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Made in Jersey #1.5
Rough Rhythm
From New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Tessa Bailey comes a new story in her Made in Jersey series....
God help the woman I take home tonight.
Band manager James Brandon never expected to find the elusive satisfaction he'd been chasing, let alone stumble upon it in some sleazy Hollywood meat market. Yet the girl's quiet pride spoke to him from across the bar, louder than a shout. Troubled, hungry, and homeless, she'd placed her trust in him. But after losing the grip on his dark desires that one fateful night, James has spent the last four years atoning for letting her down.
This time I'll finally crack him.
Rock band drummer Lita Regina has had enough of James' guilt. She wants the explosive man she met that night in Hollywood. The man who held nothing back and took no prisoners - save Lita. And she'll stop at nothing to revive him. Even if it means throwing herself into peril at every turn, just to get a reaction from her stoic manager.
But when Lita takes her quest one step too far, James disappears from her life, thinking his absence will keep her safe. Now it's up to Lita to bring James back...and ignite an inferno of passion in the process.
Listener Advisory: Rough Rhythm contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a stand-alone story. For new listeners it's an introduction to an author's world. And for fans it's a bonus book in the author's series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.
God help the woman I take home tonight.
Band manager James Brandon never expected to find the elusive satisfaction he'd been chasing, let alone stumble upon it in some sleazy Hollywood meat market. Yet the girl's quiet pride spoke to him from across the bar, louder than a shout. Troubled, hungry, and homeless, she'd placed her trust in him. But after losing the grip on his dark desires that one fateful night, James has spent the last four years atoning for letting her down.
This time I'll finally crack him.
Rock band drummer Lita Regina has had enough of James' guilt. She wants the explosive man she met that night in Hollywood. The man who held nothing back and took no prisoners - save Lita. And she'll stop at nothing to revive him. Even if it means throwing herself into peril at every turn, just to get a reaction from her stoic manager.
But when Lita takes her quest one step too far, James disappears from her life, thinking his absence will keep her safe. Now it's up to Lita to bring James back...and ignite an inferno of passion in the process.
Listener Advisory: Rough Rhythm contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a stand-alone story. For new listeners it's an introduction to an author's world. And for fans it's a bonus book in the author's series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2016
117 people are currently reading
2365 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
115 books65.7k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
September 12, 2023
3.5 Keep Her Still and Make Her Take Stars ⭐
Set in the world of the Made In Jersey series, Rough Rhythm is a spin off about drummer chick Lita and Band Manager James. These two have a sordid past and one night of passion, that James is trying his damnedest to pretend never happened.
“All this time, you’ve treated me like a protector.” He pushed her thighs open. “But I was the one you should have been afraid of.”
Four years of going round in circles where Lita acts out for his attention and James does damage control. All because James can't own his dark desires. So much guilt and disgust he carries that he can no longer see what Lita wants.
James had given her the Orgasm To End All Orgasms last night, Lita wanted a one-way ticket back to bed. She wanted to be roughed up and held down. Wanted more of his disrespectful words issued beside her ear. And she wanted it now.
It all comes to a head but James can't reconcile the possibility that Lita would be into dub con sex. So he's stayed away until he fucks it up for good. I was grateful that Lita knew her self worth and could walk away knowing she tried her best and failed. It was just a matter of James working it out and fixing what he broke.
Set in the world of the Made In Jersey series, Rough Rhythm is a spin off about drummer chick Lita and Band Manager James. These two have a sordid past and one night of passion, that James is trying his damnedest to pretend never happened.
“All this time, you’ve treated me like a protector.” He pushed her thighs open. “But I was the one you should have been afraid of.”
Four years of going round in circles where Lita acts out for his attention and James does damage control. All because James can't own his dark desires. So much guilt and disgust he carries that he can no longer see what Lita wants.
James had given her the Orgasm To End All Orgasms last night, Lita wanted a one-way ticket back to bed. She wanted to be roughed up and held down. Wanted more of his disrespectful words issued beside her ear. And she wanted it now.
It all comes to a head but James can't reconcile the possibility that Lita would be into dub con sex. So he's stayed away until he fucks it up for good. I was grateful that Lita knew her self worth and could walk away knowing she tried her best and failed. It was just a matter of James working it out and fixing what he broke.
March 4, 2016
4 Stars
Well hot damn! The queen of dirty talk is at it again and I'm not sure any ovary within a 100 mi radius will survive this one. As a matter of fact, say goodbye to those suckers right now or put them on ice. Even my steel plated ovaries had a meltdown here because DAMN! Seriously though. Stick a fork in me, I'm done! I think I fertilized like 10 eggs while reading this one. If you could get pregnant by a book, this one should come with a damn warning! You could have run an entire city block on the electric chemistry James and Lita had. But enough about my reproductive process...
Fans of Dub-con are in for a treat, because Rough Rhythm is certainly skating that delicious edge. I've been looking for a novella similar to Willing Victim, and I do believe I found me one at long last! James is a dirty, dirty man, and I loved every filthy thing he said and did.
Now admittedly, I was not a huge fan of the first book in this series. But the one thing that caught my attention right away? The apparent chemistry between James and Lita! There's this pent up sexual tension to them. Lita is constantly going out of her way to get into trouble so that her band's grumpy manager can get her out of it and finally notice her. James and Lita shared one unforgettable night four years ago, but since then it's been business only. James's baser desires scare even him, and he's determined not to unleash them onto Lita. There's no way that she wants the same thing as him...right?
Sizzling is an understatement for what this book was. It was hot as hell! It skates that fine edge and deliciously so. It's surprisingly well developed for a short novella. So much so, that you connect with both characters right away and truly understand them. You understand why James is so scared to unleash his true nature; the demons of his past that still haunt him. Lita was a fantastic heroine. She says what she means and means what she says, and she's not afraid to go after what she wants. She may submit so sweetly to James's dark desires, but she's no pushover. She gives as good as she gets and you can't help but root for her.
The only quibble I had is that I wished we got the full flashback of their night together four years ago. We get a snippet in the beginning and I was hoping we'll get the full story further into the story. But aside from another short snippet, alas, that never happened. It alludes to what happens, but sadly for this pervert, never quite got down to the dirty details.
If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey's dirty talkers, you definitely don't want to miss her dirtiest one yet! Make your ovaries happy and one-click this deliciousness!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
Find me on:
I want bad things...Need them."
"Bring it."
Well hot damn! The queen of dirty talk is at it again and I'm not sure any ovary within a 100 mi radius will survive this one. As a matter of fact, say goodbye to those suckers right now or put them on ice. Even my steel plated ovaries had a meltdown here because DAMN! Seriously though. Stick a fork in me, I'm done! I think I fertilized like 10 eggs while reading this one. If you could get pregnant by a book, this one should come with a damn warning! You could have run an entire city block on the electric chemistry James and Lita had. But enough about my reproductive process...
Goddammit, you little tease."
Fans of Dub-con are in for a treat, because Rough Rhythm is certainly skating that delicious edge. I've been looking for a novella similar to Willing Victim, and I do believe I found me one at long last! James is a dirty, dirty man, and I loved every filthy thing he said and did.
Now admittedly, I was not a huge fan of the first book in this series. But the one thing that caught my attention right away? The apparent chemistry between James and Lita! There's this pent up sexual tension to them. Lita is constantly going out of her way to get into trouble so that her band's grumpy manager can get her out of it and finally notice her. James and Lita shared one unforgettable night four years ago, but since then it's been business only. James's baser desires scare even him, and he's determined not to unleash them onto Lita. There's no way that she wants the same thing as him...right?
