Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Fractured Beat (Meltdown #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Fractured Beat

(Meltdown #1)

R.B. Hilliard (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 1,896 ratings · 315 reviews

When Grant Hardy, Meltdown’s lead singer, falls off the stage in the middle of a concert while under the influence, his record label has no choice but to step in and take control.

The solution is simple.

Send Grant to rehab and avoid a public relations nightmare by covering it up as a bad case of the flu.

When the rehab facility’s recommendation for extended treatment start ...more

Get A Copy

Published September 20th 2016

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Fractured Beat, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Fractured Beat

Lists with This Book

Best Rocker Romance Books

100 books — 9 voters

My Rockstar Boyfriend

256 books — 218 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.19 ·

Rating details

· 1,896 ratings · 315 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Fractured Beat (Meltdown #1)

Feb 15, 2017 Mojo_Mama rated it liked it

Shelves: cheating-or-ow-om-drama, author-try-again, drugs, books-that-were-ok, suspense, insta-love-lust-fucking, books-with-bb, hero-bbf, books-with-lex, rockstar-musician

3 stars

This was my first read by RB Hilliard...it won't be my last. While this was a rockstar read...it wasn't the norm. This had a bit of suspense thrown in surrounding the H and it was interesting. It could have been fleshed out a bit...one of the "bad guys" is a no-brainer and meant to be obvious. The other was so out of left field I was kinda disappointed. But hey, low OW drama and rockstar BBF...that my friends is a hard combo to find that isn't so fluffy bunny I'm choking on fur.

Why not mo 3 stars

This was my first read by RB Hilliard...it won't be my last. While this was a rockstar read...it wasn't the norm. This had a bit of suspense thrown in surrounding the H and it was interesting. It could have been fleshed out a bit...one of the "bad guys" is a no-brainer and meant to be obvious. The other was so out of left field I was kinda disappointed. But hey, low OW drama and rockstar BBF...that my friends is a hard combo to find that isn't so fluffy bunny I'm choking on fur.

Why not more stars???
My absolute least favorite writing crutch is all over this novel. When an author repeatedly replays the exact same scene from both H/h POVs back to back without any substantial information gain, it tells me either they aren't comfortable with their ability to get their point across, they think were so dumb as readers we need the 'play and repeat' of scenes, they want to add word count to their MS, or they're too dumb to see their bad writing habits. Whatever it is, it always points out the difference between a creative writing or journalism major and someone who just picked up writing as a hobby. This is no different than a classically trained artist and the crafter who thinks they're just as good...you aren't, get over it, training in your field is important and noticeable when lacking. At least find a local writers group for your first MS, it will bandaid up some of the most glaring habits.

The other thing...so many plot threads just disappeared (Chelle, h dreams and Sal, Nancy and Whittaker's disappearance, why Chaz was so weird, etc...)

Lastly, time flow was sometimes choppy, as were shifts from scene to scene. It had moments of great flow and then the movement would grind to a halt and leap out to the future or another character and I'd have to re-read a scene to make sure I knew where we were going.

THIS WAS AN ENJOYABLE READ.
If you've read the MMG series a few characters make an appearance but hardly enough to get a glimpse of where they are now, but you don't have to read that series to enjoy this one.

SG Ladies:
No OW sex scene...intimation of some heavy petting before the H passes out (off page). Some OW drama. The H is definitely into the h and faithful, but he's a rockstar so he's gotta have a past ;) ...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2017 DJ Sakata rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, adult-contemporary-romance, rocker

Favorite Quotes:

What you did in your past is just that, the past. There’s no shame right now in this room, Mallory. There’s only you and me.

I’m going to love you forever.

My Review:

Not a typical rocker romance, Fractured Beat was extra special and had an intriguing mystery and a shocking who-done-it I certainly didn’t see coming. A hybrid mixture of suspense, rocker, and adult romance, the plot was entertaining and easy to follow and I was quickly engaged with the storyline. The characters were d ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Aug 04, 2016 Mia rated it it was amazing

I love RB and not a single book I have read has let me down. This one is no different. The story was amazing, definitely not your average rock star tale. Grant was an amazing lead and Mallory was a strong, if not broken, leading lady. I was drawn in fast and read and read! I couldn't stop and by the time I was finished I was hooked on the whole story. I fell for the characters and their stories. For Grant it went from the stage to rehab and back to the stage but this time with a counselor in tow ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 02, 2017 Nance rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-boyfriends, contemporary-romance, rockstar-or-music-romance, e-books, tearjerkers, tattoos, abused-or-traumatized-characters, forbidden-romance, books-read-2017

4.5 star rating

A powerful read that is just not like another rock star romance. It’s got heart and soul. Passion and intimacy. And, suspense and intrigue. It just took awhile for these two main characters to get together. And, for the most part I am about the slow-burn. But, I wanted action NOW! I did, though, love Mallory and Grant’s love story. The shocking climax really sold me, however. Didn’t see that coming at all! Onto Nash’s book next...

