Playing Around With a Rockstar: A Spicy Bandmate Rivals Romance

Soulmates #4

by Kitt Henley

Jonah Halsey thinks he can have any woman he wants—even me. He’s about to learn otherwise.

LEXIE: Growing up the daughter of a pop-punk legend wasn’t easy, but it taught me one thing: It takes talent, discipline, and hard work to earn respect in this world. 

But our drummer, Jonah Halsey, doesn’t believe in all that. He’s gorgeous, cocky, and dangerously charming—and after he caught me watching him with a couple of groupies, he decided I was his next conquest.

He made me a bet that he would get me into bed before our band leaves town on Sunday, and I eagerly accepted the chance to knock his ego down a few pegs.

Except resisting Jonah is harder than I expected.

Behind those bedroom eyes is a man who knows how to get under my skin. But with every lingering glance, he’s opening up to me in ways I never expected. Making me feel seen. And it’s blurring the line between our bet and genuine feelings.

Suddenly I can’t tell if I’m falling in love…or just getting played.

---
A spicy bandmates/rivals romance featuring a playboy drummer with all the right moves, a guitar-playing goddess hellbent on proving herself, paper-thin walls, long-buried secrets, and one very naughty bet that changes everything.

Playing Around With a Rockstar is a complete romance novella set in the Soulmates interwoven rockstar universe. No cliffhanger. Guaranteed HEA.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Newest Release


Kitt Henley writes spicy, emotional instalove with relatable characters, a touch of humor, and tons of heart.

Never one to make it through a good romance or cookie commercial with dry eyes, Kitt's heartstrings are easy to pull on. From the moment she sat down to write her first novel, she knew she'd found her calling.


When she's not wrangling words in her tiny bedroom office, Kitt loves to spend time with her high school best friend (a.k.a. her rockstar husband) and their two ridiculously funny boys.

Sign up for Kitt's newsletter here: https://kitthenley.com/mailing-list

Reviews

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy bandmates/rival’s romance featuring a playboy drummer with all the right moves, a guitar-playing goddess hellbent on proving herself, paper-thin walls, long-buried secrets, and one very naughty bet that changes everything.

"Jonah Halsey thinks he can have any woman he wants—even Lexie. He’s about to learn otherwise."

Growing up the daughter of a pop-punk legend wasn’t easy, but it taught Lexie one thing: It takes talent, discipline, and hard work to earn respect in this world.

But our drummer, Jonah Halsey, doesn’t believe in all that. He’s gorgeous, cocky, and dangerously charming—and after he caught her watching him with a couple of groupies, he decided she was his next conquest.

He made Lexie a bet that he would get her into bed before their band leaves town on Sunday, and she eagerly accepted the chance to knock his ego down a few pegs.

Except resisting Jonah is harder than she expected.

Behind those bedroom eyes is a man who knows how to get under her skin. But with every lingering glance, he’s opening up to her in ways she never expected. Making Lexie feel seen. And it’s blurring the line between their bet and genuine feelings.

Suddenly Lexie can’t tell if she’s falling in love…or just getting played.

Tropes: Playboy Drummer, Bandmates, Rivals, Guitar-Playing Goddess, Long-buries Secrets, Naughty Bet, FMC’s Father Pop-Punk Legend, Takes Talent/Discipline/Hard Work, Gorgeous/Cocky, Dangerously Charming MMC, Opening Up, Feeling Seen, Blurred Lines, Light & Easy Rockstar Romances, Dual POVs, Naughty & Nice Propositions, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Interconnected Series, Miscommunication, Novella, One-Bed, Reformed Player, Rockstar/Popstar/Streamer/Actor, Second Chances, Found Family.

Playing Around with a Rockstar is the 4th novella in A Soulmates Series A Spicy Bandmates Rivals Romance by Kitt Henley.

I’m going to start by saying that by the end of this review I want you to want this rockstar romance.

Jonah Halsey is the drummer for Lexie’s band and he’s cocky and believes that he is irresistible and that there’s no woman in the world, no woman who looks at him, and who he gives the time to look at, that can ever resist him, and that includes Lexie. But, Lexie plans to prove him wrong and bring him down a few pegs in the process.

