One weekend to fall in love. One summer to change their lives. One secret to ruin it all.
Child Prodigy violinist, Effie Murphy, has never had a boyfriend much less been in love. After all who would want damaged goods like her?
After a miserable year in New York trying to pick up the pieces of her life, she’s just about to give up, when a series of ridiculous events at an advertising awards show lands her on a European tour with love personified—Elias Lovaro, a.k.a, El Love, and his band, Urban, one of the hottest acts in the world.
Like a crazy dream, Elias and Effie spend the summer making music and playing like the kids they never got to be.
She doesn’t care about his fame, the paparazzi, his insane groupies, or even his crippling shyness.
Elias thinks he’s found his other half, his wild child, his inspiration. That is, until Effie’s past life as an ex-drug addict surfaces and ruins everything.
This inspirational rock star romance is based on Alice in Wonderland and is the second book in the Ad Agency Series. It can be read as a standalone, however reading the series in order will make more sense. Adult subjects. Not for underage readers.
Archer’s lengthy career as an advertising copywriter not only polished her writing skills, it provided a lifetime of book material. Many months her book purchases are as high as her mortgage. As a full-time, working single mom of a beautiful, brilliant, and horrifically energetic son, she has little time to do much else but work, write, read, drink wine, and breathe.
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Two days ago I read a fantastic book by this author, called Road-Tripped. Immediately I fell in love with her humor and writing style, so of course I went and bought the second book in the series, which is this one, Head-Tripped.
Head-Tripped was just as amazing. I loved every minute of this read. Elias is a delicious rockstar who whispers sweet, and sexy Spanish words into our heroine's ear. And Effie was simply WOW. A beautiful heroine after my own heart.
This book is all heart and music. A love story about second chances in life, and about courage. MUST READ ALERT!!!
Elias AKA "El Love", is the front man for the highly successful rock band, Urban. Music is everything to Elias, he's successfully been able to avoid drugs, and excessive partying to preserve the life and integrity of his band. But it hasn't been easy; everyone around him always wants something from El, and people go through any lengths, just to get to him. As much as Elias loves his band and his music, he is tired and jaded with the rockstar lifestyle.
Effie is a gifted musician, she can pretty much play every music instrument that exists, but her heart belongs to the violin. She was a child prodigy, her mother was also a very talented, renounced violinist. So from a very young age all Effie knew and did was music. Her mother was grueling about Effie playing, robbing her of a normal childhood. Effie grew up feeling awkward and out of place, she never attended a regular school and this deeply affected Effie's social skills. When it was time for her to go to collage her life spiraled out of control, and she found solace in a dark world where drugs were her only companion.
Two years ago Effie hit rock bottom, and ever since then she's been working hard trying to rebuild her life. When Effie meets Elias their mutual love for music sparked a flame inside their hearts, and they start to feel amazing things, neither of them even knew existed.
Their story is a stunning journey of music and adventures through Europe. Little by little they start opening up to each other and to the possibility of love. There's still some secrets looming around them, and those hidden pains might be what either breaks them, or make them.
I thought this book was an absolute masterpiece. Give me a book that is able me laugh, cry, and lust with the same intensity and that's a winner for me. The fact that this story comes with an amazing music playlist just made it so much sweeter. This author really blew me away with Elias's character; Spanish is my first language, and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed his Argentinian personality and Spanish slang shining through the pages of this novel. You can tell that Nicole Archer writes from the heart and her beautiful words composed a chaotic symphony that made my heart dance.
This is the second book of the Ad Agency Series but it can be read as a standalone.
If you read and enjoyed Road-Tripped then, like me, you were probably super excited to see what Effie's story had to offer. To say it met and exceeded all of my expectations would be an understatement. Still plenty funny and super entertaining, this book was a bit deeper and maybe even a bit darker but, without a doubt, a great addition to what has now become one of my favorite series.
I am in love with the way this author tells a story. Reads like a very entertaining TV show, this series makes you laugh, makes you think and makes you wish it would go on forever because almost every single character we've encountered so far deserves his/her own book.
The way Nicole Archer incorporates soundtrack into her stories enhances one's reading experience tenfold. Not to mention her use of quotes at the beginning of every chapter - mostly from Alice in Wonderland in this book which were quite fitting for Effie's character - is simply brilliant!
If you enjoy having a laugh and tend to NOT over-analyze fiction when you read, you'll get a kick out of this author/series.
Head-Tripped by Nicole Archer is a sexy rom/com that will take you on one hell of a road-trip! Head-Tripped can be read as a standalone but since we meet and really find out Effie's backstory in Road-Tripped: Ad Agency book 1 it would be better enjoyed in order. Effie Murphy hasn't had an easy life. A child music prodigy and forced into a life she didn't want at a young age put Effie in a tailspin in her late teens. Meeting Elias knocks her off center but she can't help be drawn to this mysterious stranger who makes her feel alive. Elias has been stuck in a rut and the last thing he want to do is go on tour until he meets a bohemian beauty who is unbelievably musical and turns his world upside down. Can a overnight romance turn into a beautiful song?
