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Rock Star Romance #3
Take Me Home Tonight
A rocker gets a taste of unexpected passion in the latest red-hot Rock Star Romance from the award-winning author of I Want You to Want Me.
Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.
Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom...
Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.
Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom...
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
141 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Erika Kelly
43 books1,854 followersAward-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy, passionate, and emotional contemporary romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 5, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I have enjoyed this series from the start loving the first book more than the second but Take Me Home Tonight was simply put phenomenal. First off this cover...OMG this cover, the first time I saw it I thought the guy looked like Pat Monahan from Train. I still think that and it was easy for me to slip him right into the hero spot in this book. Secondly, I love that this book was very different from the first two both in the characterizations but also in the storyline. Two people on very different paths, two people both struggling for some normalcy in their lives, two people who are hurting for different reasons and two people whose connection is so strong neither one knows quite what to do about it. While this book had a bit more angst than I normally like, I felt it was warranted for the story and so I was able to move past that and I give Erika Kelly a huge thank you for such an outstanding book.
Mimi Romano wants nothing more than to go to work for her father's company, but he wants her to earn her way and so trying out for a live cooking competition seems like just the right move. She loves being in the kitchen, she's enjoyed her temporary gig as cook for the band Blue Fire and being around her two closest friends, but she needs to move towards her goals and the show will get her there or so she thinks.
The last thing Calix Bourbon expected as he was riding his Harley down a busy street was to pick up an obviously distraught Mimi, but he does it without even thinking. Bringing her back to his family home isn't something he planned on and realizing that he likes her there is just another thing he can't deal with at the moment.
There was so much I loved about this match up including the fact that Mimi despite her self-doubt is very assertive and speaks her mind. She constantly called Calix out on his behavior, she didn't hold back with anyone in his family about what she was thinking and she made everyone face up to some things none of them had dealt with in several years. I was constantly amazed at the way she so easily meshed with Calix's entire family including his mostly reclusive mother and the way she tackled her preparation for the cooking show. Calix was a piece of work, yet I had to give him a pass because of his situation and everything he was dealing with and had internalized. He is a very good guy, loves his family to distraction, a talented musician who put his life on hold to help out and someone who just can't let go of past events that shaped him. There were times I wanted to hate him, yet knowing everything about him I just couldn't and I also understood the power he had over Mimi because if there was ever anyone who loved with her whole heart it was Mimi.
With Calix filling in with Blue Fire as their keyboardist he and Mimi knew one another but after he rescues her their lives become more entwined something that scares Calix often. Mimi opens the family's eyes to possibilities, to be quite honest she oversteps her bounds often but with the best of intentions and she knows that despite Calix's issues she's falling in love even when she knows it will be one sided. At times my heart broke for Mimi, but she was really quite remarkable in her ability to bounce back and move forward even when she was sad and hurting.
This book takes place mostly as the band is laying down a new album and working with some issues and along the way they pick up some new people who help them. There are a lot of changes going on in the world of Blue Fire which was very exciting to see.
This book packed an emotional punch on several levels, but there were some very fun and happy times as well and as always Ms. Kelly offers up some intense and very satisfying sexy times! I loved the unusual plot of Take Me Home Tonight, the amazing characters and the words that just seemed to flow seamlessly from beginning to end.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I have enjoyed this series from the start loving the first book more than the second but Take Me Home Tonight was simply put phenomenal. First off this cover...OMG this cover, the first time I saw it I thought the guy looked like Pat Monahan from Train. I still think that and it was easy for me to slip him right into the hero spot in this book. Secondly, I love that this book was very different from the first two both in the characterizations but also in the storyline. Two people on very different paths, two people both struggling for some normalcy in their lives, two people who are hurting for different reasons and two people whose connection is so strong neither one knows quite what to do about it. While this book had a bit more angst than I normally like, I felt it was warranted for the story and so I was able to move past that and I give Erika Kelly a huge thank you for such an outstanding book.
Mimi Romano wants nothing more than to go to work for her father's company, but he wants her to earn her way and so trying out for a live cooking competition seems like just the right move. She loves being in the kitchen, she's enjoyed her temporary gig as cook for the band Blue Fire and being around her two closest friends, but she needs to move towards her goals and the show will get her there or so she thinks.
The last thing Calix Bourbon expected as he was riding his Harley down a busy street was to pick up an obviously distraught Mimi, but he does it without even thinking. Bringing her back to his family home isn't something he planned on and realizing that he likes her there is just another thing he can't deal with at the moment.
There was so much I loved about this match up including the fact that Mimi despite her self-doubt is very assertive and speaks her mind. She constantly called Calix out on his behavior, she didn't hold back with anyone in his family about what she was thinking and she made everyone face up to some things none of them had dealt with in several years. I was constantly amazed at the way she so easily meshed with Calix's entire family including his mostly reclusive mother and the way she tackled her preparation for the cooking show. Calix was a piece of work, yet I had to give him a pass because of his situation and everything he was dealing with and had internalized. He is a very good guy, loves his family to distraction, a talented musician who put his life on hold to help out and someone who just can't let go of past events that shaped him. There were times I wanted to hate him, yet knowing everything about him I just couldn't and I also understood the power he had over Mimi because if there was ever anyone who loved with her whole heart it was Mimi.
With Calix filling in with Blue Fire as their keyboardist he and Mimi knew one another but after he rescues her their lives become more entwined something that scares Calix often. Mimi opens the family's eyes to possibilities, to be quite honest she oversteps her bounds often but with the best of intentions and she knows that despite Calix's issues she's falling in love even when she knows it will be one sided. At times my heart broke for Mimi, but she was really quite remarkable in her ability to bounce back and move forward even when she was sad and hurting.
This book takes place mostly as the band is laying down a new album and working with some issues and along the way they pick up some new people who help them. There are a lot of changes going on in the world of Blue Fire which was very exciting to see.
This book packed an emotional punch on several levels, but there were some very fun and happy times as well and as always Ms. Kelly offers up some intense and very satisfying sexy times! I loved the unusual plot of Take Me Home Tonight, the amazing characters and the words that just seemed to flow seamlessly from beginning to end.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 25, 2016
This third book in the Rockstar Romance series turns it's attentions to the newest member of the Blue Fire band, Calix Bourbon, and to the heroine of book two's best friend, Mimi. Like the stories before it, this one grabs the emotions and offers a tough won romance story.
The story opens with Mimi getting into a TV cooking contest hoping it will impress her workaholic dad who never puts Mimi first and also hoping that it will open up hiring prospects since she has been unable to get a job out of college. Being the chef for Blue Fire while they rusticate on her mom's Long Island farm has been great. This is especially good because she gets to secretly crush on the temporary keyboardist, Calix Bourbon. Calix is a brilliant musician and the guys would snatch him up as a permanent member in a heartbeat, but Calix keeps his distance and doesn't take Blue Fire up on their offer. Mimi knows that a guy with no ambitions and who doesn't do relationships can't be her special someone.
Calix noticed Mimi right away, but he has a lot on his plate and has nothing to give a special woman like that. But then Mimi needs help practicing for the cooking contest. It is his plan that helping Mimi will draw his mom out of her funk. His whole family has been in a holding pattern for three years since his brother's death. The guilt weighs heavily on him especially. He is drawn to Mimi, but he has to resist. Family first. Even if it means pushing away a chance at love and a chance at his dreams with the band.
This was a unique situation. I didn't know what to make of it at first. The story pushes the band and rockstar backdrop to the side and focuses on the farms and small town setting there on Long Island. The band is doing studio work and there is quite a bit of that, but the greater focus is Mimi's cooking contest, her need to get her dad's attention and approval, Calix and his family coming to life again with Mimi around, Calix working through his grief and guilt, and some extra drama to make the pot boil over.
As before, I found the characters a blend of flaws and strengths. Calix does this hot and cold thing that made me want to do physical violence to him. But yet, I got it. His head was screwed up and he was thinking wrong and making mistakes right and left. His world had to fall apart around him before he could heal.
As to Mimi, she seems to be the one that's well-adjusted and has it all together, but the reader can anticipate that she has a big choice to make. Her whole life has been spent jumping through hoops to make her dad happy. That is her end goal and it is only spending time with the band and Calix that she is made to realize that her ambitions do not make her happy like her time cooking for the band and being with her friends. I wanted to hate her dad. He was hard on her, but then the insight comes and even his issues make sense- wrong, but makes sense.