Sizzling is an understatement for what this book was. It was hot as hell! It skates that fine edge and deliciously so. It's surprisingly well developed for a short novella. So much so, that you connect with both characters right away and truly understand them. You understand why James is so scared to unleash his true nature; the demons of his past that still haunt him. Lita was a fantastic heroine. She says what she means and means what she says, and she's not afraid to go after what she wants. She may submit so sweetly to James's dark desires, but she's no pushover. She gives as good as she gets and you can't help but root for her.
"Don't make a habit out of it. I like when you fight me."
"I like the way you get even."
The only quibble I had is that I wished we got the full flashback of their night together four years ago. We get a snippet in the beginning and I was hoping we'll get the full story further into the story. But aside from another short snippet, alas, that never happened. It alludes to what happens, but sadly for this pervert, never quite got down to the dirty details.
If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey's dirty talkers, you definitely don't want to miss her dirtiest one yet! Make your ovaries happy and one-click this deliciousness!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
Find me on:
March 9, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Do you hear it? The beating of hearts falling in love to the sounds of Rough Rhythm. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, she has once again capture our hearts as she composes a love’s melody that is unlike no other.
“While he still had major reservations about dragging her into the dark fog inhabiting his brain, spending time with her was an aphrodisiac. He craved having her close. Watching her expressions change. Listening to her unique logic.”
In this fast paced novella, Ms. Bailey has strung her readers along on a love story where the past and present collide. It is a collision unlike no other filled with angst, drama, love, passion, understanding, and solace. The love story of James and Lita may be considered rough around the edges but their love for one another burns bright. Four years ago, James and Lita met and had a one night stand that altered the course of their relationship. That one night together changed them. It linked them. It made them who they are. It was darkness and lightness. It was desire and passion. And it was also regret. So how can one night mean so much and yet kept them apart?
James knew he crossed the line when he took Lita. It was a line blurred by passion, desire, regret and anger. Being 12 years her senior, James wanted Lita. He wanted her for himself. She belonged to him and was linked to him in more ways than one. His heart yearned for her but he kept her at a distance until Lita made him see that he did not corrupt her because she wanted everything that James gave her. She yearned for his touch, his desire, and his love. Will James be able to see that they were meant for each other? She was the light to his darkness. The other piece to his heart and soul. And the rhythm to his heart.
“I live for you. You’re not just in my thoughts, you are my thoughts. Every single one. And somehow, I lived for you all wrong. I should have been living with you. Not only for.”
Rough Rhythm definitely did explore a more edgier and darker romance than I am used to reading from Tessa Bailey. It is not your hearts and flowers type of unrequited love but it is indeed a LOVE STORY that is burning with passion, desire, and heat. So if you are looking for a story that weaves flawed characters, raw emotions and unbridled passion then I would definitely suggest you to read Rough Rhythm.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tessa Bailey
Do you hear it? The beating of hearts falling in love to the sounds of Rough Rhythm. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, she has once again capture our hearts as she composes a love’s melody that is unlike no other.
“While he still had major reservations about dragging her into the dark fog inhabiting his brain, spending time with her was an aphrodisiac. He craved having her close. Watching her expressions change. Listening to her unique logic.”In this fast paced novella, Ms. Bailey has strung her readers along on a love story where the past and present collide. It is a collision unlike no other filled with angst, drama, love, passion, understanding, and solace. The love story of James and Lita may be considered rough around the edges but their love for one another burns bright. Four years ago, James and Lita met and had a one night stand that altered the course of their relationship. That one night together changed them. It linked them. It made them who they are. It was darkness and lightness. It was desire and passion. And it was also regret. So how can one night mean so much and yet kept them apart?
James knew he crossed the line when he took Lita. It was a line blurred by passion, desire, regret and anger. Being 12 years her senior, James wanted Lita. He wanted her for himself. She belonged to him and was linked to him in more ways than one. His heart yearned for her but he kept her at a distance until Lita made him see that he did not corrupt her because she wanted everything that James gave her. She yearned for his touch, his desire, and his love. Will James be able to see that they were meant for each other? She was the light to his darkness. The other piece to his heart and soul. And the rhythm to his heart.
“I live for you. You’re not just in my thoughts, you are my thoughts. Every single one. And somehow, I lived for you all wrong. I should have been living with you. Not only for.”Rough Rhythm definitely did explore a more edgier and darker romance than I am used to reading from Tessa Bailey. It is not your hearts and flowers type of unrequited love but it is indeed a LOVE STORY that is burning with passion, desire, and heat. So if you are looking for a story that weaves flawed characters, raw emotions and unbridled passion then I would definitely suggest you to read Rough Rhythm.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tessa Bailey
March 9, 2016
This one was OK. It had some angst, some hot sexy times.
I found the whole "rough" sex thing James had going on a little weird. If it had been tempered with some sex scenes that were more on the tender side I think it would have worked better for me. They always seemed to be throwing each other around, or she was hitting him, or acting out a forced scenario. Which is hot as hell, but when that is ALL your getting it takes away from the "loving" aspect of the story.
I also wasn't thrilled that Lita did most of the chasing in this one. I prefer my hero to do the chasing. For some reason it comes across as pathetic to me when it's the heroine running after the poor damaged hero. At least she finally gave him the heave-ho near the end. To bad it took him like a month to come back groveling...sigh.
Overall it was just OK. I am looking forward to book three in this series though.
I found the whole "rough" sex thing James had going on a little weird. If it had been tempered with some sex scenes that were more on the tender side I think it would have worked better for me. They always seemed to be throwing each other around, or she was hitting him, or acting out a forced scenario. Which is hot as hell, but when that is ALL your getting it takes away from the "loving" aspect of the story.
I also wasn't thrilled that Lita did most of the chasing in this one. I prefer my hero to do the chasing. For some reason it comes across as pathetic to me when it's the heroine running after the poor damaged hero. At least she finally gave him the heave-ho near the end. To bad it took him like a month to come back groveling...sigh.
Overall it was just OK. I am looking forward to book three in this series though.
March 29, 2016
3.75 Stars
February 20, 2018
Audiobook: Narrators – Molly Glenmore and Joe Arden
Holy Wow!!! This duo did an absolutely mesmerizing job as James and Lita. The fluctuation of their voices was spot on and when they hit the steamy parts it was so intense I felt like a voyeur. And the pain! Oh my lord! When James felt the pain of Lita walking away I again felt as though I were standing next to him, feeling it, hearing it, experiencing it with him. My heart literally broke for him. Thank you Molly and Joe for bringing this story to life in such an amazing way!
Oh my freaking gawd!!! This book just blew me away!! I have never, ever listened or read anything that had such intense passion, feelings and true depth of character in it!
Lita and James met four years ago and spent one night together. Since that time James has been trying to make amends for his actions. Lita is constantly causing a scene and stirring up trouble. All in an attempt to gain James’ attention. Now it’s time to take a chance to correct what happened that night and it’s going to be up to Lita to show him she can handle anything he wants to dish out.
This couple! Holy crap! The steam from this novella just about melted my phone as I listened to the dirty talking James. And yet it’s so much more than just sex. These characters are each broken in their own ways and trying to stay afloat in whatever manner possible. However, together they find the perfect combination of acceptance and support to face their demons.
This is a short read/listen and I’ve done both. I won’t recommend one method of experiencing this book over the other because they are both incredible in their own unique ways. You can’t go wrong no matter which format you enjoy this book with.