Ah, this series rocks my world! It's the perfect blend of humor and romance with just right about of angst to keep you glued to the page. Effie & Elias's chemistry is off the charts and I couldn't wait to see what happened with these crazy two characters. Both our leads had some seriously crazy backstories and dark things in their past but such a promising future if they could just open up to one another. The sub-characters in this story are just as strong and honestly Elias mom killed me - so funny! Once I started Head-Tripped I didn't put it down and when it finished I wanted more. 5 Standing Ovation Stars for Head-Tripped by Nicole Archer
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
"If you love someone, you must love all of them. Even the dark parts..." Trying to move forward in life when all you have been dealt with is lemons, is a pretty tough thing to do. Being a talented, gifted child prodigy isn't really what people make it out to be... it robbed Effie from normalcy and sent her spiralling in a dangerous rabbit's hole of bad decisions she paid for dearly. Now burting with fresh, new life she tries to move forward and leave her traumatic past behind... will she make it? A Romantic Comedey which will make you laugh so hard that turns into a heart-warming Romance which will make you melt. There is so much goodness in this novel... you MUST read it and discover it for yourself. 5+ Rapturous and Precious Stars for "Head-Tripped"... a novel that holds several beautiful messages... don't let your past define you... real love heals and forgives... search for your other half orange,it's somewhere out there!!!
Nicole Archer is a quirky, funny and very creative writer and this book is a wonderful addition to the 'Ad Agency' series! I was first introduced to this author with 'Road-Tripped', an eccentric, zany but very sexy and warm-hearted romantic comedy. In 'Head-Tripped' we meet another very original cast of characters who have a sweet, sweet slow build romance.
Effie is a brilliant violinist who was a child prodigy. She spent her childhood suffering under the weight of an overbearing mother and longing for a "normal" life. She moves to New York City for a fresh start and to try to escape the demons of her past. She is asked to stand in for her twin sister Callie (from 'Road Tripped') at an awards show and there she meets an insanely hot guy who captures her attention.
Elias just happens to be a world-famous rock star but Effie has led such a sheltered life that she has no idea who he is! Elias LOVES that about her. Especially when she thinks he could be a homeless guy with no job! Elias is suffering from writer's block and thinks Effie might just be the shot in the arm that his band Urban needs.
Effie has a lot of demons in her past and she is not completely honest with Elias at first. He has one hard and fast rule about his relationships and Effie is afraid she will lose him forever if he learns the truth about her.
"This wasn't going to last. Bliss never lasted - it disappeared in an instant."
Elias brings Effie on the band's world tour and they are a huge hit. Effie is a brilliant musician and she and Elias truly make beautiful music together. I loved these two characters - real, flawed, imperfect and very quirky. Both of them are searching for real, honest love. Would they both be able to overcome their past demons and the people who would stop at nothing to break then apart?
I LOVE how the author puts quotes at the beginning of each chapter, along with a fantastic playlist of songs that fit each chapter perfectly! Reading this book was a pure delight. It almost read like a travelogue at times as the band Urban travels all over the world to exotic locales on their concert tour. Effie truly is someone you would want as a best friend. This book is funny, sexxxxy, warm-hearted and very, very clever. Another win for Nicole Archer!
"If you love someone, you must love all of them. Even the dark parts - the craters of the moon."
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
'"I'm going to get up, dress up, show up, and get on with my life."'
Every once in a while you happen upon a book so romantic, enticing, intriguing, mesmerising and whimsical that it reignites the passion you have for reading with a scorching vengeance. Head-Tripped is one incredible, unconventional rock-star love story but it has more substance, more heart, more hilarity and more emotion saturating every page, than any other book in its category and that is all down to Nicole Archer's talented use of dialogue within her band of misfit but brilliant characters, the way her words offer a piercing look into their complicated and tumultuous lives and the way the secrets of their pasts and their hopes of a better future have dramatic ramifications.
'He rubbed his aching temples. "What are you trying to say?" "If you love someone, you must love all of them. Even the dark parts-the craters of the moon."'
Effie is without a doubt one of the best, most beautifully eccentric heroines to ever grace the pages of a book, and that is exactly why it was so easy to fall in love with her. Her character should be irredeemable, untrustworthy and unlikable but she is the exact opposite of these assumptions. She is lost, alone and broke but there is so much more to her than just her past. The innate goodness in her, her remarkable strength and love for life simply shines through. At times she seems almost whimsical and innocent, she yearns for love and acceptance and somewhere along the way she finds it in the arms of Elias, the lead singer in one of the worlds sexiest and most popular bands. A hero with serious sex appeal, wit, integrity, a heart-breaking past and a beautiful soul and heart, simply meant for loving our Effie.
Although Head-Tripped is without a doubt a delightful romantic story between hero and heroine, there is a deeper connection weaving throughout the story with the band members. As they all tour across several countries, stay in some ramshackle places and travel in some interesting transport, the music, the magic and the camaraderie all glues together to give the reader a whirl-wind adventure that is above all else FUN.
Nicole Archer has definitely proved her worth in Head-Tripped, tackling sensitive topics like drug abuse and childhood abuse with aplomb. Sensitive, sure but with a touch of harsh realism. So to sum it all up. Head-Tripped is a remarkable book, where every chapter offered up something of beauty and importance and where the writing flowed seamlessly. You need this book in your life right now.
'"I know this sucks to hear, but if he can't deal with your past, then he can't deal with your future. That's not love, Eff. That's conditonal. Real love heals and forgives."'
Effie is cute and quirky with lots of personality. It's hard not to love her, and it's so easy to connect with her.
Elias is a rock star that hates being a rock star. He is proud of his accomplishments, but also misses being normal and having privacy. When a beautiful girl stumbles into his life, he can't stop his attraction. He makes her feel normal and alive. She is a muse that won't leave his thoughts.
The two end up writing some great music together, and Effie ends up going on tour with the band. But there are some serious issues between the two.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one, and I couldn't get enough of the storyline and characters. The cute moments also made me smile and giggle at times. I can't wait to read Nicole Archer's next book!
My love for the first book in this series kind of took me by surprise. It was not at all what I was expecting it to be and I really enjoyed every word of it so when the beautiful Nicole Archer offered me this ARC I jumped around like a crazy idiot for a minute before I begged for my copy to be sent to my kindle.
Now maybe I was a bit of an idiot because I had no idea who it featured and what it was about only this massive sense of excitement to start reading and so I did. I realised pretty quickly it was about Callie’s sister. Now this is one time that my gold fish memory helped me out because I only vaguely remembered her.
From the first page I loved Effie. She was such a free spirit and so full of life despite the life that she led. When F-Bomb and Elvis have a chance meeting they instantly hit it off. And they bond over their missed childhood.
Watching them getting to know each other and fall in love was pretty damn awesome. Like I said from the first page I fell in love with Effie but I really did feel like I was Alice down the rabbit hole. I fell into this story so hard and having to pull myself back to reality while I was reading was almost a painful experience.
This book had everything I could want in a romance novel. I went through a full range of emotions and one minute I would be laughing out loud only to find myself with tears streaming down my face the next. The secondary characters in this story were as interesting as the main characters and I was completely invested in every word.
I can’t recommend this book more. But be warned it is completely addicting so be prepared to miss a bit of sleep.
Ever since I somehow signed up for a review copy of the book Road-Tripped, the first book in this series, I have become a huge fan of this author. While this book was really so much different from the first book, I was not disappointed in any way. It was still a raunchy, laugh out loud romance, just like the first one. The fact that it had such a different feeling from the first one only proves to me what a talented author Nicole Archer is. She writes characters that you can't help but fall in love with and feel for, and she puts them in some of the best situations, some so very realistic, even in all their wackiness. And of course there are others that are extremely out there and so very impossible, but you have to have them too.
I was given this book for an honest and unbiased review.
Well, I was already a firm Nicole Archer fan but Nicole has now taken my enthusiasm for this series to the next level.
Following from the first book in the Ad Agency Series - Road Tripped, this story takes you on a journey with Effie Murphy. One troubled young woman who, though a child violin prodigy, was completely at odds with the world. Unable to cope with reality because of her closeted upbringing at the hands of her tyrannical mother, Effie falls into a world of escape through drugs and addiction. But Effie's new found addiction to Elias Lovaro is a sweet, sensual treat.
Elias Lovaro is just your average hot, Spanish speaking Latin rock star who's feeling jaded and lost his lust for life when a chance encounter at an awards show, with a beguiling woman known as Effie starts an adventure that may be the beginning of a magical union. Their shared passions and heartbreaking similar childhoods create a beautiful basis for their story to unfold. You can't help wanting to see these two make everything right for one another.
Head Tripped was an utter breath of fresh air within the romance genre which has become filled with the same old formulaic stories of alpha males and billionaires.
Head Tripped was without a doubt the funniest, sweetest, story, with a serious dose of real heart and soul. I look forward to many more brilliant stories from this very talented wordsmith called Nicole Archer.
”If you love someone, you must love all of them. Even the dark parts – the craters of the moon.”
Well, she went and did it again! Nicole Archer swept us off our feet once more with another 5 star fantastic story and equally fantastic characters. Every…and we mean, every one of them had their own unique quirky personality, and we loved them all! Honestly, this lady writes the most beautiful characters, Effie and Elias were superb. Relatable, troubled, funny, sweet, sexy, warm…..these two, and their madcap crew completely stole our hearts. We couldn’t get enough of either book!
Elias Lovaro (El Love) is a music god. And dear god, wasn’t this man just the cats whiskers! Talented, introverted, masculine, oozing sex appeal and yet such a sweetheart. He made us swoon! Suffering extreme stage fright, his band, Urban’s, impending European tour weighs heavily on his mind. In the music business, touring is a necessity, a way to ensure Urban remain relevant in a regularly changing business. Elias also battles demons from his past and his story was achingly tragic.
“What’s wrong, mi vida?” “You make me feel….” “Feel what?” “That’s it. You make me feel. I was numb before I met you.”
Elias meets Effie Murphy, the twin sister of Callie Murphy who we were briefly introduced to in Road Tripped. We knew she was an incredibly talented child protégé musician who was also a recovering drug addict. In Head Tripped we delve into the events that drove Effie to nearly kill herself, get herself clean and take control of her life once more and her story is agonisingly heartbreaking.
Effie was robbed of her childhood, denied the chance to be young, enjoy life and have fun. Instead she was forced into gruelling long practice sessions by her overbearing stage mother. Because of this, Effie had such a beautifully innocent wild eyed childlike quality about her that drew us to her. Sweet, vulnerable – beautiful inside and out and fighting her addiction every day, her breezy attitude hid a multitude of pain with her past lurking like a murky shadow all around her.
‘She couldn’t even picture holding hands with someone, let alone falling in love with them. Men didn’t fall in love with damaged goods.'
Now, this all may sound quite heavy, but no, Nicole Archer tells Effie and Elias’s story through wicked humour, heart-warming interactions and a couple so imperfectly perfect fell instantly in love, wearing huge smiles plastered on our faces. Head Tripped delivered it all. Quirky, loveable characters, a rock star theme, heart stealing romance, and again a perfect balance of fun, deep emotion, angst and heat! Nothing was forced or overdone, everything fell so perfectly into place.
“God, you’re beautiful.” “Que linda,” he murmured. “Sos divina.” “I love it when you talk dirty.” “I didn’t say anything dirty.” He smirked. “Yet.”
Effie, and Urban take us on a whirlwind concert tour across Europe, where we FEEL every moment through the eyes of two people on a voyage of self-discovery, witnessing them fall apart and fall in love, whilst dealing with the heartbreaking and harrowing baggage that has plagued them.
“When you can’t look on the bright side. I will sit with you in the dark.”
Nicole Archer has stolen our hearts once again with her words, her characters, and her vividly creative and picturesque storytelling. We’ve greedily devoured every word we’ve read over the past couple of days, never wanting Road Tripped or Head Tripped to end. Our book hearts were overflowing with love for these story….and arggghh, the epilogue…again, stunning! Te amamos F-Bomb and Elvis, te amamos. Nicole Archer just shot to the top of our TBB fave authors list!
THE AD AGENCY SERIES is available to purchase below - each can be read as a standalone ::Road-Tripped Book One Amazon US Amazon UK Our Review
I'm in love with Nicole Archer. She gives me some serious lady wood! She can do no wrong and Head-Tripped is a prime example. I fell in love with F-Bomb and Elvis. I couldn't get enough of them. Head-Tripped will give you a big-time book hangover. You won't be able to put it down!
Nicole has completely and utterly knocked it out of the park with this second book in the series! Her debut book was one of my favorites of 2016! Head Tripped will have you believing in love at first sight or in this case first hearing. The chemistry the two main characters have is so insanely romantic.
Effie (F-Bomb) is Callie's twin sister. But she is also extremely talented in her own accord when it comes to all things music. She can hear a tune and play it on almost any instrument. She is in her own head most of the time and isn't quite up to speed on a lot of the ways of things around her. She's feisty and very spiritual. Effie had a rough time growing up with the pressure to be famous violinist.
Elias (Elvis/ El Love) is the lead singer of a world renowned band called Urban. He is just trying to separate this personal life from the life Urban has built for him. He is about to go on a world tour and needs new music. His passion is music and right now it's not fulfilling to him.
Effie meets Elias at a function where she is suppose to be giving a speech as her twin sister, Callie. Effie has a run in with Callie's ex and things get escalated. Elias is there to help her and they run off, leaving the party. They wander around and decide to make the best of it. For Elias, he is with someone who doesn't recognize for being famous and can actually be normal. For Effie, she is being compared to her sister or scrutinized for her music playing. They enjoy each other's company until Elias has to leave for his tour. During there limited time together, Elias shows her New York City and Effie shows him her love of all things music. They make some incredible music together.
Does Elias realize that was more with Effie than he's felt in a long time? Will Effie be able to open up herself to him about her haunting past? Can their love of music bring them back together?
This book was so passionate, beautiful, and heart warming! I could not put it down because I had to know where Nicole would take Effie and Elias. And holy smokes, she nailed it! Top five of 2017 for me! Definite must read this series!
”If you love someone, you must love all of them. Even the dark parts – the craters of the moon.”
Well, she went and did it again! Nicole Archer swept us off our feet once more with another 5 star fantastic story and equally fantastic characters. Every…and we mean, every one of them had their own unique quirky personality, and we loved them all! Honestly, this lady writes the most beautiful characters, Effie and Elias were superb. Relatable, troubled, funny, sweet, sexy, warm…..these two, and their madcap crew completely stole our hearts. We couldn’t get enough of either book!
Elias Lovaro (El Love) is a music god. And dear god, wasn’t this man just the cats whiskers! Talented, introverted, masculine, oozing sex appeal and yet such a sweetheart. He made us swoon! Suffering extreme stage fright, his band, Urban’s, impending European tour weighs heavily on his mind. In the music business, touring is a necessity, a way to ensure Urban remain relevant in a regularly changing business. Elias also battles demons from his past and his story was achingly tragic.
“What’s wrong, mi vida?” “You make me feel….” “Feel what?” “That’s it. You make me feel. I was numb before I met you.”
Elias meets Effie Murphy, the twin sister of Callie Murphy who we were briefly introduced to in Road Tripped. We knew she was an incredibly talented child protégé musician who was also a recovering drug addict. In Head Tripped we delve into the events that drove Effie to nearly kill herself, get herself clean and take control of her life once more and her story is agonisingly heartbreaking.
Effie was robbed of her childhood, denied the chance to be young, enjoy life and have fun. Instead she was forced into gruelling long practice sessions by her overbearing stage mother. Because of this, Effie had such a beautifully innocent wild eyed childlike quality about her that drew us to her. Sweet, vulnerable – beautiful inside and out and fighting her addiction every day, her breezy attitude hid a multitude of pain with her past lurking like a murky shadow all around her.
‘She couldn’t even picture holding hands with someone, let alone falling in love with them. Men didn’t fall in love with damaged goods.'
Now, this all may sound quite heavy, but no, Nicole Archer tells Effie and Elias’s story through wicked humour, heart-warming interactions and a couple so imperfectly perfect fell instantly in love, wearing huge smiles plastered on our faces. Head Tripped delivered it all. Quirky, loveable characters, a rock star theme, heart stealing romance, and again a perfect balance of fun, deep emotion, angst and heat! Nothing was forced or overdone, everything fell so perfectly into place.
“God, you’re beautiful.” “Que linda,” he murmured. “Sos divina.” “I love it when you talk dirty.” “I didn’t say anything dirty.” He smirked. “Yet.”
Effie, and Urban take us on a whirlwind concert tour across Europe, where we FEEL every moment through the eyes of two people on a voyage of self-discovery, witnessing them fall apart and fall in love, whilst dealing with the heartbreaking and harrowing baggage that has plagued them.
