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Strings Attached
Success. Riches. Music. Passion. It’s a life most can only dream of, but stardom comes at a cost.
Rock star Nikki Razer has worked hard to achieve her dreams and she finally has everything she ever wanted―except true love. She's ready to find someone who can love the woman she really is, not just her rock star persona. When the band comes home for a break, she sets her sights on beautiful music teacher Drew McNally. But Drew is happy running her father’s music store and she definitely doesn’t want to date a celebrity―no matter how attractive she is. Her mother’s obsession with fame destroyed her family and Drew’s not going to let it happen again.
Nikki thought she would do whatever it took to win Drew over, but she can’t abandon her band and give up on her dreams. When it's time to face the music, will the price be too much to pay?
Rock star Nikki Razer has worked hard to achieve her dreams and she finally has everything she ever wanted―except true love. She's ready to find someone who can love the woman she really is, not just her rock star persona. When the band comes home for a break, she sets her sights on beautiful music teacher Drew McNally. But Drew is happy running her father’s music store and she definitely doesn’t want to date a celebrity―no matter how attractive she is. Her mother’s obsession with fame destroyed her family and Drew’s not going to let it happen again.
Nikki thought she would do whatever it took to win Drew over, but she can’t abandon her band and give up on her dreams. When it's time to face the music, will the price be too much to pay?
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2019
12 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Holly Stratimore
3 books12 followersHolly Stratimore has spent a lifetime expressing herself creatively. She has played guitar and composed songs since the age of ten, performed at open mikes and benefit shows, and volunteers as the musician every summer at a day camp for special needs students. She discovered a joy for writing fiction during high school when she wrote seven humorous stories that featured herself and her friends as the characters. In 2007, Holly began devoting her creative energies to writing lesbian romance novels.
A native New Englander, Holly enjoys cheering for the Boston Red Sox, attending concerts, walks on the beach, backyard barbecues, and making people laugh—and groan—with her puns and quick wit. She and her wife live in New Hampshire.
A native New Englander, Holly enjoys cheering for the Boston Red Sox, attending concerts, walks on the beach, backyard barbecues, and making people laugh—and groan—with her puns and quick wit. She and her wife live in New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 2, 2019
'ARC provided by NetGally and The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'If you as a writer do not breathe through your writing,if you do not cry out in writing or sing in writing, then don't write because our culture has no use for it...Fine or fair writing isn't enough..'
Okay read!
There is something to be said for my honesty when explaining the creative structure or overall insight to this above average story because from the first page to the last sentence i was bored to the nth degree: lacks the kind of built-up sordid chemistry one expected when it pertains to the storyline's starring couple (a lovesick band member & a music teacher) plus the many different side stories inserted for every chapter one will read.
'STRINGS ATTACHED' might be brim with lots of behind-the-scenes anecdotes like what being in a band and they being on tour involved --- the sex,the insanity,the jealousy,the tabloid scandals and the feeling of togetherness etc --- but it still pretty much centered on the finding of true LOVE between all the important characters. While theory,harmony,the many mechanical & logistical skills of song or music creation,friendships and doubts about diving into any 'real' relationship while touring were very essential to the storyline which was something Ms.Stratimore affirms over and over again -- the lines were still pretty blurry with all the back & forth P.O.V.s and the second guessing that took place between both leads (Nikki & Drew) plus those hidden feelings and her (Nikki) constant drooling whenever she was around one of her bandmates.
In other words,i do believe that Ms.Stratimore might be trying to challenge us her avid readers in pinpointing or directing us away from the vast musical portion of this book and only for us to be absorbed in her vivid developing romantic love stories that was filtering on these pages. Lastly,what to some readers might appear as well researched lyrical work of art that was from a miraculous confluence of a talented writer might also end up being just an okay story that was filled with incessant details on finding that special LOVE!
**'If you as a writer do not breathe through your writing,if you do not cry out in writing or sing in writing, then don't write because our culture has no use for it...Fine or fair writing isn't enough..'
Okay read!
There is something to be said for my honesty when explaining the creative structure or overall insight to this above average story because from the first page to the last sentence i was bored to the nth degree: lacks the kind of built-up sordid chemistry one expected when it pertains to the storyline's starring couple (a lovesick band member & a music teacher) plus the many different side stories inserted for every chapter one will read.
'STRINGS ATTACHED' might be brim with lots of behind-the-scenes anecdotes like what being in a band and they being on tour involved --- the sex,the insanity,the jealousy,the tabloid scandals and the feeling of togetherness etc --- but it still pretty much centered on the finding of true LOVE between all the important characters. While theory,harmony,the many mechanical & logistical skills of song or music creation,friendships and doubts about diving into any 'real' relationship while touring were very essential to the storyline which was something Ms.Stratimore affirms over and over again -- the lines were still pretty blurry with all the back & forth P.O.V.s and the second guessing that took place between both leads (Nikki & Drew) plus those hidden feelings and her (Nikki) constant drooling whenever she was around one of her bandmates.
