I love a good rock star romance, and Taylor really excels at the anticipation. The energy that thrums through you before and after a great concert. And Taylor achieves that great balance with Spencer, between anxiety and falling into a role he was made for.
"Grey continues tapping his foot on the bass pedal, maintaining a steady rhythm. The deep sound vibrates through me, humming in my veins. I’m reminded of how long I’ve wanted this and how long I’ve waited. Despite the minutes until I’m technically supposed to go on stage, I don’t give a shit. I’ve waited long enough."
"The crowd raises their arms, neon orange and green bands wrapped around their wrists. Their screams filter through me as I slide my favorite pick from my pocket. I grip the microphone with my right hand, pinching the pick between my thumb and forefinger."
"The fans cheer, jumping up and down, raising their arms and clapping. I find myself cheering along with them, yelling at the top of my lungs. I can feel my throat expanding, allowing the cold air and excitement to tingle its way down. My body heats, and I know it isn’t from the hundreds of people surrounding me. It’s Spencer. He’s lit the fire inside me once again. He’s the match, and I’m the striker."
Most of the book talks about how he's wanted this since he was a child. The background about him learning guitar was fabulous. He has some reservations, but he mostly lives for the fans. Which is why I didn't really get the blurb about the book, parts where it talked about him not wanting fame. It seems to me that he wanted to badly, with some problems on the side.
I also had a hard time with his they met. It didn't seem feasible when she talked about how much she needed this job. She is professional and well liked journalist, but she doesn't do THIS (spoiler). But I know you have to suspend believe sometimes in fiction, but this bothered me.
However, it's a riveting story. Well written, and fully formed characters, even the minor ones. And the lyrics and music was fantastic. I saw that the author has someone write them, and they marry perfectly with the story. Love the way Spencer isn't a "reformed" bad boy. He's just having trouble navigating the social aspects of being a rockstar.
There are some subtle sentences that just grabbed me and held on.
"There’s this brilliant haze about her, pulling me in, and this time, I hope it won’t disappear."
“There’s a fine line between dreams and reality. Sometimes they’re hard to discern, but in the end, does it really matter?”
"It’s like our hands are flowing through water, shifting and dancing with the current. "
“Love makes us fools, Rachel. Fools and idiots.”
This is a very strong story and near perfect dialogue. You feel like you are THERE, and it helps that Spencer is so likable. Tired of the anti -hero rock gods, we readers needed this book.