Rocked (Rockstar Romance) (Lost in Oblivion Book 1)

And the characters. And the plot. Felt that early relationship anxiety and excitement to my toes, coupled with (see what I did there) the push-pull of balancing relationship with career. Can't wait to read the next one.

I really wished I listen to some of the audiobook on kindle before I spent 17 on it. Third person is not the way to go epecially while trying to get into the story.
So I stopped it. May switch into reading later.

'Rocked' is a fun, adult romance about two people who fall in love on tour and try to balance their respective fledgling careers in the throes of a blossoming romance. Harper is an up and coming chef who grew up on the road with her roadie parents. Having spent her life around musicians, she is not interested in becoming involved with one until she meets Deacon, the bassist for the hot new band Oblivion. Working on the same tour, they are drawn to each other and find something they each need in the other. Of course, there are numerous obstacles they have to overcome, including each of their determination to not need anyone else. The story is engaging and the characters are likable. The author(s) have done a great job of keeping the story reasonable without being cliched. I have to admit, I came across this book as a bargain read for my Kindle. I start a lot of Kindle bargain books, but I finish less than half of them. Oftentimes, these stories are very rough. The editing is poor or non-existent,the characters are stereotypical or flat and unlikable, and the dialogue is trite and uninspiring. However, this was not the case with 'Rocked'. Yes, it is a romance--a steamy romance--but it's not full of 'quivering loins' and 'heaving bosoms'. The characters are interesting and they have intelligent conversations. The story isn't full of stifled internal monologues because the author isn't capable of including exposition in any other manner. In short, it is a well written, enjoyable book. I am looking forward to the sequel.

The story was Ok, but it seemed disjointed at times, like maybe they shuffled a few passages around and forgot that the story didn't quite flow right. This was the Kindle version, so I don't know if it somehow got mixed up. I got tired of some over used phrases: they "hissed" at each other; "cupped" cheeks a lot; and "scraped" teeth and finger nails on each other. The sex scenes got old about halfway through. For two authors, I thought they should have figured out that they over used hissed, cupped, and scraped. I liked the characters, but it could have been better written.

Rocked by Taryn Elliott & Cari Quinn: After all the s*** they’d been through, Deacon almost couldn’t believe Oblivion was on tour – and opening for Rebel Rage. Things weren’t perfect though, they were still worried about whether they’d get a record deal at the end of the tour, and if they’d live up to the fans’ expectations. Turns out when they started to rival Rebel Rage in popularity, their once-idols didn’t appreciate it. Yup – not perfect at all, and that made Deacon, the peacemaker in Oblivion – mighty nervous.

RocHarper Lee was hoping to impress the people at Food Riot enough so they’d keep her on for another tour. Feeding Rebel Rage and Oblivion was her first, and she was literally trying out for a full-time gig with the company. Her parents – and now her brother – had been roadies, so she knew touring like the back of her hand. And she was an amazing Chef, so she had nothing to worry about. Except for Deacon McCoy. He could definitely get in the way, and she might just let him.

Deacon and Harper settle into a relationship, mostly because they just can’t deny themselves the amazing chemistry while they’re together. But while they get closer, Oblivion seems to be deteriorating bit by bit. It’s like Deacon watches it like sand through his fingers until one day it just implodes. He needs to keep both his band and his relationship with Harper together, he’s just not sure he can do both.

Ever since I read “Seduced”, the prequel to the Lost in Oblivion series, I’ve been *dying* to read “Rocked”. I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Even though I was anxious to hear Gray’s story, Deacon was just as tantalizing, and DUDE – he was Hot with a capital H. He just about sizzled off the page, and the sex scenes in the book were amazing. Not for the faint of heart – so if you prefer your books chaste, this isn’t for you.

I loved Harper as well. She was more than a match for Deacon – snappy, smart, talented… and she totally wanted nothing to do with him. It took a super concerted effort on Deacon’s part to win her over, and while that’s not a new trope, I love how it was handled in this case. Handcuffs were involved, and perhaps not in a good way.
Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott are so good together it’s scary. I cannot wait for the other books in this series.

HIGHLY recommended if you like your stories hot, and your men strong but peacemaker-y. If you dig sassy & strong ladies, that’s a plus.

This was such a thoroughly, well written story!! I absolutely LOVED IT.

So. I was hooked by the Seduced, the prequel. Seduced gave so much to the beginning of the storyline & characters that I was fully invested in each and every one.

With Rocked, the focus is primarily Deacon, bassist and peacekeeper, of the band Oblivion. His and Harper's story was epic. I was so engrossed in their story and in their intense chemistry that I couldn't do anything until I finished this book. So far this series has been so well written that not only did I connect with the hero & heroine of this story but I've connect with each member of the band. They each had so much personality that I laughed, cried and hurt right along with them. I truly felt apart of them.