In other words,i do believe that Ms.Stratimore might be trying to challenge us her avid readers in pinpointing or directing us away from the vast musical portion of this book and only for us to be absorbed in her vivid developing romantic love stories that was filtering on these pages. Lastly,what to some readers might appear as well researched lyrical work of art that was from a miraculous confluence of a talented writer might also end up being just an okay story that was filled with incessant details on finding that special LOVE!
January 7, 2019
3.25 Stars. This was a decent read but it was rough in places. I liked Stratimore’s last book Arrested Hearts quite a bit more than this one. This story does standalone but it features characters from her first two books. If you have not read her other books, I still think you could start right here.
This story follows two women. Nikki Razer, the lead singer of a popular band and Drew who works and teaches in her father’s music store. While both women are attracted to each other, Drew doesn’t trust famous people. Her mother is a Hollywood star who basically abandoned her. Can Drew overcome her prejudices to follow her heart?
I think my biggest issue with this book was the length. It’s a long book and I don’t understand why it is. At least 50 to 100 pages should have been cut out. The story started off well, in the first half, but really bogged down in the second.
Besides the length I struggled with the character of Drew. Once again she started off likeable enough but became such a whiny complainer that I could not stand her in the end. I wanted to yell to Nikki “run away while you still can.” Nikki’s character grew as the book went on, Drew’s seemed to shrink.
I’m the type of person that has trouble with the romance when I don’t care for the characters as much. The book started off with a sweet slow burn romance that I was enjoying, and then it started to fall apart for me. I even thought there were one or two sex scenes that should have been cut. There were just too many and I started to actually skim them.
Overall this book started really well, but just could not keep up. I can’t personally recommend this but it’s not bad by any means. Hopefully Stratimore’s next book will be more my style.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
This story follows two women. Nikki Razer, the lead singer of a popular band and Drew who works and teaches in her father’s music store. While both women are attracted to each other, Drew doesn’t trust famous people. Her mother is a Hollywood star who basically abandoned her. Can Drew overcome her prejudices to follow her heart?
I think my biggest issue with this book was the length. It’s a long book and I don’t understand why it is. At least 50 to 100 pages should have been cut out. The story started off well, in the first half, but really bogged down in the second.
Besides the length I struggled with the character of Drew. Once again she started off likeable enough but became such a whiny complainer that I could not stand her in the end. I wanted to yell to Nikki “run away while you still can.” Nikki’s character grew as the book went on, Drew’s seemed to shrink.
I’m the type of person that has trouble with the romance when I don’t care for the characters as much. The book started off with a sweet slow burn romance that I was enjoying, and then it started to fall apart for me. I even thought there were one or two sex scenes that should have been cut. There were just too many and I started to actually skim them.
Overall this book started really well, but just could not keep up. I can’t personally recommend this but it’s not bad by any means. Hopefully Stratimore’s next book will be more my style.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
April 21, 2020
I am kicking myself for reading this book first. Nikki used to be in love with her bandmate, the MC of Songs Unfinished and was friends with benefits with the MC from Arrested Hearts and I couldn't enjoy the characters from those two books at all. I probably would've liked Jaymi and not considered her a fool for not choosing Nikki had I read her book before.
Nikki was an amazing character. The romance was enjoyable though Drew annoyed me a little. She made many assumptions about Nikki and projected her own fears onto her.
The book was way longer than it needed to be. Still I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
Nikki was an amazing character. The romance was enjoyable though Drew annoyed me a little. She made many assumptions about Nikki and projected her own fears onto her.
The book was way longer than it needed to be. Still I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
December 22, 2018
Nikki Razer is tired of one night stands and women who are only interested in her for her fame. Finally the band's tour has ended and they return to their small hometown. Nikki wishes she had taken the chance to tell band-mate Jaymi how she felt about her but it's too late now and Jaymi is in love with Shawn.
Drew McNally is taken by surprise when famous band members turn up in her small music shop to replace their instruments. Unfortunately she is immediately drawn to Nikki who is everything she doesn't want to be involved with. She's smooth, flirtatious, famous and rich. Drew feels she'll never be enough.
This is a good romance but it could have been a hundred pages shorter. The same issues - Drew's insecurity around being with someone wealthy and famous and Nikki's sense that nobody sees her for herself - became a little repetitive for me and was belabored to the point that I became a bit irritated.
My irritation also colored how I saw the main characters. I quite liked both characters initially. Drew is a brilliant musician who can play a number of instruments and teaches a them too. Nikki is not only an accomplished musician, she's also a trained opera singer who is wasting her talent and education according to her parents. When they first start getting to know each other I really enjoyed the narrative but the push/pull which could have been solved with a little openness wore on my nerves.
