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The Follow

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New hire Shauna McIntyre joins The Charisma Group, a New York-based talent agency specializing in social media management. Even though she has never been much of a fangirl in her personal life, Shauna expects that her signature professional task is managing the online fandom of her famous clientele. What she didn’t expect was to fall in love with one of them.

R&B sensation King Smith has made a career of singing soulful tunes and strumming his guitar for his adoring fans. King also harbors a secret: he’s in recovery for sex addiction. When King lays eyes on Shauna, the crooner with a craving for no-strings lust decides to change his life in an effort to hold on to her.

Once King is tempted by the admiration of a persistent online fan, Shauna has a decision to make. When professional lines are blurred and relentless love takes hold, will Shauna sacrifice her rising career for an affair with a famous man with a seemingly insatiable thirst for his fandom?

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2017

17 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

Eliza David

22 books149 followers
Eliza David is the contemporary romance author of eleven self-published novels, including the Cougarette series. She was born and raised on the noisy South Side of Chicago, but now lives in quiet Iowa City, one of the renowned Cities of Literature. A member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Eliza also maintains a local literary presence, serving on the Iowa City Public Library’s Board of Trustees, moderating The Scarlet Boudoir romance writing group at The Writers’ Rooms, and serving as an annual headlining author at the Iowa City Book Festival.

In addition to writing the naughty words, Eliza is a blogger as well, having served as a contributing writer for The Good Men Project and Thirty on Tap. Toward the close of 2018 and start of 2019, Eliza will be featured in three upcoming anthologies: Best Women's Erotica: Volume 4, The Sexy Librarian's Dirty 30: Volume 3, and Cleis Press' Erotic Teasers. In 2018, she was selected as a Pitch Wars mentee for her next project, The Lamar St. Jon Experience.

When she’s not writing, working full-time, or raising two children with her loving husband, Eliza enjoys reading throwback Jackie Collins, acting out on Twitter, and indulging in the occasional order of cheese fries.


(c) Eliza David – FacebookTwitterInstagram

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,162 reviews108 followers
July 5, 2017
Most people who follow me know by now that I dabble in fanfiction. My focus was quite narrow-- I only ever wrote about one member of one boyband, but those years writing fanfiction taught me so much, mostly that you have to be 'in love' with your characters, specifically your male hero, to bring them across as lifelike as possible on the page.
I'm not sure what Eliza's writing background is, but MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
I am a total sucker for a music/musician romance and I could. not. stop. drooling. over the cover to this book (I MEAN LOOK AT IT) so when she sent a call out to people interested in reading the book for review, I slid into those DM's to shoot my shot.
See, Twitter can be used for good!
I was immediately hooked on King, a musician who wields magic with Mercy, his guitar (I keep calling it an ax, for no good reason, because people haven't called guitars that in 20 years, but whatever). He is the modern day Marvin Gaye who is most comfortable, his most musically magical self on stage. But King has a problem and his problem is an addiction to sex-- and you know how well sexual problems and rich musicians go together! Read: Not at all.
Especially not when he's just become captivated by Shauna, a woman he happens to meet in a sandwich shop, who hasn't spoken to long enough to say hello and buy her sandwich for her. But wait, there's more! Shauna, it turns out, works for a social media company that's going to be handling his online presence. So King (sex addict, member?) and Shauna (his account manager, ooh wee) are going to be working together closely.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?!
So, when I used to write fanfic, I always thought about the fan experience. I mean, that's the fave trope in fanfic, right? Girl meets, boy; boy happens to be uber rich and famous but girl like totally doesn't care about his riches and his fame. Don't pick me up in your Maybach, no I don't want to stay the night in your mansion, Gah I'M NOT A GROUPIE! LOOVVEEE MEEEE. I've read it so many times I could recite the stories in my sleep.
But for real, who among us is going to turn down the opportunity to date the one we idolize? Not many. So, Shauna acts like 99% of us would and goes for the gusto with King.
Until he reveals to her his secret struggle.
And a life loving King Smith has become more than dreaming about private jet rides and exclusive resorts and meeting him on tour stops. It's become a struggle, a worry, a burden she doesn't want, and a bout of jealousy knowing there is at least one temptation that King can't resist.
The Follow has an amazing cast of characters that are so super real and down to earth- Chase and Lena, Shauna's boss and coworker become her lifeline, her steadying hand and voice of reason, because she super needs it.
But I feel like Calla and Lamar totally stole the show-- I won't spoil too much, but picture the most pretentiously woke, ridiculously young and stupid rich people you know and kick it up a notch. The twist at the end with Calla was so perfect but so unexpected, my jaw just hung open the entire time I read it.
Ultimately, romances are about love conquering all, about finding THE ONE and helping each other through struggle, about knowing that there is at least one person on the planet that gets you, that knows you that loves you exactly the way you are.
But above all that, this book reminds us that love without trust is a burden; it's pain. What's the sense in giving your heart over to love if you can't trust the the one you love to take care of it? Again, no spoilers, but... Eliza brings Shauna and King together in a satisfying, healing, supportive way. Perfect story told perfectly.
Grab this one when it drops on July 7th and put it in your face!
Many thanks to author Eliza David for granting me an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A.M. Leibowitz.
Author 40 books64 followers
July 14, 2017
Let me start by saying that I'm not really a romance reader. However, every time, Eliza David's books grab me and pull me in because they feel like so much more. This is no exception. It has everything I look for in a book: Heavy on character development, social commentary, relatable themes. Plus there's a large dose of witty dialog and plenty of well-written, steamy sex.