“When you can’t look on the bright side. I will sit with you in the dark.”
Nicole Archer has stolen our hearts once again with her words, her characters, and her vividly creative and picturesque storytelling. We’ve greedily devoured every word we’ve read over the past couple of days, never wanting Road Tripped or Head Tripped to end. Our book hearts were overflowing with love for these story….and arggghh, the epilogue…again, stunning! Te amamos F-Bomb and Elvis, te amamos. Nicole Archer just shot to the top of our TBB fave authors list!
THE AD AGENCY SERIES is available to purchase below - each can be read as a standalone ::Road-Tripped Book One Amazon US Amazon UK Our Review
Nicole, you are an amazing writer. Your words actually inspire me. When I am reading your books, there would be a line or a paragraph that would just hit me and it would be so raw and true that I feel I could agree with it. This book was good raw and true that I felt as though I was bleeding and feeling what Effie was feeling. Having Alice in Wonderland quotes swayed me too. Her quotes about love always hit me with truth.
‘Love has many phases. Like the moon. And for the moon to become full, it must become dark first.’
Effie, according to her twin sister was everything she was not. She was what her mother wanted her to be. Well that is what her twin thought. Effie was broken. Her story was so real that I felt I was living it with her.
‘If you cut your finger very deeply with a knife, it usually bleeds; if you drink from bottle marked ‘poison’, it is almost certain to disagree with you.’
I like Elias, he was a cool character. Although, I thought it was pretty amazing that he managed to keep his fame away from Effie. He had a bit of a block when it came to writing songs and Effie helped him. I was a bit sceptical about how this book would compare with Callie’s story because I felt that one was amazing. However, it exceeded my expectations and I think this one was so much better than the first book in the series. I would love it if there were more books in this series!
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***
I read Road-Tripped book one in this series a few weeks back, and when I was offered the chance to review Head-Tripped I said Yes straight away, This series is such a refreshing change, full of great characters, Emotional moments and hilarious situations with a HEA for the couple that is well deserved.
F-Bomb and Elvis were meant for each other... and I so loved reading their journey to love!
Which were my favourite moments?
The Horse riding escapade...probably, the Barbie Disco Bus... I can't decide which - I enjoyed it all. But I can say that Annie (Elias's mom) was probably my second favourite female character after Effie.
The back story of how Effie's life as a Child prodigy and the way her mother treated her as she tried to live her dreams via Effie's talent was sad and I saw more of why both Callie and Effie had so many hangups, and how Effie got burnt out and hooked on drugs. How she hit rock bottom is very real, I really felt every moment of misery our little F-bomb went through.
Watching Effie get back on her feet and re-connecting with her sister, how she gained confidence with Elias's support was great, they helped each other grow.
Elias (or Elvis as Effie calls him) is the lead singer of the popular band Urban and when they meet at the Ad Agency event that Skip has Effie impersonating Callie, she hasn't a clue who he is and the attraction he feels for her has him pretending to be the out of work musician she thinks he is.
(we get a few scenes with Walker and Callie which I loved too) but I urge you to grab a copy of the book and find out how good it is for yourself. The music that accompanies the book is also cool, Ive bookmarked a lot of them since listening to them while reading.
Ms Archer has written an emotional story that I will enjoy re-reading - and I can't wait for the next in the series.
**edited to add I read this one again as I'm tryin to do a catch up before the third installment in one my favorite series ever comes out. It wasn't a chore. I think I enjoyed it more this time than I did last time. I certainly laughed out loud a lot more. Still love Callie and Hot Cock and it was nice to see they made some appearances in this book. Can't wait until Monday!
Okay everyone. (cracks knuckles). Road Tripped was one of my favorites from last year and I was anxious to see what the author would come up with for her next book. Road Tripped was a different kind of rom com and Head Tripped is definitely a different kind of romance. Effie is Callie's twin sister and a musical child prodigy. She's been 2 years clean from drugs and she's in a bit of a slump. She meets Elias and ends up falling in love with him and going on tour with his band. They both have their ghosts and demons to work through. I loved this book because it's different and so are the main characters. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of funny moments and my man Walker and Callie make a couple of appearances which I loved. My only beef is that a couple of the antagonists in this story didn't get their comeuppance but it is a series so I'll wait patiently for them to get struck by lightning. A firm 4.5 stars. I was given an arc of this book for an honest review.
This is the first book of Nicole Archer's that I have read, and I can honestly say it won't be the last! Head-Tripped is definitely one of my fave reads of the year so far. It was hilarious, sweet, sexy and emotional. I absolutely loved it.
Effie is a recovering drug addict who also happens to be a musical genius and crazy good violinist. She can play any instrument she touches, and has the ability to hear sounds on a different level to others. She has this hippiesque way of looking at life, and even though she struggles to fight off her demons, she really seems to have changed her ways. Elias is a rock star - but don't dare call him that. Urban is the hottest band out, and they're about to embark on a new tour playing the same old songs. Elias is in a rut. As the lead singer, he is under pressure to write something new to bring them back to life, but it's a struggle. The pressure is weighing him down and all he wants is to have a day to himself. When these two meet, the chemistry is electric. You can feel it in the air. Effie comes up with some fantastic one-liners and I absolutely fell in love with her. They both have their demons to deal with, but somehow, when they're together, everything feels right in the world.
I cannot say enough how much I love this book. The lead characters are gorgeous people with kind hearts, and the band members are a riot. I love that we get to see so many different layers to them all. Head-Tripped is a well-written story that will have you laughing out loud, and at times, wanting to scream at the characters - there always has to be one. You need to read this. You won't regret it!
