Showing posts with label Taryn Elliott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taryn Elliott. Show all posts

December 30, 2014

Review: The Opening Act


The Opening Act
The Opening Act by Taryn Elliott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



First thing first. Jimi. Not Jimmy. Jimi. I'm chalking this up to one of those pesky autocorrect errors though because I've seen it other books and I refuse to believe that any author that writes a book about a band or music lover doesn't know the proper spelling of one of the greatest/influential guitarists in rock n roll.

That's done, now onward.

The Opening Act is a bundle of the first books in the Lost in Oblivion series. I've already read the later two, so I'm just going link those reviews in here and discuss the first novella in this series, Seduced.

Seduced takes us back to the very beginnings of the band Oblivion. For those who've read the latter two books prior to this one, it gives you some insight on that tension that is oft mentioned between Jazz, Nick and Gray. And boy was the reason for that tension interesting. Their story was probably the most interesting in the book and really makes me intrigued to see how everything is going to turn out between all of them. As for the rest of the book, it is lots 'o sex and teases the future love lives of a couple of the band members.

So. Overall, I'll give this bundle 3 stars. I think that Rocked was by far the strongest book with Seduced probably being the weakest. We could have gotten this backstory in the characters' books rather than a separate one and it would not have made the slightest difference. Still, it was a good read for what it was.


Here are the links for my reviews of parts 2 & 3 of this boxed set
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/929878359
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/930758297




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July 12, 2014

Review: Rock, Rattle and Roll


Rock, Rattle and Roll
Rock, Rattle and Roll by Taryn Elliott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



*Arc provided by Netgalley for a fair and honest review.

This novella from the Lost in Oblivion series was a quick and hot view into the life of Harper and Deacon, post-wedding. On their honeymoon, no less, so you know that it is at least going to be interesting on one area. As you can tell from the title, it does delve into more than just sex though. On that note...

I wish I could say more than this novella was more than just okay. That's all it was for me though, just okay. I am a little over the unplanned pregnancy trope rampant in this genre of books. It was handled slightly differently in this book, which was a good thing though. It added something that makes it stand out a little more. It's hard to write book that stands out despite following the same basic formula, but this author does manage to do that. Interesting characters and good writing make a huge difference.

Anyhoo. If you were already a fan of the great chemistry inspired by Harper and Deacon, you'll dig this novella. It's just enough to keep your appetite going for more of the series.



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May 7, 2014

Rocked by Taryn Elliott

Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Mostly. Frustrated at being shoved out of his mediator role by their new manager, Deacon McCoy loses himself in brutal workouts. He only comes up for air long enough to refuel—and to tease the deliciously cute chef who makes him crave a lot more than what she's offering on her serving plate.

As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt has heard every pickup line twice. To her, musicians are one step above the scraps on her cutting board. All she wants is to get enough experience to run her own catering company, but Deacon and his bottomless stomach are too tempting to resist. He's far from the typical rock star and before long, she finds herself experimenting with him, inside and out of the kitchen. 

Apron - and panties - optional.

When Harper sees that Deacon’s dream band with his best friends may be turning into a nightmare, she can't walk away. Deacon's so much more than just a peacemaker and the man behind the bass. But she has her own dreams to chase...even if she's starting to think what she's building with him might be the biggest one of all


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Rocked was a well written, intriguing, and hot with a capital H, book.  It was also incredibly drawn out and repetitive book too though, with an ending that left me wishing for something different.

Rocked is centered around the relationship between Harper and Deacon.  Harper is a former roadie and recently graduated chef with a jaded view of the rock 'n roll lifestyle.  Deacon is the bassist of the up and coming band, Oblivion, who isn't your typical just making it big rock star.  The two meet on tour, where Harper is just starting out on her career as a sous chef with the caterers for the tour. Insert sparks between the two here.

 Harper is really hesitant for anything more than a hook up.  She has been there, done that and came home with a t-shirt.  Deacon, however, pushes for more from the start.  It makes for an interesting dynamic between the two.  The biggest problem with this, is that this dynamic just ends up extremely repetitive after a while.  Honestly, there is only so much sex and so much relationship questioning (on Harper's part) that I can take.  I think that we could have done without a few chapters of this book and still wouldn't have lost the understanding on their relationship.  I can't really say that it messes up the book, per se, but that was primarily because I just skimmed a good chunk of the second half.

While the relationship between Harper and Deacon was interesting, I think the band itself was the thing that really made this book for me.  Oblivion is just starting to make it bad, so we really got to see their journey from getting discovered, to touring, to finally getting that record deal and all of the troubles and joys in between.  There is a prequel book that shows how the band got together, but I have not read it yet.  I'd say that it won't affect your understanding of this book, but I plan to check it out anyway just in case.  Anyway.  At times, the band kind of overshadowed Deacon's relationship, but that really isn't a bad thing. Especially since it was the relationship aspect that got so repetitive.

Overall, this book is definitely worth reading.  Be prepared to skim if you aren't into tons and tons of sex and drama, but give it a shot regardless.

3.5 Stars.

*ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review.