slow and engaging pace, and Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar once again provides this author’s emotional and sincere trademark delivery.‘It all just worked out. Even when we didn’t. The music always did.’It’s been five years since the heady days of being part of the exceptionally famous rock band, Bright Tragedy and for Clover Calloway, formerly known as Clo Brannif, it’s been a quiet five years where she’s found some semblance of anonymity and normality after the chaotic and intoxicating touring days. It’s also five years since she’s seen the love of her life, Malachi (Kai) Porter. When Clover last saw Kai he was fighting and losing a battle with drug addiction. Watching him slowly destroy himself had taken its toll on her. Clover had to walk away, to save herself, Kai, the band and her sanity.‘He was different. And so was I. But even believing that I also knew we were still two broken, flawed humans.’Clover has been dating the quiet and unassuming Adam for six months, but the reappearance of Kai and the band in her life results in turmoil and re-emerging memories, both good and bad from her time with the band and especially her love for the now clean and sober, though still troubled, Kai. Kai wants Clover to help him complete a song they started years earlier, a song with deep meaning for both of them. Can Kai and Clover collaborate and become friends again and put their past pain and hurt behind them? After all, they’ve both changed, matured and carried a plane-sized load of baggage for those five years, with Clover moving on with another man, Adam, though we didn’t really experience the love triangle aspect, because we always believed in our hearts Kai and Clover belonged together. “We’re not a love story. He and I are a tragedy that already ended in the worst possible way.” The tortured rock god, the young woman whose heart was destroyed by love, it’s a tragic love story delivered with love and sincerity, and as rock star romances go, it’s one we really did enjoy. Whilst it lacked the grittiness we normally associate and love about the tortured rock star addict, Kat and Clover’s tumultuous slow building complicated love story may not have delivered the punch we’d hoped for, it touched our hearts nonetheless.‘There he was. My childhood best friend. My ex-boyfriend. The most beautiful boy I had ever know.The man that broke my heart into a million unfixable pieces. ‘Right from the start, we felt Kai and Clover were soulmates and we knew in our hearts they had to be together, if only they could heal and forgive. Whilst we loved a slow burn, we would have loved more ‘afters‘, you know, as a reward for the way our hearts and our resolve were put through the wringer.Now available to purchase belowAmazon USAmazon UKCome and say hi, at:✲ TotallyBookedBlog✲ TBB on Facebook✲ TBB on Instagram✲ TBB on Twitter✲ TBB on Pinterest
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  • Gitte TotallyBookedBlog
    January 1, 1970
    ‘It had taken us a long time, a lifetime to fall in love. And nearly as long to fall out of it.’If you love a slow burn, a second chance love story, a tortured hero, a story of love and redemption with a rock star theme, Never Fall in Love with a Rock star is the book for you. Rock star themes are our kryptonite and who doesn’t dream of falling in love with a rock star, though it does come with its pitfalls as Clover Calloway discovered the hard way. “Because I can’t live without you. I just can ‘It had taken us a long time, a lifetime to fall in love. And nearly as long to fall out of it.’If you love a slow burn, a second chance love story, a tortured hero, a story of love and redemption with a rock star theme, Never Fall in Love with a Rock star is the book for you. Rock star themes are our kryptonite and who doesn’t dream of falling in love with a rock star, though it does come with its pitfalls as Clover Calloway discovered the hard way. “Because I can’t live without you. I just can’t. And more than that….I don’t want to.” We really do love Rachel Higginson’s brand of storytelling. This author takes her time acquainting the reader with the characters, building the story at a slow and engaging pace, and Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar once again provides this author’s emotional and sincere trademark delivery.‘It all just worked out. Even when we didn’t. The music always did.’It’s been five years since the heady days of being part of the exceptionally famous rock band, Bright Tragedy and for Clover Calloway, formerly known as Clo Brannif, it’s been a quiet five years where she’s found some semblance of anonymity and normality after the chaotic and intoxicating touring days. It’s also five years since she’s seen the love of her life, Malachi (Kai) Porter. When Clover last saw Kai he was fighting and losing a battle with drug addiction. Watching him slowly destroy himself had taken its toll on her. Clover had to walk away, to save herself, Kai, the band and her sanity.‘He was different. And so was I. But even believing that I also knew we were still two broken, flawed humans.’Clover has been dating the quiet and unassuming Adam for six months, but the reappearance of Kai and the band in her life results in turmoil and re-emerging memories, both good and bad from her time with the band and especially her love for the now clean and sober, though still troubled, Kai. Kai wants Clover to help him complete a song they started years earlier, a song with deep meaning for both of them. Can Kai and Clover collaborate and become friends again and put their past pain and hurt behind them? After all, they’ve both changed, matured and carried a plane-sized load of baggage for those five years, with Clover moving on with another man, Adam, though we didn’t really experience the love triangle aspect, because we always believed in our hearts Kai and Clover belonged together. “We’re not a love story. He and I are a tragedy that already ended in the worst possible way.” The tortured rock god, the young woman whose heart was destroyed by love, it’s a tragic love story delivered with love and sincerity, and as rock star romances go, it’s one we really did enjoy. Whilst it lacked the grittiness we normally associate and love about the tortured rock star addict, Kat and Clover’s tumultuous slow building complicated love story may not have delivered the punch we’d hoped for, it touched our hearts nonetheless.‘There he was. My childhood best friend. My ex-boyfriend. The most beautiful boy I had ever know.The man that broke my heart into a million unfixable pieces. ‘Right from the start, we felt Kai and Clover were soulmates and we knew in our hearts they had to be together, if only they could heal and forgive. Whilst we loved a slow burn, we would have loved more ‘afters‘, you know, as a reward for the way our hearts and our resolve were put through the wringer.Now available to purchase belowAmazon USAmazon UKCome and say hi, at:✲ TotallyBookedBlog✲ TBB on Facebook✲ TBB on Instagram✲ TBB on Twitter✲ TBB on Pinterest
