Member Reviews
My obsession for Tara Leigh has grown into a full blown book boner of multitude proportions. First it was Throne of Lies/Legacy of Lies which absolutely took my breath away with the complexities of the plot and then passionate romance that melted off the pages had me swooning, but now this - a girl can only take so much melting before she is a puddle of hot mess. Seriously, I love a good rocker romance to get my speckled heart in a tizzy.
Rock Rebel was phenomenal. I will say it now, and I will say it again by the end if my rambling doesn't go too far because wow, this was such an amazing read. Though I did get Rock King and Rock Legend, which are two of the previous books, I did go into Rock Rebel knowing it was in a series but that it could be read as a standalone. Really, I promise, speaking from someone who hasn't read the others, you get enough details to go into this without feeling lost, which is a plus! But just know, I have books one and two in my hands now and I will be going back to read them, you bet your bottom dollar I will.
I cannot describe enough how much I enjoyed Verity and Dax. Just their names was amazing, I love the name Dax - hopefully I am not alone in this obsession. But Dax was this perfect blend of confident yet shelled type character, he really exuded this confidence but had such a huge emotional flaw, which I loved about his character. He sheltered his feelings yet carried his heart on his shoulders, keeping distance from everyone, especially Verity. And specking of Verity, she stole my heart right from the start. She was very similar to Dax, which I adored about her. She was struggling with her past, both what her mother put her through and what she has allowed to continue happening, she is strong willed, passionate and yet she is someone who is very scared, and sadly with a low self esteem that causes her to push everyone aside. Not in a cocky way but in a way that makes her seem so guarded, I loved her personality.
Dax and Verity though had a tricky romance, one that took a smidge for me to wrap my mind around. I liked it a lot, even loved many aspects of their connection. They had this intense presence, they revolved around each other right from the start, even a reader could tell there was an instant chemistry. However there was a little bit of a push and pull between these two, again one that at times might have came across less 'flowing' maybe even awkward with the rest of the storyline. Maybe it is just me, but something felt misplaced. But to counter this, things start to unravel about the two towards the end that kind of made the push and pull of their romance more realistic. They both have such huge internal battles, their life struggles were powerful, they really needed each other.
So even with that slight point, I still stand by it, Dax and Verity had amazing chemistry. It literally melted from the pages. I really loved how and where their romance developed towards, they really leaned on one another for their actual character growth, which is strange to admit but I loved that about them.
Bottom line, I loved it. I really enjoyed everything about the witty, charming dialogue between Dax and Verity, they had such an amazingly delicious chemistry that was intense, passionate and fun. It was real and downright captivating for sure. I felt their connection was beautifully developed, and this entire book made me swoon! I cannot wait to see what comes next, I need some Jett in my life and here's me diving into Rock King and Rock Legend - see you on the other side comrades.
Verity Moore's past involves more pain and scars than a normal girl her age does. Being in the limelight since a very early age, she's been exposed to all sorts of evil that comes with fame. Now a disgraced "Disney Princess" she is ready to take control of her life and start all over.
Dax Hughes hides a terrible secret, a secret that broke his heart and he's never been able to really move on from that. When the disgraced pop princess joins their trope as the opening act, Dax becomes entirely obsessed. But she's off limits and he's incapable of having anything real.
What's one to do when what they are feeling and who they want is phenomenal, potent but unattainable?
This was my first ever Tara Leigh read and I'm here for her stories!
Dax's whole hot and cold vibe just made him so irresistible and then him being all wounded in love made me want to comfort him so bad. He just has something incredibly enticing about him and gawd his dirty thoughts made me giggle.
Verity is a force to be reckoned with. I can't even imagine what all she went through and how she managed to move past it. I love that she found the strength to find a place that was safe and made for her. It's not an easy thing to achieve but she did that.
Though I really love both the characters, I somehow couldn't connect to the story. I kept wanting to jump a couple parts and it put me off a little. But when it ended, I was really happy the way everything was tied up and how Dax and Verity got their well deserved HEA.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Tara Leigh.
Rock Rebel is book three in the Nothing But Trouble series by Tara Leigh. Although it is book 3, it can be read as standalone. So fair warning that the 2 books before will be a bit spoiled if you read this one first. If you are a fan of fun rock-n-roll reads, then I just say go for the whole series.
The third book of the Nothing But Trouble series is my absolute favorite. The characters, the plot, everything was just great. I found myself so wrapped up in Dax and Verity. Their story together was fresh and fun but the backstories of both of the characters was phenomenal. *** If #metoo is a trigger for you please proceed with caution.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
This delivers all the emotion and drama you expect from a good rock star romance, while at the same time addressing some dark and serious issues.
Although part of a series, this is a book you can successfully read as a standalone, and it doesn't give so much away from the previous books that you wouldn't want to go back and read those if you haven't already.
Great characters set against a believable entertainment industry background, with some really good plot twists.
I got into the first chapter and realized that this was not a title I am interested in.
thank you for the opportunity.
This book was a pure enticing and addictive read.
There was something about Dax and Verity's connection that brought sasense of restless undeniable pull and a calming clarity that felt real.
Let's be real here and say that the angst in the first half of the book is 'Oh My God!' flipping angst galore!
Rock Rebel is everything you'd expect it to be when you read a title like that. Rock Rebel oozes rebellion , ignites an undeniable desire and takes you on journey filled passion, angst, music, soul, a lilt bit of risk and whole lot of swoon worthy moments.
Somewhere along the way, Tara was able to create a story with two strong protagonist that were mysterious and intriguing to each other yet there was a balance where they became each other's saving grace.
This did a really good job dealing with an incredibly heavy topic, so if you like your rocker romances through the lens of #MeToo, this is a good one for you. TW: Sexual abuse.
The Nothing But Trouble series continues to entertain in this emotionally engaging romance full of heart and soul. With a main couple whose pasts have left them doubtful of HEA, readers will find themselves drawn to their journey and all their ups and downs along the way. Throughout their journey not only is their love put to the test but so too is the heroine’s view of herself after a particularly unsettling past that adds a timely discussion to this already unforgettable read.
Dax Hughes is a music prodigy who once played classical music with his family, until life and teenage love, took him to LA and to becoming the new guitarist for an up and coming band. He turned his back on his past to make a new future for himself and for the three bandmates that quickly became like family during their rise to fame. Heartbreak over, and betrayal by a lost love, had him hiding his heart behind a wall all these years. It had him refusing to mix business with pleasure, until a disgraced pop princess brings his heart back to life. Dax’s talent is quite clear and it’s a love for music that first binds him and the former teen star together. It’s also what had him leaving his family behind as he longed for something different in his life, something all his own. He’s made a satisfying life for himself, but it is a lonely one as his bandmates start finding their own HEAs. Though he at first fights his attraction to Verity he quickly realizes the connection they have in a romance that’s put to the test when her past and his collide. Dax is a steady and controlled presence within the band. He seems steady and sure most of the time, but it belies a man still looking for the one thing to complete him, love and acceptance for who he is. Meeting Verity brings out a protective side to him as well as a need to give her the validation he wants for himself too in a crackling and combustible coupling. Dax is a delicious hero, quick to admit when he’s wrong, and a man who says and does what you want all your book boyfriends to do.
Verity Moore grew up far too soon courtesy of a fame-obsessed mother who pushed her child into the spotlight. Put into positions that no young woman should be put into, Verity was left bruised by a career that took her to stardom only to let her fall. Years of anger and rebellion only made things worse, made her feel even more unworthy, before she finally takes control of her life. That control means hiring the man who manages Nothing But Trouble, a decision that changes her life irrevocably and sets her on a path to emotional healing and HEA. It’s not an easy path though as her bad decisions regarding men in the past have her worried that Dax is yet another man ready to hurt her. With her self-esteem at an all-time low she’s also leery of compliments and those who appear to be friends the more entwined her career becomes with Dax’s band. Though she wants Dax, she worries for her heart after all the betrayals dealt her way. It’s quite obvious though that they’re meant to be together as they each give the other exactly what they’re missing. In the immortal words of Jerry Maguire...they complete each other. Verity’s a likable heroine, a tell it like it is woman who’s trying to make the most of her second chance. She’s desperate to move on from her mistakes, while owning up to them too. Her relationship with her mother is painful to witness and Ms. Leigh doesn’t sugarcoat the dysfunction. Verity’s teen years were heartbreaking ones, ones that broke her spirit and her trust, and the revelations surrounding her past fame were handled in a delicate yet straight-forward way that brings the #metoo movement to this story in an empowering journey that Verity bravely puts herself through. Once her story comes fully to light, readers will be left cheering for this strong-willed heroine who finally gets the HEA she wholeheartedly deserves.
I was captivated by this story from the first page to the last, drawn to its compelling main couple and powerful romance. While the time line of this this story overlaps with the previous installment a bit, this story still stands strongly on its own and that’s courtesy of a heroine finally ready to fight for herself. For too long Verity let others control her, but no longer. Claiming Dax is just the beginning of her empowered choices, leading up to a bold revelation that had me cheering for the perfectly depicted modern storyline. Throughout these emotionally intense moments was also a sweet and sexy romance that made me smile. Verity and Dax were utterly delightful together, with their playful banter and scorching encounters, and I was drawn further into their lives with each turn of the page. The issues surrounding Verity’s past returned in a very unexpected way, but it was a way that made for an even more powerful storyline that pulled in the other characters too. I enjoyed the glimpses we got of the other members of Nothing But Trouble and the updates to their stories. While most of the boys are finding their HEAs, Jett’s still playing the field and showing a playful side that has me longing for him to finally find the woman to bring him to his knees. Manager Travis also deserves to find love as his comments about the boy’s HEAs made my heart flutter. This is another winner from Ms. Leigh, another satisfying installment in a rock star series that just keeps getting better and better.
I have chosen not to leave a full review for this title. I read it, and there were parts i enjoyed, but overall I have given the title a 2, as I just never really felt Dax was a real person. I wanted to like them as a couple, and I did...sort of. But he fell short for me.
I really enjoyed Dax and Verity's story! In Rock Rebel, Tara Leigh has written a story with great emotional range as well as relevancy to current events and I didn't want to put it down once I dove into this book.
Dax's start in the music world was about as far away from the rock scene as you can get but a series of twists in his life led him to the bar where he initially met Shane. Now his bandmates are his family while his blood relatives are more distant, and the path his life has taken has made him swear off ever having a relationship with another woman in the industry. So when he encounters "disgraced pop princess" Verity Moore, he is far from pleased to find himself wanting to get to know her in spite of his convictions.
Verity is sick and tired of that disgraced title, and she has made the decision to finally take charge of her career while planning a careful escape from her "momager". Verity has secrets she has taken care to hide and it unnerves her that Dax has the ability to see the real her so easily - even if he doesn't want to. Her character was a great mix of vulnerability and strength as she fought to move past the traumatic events she has lived through and find a way to stand on her own two feet while finding success in her future.
There is definitely some push and pull between these two characters with a lot of "should I or shouldn't I" moments and mixed signals. But once Dax finally decides to put on his big boy shorts, the chemistry between them is undeniable- and hot and sexy times ensue! No secret stays buried forever though, and Verity is stunned to find out that one of Dax's skeletons in the closet is tied to her own worst nightmares although I am not sure which one of them is more shocked by the realization.
I loved this book from start to finish and it is an excellent addition to the Nothing but Trouble series! It can definitely be read as a standalone so don't hesitate to dive in.
I was happy to learn the third book in the Nothing But Trouble series was out because I have enjoyed reading these engaging, feel good, rock star stories. This story is about Dax, a classically trained musician, who is now the lead guitarist for the group, Nothing but Trouble. Dax meets Verity when she is hired to be the group’s opening act. Dax is immediately attracted to Verity, but knows he shouldn’t get involved with anyone he is touring with.
Verity is a pop princess with problems trying to claim back her ruined reputation and make a comeback. She is a talented actress and singer but her stage mother has made her life miserable. Verity is trying to take control of her life and break away from her domineering mother.
I found it easy to connect with Dax and Verity and I loved the chemistry between them. They have survived in a world where everyone wants to take advantage of them. They are both vulnerable, have been hurt in the past and don’t trust easily. They help each other gain confidence and feel better about themselves and are perfect for each other.
This contemporary romance is like a window into the world of celebrities. Dax is a member of a successful rock group but he keeps secrets regarding his songwriting and some aspects of his relationship with his family, who are classical musicians. When he first sees Verity, he doesn’t recognise her but is seriously attracted. However, he’s already had a bad experience with his childhood sweetheart and the music business so he’s determined not to fall for another performer.
Verity was a child star who is trying to put her past behind her and to move on with more control on her future. She was pushed into situations by her mother who also managed her career and her finances. The last thing she needs or wants is anything to distract her from this opportunity for a new beginning!
Can the two resist their mutual attraction? Is there any way to reconcile their past with a future together? There are plenty of twists and turns in this engaging read which has aspects relating to the #metoo campaign/movement - and is a brilliant way to show just how such sexual abuse was perpetrated by those in powerful situations. It also gives hope for some of the victims.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The third member of nothing but trouble falls for the fallen pop princes Verity. The story is parallel with the previous so for those who had not read it, there are spoilers in this one. Dax and Verity have instant connection/attraction but at first, Dax is refusing to have anything with Verity. The time passes and Dax chose to be happy and to let past where it is in the past and start a relationship with Verity. Verity has some ugly past from her own who is messing with her had. Her happiness evaporates when a person from past knocks on the door. The story of Verity is really tragic from her mother and her relationship to all other things that happen in the industry. But it is great to see that she raised above it, a bit later but never the lass and help to raise awareness. I don't know if there will be the last book of the last member ob Nothing but trouble because I didn't like that there was mention of his relationship... but it is not to see.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
The third book in Tara's Nothing But Trouble series is another one for the keeper shelf. She really knows how to write tortured heroes. I wrote a Haiku on USA Today HEA in Rock Rebel's honor.
Leigh delivers grand
rock-star romance with message.
Knocks your socks right off.
"The man was a song I didn't know the chorus too. A chord chart with missing notes. Frustrating. And so, so tempting."
The Disgraced Pop Princess & Epic Rock Royalty
Rock Rebel by Tara Leigh is the third book in the Nothing But Trouble series, which was an angsty, riveting, read. Verity and Dax had intense erotic chemistry that gave me goosebumps. They neither expected to fall hard and fast, but the world seems to want to tear them apart. Secrets are unfolded and the past is back to haunt them both. WIll their love be enough? Or will it shatter everything?
Read to find out!
I loved when I realized this story ran almost parallel to Landon’s and Piper’s story! Loved reading about Verity getting close to Piper and Delaney, and about the little firefly in Piper’s belly. This was another story about Hollywood child stars who were forced to perform by selfish and over-ambitious parents. In fulfilling her dreams through her daughter, Verity’s mother turned a blind eye to the horrors her daughter was subjected to. Every story is as stunning as horrendous and I liked very much how this author handled this delicate theme.
Both Dax and Verity had dark pasts. Dax fled from his classical music upbringing, fleeing to California after a woman who broke him. Verity was a pop princess who lost her fame and her reputation when her show was cancelled and she went wild. Now she wants to repair her past and start over, pursuing her passion, which was music, not acting, as her mother enforced. Since she was signed in with Travis, the same agent as the band Nothing But Trouble, it was inevitable she would get into trouble with the broody and swoony Dax.
Dax was very intriguing, intense, a musical prodigy, but also aloof, a man of few words. In the beginning, he was not accepting Verity’s involvement with the band but as he got to know her, he realized she was so much more than a disgraced pop princess. There was a lot of sadness and insecurity inside Verity. It was her indomitable will to succeed in her singing that had her growing up and facing her shortcomings.
