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Rockford High #5
Don't Trash the Heartthrob
He was a movie star. She was a nobody. Until their worlds collided.
Stephanie couldn’t believe it when the handsome and famous actor, Brandon Travers, responded to her Vlog. Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea to publicly state how poorly he played Xander in the latest movie craze, The Paper Pirate. Now Brandon wanted a public apology, one that Stephanie wasn’t about to make.
Brandon’s life was out of control. Every second of his life was dictated by other people. He had to play so many parts, he’d forgotten what living his own life was like. His only escape from all of the pressure was something that could end up destroying him. And he couldn’t stop.
The only thing he looked forward to was talking to Stephanie. He needed her help or he was going to end up imploding.
Stephanie couldn’t believe it when the handsome and famous actor, Brandon Travers, responded to her Vlog. Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea to publicly state how poorly he played Xander in the latest movie craze, The Paper Pirate. Now Brandon wanted a public apology, one that Stephanie wasn’t about to make.
Brandon’s life was out of control. Every second of his life was dictated by other people. He had to play so many parts, he’d forgotten what living his own life was like. His only escape from all of the pressure was something that could end up destroying him. And he couldn’t stop.
The only thing he looked forward to was talking to Stephanie. He needed her help or he was going to end up imploding.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2020
90 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 26, 2020
Another clean romance in the YA series that takes place in the small town of Rockford. Stephanie is a serious movie buff and has a Vlog where she critiques movies--the scripts, directing, actors, etc. She really trashes teen actor/heartthrob Brandon Travers in his latest movie, and when the actor contacts her she doesn't believe it's him. Brandon is one of the hottest young actors but his life isn't as glamorous as outsiders think it is. He's got so many people telling him what to do--his agent, his publicist, his manager, and his mom--he just wants everyone to get off his back. When he gets into a serious car accident with another teen actor it makes the adults in his life want to get him away from Hollywood so he can get his life back on the right track.
Stephanie's got her own issues due to her former boyfriend, so she's not looking for another serious relationship with a guy. You know that means she's about to find one anyway. She's a great influence on Brandon, who's life is headed down the wrong path. I liked that Brandon also had some influence on Stephanie, at least when it came to her Vlog, when he pointed out she rarely said positive things about the movies she reviewed. She seemed to only dwell on the negative.
I liked that Brandon got to live like a regular teenager when he went to live with his aunt in Rockford. I thought his mother should've had more of an influence in his life and could've done more when she realized he was hungover--I mean he is only 17. She also could've gotten with his agent and manager about Brandon's schedule being so busy. That's the mom in me coming out.
This is part of the Rockford High series, but you could read this one by itself and not be confused about who is who. This is a clean romance but does mention drinking and drug use (in passing not in great detail).
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Stephanie's got her own issues due to her former boyfriend, so she's not looking for another serious relationship with a guy. You know that means she's about to find one anyway. She's a great influence on Brandon, who's life is headed down the wrong path. I liked that Brandon also had some influence on Stephanie, at least when it came to her Vlog, when he pointed out she rarely said positive things about the movies she reviewed. She seemed to only dwell on the negative.
I liked that Brandon got to live like a regular teenager when he went to live with his aunt in Rockford. I thought his mother should've had more of an influence in his life and could've done more when she realized he was hungover--I mean he is only 17. She also could've gotten with his agent and manager about Brandon's schedule being so busy. That's the mom in me coming out.
This is part of the Rockford High series, but you could read this one by itself and not be confused about who is who. This is a clean romance but does mention drinking and drug use (in passing not in great detail).
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
March 1, 2020
Trash talk and romance
Everyone wants to be a big vlogger or YouTube star these days. Okay, maybe not everyone, but Stephanie sure does and she loves to critique movies. Imagine her surprise when she trashes a teen actor and he actually starts up a conversation with her. Some things aren't too good to be true, or so it seems.