As for Deacon & Harper??? Talk about some HOT and STEAMY sexual chemistry. Their time together was so passionate and intense that I needed a cold shower of my own. They were an extremely sensual couple from the beginning.

Deacon has officially made my BBF list. He was all muscle and height on the outside and all heart if the inside. A 6'5" teddy bear with an eight pack set of abs. Oh and did I mention the dimples and tattooed??? Oooh myyyy!! Those two are my Kryptonite.

It's been a VERY long time since I've gotten hooked to a rocker romance series so I'm so excited to follow Lost In Oblivion as more stories of the band mates are released.

I listened to the Audiobook version of this story and was very pleased with how it all went.

What did you love best about Rocked?

The story was captivating, the characters were extremely likable, the story flowed well, and of course it was very steamy!

What did you like best about this story?

It had a little bit of everything; Drama, Romance, a little humor, a little sass, and a lot of steamy scenes

Which character – as performed by Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott – was your favorite?

The main characters, Harper and Deacon, were easily loveable and the narrators performed them extremely well. My favorite character other than the two main ones was easily Jazz. I could hang out with her cute self and I loved her relationship with Deacon.

Any additional comments?

All in all this was a great story and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a steamy romance. I loved the way the story was narrated between the male and female narrative from beginning to end instead of switching by chapters. Having the main characters voices be the same throughout and the little bits of laughter or noises adding to the story made it easy to play like a movie in my head. I have already downloaded the 1.5 story to this and look forward to more Deacon.

Overall- ***** Performance- ***** Story- *****

Q- What did you love best about Rocked?
A- THE ENTIRE STORY!!
Q- What other book might you compare Rocked to and why?
A- I don't compare books, but I will say Rocked is up the top in my Rockstars list... WHY?? because the story was everything you want to read about, an AMAZING tour, then a possible signing, some backstabbing, just as the main characters are falling in love.
Q- What does Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
A- There are certain aspects to this book that made listening to Kai & Wen an absolute pleasure.
Q- Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
A- I laughed alot, also shook my head at some of the antics the characters were up to... please don't ask where, I've been in a "Rocked" hangover since I finished it.
Q- Any additional comments?
A- Harper & Deacon made me want to be on the road touring with a band, then super hungry when the food was being described. I felt like I was there within the story, ALL THE TIME, I definitely need the rest of this series ASAP!!

Originally posted on The Book Nympho

Quick summary
Deacon McCoy, bass guitarist for Oblivion, is adjusting to the loss of his role as de facto manager of the band and mediator by subjecting himself to strenuous exercise while they're on tour. It's paying off by him having a killer body and an appetite off the charts (pardon the pun). Harper Pruitt, a recent culinary school graduate, is part of the catering crew for the tour and finds in Deacon someone who appreciates her cooking skills and much more.

The issues
Deacon is drawn to Harper like no other and that's an understatement. She's grown up around rock stars (her parents were roadies) and she has a jaded view of musicians. He's dead serious and she's not interested in going down what she sees as a doomed path. She might be willing to do a casual dance but he's much more committed.

What I LOVED!!!
Deacon. Deacon. Did I say Deacon? He is so delicious and I'm not talking about his physique, which is impressive. He has an old soul and kind spirit and refuses to give up on Harper who has her own goals. He's patient, willing to play by her rules and is just plain decent. I couldn't get enough of this man, even when Harper's itchy nature drove me (and him) crazy. I loved how he loved her. Plus, his relationship with his dysfunctional band members was a work of art in itself with his ability to strike the right chords with them (yes, I'm shameless with these metaphors) at just the right moments.

The bottom line
I'm crazy about this series and just can't get enough of these stories and characters. They are well written and the characters extraordinarily developed. The steamy scenes are....well, just don't read them when you're in a public setting. I was sad to let go of Deacon but am glad that the next novella features him again. This story Rocked!!! (There, I did it again).

