Face the Music

Love, Hate, Rock-n-Roll #3

by J.B. Salsbury

Pastor Ben Langley is irresistible.

His wife died giving birth to their daughter five years ago. His tragic past doesn’t keep me from wanting to unravel him, strip away his buttoned-up goodness, and discover what kind of man lies beneath. If that makes me evil, so be it. I’m far beyond redemption anyway.

Ashleigh Kendrick is freedom personified, an unpredictable wind I want to grasp hold of.

Every Sunday she watches me preach from the front row, wearing her halter tops and tiny skirts, a dangerous temptation. Her favorite words are the four-letter variety, and her smile lights up the darkness inside me. I vowed to love one woman forever. I never realized that vow would be impossible to keep when confronted with a chance to love again.


Face the Music is an opposites attract romance with emotional ties to the past that run so thick they feel impossible to overcome.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Music, Contemporary, Forbidden Love, Audiobook

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2020

About the author

J.B. Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.

She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.

Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...

For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
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T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a big hope for Ben' story. After all he is the pastor. Alas, his story is my least favorite from all of the series. Unlike the other books in this series, Face the Music is the milder version.

I do not hate it, but I do not love it either. It is sweet caring and warm story. Just like Ben's character. The plot is flat and tad boring with the push and pull between Ben and Ashleigh.

It is a OK read.

3 stars

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all. I thought I was ready for Pastor Ben Langley. But I had no idea.

I was definitely not ready for the way he just utterly consumed my heart. I was so not ready for the impact on my emotions. And, I'm not going to lie, I wasn't ready for how intensely sexy he was going to be.

Holy Hannah, J.B. Salsbury just knocked me off my feet in the very best way.

I devoured this book. I couldn't get enough of it. It plucked at my heartstrings and it teased out almost every single emotion you could think of. My heart ached and fluttered and raced almost right out of my chest. I laughed, I cried, and I loved these two characters so fiercely.

I mean, I don't even know if love is a strong enough word for all the ways I felt about Pastor Ben. But I also really loved Ashleigh. And that took a little bit longer to fire up for me. I wasn't really sure what to make of her. She could not have been more opposite of Ben and I found myself cringing at her over-the-top, brash personality. But she was also refreshing and honest in a way that I grew to appreciate and then eventually, well, love. And while I adored the sweet slow (smoking hot) burn between her and Ben, it was her relationship with Ben's daughter that really won me over. It was so easy to see the purity in her heart, how deeply she cared for both of them, and that added an extra layer of depth for me. Watching these two slowly but steadily find their way toward their happily ever after was an intense, beautiful, emotionally charged, wild ride. And I loved every minute.

I also adored the relationship arc between Ben and Jesse. It was so great to catch up with the band - who often added just the perfect amount of humor and irreverence to this story. I loved getting to see Ben and Jesse's renewed brotherhood and how their roles in each other's lives sorted out. So much goodness here!

This was exactly the book I was hoping it was going to be. Both Ben and Ashleigh had heartbreaking back-stories, and they were told so beautifully and with such care that my heart wrapped itself around them almost from the first page - and it wasn't ready to let them go when I turned the last. Face the Music was an absolutely perfect emotional experience and an immediate top favorite. Do not miss out on all this greatness! I cannot recommend it highly enough! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

***

It’s time for me to Face the Music and share my love for Pastor Ben and Ashleigh.

I so enjoyed this slow burn romance. Ben and Ashleigh have been through some terribly trying times. And both are scarred and scared to commit to anything possibly considered a relationship. Ben’s lived a quiet life as a widowed pastor caring for his young daughter—who is an absolute scene stealer. He’s followed his religious path, ministered to his congregation, and lived a fulfilling life according to himself.

Until he begins to doubt. When those little seeds of something that feels like desire start to grow. Desire for something beyond his religious binds. Desire to truly live life again. Desire to find joy beyond his small, insular life.

And that desire is what allows Ben to even think about letting Ashleigh inside his heart. She couldn’t be more opposite of Ben in personality. Her “take no shit” view on life is what’s gotten her this far—but she’s just about perfect in Ben’s eyes.

I absolutely loved how this “opposites attract” relationship slowly bloomed into something so much more. How Ben and Ashleigh personally grew in their understanding of themselves, their hopes, their desires and in the understanding of just what each other needed to find their way to love. ~ Missy, 4 stars

[Betül · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**


"I haven't touched a woman in over six years. Haven't even had the slightest desire to. Until you."

I was really looking forward to Pastor Ben Langley's story after meeting him in Playing by Heart, and JB Salsbury didn't disappoint. Face the Music was a great opposites attract contemporary romance. It was clear that Ben after losing his wife six years ago, still wasn't completely over her. However, there is one woman that makes him question his loyalty. Ashleigh is funny, free and wild. At least that is how everyone perceives her to be. She has been lusting over Ben for three years, but he hasn't really been getting the hint. She has been around Ben for a long time because his brother Jesse is together with her best friend Bethany, who also was Ben's daughter Elliot's babysitter. When Ben is left without a babysitter he asks Ash if she could take care of Elliot until he finds someone else. The scenes with Elliot were my favorite, she is such a curious and smart little girl and her interaction with Ash were super cute.

