About the Book

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?

Review

I have to tell you how incredibly disappointed I was after reading Kristen Proby’s Listen to Me. Why, you ask? I have her on here all the time and was like, omg, why haven’t I read her previous books before? Don’t know where I’ve been but I know where I’m going, from this moment on, I’m totally on team Kristen because that book was fantabulous and the fact that I nearly burned my dinner while reading it was all the more reason to sing her praises because what else could get me completely distracted like that, you know!

The first thing that stands out about the book is that I loved how the book made me feel when I read it. When I started reading it, I knew it was going to be a homerun. There was something about it that just hooks you right in and doesn’t let you put it down. There was something about it that draws you in that makes you want to get to know these awesome women. Not that a guy can’t read it but, this was definitely a book that you will definitely enjoy more because her characters just hug you like you’re one of them which I think gave it the resonating connection that makes it such an engaging to read.

So, we are introduced to five awesome gals who differ in personality but really blend well in the book. They each are part owners in a restaurant and happen to be amazing friends. Each one brings their own flare to the book which by the way, I wouldn’t mind considering how the book ended, revisiting their lives beyond this one. So enjoying the storylines between them, it was nice reading about women who have a genuine friendship that support each other and are there for one another. You don’t see strong women who are confident, sassy, intelligent and real, so it was a breath of fresh air.

The heart of the book is dually told by the perspectives of Addison and Jake. Addison has had her fair share of losers. Trust me, mainly of you will relate to her struggle. She is smart, beautiful but doesn’t do well in the dating department. Just freshly getting out of a relationship with a loser, which she declared would be her last musician, she stumbles across someone that she least expected to make a connection with. Looking for someone to do a gig on the weekends at their restaurant, she and Kat, came across this great singer at an open mic night and decided to give him a try. To their surprise, he wasn’t just any singer, he was the famous Jake Knox, who happened to be one of the best rock stars before his band broke up. After swooning all the ladies with his easy on the eyes looks and charm, the only one that wasn’t convinced was Addison. So, she thought but there was definitely chemistry but after dealing with her latest experience, she wasn’t entertaining the idea of anyone. Thinking that all musicians are the same along with her guarded preconceived ideas, it wasn’t until one night she was faced with confronting her past, and had to drop her guard down to trust the person she is trying so hard to resist did she find herself singing a different tune.

Overall, I thought the book was awesome. Since this was my first book read from Kristen, I’m looking forward to catching up and future reads because she definitely is a terrific storyteller bringing characters that have authenticity and are relatable. She has a way with words that invite you into her book feeling fulfilled and not disappointed. You really get a great perspective of the characters as well as their journey through their experience. Considering how it ended, I’m looking for some answers because I want to know what happens and hopefully that will be answered soon. The only problem I had was that possibly because I’m such a prude, that for me, probably not for you, some of the scenes were a little too hot for me but hey, it’s all good. I’d definitely recommend adding this to the reading list. Very excited to read what’s to come!

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles