This book was a pleasant surprise for me, as it is not a genre I usually read. However, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. The characters were wonderful, though I would have liked to delve a bit deeper into their stories. The mystery and intrigue of the plot are engaging enough to keep you hooked, and I think the ending is well-executed. While some twists may be a bit predictable, this does not take away from how well the story unfolds, making for a very satisfying read. Overall, it exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC

The feeeeeeels. All the feels! This was such a surprise. I found it so enjoyable and enthralling. The mystery aspect was really good and levitated the romance for me. Everything became much more tense and that brought out the emotional spectrum. The romance was great and the charcaters were just as fantastic

Not Another Rockstar was an intense and emotional read that definitely kept me hooked. Phoebe’s struggle with the aftermath of her fiancé’s tragic accident and the media frenzy surrounding her was compelling and raw. I really liked the chemistry between her and Axel—there was a lot of tension and undeniable connection, but I did find their relationship a bit predictable at times. The plot had some great moments of suspense and drama, but I felt like some of the twists could’ve been developed more. Overall, it’s an engaging romantic suspense with a few bumps along the way!
**rounded up from 3.5 stars**

Is this a mystery? A romance? A mymance? Whatever it was, it was a quick read and I liked it. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

There wasn't anything unexpected in this story, but I picked it up because that's the sort of book I enjoy when I'm in the mood and this one delivers. I enjoyed Phoebe and Axel's story and the mystery element that added a layer to the romance. A fun read!

This isn't just another rockstar read...

It does start out that way, Phoebe Fletcher, budding artist, is happily engaged to Cillian, the lead singer of BOA. Her brother Nick is also in the band. When Phoebe flies to Munich to surprise her rockstar boyfriend of ten years, she gets the surprise when she catches him balls deep in Helen, the make up artist. Cillian is cheating on her and doesn't care who knows. Later, he's driving and speeding and he'd been drinking and crashes, killing himself and injuring Phoebe. She needs to lie low for a while till the threats to her life blow over.

Axel, the drummer has always had a thing for Phoebe. He's a good guy, there for her and appreciates her, clearly, he would never cheat on her and was there for her in all her worst moments. We all need an Axel, ladies. I really liked the band dynamics and maybe its a good thing I didn't fly over to surprise my rockstar bf?
Because that did not end up well for Phoebe, but it did send her on a path she never could have anticipated.
Recommend.

Phoebe is an artist on the brink of success. She is engaged to her long-time boyfriend, Cillian. When tragedy strikes, her life is turned upside down. The only thing holding her together are the men in Cillian’s band, Brothers of Anarchy. Axel loves being part of Brothers of Anarchy. He is torn apart by the tragedy that strikes the band. He wants to help Phoebe put her life back together. Can two people who have known each other during good times and bad make a future or will the past keep them apart?

This review contains spoilers because I couldn’t think of a way to avoid it!

Phoebe starts out as a happy woman with a bright future. She loves being engaged. She loves her art career. She loves spending time with Brothers of Anarchy because her fiancé and brother are part of the band. This story totally rearranges her entire world. When Cillian cheats on her and then crashes their car, Phoebe is thrown into a stressful and confusing situation. I thought the author did a good job showing how Phoebe is strong through everything that happens. I thought it was very believable that she would turn to Axel for strength and support. The author does a good job creating a situation where their relationship doesn’t feel dirty or like cheating. Phoebe is concerned that her brother, Nick, won’t be happy that she’s involved with Axel so she keeps it a secret. It creates a lot of tension in the story. Axel has always been attracted to Phoebe but he never acted on it because of Cillian. Everything changes once Phoebe needs someone to lean on. Axel feels some conflict because of the band. He doesn’t want to create a rift bigger than they are already trying to heal.

There is a bad guy that won’t leave Phoebe alone. I thought the author did a good job showing how the bad guy escalates each time they strike. I guessed who it was part way through the story but I didn’t guess the final conclusion. I felt terrible for Phoebe each time the bad guy struck.

This book was a good surprise. At first, I wasn’t sure that I liked it very much. Then I was intrigued by where it might be going. The end made me clap so I guess I ended up liking it! Both of the main characters have demanding careers. They make sense together in so many ways. This is a stressful story at points but it is a really good friends to lovers story. I will read more from this author in the future.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Fun, Fiery Romance with Depth

Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan is a delightful blend of sizzling romance, witty banter, and emotional depth. The story follows a protagonist determined to avoid the chaos of dating another musician—only to find herself drawn to one in ways she never expected. Callaghan’s writing is sharp and engaging, with characters that feel real and a romance that balances passion with heartfelt moments.