Oh, one other thing. The writers have their work cut out for them to get me back on board with Nick, the lead guitarist. Right now...not feeling the love. 4.5 stars

(I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review)

Book Review- Rocked : Lost in Oblivion by Taryn Elliot & Cari Quinn

Harper Pruitt just graduated from culinary school and is working on tour providing food for the bands and road crew. She spent her childhood on the road as a roadie with her dad, so she knows the life. Her ultimate goal is to have her own company that provides food for tours. This tour is for the band Rebel Rage and a new upcoming band called Oblivion. Harper is glad for the chance with this job and knows that staying away from the band members is what she needs to do. She knows what they are like and what they want.
Of course when Deacon McCoy walks into the food tent after his workout, Harper takes notice. He is the bass player for Oblivion. He stands out being over six feet tall. He also takes notice and tries to find out her name, but she refuses to flirt back. She knows the game. Rebel Rage band members have been trying to find out her name since she got there.
Deacon’s interest is peaked and he is determined to find out who the hot chef girl is. He feels more alive around her. In fact he pursues her and doesn’t take no for an answer. The attraction they have between them is explosive and impossible to ignore. Harper gives into a fling with Deacon. She can’t resist. Of course as time goes on Deacon wants more than a fling, wanting more when the tour is over. He just needs to convince Harper.
Things begin to crumble when Snake, the ex-drummer, shows up. Their recording contract, which is a dream come true, isn’t what they expected. When Harper is called back to work, Deacon loses it. Everything is falling apart and he lashes out. Deacon knows he has to fix everything: the band, the contract and Harper. He hopes luck is on his side.
This is the first book in the Oblivion series. It introduces you to an upcoming band as they are making their way into the rock world. The authors take a look at what the world entails. There is completion between bands while on tour. There are record companies taking advantage of bands wanting to fulfill their dreams. The story also centers around the dynamics of the band and what each member brings to the table. I like the members and how they mesh with each other. These characters are entertaining and real enough to invest in.
The story was fascinating to read, not just for the romance but for what happens in the rock world. A lot of the book talks about the tour the bands are on and the storyline shows what it can be like for the musicians on tour. It also paints the picture of what it takes to be on tour.
So what I’m saying is the characters are awesome and the storyline is fascinating. I really loved reading this book and can’t wait for book two. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Why I Picked It Up

I absolutely adore rock-star romances so when I saw this one of course I requested it.

Plot

Rocked follows the story of Harper: a chef just out of culinary school hoping to scrape up some experience as a tour caterer. Harper is used to the band types—she grew up on the road with her roadie parents—so he knows all their smooth-talking tricks. But she didn't imagine someone like Deacon McCoy, bassist in Oblivion, a band that is on the rise. Deacon’s pursuing of her is persistent and eventually Harper gives in. But the tour is coming to an end soon and they will be going their separate ways. But can they really say goodbye to each other for good?

The plot of this novel was extensive. Therefore, this novel was extremely long. There were so many things that happened there was never a dull moment. It seemed never-ending but in a good way because I did not want to say goodbye to these characters or their story. Whenever I was doing something other than reading this novel, all I could think about was reading this novel. It really kept me engaged.

Leading Lady

I really enjoyed Harper's character. She was one of those take-no-crap types. She was tough and resistant to all of the flirting that came from band members. At the same time, she was ambitious and determined to reach her goal of owning her own catering business. I just really enjoyed reading her character because she had so many great traits.

Leading Male

Deacon was probably one of my favorite book boys to date. He was very persistent in attaining Harper. In addition to that, he was funny, protective, and caring. He was the glue that held his band together. He was the mediator, the middle man. There were just so many great things about him.

Romance

The romance in this novel was playful and sexy. There were a lot of sexy times but there were also a lot of getting to know you times. I think that Harper and Deacon were a great pairing. They balanced each other out even though they were almost complete opposites. I'm not sure--for some reason I just loved their relationship, probably because it had a great balance between drama, seriousness, and fluffiness.

Other Characters

In this novel we get a glimpse at the other band members. My favorite was Jazz. She was adorable and quirky and perky and just everything fun in the world. I really can't wait to read her story. In fact, I can't wait to read all of the rest of the band members' stories.

World Building

The world building was also something that appealed to me within this novel. The story of these band members was very realistic for me--more realistic than many of the other rock-star novels I've read. I believe that this is because it showed the band's humble beginnings rather than starting with a band that is famous as all get out. That and the band's interactions with fans and the headlining band. It was just really easy to imagine.

Conclusion

Rocked was a great rock-star romance—one of the best that I have read. Complete with great characters, an engaging plot, and a simmering romance, it is definitely one to pick up if you're looking for a good read.

Let me introduce to the band OBLIVION. NICK, SIMON. DEACON, GRAY AND JAZZ.. Their band is finally taking off . They are on their first tour and loving it. The Deacon meets Harper Pruitt a up and coming chef , working in the kitchen on the road. Boy do sparks fly with Harper and Deacon. Will they survive the 5 weeks together or will they flame out before the band makes it big.

Cari and Taryn take us on a world wind love affair between two people who did not think they belonged anywhere. Deacon the tall hot guitarist with a heart of gold. He is so good looking, one tall drink of water if I do say so myself. He is also the peace maker for the band . When things go bad he tries to bring everyone back together.