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  • Aaly
    January 1, 1970
    4.5 starsReview to come! *** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. *** This whirlwind roller coaster got me. My heart is still beating like a drum, to the rhythm of Clover and Malachi’s story. It looked like a tragic song, talking about things that crushed their souls, abusive and destructive, the kind of one that ended badly. And damn if that book didn’t get me emotional. Be ready for a long review… The « normal » life Clover was living in turned upside down the moment Malachi 4.5 starsReview to come! *** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. *** This whirlwind roller coaster got me. My heart is still beating like a drum, to the rhythm of Clover and Malachi’s story. It looked like a tragic song, talking about things that crushed their souls, abusive and destructive, the kind of one that ended badly. And damn if that book didn’t get me emotional. Be ready for a long review… The « normal » life Clover was living in turned upside down the moment Malachi and the band came back into her life, disrupting her balance. It took one look to bring everything back again. The fire between these two ex lovers was still there, bringing to the surface the good and the bad again. Like a broken record. How to move on when the one who used to be your everything, broke your heart and the only solution at that time was to leave everything?I’ve been drawn to the imperfections, to the tortured side of these characters who went through so much, who were once each other’s everything. Until they weren’t. The author managed to write about two star crossed lovers who didn’t know how to stop the crazy ride of excess, when love supposed to save it all. Sometimes it wasn’t enough. Sometimes you had to save yourself from it, even if you felt like your heart was shattering to pieces.I was emotionally overwhelmed and I couldn’t put it down. There was no pretending, things were just laid out in the open, raw, brutal and heartbreaking.Clover and Malachi went from very awkward moments, to the intense ones, and mostly the kind of ones they felt deeply in their souls. The passionate and craving feelings they couldn’t escape. Like their souls had recognized again, inevitable, intangible but still with this dark side, hanging on, a shadow that might jeopardize everything.The dynamic between Clover and Malachi was so fascinating to me. I was looking for every interaction. They didn’t do things by halves. Their unfinished story was only the beginning of something new, but as you might guess, old habits die hard and even if the feelings seemed to be there, the cut was a bit too deep and painful to heal. Clover was afraid of the excesses she saw when she was in the band. She just wanted to play music and not being caught in a downward spiral and vicious circle. Missing the music but not the reward. Keeping things simple, settling for « normalcy ». Until Bright Tragedy came back into her life. With the very intense Malachi, a man who was still fighting against his demons, trying to be a better version of himself.I was such a heartbreaking, gut-wrenching story filled with so much passion, talking about tough issues with main characters who didn’t hold anything back. They just made my heart sing. 
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  • Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕
    January 1, 1970
    Never fall In Love With A Rockstar took us on the ups and downs and gave us a tumultuous look of sacrifices and heartbreak. How do you let someone go when your heart beats for them constantly? How do you move on knowing that it could possibly break them even more? You do it because the outcome would be far more catastrophic if you don’t. It’s been five years since Clover walked away from the love of her life. Leaving was hard but staying at that point would have destroyed her and that was somet Never fall In Love With A Rockstar took us on the ups and downs and gave us a tumultuous look of sacrifices and heartbreak. How do you let someone go when your heart beats for them constantly? How do you move on knowing that it could possibly break them even more? You do it because the outcome would be far more catastrophic if you don’t. It’s been five years since Clover walked away from the love of her life. Leaving was hard but staying at that point would have destroyed her and that was something she couldn’t live with. Vowing to make a new life for herself and forget about the past, Clover has made good on her promise and in that moment, she couldn’t be more prouder. But her well constructed life is about have a cracks when she comes face to face with her past. Literally. Malakai has done some pretty horrible things in his rise to fame but he’s always had a number one fan and that was his girl. Best friends since childhood, these two have been through everything together including starting their own band and making it into one of the most popular bands of all time. Through the lows and highs, Clover has been there every step of the way but that all changed when his partying ways became too much and Malakai lost the one girl who meant more to him than any sold out stadium. Now five years later he’s staring at the woman who still haunts him and this time, he’s not letting her get away.I really enjoyed this slow burn romance and I loved that this was like a second chance romance in a sense. Kai and Clover had this intense connection that you felt from the very first page and once you had put aside the hurt that was done in the past, you saw that the love was there still and it showed. I would’ve liked to see some flashbacks when they were younger or during their time together when everything went down, but I think that’s me just being greedy and wanting more but you cant blame me. I still loved it though.If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that will make you fall in love, then this one is for you.    
