Rocking My Emotions with Rock Your Heart Out by Crystal Kaswell

I was definitely looking forward to this book.  Tom is my favorite of the band so far and Crystal Kaswell took her time to develop him.  Also, Willow's back story had been hinted at and I was curious about what had happened to her.  I wasn't as worried about going into this book because she had done so well with the second book.  So, I opened the book to see what she had done with my favorite bad boy in Sinful Serenade.  

I am pretty familiar with the setting by now except this time they were on tour so I got to move deeper into band life and the intricate workings within.  Also, I found out why their manager is rarely around and that actually gave more depth to Tom's character.  

And speaking of Tom...He's just so cocky and sexy and though he may seem shallow at times, he has a good heart.  He cares for his family and his friends.  He puts himself in situations for them that are endearing.  He has a low opinion of his self-worth that is heartbreaking.  Willow is a strong woman who has faced flames and walked out a phoenix.  I love her stubbornness and her ability to raise her chin and face things even when she's hurt.  Together Tom and Willow push and pull each other and I would say they are fire together but they aren't...They're a freaking explosion.  

The story itself is emotional and pulls you through the pain and heartache and lust and love in a way that keeps you engaged.  It deals with family and friendships in a way that makes you want to continue to turn the pages.  There is sex in this book and it's hot as the hinges of hell's gates.  One other thing I will say is that Crystal Kaswell knows how to set up for the next story.  I thought Tom would be the climax but she started showing us more of Pete and he's made me conflicted.  There is a very good chance that he will become my favorite after reading the next book.  

I do recommend this book for anyone who likes bands, rocking out, love and lust.  I do not recommend this for anyone below the age of eighteen.  

Book Cover Rating: 5

Book Rating: A flaming hot 5

Pulling At Those Heart Strings With Strum Your Heart Out By Crystal Kaswell

I opened the second book of this series invested in the characters because they were in the first book, Sing Your Heart Out.  Kara is Meg's best friend and Drew is in the band as the guitarist.  He's Kara's other best friend.  I was excited about learning more about them and if I'm honest, a little worried because as a reader sometimes, you get so involved then you read the story for the characters and it falls flat.  I was thankful that didn't happen in this book.  Crystal Kaswell brought all the hotness from the first book and turned it up to scorching.  What she does so well with them (Besides the hotness of course) is she makes them real.  They have real fears and real worries and ugly part to their pasts.  They are far from perfect.  Her characters have went through things and are beautiful in their imperfections.  I love that.  I grasp onto that.  The heart and soul in the first two books made me care for them and want them to find their happily ever after.  I laughed with them and I cried with them.  Those emotions mean so much to me as a reader and I'm grateful she brought them out.  

How she described band life is also perfect.  How do I know?  I've been around bands...I even lived with a band.  Bandmates aren't always happy with each other.  There is drama and people are always in each other's private lives.  I'm glad she didn't make it all roses because it's not.  I would be very surprised to find that she hadn't been around bands and how they work because she writes it so well.

I love her side characters.  She has successfully hooked me in for the next books.  I can not wait to read Tom and Pete's stories.  I really have no complaints about this book.  I loved every minute of reading it.  

I recommend this book for anyone who loves romance and if you haven't read band romance, this is a good place to start.  It will make you have high expectations.  The only ones who should not read this book are children because of those very steamy, hot naughty scenes.

Book cover rating: 5+

Book Rating: 5++++++