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 05, 2016 Christine rated it it was amazing

Fractured Beat is a suspense filled rockstar romance with a twist that you won't see coming! R.B. has a way with words that keeps you glued to the page from the first chapter. I've read a few of R.B.'s novels and Fractured Beat stands alongside with my other favorites. Told in dual POV and at times retelling of a scene from both Grant and Mallory's perspective showed us that not only are their two sides to every story but perspectives on the same events and done in such a creative way each versi ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 26, 2016 Tales Of A Bookbug rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, mystery, contemporary, rockstar

This is the first book of R.B.Hilliard's that I've read and I loved it!When I came across this book, the blurb sounded very intriguing and I was dying to get my hands on it!A rock star who needs rehab, but isn't an addict?Hm..very mysterious..

In this book, we have, Grant Hardy the lead singer for up and coming band, Meltdown.They are about to go on their biggest tour yet, when he vomits and falls off the stage during the opening concert.His blood test results come back positive for large amounts This is the first book of R.B.Hilliard's that I've read and I loved it!When I came across this book, the blurb sounded very intriguing and I was dying to get my hands on it!A rock star who needs rehab, but isn't an addict?Hm..very mysterious..

In this book, we have, Grant Hardy the lead singer for up and coming band, Meltdown.They are about to go on their biggest tour yet, when he vomits and falls off the stage during the opening concert.His blood test results come back positive for large amounts of oxy.His label decides to handle the situation by sending him to rehab and then calling in an in-house counselor for extended treatment.Though, he vehemently denies the fact that he took drugs, his bandamtes and manager aren't ready to believe him.He wishes to investigate foulplay, but isn't really getting much support.And that is when Mallory shows up.

Mallory is assigned to Grant as his counselor as soon as he is released from rehab.She really needs to be successful in this assignment as her job depends on it.If she fails she'll have to go back to training.When she arrives, she expects a desperate addict and rockstar who would be in withdrawal, but that isn't what she gets.Grant is quite rude to her in the beginning and isn't keen on making the job easy for her.Mallory also begins to see many issues,secrets and foulplay.And as she helps Grant get to the bottom of things, they both grow closer.But there are many secrets that she is keeping and a past which she doesn't wish to remember.Will these secrets tear them apart?

The story was really different from the one I expected and that was a pleasant surprise.This isn't a run-of-the-mill rockstar romance.The author has created a completely original plot with wonderful characters here.I loved Grant and Mallory and the slow progression of their relationship.Both of them have pain in their pasts, but the are determined to get past it and help each other.I loved the witty and sarcastic conversations.The interactions between the band members was also well done.The slow build-up of the tension and resolution of issues.This wasn't a full mystery, but had lots of suspense in it.

The characters were brilliant and well fleshed out.I fell in love with them as I went deeper into the book.I couldn't put the book down, and within a few hours I was at the end!Can't wait to read the next book in the series!Till then I'll be reading R.B.Hilliard's other books!! :D
...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 11, 2016 A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Having not read a book by this author before, I had no clue what the book might be like. I need not have worried, Fantastic story, certainly not your typical R/R. Extremely well written, characters felt well developed and the story flowed so well it was difficult to put down.

Grant Hardy is lead singer in up and coming top band Meltdown. He falls off the stage one night during a concert which leads to all sorts of speculation from management, press and even his band mates that substance abuse is ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 20, 2016 Mariska'S Bookworld rated it it was amazing

***Received an ARC in exchange of an honest review***

Where to start?

The book starts with Grant Hardy, leadsinger of The Meltdown, climbing on the stage and do what he always does. Sing his heart out. Except for one teeny, tiny thing...

After that opening of the book, I was drawn in like never before.