My only question when Lexie and Jonah made their bet was: Jonah is this far too sexy for his own good drummer and Lexie is the silver eyed guitar goodness who he believes just shares the stage with him and he’s actually the star. Now, they’ve made their bet. Who’s going to fall first?

Jonah is a talented musician in his own right being able to rock out on both the drums & guitar. But he has his playboy tendencies and there remains this undercurrent of rivalry with his bandmates, he’s been crushed by his own crush. And yet, under all that bravado, under all that rough and tough exterior, you can tell that he’s actually really a good guy.

Lexie is a gifted guitarist; in fact, she’s a guitar goddess. She is driven to succeed as she wants to impress her daddy and yet at the same time she finds that she has her own daddy issues. She finds that she often times has a hate-to-love attitude in regards to her bandmates and that probably has a lot to do with her dad. The one good thing she has is that she has a positive relationship with her siblings and she knows they
support her no matter what and have her back all the way.

Shredder and Cowboy are such a cute couple and they had a slow-burn and rivals-to-lovers relationship. Right from the start they had this fun, playful, banter. You could see them often sneaking looks at each other and it just upped the heat between them. But the attraction and chemistry between them was just stunning. And as they engaged in their “bet” play, they start to change their opinion of the other and they start to see each other in a different light and they realize that the other is more then they ever expected.

I absolutely love this band! I am in the process of reading the other stories that revolve around this band and man oh man do I love this group. I am really enjoying the way that Kitt has managed to tie all their stories together in different ways. Each member of the band, despite each of their own rivalries, they have each found a family in each other and they all know that they have each other’s backs through ups and downs, and through thick and thin.

I can’t wait to read Chase and Harper’s story. And I am all in on their story. I can’t wait to read it and fall in love with them all over again and watch their story unfold.

The one part I really don’t want to give away is about the story’s antagonist. What I will say is that Kitt has painted the old dude in this way that you’re not going to meet him one iota. You’ll know him the second you meet him. You’ll just get the ick from him right away.

I really enjoy a well written rivalry between two people, especially when they really do want and desire each other. Jonah and Lexie were perfect examples of this. And I just loved the way they leaned into the way they were feeling. Despite the fact they started in one place, they slowly moved towards another, giving themselves permission to give into the way they were feeling.

I love that each of the A Soulmates Series can be read as a standalone. But I do recommend that you read this series in order to get the most enjoyment out of it. I highly recommend this book and this entire series. Kitt Henley did an amazing job with writing this book and this series.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An I want you to want this rocker romance

My Review: Playing Around With a Rockstar by Kitt Henley is book #4 in the Soulmates series. It is "A Spicy Bandmate Rivals Romance." The release date is 1/27/26.

About the Book: "Jonah Halsey thinks he can have any woman he wants—even me. He’s about to learn otherwise."

In My Own Words: An I'm-too-sexy-for-my-love drummer and the silver-eyed guitar goddess who shares the stage with him enter into a crazy-spicy-cool bet. Who will fall first?

About the Characters:

Jonah - > Talented musician (drums & guitar), playboy tendencies, low key rivalry with bandmate, crushed by his crush, good guy under the bravado

Lexie - > Gifted guitarist, driven to succeed, daddy issues, hate-to-love attitude regarding bandmate, positive support from sibling

About the Couple: Shredder and Cowboy had a slow burn, rivals to lovers relationship. From the jump, their playful banter and sneaky peeks at each other revved up the heat. As they engaged in "bet" play, they both began to see the other person as something more than expected.

About the Other Characters: In case I didn't effectively communicate my love for this group in my other reviews, let me clearly say it here... I LOVE THIS BAND! I love how their stories tied together. They are a family, and they support each other through thick and thin.

My Favorite Next Up Character: Chase (Ms. Henley, I see what you did there. Consider me hooked. I cannot wait to read about Chase and Harper!!! I am all in.)

The Dud Dude: I don't want to give away too much, regarding the story's antagonistic element, but I will simply say that the author painted old dude in such a way that I did not like him one bit. He was a giant turdball.

My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):

✨ There's Something About...

🔥 Paper Thin

🎙️"Stage-d"

💖 Stand By Your Wo-man

My Final Say: I love a good rivalry between two people who secretly desire each other. Jonah and Lexie did the thing well. I really liked the way they leaned into what they were feeling. Although they started in one place, they eventually gave themselves permission to move toward another place that was far better.