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  • KFForever
    January 1, 1970
    kfforever 4.5 Stars ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KindleFriendsForeverThe author’s mind and magic are not new to this reader. She has the cunning ability to spin a story with all the real world feelings anybody else could see themselves experiencing. The story of Clover and Malachai is a tough one to endure at times. Throughout their long relationship, they have overcome so many insurmountable issues. Clover felt the way she did and made choices because of problems she couldn’t find a kfforever 4.5 Stars ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KindleFriendsForeverThe author’s mind and magic are not new to this reader. She has the cunning ability to spin a story with all the real world feelings anybody else could see themselves experiencing. The story of Clover and Malachai is a tough one to endure at times. Throughout their long relationship, they have overcome so many insurmountable issues. Clover felt the way she did and made choices because of problems she couldn’t find a way out of. Watching someone who means the world to you self destruct is harder than anything else to endure. I may not have completely agreed with the way she did it, but I see why it was her only recourse.Malachai is a troubled soul. Reading about his past and his family brought me to tears. He had very few choices growing up and when he finally could make his own choices he chose wrong; of course, this impacted both Clover and himself.Their relationship often reminded me of a stove top teapot. Slowly rising in temperature and just as it hits boiling point, the almighty whistle blows like the high crescendo of cymbals during a classical music piece. “You know your music, Malachai. You do. Not them. Don’t let them get to you. Believe in yourself. Believe in the magic you create. Believe that you’re stronger and tougher and smarter than those two and anyone or anything else that would try to destroy your beauty.” Music was their world, taking it away from either one of them would leave them a fractured, broken mess. The band is a family and Bright Tragedy is together in everything, battling any and all comers. Friends for years, family just as long. They have each other’s back even when their self-destructing and bleeding out.Clover is very much the mother of the band, and not in an icky way. She sees all and knows all, and fights to get the band where they want to be and who they want to be. Her unending love and support of Malachai and the rest of the band is what I found the most humbling and respectful about her. ‘“Clover.” The world was held in that one word. It was created and destroyed in just the simplicity of my name on his lips. And my soul? Utterly upended.’ When the chips are down, both Clover and Malachai just want the simple life. She never saw her life returning to him and the band that does not mean that she will turn her back on them or her heart. ‘I didn’t want the big, publicized rock star romance.I just wanted normal.Simple. A love so deep I could feel with every breath. A love so long and endless and consuming there were not words accurate enough to describe it. A love that would heal me. Hold me. Help me.’ The subject matters within this book are not pretty. They are the simple facts of where people go when they feel they have no place else to escape to. Thank you, Ms Higginson, for once again doing second chance romance in the only way you know how. Splendidly.
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  • Amy Weichseldorfer
    January 1, 1970
    3.5 stars.I read this entire book in one sitting. Unfortunately I started late and wound up going to bed when the sun was coming up. My bad! ;) This isn't a sexy romance. Living with addiction and the fallout that comes with it are the antithesis of sexy. It is a slow burn, second chance story that is fairly angsty. It's told exclusively from the h's (Clover/Clo) POV. It would have been nice to get inside the H's (Malachai/Kai) head for a minute. Like other Rachel Higgenson books I've read, it's 3.5 stars.I read this entire book in one sitting. Unfortunately I started late and wound up going to bed when the sun was coming up. My bad! ;) This isn't a sexy romance. Living with addiction and the fallout that comes with it are the antithesis of sexy. It is a slow burn, second chance story that is fairly angsty. It's told exclusively from the h's (Clover/Clo) POV. It would have been nice to get inside the H's (Malachai/Kai) head for a minute. Like other Rachel Higgenson books I've read, it's well written with fully fleshed out characters.While I liked and was greatly entertained by the book, I did have an issue with it. It's something that reared it's head at me throughout the book, so I had a hard time overlooking it.The H was addicted to drugs and alcohol. (No mention of cheating, so we assume no cheating took place while he was intoxicated.) The h did her best to try to keep the H off drugs but he wasn't ready to stop, and so she was left dreading the time when he eventually, fatally overdosed. Someone needed to look after her too, and since it appeared that no one did - because the H was the *real* star (eye roll) and needed to be babysat and appeased so he could keep raking in the dollars - she had to leave. For her own sanity. I totally get it. It's called self care. Then somehow, she gets the blame for leaving, and is made to feel bad about herself. Sorry, no. Blame? She didn't make him an addict, his home life was sufficiently horrid enough to make him want to escape from it. She didn't provide him with the drugs, she went out searching for him when he'd disappear on a bender. She was the one who took care of him. Because she needed to maintain her own sanity instead of waiting around for him to OD she's the bad guy? She's not. She left and was right to do so in my opinion. In the end, he managed to get himself clean - which is the only way recovery will work - and stayed that way. Blaming her is an abdication of responsibility. His, his manager's (the man who is paid to look out for him and who, it is mentioned, gave him prescription pills when he was already struggling with addiction), and his band mates who seemed to expect her to *handle* everything. She wasn't a doctor, addiction specialist, or AA/NA sponsor so she never would have been able to give him the help he needed, no matter how well intentioned she was. That needed to come from him, which ultimately it did. I don't feel like he ever took into consideration what his addiction did to her, just got mad that she left. Again, I did like the book. The problem I had with it, while I found it annoying, wouldn't stop me from recommending it to anyone who likes rock star romance.