"I am in way too deep. No turning back. Heartbreak is inevitable."

I was expecting a light and fun contemporary romance, but JB did a great job in having it be emotional at times. She is great in elevating and hooking the reader to the story. I loved the characters and seeing the relationships grow. The attraction and chemistry was great and very sexy. I also liked that the characters stayed true to themselves. Which I find very important. Of course they went through changes, but their decisions made sense. Seeing both Ash and Ben struggle internally with their demons was heartbreaking but it was time to deal with them if they wanted to pursue a relationship with a future. I really loved this book and enjoyed seeing what the rest of the gang were up to. I am so happy with how Ben and Ash' story ended it was just perfect seeing them both be so happy. I hope Ethan (Jesse Lee's band member) is getting his own book, because the last part with his POV has me very intrigued.

"You give me nothing. Your walls are firmly in place while I'm bleeding out at your feet."

[Naadira Moodley (BookedMercy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a day to formulate the correct sentence to write this review and I still can't think of an adequate way to start this off. My heart is still soaring from reading Face The Music. I have been waiting on this book from the first time we met Ben and Ashleigh in Playing by Heart and seeing how thirsty Ash was for the good Pastor made me constantly laugh.



Ashleigh best friend to Bethany, Jesse's wife, never misses a Sunday service and that's thanks to the Pastor Ben Langley. She has been lusting after the good Pastor for a long time but she knows nothing could come of it because Ben is still in love with his dead wife. He has no room left in his heart for anyone besides his little girl, Elliot. And anything between them would be wrong in the eyes of the church and all the b*tchy ladies who visit that said church. But Ben is a person who does not judge and sees the good in Ashleigh. He hasn't so much as looked at another woman after his wife's death but Ashleigh is temptation wrapped up in a sexy little package. She is a woman who cannot be ignored and forgotten and that proves to be a problem for Ben. He has to decide if it's time to move on from his wife's death and build a new life. For him and his daughter.

Ashleigh clothing choices and vocab are bold, loud, crass and borderline slutty. She commands the attention of every person in every room she enters. Although she comes off as confident and brash at times, she is loyal and protective to the people she loves. She is also vulnerable at times and believes she isn't good enough for Ben. She believes she isn't the forever type of girl for someone a good as him. She pulled on my heart strings. She was a character that could make me laugh then bawl my eyes out the next moment. Her comebacks and commentary is what I lived for in this book.

“Is it just me or are Ben’s pants tighter than usual?”
“Of course you would notice something like that,”
“Well? Are they?”
“Jesiah said Ben’s been working out a lot.”... “Yeah, looks like he’s put on some muscle.”
“In his dick?”

Ashleigh is one of my favorite characters of all time. I loved her spirit, sass and vulnerability. It's so refreshing to read a book where the roles are reversed and the guy is the celibate and innocent one. I hate in books where the girl is always the one who lacks in sexual experience but the guy bangs every pretty face he comes in contact with. Ashleigh was a breath of fresh air and I loved Ben for not wanting to change a thing about her. She was absolutely perfect with Elliott although her vocab was not appropriate for a six year old.

Ben was oh so sexy and swoony but there was a part in the book that I was furious at him. I cried. Gosh how I cried! He redeemed himself though. I also loved how he always stood up for Ashleigh even though she was more than capable of fighting her own battles which he found very sexy and funny.

This series has fast become one of my favorites. I end up falling in love with all the characters. I love every single book and I cannot wait for what's to come.

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less than the previous two but still nice and enjoyable
Ben is a nice decent hero no manslut
She is a force of nature

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars***

After meeting Ben in Playing by Heart, I had my toes crossed that he’d get his own book. After finishing Skipped a Beat I was all kinds of excited and couldn’t wait to see Ben and Ashleigh get their HEA and Face the Music did not disappoint. This baby took me on one hell of a ride in every way possible and hit the right buttons for me.

Ben and Ashleigh. These two. Here’s the thing. I adored both of them. Ben truly believes in his faith. He believes in helping those who ask for it, and those who don’t. I couldn’t help but truly admire how strongly he felt about what his word meant, but it also drove me a tinsy bit batshitcrazy. Ashleigh has moxie. She lives her life loudly and without apology. But she has her insecurities that wreak more havoc on her psyche than anyone can imagine.

Ash and Ben’s journey to their HEA was all kinds of insanely smexy opposites attract slow burn goodness that had a good dose of frustrating and swoon worthy moments tossed into the mix to keep things interesting. As well as an adorably precocious little girl who kept everyone on their toes. I gotta say, these two kept me on my toes. With every move forward there was at least one and half back as they wrestled with their own demons, but the one thing that was clear was that they had that connection, that flow, that if they only find a way to work through their inner monologues then they’d find that they were exactly what the other never knew they needed.