Other: Readers who enjoy light & easy rockstar romances, dual POVs, and naughty & nice propositions will like this story.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level:🌶🌶
Series: Yes
Format: 📚

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (KCH Publishing House), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience. I am very much looking forward to the next story from this writer, Operation: Superstar.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this new installment of the series. It’s a very entertaining bandmates and rivals to to lovers rock star romance. Although it is a novella and the plot spans only a few days, it is very well-paced and full of heartfelt emotions, fun and steam. As the story runs parallel to the previous books, I was already familiar with the endearing protagonists, the very likable supporting characters and some of the dramas and backstories. It was definitely fun to experience the events of the weekend from a different perspective.
Jonah is a notorious player and Lexie is tough, determined and has daddy issues. I enjoyed the rivalry, the banter and verbal sparring, as well as the sizzling chemistry between them. Jonah and Lexie’s interactions felt natural, sometimes light-hearted, then again compassionate and caring. I also loved the bond between the band members, and Lexie's brother is a sweetheart, unlike her father, who really made me angry.

Lexie and Jonah had a secret crush on each other during their school days, but nothing ever came of it. Instead, they have been bandmates for a decade, constantly egging each other on and competing with each other. Jonah is the player of the band with many affairs, and Lexie is ambitious and tough, trying to live up to the high standards of her famous father.

When Lexie catches Jonah making out with some groupies again and taunts him, Jonah proposes an unexpected bet: during their weekend in their hometown of Chicago, where "The Lost Souls" are playing three gigs in a club, he wants to seduce her to sleep with him to prove once and for all that she's not immune to his charms. Lexie has no intention of getting involved with the arrogant prick, even though she finds it increasingly difficult to resist his charm offensive…

If you like quick-read rockstar romance novellas with appealing characters, tension, emotions, banter and spice, you'll love this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Around With a Rockstar by Kitt Henley is a spicy, fun rivals-to-lovers novella that hits all the right rock-and-roll notes. Jonah Halsey is that “I can have any woman I want” drummer with a cocky grin and enough bravado to fill a stadium, and Lexie is his fierce, silver-eyed guitarist bandmate determined to earn respect on her own terms — and knock his ego down a peg or two along the way.
What I loved most about this story was the banter and chemistry between Jonah and Lexie. Their playful wager — him betting he’ll woo her before the band leaves town — makes for electric tension and laugh-out-loud moments, but there’s real heart beneath the spice as they start to see each other beyond the game. At its best, this book blends laugh-out-loud dialogue with genuinely touching growth, especially as Jonah sheds a little of his playboy exterior and Lexie lets herself feel more than just rivalry.
The supporting bandmates add fun camaraderie, making the world feel like a tight-knit musical family you wish you could join on tour. The only tiny miss for me was that 158-page novella format sometimes means plot beats race by a bit fast, leaving me wanting just a smidge more depth in a couple of emotional scenes.
Kitt Henley’s writing here is warm and witty, perfectly suited to readers who want heat, heart, and a dose of rockstar charm without dropping into melodrama. If you enjoy light contemporary romances with rivals-to-lovers sparks and a guaranteed happily ever after, this duet of drumrolls and guitar riffs is a blast from start to finish.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie met Jonah in high school. When he asked her out, she turned him down—even though he was undeniably sexy, incredibly talented, and shared her love of music. They both played guitar, and Jonah had a massive crush on her, convinced she was the best guitarist he’d ever seen. She inspired him so much that he eventually switched to drums… just because he knew she was better.
Now, years later, Lexie has been in his band forever, and Jonah is done pretending. He’s determined to make her admit the truth—that she has feelings for him. Not just now, but that she’s always had them.
Enter the bet.
They have two days in Chicago, and Jonah’s mission is simple: convince Lexie that she wants him. What follows is pure magic. Their chemistry is off the charts—every look, every touch, every wink is hot, hot, hot. The tension between them is delicious, and the way their connection slowly unravels is both sexy and deeply romantic.
I absolutely loved these two. Lexie and Jonah are perfect for each other, and watching them finally face their feelings was incredibly satisfying. The ending was fantastic.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars—highly recommend

[Syduction · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun (and steamy!!) rockstar read. The banter was super fun, and the bet made things that much more intense.