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  • Mari
    January 1, 1970
    Rockstar books can be tricky but this one packed a punch emotion wise. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this but it was more than I hoped. The ansgt is real here. FYI this has some addiction triggers that may be hard to read but not too in descriptive and a not really triangle. Bright Tragedy had it's ups and downs like any rock group. Two imperfect people that found a second shot through all the chaos of stardom and music. Nothing worth it comes easy, this was a journey I was immersed Rockstar books can be tricky but this one packed a punch emotion wise. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this but it was more than I hoped. The ansgt is real here. FYI this has some addiction triggers that may be hard to read but not too in descriptive and a not really triangle. Bright Tragedy had it's ups and downs like any rock group. Two imperfect people that found a second shot through all the chaos of stardom and music. Nothing worth it comes easy, this was a journey I was immersed into. It was messy but beautiful. Clover Calloway used to be part of an up and coming band Bright Tragedy, she left due to having trouble with the spotlight and her first love best friend now ex. Malachi "Kai" Porter battled addiction when they started out, Clover tried her all to help him and keep him a float. It got too much for her, and she left the band, Kai hit rock bottom but then he found himself and got sober. When they meet again Clover has her routine and new life but the confusing feelings arise, part hurt, anger and resentment. I was all into that for some reason despite the turmoil of them and all that tension. I can feel they still care deeply. I get both their sides, Clover wants her normal and safe but misses her band mates. Kai needs assurance and has his doubts except for Clover. As a recovering addict Clover isn't sure of anything from Kai and it's an uphill battle. I got their feelings are there but the hurt and bad stuff got in between. Kai had such a tough upbringing and challenges that shaped him. I thought he was an interesting character, many sides to him. He went through the dark and came out stronger more mature and at peace. This song they started together and brought them closer emptying out raw honest feelings hidden. It's great that they had boundaries even when it lead to more. I like the slow burn between Kai and Clover they had unresolved issues to deal with. Kai has his own things to deal with and I appreciate he owned up to his faults. Kai has a way with words that can melt you I fwlt his sincerity in winning back the girl. Despite their turbulent history they were inevitable and together musical duo. Time changes people both Kai and Clover grew they weren't the same as before. Even though it's messy and hard they work better together. This is probably one of my favorites from Rachel Higginson it was well rounded and well written.
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  • Shelley
    January 1, 1970
    When I found out that Rachel Higginson was going to be writing a rockstar romance, I knew that this was bound to be a winning combination. One of my all-time favorite novels falls within this sub-genre, so I’m a bit fussy when it comes to these novels, but being a fan of this author’s writing, I was more than a little excited to see how she was going to weave her own magic with it.If you’re in the mood for a story that will take you on a smooth journey to the coveted HEA, this may not be the boo When I found out that Rachel Higginson was going to be writing a rockstar romance, I knew that this was bound to be a winning combination. One of my all-time favorite novels falls within this sub-genre, so I’m a bit fussy when it comes to these novels, but being a fan of this author’s writing, I was more than a little excited to see how she was going to weave her own magic with it.If you’re in the mood for a story that will take you on a smooth journey to the coveted HEA, this may not be the book for you. If you enjoy a bumpier road that takes you on an angsty, tumultuous journey, buckle up, sit back and get ready for Clover and Kai’s story.Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is aptly named and seems like sound advice. Clover lived the rock and roll lifestyle. Forming a band with her brother and childhood friends, she knew what the bright lights, screaming fans, and stardom felt like. She had lived a dream-come-true with her closest friends. But not everyone in Bright Tragedy was able to deal with all of the pressures that seemed to pair with this hectic, fast-paced lifestyle. Kai, the lead singer and her boyfriend, succumbed to the demands and pressure and spiraled downward into a reality that Clover just couldn’t handle anymore.Clover just wanted to live a normal life. She didn’t want to be in the spotlight. She wanted a calm, peaceful life with a regular job, normal friends, and a boyfriend who lived a normal existence. After five years of living her new “normal,” Clover finally felt as though she were on the safe track to happiness…. until…her boyfriend took her to see his favorite band. Mm hmm. I’m going to leave it at that.As a fan of slow-burning romances, I adore the way Higginson takes her time to develop her characters and their stories. She is never in any rush to speed the story along. It all unfolds naturally and authentically, giving her readers the most realistic, emotion-filled reading experience. The only thing that I wanted a bit more of was the angst and that heart-pounding trepidation that goes along with it. Maybe I’m a sucker for punishment, but I love to feel the knots and butterflies in my stomach.Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar was a tantalizing mixture of first love, second chances, and the rock and roll experience.