I had a feeling going in that this book would...raise my hackles a bit because any time religion comes into play it can bring about very strong feelings, and this book did that ~ not gonna lie. BUT what the author did was bring in different points of view on religion, faith and belief and kept things on a pretty even keel, which I absolutely appreciated. (Random side note: Totally on #TeamBen with this one). But other hot topics do come up in this book, some may be triggers, so be prepared to go in with an open mind. As for the secondary cast of characters. There were a few I wanted to gut with a spoon, but there were more that I adored. I loved catching up with Bethany, Jesse, Ryder and Jade and Elliott was all kinds of awesome! I’m still waiting to see what will happen with Chris, but I cannot wait to meet the woman that will bring Ethan to his knees!

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Weronika - Little Steamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

„There is nothing you could tell me that I won’t love you through.”


It seems like I need to go to church, because after reading Face the Music I have very dirty thoughts about some irresistible pastor... I was waiting with bated breath for Ben and Ashleigh’s story! I fell in love with Jesse’s older brother right in the first book in the series and I couldn't wait to read all about him finding his own happily ever after. Face the Music is emotionally charged journey to make peace with the past and to live fully again. To leave the burden behind and move forward. And to love again.


Ben is a genuine believer. In God, in people, in good. He stays true to his word and that’s why he held so long to his vows to his late wife. But he’s also struggling being a single father, although he loves his daughter more than life. He’s kindhearted, understanding and protective.

Ashleigh is a party girl, always smiling and flirting. She’s confident, independent and sassy. But beyond the wild facade she’s struggling with her own issues. She has insecurities and doesn’t feel worthy of love from someone like Ben.

Despite obvious contradictions they complement each other beautifully- she’s a wildness to his calm, a chaos to his order. But they’re more alike than they think. They both have a baggage to overcome and so much love to give. Their relantionship is a delicious slow burn, filled with sizzling chemistry and longing. The sexual tension between these two was totally off the charts! I’m still fanning myself when I think about Ashleigh and Ben.


JB Salsbury has written heartbreakingly beautiful and emotional story. I was engrossed from the very first page and the tension in this book kept me hooked till the end. I loved both Ashleigh and Ben, same as secondary characters, and I really like the outcome of this wonderful journey.




*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Pastor > Hot Priest. This reminds me of the TV show Fleabag but with a satisfying HEA. Ben’s definitely hot and all around an amazing man who’s more than his collar. I may have started out all about Ben but I ended up falling in love with Ashleigh. There is no doubt or question she is hot for Preacher. She’s unapologetically herself with just enough vulnerability to make her endearing and not brash. Her patience and sensitivity with Ben’s internal struggles shows a depth of maturity she doesn’t realize makes her so special. JB Salsbury masterfully took two characters who are as opposite as you can get on the outside and fit them together perfectly.

I haven’t read the first two in the series and didn’t feel I missed anything. BUT I’ve already bought them and ready to see how it all started with Jesse (Ben’s rockstar brother) and Bethany (Ashleigh’s best friend and Elliot’s former nanny).

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest opinion.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow... I really didn't expect to like this book so much. But I really really loved it.

Ben was just the sweetest you will ever meet. Ashleigh I had my doubts but she won me over eventually.
Ben is the pastor of a church but also a widowed single father of an adorable five year old daughter. After his wife died giving birth to his little girl he just cant seem to move on. But then temptation comes in the form of sassy crude Ashleigh. She is a bartender and so far out there. Coming to church every week and just can't help flirting with him whenever she can. And what is he to do after all he is only flesh and blood. But maybe Ashleigh is exactly what he needs in his life, or is she?
I don’t want her to see me as a married man. I don’t want her to see me as a pastor. I want her to know I’m a warm-blooded male who has his eyes set on her and I’m capable of being the kind of man she needs.

The relationship between these two are so far fetched, but damn do they work. Total opposite of each other. Both has issues in their past and struggling to overcome and then trying to see where they fit in each other lives is not an easy thing. Lots of angst, drama and so much feelings you just can't help getting hooked.

[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well my new year of reading started off with a bang, I was invested in this story before this book was even release. Pastor Ben and Ashleigh's story was in the making from Skipped a Beat. In my review for that book I preyed for Ben's story and I wasn't at all sorry or disappointed with what I got.

I totally and utterly fell head over heels in love with Pastor Ben but he was so much more than a Pastor, he was a devoted man, a great father to Elliot and sadly widower. All was well in his world until his brother Jessie and eventually Ashleigh barreled into his and Elliots lives.

This story is complex, Ben and Ashleigh are polar opposites and like magnets are completely drawn to each other. Ashleigh is a brilliant character with a free spirit and a devil may care attitude, making her a great standout character. She is completely right for Ben the man not the Pastor, widower or any other title he has.

This story isn't all sunshine and roses, it's raw, heartbreaking but real. It shows that people DO judge books by covers, by the past mistakes and misfortunes people carry with them. They don't see the real person. They just see the mask a person wears to hide the hur and pain that plagues them.