And, for all the hot and cold and wrong-headedness, this is a rock musician so Calix helps Mimi let her inner woman out. He was one sexy guy whether it was rocking out with the guys, cooking up good things in the kitchen, free-spirited lifestyle epitomized by grabbing his surfboard and heading out with friends, or his intense focus on Mimi as her mentor and cheerleader with the contest. Mimi is this warm-hearted person who wants people to be filled and happy. She can't see a person hurting or in need without trying to help. Calix's family needs her particularly Calix. He is hard on her because he doesn't want to hear the truth and he can't accept some of it. She had so much to give and it broke my heart when her dad rejected it and Calix pushed her away. They get hot and passionate. I loved seeing these moments and even the quiet ones, but it was like the sun with a dark storm on the horizon. I knew Calix had big problems and Mimi had one or two so it was hard to enjoy their slow build romance knowing that hard times were a comin'.
The angst is high and generally not my thing, but with this series, I think the difference is that I believe in the emotion. It doesn't feel manipulative or a device, but real and raw.
Loved seeing the previous storylines continue into this one and progress. Slater and Emmie and Derek and Violet, and even Mimi's mom and Irving were great. Weddings, babies, new deals, and camaraderie. All great stuff. Can't wait to see who gets their story next. Saw a little something with a certain rocker and Calix's sister.
All in all, this was fantastic. I devoured it and got the feels while cheering on Calix and Mimi. Definitely would recommend this to those who enjoy spicy, hard fought rocker romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Mimi getting into a TV cooking contest hoping it will impress her workaholic dad who never puts Mimi first and also hoping that it will open up hiring prospects since she has been unable to get a job out of college. Being the chef for Blue Fire while they rusticate on her mom's Long Island farm has been great. This is especially good because she gets to secretly crush on the temporary keyboardist, Calix Bourbon. Calix is a brilliant musician and the guys would snatch him up as a permanent member in a heartbeat, but Calix keeps his distance and doesn't take Blue Fire up on their offer. Mimi knows that a guy with no ambitions and who doesn't do relationships can't be her special someone.
Calix noticed Mimi right away, but he has a lot on his plate and has nothing to give a special woman like that. But then Mimi needs help practicing for the cooking contest. It is his plan that helping Mimi will draw his mom out of her funk. His whole family has been in a holding pattern for three years since his brother's death. The guilt weighs heavily on him especially. He is drawn to Mimi, but he has to resist. Family first. Even if it means pushing away a chance at love and a chance at his dreams with the band.
This was a unique situation. I didn't know what to make of it at first. The story pushes the band and rockstar backdrop to the side and focuses on the farms and small town setting there on Long Island. The band is doing studio work and there is quite a bit of that, but the greater focus is Mimi's cooking contest, her need to get her dad's attention and approval, Calix and his family coming to life again with Mimi around, Calix working through his grief and guilt, and some extra drama to make the pot boil over.
As before, I found the characters a blend of flaws and strengths. Calix does this hot and cold thing that made me want to do physical violence to him. But yet, I got it. His head was screwed up and he was thinking wrong and making mistakes right and left. His world had to fall apart around him before he could heal.
As to Mimi, she seems to be the one that's well-adjusted and has it all together, but the reader can anticipate that she has a big choice to make. Her whole life has been spent jumping through hoops to make her dad happy. That is her end goal and it is only spending time with the band and Calix that she is made to realize that her ambitions do not make her happy like her time cooking for the band and being with her friends. I wanted to hate her dad. He was hard on her, but then the insight comes and even his issues make sense- wrong, but makes sense.
And, for all the hot and cold and wrong-headedness, this is a rock musician so Calix helps Mimi let her inner woman out. He was one sexy guy whether it was rocking out with the guys, cooking up good things in the kitchen, free-spirited lifestyle epitomized by grabbing his surfboard and heading out with friends, or his intense focus on Mimi as her mentor and cheerleader with the contest. Mimi is this warm-hearted person who wants people to be filled and happy. She can't see a person hurting or in need without trying to help. Calix's family needs her particularly Calix. He is hard on her because he doesn't want to hear the truth and he can't accept some of it. She had so much to give and it broke my heart when her dad rejected it and Calix pushed her away. They get hot and passionate. I loved seeing these moments and even the quiet ones, but it was like the sun with a dark storm on the horizon. I knew Calix had big problems and Mimi had one or two so it was hard to enjoy their slow build romance knowing that hard times were a comin'.
The angst is high and generally not my thing, but with this series, I think the difference is that I believe in the emotion. It doesn't feel manipulative or a device, but real and raw.
Loved seeing the previous storylines continue into this one and progress. Slater and Emmie and Derek and Violet, and even Mimi's mom and Irving were great. Weddings, babies, new deals, and camaraderie. All great stuff. Can't wait to see who gets their story next. Saw a little something with a certain rocker and Calix's sister.
All in all, this was fantastic. I devoured it and got the feels while cheering on Calix and Mimi. Definitely would recommend this to those who enjoy spicy, hard fought rocker romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2016
Wonderful story! I adore this series! I thought this was a really great read and couldn’t put it down.
The beginning was a bit slow for me as all the details were laid out but I was totally invested because they were terrific details. I liked Calix and Mimi a lot, both so loving and caring. They had such a strong attraction to one another that had a lot of push and pull going on and I enjoyed the build of their growing connection as they figured out the things that were holding them back. I felt there was a subtle, slow burn to their relationship. They had a wonderful chemistry together that really built and it created a nice amount of heat and want.
I really liked Calix but he was battling some serious inner demons so even though I felt for him, I got frustrated with him and some of the choices he made as he was figuring things out. This however creates a nice amount tension and drama and it leads to some really fantastic, emotional moments. Loved his family and all the healing that was happening and how Mimi played into that. It created a lot of sweet, hopeful moments that made me happy.
Erika Kelly has a way of really pulling me in and making me feel invested in the characters lives. There were some smaller story lines happening throughout and I really enjoyed how they affected the main characters. I loved that there were updates on the other band members and girlfriends. That made me super happy.
Loved the ending and all the emotion that went with it, it wrapped up nicely. It was a really good story that got better and then was excellent. It just had a really great build throughout to a fantastic conclusion. Excellent story line, well rounded, detailed, full of emotions and passion with amazing characters. Another awesome read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
The beginning was a bit slow for me as all the details were laid out but I was totally invested because they were terrific details. I liked Calix and Mimi a lot, both so loving and caring. They had such a strong attraction to one another that had a lot of push and pull going on and I enjoyed the build of their growing connection as they figured out the things that were holding them back. I felt there was a subtle, slow burn to their relationship. They had a wonderful chemistry together that really built and it created a nice amount of heat and want.
I really liked Calix but he was battling some serious inner demons so even though I felt for him, I got frustrated with him and some of the choices he made as he was figuring things out. This however creates a nice amount tension and drama and it leads to some really fantastic, emotional moments. Loved his family and all the healing that was happening and how Mimi played into that. It created a lot of sweet, hopeful moments that made me happy.
Erika Kelly has a way of really pulling me in and making me feel invested in the characters lives. There were some smaller story lines happening throughout and I really enjoyed how they affected the main characters. I loved that there were updates on the other band members and girlfriends. That made me super happy.
Loved the ending and all the emotion that went with it, it wrapped up nicely. It was a really good story that got better and then was excellent. It just had a really great build throughout to a fantastic conclusion. Excellent story line, well rounded, detailed, full of emotions and passion with amazing characters. Another awesome read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
April 2, 2016
There was much to love about Take Me Home Tonight. Apart from being a great romantic story, this book circled around its characters and their families, the issues surrounding love, loss and guilt and the courage it takes to let go of the past and move forward into new beginnings. It made this for a rich and well-rounded read.
I loved the slow progression of the romance between Calix and Mimi. It laid a great foundation and I was so invested in their relationship that I wanted to knock their heads against a wall and tell them to get their shit together. All the angst created by their constant back and forth made for some extremely passionate moments.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this book a five-star rating was the fact that I found Mimi slightly annoying. Her self-righteous and judgmental attitude and the fact that she felt the need to fix everything, even against the will of other characters got a little much.
However, this was still an incredibly enjoyable read. As mentioned before, this book is not only the story of two people finding love but there are also various side-plots, interesting secondary characters that will make you swoon and even some food for thought about our own lives.
Slow burn romance, angst, hot and passionate exchanges, humor and even a little suspense – this one had it all and I would definitely recommend picking it up.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I loved the slow progression of the romance between Calix and Mimi. It laid a great foundation and I was so invested in their relationship that I wanted to knock their heads against a wall and tell them to get their shit together. All the angst created by their constant back and forth made for some extremely passionate moments.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this book a five-star rating was the fact that I found Mimi slightly annoying. Her self-righteous and judgmental attitude and the fact that she felt the need to fix everything, even against the will of other characters got a little much.