Effie was very, very briefly introduced in Road-Tripped. It was like a hit-and-run introduction so this story is a wonderful presentation of her. First off, she's a musical prodigy. She plays a mean violin but it's her ability to hear music differently than others that really made her intriguing to me. A note is a note is a note is a note, right? Not to her, and I love that this is what makes her more than just another violinist or musician. She lives the chords, the flats, the sharps because of how she hears music.
But she's also a recovering drug addict. Her younger years weren't all the kind to her. Being who she is and having the mother that she did, drugs were her shield. They numbed her to the live she had to live until they controlled her. I can't say life went to hell in a hand basket though. Her addiction is a part of her. Recovering is half the battle. The other is learning to live life how she wants, on her own terms, remembering what made her happy, and being willing to see if it still can.
Enter Elias. Lead singer and musician for the hottest band these days, he seems to have it all, especially writer's block. Touring's great and all, just not when you're singing the same songs at every venue. Time for something new. His muse did not get that memo.
Meeting Effie really was fate. Not only did she inspire him to write, she unknowingly became his muse, his obsession so much so that he finds her again and invites her to go with him. The music she wrote with him breathes new life into his dry soul and, in turn, the band. Having her with him, writing and crafting music with her, is light and life.
However, for all the fun they're having, there's still two hurdles to face: her past, his lies. The lightheartedness of this story isn't forgotten when it's time. They're remembered because what Elias and Effie shared before the truth came forth was worth remembering. Their lives were forever changed the moment they met. Facing and owning up to what they've tried to hide is difficult, yes, but not impossible. And love, real, true, unconditional love, is forgiving. It's strong enough to mend the rifts between them. It's strong enough to let them see each other for who they really are: Elias and Effie.
This story made me cry more than Road-Tripped. I laughed, please believe me I laughed, but I had a lot of other emotional moments while I read. This story also exhausted me. Not because of what both were hiding but because of what both were experiencing. There is plenty to laugh at in this story, but there is also plenty to contemplate on. Wildness and brokenness find a place of rest in the arms of one who truly loves you, darkness and all.
I'm not really sure how Ms. Archer managed to one-up Road-Tripped, really I don't because that book was awesome, but she did it. And she did it crazy well.
Effie is the bad sister, the troubled twin, and even though she is an amazing violinist and brilliant when it comes to music, she is not only a broken soul but broke too. With no money, no job and no hope, she just can't seem to get her life together. While standing in for her twin sister Callie, under very strange circumstances at an awards ceremony, Effie Murphy meets Elias, a handsome musician who just so happened tag along to the event with his roommate. After helping Effie out when she gets into a bit of trouble at the event, Elias and Effie take off to explore the night and it soon becomes obvious they have a strong connection. They spend the night together but instead of getting dirty between the sheets they end up writing music together.
Effie believes that Elias is an out of work musician and he has no problem letting her think that as he doesn't plan on seeing her again. However Elias is actually the lead singer in one of the hottest bands in the world, but he is shy and hates being in the spotlight and so finds it refreshing to be around someone who doesn't know who he is. He also hasn't written a song in a very long time so even though he wants to forget about Effie, he just can't let go of the woman who made him want to write again..
I adored Road Tripped by Nichole archer so I was more than happy to receive and read an ARC of Head tripped. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I flew through it in hours and once again missed out on some sleep to finish it. The chemistry, banter and natural flow between Elias and Effie was beautiful to read. It was smart, funny and I found the slow build up between them made it more erotic. I was swept along on their world-wind journey of music and love through their tour of Europe. There was so much I enjoined that I can't just pin point one thing as stand out. All of the supporting characters were just so enjoyable and diverse, from his Chinese mother to the French bus driver and I found myself wondering who the next book would be about. So many great lines from Elias and witty one liners in different languages. Sometimes dirty talk in books like this can be too much and over the top but when said in Spanish by Elias it was just perfect and downright hot. This was a well thought out and really well written book.
As much as I enjoyed Head Tripped, I must admit this fell just a little short of its predecessor but only just. Road Tripped has set the bar extremely high for all authors in this genre. That said I still found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable book which leaves you missing characters who feel real and longing for more when you get to the end. I rate this 10 out of 10 with 3 flames out of 3 for heat and I look forward to reading more great things from Nicole Archer.
Head-Tripped is the second book in the Ad Agency series. It can be read as a standalone. But if you have read Road Tripped then you have already had the pleasure of meeting Effie, Callie's twin sister. This is her story and she is about to get the best high of her life...
Effie moved to New York to start over. To find her way. To feel the music again. But after six months she is still missing something. She still feels broken. She feels like she is only living half a life. That is until she meets the sexiest deadbeat musician that she has even laid eyes on. And only after two crazy fun-filled days she doesn't want to let him go. Ever. But her high is crashed when he tells her that he has to leave for the summer with his band. What she didn't know was that Elias was El Love, the frontman for Urban, one of the biggest bands in the world.
Elias had no idea what hit him when he met Effie. He knew she was beautiful, wild, and a bit loco. And it was icing on the cake that she had no idea who he is. So he decided to just be Elias not El Love for one night. When one night turned into two he knew he was done for. He didn't want to walk away from this woman but he had to. He was going on a European Tour and there was no way he was breaking the rules by bringing someone with him. But, damn...he needed her. He couldn't stop thinking about her. About the songs they wrote together. And those songs are what brings her on tour. It's about to get crazy beautiful.