Book purchased via Amazon; audiobook won via author giveaway. This is my honest and willing review.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers
Holy Wow!!! This duo did an absolutely mesmerizing job as James and Lita. The fluctuation of their voices was spot on and when they hit the steamy parts it was so intense I felt like a voyeur. And the pain! Oh my lord! When James felt the pain of Lita walking away I again felt as though I were standing next to him, feeling it, hearing it, experiencing it with him. My heart literally broke for him. Thank you Molly and Joe for bringing this story to life in such an amazing way!
Oh my freaking gawd!!! This book just blew me away!! I have never, ever listened or read anything that had such intense passion, feelings and true depth of character in it!
Lita and James met four years ago and spent one night together. Since that time James has been trying to make amends for his actions. Lita is constantly causing a scene and stirring up trouble. All in an attempt to gain James’ attention. Now it’s time to take a chance to correct what happened that night and it’s going to be up to Lita to show him she can handle anything he wants to dish out.
This couple! Holy crap! The steam from this novella just about melted my phone as I listened to the dirty talking James. And yet it’s so much more than just sex. These characters are each broken in their own ways and trying to stay afloat in whatever manner possible. However, together they find the perfect combination of acceptance and support to face their demons.
This is a short read/listen and I’ve done both. I won’t recommend one method of experiencing this book over the other because they are both incredible in their own unique ways. You can’t go wrong no matter which format you enjoy this book with.
Book purchased via Amazon; audiobook won via author giveaway. This is my honest and willing review.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers
March 11, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Rough Rhythm by Tessa Bailey
Book 1.5 of the Made in Jersey series
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC sent for review purposes
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Official Summary:
God help the woman I take home tonight.
Band manager James Brandon never expected to find the elusive satisfaction he’d been chasing, let alone stumble upon it in some sleezy Hollywood meat market. Yet the girl’s quiet pride spoke to him from across the bar, louder than a shout. Troubled, hungry and homeless, she’d placed her trust in him. But after losing the grip on his dark desires that one fateful night, James has spent the last four years atoning for letting her down.
This time I’ll finally crack him.
Rock band drummer Lita Regina has had enough of James’s guilt. She wants the explosive man she met that night in Hollywood. The man who held nothing back and took no prisoners—save Lita. And she’ll stop at nothing to revive him. Even if it means throwing herself into peril at every turn, just to get a reaction from her stoic manager. But when Lita takes her quest one step too far, James disappears from her life, thinking his absence will keep her safe.
Now it’s up to Lita to bring James back…and ignite an inferno of passion in the process.
Reader Advisory: ROUGH RHYTHM contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex, acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
What I Liked:
I really liked this novella! I was hesitant to read it because of the "Reader Advisory" from the summary, but I adore Tessa Bailey's books. Her Brazen novels are some of my favorites, and I knew that I couldn't pass up on Rough Rhythm. James and Lita were secondary characters in Crashed Out, and I loved reading about them front row and center!
James is Lita's band manager, and he's been doing a good job of taking care of her and keeping her out of trouble (as best as he can - she looks for trouble). What he refuses to do is a repeat of what happened the night they might. He feels guilty for letting his dark desires rule him that night. But all Lita wants is to crack his hard exterior and go back to that night. What happens when Lita tempts him too far, and the pair collide like never before?
Lita puts herself into troublesome situations so that she can get James' attention, and ruffle his feathers. Terrible reasons, but that man has not given any impression of sexual attraction towards her since that night. Lita is bold and industrious, and doesn't mind throwing herself at James. She goes after what she wants, and what she finds isn't what she expects. James not only wants her... but he wants her in wicked, dark ways.
I like James. He seems hard and cold on the outside, but he's an inferno on the inside. He's been trying to evade Lita's attentions for years, because he feels guilty for what he did with her the night they met. But years later, Lita wants to give it another go, and this time, James holds nothing back. I liked seeing James unleash himself, despite being afraid of scaring Lita. James has to let go of his fears and move forward, something that the author writes really well, even in this short space.
The story was short but very dense and satisfying! It felt like a very complete story, which was well done by the author.
The steamy scenes are steamy! I was worried about reading this one because I didn't think I could handle "rape fantasies" in romance novels. But the author wrote the scenes well, and they really weren't bad at all. It's more than obvious that both characters give consensus, and I honestly think the author barely scratches the surface in terms of the fantasies. It could have been much "scarier"!
Overall, I'm very happy with this novella. The author did the pair justice, and really capture the dynamic of their relationship, especially with their volatile personalities and somewhat aggressive (and super steamy) romance. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
What I Did Not Like:
So if you're not comfortable with rape fantasies (in terms of romance), maybe avoid this one. I personally thought I would be really uncomfortable and possibly react really badly, but the book was totally fine for me!
Would I Recommend It:
If you're a Tessa Bailey fan, this novella will not disappoint. It's super steamy and the author does not skimp on the character development, too. The story felt very full and complete. If you like steamy adult romance stories, this one is fairly short and possibly for you!
Rating:
4 stars. A great addition to the Made in Jersey series! I can't wait to read Thrown Down.
Rough Rhythm by Tessa Bailey
Book 1.5 of the Made in Jersey series
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC sent for review purposes
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Official Summary:
God help the woman I take home tonight.
Band manager James Brandon never expected to find the elusive satisfaction he’d been chasing, let alone stumble upon it in some sleezy Hollywood meat market. Yet the girl’s quiet pride spoke to him from across the bar, louder than a shout. Troubled, hungry and homeless, she’d placed her trust in him. But after losing the grip on his dark desires that one fateful night, James has spent the last four years atoning for letting her down.
This time I’ll finally crack him.
Rock band drummer Lita Regina has had enough of James’s guilt. She wants the explosive man she met that night in Hollywood. The man who held nothing back and took no prisoners—save Lita. And she’ll stop at nothing to revive him. Even if it means throwing herself into peril at every turn, just to get a reaction from her stoic manager. But when Lita takes her quest one step too far, James disappears from her life, thinking his absence will keep her safe.
Now it’s up to Lita to bring James back…and ignite an inferno of passion in the process.
Reader Advisory: ROUGH RHYTHM contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex, acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
What I Liked:
I really liked this novella! I was hesitant to read it because of the "Reader Advisory" from the summary, but I adore Tessa Bailey's books. Her Brazen novels are some of my favorites, and I knew that I couldn't pass up on Rough Rhythm. James and Lita were secondary characters in Crashed Out, and I loved reading about them front row and center!
James is Lita's band manager, and he's been doing a good job of taking care of her and keeping her out of trouble (as best as he can - she looks for trouble). What he refuses to do is a repeat of what happened the night they might. He feels guilty for letting his dark desires rule him that night. But all Lita wants is to crack his hard exterior and go back to that night. What happens when Lita tempts him too far, and the pair collide like never before?
Lita puts herself into troublesome situations so that she can get James' attention, and ruffle his feathers. Terrible reasons, but that man has not given any impression of sexual attraction towards her since that night. Lita is bold and industrious, and doesn't mind throwing herself at James. She goes after what she wants, and what she finds isn't what she expects. James not only wants her... but he wants her in wicked, dark ways.
I like James. He seems hard and cold on the outside, but he's an inferno on the inside. He's been trying to evade Lita's attentions for years, because he feels guilty for what he did with her the night they met. But years later, Lita wants to give it another go, and this time, James holds nothing back. I liked seeing James unleash himself, despite being afraid of scaring Lita. James has to let go of his fears and move forward, something that the author writes really well, even in this short space.