However, this was still an incredibly enjoyable read. As mentioned before, this book is not only the story of two people finding love but there are also various side-plots, interesting secondary characters that will make you swoon and even some food for thought about our own lives.
Slow burn romance, angst, hot and passionate exchanges, humor and even a little suspense – this one had it all and I would definitely recommend picking it up.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
May 14, 2016
3.75
I still stand by this author. I cannot recommend this series enough. The first book had some clichés...but, really, rockstar romance, it's gonna happen...and it never detracted from the overall feel. The others in the series managed to not follow suit and I'm glad I hung in there.
This was a great book, definitely worth the time of the read. Her style of writing and the overall quality is really so much better than a lot out there. Plot was believable; the characters were real. It even included a cocky, sometimes asshole, H (WHO IS NOT A MANHO EVEN THOUGH HE'S A ROCKSTAR) and, my, oh my, a NON-DOORMAT h.
Completely safety-gang-safe. No sex with OW (or OM) and the token-ex is handled so beautifully by the H the first time we meet her, you KNOW he's a good guy. My only gripe about her...I think the h had questions he never addressed.
Having survived massive family tragedy that alters the course of a family, I felt the H's reactions and his family's stagnation was completely believable.
I always want to read the next book in the series as soon as I finish one of her books. That's one of the best recommendations I can give because it rarely happens.
I'm short on time, this book deserves a better review. SG Ladies, if you haven't read this series, you should.
I still stand by this author. I cannot recommend this series enough. The first book had some clichés...but, really, rockstar romance, it's gonna happen...and it never detracted from the overall feel. The others in the series managed to not follow suit and I'm glad I hung in there.
This was a great book, definitely worth the time of the read. Her style of writing and the overall quality is really so much better than a lot out there. Plot was believable; the characters were real. It even included a cocky, sometimes asshole, H (WHO IS NOT A MANHO EVEN THOUGH HE'S A ROCKSTAR) and, my, oh my, a NON-DOORMAT h.
Completely safety-gang-safe. No sex with OW (or OM) and the token-ex is handled so beautifully by the H the first time we meet her, you KNOW he's a good guy. My only gripe about her...I think the h had questions he never addressed.
Having survived massive family tragedy that alters the course of a family, I felt the H's reactions and his family's stagnation was completely believable.
I always want to read the next book in the series as soon as I finish one of her books. That's one of the best recommendations I can give because it rarely happens.
I'm short on time, this book deserves a better review. SG Ladies, if you haven't read this series, you should.
January 17, 2016
Reviews are about being honest go here it goes... I actually put off reading this book for a few weeks and since I just finished it I have to wonder why I did that in the first place?!? I actually really enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting.
This is my first book by Kelly and while reading it the first thing that jumped out at me was her voice. The writing and dialogue just came naturally. Immediately I knew this book was going to be unique and different then other rock star romance novels that have been released.
Now I didn't read the first two books in this series but once I get some time I will definitely have to rectify that. One thing I loved is that while reading I didn't feel lost. The characters are all close and you pretty much get a glimpse into what the characters dealt with in the previous books.
I really did like no scratch that loved all the characters. Calix (love that name) is doing everything in his power to keep his family together by basically putting his life on hold. Three years ago his younger brother passed away and he blames himself. While filling in for playing keyboards he meets Mimi who is there personal chef. He doesn't date but there is something about Mimi that has him opening up and willing to try just for her.
Mimi graduated but has yet to find a job. She was hoping her father would hire her but that hasn't happened yet. While filling in as a personal chef for Blue Fire she decides to enter a cooking competition kinda like chopped but the problem is she has no real training. Calix offers to help her and these two become very close.
I really liked Mimi. She was smart, open and funny. If she was a real person I could see being friends with her. Calix was a bit more complicated but I love how he opened up. He was strong, determined and yet had this side of him that he kept hidden.
The relationship between the two main characters doesn't start off strong but as the story begins to unfold they become closer and each other's confidant. Kelly wrote some seriously hot sex scenes but they weren't just hot some turned sweet. You could tell by those special moments that these two had it bad for one another.
I'm looking forward to reading the previous books and hoping there will be more in this series. This book should be on everyone's TBR pile.
This is my first book by Kelly and while reading it the first thing that jumped out at me was her voice. The writing and dialogue just came naturally. Immediately I knew this book was going to be unique and different then other rock star romance novels that have been released.
Now I didn't read the first two books in this series but once I get some time I will definitely have to rectify that. One thing I loved is that while reading I didn't feel lost. The characters are all close and you pretty much get a glimpse into what the characters dealt with in the previous books.
I really did like no scratch that loved all the characters. Calix (love that name) is doing everything in his power to keep his family together by basically putting his life on hold. Three years ago his younger brother passed away and he blames himself. While filling in for playing keyboards he meets Mimi who is there personal chef. He doesn't date but there is something about Mimi that has him opening up and willing to try just for her.
Mimi graduated but has yet to find a job. She was hoping her father would hire her but that hasn't happened yet. While filling in as a personal chef for Blue Fire she decides to enter a cooking competition kinda like chopped but the problem is she has no real training. Calix offers to help her and these two become very close.
I really liked Mimi. She was smart, open and funny. If she was a real person I could see being friends with her. Calix was a bit more complicated but I love how he opened up. He was strong, determined and yet had this side of him that he kept hidden.
The relationship between the two main characters doesn't start off strong but as the story begins to unfold they become closer and each other's confidant. Kelly wrote some seriously hot sex scenes but they weren't just hot some turned sweet. You could tell by those special moments that these two had it bad for one another.
I'm looking forward to reading the previous books and hoping there will be more in this series. This book should be on everyone's TBR pile.
April 27, 2022
such a sweet one
Yea, I couldn’t exactly come up with the title for this review, lol. But first can I just say it always annoys me when the cover model of a book does not match the description of the character in the book.
Aside that flaw, this book was a little deeper than the previous two books in the series. I enjoyed it but just a tad less than I liked the first two books and I can’t quite pinpoint why. I really enjoy the way this author writes, the depth of the characters. There just seems to be a perfect amount of storylines in the book to keep me focused and it’s something I appreciate. And I like the fact the h is a strong, sweet, non-ho 😂.
Bring on the next book!
Yea, I couldn’t exactly come up with the title for this review, lol. But first can I just say it always annoys me when the cover model of a book does not match the description of the character in the book.
Aside that flaw, this book was a little deeper than the previous two books in the series. I enjoyed it but just a tad less than I liked the first two books and I can’t quite pinpoint why. I really enjoy the way this author writes, the depth of the characters. There just seems to be a perfect amount of storylines in the book to keep me focused and it’s something I appreciate. And I like the fact the h is a strong, sweet, non-ho 😂.
Bring on the next book!
April 7, 2016
✦Review: Take Me Home Tonight (A Rock Star Romance Novel) by Erika Kelly http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-4HY
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
✦Rock Star Romance Series by Erika Kelly✦
~*~*~*~
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
I'm obsessed with this series! Obsessed! The series features beautiful love stories with hot rock stars. Each book just keeps getting better. Take Me Home Tonight is one of my favorite books so far this year. It's just incredible! Erika Kelly has a way of delivering a story that draws me into the story and I feel the emotions of the characters. They become vivid and real. I fell in love with Calix and cheered on Mimi. Their love story was beautiful, emotional and burned up the pages. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting at the beginning because each book features a different band member. I highly recommend the entire series. It's one of my favorite series and Erika Kelly is on my must read author list.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
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Kindle http://amzn.to/1JFMAN3
Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1JFMGUW
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✦Rock Star Romance Series by Erika Kelly✦
✦1. You Really Got Me ➢ Review 5 Stars | Kindle | Amazon PBK | B&N | Kobo | iBooks
✦2. I Want You To Want Me ➢ Review 5 Stars | Kindle | Amazon PBK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
✦3. Take Me Home Tonight ➢ Kindle | Amazon PBK | B&N | Kobo
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May 31, 2016
I have become obsessed with rock star romances lately and I have Erika Kelly to thank for that. With sinfully sexy rock stars and emotionally heart-wrenching romances, her Rock Star Romance series has easily become my favorite. I loved books one and two and was excited to see Calix and Mimi have a story of their own.