The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the slow-burn tension keeps the pages turning. While some tropes feel familiar, the character development and emotional stakes make the story stand out. The pacing is mostly strong, though a few moments could have been tightened for an even more compelling read.

Overall, Not Another Rockstar is a fun, addictive romance that delivers both swoon-worthy moments and genuine emotional depth. Perfect for fans of music-themed love stories and strong, independent protagonists!

I honestly got mad at Nick for not being understanding about Phoebe and Axel. After everything she’s been through you’d think he wants her to be happy. Like I’m happy he finally put his ego aside but.. it took some time. But he does always have her back so I loved that

Axel is such a cinnamon roll. I fucking loved it. He’s so supportive and the love and care he has for her is literally oozing out of him

The chemistry and sparks and energy and 🥵🥵 and communication and honesty and plans and everything is literally ‘right person right time’

I love how Axel has big bro energy. Not just taking care of Phoebe. The band and everyone around him mattered to him and that’s how you know that this person is a giver

Isaiah is such a father figure. I love how he keeps them in line and they’re all his first priority. How he says ‘take care of each other’ melted my heart

I have read a lot of Kate’s books and I’ve enjoyed them all. Although I can’t rate them chronologically, I think this is one of my favorites. Such an easy read and I liked the change in settings and it was just a fresh new idea. Also, it has a lot of important reps

After everything Cillian had put them through, I like that the last thought of him brought them closure and closer together

Please trust the process, I love Helen. And I kinda KNEW about the plot twist tbh hehe, WHAT A PSYCHO. For some reason though, I was also doubting Lena .. glad I’m wrong

So I loved this book from start to finish 🩵

Ugh Phoebe and Axel!! I’m so happy they wound up together. They’re so perfect for each other. Cillian put them all through so much and was so selfish. Artgram and Clickclock made me chuckle. And the nod to TS with the tattoo and it being delicate 🥹 love it when worlds collide. But there were so many moments in this book that made me feel all the things and to me that makes it a 5 star read.

Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan is a delightful romantic suspense novel. It follows Phoebe Fletcher, an artist who finds herself entangled with her late fiancé's band, the Brothers of Anarchy. The chemistry between Phoebe and the drummer, Axel Adler, is electric and heartwarming. Callaghan's storytelling is engaging, with a perfect blend of romance, drama, and intrigue. A must-read for fans of emotional and captivating love stories!

Steamy, male female, 3rd person dual point of view, contemporary romance. This book had the female main character deal with grief and fear while finding love from the male main character. There was suspense but this was not a stressful read.

After a tragic accident kills Phoebe's rockstar fiance, in the midst of all she is going through, a video is released and fans and media accuse her of being the cause of the car crash. To protect her from the craziness she moves in with the band. Beyond the usual trolls, someone is putting her in danger. Axel the drummer's protectiveness starts turning into something else and this sticky situation is threatened by secrets and whoever is targeting Phoebe.

We jump right into the story and Phoebe's big exhibition. Callaghan has a knack for making you comfortable in the world she is writing about as if you've always been there. She always gifts us with down-to-earth, likeable female protagonists. There is a welcome easiness to the narrative even in the most dramatic and suspenseful moments. The mystery of who is putting her in danger and causing her all those problems piqued my interest to no end. The trail to its solution was laid out cleverly.

The awkwardness of someone you've known for some time but don't really know and the forbiddeness of their budding relationship is depicted so well. I love how caring Axel is, the broody hero. The dual POV serves the story nicely. It's a 'he has fallen first' scenario and for her a 'caught unaware'. They are adorable and sexy together. The intimacy of the POVs and the depiction of thoughts & feelings is on point. I especially enjoyed reading Axel in love.

There are a few let's call them uncomfortable moments like a failed sort of seduction. Also, I hate that Nick is not a very good brother and flip-flops as a character. He just doesn't make sense to me. Now August, he is the one you will adore.

Grief is a weird beast and appears in unexpected moments and ways you aren't prepared for. Guilt rears its inescapable head too. Both themes are depicted with the utmost respect, always with a glimmer of hope at the end. Do not worry, there is humor in this story, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Even with the subject matter, there is a layer of coziness that the author has succeeded in adding and she should be applauded for it. Great ending, you will also love how everything is resolved. I think Kate Callaghan should continue writing romantic suspense.

I inhaled this book - the pacing was great. This was my first book by the author and I loved it. I thought there was a lot of nuance to the band dynamics and the main characters. Also I love that there is a “fuck it” moment (or two).
Thank you NetGalley, the author, & publisher for the advanced ebook, all opinions are my own.