Right away, what had my attention is that there's no glossing over anything. Readers are aware right from the start that King is dealing with a serious problem. What I love is that this is handled all the way through with a lot of empathy. It's not played for drama or swept under the rug for the sake of furthering the relationship. King's addiction is as much a character as the people, and yet this never feels like an "issues book" to me. It feels brutally honest at times, heartbreaking at others, and there's even some gentle humor. Everything about it is three-dimensional.

I can't say enough good things about Shauna. She's like so many women, feeling obligated to be everything for everyone even while struggling with her own problems. I love that she's allowed to be vulnerable and admit that trusting King is hard for her. He comes on a bit like a hurricane, impatient for her to just let go, but she sets firm limits. It's both painful and wonderful to watch her breaking down, torn between what her head and her heart want.

The side characters are terrific as well, from Shauna's office mate Lena to the fans themselves. There's a character I didn't especially like, and I won't spoil who it is, but by the end, I was firmly in their camp. I'd love to see them find their happily ever after, and I'll try not to be too impatient.

There was one thing that, as Shauna says, made me feel A Way. There's a cheating (probably bisexual) character. Normally, this would make my head explode. However, here, I think it actually works as well as it can. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it, either. I also think there's some ambiguity to the situation that made me wonder if there's more under the surface than we got to see on-page. So if there's never any more about that character, then I can imagine it fan fiction style. Which, in a sense, wouldn't be amiss with this book.

While I don't share the main character's specific experiences, there's a lot in there that felt familiar. The story has enough realism to feel like an affirmation, but enough fantasy to be satisfying. This is the world I want to belong to: where people can admit to their closest friends what they're dealing with and get help when they need it. That, I think, is the message I'm walking away with. If King and Shauna can show their full, real selves, maybe that's a thing we can all strive for.

For outstanding characters, a story told with warmth and compassion, and just the right level of hot loving, this gets 5 stars.
Profile Image for Tish.
4 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2017
I'm going to try my hardest to review this without giving any spoilers because I had an advance copy.

So, here we go....

This story is both sexy and complicated. Shauna and King navigated through all kinds of issues to find love. Addiction, fame, heartbreak, trust, human nature among other things threatened their love before it could truly start. I rooted for them but there were times when I didn't think they'd make it because OBSTACLES!! Eliza's style is to put you through it with the characters and The Follow did not disappoint. I'm definitely going to edit this with more points once the book is released but I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and finished it a day!
Profile Image for Lisa Tetting.
Author 4 books68 followers
June 18, 2017
4.5 stars for this one!

I love the Cougarette Series by Eliza and this book is like six degrees of separation to that story. Hey even hottie Jay Weston makes a cameo. The Follow is the Cougarette's favorite cousin that you love to spend time with, but rarely get to. I really enjoyed it.

If you love fandom and the world of celebrities as they live their lives out loud on social media, then you, my friend, will be in heaven. King is an R&B God who names Marvin Gaye as his muse. He is the nicest guy with a bad addiction to sex. Once his boy Slim, who is like a big brother, forces him to face his demons, King agrees to counseling. It just so happens that during the timeframe he is entering therapy, he meets Shauna, the woman of his dreams.

Fate has a funny sense of humor as King's therapist insists that he abstain from sex for the next 30 days! Shauna and King have it bad for each other. The heat is palpable. Will King be able to complete his therapy just as he finds the one woman that can tame his wild ways?