I totally and utterly recommend this book and series, this is a great opposites attract romance with a rockstar twist. It's brilliant.

[Piper Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

??How do you review a book that is unlike any you've read, and give it justice? ??

That's the problem I'm facing here...

Face the Music, perfectly weaves together a love story of opposites attract. That is if opposites were two different creatures from totally different planets. (that level of opposite)

And what does that create? A page turning, can't resist, sexual tension build up unlike any you've ever experienced.

A widower pastor with a young daughter just trying to survive the day to day life he was dealt.



A sexy young bartender who doesn't believe in herself or her self worth.


The most unlikely match is what makes this story a game changer. Watching Ben and Ashleigh's story unfold and the purest of love grow will leave a permanent mark on your heart. It's an absolute MUST READ!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was dubious at first thought. I did not want to read of a pastor who gets in trouble nor did I want to read of him with a girl who is reckless with him. My faith means a lot to me. If anything this story shows a lot of Christ like behavior.

It's not anything that I thought. I remember him in Jesse/Bethany saga but here Ben gets to show us his every day Life and it's really sad because he's so young with a young vibrant daughter and he's not given up mourning his deceased wife. A few times I wanted to shake him. He really needed counseling, right?

He know Ashleigh and thinks she's fun. I already adore him for his non judgemental outlook.

There is a church oversight committee looking at Ben's partaking in Jesse's concert, deemed obscene by the committee. Ben says it's a one time thing.

Lots of wonderful things between Ashleigh and Ben. It's not a typical rockstar story but you're going to love Ben and Ashleigh. I know it.

[Callixta · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’avais lu le premier tome de cette série qui porte comme son nom l’indique ur un groupe de musique, au sens large du terme comme le prouve ce tome. J’avoue ne pas avoir été tentée par le second tome portant sur un membre du groupe mais j’avais été très intéressée par le frère du héros du premier tome, Ben, pasteur de son état.

Tout paraissait relativement simple. dans le premier tome, nous avons droit au couple habituel : le mauvais garçon et la fille bien sous tout rapport, croyante. Elle travaillait auprès de Ben, justement, le pasteur. Elle gardait sa petite fille, Elliot. Ce tome est à front renversé. Ashleigh, l’héroïne est la mauvaise fille et évidemment, ben est l’homme parfait. Non seulement, il vit exactement en suivant les préceptes de sa religion, mais il est empathique, généreux, tolérant et beau. Tout pour plaire. Il a aussi, l’histoire le prouvera, le courage d’échapper aux règles strictes. Mais le grand succès de ce livre est Ash. Il est rare que les héroïnes soient aussi intéressants dans la romance et ici, si Ben ne manque pas d’intérêt, Ash en a beaucoup.

Ash fréquente la paroisse de Ben et il n’y est pas pour rien. Il est beau, inaccessible pour une fille comme elle. Du moins, c’est ce qu’elle croit. Ash est une femme libre, elle n’a pas fait d’études, elle est barmaid depuis son adolescence ou presque. Elle enchaîne les relations sexuelles sans conséquences. Bref, elle est l’opposé de ce que Ben cherche chez une femme. Mais elle est belle, représente la tentation avec ses tenues affriolantes et sa blondeur. J’ai vraiment craint à un moment qu’on tombe dans le schéma femme fatale/homme de Dieu, mais non, elle n’est pas Marie-Madeleine même si certains paroissiens la voit comme ça.

C’est surtout une femme très attachante, qui cache une mauvaise estime d’elle-même avec ses tenues provocantes et sa grande bouche. Elle est généreuse et très touchante. Elle a un secret et je crois n’avoir jamais lu, dans une romance anglo-saxonne ce type de passé. C’est courageux et pas du tout anodin mais traité avec justesse et humanité. Cela donne un ton particulier à cette histoire d’amour classique.

Ash est quasi amoureuse depuis l début, Ben a du chemin à faire. La mort de son épouse à la naissance d’Elliot a laissé une plaie béante depuis six ans ou presque. Pour lui sa femme était irremplaçable et selon ses principes son mariage est toujours valide au-delà de la mort. Si Ash doit travailler sur sa confiance et son estime d’elle-même, Ben doit sortir du deuil et réfléchir à ses valeurs. À sa façon, Ash va faire preuve d’une extrême patience et d’une grande générosité.

Il y a aussi le contexte de la paroisse. La foi est présentée sous tous les angles. Depuis la tolérance et l’humanité de Ben jusqu’à l’étroitesse d’esprit de certains, leur attitude pleine de jugement. L’auteure a visiblement un message à faire passer. Il est plutôt beau et inspirant.

Le frère de Ben, héros du premier tome est bien là, comme son épouse, amie d’Ash. Il y a aussi la mignonne petite Eliott et les autres membres du groupe. L’histoire est jolie, le message très beau, le couple de héros attachant et avec des personnalités différentes, fouillées, qui servent parfaitement l’intrigue.

C’est un livre totalement réussi, qui donne envie de lire encore cette auteure qui arrive presque à la perfection dans certains de ses livres.

http://romance-bluemoon.com/2020/01/f...