Calix Bourbon loves rocking out with Blue Fire, but he makes sure to keep his distance and avoids any commitment as he struggles to hold his crumbling family together. Mimi enjoys cooking for Blue Fire, but she's determined to prove herself to her chef father by entering a cooking contest and taking home the grand prize. The only problem is that Mimi has never been formally trained as a chef, so when Calix hears about Mimi's problem, he offers to help her out in the kitchen. Mimi finds herself learning more about Calix's damaged family and tries to help them, even when Calix is determined to push her away.
Ugghhhh Calix. That man seriously pulls on the heartstrings. His family's past is so tragic and it's heartbreaking how much he puts on hold just to help his family, specifically his mom, stay on their feet. This makes it so hard for Mimi to break past his hard exterior, but Calix finds himself finally starting to open himself up to something and actually care. Calix is so hard on himself and I just wanted him to stop being such a good guy and care about himself for a change. It did get a bit annoying how much Calix would open up to Mimi, then push her away, then open up again, and on and on it went. There was too much hesitation on Calix's part to the point that it got a bit tiring.
I thought that Mimi's cooking show competition was fun and I liked how she grew close to Calix and his family through cooking. Mimi just kind of tumbled into Calix's life one night and never looked back. It's crazy how one person can affect a family so much and I loved how Mimi was able to do that for Calix's. Sure there was a lot of heartache and misunderstandings along the way, but Mimi never let anything break her.
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, Take Me Home Tonight still delivered a hot rock star with an emotional past who finds it hard to let anyone in. Mimi really challenges Calix and I love how strong our girls are when it comes to taming their rock star boyfriends. If you're a fan of rock stars, you must read Erika Kelly's series!
Calix Bourbon loves rocking out with Blue Fire, but he makes sure to keep his distance and avoids any commitment as he struggles to hold his crumbling family together. Mimi enjoys cooking for Blue Fire, but she's determined to prove herself to her chef father by entering a cooking contest and taking home the grand prize. The only problem is that Mimi has never been formally trained as a chef, so when Calix hears about Mimi's problem, he offers to help her out in the kitchen. Mimi finds herself learning more about Calix's damaged family and tries to help them, even when Calix is determined to push her away.
Ugghhhh Calix. That man seriously pulls on the heartstrings. His family's past is so tragic and it's heartbreaking how much he puts on hold just to help his family, specifically his mom, stay on their feet. This makes it so hard for Mimi to break past his hard exterior, but Calix finds himself finally starting to open himself up to something and actually care. Calix is so hard on himself and I just wanted him to stop being such a good guy and care about himself for a change. It did get a bit annoying how much Calix would open up to Mimi, then push her away, then open up again, and on and on it went. There was too much hesitation on Calix's part to the point that it got a bit tiring.
I thought that Mimi's cooking show competition was fun and I liked how she grew close to Calix and his family through cooking. Mimi just kind of tumbled into Calix's life one night and never looked back. It's crazy how one person can affect a family so much and I loved how Mimi was able to do that for Calix's. Sure there was a lot of heartache and misunderstandings along the way, but Mimi never let anything break her.
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, Take Me Home Tonight still delivered a hot rock star with an emotional past who finds it hard to let anyone in. Mimi really challenges Calix and I love how strong our girls are when it comes to taming their rock star boyfriends. If you're a fan of rock stars, you must read Erika Kelly's series!
April 2, 2017
I thought this book would be about Ben or Cooper so I was surprised to see it was about Pete's temporary replacement. I have a feeling I know why it couldn't be about Ben and I hope I am right. I ended up loving Calix's family. My heart hurt at how damaged this family was. It was a much heavier story than the first two books but I ended up really enjoying it. I liked Mimi and Calix together. I also liked how much the other band members were a part of the story.
August 3, 2017
This story started out with a decent premise although heavy on cooking details but I did not like the hero at all. His attitude and behavior were lousy and after sex the heroine mostly accepted it. His dysfunctional family needed professional help and she was not a therapist. If this was real, the couple would never last. Band cook Mimi is attracted to keyboardist Calix.
April 7, 2016
I have loved all of Erika Kelly's books in the Rock Star Romance series. Honestly, rockers are my absolute favorite of the bad boys. There's something awesome about the marriage of the creative, musical side of these men with the hard, embattled side. This is never more clear than it is here with Calix Bourbon.
Calix has such a huge heart. His family is his world, even minus one key member. He would do anything for them, including give up the lifestyle he obviously loves. He's been the band's stand-in keyboard player for awhile, but because he needs to stay near his family, he refuses to fully integrate with the other band members.
Mimi's last ditch effort to make her father proud is to win a televised cooking competition. She seeks out Calix's help when it becomes clear that he and his mother know their way around a kitchen. Mimi and Calix have so much in common. Like Calix, Mimi gives and gives and gives of herself, just wanting others around her to be happy. But, when is it her time to go first and be special?
As much as I adored Calix, his back and forth with Mimi frustrated the hell out of me. He obviously wanted to be with her. Their chemistry was so good, and they enjoyed each other's company so much. Calix loved how sweet she was with his family and how well she got along with the band members. She really was his dream girl. He would get together with her, have a fabulous time, and then come home and feel guilty for enjoying himself. This went on over and over and over again, and poor Mimi's heart took a beating because of it. One thing is for sure though - the hot and cold romance between Calix and Mimi kept me turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning.
I loved Mimi and Calix together, but I really just wanted Mimi to put her foot down, you know? I wanted her to give Calix the wake-up call that he so desperately needed. It's just not in her nature to be that way with someone - especially someone that you love. I also wanted her to put her foot down with her father. He was sweet to her until he decided he didn't like something she was doing. And, then he treated her pretty horribly, which broke her heart. And mine! Mimi very much needed to stand up for herself and stop being a doormat to the dominant men in her life.
The glimpses of the other band members in Take Me Home Tonight were awesome. I love how all these guys take care of each other, and by extension, their women. Even though Calix wasn't an official member of the band, that extended to him and Mimi anyway. There are still a few more band members who have to tell their stories. I've fallen so in love with these characters that I never want this series to end.
Calix has such a huge heart. His family is his world, even minus one key member. He would do anything for them, including give up the lifestyle he obviously loves. He's been the band's stand-in keyboard player for awhile, but because he needs to stay near his family, he refuses to fully integrate with the other band members.
Mimi's last ditch effort to make her father proud is to win a televised cooking competition. She seeks out Calix's help when it becomes clear that he and his mother know their way around a kitchen. Mimi and Calix have so much in common. Like Calix, Mimi gives and gives and gives of herself, just wanting others around her to be happy. But, when is it her time to go first and be special?
As much as I adored Calix, his back and forth with Mimi frustrated the hell out of me. He obviously wanted to be with her. Their chemistry was so good, and they enjoyed each other's company so much. Calix loved how sweet she was with his family and how well she got along with the band members. She really was his dream girl. He would get together with her, have a fabulous time, and then come home and feel guilty for enjoying himself. This went on over and over and over again, and poor Mimi's heart took a beating because of it. One thing is for sure though - the hot and cold romance between Calix and Mimi kept me turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning.
I loved Mimi and Calix together, but I really just wanted Mimi to put her foot down, you know? I wanted her to give Calix the wake-up call that he so desperately needed. It's just not in her nature to be that way with someone - especially someone that you love. I also wanted her to put her foot down with her father. He was sweet to her until he decided he didn't like something she was doing. And, then he treated her pretty horribly, which broke her heart. And mine! Mimi very much needed to stand up for herself and stop being a doormat to the dominant men in her life.
The glimpses of the other band members in Take Me Home Tonight were awesome. I love how all these guys take care of each other, and by extension, their women. Even though Calix wasn't an official member of the band, that extended to him and Mimi anyway. There are still a few more band members who have to tell their stories. I've fallen so in love with these characters that I never want this series to end.
December 13, 2016
4 stars.
You already know that I love love love the Rockstar Romance series by Erika Kelly, and I was really looking forward to reading this, mostly because I totally loved Slater and Derek. This story focuses on Calix, who is new to the band, and Mimi. I liked the way this story played out, and though I didn't like Calix as much as the other guys, the story was still sexy. I did love Calix, and I really liked Mimi. This series is one of my favorites, and I think you should check it out if you're looking for a hot read with swoony guys and girls you'll root for.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
You already know that I love love love the Rockstar Romance series by Erika Kelly, and I was really looking forward to reading this, mostly because I totally loved Slater and Derek. This story focuses on Calix, who is new to the band, and Mimi. I liked the way this story played out, and though I didn't like Calix as much as the other guys, the story was still sexy. I did love Calix, and I really liked Mimi. This series is one of my favorites, and I think you should check it out if you're looking for a hot read with swoony guys and girls you'll root for.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
March 8, 2017
The writing is good, the story engaging, but the characters would benefit from serious therapy! The ending, while supposedly happy, still felt shaky to me.