And then we have Mallory, a drug counselor who is hired to help Grant overcome his addiction.
During the next chapters Grant and Mallory are slowly getting to know each other and for Mallory it becom ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 06, 2017 Karen Hrdlicka rated it it was amazing

Wow, what happens when you weave a tapestry of music, friendship, and trust with deceit, betrayal, and lies? You get RB Hilliard's Fractured Beat. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Hilliard and I am sure it won't be the last. Her writing is tight, her characters well-developed, and her pacing spot on.
I've read a few rocker romances and this one is a cut above, its focus is less on the rocker aspect and more on the element of romantic suspense.
Set up and nearly killed by someone close to Wow, what happens when you weave a tapestry of music, friendship, and trust with deceit, betrayal, and lies? You get RB Hilliard's Fractured Beat. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Hilliard and I am sure it won't be the last. Her writing is tight, her characters well-developed, and her pacing spot on.
I've read a few rocker romances and this one is a cut above, its focus is less on the rocker aspect and more on the element of romantic suspense.
Set up and nearly killed by someone close to him, Grant Hardy is forced into rehab by his label, diagnosed as an addict. However, he's not. Enter the on the road counselor, Mallory, that is supposed to rehabilitate him. No one believes Grant was set up, which rips through the fabric of the band, Meltdown, but Mallory knows from experience that he is no addict. Together they fight for the truth and against the attraction they feel for each other. What follows is a tightly woven mystery that brings the couple closer than either could believe possible. I love that there are red herrings thrown about to make the reader ponder the who-done-it. Just when they seem to figure things out, something else pops up to stop their progress. I didn't see the twist but I so loved it when it played out.
The characters and the banter among them is natural and often humorous. The band has had it's share of struggles over the years, and Grant isn't the only one to feel betrayed. There are nefarious dealings with the ownership of the record label and that causes issues with the band and his relationship with Mallory. Grant is a rock star and with him comes a past, however, Mallory has secrets in her past that make her afraid to jump out of her comfort zone and grab the future she wants.
As their relationship changes, the sexual banter is hot and sexy as are the sexy scenes. While Mallory may feel insecure and weak, she is actually fearless and banters well with the sexy, overbearing rock star. This couple is dynamic and I loved their journey. I'm glad the next book in this series is out because I'm not sure I'd be able to wait patiently for Broken Lyric. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 10, 2020 Alaina rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, 2020-ng, fiction, romance, kindle-unlimited, new-adult, mystery, contemporary

Fractured Beat was pretty interesting for the beginning of the Meltdown Series. In it, you will meet Grant and Mallory. He is a rock star in a pretty famous band and she is about to help through a pretty rough patch. The reason why, drugs.

Without really questioning anything, his band and managers dropped him off at rehab. It didn't really matter that he kept saying he never touched a certain type of drug or that he was allergic to it. They just didn't seem to care and kept pushing him to go to ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 20, 2017 Carrie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I'm kinda picky about my rock star romances. Kylie Scott's Dive series was my first & sort of became my bar of comparison. This book stood up well! Grant is a rocker, but he's got a sweet & romantic side that comes out full force with Mallory - once they get over that pesky "I'm not an addict" hurdle. That mystery plays out well through the whole book, and adds a level of drama that kept me on my toes & wasn't between the H/h. Their relationship also has hurdles, but the level of angst in that a ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 15, 2017 Max Power rated it liked it

My first confession is that I picked this one up unaware of the content and genre and while I do read across genres, this book falls into one of my lesser favoured catagories. having said that and leaving that now noted prejudice aside, this was in fact a decent read. I suspect if you like a bit of rock =n roll and raunch in your books you will be a big fan of Fractured Beat. Good narrative but struggles on some of the narrative , lots of - he said - he snapped - I warned, I pushed and do on - s ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2019 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/5/2019)! 🎁

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 20, 2016 ♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 10-kindle, 14-arc

When I read the Blurb of Fractured Beat (The Meltdown Series #1) by R.B. Hilliard I knew it intrigued me, but I had no idea how clever written it actually was.

The author is a one new to me and it will definitely not be the last book of that series that I will read, given the time.

How can somebody be under the influence while not being an addict … well that was a situation as simple yet as complicated as they come.

And I have to be honest the author really got me … I had my eyes on one solution co ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 13, 2019 Karen rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 29, 2017 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

OMG, this book was a real treat! It's not your normal Rockstar Romance.....Grant Hardy falls off the stage under the influence one night and is forced into rehab. He returns to the tour to prove that he was set up, but he comes back with a therapist in tow. Mallory is a woman with a dark past and a lot of secrets. She needs to keep things strictly business even though she finds Grant very enticing.