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, my new year of reading started off with a bang, I was invested in this story before this book was even released. Pastor Ben and Ashleigh's story was in the making from Skipped a Beat. In my review for that book I preyed for Ben's story and I wasn't at all sorry or disappointed with what I got.

I totally and utterly fell head over heels in love with Pastor Ben but he was so much more than a Pastor, he was a devoted man, a great father to Elliot and sadly widower. All was well in his world until his brother Jessie and eventually, Ashleigh barreled into his and Elliots lives.

This story is complex, Ben and Ashleigh are polar opposites and like magnets are completely drawn to each other. Ashleigh is a brilliant character with a free spirit and a devil may care attitude, making her a great standout character. She is completely right for Ben the man not the Pastor, widower or any other title he has.

This story isn't all sunshine and roses, it's raw, heartbreaking but real. It shows that people DO judge books by covers, by the past mistakes and misfortunes people carry with them. They don't see the real person. They just see the mask a person wears to hide the hurt and pain that plagues them.

I totally and utterly recommend this book and series, this is a great opposites attract romance with a rockstar twist. It's brilliant.

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[Drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take me to church!
Y’all J.B. totally knocked it out of the park with this one! I devoured this book. Literally in one sitting and there was one reason: Pastor Ben!😍😍 I loved him. He’s swoony AF! I mean, for real, he had me swooning so much throughout this book! I loved how he treated everyone in his congregation; fairly and without judgment. I loved how he loved his daughter. I loved his relationship with his brother. I loved how real and vulnerable he was, and I absolutely ADORED how he showed Ashliegh her worth and the kind of love she deserved. 🥰That, definitely was the swooniest part! 😍😍
I loved Ashliegh too. She was Ben’s opposite in so many ways, but she was exactly what he needed. She was vulnerable, but she hid her vulnerability behind her vulgar speech and brash personality. She was a loyal and loving friend. The way she treated Ben’s daughter though...that was my favorite. She was so endearing and loving. Very few people got to see that side. But Ben did. Even when Ashleigh tried to put up her usual guarded front, Ben saw her and he showed her the kind of love she deserved.
This was a slow burn romance that had me feeling all the feels! Both Ben and Ashleigh had really difficult pasts, but the love and understanding they showed each other healed, and was beautiful. I loved watching their love story slowly unfold. This was another fabulous book in the Love, Hate, Rock -n-Roll series, and dare I say...my favorite -Don’t tell Jesse 😉 Y’all read this book!

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Face the Music introduced you to Ben and Ashleigh. They are completely different from each other but it made for a great opposites attract one another book. Ben still hasn't completely moved on from his wife after her untimely death. It's been six years but she still has his heart. Every now and then, though, he does start to see Ashleigh in a different light and maybe.. just maybe he can give his heart away one last time.

Enter Ashleigh. Now she has been pining over Ben for like three years. Unfortunately for her, nothing has happened between them (yet). When her best friend Bethany can't babysit Ben's daughter, well Ashleigh steps up to the plate. Maybe being around her will get her closer to Ben.

Okay, I'm not going to lie. Elliot is the cutest kid ever. I adored every chapter that she was in and it doesn't even matter who she was talking to. After getting all that cuteness though, I needed some sexual tension and chemistry to balance it all out. Thankfully, I got so much sexual tension! Ugh, I swear these two were just explosive together.

In the end, I need to dive into the next book so freaking badly!

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did like this book, I didn’t love it as much as I had hoped I would. My feelings toward Ashleigh would come and go. As soon as I would start to like her, she would do something that would turn me off her. But I felt the exact same way about Ben. It took me a while before I really liked either of them. I hated that Ashleigh always had negative thoughts about herself but she didn’t want to work hard to make herself better. She continued to act the same way.

And I could sort of understand Ben’s issues with trying to move on after losing his wife but he kept saying he was a married man. It took him a while to remember the part of his vows that said til death do us part.

It felt like the ending was a bit rushed but overall this was a good book. I’m assuming we get Ethan’s book next.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor-ize me please!!

I just knew Ben would end up with Ashleigh and still, I’m jealous of a book character! Strange, that! This was an awesome story and I loved the storyline as well as the characters. Ashleigh has low self esteem but Ben makes her feel worthy. As Pastor of her church, she drools over him every Sunday. When he asks her on a date she is stunned but quickly accepts. The story really heats up!

By far my favorite characters which says a lot because I’ve loved them all to date!

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! And this book (#3), is a hilarious hot mess.
Ben Langley is a gorgeous Pastor that cusses like a Rock Star. Ashleigh is a beautiful girl with a heart of gold who looks for love/sex in all that wrong places. Some creep in her life has made her feel unworthy and she believed him. Ashleigh is so good to Ben's five year old daughter and they would make a perfect family!

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really resonated with me. The heroine put on a happy face but deep down she always felt like she wasn't good enough. It took a lot for anyone to get through to her, to make her believe that she was worthy. I can really relate to that.
This book really tugged on my heartstrings. I truly enjoyed it. 5 stars

[Amberb03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved Ben and Ash!!!!