There's some great dialogue and they make a good couple so it's probably a better read than I'm making it out to be.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Drew McNally is taken by surprise when famous band members turn up in her small music shop to replace their instruments. Unfortunately she is immediately drawn to Nikki who is everything she doesn't want to be involved with. She's smooth, flirtatious, famous and rich. Drew feels she'll never be enough.
This is a good romance but it could have been a hundred pages shorter. The same issues - Drew's insecurity around being with someone wealthy and famous and Nikki's sense that nobody sees her for herself - became a little repetitive for me and was belabored to the point that I became a bit irritated.
My irritation also colored how I saw the main characters. I quite liked both characters initially. Drew is a brilliant musician who can play a number of instruments and teaches a them too. Nikki is not only an accomplished musician, she's also a trained opera singer who is wasting her talent and education according to her parents. When they first start getting to know each other I really enjoyed the narrative but the push/pull which could have been solved with a little openness wore on my nerves.
There's some great dialogue and they make a good couple so it's probably a better read than I'm making it out to be.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
December 22, 2018
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been on a pretty good streak with books lately, but hit a bump with this one. Haven’t read anything else by this author, and this is part of a series, so that may have affected my enjoyment, though I doubt it, since I found Nikki’s pining for Jaymi a bit skeevy so I doubt that would have been improved by knowing more about her and Shawn. The two of them also didn’t seem to be a great couple (lots of insecurities) for characters already established in their own book.
Drew and Nikki also did nothing for me, individually and together. Nikki’s your typical ‘player just longing for a good woman’ and Drew has this thing about famous people due to her mommy issues and these two things just go round and round and make up most of the book. It also features an event at the requisite 3/4 mark that I want to believe someone that famous wouldn’t be stupid enough to have let happen (I thought that at the start of the book when the precipitating event occured, just take the phone and delete the photo, or you know, don’t be in a situation that allows the photo to be taken, it’s not rocket science).
I was bored well before the halfway mark but made myself finish, so by the time I got to the HEA I didn’t care if they got together or not. 2 stars.
I’ve been on a pretty good streak with books lately, but hit a bump with this one. Haven’t read anything else by this author, and this is part of a series, so that may have affected my enjoyment, though I doubt it, since I found Nikki’s pining for Jaymi a bit skeevy so I doubt that would have been improved by knowing more about her and Shawn. The two of them also didn’t seem to be a great couple (lots of insecurities) for characters already established in their own book.
Drew and Nikki also did nothing for me, individually and together. Nikki’s your typical ‘player just longing for a good woman’ and Drew has this thing about famous people due to her mommy issues and these two things just go round and round and make up most of the book. It also features an event at the requisite 3/4 mark that I want to believe someone that famous wouldn’t be stupid enough to have let happen (I thought that at the start of the book when the precipitating event occured, just take the phone and delete the photo, or you know, don’t be in a situation that allows the photo to be taken, it’s not rocket science).
I was bored well before the halfway mark but made myself finish, so by the time I got to the HEA I didn’t care if they got together or not. 2 stars.
January 26, 2019
The question...what is success if you do not have anyone to share it with? Another question...what is happiness if you do not maximize your talents? While reading about Nikki Razer, the lead singer of a popular band and Drew McNally, who works and teaches in her father’s music store those are the questions that came to mind. Drew does not trust famous people because her mother is a Hollywood star who basically abandoned her. Nikki is lonely although she is surrounded by many fans. Strong connection between Drew and Nikki as they worked together and apart to sort out whether or not they will or should have a relationship.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books Inc. via NetGally.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books Inc. via NetGally.
December 20, 2018
This book was pretty much fun to read... I loved both characters from the start, and even though it had seemed at the beginning that I was going to be bigger fan of Drew, I ended up loving Nikki more. I know Drew's insistence on emotional distance had been caused by early abandonment issues, but the whole back and forth and hot and cold game kinda grew tiring with time throughout the book, and that was the biggest reason why I "crossed" to the team Nikki in the other half of the book.
Apart from that, the book is very well written, fun, and it practically reads itself.
3.5 stars from me.
Apart from that, the book is very well written, fun, and it practically reads itself.
3.5 stars from me.
March 4, 2020
I read this not realising that it was in the series - Songs Unfinisyed - but really enjoyed this one, lots of tears, misunderstanding, no-one understands me - got a bit verbose in the middle but just as I thinking "Why," off we went for a fablous ending. Recommended.
January 11, 2019
2 Stars. I enjoyed this book, but the last 1./4 of so was not that great. I also did not realize when I picked this ARC from Netgalley, it was part of a series about the band mates, there is another book about her band mates which obviously comes first. This book is about Drew, a music teacher who wants nothing to do with Nikki Glazer, a rock star who comes into her shop where she works and her father owns. Nikki is a celebrity and Drew does not want anything to do with celebrities as her mother abandoned her to become one. Nikki tries again and again to try and get Drew to like her and can't seem to stay away. Drew does not have any ambitions and seems to be happy staying where she is and even ignore her attraction to Nikki.