The story was short but very dense and satisfying! It felt like a very complete story, which was well done by the author.
The steamy scenes are steamy! I was worried about reading this one because I didn't think I could handle "rape fantasies" in romance novels. But the author wrote the scenes well, and they really weren't bad at all. It's more than obvious that both characters give consensus, and I honestly think the author barely scratches the surface in terms of the fantasies. It could have been much "scarier"!
Overall, I'm very happy with this novella. The author did the pair justice, and really capture the dynamic of their relationship, especially with their volatile personalities and somewhat aggressive (and super steamy) romance. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
What I Did Not Like:
So if you're not comfortable with rape fantasies (in terms of romance), maybe avoid this one. I personally thought I would be really uncomfortable and possibly react really badly, but the book was totally fine for me!
Would I Recommend It:
If you're a Tessa Bailey fan, this novella will not disappoint. It's super steamy and the author does not skimp on the character development, too. The story felt very full and complete. If you like steamy adult romance stories, this one is fairly short and possibly for you!
Rating:
4 stars. A great addition to the Made in Jersey series! I can't wait to read Thrown Down.
April 7, 2018
Maybe I needed to read the series first. But not having done so I was not impressed and I love this author! The MCs were awkward (heroine was painfully annoying and immature) and the hero had his head planted so far up his own ass I wanted to scream. I thought the reason for the 4 years of separation was completely overblown and ridiculous. This guy was just too insecure in his own skin for my taste.
December 26, 2019
Probably my favorite novella so far. Probably.
Rough Rhythm was really good. This book was jam packed with so many freaking things that I feel like I had whiplash after it. Especially between the two MC's because - hot damn. It was good.
In it, you will meet James and Lita. It was seriously cute that James was so serious and intense because it just made him more lovable in my eyes. Then there's Lita who was an annoying twat at first but then became more likable. Probably because James just made her better. They were definitely on a different level sexually and that's why I liked it so much.
The smut was everything to me. I didn't know I needed this book but I'm damn proud that I found it. Will definitely have to look into more books by this author because Tessa can deliver.
Rough Rhythm was really good. This book was jam packed with so many freaking things that I feel like I had whiplash after it. Especially between the two MC's because - hot damn. It was good.
In it, you will meet James and Lita. It was seriously cute that James was so serious and intense because it just made him more lovable in my eyes. Then there's Lita who was an annoying twat at first but then became more likable. Probably because James just made her better. They were definitely on a different level sexually and that's why I liked it so much.
The smut was everything to me. I didn't know I needed this book but I'm damn proud that I found it. Will definitely have to look into more books by this author because Tessa can deliver.
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
Holy WOW. Tessa Bailey sure knows how to pack a punch in a novella. I’d been dying to read Lita and James’ story after meeting them in Crashed Out, and boy did they not disappoint. This novella is hot, hot, hot! In typical Tessa Bailey fashion, Rough Rhythm is a dirty, passionate, exhilarating read. It’s got characters that are raw, gritty, and a little rough around the edges, but you love them anyway. I honestly wish this could have been longer, because I never wanted to stop reading about Lita and James. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, sexy AF read, Rough Rhythm is definitely for you.
For the past four years, rock band drummer Lita has been trying to release the passion and control her band manager James has been holding within him and unleash the the dark side of him that gave her the best night of her life the night they met. But even though Lita wants him to do all the filthy things he did to her during that one night stand, James can’t help but regret the way he lost control over her. He would never want to taint Lita with his darkness, but that doesn’t stop him wanting her more and more each day that passes. Their hearts linked because of that night, and you can feel the longing and love they have between them, they way they belong to and with each other. Can James accept Lita in his bed again when she already resides in his heart? Or will he forever be on the sidelines, always looking but not touching?
Emotionally-charged, tension-filled, angsty, and downright dirty, Rough Rhythm is another winner from one of my all-time favorite authors. Tessa Bailey is the queen of dirty talk – somehow she manages never to make her heroes repetitive and their dirty talk is new and erotic as ever with every new read. Rough Rhythm is a little darker than your typical Tessa book but it totally WORKS, and I was fanning myself more than I usually need to when I read her books. I utterly adored James and Lita, and I loved the way their romance played out. I was hooked onto this novella from beginning to end, and I can’t recommend it enough for those who love their sexy reads!
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1L9RfrF
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1lYSdBW
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Holy WOW. Tessa Bailey sure knows how to pack a punch in a novella. I’d been dying to read Lita and James’ story after meeting them in Crashed Out, and boy did they not disappoint. This novella is hot, hot, hot! In typical Tessa Bailey fashion, Rough Rhythm is a dirty, passionate, exhilarating read. It’s got characters that are raw, gritty, and a little rough around the edges, but you love them anyway. I honestly wish this could have been longer, because I never wanted to stop reading about Lita and James. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, sexy AF read, Rough Rhythm is definitely for you.
“All this time, you’ve treated me like a protector.” He pushed her thighs open. “But I was the one you should have been afraid of.”
For the past four years, rock band drummer Lita has been trying to release the passion and control her band manager James has been holding within him and unleash the the dark side of him that gave her the best night of her life the night they met. But even though Lita wants him to do all the filthy things he did to her during that one night stand, James can’t help but regret the way he lost control over her. He would never want to taint Lita with his darkness, but that doesn’t stop him wanting her more and more each day that passes. Their hearts linked because of that night, and you can feel the longing and love they have between them, they way they belong to and with each other. Can James accept Lita in his bed again when she already resides in his heart? Or will he forever be on the sidelines, always looking but not touching?
How could he feel such protectiveness for Lita and want to dominate her in such a way? It was a though his two urges went hand in hand. Protect and punish. Cherish and… imprison. Keep her still and make her take.
Emotionally-charged, tension-filled, angsty, and downright dirty, Rough Rhythm is another winner from one of my all-time favorite authors. Tessa Bailey is the queen of dirty talk – somehow she manages never to make her heroes repetitive and their dirty talk is new and erotic as ever with every new read. Rough Rhythm is a little darker than your typical Tessa book but it totally WORKS, and I was fanning myself more than I usually need to when I read her books. I utterly adored James and Lita, and I loved the way their romance played out. I was hooked onto this novella from beginning to end, and I can’t recommend it enough for those who love their sexy reads!
“I live for you. You’re not just in my thoughts, you are my thoughts. Every single one. And somehow, I lived for you all wrong. I should have been living with you. Not only for.”
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1L9RfrF
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1lYSdBW
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
Want to read
November 27, 2015omg omg I cannot wait! I LOVED the little glimpses of them in the first book. And a little darker maybe? Gah, yes! Sign me up!
January 5, 2025
This was … not great. Which is too bad because I loved Lita and James in Sarge’s book. The premise was interesting, but the execution was a swing and a miss for me.
March 10, 2016
Read in 24 hrs and 5 stars!
That's my review!
Just kidding...review coming as soon as I pick up my brain that has melted in a puddle of goo at Ms Tessa Bailey's feet...
My review:
The prologue slayed me! The dirty, rough sexy scenes slayed me.The characters slayed me. The grovel slayed me. The ending slayed me. This whole book slayed me! Tessa Bailey owns my broken and put back together heart for this!