Stephanie is snarky and down-to-earth, but has some serious relationship issues, which causes her to put a nix on anything date-y. Her best friends makes a high school matching app, which Stephanie reluctantly signs up for, and the results are a slight love triangle--high school style. I love her sass and style, especially where a certain celebrity is concerned.
I also appreciated the way Lieske portrayed Brandon. He's a teen star and like a lot of them, battles with the partying scene, as well as finding his voice, his place, and where he fits in life, and after one final straw, he ends up closer to Stephanie than anyone ever expects. I adored and anticipated their interactions, especially the zings that Stephanie would launch. Although he has issues of his own, this gregarious heartthrob stole a piece of my inner teenage heart.
I love this series and the fun romp back to the past. Lieske has an engaging writing style that always seems to reel me in, with her solid characters and sweet romance. If you love high school drama, you'll love this one.
Content: mild romance (kissing, light innuendo); teen partying
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Everyone wants to be a big vlogger or YouTube star these days. Okay, maybe not everyone, but Stephanie sure does and she loves to critique movies. Imagine her surprise when she trashes a teen actor and he actually starts up a conversation with her. Some things aren't too good to be true, or so it seems.
Stephanie is snarky and down-to-earth, but has some serious relationship issues, which causes her to put a nix on anything date-y. Her best friends makes a high school matching app, which Stephanie reluctantly signs up for, and the results are a slight love triangle--high school style. I love her sass and style, especially where a certain celebrity is concerned.
I also appreciated the way Lieske portrayed Brandon. He's a teen star and like a lot of them, battles with the partying scene, as well as finding his voice, his place, and where he fits in life, and after one final straw, he ends up closer to Stephanie than anyone ever expects. I adored and anticipated their interactions, especially the zings that Stephanie would launch. Although he has issues of his own, this gregarious heartthrob stole a piece of my inner teenage heart.
I love this series and the fun romp back to the past. Lieske has an engaging writing style that always seems to reel me in, with her solid characters and sweet romance. If you love high school drama, you'll love this one.
Content: mild romance (kissing, light innuendo); teen partying
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
March 18, 2020
Light, Sweet Teenage Romance
3.5 stars
This is a cute high school age story. I think it's one teenagers will easily relate to. Stephanie is a Vlogger and movie critic and of course Brandon is a movie star. There were some fun interactions as their relationship evolved to friendship. Both characters have some things going on in their lives that are difficult. I actually thought Brandon's mom was ridiculous and then at the end I was really annoyed. I feel like all the big problems were swept under the rug but this is supposed to be a light hearted read so I guess that's to be expected. I really loved Brandon's efforts at the end of the story and thought the letter writing was so sweet. This book is part of a series with some cross over characters but can stand alone.
Content: underage drinking, drug use. Mention of marital affair.
3.5 stars
This is a cute high school age story. I think it's one teenagers will easily relate to. Stephanie is a Vlogger and movie critic and of course Brandon is a movie star. There were some fun interactions as their relationship evolved to friendship. Both characters have some things going on in their lives that are difficult. I actually thought Brandon's mom was ridiculous and then at the end I was really annoyed. I feel like all the big problems were swept under the rug but this is supposed to be a light hearted read so I guess that's to be expected. I really loved Brandon's efforts at the end of the story and thought the letter writing was so sweet. This book is part of a series with some cross over characters but can stand alone.
Content: underage drinking, drug use. Mention of marital affair.
March 6, 2020
I smiled quite a bit while reading this book. There were a few cringes and moments of me wanting to smack my forehead because of the characters but hey, it's YA. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Yes, even during the moments of said cringing and forehead smacking.
Stephanie was so fun, reading about her vlog and her experiences in high school. I had to laugh at myself because I kept thinking, hmmm, could I do a vlog? What would I talk about, what would be interesting to others in my life. I'd probably end up laughing over everything and sharing way too many of my embarrassing stories, or my foot in mouth moments, like the other day when I...never mind. Scratch that. You don't want to know. I'll leave the vlogging to someone else.
I giggled over Brandon's antics trying to get Stephanie to believe it was him, the teenage movie star heartthrob. It was pretty clever.
These two characters have some struggles that they are dealing with. Some completely different struggles and some similar struggles that bring them together. I though it was great having these two end up in the same place, you'll have to read that one to figure it out.
Another fun addition to the Rockford High series by an author who knows how to write humorous stories with heart and some deeper issues.
Content: I would label this as a clean read. The characters do talk about some issues that they are dealing with that some readers may not consider the book squeaky clean having them be topics. But the author wasn't graphic about the topics, but wrote it in a sensitive way. There is talk about alcohol, substance use (only one small moment and the character thinks it is something else) and an unseen character having wanted a main character to sleep with him. Nothing graphic, just the main character telling another about the situation and her not wanting to sleep with anyone. I know reading all of that makes it seem like a not clean read, but I'm pretty conservative and thought it was done really well.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Stephanie was so fun, reading about her vlog and her experiences in high school. I had to laugh at myself because I kept thinking, hmmm, could I do a vlog? What would I talk about, what would be interesting to others in my life. I'd probably end up laughing over everything and sharing way too many of my embarrassing stories, or my foot in mouth moments, like the other day when I...never mind. Scratch that. You don't want to know. I'll leave the vlogging to someone else.
I giggled over Brandon's antics trying to get Stephanie to believe it was him, the teenage movie star heartthrob. It was pretty clever.
These two characters have some struggles that they are dealing with. Some completely different struggles and some similar struggles that bring them together. I though it was great having these two end up in the same place, you'll have to read that one to figure it out.
Another fun addition to the Rockford High series by an author who knows how to write humorous stories with heart and some deeper issues.
Content: I would label this as a clean read. The characters do talk about some issues that they are dealing with that some readers may not consider the book squeaky clean having them be topics. But the author wasn't graphic about the topics, but wrote it in a sensitive way. There is talk about alcohol, substance use (only one small moment and the character thinks it is something else) and an unseen character having wanted a main character to sleep with him. Nothing graphic, just the main character telling another about the situation and her not wanting to sleep with anyone. I know reading all of that makes it seem like a not clean read, but I'm pretty conservative and thought it was done really well.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 25, 2020
I love reading Victorine Lieske's wonderful, clean romance books!
She is a talented author and I have enjoyed many of her books.
This is book 5 in the Rockford High series. This can be read as a stand alone, or it can be read as a part of the series. This is my favorite book in the series!
Stephanie is a vlogger who loves reviewing movies. She is a critic. She does not seem to have a nice thing to say about any movies she has seen.
One day, she decides to trash the acting of Brandon Travers. He is a young movie star who thinks he is invincible. Next thing she knows, she gets a message from Brandon. She does not believe it is him until he posts something on his twitter account.
After some drinking and drugs gets Brandon into trouble in Hollywood, he has to make a choice. Continue with his Hollywood lifestyle, or change.
Stephanie has a choice to make too.
I loved this book because it shows that second chances can happen. It shows that time can heal all wounds. It also shows that a beginning is just that, a beginning. A start of something new that could turn out wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I honestly would buy this book for a friend or family member if they wanted a copy. It is that good!
She is a talented author and I have enjoyed many of her books.
This is book 5 in the Rockford High series. This can be read as a stand alone, or it can be read as a part of the series. This is my favorite book in the series!
Stephanie is a vlogger who loves reviewing movies. She is a critic. She does not seem to have a nice thing to say about any movies she has seen.
One day, she decides to trash the acting of Brandon Travers. He is a young movie star who thinks he is invincible. Next thing she knows, she gets a message from Brandon. She does not believe it is him until he posts something on his twitter account.
After some drinking and drugs gets Brandon into trouble in Hollywood, he has to make a choice. Continue with his Hollywood lifestyle, or change.
Stephanie has a choice to make too.