There is a bit of drama with a sexy vixen/fan/stripper and lots of temptation for King to overcome, if he wants to win Shauna's trust. I won't ruin the story for you, but trust me it's good. I loved the ending and the writer left it open for more in the future. Who knows, maybe CeeCee will make an appearance in the next one. One can only hope.

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,981 reviews105 followers
July 14, 2017
Might As Well Face It, I'm Addicted to King Smith!

Sexual Addiction is a living breathing thriving condition that affects millions. I was so happy this author chose to tackle this Real Issue with a tenacity and a focus on giving us the facts and telling a love story as well. King Smith should have been a character that chapped my butt. But on the contrary, he was endearingly wonderful. King needed help from a professional. The music industry perpetuated the conditions in which his condition thrived... The heroine in this story pushed him to the absolute maximum point of desire. Shauna was a mild pushover initially, she went into self preservation mode once she realized her heart was not safe with King. The passion and chemistry was evident. Even though Shauna was scared shitless with Kings condition, she chose to take the plunge of love with him. Each story has a sidekick for each character. Lena, the crack me up crazy co worker was too funny. She was a hip and fun white girl who happened to be Shauna's bestie. Slim was Kings road dog and manager who filled in as his best friend as well. The ancillary characters added uumph to the story. I liked the way this author took a serious matter and wrote her butt off in telling real truths without turning readers off. I loved me some King, sexy as all get out... 4.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Dana.
6 reviews
July 26, 2017
Loyal follower

Okay... Eliza has done the damn thing, yet again. I love her writings because they seem to be what every 30-somthings fantasy... Meet a man that is willing to do the work to fix his issues. (Because ofcourse I dont have any...#perfect!!!) It was real enought to happen, intriguing enough to keep me reading and just enough of sex to make me blush. (Love the tie in to her earlier works!) *Bigg Poppa voice* AND ANOTHER ONE!
Profile Image for CawfeeDrinker.
155 reviews
July 20, 2017
Eliza David's best book yet!

Timely and relevant plot line, engaging dialogue, and believable characters make The Follow Ms. Eliza David's best book yet. Her writing kept my interest from the first to the last page, and that rarely happens. Eliza David's world is easy to escape into. I am looking forward to her next adventure. Brava!
Profile Image for Chris Stevens.
Author 12 books11 followers
July 13, 2017
Social Media Drama. Sex Addiction. The Good Girl caught in the middle of it all. Eliza David's "The Follow" has it ALL in this steamy, salacious novel about the perils of fandom. Shauna McIntyre and King Smith are the star-crossed couple to be in an industry where relationships don't survive, especially when Shauna is tasked with managing King's fandom and King is going through sex addiction therapy, which is tested by Shauna's good-hearted but sexy ways and in a few other ways as well.

You'll laugh, you might cry, and I guarantee you'll be horny as hell because the love scenes are super descriptive, like you're there watching...or actually doing the do yourself. It's a strong read too, the action flows so well you won't want to put it down for a second. Highly recommend for anyone who loves entertainment industry drama and a love story that, despite the drama, does indeed conquer all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Oleander Plume.
Author 14 books59 followers
August 30, 2017
This was my first time reading a book by Eliza David, but it won’t be my last!

The Follow is as refreshing as it is sexy. While the story revolves around King Smith, hunky R&B star who wields a guitar named Mercy, the star of the story for me, is Shauna, or as King calls her “Babygirl”.

Shauna handles King’s confession (he’s a sex addict), without judgement, choosing to support his recovery in any way she can. Despite their obstacles, you can’t help but root for this couple to find happiness together. King is a good man. Shauna is a good woman. And the supporting cast? Top notch!

I loved the sex positive vibe and the well-rounded characters. Looking for a happily ever after? I won’t give any spoilers, but Ms. David delivers that, too. A great read I highly recommend. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Lorice DeBlanc-Brim.
1,468 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2018
Love 💘it!

I still don't know what Wes did to Shauna to cause her to lose trust in men. Besides, trying to sabotage her it kinda ends there. King was trying so I thought but I was overjoyed when he came to terms with his situation. I highly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Misse Jones.
578 reviews47 followers
July 17, 2017
KING ME!

So, so descriptively juicy. My first read by the author and I'm highly impressed. Looking forward to reading her other novels.
Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 49 books49 followers
August 2, 2017
Loved this story

I really enjoyed this book. Took me half a day to devour. I wanted to shake a few characters... which is always a good sign. Lena was hilarious. Great love story.
Profile Image for Tasha.
Author 30 books433 followers
July 28, 2017
A fun, dirty read!

