Saved by the Rockstar: a woman who social anxiety and the rockstar who helps her find the strength to step into the world

Saved by the Rockstar is the first book in the Rich and Famous romance series by Michelle Pennington. Julie Chambers is a famous author who has crippling social anxiety so she avoids the spotlight. Her only interaction with the outside world is her weekly vlog to connect with her fans. When she raves about the rock star who had inspired her writing, she is surprised when he responds. As the lead singer of Sterling House, Ryland Sterling loves his music and performing, just not the fake women that go along with it. When his little sister shows him the vlog of her favorite author who mentions his band, he is intrigued by her. With the possibility of meeting in person, can Julie find the courage to face her anxiety and step into the world she has been avoiding? 

Saved by the Rockstar is a sweet, action packed romance. It was a quick read as I could not put it down. I immediately loved Julie and felt for her as she fears large crowds. I also loved Ryland who was so gentle and understanding with Julie. Their chemistry and connection was immediate and clear. I enjoyed their interactions online, via text and in person. The conflicts between the characters felt genuine as well as their resolutions. I knew there was someone waiting in the wings to destroy their budding relationship. I had an idea who this person was and the reveal confirmed my suspicion and yet I held my breath as I read. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Saved by the Rockstar.

Saved by the Rockstar is available in eBook

The Fake Date: an arrangement to fulfill a promise and keep matchmakers at bay

The Fake Date is the fourth book in the Brides of Beaufort by Jess Mastorakos. Beau Devereux is a Marine with a side hustle. Mr Fake Date, a business in which women can hire him to be a date for weddings. He has strict rules. No feelings. Kissing is extra. Everything was going great until his father forced him to make a promise to find something real. Lyndi Robinson is the beautiful yet bookish woman who caught his eye a year ago. When she needs a fake date for an upcoming family wedding, he offers his services. They can pretend to be dating to satisfy his father’s promise and keep her family’s matchmakers away. As they begin their charade, Beau realizes she could be the one. But he is determined to be her fake date and walk away. He has to. He doesn’t want to fall in love and lose her like he lost everyone else. 

To say I am loving this series would be an understatement. And Jess Mastorakos is quickly becoming a must-read author for me. Great characters with flaws, of course, handsome military men are always a plus. The Fake Date dives deeper into the fear of loss, social anxiety and escaping reality. I loved that the mutual attraction between Beau and Lyndi was shown in the first book and carried on through the second and third book even though neither Beau and Lyndi were willing to act on their feelings. The growth of Beau and Lyndi in this story was great. I loved Beau who was closed off for a purpose, although he really didn’t want to be but felt he had to to protect his heart. I loved the bookish Lyndi, but there were times I wanted to shake some sense into her. Overall, I loved this story. I’m ready to jump right into book five. I highly, highly recommend The Fake Date. 

The Fake Date is available in paperback and eBook