This tour is full of passion. Passion for each other. Passion for the music. Passion for life. Effie and Elias's time together is so much fun!! But there still something that Effie hasn't told Elias because she is scared that it could ruin everything. It shouldn't but she knows it could. Will her past blow up their future?
I loved this wild ride!! I knew I could count on Nicole to make me laugh, love, and laugh some more. She has a way of making me feel like I am on a trip of a lifetime. First on a silver dildo and now with the band. And I totally fell for the band. Their banter and different personalities was perfect. They are not perfect but who is. Who would want to be, really. That's not fun. Anyway...I loved Elias, the way he looks at Effie and speaks to her in different languages is sexy as hell. He is also a beautiful soul with a badass twist. And Effie...I might have a girl crush. She hasn't had the easiest life but she is still going. I love the way she can be like a kid in a candy store at times. When she sees something for the first time it's beautiful. She really is a trip. Together, they are something else. I can't even explain it.
Overall...You do not want to miss this tour!! I read it in one sitting and it's not a short book. I didn't want off the ride. It was exactly what I needed. Beautiful comedy gold with a message. I can't wait to see where Nicole will be taking us next.
P.S. The name Effie gives Elias is the best!! If you know me then you will know why.
Quotes:
“Better get out of here before I bust your good-sex cherry.”
“I don’t know what that means, but it sounds beautiful.”
Totally different from her sister, though I lol’d a heck of a lot more on the first book. Nicole Archer still did a fanfuckingtastic job with this one.
Effie + Elias = Freaking adorable! ❤
And just to get this out of the way, our male lead is Hispanic with DILL PICKLE EYES! AHHHHHHH *Fangirl Scream*
Throughout the book, I found myself relying on google translate, YES, I’m aware of the glossary but trust me you’ll appreciate the robot translators accent lol. A bonus to this gem of a masterpiece, learning some balls to the wall Spanish lessons, A-OK with me. A treasure I’m tellin’ you.
This book is Effie’s journey, a violinist or should I say a dedicated musician who can pick up any instrument and be great at it, you can thank her crazy mother for that. Growing up with shitty parents guided her down a reckless path, after calling it close with losing her life she gets back on track. Not a 100%, you’ll witness occasionally that she is still struggling. From the moment she laid eyes on Elias it was love at first sight, literally ( see reference below ). I can’t even explain how perfect these two are together, complete goofballs, she couldn’t even get his name right calling him Elvis instead. I could not have asked for a better ending.
I enjoyed reading her crazy fun adventure with Elias and his band, getting the opportunity to go on tour and assist her boyfriend with his music is a musicians dream, right? Of course. But there will be some setbacks along the way. Effie receiving the worst of it, running into the monster of her past, her new found fame will also be her dead end, the past she refuses to open-up about will make the front page of a magazine. Elias did not have the greatest up bringing either, his real mother an extremely hard topic for him to talk about affected his life, in more ways than one.
This book is filled with grade A characters, during the tour you will encounter;
The bitch of a manager Gail. – Annie, Elias’ adoptive Chinese mother and apparently, a personal acupuncturist with exceptionable knowledge about Chi. – Lestrange the tour bus driver who can barely speak any English, and just like Griffin the two words I managed to understand when the French man spoke were ‘testical’ and ‘sexual’. – Hal, head of security who tames a fucking stallion of a horse. – Griffin (drummer) the half bird half lion thingies or maybe even the karate kid? + Missy (keyboardist) just a girl ready to settle down. – Cato the hilarious bassist who makes the saying “Girl, bye.” 100x better, his bass guitars name is Shaniqua for Christ’s sake. AND before I forget there’s a handful of BOB ROSS quotes! I MEAN WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?!
Seriously, I started laughing 3% into the book and could not stop my obnoxious giggling. For that Nicole Archer, Me gustas mucho! She regarded her reflection in his mirrored glasses. Was that her? Was she smiling? How weird. “I wish I could see your eyes.” His glasses slid down and revealed a pair of light coppery-brownish-green eyes. “Wow, I love you,” she said. Oh shit, did she just say she loved him? She puffed out a laugh. “You didn’t hear that, did you?” He shot her a big grin. “That you love me?” “No, no.” She waved a finger. “I love ewes, not you. As in female sheep.”
Head-Tripped is exactly that...it will blow your mind with its well-written characters, wonderfully creative storyline and spectacular dialogue. Nicole Archer took a few chances in this second book of her Ad Agency Series and the result is fantastic. This is not your typical RomCom, folks. It’s much better. It digs deep into your soul and has you pondering the meaning of life, all while being entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. Once an addict, always an addict. Effie Murphy struggles with it daily. She is one complicated and complex character and I loved every single piece of her. She’s charming and playful, brilliant and talented. She is amazingly naive about current events and culture because from an early age her life was violin practice and performances to the exclusion of all else. Later, drugs were her escape from the reality of expectations and demands and soothed the hurt of feeling unloved. And while Effie made it out alive, she’s still a work in progress. When she falls into Elias Lovato’s life it’s all about magic, chaos, crazy banter, and finding your other half orange. Head-Tripped is one hell of an experience you will remember for a long time.