April 9, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Calix Bourbon has been with the band for close to a year, and even though on the surface most see him as a free spirit, there is so much more to him than meeets the eye. Calix is trying to keep his fractured family together. Years previous, Calix had a younger brother who adored him the most. He was down syndrome, but so loving and trusting. On a special night for Calix's career with a signing company, they lost him due to a drug overdose when he wandered away. Calix and his family are still not recovered from that one night that almost killed their family. Now they are trying to keep going strong especially their mother, who lives life mostly in seclusion. Mimi has been cooking for the band for some time now, building a strong friendship with most of the members. She has a high respect for Blue Fire and all they do and the women they have teamed up with. But Mimi has a great opportunity, to show up for a cooking tournament show, one that could set her career on a roll. But she needs help to prove it, and Calix and his family are the ticket. As she begins cooking lessons with Calix and his mother, a strong bond forms between Calix and Mimi. Mimi is a fighter, and as the chemistry builds between herself and Calix, she will show Calix how to fight for the one you love.
The Hero
Calix Bourbon, grew up in a strong and loving family. Close to all of his siblings, but most especially his younger brother who had down syndrome. Calix has quite a bit of guilt and anger riding him hard. He blames himself to what has happened to his family, and has taken it on his shoulders, to repair the damage as much as he can. To get his family back to laughing and loving once more. Calix is a very talented musician and he connects with the band in a way no other ever has but still proves to be reluctant to sign on permanently with them. Calix was a hero that wasn't easy to like at times. He tended to be very rough around the edges, and he can go cold to hot in a moment. His character felt like a ping pong ball. But I did like him, he is definitely a challenge though but has many admirable qualities that shine in this story.
The Heroine
Mimi Romano is trying to prove herself to her father. She always wanted to show her father how talented she is, and that she is worthy to work for him. But her father is a hard man, and all he cares about is his money. Mimi's father was never really there for her growing up. But now after getting a degree, she wants to work for her father. She is hoping being on this cooking show, will prove her worth to him even if he doesn't support her in it. Mimi is driven to succeed in life, but she is also determined to not let her feelings get in the way. When she meets Calix, she knows he is trouble. She refuses to let her be another one night stand for him, and stands her ground on her expectations of an intimate relationship with him. But soon her heart becomes involved, and wants to help heal Calix and his family. I really liked this heroine, she has this great inner strength that I found admiring.
Plot and Story Line
In Take Me Home Tonight we have another great romance from Erika Kelly. In this story, we have the new member of the band. This was a story that I liked quite a bit, and was a bit different than the previous two books...in fact, it was very different. It had a whole new look at a romance, and there were many aspects of this story that I grew to love. The family of Calix is so amazing. I love the close bond this family has for each other and seeing how they try to help each other heal and get beyond the past. Calix has yet to finalize his plans with the band, because of trying to patch his family back together. He doesn't think he can afford to be away from them for too long. Calix is a bit of a bad boy, tends to have many one night stands, and keep his emotions locked away until he gets involved with Mimi. Mimi has a great way of getting emotional responses from Calix, she knows how to push his buttons and really push him in the ways he needs to go.
Calix tends to block out things he needs to un bury and reveal especially to himself but is letting the guilt overtake him in a very unhealthy way. What I liked about these two characters is seeing how well they fit together. They challenge each other, compliment each other, and make each other better in creative ways. I didn't always like the way Calix treats Mimi at times, and their relationship does have a certain level of Angst, but this romance is so well written and is quite unique from what I have read from this author. We have a hero that has to face up to who he is and fight for the woman that he loves and it isn't pretty seeing this transformation or going on his journey to healing fully. I am curious to see what Kelly pulls out of her hat with her next book.
The Cover
I like the colors in this cover, with the warm toned colors, love the keyboard lining the side vertically. It gives off the bad boy image that is Calix.
Overall View
Take Me Home Tonight is a creative and drama filled romance that takes you through tough dilemma's and finding a remarkable love that heals and strengthens. SIMPLY FANTASTIC!!
[foogallery id="19988"]
Summary
Calix Bourbon has been with the band for close to a year, and even though on the surface most see him as a free spirit, there is so much more to him than meeets the eye. Calix is trying to keep his fractured family together. Years previous, Calix had a younger brother who adored him the most. He was down syndrome, but so loving and trusting. On a special night for Calix's career with a signing company, they lost him due to a drug overdose when he wandered away. Calix and his family are still not recovered from that one night that almost killed their family. Now they are trying to keep going strong especially their mother, who lives life mostly in seclusion. Mimi has been cooking for the band for some time now, building a strong friendship with most of the members. She has a high respect for Blue Fire and all they do and the women they have teamed up with. But Mimi has a great opportunity, to show up for a cooking tournament show, one that could set her career on a roll. But she needs help to prove it, and Calix and his family are the ticket. As she begins cooking lessons with Calix and his mother, a strong bond forms between Calix and Mimi. Mimi is a fighter, and as the chemistry builds between herself and Calix, she will show Calix how to fight for the one you love.
The Hero
Calix Bourbon, grew up in a strong and loving family. Close to all of his siblings, but most especially his younger brother who had down syndrome. Calix has quite a bit of guilt and anger riding him hard. He blames himself to what has happened to his family, and has taken it on his shoulders, to repair the damage as much as he can. To get his family back to laughing and loving once more. Calix is a very talented musician and he connects with the band in a way no other ever has but still proves to be reluctant to sign on permanently with them. Calix was a hero that wasn't easy to like at times. He tended to be very rough around the edges, and he can go cold to hot in a moment. His character felt like a ping pong ball. But I did like him, he is definitely a challenge though but has many admirable qualities that shine in this story.
The Heroine
Mimi Romano is trying to prove herself to her father. She always wanted to show her father how talented she is, and that she is worthy to work for him. But her father is a hard man, and all he cares about is his money. Mimi's father was never really there for her growing up. But now after getting a degree, she wants to work for her father. She is hoping being on this cooking show, will prove her worth to him even if he doesn't support her in it. Mimi is driven to succeed in life, but she is also determined to not let her feelings get in the way. When she meets Calix, she knows he is trouble. She refuses to let her be another one night stand for him, and stands her ground on her expectations of an intimate relationship with him. But soon her heart becomes involved, and wants to help heal Calix and his family. I really liked this heroine, she has this great inner strength that I found admiring.
Plot and Story Line
In Take Me Home Tonight we have another great romance from Erika Kelly. In this story, we have the new member of the band. This was a story that I liked quite a bit, and was a bit different than the previous two books...in fact, it was very different. It had a whole new look at a romance, and there were many aspects of this story that I grew to love. The family of Calix is so amazing. I love the close bond this family has for each other and seeing how they try to help each other heal and get beyond the past. Calix has yet to finalize his plans with the band, because of trying to patch his family back together. He doesn't think he can afford to be away from them for too long. Calix is a bit of a bad boy, tends to have many one night stands, and keep his emotions locked away until he gets involved with Mimi. Mimi has a great way of getting emotional responses from Calix, she knows how to push his buttons and really push him in the ways he needs to go.
Let it go. That moment in time you can't take back. Let it go. There is no do-over. You can't fix it. But you're alive, and you're an amazing musician and the most loyal and devoted son and brother I've ever seen. So let it go. And LIVE, dammit.
Calix tends to block out things he needs to un bury and reveal especially to himself but is letting the guilt overtake him in a very unhealthy way. What I liked about these two characters is seeing how well they fit together. They challenge each other, compliment each other, and make each other better in creative ways. I didn't always like the way Calix treats Mimi at times, and their relationship does have a certain level of Angst, but this romance is so well written and is quite unique from what I have read from this author. We have a hero that has to face up to who he is and fight for the woman that he loves and it isn't pretty seeing this transformation or going on his journey to healing fully. I am curious to see what Kelly pulls out of her hat with her next book.
The Cover
I like the colors in this cover, with the warm toned colors, love the keyboard lining the side vertically. It gives off the bad boy image that is Calix.
Overall View
Take Me Home Tonight is a creative and drama filled romance that takes you through tough dilemma's and finding a remarkable love that heals and strengthens. SIMPLY FANTASTIC!!