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the last few books of my reading year 2019 was “Face the Music” by JB Salsbury.
I was super happy and surprised to be able to read it this early.
Reading and reviewing as many books in one year as I do it is often not easy to recall the plots of previous books (which is why I avoid reading unfinished series where basically your opinion on the whole plot depends on still remembering what you read months ago) – but the second I saw the plot of Face the Music I remembered how I intrigued I was when I first “met” Ben previously in that series … like more than a year ago or so …

Believe me for him being not even a secondary but more a third kind of character (is there even such a thing as that?) in that previous book that truly speaks a volume. If you followed the series then you know Ben and his Background with Jesse Lee, his childhood and his tragedy. So you can already guess that you will join quite the ride with this plot and believe me the blurb tells you not even half of it. Because being the amazing author that she is JB Salsbury uses everything she can to draw the reader in and her writing style will refuse to let you go.

The ingredients couldn’t be more perfect …. With his Background and Family Ben already has enough of a story to tell to fill this book but throwing the very let’s say “colorful” Ashleigh into the mix as well as his “job” – the reader will not be able to stop reading – of that I am positive. This is like the modern rock and roll version of “The Thorn Birds” - only with much more enjoyable leads, slightly different obstacles, a more intriguing plot...

OK OK I admit actually it is almost nothing like “The Thorn Birds” but still I could not get that book/movie out of my mind as I hated it a lot as a child (my mother was a fan) I simply wanted Ben and Ashleigh to have a better ending than Ralph and Meggie - but with all that is in their way – let’s face it (har har pun intended) it is not looking very good …

As a Pastor, Ben not only places high expectations on himself but with his tragic background it is only logical that he is all kinds of damaged when it comes to relationships. Ashleigh isn’t any better, but also she has her reasons and she has high walls around her made from slutty clothes and she hides behind foul language and some kind of “You think I am bad? Well, probably it’s worse than you think” attitude. That alone would be enough to fill the pages of this book.

But don’t worry. Ms. Salsbury made sure that there is even more because it will be outside forces that set the tone of the plot and bring me back to my “Thorn Bird” thoughts.

I read several books of this author in the past and while “Split” will probably remain my favorite – this series has taken a good and strong second place. And I cannot wait what this author is up to next (secretly hoping it will be something wicked with a damaged character like in “Split” or at least someone like “Jesse Lee”)

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[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 It’s More than They Ever Expected Stars!!!

Yes, you’re reading that correctly…this is a 10 star read for me. I know there’s not that many stars available but I needed a way to express how much this book and Ben and Ashleigh’s story touched me in so many ways!!

Yes, I’m in love with a Pastor, Ben to be specific and I guarantee you my Jewish Mom NEVER thought she’d hear those words come out of my mouth but I just can’t help myself. This man is so much more than Jesiah’s older brother, Elliot’s father, the Pastor of Grace Church and Maggie’s widowed husband. He’s full of complex layers that have caused him insurmountable grief, bursts of joy and love and in some ways redemption.

Ashleigh on the other hand is a woman that is so far from who Ben thought he would be attracted to. She’s brash, says what’s on her mind, doesn’t abide by societal standards in any part of her life but most importantly she’s covered in an armor of her own making. This girl made me cry for the pain she’s experienced and is hiding from the world. There’s a select few she trusts with her secrets, one of which is Bethany, and even she doesn’t know it all. This girl doesn’t believe she’s worthy of the love Ben wants to give her and watching their story unfold was truly an emotional experience.

This book has it all….love, guidance, jealousy, guilt, second chances and on and on. Ben hasn’t really felt alive in all the years since his wife died and when Ashleigh finds her way into his life on several levels his and Elliot’s lives are turned topsy-turvy! He’s trying to understand these feelings that he has without feeling like he’s betraying his wife. Ms. Salsbury has done such a fantastic job of writing a story that has this element to it…she deals with it head on and not letting it slide to the background of this story. It’s almost like Maggie and her death are another character in this story. At moments I was so frustrated with Ben but then he would say or do something involving Ash and my heart would start to beat again for him and what was possible for both of them.

Ash is a woman that so wants to be loved but is afraid to reveal her true self in fear of Ben rejecting her and rejection is something this girl is very familiar with. I loved how she pushed the buttons of those around her. There’s one character in particular that I took great glee in her speaking her mind because trust me when I tell you, she got what was coming to her!!!

This book is EVERYTHING I was hoping for Ben and Ashleigh’s story and so much more. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I cheered. I loved watching Ben come to the realization it’s okay to love again and seeing Ashleigh experience what true love feels like and seeing her metamorphosis into the young woman that she’s always wanted and meant to be.

Oh and Elliot is a little girl that grabbed my heart and won’t let go. She’s precocious, curious, sassy and full of love that anyone that’s around her can’t help but be drawn into.