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  • Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨
    January 1, 1970
    First, how fun is this cover?!?! I appreciate the artistic beauty of it… no arty couple photo… no half naked man… no close up on the abs. I love it! So unique and original. I’m always in serious awe of this author’s abilities to give us truly different covers! I love when a person dares to stand outside societies norms. The cover is definitely one of my favorites this year!I was surprised how quickly I fell into Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar’s storyline. I immediately liked Clover. I enjoye First, how fun is this cover?!?! I appreciate the artistic beauty of it… no arty couple photo… no half naked man… no close up on the abs. I love it! So unique and original. I’m always in serious awe of this author’s abilities to give us truly different covers! I love when a person dares to stand outside societies norms. The cover is definitely one of my favorites this year!I was surprised how quickly I fell into Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar’s storyline. I immediately liked Clover. I enjoyed being in her head as she played the piano. You can just feel the passion. I liked Adam, Clover’s boyfriend. I felt for him as the story developed. Sometimes I think people get so wrapped up in their current life and just live without realizing they are missing passion. You can feel the current between Kai and Clover almost immediately after reconnecting. Unlike Adam and Clover, Clover has a deep passion with Kai. However, they have a difficult past. One that is riddled with addiction, self medicating, with letting the other down… it’s peppered with hurt feelings and lonely nights, a burden of one carrying the responsibilities while one reaps the careless rewards.So as you can see, we have a mess… Rachel Higginson always creates a wonderful story with these strong, yet, broken characters that I find myself loving and hating. Miss Higginson wrote a story that may be a broken love story but underneath her words she gets her reader looking deeper at their lives. I know I was left thinking about my life, the choices I’ve made this far. NFILWAR also centers on forgiveness. Is it easier to let go of those past hurts or hold onto them. What does this do to you? It’s really a deep and meaningful storyline. I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.Check out my Blog: Next Book ReviewCheck out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
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  • Bff Book Blog
    January 1, 1970
    Never fall in love with a rockstar; even if you are one yourself! This is an interesting twist on the rockstar trope. Clover was on top of the music world, a household name, playing sold-out stadiums and doing what she loved with her brother, her friends and her boyfriend-since-childhood. But, eventually it was all too much and she left it all behind. She did everything to start a new life. A simple life. A normal life. But, when her old life crashes headfirst into her new life, she has to exami Never fall in love with a rockstar; even if you are one yourself! This is an interesting twist on the rockstar trope. Clover was on top of the music world, a household name, playing sold-out stadiums and doing what she loved with her brother, her friends and her boyfriend-since-childhood. But, eventually it was all too much and she left it all behind. She did everything to start a new life. A simple life. A normal life. But, when her old life crashes headfirst into her new life, she has to examine if this "new her" is who she really wants.And, things are different than they used to be. But, will those changes last? And are those changes enough to cancel out some of the rough memories and replace them with new ones? Clover has to decide if she can trust this new Kai and figure out where she fits into this new life.Clover and Kai are well-written characters with so many attributes that are both likeable and relatable. It's easy to become invested in their love story and truly root for their happily ever after! The hero and heroine are surrounded by a terrific cast of supporting characters that have their own personalities and add depth and liveliness to the tale. How I wish Bright Tragedy was a real band! I'm hoping that we'll at least get a series so each of the members of the band can find their own loves!This story is heartfelt, emotional and full of angst. It's a story of love, fame, success, addiction, recovery and forgiveness. Woven through these themes is a romance for the ages. Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is a gripping, emotional, page-turner and I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR!An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: angst, character development, romance, supporting characters, world creation and happily ever after.
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  • Eileen Robinson
    January 1, 1970
    Kai Porter is the typical troubled rockstar, over indulged, a huge ego and he's also the life that Clover ran from. He needs her in his life, he wants her back, but he also knows that it probably isn't possible.Clover Calloway is a normal everyday type of girl, she likes the "normal routine of normal life". After all this is what she wants, she's had the other type of life and it destroyed her. She didn't just leave it behind, she Run!! Yes she loved her old life, she loved performing, she loved Kai Porter is the typical troubled rockstar, over indulged, a huge ego and he's also the life that Clover ran from. He needs her in his life, he wants her back, but he also knows that it probably isn't possible.Clover Calloway is a normal everyday type of girl, she likes the "normal routine of normal life". After all this is what she wants, she's had the other type of life and it destroyed her. She didn't just leave it behind, she Run!! Yes she loved her old life, she loved performing, she loved the touring, but she couldn't save someone she loved at the cost of losing herself.Now 5 years later, the man she grew up with, the man she has loved all her life has crashed back into her life she barely survived him before and she sure isn't going to go there again.This isn't the easiest of reads. The author covers subjects that are never easy, but i loved that she didn't leave out the trauma of addition and the horror and heartache it brings, not only to addicts but also to those people around them who love them. I didn't expect to fall in love with Kai as i learned more about his and Clover's past. But this author definitely has a way of turning your heart and catching your emotions. I loved that i found it easy to connect with both characters, and got to learn both sides of the story. My heart broke for Clover and i found myself admiring her strength whilst desperately trying to keep her heart intact. I grew to admire Malachi (Kai) and the man he became, and then ... yep I Fell in Love with him!!! Their re introduction to each other just melted me, and i could feel their love for each other leap out of the pages, but could they ever get back what they had lost? This author always gives such depth the the characters they become your friends, people you know and care about. People you want to protect and people you want to have that elusive Happy Ever After!!!