Harper is an up and coming chef , who loves being on the road. She works in the kitchen to help get her career going. She loves the work and loves to cook. She also loves to spoil the boys in the crew and the boys in the band. Then when she finds Deacon . She tries to control herself around him. She keeps telling herself that as they grow closer and closer. But when it comes right down to it will Harper run or keep it going with Deacon

I don't usually don't read rocker books but Rocked really caught my attention. Its is a sweet sexy book. The main characters are written with such love. You know that Deacon is falling hard and so is Harper but they don't want to let go of the past and what has happened to them . All the characters are well written, my favorite character has to be Jazz , that girl can rock and she is just a happy bundle of joy wrapped up in a cute little rocker chick body. She is the little sister everyone wants .

Both Cari and Taryn can write individually but together they are a dynamic duo. They are writing dynamo. They really know how to write a great book with characters that seem to be broken and it takes that one woman to help them out.

They create such a great backdrop to the stories , the intensity of the scenes rock big time. The best scene I like was the tattooing scene. Where Harper is all over the place like a bunny rabbit on Ritalin. It was cute. There are tons of sweet scenes in the book and also some very hot and sexy scenes also. They rock hehehehehehehehe

So if you want a great rocker book check out ROCKED, trust me you will not be disappointed in the hot sexy men and the music and women they love

I give this a 4 out of 5 books

I give this a 4 out 4 on erotica scale

A story about love, music, and friendship that will tantalize all your senses with its rich descriptions and alluring plot and will leave you happy, sated and curious about what’s next for this so very different but great group of characters.

This book is not a cliché story about a “whorey” bad boy musician that meets a sweet girl and changes his deviant ways. It’s not even just about a boy and a girl. It’s a story about rock band that loves music and wants to make it big. It’s also about a career minded woman with ambitions of her own. It’s a great telling of what happens when Deacon McCoy, bassist for Oblivion meets Harper Lee, chef for their tour.

Harper is an independent, carefree woman that grew up with roadie parents who were constantly on the road. Besides being solely interested in staying unattached, she has build an immune system to artists mainly because she understands what happens in that lifestyle. “Women are a commodity, a vice, and a temptation.” Focusing on her career working as a chef on tour won’t be a problem. Or so she thinks.

Deacon McCoy “is the definition of a Boy Scout.” “With a merit badge in hot.” And underneath his tall, tatted and talented exterior lay a patient man, “the backbone for everyone,” determined to lead his band to success.

They didn’t expect each other, but once they came across each other it seemed like they were destined to be together.
“And now this man that had torn through her like a summer storm was beside her, steady as a rock. She’d seen it in his eyes. Forever. As if he could actually inject it into her veins like a drug, with the passion between them.”
“There would be an indelible mark on her, no matter what. A Deacon tattoo that branded her heart as his.”

Even when “his career and hers were on completely different trajectories.”

Besides giving us great characters and plot, Taryn Elliot and Cari Quinn have crazy writing skills. Rocked is funny, flirty, swoony and oh so darn sexy. It’s also filled with beautiful descriptions and analogies that will make your mouth water when their talking about food,
"You gotta tell me your name.”
She stuffed a hunk of potato in her mouth. “Why do you care?”
“Because food orgasms are personal, and I need to know who’s giving me one.” … the man was lethal.”

Ok so that was Deacon and Harper flirting because of food, but food does play an important role in the story.

Their metaphors will make you picture all the sights the characters witness, imagine the great music they produce even when you don’t know the tune or lyrics, and overall it will make you experience touch and intense emotions through their words.
“Every single time he touched her, the sense of belonging strengthened. They were like layers in a song he’d never hoped to create. Words were only one part of them. The harmony of their bodies moving together, the underlying melody of humor and rightness he felt around her, it all made up a composition he’d happily give a lifetime to figure out. She was his ultimate song that would never have an end.”

It’s also safe to say that I will never go to another rock concert and not think about this book and these characters. It gave me new perspective and appreciation about everything that goes on stage and behind the scenes even when I’m sure this was not the book’s main intent.

I can’t wait to get my hands on their next Lost in Oblivion book.

** I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review from Netgalley. The excerpts are from that copy. **

For more of my reviews or those of my best book buds visit our blog at tjlovestoread.wordpress.com

Rocked by Taryn Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story about love, music, and friendship that will tantalize all your senses with its rich descriptions and alluring plot and will leave you happy, sated and curious about what’s next for this so very different but great group of characters.