I prefer stories to be told chronologically (hmmm there's that read-in-order OCD again) and kinda dislike stories that start and then you get things that happened before the start in flashbacks. When the prologue of this one ended and the bext chapter said "4 years later" I was like NOOO! But then when the first flashback came...and went I started to get why Bailey wrote it this way. The anticipation for the next flashback to tell me what had happened was so high I devoured the pages to get to it. It totally worked for me. And isn't that an awesome way to enjoy a book. So for this one I forgive the flashback.
The other day I was saying to someone on Twitter that I like broken, flawed, imperfect characters. I definitely prefer them over nice, flawless characters. And boy, did Tessa Bailey cater to my preference. Both Lita and James are flawed and have real issues and I loved them.
Oh there will be people who won't like this book for several reasons (one of which is the heroine slapping the hero in the face) and that's their loss. For me everything that might trigger some readers, worked perfectly with the story. Even the slapping.
This book slayed me! SLAYED! ME! When I finished I sat there, wondering what the heck had just happened. In awe that an author's writing, story, characters and a risky trope (fantasies of nonconsensual sex, acted upon by consenting characters) can make me so breathless with emotion.
Can make me angry at a hero too blind to see what's in front of him and what's being offered to him. Can make me cry sad and happy tears at the same time. Can captivate me so fully that it was all I could think about when I wasn't reading it and stay with me long after I finished it.
ROUGH RHYTHM is dark, dirty, intense and mesmerizing. A stellar read I read within 24 hours, which is very rare for me. Tessa, books like these are the reason I will keep auto-preordering and reading your books the minute they release. Thank you for writing dirty beautiful and emotional gems that make me happy to be a romance reader.
Favorite Quotes:
“You came along at an unfortunate time, Lita.” His head gave a tight jerk, jaw clenching. “I haven’t been feeling like myself.”
“Really.” She set the donut down, her stomach executing a series of flips. Nervous ones, but not the type that made her want to run. Not the type she’d experienced before. These were hotter, fuller, curious. “How do you feel…instead?”
“I have hunger.” His dark gaze swung up, gluing her to the plush leather seat. “I don’t know if it can be fed like yours.”
“I’m so mad at you, James, my mad grew a second head and ate the first one.”
He f*cking craved her. There was no reason among the chaos. Just knowledge that others had wanted Lita, regardless if she’d turned them down. They’d still looked and coveted. Now she was angry and he wanted that anger beneath him. Wanted to harness it, tame it, mate it with his own.
“Oh God, oh God…” she chanted, voice cracking. James jerked her hips up, leaving her bottom in the air, her cheek pressed against the ground. “He can’t help you, either.”
That's my review!
Just kidding...review coming as soon as I pick up my brain that has melted in a puddle of goo at Ms Tessa Bailey's feet...
My review:
The prologue slayed me! The dirty, rough sexy scenes slayed me.The characters slayed me. The grovel slayed me. The ending slayed me. This whole book slayed me! Tessa Bailey owns my broken and put back together heart for this!
I prefer stories to be told chronologically (hmmm there's that read-in-order OCD again) and kinda dislike stories that start and then you get things that happened before the start in flashbacks. When the prologue of this one ended and the bext chapter said "4 years later" I was like NOOO! But then when the first flashback came...and went I started to get why Bailey wrote it this way. The anticipation for the next flashback to tell me what had happened was so high I devoured the pages to get to it. It totally worked for me. And isn't that an awesome way to enjoy a book. So for this one I forgive the flashback.
The other day I was saying to someone on Twitter that I like broken, flawed, imperfect characters. I definitely prefer them over nice, flawless characters. And boy, did Tessa Bailey cater to my preference. Both Lita and James are flawed and have real issues and I loved them.
Oh there will be people who won't like this book for several reasons (one of which is the heroine slapping the hero in the face) and that's their loss. For me everything that might trigger some readers, worked perfectly with the story. Even the slapping.
This book slayed me! SLAYED! ME! When I finished I sat there, wondering what the heck had just happened. In awe that an author's writing, story, characters and a risky trope (fantasies of nonconsensual sex, acted upon by consenting characters) can make me so breathless with emotion.
Can make me angry at a hero too blind to see what's in front of him and what's being offered to him. Can make me cry sad and happy tears at the same time. Can captivate me so fully that it was all I could think about when I wasn't reading it and stay with me long after I finished it.
ROUGH RHYTHM is dark, dirty, intense and mesmerizing. A stellar read I read within 24 hours, which is very rare for me. Tessa, books like these are the reason I will keep auto-preordering and reading your books the minute they release. Thank you for writing dirty beautiful and emotional gems that make me happy to be a romance reader.
Favorite Quotes:
“You came along at an unfortunate time, Lita.” His head gave a tight jerk, jaw clenching. “I haven’t been feeling like myself.”
“Really.” She set the donut down, her stomach executing a series of flips. Nervous ones, but not the type that made her want to run. Not the type she’d experienced before. These were hotter, fuller, curious. “How do you feel…instead?”
“I have hunger.” His dark gaze swung up, gluing her to the plush leather seat. “I don’t know if it can be fed like yours.”
“I’m so mad at you, James, my mad grew a second head and ate the first one.”
He f*cking craved her. There was no reason among the chaos. Just knowledge that others had wanted Lita, regardless if she’d turned them down. They’d still looked and coveted. Now she was angry and he wanted that anger beneath him. Wanted to harness it, tame it, mate it with his own.
“Oh God, oh God…” she chanted, voice cracking. James jerked her hips up, leaving her bottom in the air, her cheek pressed against the ground. “He can’t help you, either.”
May 25, 2016
4.5 Stars
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
"I want bad things. Need them."
It’s been four years since the night James gave in to his dark desires, but that one night with Lita has him riddled with guilt. Wrapped up in his past, full of shame, denial, and self-loathing, James does everything he can to make it up to Lita all while keeping her at arm's length, wanting to “protect” Lita from that side of himself.
"I'm so mad at you, James, my mad grew a second head and ate the first one."
For four years, Lita has been trying to break through the wall James erected after their night together. Acting out in increasingly wild and dangerous antics with the hope it will crack James’ facade and unleash the man she met on that night four years ago. A night that she would love to recreate.
Wow. This was a scorcher.
I haven’t read the first book in this series and reading books out of order isn’t something I do. Ever. I have a serious case of reading order OCD. But, I loved the idea of a hero coming to grips with the fact that he likes consensual non-consent and rough sex. So, I was glad that this one worked beautifully as a standalone.
Tessa Bailey does a phenomenal job showing us James’ struggle in accepting himself and his desires. His shame is the wedge in the relationship between them. Yet, it also makes the push/pull sexual tension between Lita and James palpable. Off the charts hot. The only thing holding me back from giving this a full five stars is that, while we get snippets of their night four years ago, we don’t get the full scene. I think it would have help solidify both of their feelings about that night and each other. That’s only a minor issue, though.
Overall, this is a thought provoking, panty soaking read and I highly recommend for those that can handle the rougher side.
*A complimentary copy was provided by Inkslinger PR to CGSR Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.*
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
"I want bad things. Need them."
It’s been four years since the night James gave in to his dark desires, but that one night with Lita has him riddled with guilt. Wrapped up in his past, full of shame, denial, and self-loathing, James does everything he can to make it up to Lita all while keeping her at arm's length, wanting to “protect” Lita from that side of himself.
"I'm so mad at you, James, my mad grew a second head and ate the first one."
For four years, Lita has been trying to break through the wall James erected after their night together. Acting out in increasingly wild and dangerous antics with the hope it will crack James’ facade and unleash the man she met on that night four years ago. A night that she would love to recreate.