There was always something about Dax that held him back from getting involved with Verity. He was prejudiced about getting involved with someone in the industry, and it hints at something destructive in his past. As Verity and Dax get close in spite of their misgivings, we get to enjoy a couple who are perfect for each other. They fill up the holes in each other souls, they see inside of each other into their wants and needs, and when they’re together, it feels like home.
I loved this story and loved meeting with old friends. The plot twist at the end was crazy surprising and the resolution of the #metoo situation was very satisfactory. Very entertaining, great characters, heartfelt, deep and significant dialogues and a very brave handling of an actual and very important issue.
Rock Rebel was a very good read. Tara Leigh created likable, believable characters and I really cared what happened to them. Verity is amazingly normal after any anything but a normal childhood. She's down to earth and willing to do the work it will take to create her new career. She's also a survivor. She's been through some unspeakable horrors but hasn't let that stop her. Sure, she's still got to work through it to get on with loving and living but she doesn't use her trauma as a reason not to go on with living and switching from acting to singing.
Dax has had a vastly different life but suffered a loss that has made him not want to try to have a relationship or fall in love again. As a gifted musician, he's split from his family's classical roots to join the now highly successful band, Nothing but Trouble.
The two are determined not to have a relationship but can't resist their mutual attraction. It was fun to watch them fall for each other. In true romance novel fashion, the two soon find their lives interrupted by both of their pasts and must deal with a lot before they can find their way back to each other.
The strife is what fills the book with interesting and stressful plot points to keep the reader on edge and Leigh does this part very well.
The ups and downs, zigs and zags make the book hard to put down. I had not read the first two books in the series but this book stands alone very well.
reviewed by Jem
Rock Rebel was another amazing book by Tara Leigh! I love this series about rockers and I honestly couldn't get of this book!
I loved the instant attraction and banter, the conflict, the love, the angst, the (HOT) sex scenes, humor, all the characters (in this whole series).
This was a great ending to a fantastic series.
Rock Rebel is the third book in the 'Nothing But Trouble' series. After reading the first two books in the series I was seriously intrigued by Dax's character. I am loving this series. Each book is filled with not only romance but also suspense. There's always a secret laying in the path ahead. Which when uncovered, leads to some great angsty moments.
Rock Rebel was a great read but I sadly found this novel to be a tad bit predictable. I guessed the ending from the start. But with that in mind, I still somewhat enjoyed the content.
I love when Rock Star heroes mesh together with Rock Star Harlots. I love witnessing their careers blend together. With Rock Rebel, we are introduced to Verity Moore. Verity is a former child star who is trying to pave a new path in the music industry. Verity was an interesting character, I loved her backstory and the depths of fear and emotions she feels on a daily basis having gone through the shit she went through. It was eye opening.
So when mixing her story in with Dax's mysterious vibes, it results in some serious suspense and tension.
Overall, Rock Rebel by Tara Leigh was a great read but the downside was my ability to easily predict the ending. But on a positive note, I loved the characters, the chemistry, and the premise of this novel.
I love Tara Leigh's writing in general! It's the right balance of straight-forward and descriptive, steamy and dramatic, with well-built characters., and Rock Rebel is no different. Verity and Dax are both complex characters with relatable voices. Sure, they're rich and famous, but they're real people, too. Their friendship is believable and their chemistry jumps off the pages. Verity and Dax are easy to 'ship, and their story is made richer by the wealth of secondary characters (whether or not you've met them in other books in this series!)
My one (kinda ridiculous) complaint is that there were a few somewhat off-putting metaphors that threw me for the next few pages. They were always perfectly apt and very original, but I just get horribly sidetracked if you compare anything to an abused puppy.
Regardless, I recommend this book as well as the Nothing but Trouble series in general. It IS a standalone, but there are some minor "duh" type spoilers based on characters' relationships.