This book is not a cliché story about a “whorey” bad boy musician that meets a sweet girl and changes his deviant ways. It’s not even just about a boy and a girl. It’s a story about rock band that loves music and wants to make it big. It’s also about a career minded woman with ambitions of her own. It’s a great telling of what happens when Deacon McCoy, bassist for Oblivion meets Harper Lee, chef for their tour.

Harper is an independent, carefree woman that grew up with roadie parents who were constantly on the road. Besides being solely interested in staying unattached, she has build an immune system to artists mainly because she understands what happens in that lifestyle. “Women are a commodity, a vice, and a temptation.” Focusing on her career working as a chef on tour won’t be a problem. Or so she thinks.

Deacon McCoy “is the definition of a Boy Scout.” “With a merit badge in hot.” And underneath his tall, tatted and talented exterior lay a patient man, “the backbone for everyone,” determined to lead his band to success.

They didn’t expect each other, but once they came across each other it seemed like they were destined to be together.

“And now this man that had torn through her like a summer storm was beside her, steady as a rock. She’d seen it in his eyes. Forever. As if he could actually inject it into her veins like a drug, with the passion between them.”
“There would be an indelible mark on her, no matter what. A Deacon tattoo that branded her heart as his.”

Even when “his career and hers were on completely different trajectories.”

Besides giving us great characters and plot, Taryn Elliot and Cari Quinn have crazy writing skills. Rocked is funny, flirty, swoony and oh so darn sexy. It’s also filled with beautiful descriptions and analogies that will make your mouth water when their talking about food,

“You gotta tell me your name.”
She stuffed a hunk of potato in her mouth. “Why do you care?”
“Because food orgasms are personal, and I need to know who’s giving me one.” … the man was lethal.”

Ok so that was Deacon and Harper flirting because of food, but food does play an important role in the story.

Their metaphors will make you picture all the sights the characters witness, imagine the great music they produce even when you don’t know the tune or lyrics, and overall it will make you experience touch and intense emotions through their words.

“Every single time he touched her, the sense of belonging strengthened. They were like layers in a song he’d never hoped to create. Words were only one part of them. The harmony of their bodies moving together, the underlying melody of humor and rightness he felt around her, it all made up a composition he’d happily give a lifetime to figure out. She was his ultimate song that would never have an end.”

It’s also safe to say that I will never go to another rock concert and not think about this book and these characters. It gave me new perspective and appreciation about everything that goes on stage and behind the scenes even when I’m sure this was not the book’s main intent.

I can’t wait to get my hands on their next Lost in Oblivion book.

For more of my reviews or those of my best book buds visit our blog. tjlovestoread-dot-wordpress-dot-com

Rocked, Lost in Oblivion Series book one, Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book review.

I loved the prequel to this series, Seduced, and though this book can be read as a standalone I think readers will understand the band dynamics better if they've first read Seduced. It explains so much about how they started and the problems they faced.
Anyway – Its Deak, Deacon, in this book who's main character. He's always the steady man of the band, the sensible one who checks contracts, liaises with promoters, finds them places to play. At the start of this book they've just been signed up for a tour, as the opening band for another group, and the promoters have given them a manager Gordo, who takes over all the things Deacon used to do. He's still the peacemaker in the band though, the glue that holds them together and Mr Dependable. He's feeling frustrated at losing his mediator role to Gordo and using punishing workouts to get rid of his excess energy. At 6ft 5on the extra muscles he's gained make him one Big Boy. He doesn't really get into the girls/groupie thing as the others do, but when he sees Harper, new chef with Food Riot he's entranced. She's a hold on his psyche right from the start, but she's aloof, polite but distant. Brought up on the road since she was 12 with her roadie parents she's seen and done the musician scene, and is now concentrating on her career. Deacon eventually wears her down though, and they embark on a sensual, heady, torrid romance. The tour is for six weeks though, and she's so determined that will be the end for them, as she could be working anywhere at the drop of a hat. Deacon though feels she's his Forever person, and tries to get her to see they could be so much more than just a fling, but with two opposing careers, meaning time on the road in different places it's a tough job.
Its a fabulous read, I felt I was there on the road with the band, twittering, scavenger hunting, watching the gigs, and it was so real to me. I loved that we saw the niggles, the little bits as well as the overall picture. That we really got to know the band members, warts and all. When things began to go wrong – wow I was shocked! How could that happen...but it made for a great drama in the book, and all good romances need drama and hiccups to be interesting, not just happy, happy, happy.
Its a terrific realistic read, and long – hurrah! Its priced at just 99p for a massive 474 pages, well worth a punt. I look forward to more from the band.
Stars: Five, has to be :-)
ARC supplied by Netgalley.