I loved this book because it shows that second chances can happen. It shows that time can heal all wounds. It also shows that a beginning is just that, a beginning. A start of something new that could turn out wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I honestly would buy this book for a friend or family member if they wanted a copy. It is that good!
March 6, 2020
Last if the Rockford High series
Stephanie is a Vlogger and she trashes Brandon Travers on her Vlog. He responds and she doesn’t believe it is him. Eventually he convinces her that he is who he says he is and they form a bit of a friendship. Then he gets in a car accident and Stephanie doesn’t know what to think about the bad boy superstar. He comes to live with his Aunt in her hometown hoping to get to know her better. They hit it off but rumors and social media are blowing up and confusing her. I love how Brandon deals with his issues and I don’t blame Stephanie for her fears but she does handle things poorly. This story is about finding out who we really are inside and learning to be open with people and finding forgiveness for mistakes and past hurts.
Stephanie is a Vlogger and she trashes Brandon Travers on her Vlog. He responds and she doesn’t believe it is him. Eventually he convinces her that he is who he says he is and they form a bit of a friendship. Then he gets in a car accident and Stephanie doesn’t know what to think about the bad boy superstar. He comes to live with his Aunt in her hometown hoping to get to know her better. They hit it off but rumors and social media are blowing up and confusing her. I love how Brandon deals with his issues and I don’t blame Stephanie for her fears but she does handle things poorly. This story is about finding out who we really are inside and learning to be open with people and finding forgiveness for mistakes and past hurts.
March 1, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary; YA
Stephanie and Brandon's story was a cute YA novella. Fun way that they met, and how they ended up with time together. Brandon's lifestyle, his literal crash, and his life necessitated a change and a place to heal. For him it was not only a place to physically heal, but emotionally heal as well. They had a fun chemistry and attraction, his pursuit of her as she struggled with who he was, and his real intent, and who he really was a sweet, honest, heartfelt read. This is a light YA read, with a clever way that they met online, and her Vlog was a cute way to have that happen, along with the messaging as well.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Stephanie and Brandon's story was a cute YA novella. Fun way that they met, and how they ended up with time together. Brandon's lifestyle, his literal crash, and his life necessitated a change and a place to heal. For him it was not only a place to physically heal, but emotionally heal as well. They had a fun chemistry and attraction, his pursuit of her as she struggled with who he was, and his real intent, and who he really was a sweet, honest, heartfelt read. This is a light YA read, with a clever way that they met online, and her Vlog was a cute way to have that happen, along with the messaging as well.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
February 28, 2020
You can trust the heartthrob
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
Spoilers... maybe•••
Oh... it sucks that this is the last book to the Rockford series. I, for sure, was hoping for a book with Jade and Chris. But oh well!!!
With that being said.... when I was reading the story with Amanda and Cody... and the ending where Stephanie found out it was Brandon Travers she was bashing online was priceless. I was so ready for this book to come, and when I finally got an email about this book is out, I was so ready to read it. I even push a few books back that I was planning to read. I was like I have to read this IDC! IDC!
I glad I did because I wasn’t even disappointed at all with this book. That’s how good it was.. the only thing I want to say was Stephanie was so quick to believe that rumor that Alisha had put out was ridiculous. I could tell that she was blinded by what Kyle did to her that she didn’t see the truth. I mean, you could tell how Alisha was when she had called Brandon that day they all went out to eat! But in the end, I was glad when Stephanie and everybody else learned the truth behind that video, and Stephanie forgave Brandon; she finally got her kiss and vise versa. & not only that, they ended up dating each other!!!!
Oh, besides that, Brandon was a fool anyways to get into that car with the guy Tony which lead him to be in an accident and almost losing his arm. Though Tony got the worse of it, he probably ends up in jail since Tony was the one who gave Brandon the pills and was going over the driving limit and running from the cops, which lead to the car flipping couple times. At least, in the end, Brandon learned his lesson...
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
Spoilers... maybe•••
Oh... it sucks that this is the last book to the Rockford series. I, for sure, was hoping for a book with Jade and Chris. But oh well!!!
