Review and Excerpt Tour: Rock Chick Reawakening: Kristen Ashley
Rock Chick Reawakening (Rock Chick 0.5)Kristen Ashley
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Released January 3, 2017
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From New York Times bestselling author, Kristen Ashley, comes the long-awaited story of Daisy and Marcus, Rock Chick Reawakening. A prequel to Kristen’s Rock Chick series, Rock Chick Reawakening shares the tale of the devastating event that nearly broke Daisy, an event that set Marcus Sloan—one of Denver’s most respected businessmen and one of the Denver underground’s most feared crime bosses—into finally making his move to win the heart of the woman who stole his.
A Message from Kristen:
Dear Reader,
I’m beside myself with glee that this prequel to my Rock Chick series has been unleashed! There was some time when I never thought I’d write it. When I couldn’t be in that terrible place with Daisy. But I’m oh-so glad that she called to me, demanding her story be told so she could give it to me and now I can give it to you! I loved every moment spent with Daisy and Marcus. And I hope you do too!
~Kristen Ashley
Markus is one of those bad guys who is hard to get a handle on. Yes, his business dealings are obviously dark and not always above the law, but at his heart he is a good man. The event that changed his actions from watching Daisy from the background to making his move front and center not only changed Daisy’s outlook, it changed his own. He is always smooth, always controlled, but when things go wrong for Daisy, he loses a handle on his carefully crafted cool.
Daisy is exactly what I expected of her. There were a couple aspects of her character that might have bugged me if I hadn’t met her as a background character. By the time I was reading her here, I expected her character traits and they didn’t rub me the way they otherwise might. I loved her sweetness and concern for everyone. She is a strong woman and having to lean on anyone after so long on her own was a learning experience.
These two had a struggle on their hands, which should be obvious from how devoted to each other they have been throughout the entire series. But watching the struggles first hand solidified their bond in my mind and I loved every minute of it.
The epilogue is an epic one, as KA is known for, but it really is a fantastic wrap to this series. We thought it was done when Ali got her man, but this prequel is really the icing on the cake.
Daisy is exactly what I expected of her. There were a couple aspects of her character that might have bugged me if I hadn’t met her as a background character. By the time I was reading her here, I expected her character traits and they didn’t rub me the way they otherwise might. I loved her sweetness and concern for everyone. She is a strong woman and having to lean on anyone after so long on her own was a learning experience.
These two had a struggle on their hands, which should be obvious from how devoted to each other they have been throughout the entire series. But watching the struggles first hand solidified their bond in my mind and I loved every minute of it.
The epilogue is an epic one, as KA is known for, but it really is a fantastic wrap to this series. We thought it was done when Ali got her man, but this prequel is really the icing on the cake.
This is technically a novella, as part of the 1001 Dark Nights series, but is almost as long as many novels and certainly reads more like a full length book. I loved the feelings I had while reading -- it felt like Classic KA. There was a lot going on in the story, but it never felt like too much.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy's life has not been easy and she's done it with little support. As an adult she takes care of herself by being a very popular stripper at Smithie's. She always dreamed of Prince Charming and built castles in her head, but never truly believed her fairy tale would come true.
She catches the eye of the dark, debonair, and dangerous Marcus Sloan. During a difficult time for Daisy, he makes his move pursuing her, supporting her, and vowing to keep her safe. She's resistant. He's persistent. Their back and forth banter is fun and laced with some misunderstandings about the differences in their lives.
Marcus won't give up til she gives in. He's a man on a mission to make Daisy his and give her the world. But she's not a woman used to getting what she wants or needs. Her life has never worked out that way. But he is determined to make her believe in him, herself, and hope for a future.
She catches the eye of the dark, debonair, and dangerous Marcus Sloan. During a difficult time for Daisy, he makes his move pursuing her, supporting her, and vowing to keep her safe. She's resistant. He's persistent. Their back and forth banter is fun and laced with some misunderstandings about the differences in their lives.
Marcus won't give up til she gives in. He's a man on a mission to make Daisy his and give her the world. But she's not a woman used to getting what she wants or needs. Her life has never worked out that way. But he is determined to make her believe in him, herself, and hope for a future.
Can Marcus convince her that he is real and dreams can come true (even in the sometimes dark and unconventional world that they live in)?
I have always loved Marcus and Daisy in the Rock Chick series and I was so glad to finally get their story. I adored Marcus. He's a KA Alpha man, but he is more polished and handles her with care. He is so patient, kind, and protective with her even though he is ruthless in business, Daisy makes no apologies for who she is. She is full of sass, spunk, and sparkles. And she has a huge heart. They are a study in opposites, but balance each other out so well. He's the buttoned up gentleman and she's the vibrant stripper who loves glitz and glam. He is dark and she is light. He's country club and she's pure country charm. But together, they are pure magic. I fell for them all over again.
This was technically a novella, but was almost as long as many books. We got both of their points of view, plenty of colorful speech(especially from Daisy), and it was a comfy read...like coming home and hanging out with old friends. I smiled so big at each rock chick, side kick, or hot bunch cameo that appeared. And the epilogues...they just kept coming and getting better and better, It was funny, sweet, romantic, and emotional, with a bit of danger, and a bunch of swoons. It just really made me remember what I loved about this series and I could not help but become emotionally invested. I am so glad she told their story and did this lovable couple justice.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Who’s that tall, dark drink of handsome water?” I asked Ashlynn, my eyes on the tall man with broad shoulders and fabulous suit who was sauntering out of the club in the manner of a man who owned it.
In the manner of a man who owned anything he wanted.
“Don’t go there,” Ashlynn answered.
I looked to Ashlynn.
“What, sugar?”
She shook her head. “He’s hot. Knew a girl who’s had him and I’ll repeat, he’s hot. Took her out four times. All to fancy restaurants where she had to buy fancy dresses and shoes. And he gave it to her good at the end of the night, and I mean real good, the way she described it. He also, like, opened the car door for her and everything.”
Opened the car door for her.
And everything.
Oh my.
“Ended it with her giving her a gold bracelet,” Ashlynn carried on, recapturing my attention. “Pure class.” Her look got intense as she stared into my eyes. “And he’s trouble.”
I glanced to the door that he’d obviously gone through because he’d disappeared, then back to Ashlynn.
“Trouble?”
Ashlynn didn’t answer that question.
She just shook her head again and declared, “He wouldn’t date a stripper anyway. Like I said. He’s class.”
I felt my mouth get tight.
Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.
Nothing's changed.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.
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Thank you so much! ~Jessica, InkSlinger PR
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