Wow. This was a scorcher.
I haven’t read the first book in this series and reading books out of order isn’t something I do. Ever. I have a serious case of reading order OCD. But, I loved the idea of a hero coming to grips with the fact that he likes consensual non-consent and rough sex. So, I was glad that this one worked beautifully as a standalone.
Tessa Bailey does a phenomenal job showing us James’ struggle in accepting himself and his desires. His shame is the wedge in the relationship between them. Yet, it also makes the push/pull sexual tension between Lita and James palpable. Off the charts hot. The only thing holding me back from giving this a full five stars is that, while we get snippets of their night four years ago, we don’t get the full scene. I think it would have help solidify both of their feelings about that night and each other. That’s only a minor issue, though.
Overall, this is a thought provoking, panty soaking read and I highly recommend for those that can handle the rougher side.
*A complimentary copy was provided by Inkslinger PR to CGSR Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.*
February 28, 2022
3 stars. Not sure what to think about this one. I liked elements of this story but disliked the hero's reasoning for keeping his distance for all the time that he knew the heroine. The heroine also acted like an idiot in order to get his attention. None of it made total sense, definitely one of my least favorite by TB.
Safe; I think. H & h had sex once four years prior to start of story and then he kept her at an arms length while "protecting her from himself" ... and also cock blocking any OM who tried to approach her. So she stayed celibate until they are together again. Unfortunately, it's unclear if the hero stayed celibate. He did say that he only got hard for the heroine, but it wasn't clarified beyond that. I'm going to just go ahead and hope that he did. He does a lot of pushing away all throughout the story. No cheating, no om/ow, no scenes with OP.
TW: domestic violence (in past), consenting non-consent sex
Safe; I think. H & h had sex once four years prior to start of story and then he kept her at an arms length while "protecting her from himself" ... and also cock blocking any OM who tried to approach her. So she stayed celibate until they are together again. Unfortunately, it's unclear if the hero stayed celibate. He did say that he only got hard for the heroine, but it wasn't clarified beyond that. I'm going to just go ahead and hope that he did. He does a lot of pushing away all throughout the story. No cheating, no om/ow, no scenes with OP.
TW: domestic violence (in past), consenting non-consent sex
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
I love Lita & James brand of worry. It is amazing and epic and oh sooo damn sexy. I have a ridiculous amount of highlights that I hope make you want to give this book a try. There are some things that may make more fragile readers nervous. Please remember to read the warnings people because this blurs a lot of the lines !!! Now some of us like the blurred lines!! Others are nervous 😬!!
I love how Tessa writes and I have no idea why I’ve taken such a long break. Please listen to this in audio and also have the book in the background so you can reread and highlight !!
This book was freaking yummy and I will most likely read this again once I finish the series!!!
Happy reading everyone !!! 🥰🙌🏽🥰🙌🏽
I love how Tessa writes and I have no idea why I’ve taken such a long break. Please listen to this in audio and also have the book in the background so you can reread and highlight !!
This book was freaking yummy and I will most likely read this again once I finish the series!!!
Happy reading everyone !!! 🥰🙌🏽🥰🙌🏽
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars. Not my favorite of the series, but happy to see James and Lita have their HEA.
November 14, 2018
This was okay. Didn't love it but didn't hate it either.
March 10, 2016
Rated 3.5 Stars
While it is quite an enjoyable read it just did not fully engage me, I was not drawn into the story.
While it is quite an enjoyable read it just did not fully engage me, I was not drawn into the story.
March 17, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
August 16, 2016
My FAV!!!!!!
Review to come!
Review to come!
February 18, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
I had a killer migraine the other day, and all I could do was lie in my bed with the blinds closed and the lights off. I couldn't look at anything bright, and anyway, my eyes couldn't focus easily. So audiobooks sounded like the perfect option. But I didn't want to listen to anything that required too much thought, so why not a novella from the Audible Romance package? And that's what I decided to go for, choosing Tessa Bailey's because I've been meaning to check her work out for a while now.
Rough Rhythm is sexy, steamy, and also quite thrilling. A big trigger warning here because their kink is the consensual re-enactment of rape. And this isn't a spoiler since it says it right there in the blurb: Rough Rhythm contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
Tessa handles it well, I think. She combines a hero who hates that he's turned on by it all with a heroine who fully trusts the hero and enjoys playing into the fantasy. At no point do I think James will actually do anything Lita doesn't want him to do; I fully believe he'll respect the safe word he's told Lita to use. In fact, there were times when he wanted her to use it because he just couldn't grasp that she wanted him.
And then Dani got distracted by real life and came back to her half-written review later, completely losing her train of thought...
But yeah, all in all a great introduction to Tessa Bailey, but read with caution!
I had a killer migraine the other day, and all I could do was lie in my bed with the blinds closed and the lights off. I couldn't look at anything bright, and anyway, my eyes couldn't focus easily. So audiobooks sounded like the perfect option. But I didn't want to listen to anything that required too much thought, so why not a novella from the Audible Romance package? And that's what I decided to go for, choosing Tessa Bailey's because I've been meaning to check her work out for a while now.
Rough Rhythm is sexy, steamy, and also quite thrilling. A big trigger warning here because their kink is the consensual re-enactment of rape. And this isn't a spoiler since it says it right there in the blurb: Rough Rhythm contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.
Tessa handles it well, I think. She combines a hero who hates that he's turned on by it all with a heroine who fully trusts the hero and enjoys playing into the fantasy. At no point do I think James will actually do anything Lita doesn't want him to do; I fully believe he'll respect the safe word he's told Lita to use. In fact, there were times when he wanted her to use it because he just couldn't grasp that she wanted him.
And then Dani got distracted by real life and came back to her half-written review later, completely losing her train of thought...
But yeah, all in all a great introduction to Tessa Bailey, but read with caution!
July 9, 2019
5 / 5
Holy.
Fucking.
Shit.
I am in love. Also, this was filthy. And I am in love.
PLEASE read the advisory in the blurb, because this is kind of taboo, SO CHECK THAT THIS WILL FLOAT YOUR BOAT BEFORE READING peace out.
Holy.
Fucking.
Shit.
I am in love. Also, this was filthy. And I am in love.
PLEASE read the advisory in the blurb, because this is kind of taboo, SO CHECK THAT THIS WILL FLOAT YOUR BOAT BEFORE READING peace out.
May 2, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Rough Rhythm is the second story in the Made In Jersey series from Tessa Bailey. This is a standalone novella and features James and Lita. James and Lita meet one night at a bar. Lita was hungry and homeless, and James was looking for someone different in the endless Hollywood meat market. But when James let his desires get a bit out of control that night, he vowed to keep her at arms length and make up for how he had treated her. Lita has been trying since that night to show James that she wants all of him, but no matter what she does she can't seem to get through to him. When she finally takes things too far though, James exits her life and Lita decides to do whatever it takes to not only bring him back, but to also show him exactly what is between them.
I will admit that I had a bit of an issue with Lita here. I disliked her pretty much from go, and that was a bit hard to come back from. She was very young and I do understand that part of that played into her actions. But this girl was beyond reckless and her self-destructive behavior almost seemed to be a joke to her. She didn't care that she was hurting herself or others around her, and she actually thought that her childish and immature behavior would win James over, as if that would convince him to explore his darker side with her. James I liked, but it felt as though his character was just surface deep. He was constantly saying how his desires were too dark and that Lita should be afraid of him, but honestly I didn't really see it. Yes there were some moments of him restraining Lita and them acting out fantasies and situations of non-consensual sex, but honestly it wasn't what I had been expecting at all. Tessa Bailey knows how to give the reader heat and dirty talk, but I felt like this one didn't really deliver on the darker edge that was promised here.