After reading Road-Tripped (the 1st book in this series, Callie & Walker's story) which I loved, I've been so looking forward to Head-Tripped. This is Effie's story (Callie's twin sister) and I fell in love instantly, didn't need more than a few lines and I was hooked on everything Effie!! "This woman intrigued him. There was something unusual about her, something soulful and spiritual. She excited him and soothed him at the same time." Yes, Effie Murphy is all the above and more....she has fought and overcome so much and her quirky personality is like sunshine shining through the storm that will put joy in your heart and a wonderful smile on your face! And if anyone deserved to find that soul filling love it was Effie and her new life had put her on the path directly to Elias Lovaro, a beautiful rock star, her kindred spirit, the one that makes her "soul tingle.....he is the best high ever"!! The journey of Effie and Elias is fun and romantic, filled with laughs and crazy, with each of them fighting their own demons to be able to embrace this once in a life time love that they have found in each other......will the darkness drag them down and away from one another or will the light shine brighter than ever before into their hearts and love be the ultimate winner of their music living souls??? "The door to her soul burst open and welcomed him in, and love beamed out of her brighter than the sun." 5 "Half-Orange" Stars for this head-tripping/heart-filling/soul-finding story!!!!
I was really anxious to get my hands on Head-Tripped. Road-Tripped was one of my favorites reads last year. Nicole Archer stays true to her style with her quirky, sweet, and hot romance. But Head-Tripped has a different vibe to it and that is a good thing. The humor is a bit crass and dark and I loved it. I really appreciate Ms. Archer’s creativity and her ability to bring something new and unique. The amount of research she puts into her stories and her playlists is pretty amazing.
Effie is the twin sister to Callie from Road-Tripped. Effie is a child prodigy that can play the violin to perfection and basically any instrument she touches. She also has the ability to hear sounds on a different level than other people. You get the sense that she may have a bit of Asperberger’s or something along those lines. This ability has almost destroyed her life. With a mother that controlled her and the drugs that she took to numb everything she was close to not making it out. Now she is a recovering addict and has been clean for two years. Effie is still kind of floundering and trying to find her way in the world. She is also still fighting her demons. I adored Effie. She was so sweet and full of life. I wanted her to get her chance to shine and find her way soooooo bad.
Elias is the lead singer for one of the hottest bands right now Urban. The band is in a rut. They are playing the same songs and they need new blood. Elias is having major writers block and hasn’t been able to write new material……..until he meets Effie. Sparks go off as soon as they meet and they spend two fun filled days together. And with Effie’s help Elias gets his writing groove back. They go their separate ways but Elias realizes the songs he wrote with Effie could bring new life to the band. He immediately tracks her down and asks her to join them on tour. Effie jumps at the chance but she goes not realizing who Elias really is.
Thus begins their whirlwind tour full of love, laughter, passion, and a crazy cast of side characters. Effie and Elias were so great together. I felt Effie was the star of this book but I really loved Elias too. He was sweet, sexy, and swoon worthy. He was completely enamored with Effie and you could feel his joy just being around her. And his speaking in his sexy languages didn’t hurt things either. Elias has his own demons. Demons that you know are going to threaten what he has with Effie if he can’t come to terms with them.
I do have to say at times I was screaming at Effie to open up and tell Elias her truth. I wanted the honesty to come a bit sooner in the story. I think it made the ending feel a tad rushed because of how Elias found out and how it was resolved. Not that I didn’t sympathize with Effie’s struggle. She still didn’t believe in herself quite yet. I think she also didn’t believe that somebody could love her with their whole heart. This paralyzed her with fear and so couldn’t open up. I teared up quite a bit towards the end with the scene of her in front of the mirror. It was so real and beautiful.
Well done Nicole Archer. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Head Tripped, the book that is second in Nicole Archer's Ad Agency series, unexpectedly has two main characters neither of which actually work for the Agency at the heart of the series. Instead, Skip Shimura convinces his friend and recent transplant from the west coast, Effie Murphy, to impersonate her twin sister at an awards night where Callie is expected to win.
On the same night, Eli St James who also works for Skip, convinces his roommate Elias Lovaro to get out of the apartment for a night by coming along to the same event.
That's how our two star crossed lovers meet, each trying to hide their true identity for various reasons and begins a whirlwind romance where one of the biggest questions each keep asking themselves is “How much of the truth do I tell?”
Effie doesn't want to reveal too soon that that her life as a child prodigy meant endless lessons, practice and home schooling that eventually lead her down the path of drug addiction, and Elias doesn't want to reveal that most of the world (apart from the sheltered Effie) knows him as El Love, rock star.
They do share music though, and an undeniable attraction that eventually leads to all sorts of complications.
A rock star romance with all sorts of differences to make it stand brightly on its own, this book is fascinating as without really knowing it, Effie works her magic in the lives of almost everyone she encounters, without realizing the impact she's having on those around her, least of all Elias (or Elvis as she affectionately calls him).
Ultimately though, it's a story about looking past labels and recognizing that people can, and do, grow and change such that the person they are today isn't necessarily the kind of person they were at some point in their past. That they aren't simply defined by what they've done, said or felt, and I couldn't help but feel the struggles of Effie, Elias and crew deep inside.
I love this author, I read a lot of books, and at times I just want to laugh, which in turn makes your day. In this story we have Effie, who is Callie's twin sister (from first book) and she has asperg or something similar, she is also a recovering drug addict, but has been clean for 2 years, so she is down in the dumps and does not to want to reach to Skip and Callie, who always bail her out of situations. Then we have Elias, famous band singer who is tired of it all, the press, paparazzi, he just want peace. They meet at an awards shoe, and people that chapter was hilarious, I am also happy that she got justice for Callie. There are twist and turns, but Callie is a sweet soul, and Elias was awesome. The secondary characters added to book were instrumental . I loved that it combined characters from last book. I will always love Walker and Callie, first but Effie found her soul mate. Read book, I guarantee you will enjoy! Can't wait to see who comes next!!!