With that being said.... when I was reading the story with Amanda and Cody... and the ending where Stephanie found out it was Brandon Travers she was bashing online was priceless. I was so ready for this book to come, and when I finally got an email about this book is out, I was so ready to read it. I even push a few books back that I was planning to read. I was like I have to read this IDC! IDC!
I glad I did because I wasn’t even disappointed at all with this book. That’s how good it was.. the only thing I want to say was Stephanie was so quick to believe that rumor that Alisha had put out was ridiculous. I could tell that she was blinded by what Kyle did to her that she didn’t see the truth. I mean, you could tell how Alisha was when she had called Brandon that day they all went out to eat! But in the end, I was glad when Stephanie and everybody else learned the truth behind that video, and Stephanie forgave Brandon; she finally got her kiss and vise versa. & not only that, they ended up dating each other!!!!
Oh, besides that, Brandon was a fool anyways to get into that car with the guy Tony which lead him to be in an accident and almost losing his arm. Though Tony got the worse of it, he probably ends up in jail since Tony was the one who gave Brandon the pills and was going over the driving limit and running from the cops, which lead to the car flipping couple times. At least, in the end, Brandon learned his lesson...
March 3, 2020
Girl Meets Movie Star
When Stephanie starts getting comments on her movie critiquing vlog from Brandon Travers, she doesn’t believe that they’re from the real teenage heartthrob. I love her shock and excitement, but also her commitment to not retract her opinion. If his acting was that horrible, she’s going to tell him!
Circumstances bring Brandon to the same small midwestern town as Stephanie and their online friendship is allowed to blossom.
Brandon was pretty much spinning out of control when he found Stephanie. I felt like his life as a teen actor was portrayed fairly accurately. He had some tough decisions to make about the choices he was making, and I was glad that Stephanie could help him. In a lot of ways he was an idiot, but I did see a lot of growth.
This was a cute normal girl meets movie star story. If you like that plot line, I would also recommend Cinder and Ella by Kelly Oram and #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson.
Content: some kissing, teen alcohol and drug use, mention of a boyfriend pressuring the main character to sleep with him
When Stephanie starts getting comments on her movie critiquing vlog from Brandon Travers, she doesn’t believe that they’re from the real teenage heartthrob. I love her shock and excitement, but also her commitment to not retract her opinion. If his acting was that horrible, she’s going to tell him!
Circumstances bring Brandon to the same small midwestern town as Stephanie and their online friendship is allowed to blossom.
Brandon was pretty much spinning out of control when he found Stephanie. I felt like his life as a teen actor was portrayed fairly accurately. He had some tough decisions to make about the choices he was making, and I was glad that Stephanie could help him. In a lot of ways he was an idiot, but I did see a lot of growth.
This was a cute normal girl meets movie star story. If you like that plot line, I would also recommend Cinder and Ella by Kelly Oram and #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson.
Content: some kissing, teen alcohol and drug use, mention of a boyfriend pressuring the main character to sleep with him
February 24, 2020
Quick, fun, easy read
I don’t usually read high school romances, but somehow picked this one up. It was really fun! I can’t believe it, but I read the entire book in one night, instead of going to bed.
I don’t usually read high school romances, but somehow picked this one up. It was really fun! I can’t believe it, but I read the entire book in one night, instead of going to bed.
May 1, 2020
This cute YA featured Stephanie, a vlogger, and teen movie star Brandon Travers. When Stephanie keeps getting messages from a person “impersonating” the famous movie star, she tells him to bug off…only to find out quickly that it IS really him. A fun girl-next-door and celebrity romance story that sucked me in and had me turning pages till the end. Super fun.
January 10, 2024
an actor and amateur critic who publishes movie reviews on a small blog, by chance, he sees her video about his new movie and leaves her a comment on it.
It's an idea that never fails to be fun, an inevitable romantic plot, so it was a good choice for the final book in the series.