The man was a spoonful of charisma and a heaping side of sexy with a vocal range to die for.....G ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 21, 2016 F.G. Adams rated it it was amazing

Wow! Fractured Beat book 1 in the Meltdown series, is yet another great read by R.B. Hilliard. I couldn’t put it down until the very end and even then…I was longing for more. The characters were beautifully scripted and tugged on my heart strings. The storyline was exciting. The author created a world of fame, fortune and I was right in the middle of it. R.B. can evoke so many emotions from the reader with any of her books and this one was not an exception.

I loved Grant Hardy from the very begi ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 24, 2016 Sue rated it it was amazing

What an exciting thrill ride of a combination rock band book mixed up with a mystery and a scorching hot romance...and plenty of excitement to keep you reading till the end.
I have only read one other book by this author but I have to say this was my favorite so far...who doesn't love a truly alpha rock-god but with a sensitive and caring side underneath the aloof exterior?
Grant and Mallory make the perfect pair...both dealing with their own personal scandals that almost wrecked their individual ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 08, 2016 booklover rated it it was amazing

**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
This is the first book i've read by RB Hilliard but definitely won't be the last.
Wow !! This story was intense, intriguing, sexy, and full of action !
I loved how Grant and Mallory didn't have an "instalove", that neither of them were overly enamoured with each other when they first met. Mallory can see that Grant is telling the truth about not being an addict, although they both end up addicted to each other. I really enjoyed the fact that neither Grant nor Mall ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 13, 2016 Vero Stro rated it it was amazing

This is Book 1 in "The Meltdown Series" and it couldn't have started better. I was hooked from the very first page. What an amazing read! Grant and Mallory are just great characters and the end just blew my mind!

Great read! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

I received a copy for an honest review ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 11, 2016 Whynter Raven rated it it was amazing

This is the first book if read by RB Hilliard. And All I got to say is WOW this was a amazing book. I love how she keeped us on the edge of our seats. I love Grant and Mallory's story. And the ending just blow my mind. Can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book to all my friends. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 10, 2016 ❤Rachel Anne's Romance Must Reads❤ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-romance, smokin-hot, rockstar-romance

4.5 stars

I really really liked fractured beat. Great characters, great story. It's a romance with a mystery to solve which is not usually my cup of tea but worked for me. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 20, 2017 Alecia (The Staircase Reader) rated it really liked it

~☆ complimentary copy received through Enticing Journey book promotions ☆~

Lies, Deceit, and Betrayal....oh my!

RB Hilliard is a new to me author. When I read the blurbs for Fractured Beat, Broken Lyric, and Shattered Rhythm I knew I had to give this series a go.

Fractured Beat had three key factors that made me choose to read this book. I was all in with these the factors!

☆ jaded rock stars
☆☆ Beautiful Cover
☆☆☆ A mysteriously intriguing blurb.

Grant Hardy is the lead singer for the chart topping ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2017 Joanne T rated it it was amazing

Woah! Mind blown! Let me just start by saying that I’d sworn off ‘Rocker’ books for the better part of two years. Their redundancy was exhausting. It got to the point that after a few chapters, I could tell you exactly what was going to happen, to who, and when.

But this, is far beyond anything I could have wanted. Does it revolve around a band? Yes. Is it about a guy and a girl? Sure is! But the existence of Meltdown provides a foundation to the plot, a setting if you will, a baseline to somethi ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 22, 2018 Mickey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Beyond Exciting!!

RB Hilliard's Fractured Beat tells the story of Grant Hardy, the lead singer for the band Meltdown who, after passing out on stage during a concert is pressured into addiction rehab. The problem? Grant insists he never took drugs voluntarily, and even though he goes to rehab cooperation is not part of his plan. That is until he sees who the substance counselor is they want to tour with the band. Mallory Scott is a game changer for Grant in more ways than one. With her help, he i ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 25, 2017 HMS rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: band-boys-chicks

This is a my first book by this author and I loved every page, so much so that I have been on bit of an author bender. I really enjoyed meeting the guys from Meltdown. This is lead singer Grant's story and it is a doozy. If it can happen, it happens to Grant but you see people underestimate Grant...he is smarter than people think he is. Grant's dominant nature, some truly crazy events and some truly crazy people make this story an event filled, fun read. Rounding out all the crazy in this story ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 10, 2018 Mona Livsey rated it it was amazing