If you do nothing else this week, please one-click this book and settle in for a story that is so much more than a second chance love story. Ms. Salsbury will grab you by the heart, take you on a journey that is one of the best slow-burn stories I’ve ever read and when you turn that last page you’ll have a feeling of happiness and joy at what love can truly accomplish!!

[Marie Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face the Music surprised me in so many ways. I didn’t expect for the characters to burrow so deeply into my heart as they did. I definitely didn’t expect the level of emotions I felt. JB Salsbury has always impressed me with each of her love stories, but Face the Music touched me on a deeper level than her previous books have and I loved every single moment.

Ben and Ashleigh were incredible characters. Their opposites-attract love story was breathtaking. With Ben’s conservative views (I mean, he’s a pastor, so he was held to a higher standard of how to live than others). But he was so kind and gentle and open. He was excepting and lived by the heart. So much so his past loss still was an ever present feeling he’d learned to live with. He has been living for his daughter and for his church. But one night in stage with his brother sparked a new life he didn’t expect. And the beauty of an unlikely match brought color and new life to his world.

Ashleigh was a woman that has lived a rebellious life. A super strict upbringing led her to live life freely. She owned her beauty and sexuality and enjoyed every moment. But catching the eye of a man like Ben has her past life and insecurities rushing to the surface. Their connection was unexpected and undeniable and absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

I don’t even know if it’s possible to love this story and the characters more than I do. It was outstanding, breathtaking and inspirational.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had some big hopes for Pastor Ben's story since Jesse's story. And J.B. Salsbury didn't disappoint. It was a great opposites attract contemporary romance with plenty of feels to go around.

Pastor Ben's wife died giving birth to their daughter. And in the following six years Ben hasn't even entertained the thought of moving on. He's focused on his daughter and his congregation. And then his brother was forced to detox under his watchful eye and it sparked something that he had kept suppressed for years, his love of music. Something else he has suppressed in the past six years was his libido. And if anyone temps him it is Ashleigh.

Ashleigh is Bethany's best friend. She's funny and outspoken and dresses sexy. She's completely the opposite of a pastor's wife but Ben needs a babysitter and Ashleigh steps up to the plate. The scenes with Ashleigh and Eliot were hilarious, Eliot was such an adorable kid.

I appreciate the slow build between Ashleigh and Ben. Ashleigh is used to men lusting after her but not respecting her. To honoring her and that is what Ben hopes to change.

As characters Ben was just the sweetest hero I have read in awhile. He's not outrageous like his brother, he's the calm and steady one. And Ashleigh whose flashiness is a cover for her insecurities. They are complete opposites but it works.

Want to find out more? Check out my review on Stephanie's Shelves

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo... Honestly, for a lot of this book I was so freaking frustrated with Pastor Ben. But on the flip side, I was as crazy for him as everyone who has read this book was. The love and honor and fidelity Ben had for the mother of his child was, in many ways, one of the most touching things I've ever read. But at some point it's time to let go of the past and start living again. And IMO, Ben waited way to long to do that.

Ashleigh, so broken and yet so strong! Man I love that woman! And I LOVED the way she was with Elliot, she was amazing!!! I was so happy she found someone that could give her the love and devotion she so desperately needed and deserved.

And Elliot! OMG!!! I loved that little spitfire!!! I can't wait til she grows up and gets a book of her own!!!

There were quite a few good quotes but my very favorite was from Elliot. “Rene told me vegetarians only eat vegetables. Does that mean humanitarians eat people? Uncle Jesiah said yes and that I’m so smart. Can we stay here forever?”

This is definitely a book and a series I would recommend!!! And most assuredly NOT an insta-love story!!! I don't think I've ever read such a slow burn story before! But once the fire started, WATCH OUT!!!! It was a conflagration!!!!

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this book just didn't vibe for me. I get that Ben is a pastor and they have failures just like anyone else. For someone who is a preacher and yet didn't live but what he preached was a conflict for me. He was judgmental without hearing all the facts in certain situations.
Ashleigh has been lusting after Ben for quite awhile. When he starts showing her attention she is questioning what's going on. She puts on barriers to him because the difference on their outlooks couldn't be further apart.
Don't get me wrong I don't know the proper conduct of a pastor, but I was always lead to believe that you don't go and hang out at bars, pick fights, and pretty much have a sexual relationship without actually doing the deed. I don't have an issue with how things played out just not a realistic portrayal of a pastor, IMO.
Also the book was boring at times and noticed that I skimmed a lot when it got very descriptive and seem to go on and on.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Oh, Pastor Ben. You have my heart!

An opposites attract romance that is both fun and emotional, and so damn sweet! This is such a beautiful story, and I loved it!

This is the third book in the Love, Hate, Rock-n-Roll series. It’s the story of Ben and Ashleigh, both introduced in book #1, Playing by Heart (Ben is the brother of rock star, Jesse Lee, and Ashleigh is the best friend of Jesse’s now wife, Bethany), but this book can be read as a standalone.