This book was okay, I thought it dragged a lot. It took me a while to read. as there was a lot of build up that was not interesting. When they finally do get together, it is earlier on and they drag our their relationship. The drama in this book is long and drawn out, as it is of course, related to Nikki's fame. I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I do enjoy music, but this book never let you forget that the main characters are both involved in music. The drama seemed added and fake to add more to the book, as it is blown out of proportion. I am not sure I would recommend this book, as it is not a book I will re-read or enjoyed enough.
This book was okay, I thought it dragged a lot. It took me a while to read. as there was a lot of build up that was not interesting. When they finally do get together, it is earlier on and they drag our their relationship. The drama in this book is long and drawn out, as it is of course, related to Nikki's fame. I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I do enjoy music, but this book never let you forget that the main characters are both involved in music. The drama seemed added and fake to add more to the book, as it is blown out of proportion. I am not sure I would recommend this book, as it is not a book I will re-read or enjoyed enough.
January 23, 2019
Nikki Razer is the Lead singer in the rock band Passion Play. While Nikki is on tour she is known to be the player. After each show a woman is waiting and she has sex with them and moves on to the next stop. What most in her band doesn't know is she does this because she is in love with Jaymi another band member. Jaymi is now involved with Shawn another member of the band and Nikki feels she has missed out on her chance for love. Drew McNally works at her dads music shop. She is a talented musician and sticks around as Manager for a hosts of reasons. The main two being she loves teaching and she doesn't want to abandon her Dad like her Mother did. Drew is pretty much a loner who goes to work and then home to take care of her 3 cats. These two come together after the band has to replace all of their instruments after an accident destroys all of their equipment.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The books starts off really good and progresses nicely for the first half. You see chemistry and the normal growing pains between two characters who have issues. You also see two characters getting to know each other. I didn't think I was going to like Nikki in the beginning but as the book progresses she quickly becomes my favorite character. Drew on the other hand is slightly annoying as the book moves on. So when does it go down? The second half of the book seems drawn out. Another reviewer mentioned that about 50 pages could have been cut out and I agree with that. Nikki and Drew spend lots of time talking and sharing feelings and that should have been incorporated more into the first half. Also, they have alot of sex in the second half and it just seems too much (and I love some good sex in a romance). It just took way to long for them to get together and and have the normal breakup before getting back together..
With all that said, I don't think this one is bad. Overall I liked it. I just think it was long and drawn out for no reason. I will rate this one 3.25 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for a honest review.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The books starts off really good and progresses nicely for the first half. You see chemistry and the normal growing pains between two characters who have issues. You also see two characters getting to know each other. I didn't think I was going to like Nikki in the beginning but as the book progresses she quickly becomes my favorite character. Drew on the other hand is slightly annoying as the book moves on. So when does it go down? The second half of the book seems drawn out. Another reviewer mentioned that about 50 pages could have been cut out and I agree with that. Nikki and Drew spend lots of time talking and sharing feelings and that should have been incorporated more into the first half. Also, they have alot of sex in the second half and it just seems too much (and I love some good sex in a romance). It just took way to long for them to get together and and have the normal breakup before getting back together..
With all that said, I don't think this one is bad. Overall I liked it. I just think it was long and drawn out for no reason. I will rate this one 3.25 stars.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for a honest review.
December 23, 2018
Strings Attached by Holly Stratimore is a contemporary romance about two women who meet in a music store. Drew McNally is the daughter of the store’s owner. She is an extremely talented musician, but she wants nothing to do with anyone in the entertainment business, especially if they are famous. She tells herself she is happy giving music lessons and helping run the store. Nikki Razor is the lead singer in the famous rock group Passion Play. She has found her fame and fortune, but now realizes that it isn’t enough without someone to love and share it with her. The attraction between the two is immediate, but there are many hurdles they must overcome before they can be together as a couple.
I like the story. The idea of the story is good for these characters, both of whom are well-developed. The conflict that both characters endure is believable as well. Both characters had to overcome past prejudices and mature before they could become a couple. My only real problem with the story is that it took so long for them to get past the angst. The push/pull between the two characters lasted way too long in the story. I was actually getting angry at Drew after a while. It was beginning to affect my enjoyment of the story. Other than that, I really did like this story and recommend it to anyone who loves a romance with a lot of emotional conflict.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
I like the story. The idea of the story is good for these characters, both of whom are well-developed. The conflict that both characters endure is believable as well. Both characters had to overcome past prejudices and mature before they could become a couple. My only real problem with the story is that it took so long for them to get past the angst. The push/pull between the two characters lasted way too long in the story. I was actually getting angry at Drew after a while. It was beginning to affect my enjoyment of the story. Other than that, I really did like this story and recommend it to anyone who loves a romance with a lot of emotional conflict.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
December 19, 2018
I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.