I did come into this having read none of the previous books in the series, but Kitt Henley did a wonderful job of staying true to it being an interconnected albeit standalone novella. After this, she just might find me going back to read the first three in the series.

Loved the touch of second-chance mixed with enemies to lovers mixed with workplace romance.

I do wish our MCs communicated a little more openly with one another, especially since they are band mates after all, and it would’ve resolved a lot of the will they/won’t they dynamic and made for a more cohesive plot (imo). It felt like they did a lot of assuming about the other’s thoughts and feelings and it let to a lot of unnecessary riffs and hesitations. For the length of the book, I would’ve liked to see a lot less back and forth.

Thank you to Kitt Henley and KCH Publishing House via NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Iris Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Around With a Rockstar
By Kitt Henley
Johan and Lexie
Book 4
Soulmates series

Let start by saying that Kitt once again wrote a hit in my opinion. Her books are so well written and relatable.
This one starts out with Johan making a, in my opinion, stupid bet for a silly reason. But Lexie goes along with it.
You see during the book that Johan and Lex have always had feelings for each other but never admitted to them.
You also learn in this book how the band formed and when each member joined.
It was no where near what I thought happened.
While this is a great book and the story is amazing. I couldn't help but pray the whole book to please let her father show up.
I have a soft spot for girls with absent fathers. While I won't give that bit of information away I will say that my favorite part would have to be the bonus episode she added to her website. It shows where everyone is 5 years down the road and how they are all still together starting their families and rocking out.
10 out of 10 and I hate to see it all end.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Around With a Rockstar is the fourth book in the Soulmates Series, and Kitt Henley delivered another fun, spicy, fast-paced read.

I was so excited to finally get Jonah and Lexie’s story, and they did not disappoint. They’re perfect for each other, and watching them slowly face their feelings—especially with their shared history from high school—was incredibly satisfying. Their chemistry was undeniable, the banter was fun, and the bet added an extra layer of tension that made everything even more intense. The spice was definitely on point 🔥 and balanced well with the emotional moments.

The side characters were just as enjoyable—I love this band and how they add depth and humor to the story.

Overall, this book delivered romance, spice, and heart, and I highly recommend it if you love rockstar romances with rivals-to-lovers vibes.

Thank you so much to Kitt Henley for the ARC!

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story! After reading and loving all the previous books, I have to say this is my favorite.

The plot centers aroung Jonah & Lexie, two more members of the band, he is the drummer, she is the guitarist. A bet is made about him wooing her to his bed before they are on the road again, and this unleashes a series of deep felt conversations, delicious banter, magnetic moments, and that undeniable chemistry that brings them together -they have been pining for each other in silence for a while-. But there is so much damage they carry around with them, her upbringing is making her mistrust any male figure, it will take a lot of showing up, care and opening up to help heal. I love that the bandmates are there to lend support and lighten the plot, too

A great book overall!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Rock Romance

Lexie and Jonah are in a band together and there has been that underlying intensity between them since high school. Afraid to cross a line that that could possibly tear the band apart they leave it to their banter to ease the attraction. It takes one bet between the two to see who would win out in the end. Along with some misunderstandings during that time they struggle with this bet. Then we add in Lexie’s loser of a rock star dad and its great to see Jonah deal with him.

I love the other characters in this book as well as they all brought something to this story. This book was a page turner for me and I love to see more rock romances coming from this author.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of the Soulmates series. While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

'A spicy bandmates/rivals romance featuring a playboy drummer with all the right moves, a guitar-playing goddess hellbent on proving herself, paper-thin walls, long-buried secrets, and one very naughty bet that changes everything.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi and Jonah were great in this book. They’re in a band together, but they also went to high school together. So they have a past of knowing one another. He places a bet that he can get her in bed before they leave but their next tour. Game on playboy! She takes the bet. But realizes she’s falling for him. I loved this story. We always fell for the ones we thought we wouldn’t. Lexi was exception. The banter and moments between these two were great. It was sweet seeing them finally come together and put everything else aside. These two were definitely meant for one another. A really great read. In glad that I was a part of this ARC team. Thank you for that.