Overall, this story had some good moments but it just didn't completely do it for me. I wanted more of James and his darker side, and less of Lita acting like a brat. I think a lot of my problem here was that this story just didn't draw me in like I had hoped and I was never fully invested in it. That could be a length issue, as there just weren't as many pages to really engage the reader since this was a novella instead of a full length novel. I still love Tessa Bailey, and there is definitely some heat and chemistry here. But I had been expecting this story to be on the darker side, and to me it wasn't much darker than Tessa's books typically are. I also didn't feel the same connection to the characters or between them that I typically do with Tessa's books and that is what really kept me from falling in love with James and Lita's story.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Rough Rhythm is the second story in the Made In Jersey series from Tessa Bailey. This is a standalone novella and features James and Lita. James and Lita meet one night at a bar. Lita was hungry and homeless, and James was looking for someone different in the endless Hollywood meat market. But when James let his desires get a bit out of control that night, he vowed to keep her at arms length and make up for how he had treated her. Lita has been trying since that night to show James that she wants all of him, but no matter what she does she can't seem to get through to him. When she finally takes things too far though, James exits her life and Lita decides to do whatever it takes to not only bring him back, but to also show him exactly what is between them.
I will admit that I had a bit of an issue with Lita here. I disliked her pretty much from go, and that was a bit hard to come back from. She was very young and I do understand that part of that played into her actions. But this girl was beyond reckless and her self-destructive behavior almost seemed to be a joke to her. She didn't care that she was hurting herself or others around her, and she actually thought that her childish and immature behavior would win James over, as if that would convince him to explore his darker side with her. James I liked, but it felt as though his character was just surface deep. He was constantly saying how his desires were too dark and that Lita should be afraid of him, but honestly I didn't really see it. Yes there were some moments of him restraining Lita and them acting out fantasies and situations of non-consensual sex, but honestly it wasn't what I had been expecting at all. Tessa Bailey knows how to give the reader heat and dirty talk, but I felt like this one didn't really deliver on the darker edge that was promised here.
Overall, this story had some good moments but it just didn't completely do it for me. I wanted more of James and his darker side, and less of Lita acting like a brat. I think a lot of my problem here was that this story just didn't draw me in like I had hoped and I was never fully invested in it. That could be a length issue, as there just weren't as many pages to really engage the reader since this was a novella instead of a full length novel. I still love Tessa Bailey, and there is definitely some heat and chemistry here. But I had been expecting this story to be on the darker side, and to me it wasn't much darker than Tessa's books typically are. I also didn't feel the same connection to the characters or between them that I typically do with Tessa's books and that is what really kept me from falling in love with James and Lita's story.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
March 8, 2016
This has got to be one of my FAVORITE Tessa Bailey reads EVER! God, these characters just grabbed me and wouldn't let go! I DEVOURED it! I CONSUMED it! I CHERISHED every single word! Bailey makes me swoon, scream, cry, and laugh like NO OTHER. Simply unputdownable, just like every single one of her books! Ever since I finished CRASHED OUT, book one in the Made In Jersey series, I've been dying to get my hands on James and Lita's story. I knew it would be epic, because there was just so much there between them, even though we only got a taste of it in the first book.
Lita is always getting herself in trouble. James is always the one to bail her out. Who knew it was all by design. Something happened years ago, when James and Lita first set eyes on each other. Something dark. Something forbidden. Something that James and Lita will never forget. Four years go by, and they are playing the same game with no end in sight, until James makes a decision that he thinks will save them both tons of pain. Well, Lita was never the best at taking orders or following directions. James is hers, and she will be damned if she lets him run away again.
This was a little darker than I'm used to with Tessa Bailey's stories, and I absolutely LOVED that she went in that direction with these two characters. Fast paced, exciting, sexy, passionate, and heartbreaking, Bailey took James and Lita's story to another level. And James...OMG JAMES! I love that man! We see a whole other side to the hero of this story, and if you asked him...he is no DAMN HERO! Which just makes me love him even more! As soon as I finished ROUGH RHYTHM, I wanted to pick it back up and start again! This was an amazing novella that packed quite a sexy punch!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Lita is always getting herself in trouble. James is always the one to bail her out. Who knew it was all by design. Something happened years ago, when James and Lita first set eyes on each other. Something dark. Something forbidden. Something that James and Lita will never forget. Four years go by, and they are playing the same game with no end in sight, until James makes a decision that he thinks will save them both tons of pain. Well, Lita was never the best at taking orders or following directions. James is hers, and she will be damned if she lets him run away again.
This was a little darker than I'm used to with Tessa Bailey's stories, and I absolutely LOVED that she went in that direction with these two characters. Fast paced, exciting, sexy, passionate, and heartbreaking, Bailey took James and Lita's story to another level. And James...OMG JAMES! I love that man! We see a whole other side to the hero of this story, and if you asked him...he is no DAMN HERO! Which just makes me love him even more! As soon as I finished ROUGH RHYTHM, I wanted to pick it back up and start again! This was an amazing novella that packed quite a sexy punch!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 16, 2016
Holy Moly! Is it hot in here or is it just me? There's a whole lot of heat and story packed into this short read. After meeting James in Crashed Out, I've been waiting to find out what lurks underneath that cool, controlled exterior . . . and what it takes to unleash it. I was also curious as to what it would take to reel in bad girl drummer, Lita.
James has lived with a ton of guilt & regret since the night four years ago when he lost control and took Lita in the raw, dirty, rough, forceful way he desires. He hasn't touched her since, vowing to be her protector, not the monster who corrupts her - even though she owns his heart. Lita pushes all James buttons - playing bad*ss bad girl and repeatedly landing herself in jail so James will come riding in to save her again. She wants to break his control - to tease & tempt the man who took her that night out of hiding because it was that man who fulfilled her fantasies and stole her heart. But, it seems she pulls her bad girl act one too many times, and James leaves her and the band - convinced it's the only way to keep her safe - from him. Can Lita find him and convince him to trust her with his dark side?
Rough Rhythm is edgy, dirty, intense, and one of the hottest books I've read in some time - and yet it is about so much more than just hot sex. While the desire and chemistry between James & Lita set the pages on fire, it's their clash of hearts & wills that sets the tone for this story - James battling to control his dark urges, afraid of turning into his abusive father, and Lita taking a stand, trying to prove to him that she's the woman strong enough to love all of him. Which one will win? Steamy, rough, raw - romance at its best! A Page Burner! A Must Read!
Reviewed at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
James has lived with a ton of guilt & regret since the night four years ago when he lost control and took Lita in the raw, dirty, rough, forceful way he desires. He hasn't touched her since, vowing to be her protector, not the monster who corrupts her - even though she owns his heart. Lita pushes all James buttons - playing bad*ss bad girl and repeatedly landing herself in jail so James will come riding in to save her again. She wants to break his control - to tease & tempt the man who took her that night out of hiding because it was that man who fulfilled her fantasies and stole her heart. But, it seems she pulls her bad girl act one too many times, and James leaves her and the band - convinced it's the only way to keep her safe - from him. Can Lita find him and convince him to trust her with his dark side?
