Review: Managed by Kristen Callihan

Series: VIP Book #2

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NLA Digital

Synopsis from Goodreads

It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.

I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.

That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.

I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.

If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Let the battle begin…

 

Review

This was kind of a surprise. I liked it more than I initially thought I would.

Sophie was surprisingly likeable. She's so outgoing and chatty. These characters can come across annoying, but she wasn't. Gabriel was much more likeable than I expected. He was so reserved in this first book, but here you get behind that facade. Authors don't always make that choice and keep the guy distant which disappoints me. But Ms. Callihan went all in.

The romance was pretty angsty. The simmering tension between these two is spectacularly written. It kept me engaged and turning the page. And I liked that they didn't have sex right away. No slut shaming here, but it was a nice change from other books I've been reading lately.

 

There are so many other people I want books about in this series. The next one doesn't have a synopsis or a release date. I just want to know!!!

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Idol by Kristen Callihan

Series: VIP Book #1

Format:Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Plain Jane

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

 Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse—and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything

Review

 

Generally, I'm not a fan of rockstar stories. I'm not even sure why. But I decided to give this a try because I've enjoyed other Kristen Callihan books. And I was pretty pleased.

 

 Libby was a nice play on the typical shy new adult heroine. She's an introvert, but that doesn't mean she hates people or can't have a potty mouth. And Killian is a lot like an alpha male, but not too over-the-top. he has a lot of sweet moments with Libby and his friends.

 

The romance was very sexual, but not rushed. These characters actually talked to each other and learned each other's personalities. I could've used less sex, but that's more of a personal preferance. 

 

Ms. Callihan  did address some sex-shaming and double standards when it comes to sexuality. I've been reading more of this which I appreciate. However, the "fighting back" was often biting toward other women. I don't hold it against her too much because this is a tough situation to deal with.

 

There were a bunch of great side characters in this book. I'm definitely interested in the whole band, Brenna, and Scottie. I don't know if they'll all get stories, but I hope they do. I've already borrowed the second one from the library.

 

Thanks for reading!

Holly