[Wiktoria Suporowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi and Jonah were fantastic in this story! They’ve known each other since high school and now play in a band together, which makes their chemistry electric. Jonah bets he can get her in bed before their next tour-game on! But as they spend time together, Lexi realizes she’s falling for him.

The banter between them was so fun, and the moments of connection were genuinely sweet. I loved seeing them finally put everything else aside and come together. These two were definitely meant for each other!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I actually read the ARC of the last book in this series, too. This was as good as that one. It’s following a hugely popular band and their members. This one focusing on Lexie and Jonah. Their history is long and complicated. Things heat up in this book for them. Can they make their way to each other? All in all this was great and I look forward to any more books in the universe.

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want this one to end. My first book by this author and I can say she is already a favorite. Hot smoldering burn with such an authentic emotional pull that grabs you each time these two characters collide. I LOVE a book that alternates the perspective because the heat the male lead puts off is top shelf sizzle. This author is moving to my top tier. Thanks for letting me be an ARC. It was well worth the read. Highly Recommend.

[Peggy Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Around With A Rockstar is the fourth book in the Soulmates series by Kitt Henley. This one is a band mates rivalry romance. This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and I was really impressed by her writing style and storytelling. The story was good, and I loved Jonah and Lexie's history from when they were in high school. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I really enjoyed their story. Definitely recommended!

[Michele Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie and Jonah have known each other forever. He plays drums and she's an amazing guitarist. They've both had feelings for each other forever but she sees him as a player. He decides to challenge her to a bet, she will fall for him before they leave the city. She's determined to make him work for it. Kitt writes amazing stories of friends faking in love while loving music.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitt Henley did it again! I was very excited to read Jonah and Lexie's story and thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the bonus story giving a glimpse into the future of how the couples in this series are doing. Can't wait to read Chase's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Salonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Kitt Henley in my favorite genre, Rockstar I have yet to read a "Rockstar" book that I did not enjoy. I felt really bad for Lexi being raised by a man like her father, so happy a Jonah came into her life. This is definitely a worthwhile read. Thank you Booksprout for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda de Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this story was hot! Off the charts chemistry from the main characters, and the way Jonah was trying to seduce Lexie was both fun to read and hot as hell.
Convincing characters, good backstory, intertwined with the rest of the series. Lexie's father was the real disappointment, what a terrible man!
I think this was the best of the Rockstar series, a very enjoyable read.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a great story! Probably my favorite of the series. So many emotional ups and downs. There was fun witty banter and steamy tension sparking flames between the 2 band mates. They both secretly love each other but have their own scars and insecurities. Is it worth the risk to expose their hearts? What happens when a wild bet gets thrown in the mix?

[Kasey Connors-Beron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was very sweet and had great spicy scenes. I was hoping for more of a slowburn but the relationship development was great given the length of the book. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series!

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! I thoroughly enjoyed Lexi and Jonas‘s book. Sometimes it takes a while to realize what you want is right in front of you. That was true for Lexi and Jonah. It took them many long years to figure it out. But finally got out of their own way. Enjoyed the way the rest of the band was intertwined.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series of novellas that give us these close friends and musicians, and how the stories flow with each other. Lexie and Jonah have tension and sparks that she's been trying to ignore. They've known each other since school, so there's history, and bandmates for almost as long. It's a bit of friends but they were also rivals not really enemies thing going on... and that adds to the tension between them. My heart did go out to Lexie and how that situation was handled. The pull between these two is strong, and there's a great build up. I'm very curious about her brother Chase also. I recommend this series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! Freaking awesome read. Loved these characters. Lots of great banter. Drama, suspense, lol moments throughout. Chemistry was smoking hot. read cover to cover. Entertaining five star story with fantastic characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining romance has denied feelings, past hurts and insults, a second chance, disappointing family, chemistry, and a HEA. The MCs and secondary are engaging and have chemistry. I liked this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in this series and we finally get to Lexie and Jonah. These two have been competing since high school, neither knowing how the other truly feels. Fun, fast and oh so yummy. Enjoy

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and kitt henley for a copy of this ARC! Once again kitt has done it. I have absolutely loved this series since the first book. Jonah and Lexie's story was so sweet.