Nikki Razer lead singer of a rock band and longed to be loved as a person, not for her celebrity status.
Drew McNally is the manager and teacher at the local music store owned by her father.
Nikki and Drew meet as they get to know each other they struggled with their emotions and life choices.
This book is a good read with likeable characters even though at times I wanted to slap Drew I mean I get it your mom choose fame over you but to constantly compare Nikki to her was unfair especially when she didn't give you a reason to. I did like that Nikki and Drew did show growth at the end.
Nikki Razer lead singer of a rock band and longed to be loved as a person, not for her celebrity status.
Drew McNally is the manager and teacher at the local music store owned by her father.
Nikki and Drew meet as they get to know each other they struggled with their emotions and life choices.
This book is a good read with likeable characters even though at times I wanted to slap Drew I mean I get it your mom choose fame over you but to constantly compare Nikki to her was unfair especially when she didn't give you a reason to. I did like that Nikki and Drew did show growth at the end.
October 12, 2019
Played My Heart Strings
HUGE happy and contented sighs... I just got finished reading this lovely story and could not wait to write a review! It had everything you need to make the perfect romance. It had a great plot line, excellent execution, it was well written and wonderful flow… The characters are engaging and entertaining, the settings easy to imagine and the feels… oh my, this tale gave me that feeling where your heart is so full and you have the biggest case of the warm fuzzies… I’ve got a big ole grin on my face right now and I feel all light and joyful. I’m so glad I discovered this book!
HUGE happy and contented sighs... I just got finished reading this lovely story and could not wait to write a review! It had everything you need to make the perfect romance. It had a great plot line, excellent execution, it was well written and wonderful flow… The characters are engaging and entertaining, the settings easy to imagine and the feels… oh my, this tale gave me that feeling where your heart is so full and you have the biggest case of the warm fuzzies… I’ve got a big ole grin on my face right now and I feel all light and joyful. I’m so glad I discovered this book!
December 30, 2018
Rock star, Nikki Razer, has everything she ever wanted—fame, success, money—but not love or respect for who she is. Drew McNally, on the other hand, has everything she needs—a job she likes in her father’s music store, teaching students to play musical instruments, and her three cats. When Nikki enters Drew’s store, Drew immediately knows who the woman is, everyone in their small town knows Nikki. Drew’s heart beats faster, but she’s not interested in Nikki because of her reputation and the fact she’s an entertainer.
This could have been a much better book if Drew, in her 30s, hadn’t been hung up on her mother having deserted her father and herself to pursue her dreams of being a movie star. Throughout most of the book she blames her mother for everything wrong with her life. She judges Nikki using the same criteria she judges her mother. After the first few chapters, her whining gets tiresome, and it never seems to end. When Drew decides that maybe she’ll let Nikki into her life, she makes the decision so quickly it’ll make your head spin.
Readers can’t help but wonder where Stratimore’s editors were. This would have been a much better book if the author had cut fifty to a hundred pages of the whiny stuff.
If you are looking for a romance that builds over the course of the book, look elsewhere. There’s nothing but Drew’s whining for the first half of the book.
This could have been a much better book if Drew, in her 30s, hadn’t been hung up on her mother having deserted her father and herself to pursue her dreams of being a movie star. Throughout most of the book she blames her mother for everything wrong with her life. She judges Nikki using the same criteria she judges her mother. After the first few chapters, her whining gets tiresome, and it never seems to end. When Drew decides that maybe she’ll let Nikki into her life, she makes the decision so quickly it’ll make your head spin.
Readers can’t help but wonder where Stratimore’s editors were. This would have been a much better book if the author had cut fifty to a hundred pages of the whiny stuff.
If you are looking for a romance that builds over the course of the book, look elsewhere. There’s nothing but Drew’s whining for the first half of the book.
January 7, 2019
I really liked this book. It's a typical romance in the best way. I thought it was well written and descriptive. There is some angst between the main characters, from previous relationships or lack there of and childhood issues. This book does a great job at showing the damage that parental interference or neglect can cause that carry through life until those issues are processed. This is a worthwhile read, just like the two previous books by this author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It wasn't a gripping read where I couldn't put it down but the characters stayed with me each time I did. I would think about them and looked forward to getting back to them at the end of my day. I really felt the emotions of both main characters. I can see how Drew's insecurities could become annoying but I felt she had very good reason to feel them. The insecurities weren't from a past love they were from a parent who should have always put her first and loved her therefore if a parent who is supposed to love you unconditionally can dump her why trust someone else with your heart. I completely understood that but was pleased that Nikki was so strong she could see that and understand her. I thought they were both great and could have read more and more about them.
February 3, 2019
This is a very sweet romance with the "celebrity/commoner" trope. I enjoyed all the backstories and family history as well as the setting in New England. It felt a little long to me and could've benefitted from some tighter editing. That said, I like the way Holly Stratimore writes and look forward to her next book. I feel like the stock photo of "Nikki" on the cover has been used on another book in the past couple of years?