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  • Ria - Reading Is Our Satisfaction
    January 1, 1970
    Second chance romances are to be believed inYet another wonderful story from Rachel Higginson. When I first read the blurb I thought ... mmm another rockstar romance ... how wrong was I!! it was so much more. This was deeply emotional, pulling me this way and that, breaking my heart, shattering it to pieces. However, through her extraordinary writing Rachel made this story thoroughly enjoyable to read. This is a romance, but it is a slow burn one, a second chance to get things right and heal the Second chance romances are to be believed inYet another wonderful story from Rachel Higginson. When I first read the blurb I thought ... mmm another rockstar romance ... how wrong was I!! it was so much more. This was deeply emotional, pulling me this way and that, breaking my heart, shattering it to pieces. However, through her extraordinary writing Rachel made this story thoroughly enjoyable to read. This is a romance, but it is a slow burn one, a second chance to get things right and heal the hurt from previous years.I loved Clover. She was a strong, gutsy woman, even though she had had her heart broken by the one person who she thought would always be there for her. Clover was once a member of Bright Tragedy, a band that had everything going for them. She left, not wanting to live in the spotlight and because of the trouble she was having with Malachi (Kai). Clover wanted "normal", she wanted routine, she wanted out. Malachi is a broken man, much of it to do with the troubles and choices he made in the past. He had to hit rock bottom before he could see what he was doing to himself and those around him.Now five years later, Clover has her "normal", only to have Malachi come crashing back into her life. This is where Ms Higginson gets down to the nitty gritty and the nuts and bolts of the story. Yes it is sort of a love triangle, but there is no cheating. it is mainly Clover sorting through her own life and her emotions. Is her life with Adam worth continuing, or is she better off pursuing her future with Malachi? What are the main factors in determining her decision? Is Clover capable of putting her trust in Malachi. a man who now has his life in order and has become both stronger and more reliable?This book was an amazing read. Rachel Higginson has taken rockstar romance to an entirely new level. Prepare yourself for a truly emotional journey, expect tears, laughter, anger and frustration, but most of all expect to feel love.Definitely a recommended read.Read and Reviewed For Reading Is Our SatisfactionFIVE STARS
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  • Book-Lover Book Blog
    January 1, 1970
    I’m in love with this author’s work. Completely in love with her writing style and her characters in each book are so freakin’ awesome! And this book was no exception. What’s better? There’s no ‘hot’ scenes. Not sure about anyone else, but I just can’t read them no more and that made this book extra special. It was ALL story!Clover and Kai... swoon. Their tragic romance was one of fairytales really but the outcome couldn’t have been more emotional. Honestly, the ending? I ugly-cried like a baby. I’m in love with this author’s work. Completely in love with her writing style and her characters in each book are so freakin’ awesome! And this book was no exception. What’s better? There’s no ‘hot’ scenes. Not sure about anyone else, but I just can’t read them no more and that made this book extra special. It was ALL story!Clover and Kai... swoon. Their tragic romance was one of fairytales really but the outcome couldn’t have been more emotional. Honestly, the ending? I ugly-cried like a baby... and I’m not even joking. Clover is just such a wonderful, yet stubborn, person. She’s caring, loving, confused, a little aloof and bright. Kai is her polar opposite, he’s a typical rock star but with a heart full of gold. He’s the dark to her light and it makes their friendship all the more enigmatic. The storyline was just completely perfect. I mean, this book couldn’t have been any better at all. It made my heart pound, it made me cry - twice -, it made me chuckle and it made me all warm and fuzzy. I’m a full-on lover of rockstar romances and I’m finicky with them. But this author really did her research into music and instruments and that made this book fabulous. The penmanship from this author is incredible. As with previous books, she draws the reader in from the get go, spits them out at the end with tears down their faces and makes readers want to wish for a higher rating number then just 5.. cause this book is a solid 10. I’m looking forward to more books from this author and in my heart, and soul, I’m dying for a story from each of the band members because there’s nothing better than a full series of rockstars. Sigh. I can only hope!