"Spitfire," He gently tugged on her earlobe with his teeth. "I Love you, Amelia Romano. I love you because you're the strongest person I know. I love your spirit. We're a stubborn bunch of bastards, my family, and we don't let many people in, but you broke through. I love your passion. I need it. Because it matches mine and I shut mine down. But you brought it back out. You brought me out. And I'm not letting you go.
[foogallery id="19988"]
May 5, 2016
3.5 Time to move forward stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Berkley | Penguin Group
Genre: Adult Rockstar Romance
Part 3 in a series but can be read as a standalone
My Take Me Home Tonight Review . . .
This was my first Erika Kelly book and it won't be my last. I decided to read this book as a standalone and I wasn't disappointed at all. Sure if I read the first two it most likely would have deepened my reading experience but I still fell for Calix and Mimi without the back stories.
Mimi is a super strong woman. She's a woman with a plan. A plan that will eventually lead her to work for her father. A dream that she's had for years. But that dream has many hoops to jump before it comes to fruition. In the meantime, Mimi is cooking for the band Blue Fire and secretly lusting for the temporary keyboardist, while at the same time is on a reality cooking show.
Calix is stuck. He's stuck between the past and present. Which leaves him the lack of ability to commit to anything besides his family. He's always noticed Mimi but can't take the chance until his family is fixed.
A situation leads Mimi to lean on Calix, which lands her smack dab into the middle of his family drama. Mimi has the purest heart with great intentions but sometimes good intentions can have the opposite effect. Calix tries to fight his attraction to Mimi but can't.
The thing I loved about Mimi was her strength and total lack of game playing. She was honest and didn't play stupid head games. Instead she helped Calix to deal with the truth by getting to crux of the matter. She helped him deal with the past by facing hard truths.
"You're not rebuilding anything. You're in a holding pattern."
My heart hurt for Calix and his family. The past demons had a strong hold on this family. Causing them to all be stuck and not knowing how to move forward. Well that was until Mimi. With Mimi, it changed everything.
I absolutely adored Mimi's pseudo family and Calix's true family. The story was super sweet and how can you not love a rock star? Even when that rock star made some pretty crappy choices but thankfully made up for it in a big way.
Some tiny problems I had were the time transitions sometimes were confusing to me. A paragraph would end then it would pick up out of nowhere somewhere else that I was confused how it jumped to there. At times I was also confused between Violet's farm and Calix's family land. I felt like it would start at one farm then merge and all of a sudden we were at a different farm. I promise I was sober when I read this book but maybe it was just me that found this confusing at times. :) Okay one more beef. So, Calix is a sessional musician so doesn't really have any say with the band nor did he want some but when the band needed a party he organized it? Don't get me wrong I knew why he was the one to do that, as it was another anchor to Mimi but it did feel out of the blue with his disassociation with the band.
Besides these tiny beefs, I really did enjoy the book and was able to fall for these two. I can't wait to read the first two books to find out how Slater and Derek's fell in love. As well as I'm so excited to watch Ben and Cooper fall in love with their counter parts.
July 16, 2021
The story with Calix gets more emotional than the others and it ripped my heart out with what both Calix and Mimi have been through and are going through as their relationship develops. But I loved seeing this walls come down and their attraction turn to more.
December 20, 2020
Grade=C+
April 18, 2025
está bien. Lo leí pq lo recomendaron en un podcast y me ha gustado. He leído luego varios de la misma autora y meh. Pero este está majo
April 6, 2016
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016
Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.
Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom.
•••••••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is the third installment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult ROCK STAR ROMANCE erotic, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Blue Fire. This is keyboardist Calix Bourbon, and home cook Amelia ‘Mimi’ Romano. TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mimi, her mother Francesca, and Calix were introduced in book two-I WANT YOU TO WANT ME.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Calix and Mimi) TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT looks at family, grief, loss and moving forward. Three years earlier, Calix’s family was caught in the trauma of the unexpected death of the youngest sibling whose overdose destroyed their once tight knit family. Fast forward three years and no one in the Bourbon family has been able to move forward or get on with their lives. Enter Mimi Romano-Blue Fire’s temporary chef-and the woman who would push the Bourbon family out of their comfort zones with the possibility of taking the first few steps in a new direction. What ensues is a slow building romance between Calix and Mimi, and Calix’s inability to let go of the past.
Calix blames himself for his brother’s death, and like the other members of the family, has hovered close to home in order to keep an eye on their grieving mother. Calix comes from a musical family- a high profile rock family, and with it comes the guilt of the past-sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I did take issue with Calix’s ‘hot and cold’ treatment of Mimi Romano-on some levels, his lack of maturity was a bit much with his ‘too quick’ to run attitude. Many times Mimi was left alone struggling to find a way home or to heal her broken heart.
Mimi is a strong female character; an only child who has done everything to please her father but believes her father cannot see beyond the past. Hoping to make it on her own Mimi enters a reality cooking competition but lacks the skills necessary to make it to the end. When Calix, and his family offer to ‘teach’ Mimi the skills necessary to survive, Mimi jumps at the chance to be near the man with whom she is falling in love, but a man who is unable to give Mimi what she wants.
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT has a large ensemble cast of characters including the entire Bourbon clan; Mimi’s parents Dino and Francesca; all of the members of Blue Fire and their significant others; as well as a number of groupies and wannabes who make life miserable for everyone involved.
The world building focuses on the band and their struggle with membership, management and moving forward. The relationship between Mimi and Calix is a slow build to a happily ever after but was lost in the family struggles on both sides of the couple’s relationship, and Mimi’s appearances on a television show similar to CHOPPED™. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. Again, I had an issue with the believability of one of the judge’s discriminating and derogatory comments-I don’t think the attacks against the competitor would have been allowed.
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is a fascinating story line about grief and loss; family and love; falling in love and looking forward to the future. The premise is spirited and moving; the characters are emotional and intense; the romance is passionate and heartbreaking. We can never set a time line on grief or over coming a tragic loss; while one person is able to move forward, others are caught in an unending spiral of emotional pain. Erika Kelly’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is an engaging look at one family’s struggle with loss and moving forward.
Copy supplied by the publisher
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016
Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.
Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom.
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REVIEW: 3.75 stars--TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is the third installment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult ROCK STAR ROMANCE erotic, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Blue Fire. This is keyboardist Calix Bourbon, and home cook Amelia ‘Mimi’ Romano. TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mimi, her mother Francesca, and Calix were introduced in book two-I WANT YOU TO WANT ME.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Calix and Mimi) TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT looks at family, grief, loss and moving forward. Three years earlier, Calix’s family was caught in the trauma of the unexpected death of the youngest sibling whose overdose destroyed their once tight knit family. Fast forward three years and no one in the Bourbon family has been able to move forward or get on with their lives. Enter Mimi Romano-Blue Fire’s temporary chef-and the woman who would push the Bourbon family out of their comfort zones with the possibility of taking the first few steps in a new direction. What ensues is a slow building romance between Calix and Mimi, and Calix’s inability to let go of the past.
Calix blames himself for his brother’s death, and like the other members of the family, has hovered close to home in order to keep an eye on their grieving mother. Calix comes from a musical family- a high profile rock family, and with it comes the guilt of the past-sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I did take issue with Calix’s ‘hot and cold’ treatment of Mimi Romano-on some levels, his lack of maturity was a bit much with his ‘too quick’ to run attitude. Many times Mimi was left alone struggling to find a way home or to heal her broken heart.
Mimi is a strong female character; an only child who has done everything to please her father but believes her father cannot see beyond the past. Hoping to make it on her own Mimi enters a reality cooking competition but lacks the skills necessary to make it to the end. When Calix, and his family offer to ‘teach’ Mimi the skills necessary to survive, Mimi jumps at the chance to be near the man with whom she is falling in love, but a man who is unable to give Mimi what she wants.
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT has a large ensemble cast of characters including the entire Bourbon clan; Mimi’s parents Dino and Francesca; all of the members of Blue Fire and their significant others; as well as a number of groupies and wannabes who make life miserable for everyone involved.
The world building focuses on the band and their struggle with membership, management and moving forward. The relationship between Mimi and Calix is a slow build to a happily ever after but was lost in the family struggles on both sides of the couple’s relationship, and Mimi’s appearances on a television show similar to CHOPPED™. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. Again, I had an issue with the believability of one of the judge’s discriminating and derogatory comments-I don’t think the attacks against the competitor would have been allowed.