February 4, 2021
Rich girl-poor girl combined with the celebrity-commoner storyline, Strings Attached, is an unabashed romance. The author has written one of the most believable celebrity-commoner attractions without belabouring too much on just why and how the celebrity can be attracted to a nearly-broke commoner.
Read full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 14, 2019
This new book by Ms Stratimore is the third book in her series, even though it isn’t promoted as such. I think it’s because each book is a stand alone book but if you get a chance to read the first two books, ‘Songs Unfinished’ and ‘Arrested Hearts’ it will make the reading of this book all the more enjoyable. Having said that of the three books this one was the best yet. Not that the other two books weren’t good, they were but I have to admit this one is in my opinion is the best. Rock star Nikki Razer has been in love with her band mate for years but always felt that to act on her feelings would interfere with the bands rise to the top. Problem is she waits too long, giving Jaymi Del Harmon a chance to fall in love with another member of the band. So she continues being a player but she really likes the idea of have a true love of her own. Drew McNally loves music but has no desire to perform, she would much rather teach others while helping her father manage their music store. The store isn’t doing so well and is close to going under. The idea of having a relationship with a top performer isn’t something she has any interest in. Ms Strathimore has done it again. She has given her fans a very enjoyable read. Now I can’t help if we’ll see another book in this series. Nice Read.
January 15, 2019
A really cute lesbian romance with most of the side characters being LGBTQIA themselves! Even though the book is technically part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Many of the side characters are part of the other two books, but you do not have to read them unless you want to understand the history of Nikki and the other characters.
It was a bit of a long read and the story got a little repetitive with Drew believing that Nikki was going to cheat on her or that she was going to leave her. She was really hung up on her mother abandoning her to pursue her career. However, the buildup to them dating was a very enjoyable read and it was easy to tell that the two were very good for each other and helped each other grow and become better people. I loved Nikki and was rooting for her to get her happy ending, though the one sided love for Jaymi was a little much.
The side characters were definitely one of the main aspects I loved about this story. Previous people from the other books were living happily with their significant others, new characters were happily queer, and there was little drama besides that of the main characters’. I also loved the music aspect, more so when Drew started to play the cello but that could have been due to my history playing in an orchestra when I was in school.
A scene that I particularly did not like also happened pretty early on and did affect my rating. A character gropes Nikki and kisses her without permission but they end up having sex anyway and then she takes a picture of Nikki naked before using it for blackmail. Really, this book could have been so much better without the harassment.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
It was a bit of a long read and the story got a little repetitive with Drew believing that Nikki was going to cheat on her or that she was going to leave her. She was really hung up on her mother abandoning her to pursue her career. However, the buildup to them dating was a very enjoyable read and it was easy to tell that the two were very good for each other and helped each other grow and become better people. I loved Nikki and was rooting for her to get her happy ending, though the one sided love for Jaymi was a little much.
The side characters were definitely one of the main aspects I loved about this story. Previous people from the other books were living happily with their significant others, new characters were happily queer, and there was little drama besides that of the main characters’. I also loved the music aspect, more so when Drew started to play the cello but that could have been due to my history playing in an orchestra when I was in school.
A scene that I particularly did not like also happened pretty early on and did affect my rating. A character gropes Nikki and kisses her without permission but they end up having sex anyway and then she takes a picture of Nikki naked before using it for blackmail. Really, this book could have been so much better without the harassment.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
February 13, 2019
Two elements that I love in a novel are romance and a medical or musical setting. This book meets both of these essentials.
Singing sensation Nikki Razer and her group are riding the wave of success. They have completed a multiple month tour of the country and are returning home to have a well-deserved 3-month rest. Fans perceive Nikki as a hot playgirl, but as the book unfolds, we see many more sides of her.
The other main character is Drew McNally. She and her father own a music store in Nikki’s small hometown. Drew is an extremely talented music teacher, as well as a master of many musical instruments. She works long hours to help keep the store afloat. Although there is immediate attraction between Drew and Nikki, Drew instantly erects her emotional walls after having been hurt in the past.
I found the story to be interesting and enjoyable. At times the push and pull during the building of their relationship did slow down the pace of the book, but not so much that it hurt the story. Ms. Stratimore did a good job with character development.
Although it is not indicated on the cover, this is a sequel to Songs Unfinished. Jaymi and Shaun are members of Nikki’s band. I like a series because a reader has an opportunity to develop an on-going relationship with the characters.
I recommend this book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Singing sensation Nikki Razer and her group are riding the wave of success. They have completed a multiple month tour of the country and are returning home to have a well-deserved 3-month rest. Fans perceive Nikki as a hot playgirl, but as the book unfolds, we see many more sides of her.
The other main character is Drew McNally. She and her father own a music store in Nikki’s small hometown. Drew is an extremely talented music teacher, as well as a master of many musical instruments. She works long hours to help keep the store afloat. Although there is immediate attraction between Drew and Nikki, Drew instantly erects her emotional walls after having been hurt in the past.