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  • Kelly
    January 1, 1970
    Full review at wildandwonderfulreads.comActual Rating:  4.5 starsNever Fall in Love with a Rockstar was so much more than I expected or ever could have hoped!I know, hands down, that I can pick up a Rachel Higginson book and will love it.  I really enjoy her writing style, her stories always suck me in, and I connect with her characters more than any other author I regularly read.  She did not disappoint with her latest release!Yes, Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is a rockstar romance, but i Full review at wildandwonderfulreads.comActual Rating:  4.5 starsNever Fall in Love with a Rockstar was so much more than I expected or ever could have hoped!I know, hands down, that I can pick up a Rachel Higginson book and will love it.  I really enjoy her writing style, her stories always suck me in, and I connect with her characters more than any other author I regularly read.  She did not disappoint with her latest release!Yes, Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar is a rockstar romance, but it's also a story about second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.  This book is a beautiful and emotional journey.The characters in this book are phenomenal -- flawed and real!  Clover and Kai have a complicated and ugly past.  He suffered from addiction, and she fought against the worry that comes with loving an addict.  Five years later when they encounter each other, all the feelings, memories, and heartache come flooding back.  I appreciate how Rachel handles the addiction aspect of this story as well as the love triangle.  Love triangles usually make me wary, but the execution is on point!Overall, I 100% recommend Never Fall in Love with a Rockstar!  If you're a fan of soul-stirring contemporary romances, you don't want to miss out on this one!*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
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  • Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers)
    January 1, 1970
    Rachel Higginson didn't follow the manuel when she wrote Never Fall In Love With A Rockstar. This is not your typical rockstar romance nor is it the typical second chance romance. Rachel boldly stepped out and wrote her own recipe which challenges every emotion. She purposely portrayed the darker side of the music industry and how susceptible individuals can easily fall down the rabbit hole.Malachi Porter and Clover Calloway have more than a history of the Bright Tragedy Band. They are destined Rachel Higginson didn't follow the manuel when she wrote Never Fall In Love With A Rockstar. This is not your typical rockstar romance nor is it the typical second chance romance. Rachel boldly stepped out and wrote her own recipe which challenges every emotion. She purposely portrayed the darker side of the music industry and how susceptible individuals can easily fall down the rabbit hole.Malachi Porter and Clover Calloway have more than a history of the Bright Tragedy Band. They are destined soulmates who met as children. Together they suffered tragedy, friendship, love, heartbreak, and healing. Malachi fell under the evil spell of addiction. Clover stayed by his side until she couldn't. She couldn't watch him destroy himself. The Malachi she once loved was no longer the man she always loved.Five years later, Malachi is back and he is a different man. He wants Clover to collaborate writing songs with him. He needs her in his life. This time he intends to keep her. The band, the manager, and new record company all have their own idea about Clover. Can they make music together and not destroy what is left of their souls? Read the book... Rachel Higginson never disappoints.
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  • AC Book Blog (Anne Christine)
    January 1, 1970
    Clover Calloway was once a superstar with one of the hottest bands along her brother and her ex-boyfriend Malachi. But all that was in the past. Now Clover lives a quiet life playing piano part-time for Macy’s. She has a boyfriend and a close circle of friends that does not know about who she really is. Clover thought she left the volatile rock star life behind for good until one day Clover’s boyfriend surprised her with a concert ticket to see one of his favorite band … What the poor guy did no Clover Calloway was once a superstar with one of the hottest bands along her brother and her ex-boyfriend Malachi. But all that was in the past. Now Clover lives a quiet life playing piano part-time for Macy’s. She has a boyfriend and a close circle of friends that does not know about who she really is. Clover thought she left the volatile rock star life behind for good until one day Clover’s boyfriend surprised her with a concert ticket to see one of his favorite band … What the poor guy did not know was that Clover was once part of Bright Tragedy - a big secret she kept from him all along. What happens when the past and present collide? Malachi is a different person than Clover remembers but Clover left her broke heart behind a long time ago and she is not sure she can survive another heartbreak.Rachel always surprise me with her story. This one dealt with some substance abuse issues which is emotional and heartbreaking. Malachi and Clover are forced to face their dark past and work through forgiving oneself and each other. This book isn’t a typical sexy rock star romance – this is a story of healing, redemption, forgiveness, and second chance. It’s raw, honest and full of heart. Beautifully written.
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  • Shawna Wood (A Girl and Her Books)
    January 1, 1970
    I have to tell you that my overall reading year has been meh. There have been a few gems and great books from continuing series, but there haven't been many new books to really grab me and pull me in, while I get lost the world the author created. It should surprise me that one of my favorite authors knocked it out of the park with her newest release. and to be really honest, I don't really like stories involving rock stars, but I loved this one!Clover and Kai's story was equal parts beautiful a I have to tell you that my overall reading year has been meh. There have been a few gems and great books from continuing series, but there haven't been many new books to really grab me and pull me in, while I get lost the world the author created. It should surprise me that one of my favorite authors knocked it out of the park with her newest release. and to be really honest, I don't really like stories involving rock stars, but I loved this one!Clover and Kai's story was equal parts beautiful and tragic. It was a story of first loves, first success, first heartbreak and ultimately first lost. This story dealt with the emotional trauma a co-dependency and addiction can have on people. Clover gave up everything, even her soul when she was a member of Bright Tragedy. The band and Kai were slowing stealing her life and that she did the only thing she could do and that was to run. When Clover ran though she failed to see that her addiction to saving and rescuing others was just a damaging as substance abuse. She spent the better part of a decade wearing a mask, making the same mistakes and running from her own issues. When she is confronted with her past, she is forced to finally deal with her addiction and ugliness in order to finally live as her true self. This story was raw, emotional and messy in all the best ways. What Clover has to go through in order to be free isn't easy at times. She has to finally confront all that she ran from, learn to be vulnerable and accept some hard truths about herself and her demons. The only reason is I'm knocked off one star because I wanted to see the actual reconciliation of Kai and Clover's past relationship. In order for Clover to be free, she has to comes to terms with her past with Kai and what her future could look like. AS I'm greedy I wanted to see it all played out on the page and instead got a few chapters of the play by play, when I wanted the whole ballgame. Otherwise this beautiful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption and be prepared to take an emotional journey to a HEA. ***********Author provided a review copy*********
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  • Mandy (I Read Indie) Anderson
    January 1, 1970
    Kai Porter was the devil that had come back into my life, asking me to hand over my soul so he could do what he wanted with it. And I was the idiot that had agreed. Okay indeed. ***My heart may never be the same after finishing this book. I fell too hard and too fast for this story, these characters, this real romance. When I finished I just knew I needed more. I needed more of Malachi and Clover. I needed more of the other characters that were sweet, honest and fun. They all found a crevice in Kai Porter was the devil that had come back into my life, asking me to hand over my soul so he could do what he wanted with it. And I was the idiot that had agreed. Okay indeed. ***My heart may never be the same after finishing this book. I fell too hard and too fast for this story, these characters, this real romance. When I finished I just knew I needed more. I needed more of Malachi and Clover. I needed more of the other characters that were sweet, honest and fun. They all found a crevice in my heart and nestled deep within. There is no way I can be happy just ending there. So make sure we get more of these fantastic people, Higginson. You hear me?I hurt for Malachi and Clover and the past they once shared. I understood the paths they ended up taking, but only wanted and needed for them to find a way to get to a place where they could be happy now and together. I knew it would not be an easy road, but I knew it needed to happen. And the way that Higginson crafted the story and hardships they had to face, made the ending that much sweeter. It was an incredible read that I picked up every chance I got. Even at 2 in the morning when I found I couldn’t go back to sleep. Staying up until 4am was absolutely worth it. 5 Magnificent, Emotion Fueled Stars!
