Member Reviews
Samantha S, Educator
Thank you to netgalley & the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Hot Wax opens up like the gravely tone of a record starting. Our main character, Suzanne, is playing a record from both sides. Side A is her younger self on the road with her “famous” father. Side B is Suzanne, an adult running from her past and searching for answers.
Hot Wax is told in a series of flashbacks.
From her flashbacks we see that life on the road, especially at 11, is extremely dangerous and toxic. Her childhood is nothing short of normal. She experiences some harsh realities that traumatize her into adulthood.
In the present day she is picking up the pieces of her past, collecting memories from her late, rockstar father. Suzanne is ultimately a flawed character. She has low self worth and makes rash decisions trying to fit in with society’s expectations.
With the help of her found family, Simon and Phoebe, they embark on a roadtrip to help her escape her own thoughts and bad choices.
After reading If We Were Villains, I knew M.L. Rio’s next books would never be the same as the last. I can rely on her ability to transport the reader into the setting, build on character development throughout the plot, and leave you feeling satisfied by the ending.
Overall, this is a good character story full of friendship, love and heartbreak, and rock n’ roll.
3.5 stars
Hot Wax releases September 9th, 2025
Thank you to netgalley & the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
M. L. R, Book Trade Professional
I wrote this so I'm a little biased but I'm leaving a five-star rating for the whole team who worked on this book because I'm very lucky to be collaborating with such terrific people and I'm pretty sure readers will feel the love and fire behind HOT WAX.
Lauren H, Bookseller
Well written, and made me feel like I was along for the ride on a cross country road trip with the band. That being said, I did feel like the pacing was a bit off and thought some of the “snapshot” chapters could have been cut entirely. But all in all an entertaining read that many will undoubtedly enjoy.