I found the story to be interesting and enjoyable. At times the push and pull during the building of their relationship did slow down the pace of the book, but not so much that it hurt the story. Ms. Stratimore did a good job with character development.
Although it is not indicated on the cover, this is a sequel to Songs Unfinished. Jaymi and Shaun are members of Nikki’s band. I like a series because a reader has an opportunity to develop an on-going relationship with the characters.
I recommend this book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
January 11, 2019
4/5
Nikki Razer is a rock star and Drew McNally is a music teacher that works in her father's music store. When Nikki is need of a new guitar, she meets the beautiful Drew. Drew tries to keep her distance from Nikki at the beginning but she can't help being attracted to the sexy rock star.
The book was well written, the characters were well developed and the story line was good. Although, this book is part of a series, it stands alone and you don't need to read the first book (I didn't).
For some reason I did not connect with any of the two main characters and this affected my interest in the book considerably. The chemistry with the characters was there but I wasn't really invested. I thought the premise of the story was great but unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wished I could've, given I love books with this kind of premise.
Overall, it was a good book.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nikki Razer is a rock star and Drew McNally is a music teacher that works in her father's music store. When Nikki is need of a new guitar, she meets the beautiful Drew. Drew tries to keep her distance from Nikki at the beginning but she can't help being attracted to the sexy rock star.
The book was well written, the characters were well developed and the story line was good. Although, this book is part of a series, it stands alone and you don't need to read the first book (I didn't).
For some reason I did not connect with any of the two main characters and this affected my interest in the book considerably. The chemistry with the characters was there but I wasn't really invested. I thought the premise of the story was great but unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wished I could've, given I love books with this kind of premise.
Overall, it was a good book.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2018
I really like the atmosphere of books, by Ms Stratimore here she tells us, women living in a different world, even if related to music.
So we are in a universe of music, with Nikki, rock star and Drew who takes care of his father's instrument shop, and who plays virtuosically several instruments. Nikki would like Drew to join her group, but she is opposed to it.
I love the writing of Ms Stratimore and her universes.
The cover is a bit overloaded for my taste.
Nevertheless, this book is absolutely to read, and especially for music fans.
So we are in a universe of music, with Nikki, rock star and Drew who takes care of his father's instrument shop, and who plays virtuosically several instruments. Nikki would like Drew to join her group, but she is opposed to it.
I love the writing of Ms Stratimore and her universes.
The cover is a bit overloaded for my taste.
Nevertheless, this book is absolutely to read, and especially for music fans.
January 6, 2019
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. Wow. I read the other two books by Stratimore, which I would recommend before reading this book. As the characters Randi and the rest of the band Passion Play and Shawn and Jaymi's story. I will say I did not like the book about Shawn and Jaymi and after reading it, I did not like the character of Nicki. Then I read this book, and oh my gosh. I loved Nicki and Drew. This was a fantastic read, and I couldn't put it down, I devoured it in just a couple of hours, I am craving more now. Maybe Geena's story or the bassist in Passion Play's story!
January 13, 2019
Sweet without being syrupy. A very clever exploration of motives and fears about love and commitment. This book is an enjoyable read because it’s easy to identify with both women and first cheer for one side and then for the other as the story develops. Made me wish I’d kept going with music lessons, a gay teacher would have been so good, but honestly the world has never needed the sounds I managed to make.
August 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I kind of knew what I was getting into when I requested to read this book. I like the characters Nikki and Drew they do struggle a little with their emotions and wants and needs and how to go about getting them. They just have to decide what are they willing to pay to find the one they can love. I enjoyed the story and Drew's music store. It is a very interest take on the music world.
June 9, 2022
Quirky,fun,engaging, and roller coaster.
Those are just a few words off my head that popped up right after I closed the book. I was for one a f/f Romance which those always hold a soft spot in my heart. But that wasn’t the star of the show for me, I much rather loved the development of them trying to bloom and show themselves that they can be these great people and flourish.
Those are just a few words off my head that popped up right after I closed the book. I was for one a f/f Romance which those always hold a soft spot in my heart. But that wasn’t the star of the show for me, I much rather loved the development of them trying to bloom and show themselves that they can be these great people and flourish.
May 5, 2024
Strings Attached
Holly Stratimore tells a sweet romance. I enjoyed the MCs and watching their chemistry grow. I liked seeing previous couples from the books. The book is slightly angsty and resolved well. I would have liked it to continue a little bit after reconnecting. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
Holly Stratimore tells a sweet romance. I enjoyed the MCs and watching their chemistry grow. I liked seeing previous couples from the books. The book is slightly angsty and resolved well. I would have liked it to continue a little bit after reconnecting. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
February 17, 2019
HEA set in the music business. In a nice change of pace the focus is more on the music than on the life-of-a-pop-star side of things.