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  • Serena Worker
    January 1, 1970
    Adam didn’t know about her past with the band, why she created her new life and the look on his face she couldn’t ruin the night for him because of her past with Blind Tragedy and how it almost broke her.Clover should have known that she wouldn’t be able to go the concert with no one recognising her, the manager lets her know Kai is doing well and sober. Clover thought that would be it, she didn’t expect that the band would want her back, or that Kai would want to finish the song they started.Cl Adam didn’t know about her past with the band, why she created her new life and the look on his face she couldn’t ruin the night for him because of her past with Blind Tragedy and how it almost broke her.Clover should have known that she wouldn’t be able to go the concert with no one recognising her, the manager lets her know Kai is doing well and sober. Clover thought that would be it, she didn’t expect that the band would want her back, or that Kai would want to finish the song they started.Clover just wanted a normal life with an endless love, she knew it may not be Adam, and it wasn’t Malachi. Malachi had messaged her, he was sorry and wanted them to get to know each other, she owed Kai this she had loved him once.Before she knew it, she was letting him back in her life, saying they could be friends, she was doubting what she had with Adam, but she loved the music, her and Kai were working together. Kai wanted to make progress, but she didn’t think he was only talking about the music, could they move forward from their past and have the endless love that Clover always wanted.
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  • Louisa
    January 1, 1970
    3.5 Blush ReviewThis girl is a HUGE fan of rockstar books so when I saw this book coming I just KNEW I needed it in my life.Clover and Kai have a past that is full of memories, both good and bad, but the bad had taken over and she had to save herself for once.  Leaving Bright Tragedy wasn't an easy decision, leaving the man she had always loved, her friend, her brother and her career but it was necessary for her survival.Five years have passed and Clover and Kai's paths cross again and what hap 3.5 Blush ReviewThis girl is a HUGE fan of rockstar books so when I saw this book coming I just KNEW I needed it in my life.Clover and Kai have a past that is full of memories, both good and bad, but the bad had taken over and she had to save herself for once.  Leaving Bright Tragedy wasn't an easy decision, leaving the man she had always loved, her friend, her brother and her career but it was necessary for her survival.Five years have passed and Clover and Kai's paths cross again and what happens isn't what you think will happen.  This isnt'a book about reconnecting in just the sexual way but on a deeper level, friendship, trust and working together are more of the theme than the sex.  There is a definite SLOW BURN going on here. The pace was a bit slow at times for me, but the story and journey overall gave me the feels that I wanted and needed from this rock star!
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  • Emily (Mrs B's Books)
    January 1, 1970
    **My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**Oh mamma, this book seriously has all the feels!!!!I started this book around lunch time yesterday and was still up at 2:30am reading knowing i had to get up before 7am to get the kids to school. The book was that good i just did not want to put it down.Rachel certainly tugged at the heart strings with this one with Malachi and his past along with how Clover had to get away just for her sanity. It was lovely to see **My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**Oh mamma, this book seriously has all the feels!!!!I started this book around lunch time yesterday and was still up at 2:30am reading knowing i had to get up before 7am to get the kids to school. The book was that good i just did not want to put it down.Rachel certainly tugged at the heart strings with this one with Malachi and his past along with how Clover had to get away just for her sanity. It was lovely to see that everything that Malachi had done was in order to get Clover back into his life where she belonged.Clover certainly grows more as a person with Kai by her side and with her awesome friends helping her out. Kai certainly challenges Clover to see what he has built is not quite the real her and that she is only settling when with Kai she can have the forever kind of love.The epilogue is heartwarming too and ends in a really positive light and you can't help but wish that the other members of the band also get to have a story told too.I highly recommend this book.
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