The only problem is that I forget the classification of the series and I wait for more of it, the world of Hollywood and how things work in it, a more complex and deep plot, but I wake up to the very simple romantic plot, and this is completely my wrong because I am expecting something that the book did not promise to give me.
So it was an okay book, I enjoyed the story and the fleeting romance, and the characters are cute and not annoying.
I loved the series and I had a lot of fun while reading it.
It's an idea that never fails to be fun, an inevitable romantic plot, so it was a good choice for the final book in the series.
The only problem is that I forget the classification of the series and I wait for more of it, the world of Hollywood and how things work in it, a more complex and deep plot, but I wake up to the very simple romantic plot, and this is completely my wrong because I am expecting something that the book did not promise to give me.
So it was an okay book, I enjoyed the story and the fleeting romance, and the characters are cute and not annoying.
I loved the series and I had a lot of fun while reading it.
March 17, 2020
Took me awhile to read this book and just couldn’t get into it. I just didn’t feel connected with the characters and plot. It’s a clean YA book and deals with teenagers stuff. Not sure if I like the alcohol and drugs thrown around like it’s an ordinary, day to day thing... maybe I live in a bubble.
February 26, 2020
Sweet and short, teen heartthrob Star falling for the girl next door
I couldn’t help but wish for this story to be longer. It doesn’t hide the fact that being a big star has led Brandon down the troubled path of partying and living the high life. I like that didn’t hide the consequences of his life choices. I also appreciate him realizing that he needed to change. I really liked Stephanie because although she did like him she didn’t go all fan girl on him. But she liked him for who he was and she called him out on his mistakes and past as needed. She really grounded him.
Two really nice characters. Glad they were able to muddle their way through it. I just felt that things went from 0 to 60 really fast when they met face to face. I like that the story did slow down some after that. But I wanted more of the story! It had a great ending, or should I say the ending led to a great new beginning of something meaningful.
Sad to see the series ending.
Rating: PG, teen rebellion, teen drug and alcohol use though portrayed in a negative way and shows the bad consequences of those life choices.
I couldn’t help but wish for this story to be longer. It doesn’t hide the fact that being a big star has led Brandon down the troubled path of partying and living the high life. I like that didn’t hide the consequences of his life choices. I also appreciate him realizing that he needed to change. I really liked Stephanie because although she did like him she didn’t go all fan girl on him. But she liked him for who he was and she called him out on his mistakes and past as needed. She really grounded him.
Two really nice characters. Glad they were able to muddle their way through it. I just felt that things went from 0 to 60 really fast when they met face to face. I like that the story did slow down some after that. But I wanted more of the story! It had a great ending, or should I say the ending led to a great new beginning of something meaningful.
Sad to see the series ending.
Rating: PG, teen rebellion, teen drug and alcohol use though portrayed in a negative way and shows the bad consequences of those life choices.
February 26, 2020
👫Sweet teen connection with a celebrity hero acting up and regretting it🏫
4.5🌟stars💻😍
I liked teen heroine Vlogger Stephanie (although she was a bit too perfect) but teen actor Brandon, with all his hijinks, was the character who seemed most real. Yes, he's bought into the Hollywood lifestyle and sometimes paid for it, sometimes skated through with minimal consequence; that's what made him feel real. He's a bit cocky, but what good-looking, popular teen boy isn't?! And the author gave him a home background that at least partly explains, though it doesn't rationalize away, his mistakes. His connection with Stephanie comes at the right time to help him see the pitfalls of the path he is on.
I've enjoyed all the 🏫 Rockford High books and this one upholds the standard for a well-told and well-written teen drama, sweet, clean and emphasizing the angst and peer pressure while finding support and romance to ease the way to adulthood.😉
4.5🌟stars💻😍
I liked teen heroine Vlogger Stephanie (although she was a bit too perfect) but teen actor Brandon, with all his hijinks, was the character who seemed most real. Yes, he's bought into the Hollywood lifestyle and sometimes paid for it, sometimes skated through with minimal consequence; that's what made him feel real. He's a bit cocky, but what good-looking, popular teen boy isn't?! And the author gave him a home background that at least partly explains, though it doesn't rationalize away, his mistakes. His connection with Stephanie comes at the right time to help him see the pitfalls of the path he is on.
I've enjoyed all the 🏫 Rockford High books and this one upholds the standard for a well-told and well-written teen drama, sweet, clean and emphasizing the angst and peer pressure while finding support and romance to ease the way to adulthood.😉
February 27, 2020
What a fun YA story about a Vlogger from Wisconsin and a young Hollywood movie star who meet online and end up becoming friends. I really liked how Stephanie was such a good influence on Brandon and got him to agree to stop drinking at parties. It was also nice to see Brandon's dad come back into his life and for them to try to form a relationship after so much hurt and anger.
It was nice that Brandon just ended up being a regular student like Stephanie and the other teens at Rockford High School. I liked Stephanie and her strengths and believes. She treated Brandon as just a regular guy and not a star. She also seemed to know when he was lying or not being himself. She was able to call him out too. This was a great story! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
It was nice that Brandon just ended up being a regular student like Stephanie and the other teens at Rockford High School. I liked Stephanie and her strengths and believes. She treated Brandon as just a regular guy and not a star. She also seemed to know when he was lying or not being himself. She was able to call him out too. This was a great story! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
April 23, 2020
This was the backstory Cinder and Ella (Kelly Oram) deserved. While no, the books are the same characters, allow me to explain. This book follows Stephanie, a vlogger who trashes an actor. Sound familiar? Cinder and Ella follows a blogger who became best friends with an actor online and continuously trashes him. However, in that book, Ella was not aware of who Cinder was. Stephanie is perfectly aware. Both have strong yet sad main characters that are easy to relate to. Both have charming male leads, albeit slightly off course. Lieske follows the entire story of the two: how they met both online and in real life, how they fell. This book gave us the witty backstory I have always wanted from Kelly Oram.
Make no mistake, they are different books. I was left feeling satisfied. The story is wonderfully written and I highly recommend.
Make no mistake, they are different books. I was left feeling satisfied. The story is wonderfully written and I highly recommend.
October 14, 2022
I enjoyed reading this (fun and cute) but the pacing was a bit weird for me. I'm glad I finally tried some books by Victorine E. Lieske and I'm sure I'll try some of her others in a near future.
In other news, this series really made me realise I've outgrown this kind of high school YA books. At least, they don't work as well for me as they once did.
The book is available on Youtube, if you are interested.
In other news, this series really made me realise I've outgrown this kind of high school YA books. At least, they don't work as well for me as they once did.
The book is available on Youtube, if you are interested.
May 30, 2025
Very enjoyable series. This was a good book, but not my favorite. I think the book needed to draw me in a bit more. If there was a flash back to Brandon and Stephanie meeting at the jumpy house place but not knowing it was each other until later or something to tie them a bit more. Also, a party boy and a straight laced girl is a great storyline, but I wasn't quite sold. However, still recommend. It is a very solid book, just wanted a bit more. I highly recommend the audiobook on Lieske's YouTube page.
February 26, 2020
A cute romance, the novel is well written with a good plot that will appeal to young adults. The novel is fairly short but nevertheless deals with real teenage issues of dating, loyalty between friends and the insecurities that come from rejection. Add celebrity status to the mix, and the world really gets complicated. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 2, 2020
Cute YA read
This story was cute for a YA book. What I wasn’t crazy about were the emotions of the teens. Sometimes they were overly wild and outlandish other times muted. They were almost cartoonish. I also wished we could have experienced Brandon’s change. He was a jerk and suddenly he had changed? I didn’t believe the change because I didn’t see it and wasn’t rooting for him because of it.
This story was cute for a YA book. What I wasn’t crazy about were the emotions of the teens. Sometimes they were overly wild and outlandish other times muted. They were almost cartoonish. I also wished we could have experienced Brandon’s change. He was a jerk and suddenly he had changed? I didn’t believe the change because I didn’t see it and wasn’t rooting for him because of it.
July 28, 2020
Brandon Travers, movie star, responded to Stephanie's Vlog. She publicly stated how poorly he played Xander in the latest movie craze, The Paper Pirate. He wanted an apology. She wasn't going to give one. His life is out-of-control. He needed her help or he'd implode.
I absolutely loved this book. Interesting plot and characters. Surprises awaited the reader with a great ending. I've read several books written by Victorine and plan to read more.
I absolutely loved this book. Interesting plot and characters. Surprises awaited the reader with a great ending. I've read several books written by Victorine and plan to read more.
August 6, 2022
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Stephanie writes a Vlog and can’t believe it when movie star Brandon Travers responds to her comments about him. When he is injured in a car accident and comes to Rockford to stay with his aunt to recuperate, things begin to get interesting. A tenderhearted teen romance with a plot that includes self-concept, interacting with others and acceptance.
February 25, 2020
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Don't Trash The Heartthrob . This is book five of The Rockford High series . I enjoyed this clean romance . It's well written and a wonderful coming of age type story . It lets you see second chances in life can happen . The characters are unique and entertaining .
I recommend reading this story
I recommend reading this story
February 26, 2020
A sweet YA book
Brandon has gotten caught up in the Hollywood scene. He has a big wake up call and goes to stay with his aunt. He has been texting nwith a highschool vlogger who doesn't think too much of his latest movie. She just so happens to live in the same town as his aunt. Will she believe he is more than his image?
Brandon has gotten caught up in the Hollywood scene. He has a big wake up call and goes to stay with his aunt. He has been texting nwith a highschool vlogger who doesn't think too much of his latest movie. She just so happens to live in the same town as his aunt. Will she believe he is more than his image?
March 7, 2020
This was a pretty good YA Clean Romance with some good and important lessons.
Steph gets to see that the grass isn’t always greener in Hollywood and Brandon learns that there are honest people out there that like him for him and not his star status. Drugs and alcohol were also discussed and lessons were learned.
Steph gets to see that the grass isn’t always greener in Hollywood and Brandon learns that there are honest people out there that like him for him and not his star status. Drugs and alcohol were also discussed and lessons were learned.
March 12, 2020
Sweet High School Romance
I loved how Stephanie was very up front in her vlog and how Brandon liked her as she was! He had to work hard to prove himself, but I loved it! I’m so sad this is the end of the series! What about Graduation? Where’s the big event that sums up everyone’s happily in high school relationships?
I loved how Stephanie was very up front in her vlog and how Brandon liked her as she was! He had to work hard to prove himself, but I loved it! I’m so sad this is the end of the series! What about Graduation? Where’s the big event that sums up everyone’s happily in high school relationships?
October 19, 2020
Good YA book
Well worth the time to read. Pleasant storyline, decent dialogue and interesting characters. Makes me want to know what happens to them in the future. Excellent YA author. Can’t wait to finish all her books and I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, her target audience.
Well worth the time to read. Pleasant storyline, decent dialogue and interesting characters. Makes me want to know what happens to them in the future. Excellent YA author. Can’t wait to finish all her books and I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, her target audience.
May 24, 2025
Content: Clean
I decided to go ahead and finish the series. This one had more depth to it than the last two with the dad leaving and alcohol and drug content. 3.5 Stars?
Maybe it's just me, but he said he didn't want to pressure her but then did nothing but pressure her....
But a decent read I suppose.
I decided to go ahead and finish the series. This one had more depth to it than the last two with the dad leaving and alcohol and drug content. 3.5 Stars?
Maybe it's just me, but he said he didn't want to pressure her but then did nothing but pressure her....
But a decent read I suppose.
February 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun light read. I finished it in an afternoon. I thought it was a creative beginning to a relationship between the two main characters. I have always enjoyed this author and I love the way she writes.
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