Rough Rhythm is edgy, dirty, intense, and one of the hottest books I've read in some time - and yet it is about so much more than just hot sex. While the desire and chemistry between James & Lita set the pages on fire, it's their clash of hearts & wills that sets the tone for this story - James battling to control his dark urges, afraid of turning into his abusive father, and Lita taking a stand, trying to prove to him that she's the woman strong enough to love all of him. Which one will win? Steamy, rough, raw - romance at its best! A Page Burner! A Must Read!
Reviewed at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
March 16, 2016
Tessa gives readers yet another scorcher with Rough Rhythm. Lita and James really like it rough and crazy, both privately and publicly. Their relationship is pretty intense and when I met them in the first book in this series, I definitely wanted to know more about their past and their connection. The book itself, as well as the characters, push your boundaries a bit, as they like to delve in the far-out and unordinary kind of fantasies that many might frown upon. I’m personally not a fan of it, but I respect it for what it is, as long as it’s in a responsible and consensual relationship. I really liked how Tessa makes a point to the reader about the connection between being in control and giving control to someone you trust. Some might think it’s submissive and taboo, but because you have to allow the person to be in control (in a mutual and understanding relationship such as theirs), you therefore, have some control yourself. At least, that’s what I get from it.
Whether you agree with my thoughts on the subject matter or not, you can at least believe me when I say that the story itself is entertaining and the pacing is smooth and fast. It keeps you reading, that’s for sure.
Had this been a full novel, I think Bailey would’ve given us more of a background for each character individually, which I wouldn’t have minded at all. Given that this is just a novella, however, we still get a good sense of Lita and James separately as well as together. The whole thing reads really quickly and their story has its hurdles without being over the top. These two live and breath one another and their connection is off-the-charts hot. If you’re already a sucker for Bailey and her books, then she doesn’t disappoint with this one.
Whether you agree with my thoughts on the subject matter or not, you can at least believe me when I say that the story itself is entertaining and the pacing is smooth and fast. It keeps you reading, that’s for sure.
Had this been a full novel, I think Bailey would’ve given us more of a background for each character individually, which I wouldn’t have minded at all. Given that this is just a novella, however, we still get a good sense of Lita and James separately as well as together. The whole thing reads really quickly and their story has its hurdles without being over the top. These two live and breath one another and their connection is off-the-charts hot. If you’re already a sucker for Bailey and her books, then she doesn’t disappoint with this one.
March 9, 2016
I have read a few of Ms. Bailey's works and enjoyed them thoroughly. Rough Rhythm has a darker edge that some may not be comfortable with so please read the advisory at the end of the blurb.
James Brandon has some very dark desires and they only seem to come out for a woman 12 years his junior which scares the life out of him. He gave into those desires for one night 4 years ago and although he has regretted it every moment since then, he can't make himself walk away entirely and took on a role that would allow him to be involved in her life enough to ensure she wouldn't be hurt in any other way.
Lita has never had any regrets about that night, but nothing she says or does can convince James that he lit up her world in a way she never expected. And she does increasingly outrageous things to try to crack the reserved shell which only cements his convictions that she is too young and reckless for him. His childhood gave him a front row seat to violence and his dark thoughts of control and domination make him want to run far away... too bad Lita has no intention of letting that happen.
The dam on four years of tightly leashed emotions finally breaks and WHOA! Lita has to scramble to try to keep James from sliding back into a pit of self-loathing but in the end he has to find a way to come to terms with his past, his instincts and his view of them, and decide if he can view Lita as a woman who shares his desires rather than a child who needs to be protected.
Rough Rhythm was well written and kept me engaged from page 1 to the very end. I can't wait to see what Ms. Bailey has in store for us next!
James Brandon has some very dark desires and they only seem to come out for a woman 12 years his junior which scares the life out of him. He gave into those desires for one night 4 years ago and although he has regretted it every moment since then, he can't make himself walk away entirely and took on a role that would allow him to be involved in her life enough to ensure she wouldn't be hurt in any other way.
Lita has never had any regrets about that night, but nothing she says or does can convince James that he lit up her world in a way she never expected. And she does increasingly outrageous things to try to crack the reserved shell which only cements his convictions that she is too young and reckless for him. His childhood gave him a front row seat to violence and his dark thoughts of control and domination make him want to run far away... too bad Lita has no intention of letting that happen.
The dam on four years of tightly leashed emotions finally breaks and WHOA! Lita has to scramble to try to keep James from sliding back into a pit of self-loathing but in the end he has to find a way to come to terms with his past, his instincts and his view of them, and decide if he can view Lita as a woman who shares his desires rather than a child who needs to be protected.
Rough Rhythm was well written and kept me engaged from page 1 to the very end. I can't wait to see what Ms. Bailey has in store for us next!
January 7, 2020
This was a solid read by the author, whose dirty talking males are some of my all-time favourite characters.
James has a lot of issues, and I wish he'd gotten some therapy over the years. He was still obviously suffering from childhood trauma, and it definitely affected his relationships and how he viewed things.
I liked that Lita knew what she wanted, regardless of what James thought. While I don't think her shennanigans over the four years of their acquaintance did her any favours on trying to get what she wanted, I liked that she finally realised that she needed to stop acting like a child in order to have people take her seriously.
The story lost points from me because in this day and age BDSM and kink are so mainstream, not being able to recognise this in yourself doesn't cut it as a plot point anymore. Had this story been written prior to those books, I might have let it pass. As it is, I found myself shaking my head at James and his supposed naivety as an over 30 year old man.
There was also an story point that got missed in editing that just didn't make any sense.
But I do like this couple and the older man/younger woman dynamic. Even though at times Lita seemed more of the adult than James.
James has a lot of issues, and I wish he'd gotten some therapy over the years. He was still obviously suffering from childhood trauma, and it definitely affected his relationships and how he viewed things.
I liked that Lita knew what she wanted, regardless of what James thought. While I don't think her shennanigans over the four years of their acquaintance did her any favours on trying to get what she wanted, I liked that she finally realised that she needed to stop acting like a child in order to have people take her seriously.
The story lost points from me because in this day and age BDSM and kink are so mainstream, not being able to recognise this in yourself doesn't cut it as a plot point anymore. Had this story been written prior to those books, I might have let it pass. As it is, I found myself shaking my head at James and his supposed naivety as an over 30 year old man.
There was also an story point that got missed in editing that just didn't make any sense.
But I do like this couple and the older man/younger woman dynamic. Even though at times Lita seemed more of the adult than James.
November 8, 2017
“Rough Rhythm” is the story of Lita and James.
Lita, the drummer for Old News, has always been in love with her band manager James, ever since the night when he rescued her 4 years ago. Only able to get his attention by getting in trouble, things change when James resigns and tries to leave Lita, and she pursues her love.
As this is a TB book, we get all the things we love and expect
-a kickass dirty talking alpha, possessive hero
-a strong survivor heroine
-taboo fantasies and panty melting sex scenes
My favorite part probably was the climax, when James finally realizes Lita’s strengths. That being said, would have love a bit more of the angst and groveling. Really hot read though.
Safe
4/5
Lita, the drummer for Old News, has always been in love with her band manager James, ever since the night when he rescued her 4 years ago. Only able to get his attention by getting in trouble, things change when James resigns and tries to leave Lita, and she pursues her love.
As this is a TB book, we get all the things we love and expect
-a kickass dirty talking alpha, possessive hero
-a strong survivor heroine
-taboo fantasies and panty melting sex scenes
My favorite part probably was the climax, when James finally realizes Lita’s strengths. That being said, would have love a bit more of the angst and groveling. Really hot read though.
Safe
4/5
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