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan is an intense and emotional ride, where love, betrayal, and the weight of fame collide in a whirlwind romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Phoebe Fletcher's life has been shattered by the tragic accident of her rockstar fiancé, and when she's falsely accused and bombarded by media frenzy, her dreams as an artist are put in jeopardy. Seeking solace and protection, Phoebe retreats to the one place she feels she might find some peace—the Brothers of Anarchy, the band of her ex. But in this new chapter, she finds herself drawn to Axel Adler, the brooding and enigmatic drummer, in a relationship that feels as forbidden as it does irresistible.

Axel and Phoebe’s growing connection is electric, fueled by their mutual understanding of pain, loss, and the weight of living in the spotlight. Despite the tension that their forbidden attraction creates—both due to Axel being her ex's bandmate and the complicated emotional baggage they each carry—the chemistry between them is undeniable. Axel’s care and encouragement draw Phoebe closer, sparking a fiery bond that threatens to consume them both. But with their growing feelings comes a dangerous web of lies and deception, with stalking, betrayal, and even murder looming in the background.

The tension in Not Another Rockstar is high, and the story is laced with plenty of "f*ck it" moments, witty banter, and heated exchanges that keep things fresh and fast-paced. The themes of betrayal and illicit love are explored with real emotional depth, showing just how far both characters are willing to go to protect each other and their own futures. The inclusion of suspense and mystery, along with the threat of obsessive fans, makes for an engaging and unpredictable read.

The romance is a slow burn that will have you rooting for Phoebe and Axel despite the odds against them. The tension between their undeniable attraction and the dangers that surround them is perfectly balanced, making the stakes feel even higher. If you're looking for a spicy, dramatic, and thrilling read full of twists, Not Another Rockstar will not disappoint.

The blend of steamy romance, suspense, and real emotional stakes makes this a must-read for fans of forbidden love, artists, and rockstars. It's a love story that pushes boundaries, tests loyalty, and shows that sometimes, the most intense relationships are born from the most difficult circumstances.

I love a mix of romance & suspense! Phoebe & Axel star in this rockstar romantic suspense. They work through their grief together, forming a bond unlike any other in this awesome read.

Thank you, Kate Callaghan, Booksgosocial & netgalley, for my early gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

This book should not have been written. I am so sorry I have to say this but what in the world is this author thinking?

It's like she wrote a book after Liam Payne died and made it full of grief, trauma, and sex with the bandmate's best friend. Also, this book is very much immature and naughty, there should be lots of trigger warnings before anyone reads this.

The plot reminds me of something Anna Todd or Colleen Hoover would do. Something happens to the bad boy, two people fall in love, and nothing goes as planned, trauma, kisses, secrets, and sex—the same old story.

I'm very triggered by this book after having finished it and can't even think of a summary. It's like this author hates boybands and music.

Thanks for the arc, I tried my best to read this and see something good from it. :(

I enjoyed it however ‘Not another rockstar’ appeared to have numerous tropes shoved into one book. Suprisingly it works better than I thought it would

Not Another Rockstar had all the makings of a gripping romance with angst, betrayal, a brooding drummer, and a forbidden connection, but the parts never came together as well as I'd hoped. Phoebe and Axel had undeniable chemistry, and I loved how he was always there for her, proving time and again that he truly cared. The "he falls first" trope was a highlight, and Axel’s quiet devotion was definitely swoon-worthy. But the pacing? That’s where things got a little shaky. The beginning dragged, making it hard to get fully invested, and by the time things picked up, some plot points felt drawn out or predictable. The suspense element added intrigue, but the big reveal at the end was underwhelming. I was hoping for more of a jaw-dropping twist, but it felt like something I saw coming. Also, Phoebe keeping her songwriting a secret for so long? Frustrating.

Overall, this was an okay read with some solid romance and a touch of mystery. If you love rockstar romances with a slow-burn connection, a protective hero, and a dash of danger, it may be a book for you.

This was a satisfying rockstar romance with a spoonful of suspense mixed right in.

When her cheating rockstar fiance dies in a car crash of his own doing, budding artist Phoebe finds herself the centre of a mediastorm... and a vengeful stalker intent on blaming her for his death. As caring, charming & tattooed drummer, Axel, steps in to keep her safe, she can't help but start to fall for the man behind the bad-boy image.

This was an easy read, with our favourite tropes and more, but it felt a little lacking to me. Having said that, it could just be because of the ease of Phoebe and Axel's deepening relationship in the midst of danger.