Wow, I was not expecting the way this book weaved around all the characters and brought about the subtle intricate twists that embodied all of the story lines. Incredible roller coaster emotions with that perfect amount of romance.
The characters were full bodied and full if intriguing deps that kept you guessing all the way till the end!
An absolute pleasure reading this new to me Author, I truly enjoyed the journey! Can’t wait to see what else is in store for the readers!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 03, 2017 Melanie rated it it was ok

Shelves: kindle-unlimited

Nope, sorry this one wasn't for me and was a DNF. It was a freebie on Kindle Unlimited and had some reasonable reviews. I just got bored. Grant came over as whiny at times - this drove me nuts as it went against the whole rock star thing and Mallory just annoyed me. I know many loved this book, so maybe I'm having an off day but it just wasn't for me at all. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 12, 2020 Sunny (Kindles & Wine Book Blog) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: length-full, genre-contempory-romance, series-1st-in-series, available-audio, 2020, series-meltdown

Grant and Mallory had a whirlwind romance. I loved the backdrop of the band Meltdown, as well as the mystery sprinkled in. I enjoyed Grant and Mallory’s characters immensely as well as many of the supporting cast. The sexy time was sizzling and how they received redemption in many ways throughout the book made their HEA that much better.

I loved the narration and the start of this series. I can’t wait to hear more about Meltdown.

Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audio ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 19, 2016 Heavenly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2016-books, arc, rock-star, romantic-suspense

4.5 Stars

This book had me intrigued right from the start. I had no idea what to expect from the blurb and I loved that. The story had quite a few twists and turns, I adored both the main characters, and the writing brought everything to life.

Grant Hardy is the lead singer for the band Meltdown. Right from the start, there is an incident that happens on stage at one of their concerts. Grant is rushed to the hospital, and from there, the mystery as to what happened begins to unfold. Forced into re 4.5 Stars

This book had me intrigued right from the start. I had no idea what to expect from the blurb and I loved that. The story had quite a few twists and turns, I adored both the main characters, and the writing brought everything to life.

Grant Hardy is the lead singer for the band Meltdown. Right from the start, there is an incident that happens on stage at one of their concerts. Grant is rushed to the hospital, and from there, the mystery as to what happened begins to unfold. Forced into rehab for an addiction he doesn’t have, he starts to question just what his life has come to.

“Life was an avalanche. If you didn’t take control of it, it could take you down and bury you alive. I knew this all too well.”

Mallory Scott is an addiction counselor who is called in by the label to help Grant. It is clear from the moment she arrives, not all is as it seems. She realizes getting Grant to trust her is going to take some work. Unfortunately, getting him to open up means revealing more about herself than she feels comfortable.

“I was the moth and she was the flame. If I got close enough I could get burned. Some things were worth getting burned over.”

Mallory is broken, and as the story develops, we learn more about what she has overcome. She is her own worst critic, not realizing her worth, suffering under the burden of her past mistakes. Grant is still reeling from his own personal tragedy. Guilt weighs down on him, and he is feeling lost. I was really rooting for these two to finally find their happy. Grant really pushes Mallory, making her confront her feelings, which was great. He never gives up on what he wants. Mallory, in turn, helps support Grant, believing in him when others don’t.

The growing relationship between Grant and Mallory develops against a backdrop of lies and misdirection. Grant is determined to find out the truth, and Mallory is determined to keep her own secrets. I loved how the story was paced; I couldn’t wait to find out how it would all come together. Overall, this was romantic suspense done right; the perfect balance of both. I assume we will be getting future books based on the other band members, and I can’t wait!

“Grant was my client and I was his counselor, end of story. Except it wasn’t the end of the story, was it?”
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance

21 users

Contemporary

8 users

Mystery

6 users

Music > Musicians

5 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

5 users

Romance > Romantic Suspense

5 users

Music

5 users

Suspense

4 users

Romantic

2 users

Audiobook

2 users

See top shelves…

About R.B. Hilliard

R.B. Hilliard

1,185 followers

RB Hilliard lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and two children. In 2012 she began writing His End Game, the first book in her MMG Series. Hilliard has not only published six books in this series, but has gone on to publish the hilariously funny Whisky's books, as well as her Rock Star Romance Series, Meltdown. ...more