Loved that King Smith and the way this relationship unfolded. Perfectly depicted the drama and nonsense that exists in fandom!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
December 14, 2019
The Follow is definitely not the normal rocker romance. The first book in Eliza David's The Follow series, I love it.

King is a famous rocker who happens to be a sex addict. I definitely don't see too many authors exploring this all too real issue.

My first time reading this author, I really enjoy the writing style. The author does a terrific job developing the characters, allowing the reader to fully become invested in them. Both characters evolve as the story goes, and they are inspirational in the way they can be truthful and open with their feelings. The writing style pulls the reader in the characters minds and emotions.

Yes, we all know the stereotype that rockers sleep with a lot of people, but this one puts a new spin on this. The sex addition is written in a tell all way. The author doesn't shy away from King's problems at all, and the way this can prohibit one from being in a serious relationship. From the start, King is portrayed as having a serious problem and it is definitely shapes his life.

As for Shauna, she's portrayed in a relatable way. She feels the attraction but has to deal with his addiction. She is not nieve or stupid, making for an enjoyable story.

I enjoy the manner in which the story is told time wise. It starts in the present and quickly returns to when the characters met and the development of their relationship. Their story is full of steamy scenes, some tough angst, and a whole lot of chemistry.

The Follow is a worthy read, as Eliza David tackles this one with compassion and care. As a fan girl myself, this one hits me in all the right places. The social media aspect is scarily accurate.
Profile Image for Danielle.
807 reviews43 followers
February 26, 2018
I will be honest. I was surprised I liked this one because it was drama all over the place and I usually stay away from that. But this book didn't have a lot of unnecessary drama. When the mc's did certain things I could understand why they did those things even if it was stupid. Shauna and King. I must say I wasn't too keen on these two from the beginning. Not that I didn't like them together but I felt like King needed to get his personal life together before starting something with someone. I get why Shauna was insecure. He is a superstar and then she was dealing with his issue. Not to mention that in her job she is managing his social media so she knows whats going down in the dm's. I'm glad she had a good support system with her coworker Lena. I usually hate the friends in books because authors use them as a tool to get the hero and heroine together even if its not a good idea but Lena was just a good friend. She let Shauna decide for herself and helped her to think more clearly.

King....I'm glad he decided to get help for his sexual addiction. He was a really good guy deep down but he was thinking with the little head too much. Well it might be the big head...*wink* I think his friend Slim is like the best guy friend I have ever read in a book. He really cared for King and wanted the best for him. He was like that good angel on his shoulder to steer him in the right direction. Shauna and King were great together but they have so much to over come in this one. Overall I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for La Kata E.K..
Author 14 books38 followers
May 27, 2018
Addiction can be more than drug related.

“The Follow” is about a popular R&B singer who falls in love with a woman hired to control his social media presence. There’s only one problem: his addiction to sex. There were two main characters and eight supporting characters. Between the language spoken and their actions, the author gives each character a lifelike personality, which in turn, gives the story an authentic feel. My favorite character was Slim, a supporting character, because not only did he seem to be level headed, but his big brother demeanor to King was something to be respected. As a big sister myself, I found his character to be very relatable.

There isn’t anything that I would change about this story.

Overall, I found this story had a tense, yet sensual, vibe to it, making it a feel-good read.
Profile Image for Jill Rey.
1,217 reviews48 followers
October 2, 2017
In The Follow, Eliza shows us her seemingly effortless ability to switch between two differing characters, as she does such a great job capturing the essence of both personalities. Of course the two main characters fall for each other, it is here Eliza shows off her comfort zone navigating us through their romantic frustrations.

For the full review, visit https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
Profile Image for Two Ts.
307 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2017
Followed

This is my first read by this author. The premise of the story was very intriguing. Can a sex addict fall in love and remain faithful? A well written story.
Profile Image for LaKendra .
336 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2018
Shauna and King were so unexpected. She loved him at his worst and he couldn't let her go.
Profile Image for Jsin Graham.
Author 6 books10 followers
February 12, 2018
Having become a recent reader of Eliza David over the past year+, I can say that this is probably her best work to date. I'm certainly not an expert on the initial premise of the story and it's use by other authors. But for the times that we live in-- the idea was genius and executed very well. And the way that it seamlessly segued into King's "issues" and his desire to pursue something w/Shauna, good stuff. Eliza does a very good job with keeping her complementary characters involved through out also. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
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