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is a fascinating story line about grief and loss; family and love; falling in love and looking forward to the future. The premise is spirited and moving; the characters are emotional and intense; the romance is passionate and heartbreaking. We can never set a time line on grief or over coming a tragic loss; while one person is able to move forward, others are caught in an unending spiral of emotional pain. Erika Kelly’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is an engaging look at one family’s struggle with loss and moving forward.
Copy supplied by the publisher
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 5, 2016
Title: Take Me Home Tonight
Author: Erika Kelly
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Rockstar Romance #3)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
I’ve never had the pleasure of reading this author before, but now that we’re all said and done with this story, she’s definitely one I’d like to check out more from in the future (as well as previous released books).
Now before I go into my thoughts on this story, it should be said that while this book does stand as part of a series, it does pertain to a different couple, much like the two before it (I’ve come to learn since taking the story on) and for this reader, having no real background on these characters going in, I can safely say that you don’t need the other two stories to follow along with this one. But I’m sure it can’t hurt.
I pulled more than just a romance from this story. I pulled more than just a rock star romance from this. In fact, while I did love that aspect to this story, and the growth and progression that Calix and Mimi take in order to reach the ending that works best for them, both together and individually, I was more taken by the family aspect here.
The bond was very real here. The emotion very raw, especially as it pertains to Calix’s family. I did manage to feel quite a lot as it pertained to Mimi’s too and I think a lot of that in the beginning read very real as well, but the ultimate bond was with his. His sister and brother had me in stitches right from the beginning and the love that was present there, even though they’d been crippled by tragedy was strong, very alive and beautiful. You could tell how they felt about one another, feel it even and moving away from the romantic angle here, that is going to stick with me for a very long time.
But it wasn’t just the family that the emotion was thick with. It was Calix and Mimi too, and the slow progression into them finally giving into what started as an attraction and became something more, was very well done. It wasn’t just dropped on us quickly and it wasn’t an easy ride to happiness by any means and those are the kinds of stories, especially ones of the romantic variety, that I love most.
Both of them were more than the sum of their parts and it was nice seeing that come to life. Mimi wasn’t just a girl wanting to break free of her father and prove herself and Calix wasn’t just a guy in a band. They were very real, very vibrant people with so much to give once their walls were inevitably broken down and I’m glad that I took the chance and got to see that.
If you’re looking for a story that’s not quite like the others, one that stands out and doesn’t scrimp on the emotion, this one may be the one for you.
My thanks to the author and all others involved for letting me read this story before its official release. It was a journey (with all the characters) that I’m glad I took.
March 31, 2016
This book was intense with a great story line,tons of emotion, and incredible passion. The characters were so real and raw and incredible I was hooked right away. If you think this is going to be one of the quick and dirty rocker romances, think again. This was such a beautiful story of living your life to the fullest and loving what you do that I could not put it down.
My Thoughts
This book focuses on the newest member of the band, Calix Bourbon, who is just filling in while they record the album and Mimi, Violet's bestie from the last book. These two have been keeping their distance, but crushing on the other from afar, until they come crashing together.
I really enjoyed their push and pull and getting to be a part of the connection these two had. Each had their own issues and demons and it was quite the ride to see them try to overcome it all to be together. I could not get used to Calix's hot and cold though and it really bothered me through out the book. I understood the reasoning for it all, but it did not make it any easier for the reader to go through with Mimi. I really loved Mimi through out the entire book. She was so full of life and fun and had a huge heart. And Calix was so hot in a broody, tortured bad boy way, although we quickly find that he is not a bad boy at all and that makes him even more interesting.
This book was high on the angst and a true slow build of a relationship. This is generally not my thing, but with this book, it felt like that was the only way it could be. The feelings, emotions, and even the angst were so real and raw and beautiful that it was hard to not fall head over heels for this group. I loved getting to see the previous couples growing in their relationships and flourishing.
I highly recommend this book if you like a hard fought romance, with a dash of sexy musician, a dollop of cooking, a pinch of family, and a touch of steam. I could not put it down, but the ups and downs and whiplash feelings are the only things that kept this from the top of my 2016 list.
A review copy was provided by Inkslinger PR, via Netgalley for an honest review.
My Thoughts
This book focuses on the newest member of the band, Calix Bourbon, who is just filling in while they record the album and Mimi, Violet's bestie from the last book. These two have been keeping their distance, but crushing on the other from afar, until they come crashing together.
I really enjoyed their push and pull and getting to be a part of the connection these two had. Each had their own issues and demons and it was quite the ride to see them try to overcome it all to be together. I could not get used to Calix's hot and cold though and it really bothered me through out the book. I understood the reasoning for it all, but it did not make it any easier for the reader to go through with Mimi. I really loved Mimi through out the entire book. She was so full of life and fun and had a huge heart. And Calix was so hot in a broody, tortured bad boy way, although we quickly find that he is not a bad boy at all and that makes him even more interesting.
This book was high on the angst and a true slow build of a relationship. This is generally not my thing, but with this book, it felt like that was the only way it could be. The feelings, emotions, and even the angst were so real and raw and beautiful that it was hard to not fall head over heels for this group. I loved getting to see the previous couples growing in their relationships and flourishing.
I highly recommend this book if you like a hard fought romance, with a dash of sexy musician, a dollop of cooking, a pinch of family, and a touch of steam. I could not put it down, but the ups and downs and whiplash feelings are the only things that kept this from the top of my 2016 list.
A review copy was provided by Inkslinger PR, via Netgalley for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
Have you ever had the feeling that you will never be ‘good enough’? Dreams fuel Mimi Romano. All she can think about is working with her father in his company one day. Dino is pretty famous and one of the things he always tells Mimi is she needs more experience to work in his company. Time and time again, Mimi sets her path on the road that she believes will take her to the next step required to work with her father. When a chance to be a part of a cooking show presents itself, Mimi jumps on the chance to impress her father with her potential.
Life with a band has its ups and downs. For Calix Bourbon, his stint with Blue Fire was only suppose to be temporary. Now eight months have passed, and despite the attempts from his band mates to get Calix to commit further he remains aloof. Family is what is front and center in Calix’s life. With a past that weights heavy on Calix’s shoulders, his commitment to those he loves most is the biggest thing in his life.
For Calix and Mimi - the chance to discover romance was so far from their minds. Now they are finding that the time they spend with one another is more than just a fleeting thought. Yet - every time the two seem to get close, Calix pulls away. Mimi is determined not to let Calix sweet talk her into bed, but it is harder than she imagined. Can they find mutual ground or will they crash and burn?
Jam sessions, cooking lessons, and finding love grace the pages of Take Me Home Tonight. It is a journey of healing and finding love. The highlights of the book seemed to be centered in the first half. At times - Mimi came off as a bit of a doormat. I would have loved for her character to have been a bit more ‘tough’ and not afraid to stand up for herself. Calix…well - he could be quite the ‘road block’ but seemed to be such a family man that I overlooked his faults. Usually I expect a ‘rocker romance’ to contain more grit. So - the book was a bit predictable for me. All in all - Take Me Home Tonight is a good quick read for anyone looking for that HEA without the typical rocker vibe.
Life with a band has its ups and downs. For Calix Bourbon, his stint with Blue Fire was only suppose to be temporary. Now eight months have passed, and despite the attempts from his band mates to get Calix to commit further he remains aloof. Family is what is front and center in Calix’s life. With a past that weights heavy on Calix’s shoulders, his commitment to those he loves most is the biggest thing in his life.
For Calix and Mimi - the chance to discover romance was so far from their minds. Now they are finding that the time they spend with one another is more than just a fleeting thought. Yet - every time the two seem to get close, Calix pulls away. Mimi is determined not to let Calix sweet talk her into bed, but it is harder than she imagined. Can they find mutual ground or will they crash and burn?
Jam sessions, cooking lessons, and finding love grace the pages of Take Me Home Tonight. It is a journey of healing and finding love. The highlights of the book seemed to be centered in the first half. At times - Mimi came off as a bit of a doormat. I would have loved for her character to have been a bit more ‘tough’ and not afraid to stand up for herself. Calix…well - he could be quite the ‘road block’ but seemed to be such a family man that I overlooked his faults. Usually I expect a ‘rocker romance’ to contain more grit. So - the book was a bit predictable for me. All in all - Take Me Home Tonight is a good quick read for anyone looking for that HEA without the typical rocker vibe.