Ben is the pastor of a church and a widowed single father to an adorable five-year-old daughter. His beloved wife died giving birth to Elliot and he has never been able to move on, holding tight to her memory and to the vows he made to her. But temptation comes in the form of wickedly crude and sassy Ashleigh. His ex-babysitter’s best friend is a sexually liberated wild girl with a filthy mouth and a flair for flashing skin. Sitting in the front row of his church week after week and flirting shamelessly with him whenever she has the opportunity, Ben is unable to resist Ashleigh’s light and liveliness, and he begins to feel something for her.

Ashleigh has crushed on Ben from the moment she first saw him. She knows that she is far from the woman that a man like him would typically go for, and she also knows that he is committed to the memory of his wife, so she doesn’t ever expect anything to happen between them. But when she begins to spend more time with him and Elliot, things begin to shift.

This is such a fantastic relationship. Ben and Ashleigh are so different, but they just don’t care. Their feelings for each other are strong, and though they are from completely different backgrounds, living extremely different lives, it doesn’t matter when it comes to their attraction. Instead, their hurdles come from their own personal issues. They have both had trauma in their pasts, and they are both still struggling to deal with it, and they are also figuring out who they are and where they want to be. There are big decisions to be made, and it’s a bit of a journey for them, and I loved watching them work through it all.

I don’t want her to see me as a married man. I don’t want her to see me as a pastor. I want her to know I’m a warm-blooded male who has his eyes set on her and I’m capable of being the kid of man she needs.

The story is written in dual POV so we get to see all that they are feeling up close and personal, and my heart ached for them and all they were going through. The emotion is beautifully written, and the drama brings so much depth to the story, bringing feels, angst, and a wonderful intensity that had my heart pounding.

“I opened my fucking soul to you. I held my heart in my hands and offered it to you, broken and battered and so demolished, but I gave it all to you. And you…” he shakes his head. “You give me nothing. Your walls are firmly in place while I’m bleeding out at your feet.”

It’s a heartwrenching read at times, but it’s balanced by sweet and funny moments with Elliot, hilarious and outrageous outbursts by Ben’s brother, Jesse, and by the sweet and flirty relationship that develops between Ben and Ashleigh. It’s a slow burn, with plenty of chemistry and steam, and it’s beautifully heartfelt as they figure it all out.

“There is nothing you could tell me that I won’t love you through.” … I continue to hold her eyes. “There is nothing you could say or do that I won’t love you through.”

Swoon!

Ben and Ashleigh’s story isn’t an easy one, but I loved their journey, and it’s worth it for the happy ending that left me grinning and swooning yet again. There is one member of the band left to have his story told, and with that little hint dropped at the end, I’m really looking forward to Ethan's book to round out the series.

Loved this one – 4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

* A review copy was provided by the author. *

~ 4 Pastor Langley Stars ~

OH MY WORD!!! I LOVE Pastor Ben Langley.

I was so intrigued with Ben Langley and his daughter Elliot when I met them in Playing By Heart. I was so excited to her that J.B. Salsbury was writing his story and that his love interest was Ashleigh. I loved her character in the first book, so I was thrilled to get to know her better and what made her tick.

What I wasn’t expecting was all the emotion that was in this book. I knew Ben’s story was a sad one, because we learned some of his background in he first book, but my heart was torn a part by his pain and guilt that he felt throughout this story. Plus the emotions that the author shows us that were underneath Ashleigh’s sass and snark. I just couldn’t get enough of these characters.

Face the Music is the third book in the Love, Hate & Rock n Roll Series. It is a standalone novel, but I truly think that readers should read Playing Be Heart first. That way you get the full experience of Ben Langley and Ashleigh. I think you will appreciate their story so much more if reading book 1 first. This book is told in Dual POV. I almost want to say that this is a continuation of Ben’s story. You’ll understand that more once you read these books. I thought the flow of this story worked well. This is a slow burn romance, but I think that was for the best for Ben and Ashleigh. I did think the pace at times was on the slower side, at least for my liking. I thought this book could’ve been a tad bit shorter and some things could’ve been left out to move this a long a little faster. Just my opinion. It didn’t take away my overall enjoyment of this book. It’s just why I didn’t give this a 5 star rating.

In this book we follow Ben and Ashleigh’s story. As I said we met them both in book 1. Their friendship took form in that book and continued to go in this book. Pastor Ben is a single father who tragically lost his wife during child birth. He has had trouble moving on and letting go of his late wife. Ashleigh is Bethany’s (heroine from book 1) BFF. She has a growing attraction to the Pastor, but doesn’t think she is good enough for him. She has always lived her life not settling down and only having casual hook-ups. But something calls to her about the Pastor and she is captivated by him. Can a Pastor who lives his life by certain rules fall for someone who is the exact opposite?? Can Ashleigh let down the walls she built and let the Pastor in?? Read this book to find out.

I loved seeing Bethany, Jesse, Ethan, Ryder and Elliot again in this story. This band is more than a band….they are a family. I love coming back into their world and seeing where this world will take them,

If you are a fan of J.B. Salsbury’s books you don’t want to miss this latest gem!!! Add this to your TBR list NOW!!!

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