March 20, 2019
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I’ve been tempted by Holly Stratimore’s books before, but never at quite the right time to grab one and start reading it. When I spotted her latest release was available to review, however, I made a point of requesting it, especially given that I haven’t read many rock star romances recently and was also intrigued by the idea of a romance between two very differently focussed musicians. Some of the characters in this story have, apparently, appeared in the author’s previous books, although it’s pretty much a stand-alone story. Our heroines this time are the lead singer of a nationally successful band and the music teacher she meets while back home between tours, who avoids the limelight at all costs, in spite of having the talent to make it big in her own right.
Nikki Razer works hard and plays hard, but now that her band mates, not to mention her long-standing friends outside the music business, are pairing up and settling down, she’s starting to wonder whether she wants more than one-night stands and casual hook-ups. Her dissatisfaction is exacerbated by her unrequited crush having settled down with a fellow musician, their onstage relationship becoming a bigger draw for the fans than Nikki herself. Nikki worries that many of the women she meets while on tour are more interested in her stage persona than in who she is away from her music, but she resolves to work through her issues while the band is resting up in preparation for recording their next album.
After a freak accident destroys the band’s equipment, the various members show support for local business by shopping for replacements at DJ’s Music Store. From her first visit, Nikki is taken with store manager and co-owner, Drew McNally. Drew is suspicious of Nikki, however, due to her estrangement from her actress mother, who abandoned Drew and her musician father in favour of the Hollywood lifestyle, seemingly only getting back in touch when the situation suits her career and publicity plans. While Drew has both musical and managerial talents, her real love is teaching, and her ambitions centre around expanding that side of the business without abandoning her father’s dreams for the store, eventually finding ways to help talented but less privileged youngsters reach their full potential.
In spite of Drew’s antipathy, Nikki sets out to court her. While things seem to be going well for a time, the trappings of fame and attention-seeking former lovers threaten to destroy what little trust she has managed to build up with her new love. Eventually, it appears that Nikki will have to choose between her career and her relationship, but fortunately there turn out to be other options available, thanks to the interventions of her friends and Drew’s family and friends.
While I empathised with Nikki in her conflicting aspirations, I found it very hard to warm to Drew. It felt as if she had created a very childish picture of her mother in her mind and then attempted to prove to herself that anyone else who made a career in the public eye also fitted that exact template. On the other hand, I liked a lot of the background characters and fully intend to give their stories a chance rather than completely writing off the author’s other works.
I’ve been tempted by Holly Stratimore’s books before, but never at quite the right time to grab one and start reading it. When I spotted her latest release was available to review, however, I made a point of requesting it, especially given that I haven’t read many rock star romances recently and was also intrigued by the idea of a romance between two very differently focussed musicians. Some of the characters in this story have, apparently, appeared in the author’s previous books, although it’s pretty much a stand-alone story. Our heroines this time are the lead singer of a nationally successful band and the music teacher she meets while back home between tours, who avoids the limelight at all costs, in spite of having the talent to make it big in her own right.
Nikki Razer works hard and plays hard, but now that her band mates, not to mention her long-standing friends outside the music business, are pairing up and settling down, she’s starting to wonder whether she wants more than one-night stands and casual hook-ups. Her dissatisfaction is exacerbated by her unrequited crush having settled down with a fellow musician, their onstage relationship becoming a bigger draw for the fans than Nikki herself. Nikki worries that many of the women she meets while on tour are more interested in her stage persona than in who she is away from her music, but she resolves to work through her issues while the band is resting up in preparation for recording their next album.
After a freak accident destroys the band’s equipment, the various members show support for local business by shopping for replacements at DJ’s Music Store. From her first visit, Nikki is taken with store manager and co-owner, Drew McNally. Drew is suspicious of Nikki, however, due to her estrangement from her actress mother, who abandoned Drew and her musician father in favour of the Hollywood lifestyle, seemingly only getting back in touch when the situation suits her career and publicity plans. While Drew has both musical and managerial talents, her real love is teaching, and her ambitions centre around expanding that side of the business without abandoning her father’s dreams for the store, eventually finding ways to help talented but less privileged youngsters reach their full potential.
In spite of Drew’s antipathy, Nikki sets out to court her. While things seem to be going well for a time, the trappings of fame and attention-seeking former lovers threaten to destroy what little trust she has managed to build up with her new love. Eventually, it appears that Nikki will have to choose between her career and her relationship, but fortunately there turn out to be other options available, thanks to the interventions of her friends and Drew’s family and friends.
While I empathised with Nikki in her conflicting aspirations, I found it very hard to warm to Drew. It felt as if she had created a very childish picture of her mother in her mind and then attempted to prove to herself that anyone else who made a career in the public eye also fitted that exact template. On the other hand, I liked a lot of the background characters and fully intend to give their stories a chance rather than completely writing off the author’s other works.
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