Want to read
August 31, 2015
Cover Reveal: Take Me Home Tonight (A Rock Star Romance Novel) by Erika Kelly http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2Wo
Check out the hot cover for Erika Kelky's upcoming release Take Me Home Tonight! I want to pet it;) I'm so excited about this book! I'm obsessed with this series! I loved the first two books in Erika Kelly's Rock Star Romance Series and I can't wait to get my hands on book 3. I'm including links to my reviews for the first two books along with some teasers below. They're beautiful love stories with hot rock stars! Incredible! -Cori
PRE-ORDER:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1JFMAN3
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✦Rock Star Romance Series by Erika Kelly✦
✦1. You Really Got Me ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1Xh | Kindle http://amzn.to/1AbKOnn | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1tJ7tG2 | B&N http://bit.ly/1yoFjBh | Kobo http://bit.ly/1BmH0i5 | iBooks http://apple.co/1MWFGYY
✦2. I Want You To Want Me ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2HN | Kindle http://amzn.to/1DTlBuo | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1JOKagN | B&N http://bit.ly/1OzToUN | iBooks $7.99: http://apple.co/1VpPpu2 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1GC6Wbo
✦3. Take Me Home Tonight ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1JFMAN3 | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1JFMGUW | B&N http://bit.ly/1NR1dDq | Kobo http://bit.ly/1KW4koo
June 22, 2016
Absolutely loved it!!!!
I was completely shocked by this book. I mean, yes, the blurb sounded good (at least good enough to add to my tbr list) but it didn’t scream at me, begging to be read. But once I started it, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I totally fell in love with Calix and Mimi. I loved how they developed a friendship through a) helping her prepare for a cooking competition and b) helping draw his mom back into interacting with people.
I went into this book expecting a typical rock star, or up and coming rock star. I totally wasn’t prepared for the emotional upheaval Calix’s family had been through and his journey to finding his own life again. One of the reasons I love Mimi was that she genuinely cared about people, her friends and family and she wanted to help. She was often “sticking her nose” in where it didn’t belong, but her heart was always in the right place. She also wasn’t afraid to be honest with Calix, and while some of her hard truths did cause some arguments and disagreements, they never left me feeling like it was unnecessary drama.
One of the things I loved most was the sense of family that was there between the band/group of friends. They had such great chemistry. I also loved the way Calix’s family seemed to adopt Mimi and treated her like one of their own, especially his dad. I loved Calix’s dad.
I’m notorious (on the blog at least), for reading books/series out of order, and this was no exception. I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I went into this blind. I fell in love with the other characters and can’t wait to go back and read their stories.
This is a must read!
I was completely shocked by this book. I mean, yes, the blurb sounded good (at least good enough to add to my tbr list) but it didn’t scream at me, begging to be read. But once I started it, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I totally fell in love with Calix and Mimi. I loved how they developed a friendship through a) helping her prepare for a cooking competition and b) helping draw his mom back into interacting with people.
I went into this book expecting a typical rock star, or up and coming rock star. I totally wasn’t prepared for the emotional upheaval Calix’s family had been through and his journey to finding his own life again. One of the reasons I love Mimi was that she genuinely cared about people, her friends and family and she wanted to help. She was often “sticking her nose” in where it didn’t belong, but her heart was always in the right place. She also wasn’t afraid to be honest with Calix, and while some of her hard truths did cause some arguments and disagreements, they never left me feeling like it was unnecessary drama.
One of the things I loved most was the sense of family that was there between the band/group of friends. They had such great chemistry. I also loved the way Calix’s family seemed to adopt Mimi and treated her like one of their own, especially his dad. I loved Calix’s dad.
I’m notorious (on the blog at least), for reading books/series out of order, and this was no exception. I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I went into this blind. I fell in love with the other characters and can’t wait to go back and read their stories.
This is a must read!
January 27, 2016
Erika Kelly has created the perfect rockstar story yet again. Take Me Home Tonight was a refreshing tale, about two people, one who is utterly broken and trying to do everything to pick up the pieces while not living at all, and one who's living but just doesn't know which way her life is heading.
Mimi was so fun & free. She really made this story for me. Her dynamic and spirit were enough to bring anyone out of a funk.
Calix was broken and grieving for a loss that nearly broke his whole family. He doesn't know where to go after the loss so he's stuck in limbo with the rest of his family.
All the supporting characters were in this book from the previous books. The dynamic between the members of the band, even if Calix was only a "temporary" member, was something I absolutely adored in this book. It was one for all. They were more than just band mates, they were a family of sorts.
Calix & Mimi were cute & refreshing and as much as Calix tried to stay away from his "sweet pants", the pull he felt with Mimi was just too much, making him feel things he didn't know he was capable of feeling anymore. Mimi just had a light about her. She was able to bring anyone, including Calix's very broken mom out of her dark place.
Erika Kelly wrote such a sweet & beautifully story. This series has stuck with me from the first words of the first book. It's all so well written and engaging. I can't wait to see what this author will present to us next!
**ARC PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR REVIEW**
Mimi was so fun & free. She really made this story for me. Her dynamic and spirit were enough to bring anyone out of a funk.
Calix was broken and grieving for a loss that nearly broke his whole family. He doesn't know where to go after the loss so he's stuck in limbo with the rest of his family.
All the supporting characters were in this book from the previous books. The dynamic between the members of the band, even if Calix was only a "temporary" member, was something I absolutely adored in this book. It was one for all. They were more than just band mates, they were a family of sorts.
Calix & Mimi were cute & refreshing and as much as Calix tried to stay away from his "sweet pants", the pull he felt with Mimi was just too much, making him feel things he didn't know he was capable of feeling anymore. Mimi just had a light about her. She was able to bring anyone, including Calix's very broken mom out of her dark place.
Erika Kelly wrote such a sweet & beautifully story. This series has stuck with me from the first words of the first book. It's all so well written and engaging. I can't wait to see what this author will present to us next!
**ARC PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR REVIEW**
April 5, 2016
The third book in the Rock Star Romance series brings us Calix, who is the newest member who took over when the original keyboardist was in rehab. Calix is a perfect fit with the band, but is all business and mysterious about his life. Mimi cooks for the band, but is always looking ahead to working with her dad as her ultimate goal. Her dad seems to dangle it in front of her like a carrot, adding another hoop just as she completes one. She decides to try something different and auditions for a cooking competition to prove herself. Calix has reasons for his aloofness, but no matter how hard he tries he is drawn to Mimi. When Mimi finally gets a glimpse at Calix's life outside the band, she does everything she can to help heal him. This love story was beautiful and I enjoyed how both Mimi and Calix helped each other grow and deal with their pasts. Calix's family is very well written and adds so much to the story. I loved how Mimi is so positive for everyone else and loves unconditionally. This series has fast become one of my favorites. I enjoy being able to catch up with the other members of the band and how their lives have been changed by love.
April 11, 2016
Review ~~ Take Me Home Tonight
Take Me Home Tonight
by Erika Kelly
QueenZany 4 STAR REVIEW
“Take Me Home Tonight” is the first book I have read from “Erika Kelly” .
Its an intriguing story. Which includes a musician Calix and Mimi the band's personal chef.
Yes they both have been damaged and have many issues.
AWWW it will pull at your heartstrings. Plus the charge of energy that these two exude is amazing.
But they have to learn to move past their past issues. For their present day relationship to work.
Thank goodness for HEA!
*ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
Take Me Home Tonight
by Erika Kelly
QueenZany 4 STAR REVIEW
“Take Me Home Tonight” is the first book I have read from “Erika Kelly” .
Its an intriguing story. Which includes a musician Calix and Mimi the band's personal chef.
Yes they both have been damaged and have many issues.
AWWW it will pull at your heartstrings. Plus the charge of energy that these two exude is amazing.
But they have to learn to move past their past issues. For their present day relationship to work.
Thank goodness for HEA!
*ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
April 18, 2016
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. Calix was an interesting H and I didn't always warm to him or empathize with him. I wanted him to 'man up'. There were a couple of *Oh no he didn't!!* moments when I wanted the h to walk away with some dignity in tact. I think this affected the chemistry between them for me and ultimately my enjoyment of their story. Three sometimes frustrated stars.
July 15, 2021
Calix and Mimi
Calix is a fill in keyboardist for Blue Fire and is close to his family especially after his brother’s death. Mimi is always trying to please her dad. She has the opportunity to be with her friends being a personal chef for the band. She wants to be on a cooking show but she needs a little help and Calix is just the man.
The attraction between these two was palpable but they had demons to fight along the way.
Calix is a fill in keyboardist for Blue Fire and is close to his family especially after his brother’s death. Mimi is always trying to please her dad. She has the opportunity to be with her friends being a personal chef for the band. She wants to be on a cooking show but she needs a little help and Calix is just the man.
The attraction between these two was palpable but they had demons to fight along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews