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Fast Lane
“Once he met her, it was and always would be Lyla.”
They were the gentlemen bad boys of rock. Forming in a garage in a small town in Indiana. Taking their licks on the road. Going balls to the wall until they made their big break.
And then Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters redefined rock and roll.
Guided by their tortured lead singer and songwriter, the Roadmasters changed the face of music in the 80s and 90s. And on their journey to becoming one of the most enduring bands in history—dogged by rumors and myth and fueled by drugs and booze—the Roadmasters had one touchstone.
Lyla.
Preacher’s muse, the love of his life, and the band’s moral compass, from the beginning, Lyla is along for the ride.
But with fame and acclaim in their grasp, they’ve entered the fast lane.
And they didn’t know it, but they were headed for a crash.
They were the gentlemen bad boys of rock. Forming in a garage in a small town in Indiana. Taking their licks on the road. Going balls to the wall until they made their big break.
And then Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters redefined rock and roll.
Guided by their tortured lead singer and songwriter, the Roadmasters changed the face of music in the 80s and 90s. And on their journey to becoming one of the most enduring bands in history—dogged by rumors and myth and fueled by drugs and booze—the Roadmasters had one touchstone.
Lyla.
Preacher’s muse, the love of his life, and the band’s moral compass, from the beginning, Lyla is along for the ride.
But with fame and acclaim in their grasp, they’ve entered the fast lane.
And they didn’t know it, but they were headed for a crash.
ebook
First published October 15, 2019
1326 people are currently reading
3005 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
138 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
purgatory
October 20, 2019I was intrigued by this when I saw it...but as I have been less than enthused with KA's latest books, I was hesitant. However, as my friend Reading wrote in her amazing review: "I wanted to see what one author copying another's storytelling style and slapping a 'passion project' label on it looks like...It ain't pretty, my friends."
In other words, much like KA watched Games of Thrones and decided torip it off write The Golden Dynasty (which I do love), she apparently read Daisy Jones and the Six (which is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read) and decided she needed to rip it off too write her own version.
Plus, we all know how much KA loves rock and roll music. So, it made sense.
However, after reading some reviews from trusted friends, I think I will skip this one... And just read Daisy Jones and the Six.
In other words, much like KA watched Games of Thrones and decided to
Plus, we all know how much KA loves rock and roll music. So, it made sense.
However, after reading some reviews from trusted friends, I think I will skip this one... And just read Daisy Jones and the Six.
October 16, 2019
"Once he met her, it was and always would be Lyla.”
Liessssssssssss
Liessssssssssss
False advertising!!!!!
He had sex
Lots and lots of sex
With many OW
That line implies celibacy......stop using it if the mcs weren't celibate damn it!!!!!
Kudos to the author for trying something new, it was an interesting concept but not my cuppa unfortunately I pre-ordered and went in without reading a single review #lessonlearned
Ok y'all I'm editing this to add some details because I've gotten a few messages asking me so here goes
This is told interview style which TBH got a bit confusing
We get the entire build up of the band, how they came from nothing to make it big
Preacher had lots of women before Lyla but when he met her she was 17 and he was 23. They had a connection on that night that led to him holding her all night and taking her to breakfast. His plan was to return for her when she hit 18 in 4 months.....Preacher then fucked a lot of women ( proving the blurb wrong because it actually WAS NOT from the moment he MET her) and did drugs....in the words of Chace Keaton (let's not forget how much I hated him) Preacher was " getting the wild out to give her the sweet" this right here is a trigger for me..... anything that reminds me of Keaton is a trigger so I hated Preacher at this point. He doesn't contact Lyla during that time
When he's ready though he thinks she's blowing him off so this lifestyle becomes his norm....until Lyla goes to see him and he sets it up so he could walk in on him with the two girls he'd planned to be with that night. She of course runs He goes after her and she tells him don't kiss her if he'd even kissed OW that night do he doesn't. But in typical KA style he explains he thought she was blowing him off so he fucked anything that moved most times more than one but see Lyla's mom had died and her dad was acting the fool and her grandad was screening Preacher's calls....again in typical KA style Preacher rides to the rescue and saved his girl.
They get together and stay together, sex drugs and rock and roll style.....they both did drugs, Preacher acted like an ass sometimes until we come to conflict 2
Preacher's dealing with some heavy stuff from his childhood, the entire band including Preacher and Lyla are doing pills and drugs until the guys decide to quit. Preacher and Lyla continue until she starts to ease back......again in typical KA style the H starts pulling back from his girl until they get into a really big fight and Lyla slaps him and he says some really awful things to her, I felt so bad for her.....she then leaves
They have a 6 year separation during which Preacher is CELIBATE but Lyla is not ( I forgot to mention she was a virgin before Preacher)
He claims he pushed her away for her own good, because ya know they both needed time apart yadda yadda yadda typical KA with the unnecessary years long separation
Then finally he turns into the typical KA hero
The interview is years later so it's like a look back at all they'd been through
I think that's all lol, this didn't work for me.....every time this author has an opportunity to showcase a really epic LOVESTORY she ruins it with some dramatic bs that causes some type of separation...... with the brief similarity to Keaton, the dramas,the drugs, and the writing style this just didn't work for ME. If however you're ok with the sex, drugs and rock and roll then this may be your thing!
KA really needs someone else to write her blurbs
Liessssssssssss
Liessssssssssss
False advertising!!!!!
He had sex
Lots and lots of sex
With many OW
That line implies celibacy......stop using it if the mcs weren't celibate damn it!!!!!
Kudos to the author for trying something new, it was an interesting concept but not my cuppa unfortunately I pre-ordered and went in without reading a single review #lessonlearned
Ok y'all I'm editing this to add some details because I've gotten a few messages asking me so here goes
This is told interview style which TBH got a bit confusing
We get the entire build up of the band, how they came from nothing to make it big
Preacher had lots of women before Lyla but when he met her she was 17 and he was 23. They had a connection on that night that led to him holding her all night and taking her to breakfast. His plan was to return for her when she hit 18 in 4 months.....Preacher then fucked a lot of women ( proving the blurb wrong because it actually WAS NOT from the moment he MET her) and did drugs....in the words of Chace Keaton (let's not forget how much I hated him) Preacher was " getting the wild out to give her the sweet" this right here is a trigger for me..... anything that reminds me of Keaton is a trigger so I hated Preacher at this point. He doesn't contact Lyla during that time
When he's ready though he thinks she's blowing him off so this lifestyle becomes his norm....until Lyla goes to see him and he sets it up so he could walk in on him with the two girls he'd planned to be with that night. She of course runs He goes after her and she tells him don't kiss her if he'd even kissed OW that night do he doesn't. But in typical KA style he explains he thought she was blowing him off so he fucked anything that moved most times more than one but see Lyla's mom had died and her dad was acting the fool and her grandad was screening Preacher's calls....again in typical KA style Preacher rides to the rescue and saved his girl.
They get together and stay together, sex drugs and rock and roll style.....they both did drugs, Preacher acted like an ass sometimes until we come to conflict 2
Preacher's dealing with some heavy stuff from his childhood, the entire band including Preacher and Lyla are doing pills and drugs until the guys decide to quit. Preacher and Lyla continue until she starts to ease back......again in typical KA style the H starts pulling back from his girl until they get into a really big fight and Lyla slaps him and he says some really awful things to her, I felt so bad for her.....she then leaves
They have a 6 year separation during which Preacher is CELIBATE but Lyla is not ( I forgot to mention she was a virgin before Preacher)
He claims he pushed her away for her own good, because ya know they both needed time apart yadda yadda yadda typical KA with the unnecessary years long separation
Then finally he turns into the typical KA hero
The interview is years later so it's like a look back at all they'd been through
I think that's all lol, this didn't work for me.....every time this author has an opportunity to showcase a really epic LOVESTORY she ruins it with some dramatic bs that causes some type of separation...... with the brief similarity to Keaton, the dramas,the drugs, and the writing style this just didn't work for ME. If however you're ok with the sex, drugs and rock and roll then this may be your thing!
KA really needs someone else to write her blurbs
October 23, 2019
3-3.5 stars
When Kristen Ashley has a new book out, I read it. I couldn't wait to get into her new rock star romance, and when I heard it was written in interview format (much like 'Daisy Jones and the Six) I knew I had to listen to the audiobook. While this book wasn't my favorite of hers, I would recommend the audio over reading it in physical format. The narration was great and I think listening to an interview type book is so much better than reading it.
Fast Lane is about Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters. They're an iconic rock band, and decades after they hit it big, there is an exclusive interview taking place. As we listen to this interview (told from Jesse, Lyla, and Preacher's POV) we learn more about the band's journey to fame, as well as Preacher and Lyla's relationship.
At first, this was a bit confusing. There were a lot of names thrown out and a lot of people/info to keep track of, but once I got a little more into it, it became easier to keep everything straight. I liked Jesse a lot and I wish we would have gotten more of his story. Preacher and Lyla were fine, but their story never hooked me. The romance was lacking for me. I truly felt for Preacher and all he went through, but the rest of the book had it's ups and downs and some parts felt a little flat for me.
Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors and has written some of my favorite books. She's been a little more hit and miss for me lately, but I still adore her stories. This wasn't my favorite of hers, but I know lots of readers that absolutely loved it. If you love audiobooks and stories about musicians, this may be the perfect read for you.
You will fall in love, and fall out of it, and back in, and get a broken heart.
You will lose people you love in slow ways that will feel like someone opened a tap in your heart to let the blood drip out and in fast ways that will set you spinning so you’re so dizzy, you don’t think the earth will ever rotate the same again.
And you’ll be right.
About both
When Kristen Ashley has a new book out, I read it. I couldn't wait to get into her new rock star romance, and when I heard it was written in interview format (much like 'Daisy Jones and the Six) I knew I had to listen to the audiobook. While this book wasn't my favorite of hers, I would recommend the audio over reading it in physical format. The narration was great and I think listening to an interview type book is so much better than reading it.
Fast Lane is about Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters. They're an iconic rock band, and decades after they hit it big, there is an exclusive interview taking place. As we listen to this interview (told from Jesse, Lyla, and Preacher's POV) we learn more about the band's journey to fame, as well as Preacher and Lyla's relationship.
At first, this was a bit confusing. There were a lot of names thrown out and a lot of people/info to keep track of, but once I got a little more into it, it became easier to keep everything straight. I liked Jesse a lot and I wish we would have gotten more of his story. Preacher and Lyla were fine, but their story never hooked me. The romance was lacking for me. I truly felt for Preacher and all he went through, but the rest of the book had it's ups and downs and some parts felt a little flat for me.
Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors and has written some of my favorite books. She's been a little more hit and miss for me lately, but I still adore her stories. This wasn't my favorite of hers, but I know lots of readers that absolutely loved it. If you love audiobooks and stories about musicians, this may be the perfect read for you.
October 24, 2019
First things first:
I didn't read Fast Lane with the intention of hating it and while I didn't hate it I find I'm struggling to find things I actually liked.
I've read Daisy Jones and the Six. I thought it was quite unusual and a little brilliant. I was curious when KA announced her inspiration and intention to write her own "passion project". In spite of serious disappointment in KA's more recent work, I wanted to see what one author copying another's storytelling style and slapping a "passion project" label on it looks like.
It ain't pretty, my friends.
I think it takes an extraordinary level of skill and writing discipline to tell a story the way DJATS was told and from the beginning of Fast Lane I was skeptical that KA could pull it off. I've read most of her books and have never seen any indicators that her style and storytelling abilities would be compatible with a narrative resembling the one used in DJATS. The main problem is quite simple. DJATS isn't a romance. Why KA would choose to tell the story of an allegedly epic romance in a style completely ill-suited for romance is beyond me. Yet here we are. Reading old KA stories in someone else's style. Wandering through a confusing narrative, never quite sure who's talking, still overwhelmed with an excess of decorating detail and reading characters we've read multiple times in prior books. All told in a style completely lacking the emotional intimacy that romance readers expect in, well, romance.
Maybe someday this era of KA books will be called the "WTF Existential Crisis"
Will someone let me know when it's over?
Note to authors:
It isn't "trying something new" or a "passion project" if you tell the same stories, same character types and plot points that repeat throughout all prior stories just because you were "inspired" by another author's method of storytelling. Maybe consider "something new" might include character, dialogue and plot development. Even better, try giving heroes words and emotions. Communication through grunts and clicks is as annoying in fiction as it is in real life.
I didn't read Fast Lane with the intention of hating it and while I didn't hate it I find I'm struggling to find things I actually liked.
I've read Daisy Jones and the Six. I thought it was quite unusual and a little brilliant. I was curious when KA announced her inspiration and intention to write her own "passion project". In spite of serious disappointment in KA's more recent work, I wanted to see what one author copying another's storytelling style and slapping a "passion project" label on it looks like.
It ain't pretty, my friends.
I think it takes an extraordinary level of skill and writing discipline to tell a story the way DJATS was told and from the beginning of Fast Lane I was skeptical that KA could pull it off. I've read most of her books and have never seen any indicators that her style and storytelling abilities would be compatible with a narrative resembling the one used in DJATS. The main problem is quite simple. DJATS isn't a romance. Why KA would choose to tell the story of an allegedly epic romance in a style completely ill-suited for romance is beyond me. Yet here we are. Reading old KA stories in someone else's style. Wandering through a confusing narrative, never quite sure who's talking, still overwhelmed with an excess of decorating detail and reading characters we've read multiple times in prior books. All told in a style completely lacking the emotional intimacy that romance readers expect in, well, romance.
Maybe someday this era of KA books will be called the "WTF Existential Crisis"
Will someone let me know when it's over?
Note to authors:
It isn't "trying something new" or a "passion project" if you tell the same stories, same character types and plot points that repeat throughout all prior stories just because you were "inspired" by another author's method of storytelling. Maybe consider "something new" might include character, dialogue and plot development. Even better, try giving heroes words and emotions. Communication through grunts and clicks is as annoying in fiction as it is in real life.
October 14, 2019
While I wholeheartedly adore the familiar style of writing and storytelling that Kristen Ashley so notoriously delivers from her "happy place," I am both overwhelmed by and overjoyed with her conscious delve into such a daringly new way of illustrating a rock and roll romance. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid was one of the most gripping, soul searing, wholly original stories I'd read in the last year and the knowledge that that book inspired this shift into what would become Fast Lane, as mentioned by the author herself in the forward, had me screaming on the inside as I entered into this novel. The fated marriage of Kristen Ashley, rock and roll, and a Daisy Jones-esque style of storytelling could only ever result in something magical and that's exactly what Fast Lane is. Pure unadulterated MAGIC.
What transpires on these pages is a hauntingly raw look at the rise of a rock band and the drama that shadows and shapes each member, as told through the glaring lens of the journalistic interviews they agree to decades later. This story is as much about family and love as it is about music and, in my heart of hearts, I believe it's one of the most masterful works Kristen Ashley has ever written. It's sheer brilliance the way this story evolves, the way each character shares their nuanced narrative of such a monumental time in all of their lives. It's riveting, complex, unimaginably evocative, and it reads like nothing this author has written before.
I was worried, at first, that this story might mirror DJATS a bit too closely for many readers, that it might not deviate enough from Reid's story to feel original. But I promise, IT DOES. This band, these characters, are like none other, and the manner in which KA unveils their story is unexpected, unpredictable and laced in the signature style known only to her. Truth be told, Kristen Ashley's appreciation and adoration of great music, the soulful message behind so many songs, the gritty reality of so many classic artists, has been a common thread running through almost every KA novel to date. So how she managed to avoid writing a rock and roll romance the likes of Fast Lane until now is possibly the most shocking revelation to come from Fast Lane, in hindsight. Of course, this book was meant to happen, these characters were meant to come alive, and this music was meant to bleed from these page. This book is destiny coming to fruition right before our eyes.
Preacher, Lyla, Jesse, Tommy, Dave, Tim, DeShaun... these are characters that will haunt my dreams. As I reflect back now on where this band began in Jesse's garage, to the events that happened there, to everything that happened along the way, to the secrets revealed about their childhoods, to what they came to mean to each other, to the drugs, to the music, to the gut-wrenching angst of their romance, to their darkest moments and brightest victories, to the way Kristen Ashley plotted out this story so that scenes came out of nowhere and knocked you right on your ass... I have to repeat myself when I say that this is one of the most masterful things she's ever written.
The more I think back on this experience, the more BLOWN AWAY I am. This was brilliant. Magnificent. Next level. No matter where you are on your Kristen Ashley journey, whether you're a newbie reader, a seasoned one, or a reader that might've abandoned ship after reading a few books that just didn't work for you... I'm telling you, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE. It's a dramatic shift in style, a drastic change of pace. There's nothing familiar about it, nothing predictable about it. It's just honest to goodness ROCK AND ROLL, a love story that cuts so deep, characters that claw their way into your soul, a story so meticulous and smart and vividly descriptive. You can't NOT read this book and feel all the feels. Preacher and Lyla are up there as a new top favorite KA couple and this will be one I reread again and again.
What transpires on these pages is a hauntingly raw look at the rise of a rock band and the drama that shadows and shapes each member, as told through the glaring lens of the journalistic interviews they agree to decades later. This story is as much about family and love as it is about music and, in my heart of hearts, I believe it's one of the most masterful works Kristen Ashley has ever written. It's sheer brilliance the way this story evolves, the way each character shares their nuanced narrative of such a monumental time in all of their lives. It's riveting, complex, unimaginably evocative, and it reads like nothing this author has written before.
I was worried, at first, that this story might mirror DJATS a bit too closely for many readers, that it might not deviate enough from Reid's story to feel original. But I promise, IT DOES. This band, these characters, are like none other, and the manner in which KA unveils their story is unexpected, unpredictable and laced in the signature style known only to her. Truth be told, Kristen Ashley's appreciation and adoration of great music, the soulful message behind so many songs, the gritty reality of so many classic artists, has been a common thread running through almost every KA novel to date. So how she managed to avoid writing a rock and roll romance the likes of Fast Lane until now is possibly the most shocking revelation to come from Fast Lane, in hindsight. Of course, this book was meant to happen, these characters were meant to come alive, and this music was meant to bleed from these page. This book is destiny coming to fruition right before our eyes.
Preacher, Lyla, Jesse, Tommy, Dave, Tim, DeShaun... these are characters that will haunt my dreams. As I reflect back now on where this band began in Jesse's garage, to the events that happened there, to everything that happened along the way, to the secrets revealed about their childhoods, to what they came to mean to each other, to the drugs, to the music, to the gut-wrenching angst of their romance, to their darkest moments and brightest victories, to the way Kristen Ashley plotted out this story so that scenes came out of nowhere and knocked you right on your ass... I have to repeat myself when I say that this is one of the most masterful things she's ever written.
The more I think back on this experience, the more BLOWN AWAY I am. This was brilliant. Magnificent. Next level. No matter where you are on your Kristen Ashley journey, whether you're a newbie reader, a seasoned one, or a reader that might've abandoned ship after reading a few books that just didn't work for you... I'm telling you, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE. It's a dramatic shift in style, a drastic change of pace. There's nothing familiar about it, nothing predictable about it. It's just honest to goodness ROCK AND ROLL, a love story that cuts so deep, characters that claw their way into your soul, a story so meticulous and smart and vividly descriptive. You can't NOT read this book and feel all the feels. Preacher and Lyla are up there as a new top favorite KA couple and this will be one I reread again and again.
October 18, 2019
It’s hard to review a book from a favorite author when you feel like there is no real draw to the characters on the page. It’s hard to review a book you didn’t truly care for but that kept you reading through the night. It’s wishful reading. You keep hoping something will make you love the story but it sadly never happens.
If you follow the author on social media, it was impossible to miss the fact she tremendously enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six by Tailor Jenkins Reid and that it inspired her to write Fast Lane.
Kristen Ashley drew inspiration of both the distinct narrative from the book mentioned above and the idea of following the up and down of a rock band from their first steps through the span of several decades all the while revolving around one central character. The muse in this case. The storyline however, is completely hers and the writing/story telling remains very much like the KA we all know. Maybe too much like the KA we all know.
With that being said, starting Fast Lane, I couldn't help myself to compare it to Daisy Jones And The Six: DJATS —still too fresh on my mind, because of the similar and peculiar narrative choice of telling the story through interviews. If I’m asked what this book is about, I honestly would answer "DJATS à la KA". Not sure if it’s flaterring for either authors. I hope it is. I do believe the resemblance and my timing reading Fast Lane not too long after DJATS set me off in a way and played a major factor with my issues getting into the story and appreciate it as a whole.
Speaking of which, a couple other things made it hard to get into Fast Lane.
First, the copious amount of characters names thrown at me within the first chapters were way too confusing. I truly felt the urge to grab a notebook and draw some kind of characters chart or a family tree because I just couldn't keep up with all the people mentioned. I kept forgetting who was who, Ricky, Timmy, Nicky, Tommy, Toby? I don’t even know.
Trying to keep up with who was being interviewed, who was in the band, who was not in the band, was tedious to say the least. It takes a good while to get acquainted with the person being interviewed, then it takes even longer to get situated among the people revolving around them.
Second, ALL the music references. Ugh. So many of them. TOO MANY. It felt like I was reading a beginners’ guide to rock and roll music.
The goal was probably to get the readers to get a sense of what kind of music Preacher and the RoadMasters did except she failed miserably in my opinion. I couldn’t get a feel of what kind of music they played. What kind of lyrics Lyla inspired they got so famous for. It was all so vague. I would have liked some lyrics. If it wasn’t meant to be helpful then it just felt like a rock and roll check list to listen to. I hope it wasn’t meant to make us feel The Roadmasters were above or better than all mentioned, more edgy, "light and dark, you know?" The lack of substancial information about the music they played made them pretty much mainstream and forgettable in my opinion.
The heart of my problem with Fast Lane probably resides in the poor characterization of the muse, Lyla. The Muse. The Saint, The Adored, the Elusive, The Honorable, The Angel. Lyla appears out of nowhere, and suddenly everyone is:
Reading about a rock band’s muse and never getting a sense of what made her so special she’s worshipped by so many beside being told SO MANY TIMES —yet never shown— " Lyla is Lyla "/ " Lyla is the shit " fell a little short for me. I’ve not read anything distinctly *showing* how significant her role was to the group members. Okay, she told a groupie to pack her things once. Big deal.
Now, Preacher McCade…
I guess Preacher McCade was alright if you’re into egocentric, paternalistic assholes. (It’s alright, I know there’s a crowd for this)
Yeah, yeah, maybe it’s part of the charm that made Preacher… you know, Preacher…
And there’s a big reveal at the end of the book that explains *some* of his actions. It didn’t make me like him more or at all though.
I sadly wasn’t charmed, I couldn’t understand the devotion Jesse(member of the band) instantly had toward him. But as I’ve been repeatedly told throughout the book: "Preacher was Preacher, you know?" What Preacher said was word and it wasn’t up for discussion, this fact was hammered throughout the whole book. But *what* made him so special, really? I still have no idea.
So what did make me read on? What did I like in this story? I liked the idea of a romance so powerful it made Preacher recognize his soulmate at first sight. I like the idea of him, big shot womanizer making things right for Lyla. That kept me around. I really liked the angst too. And with an asshole hero like Preacher you bet I got my fill of delicious angst. The narrative kept me curious enough, left me hanging even some times—after getting some time to get used to— I kept hanging around for some romance, for a connection. It helped to get some insight from Lyla flashbacks POV.
There wasn't anything that stood out for me reading Fast Lane, I wanted to enjoy the characters more, my expectations were probably set to high and that's on me.
I wasn’t much impressed by the chronicles of a rock band spanning through the decades, especially after reading DJATS (yes, I can’t help the comparison), the drugs, the sex, and everything surrounding the band through their ascension to success wasn’t what kept me intrigued.
I don’t feel like the writing was any different from what KA usually writes, the format was different, but the writing , especially the way she writes her characters, the dialogues, everything was the same as her previous books. The tits and ass, losta hair of the heroine, the hero asking "you with me?". We even get the HGTV worthy description at the end of the book. After reading +50 KA books, it almost reads as checking items off a list when it comes with the aforementioned.
I wish we would have more character development when it came to describe them other than the rote and generic "Lyla was being Lyla" and "Preacher, he’s Preacher, you know?"
It wasn’t that Fast Lane was bad, it wasn’t particularly good either. You know?
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If you follow the author on social media, it was impossible to miss the fact she tremendously enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six by Tailor Jenkins Reid and that it inspired her to write Fast Lane.
Kristen Ashley drew inspiration of both the distinct narrative from the book mentioned above and the idea of following the up and down of a rock band from their first steps through the span of several decades all the while revolving around one central character. The muse in this case. The storyline however, is completely hers and the writing/story telling remains very much like the KA we all know. Maybe too much like the KA we all know.
With that being said, starting Fast Lane, I couldn't help myself to compare it to Daisy Jones And The Six: DJATS —still too fresh on my mind, because of the similar and peculiar narrative choice of telling the story through interviews. If I’m asked what this book is about, I honestly would answer "DJATS à la KA". Not sure if it’s flaterring for either authors. I hope it is. I do believe the resemblance and my timing reading Fast Lane not too long after DJATS set me off in a way and played a major factor with my issues getting into the story and appreciate it as a whole.
Speaking of which, a couple other things made it hard to get into Fast Lane.
First, the copious amount of characters names thrown at me within the first chapters were way too confusing. I truly felt the urge to grab a notebook and draw some kind of characters chart or a family tree because I just couldn't keep up with all the people mentioned. I kept forgetting who was who, Ricky, Timmy, Nicky, Tommy, Toby? I don’t even know.
Trying to keep up with who was being interviewed, who was in the band, who was not in the band, was tedious to say the least. It takes a good while to get acquainted with the person being interviewed, then it takes even longer to get situated among the people revolving around them.
Second, ALL the music references. Ugh. So many of them. TOO MANY. It felt like I was reading a beginners’ guide to rock and roll music.
The goal was probably to get the readers to get a sense of what kind of music Preacher and the RoadMasters did except she failed miserably in my opinion. I couldn’t get a feel of what kind of music they played. What kind of lyrics Lyla inspired they got so famous for. It was all so vague. I would have liked some lyrics. If it wasn’t meant to be helpful then it just felt like a rock and roll check list to listen to. I hope it wasn’t meant to make us feel The Roadmasters were above or better than all mentioned, more edgy, "light and dark, you know?" The lack of substancial information about the music they played made them pretty much mainstream and forgettable in my opinion.
The heart of my problem with Fast Lane probably resides in the poor characterization of the muse, Lyla. The Muse. The Saint, The Adored, the Elusive, The Honorable, The Angel. Lyla appears out of nowhere, and suddenly everyone is:
We were all under her spell.
All that hair.
Those eyes.
Her quiet way.
Yeah.
Bewitched.
Reading about a rock band’s muse and never getting a sense of what made her so special she’s worshipped by so many beside being told SO MANY TIMES —yet never shown— " Lyla is Lyla "/ " Lyla is the shit " fell a little short for me. I’ve not read anything distinctly *showing* how significant her role was to the group members. Okay, she told a groupie to pack her things once. Big deal.
Now, Preacher McCade…
I guess Preacher McCade was alright if you’re into egocentric, paternalistic assholes. (It’s alright, I know there’s a crowd for this)
Yeah, yeah, maybe it’s part of the charm that made Preacher… you know, Preacher…
And there’s a big reveal at the end of the book that explains *some* of his actions. It didn’t make me like him more or at all though.
I sadly wasn’t charmed, I couldn’t understand the devotion Jesse(member of the band) instantly had toward him. But as I’ve been repeatedly told throughout the book: "Preacher was Preacher, you know?" What Preacher said was word and it wasn’t up for discussion, this fact was hammered throughout the whole book. But *what* made him so special, really? I still have no idea.
So what did make me read on? What did I like in this story? I liked the idea of a romance so powerful it made Preacher recognize his soulmate at first sight. I like the idea of him, big shot womanizer making things right for Lyla. That kept me around. I really liked the angst too. And with an asshole hero like Preacher you bet I got my fill of delicious angst. The narrative kept me curious enough, left me hanging even some times—after getting some time to get used to— I kept hanging around for some romance, for a connection. It helped to get some insight from Lyla flashbacks POV.
There wasn't anything that stood out for me reading Fast Lane, I wanted to enjoy the characters more, my expectations were probably set to high and that's on me.
I wasn’t much impressed by the chronicles of a rock band spanning through the decades, especially after reading DJATS (yes, I can’t help the comparison), the drugs, the sex, and everything surrounding the band through their ascension to success wasn’t what kept me intrigued.
I don’t feel like the writing was any different from what KA usually writes, the format was different, but the writing , especially the way she writes her characters, the dialogues, everything was the same as her previous books. The tits and ass, losta hair of the heroine, the hero asking "you with me?". We even get the HGTV worthy description at the end of the book. After reading +50 KA books, it almost reads as checking items off a list when it comes with the aforementioned.
I wish we would have more character development when it came to describe them other than the rote and generic "Lyla was being Lyla" and "Preacher, he’s Preacher, you know?"
We were all under her spell.
Her ride comes and Christ.
I mean, Christ.
Watchin’ those two say good-bye.
Christ.
We didn’t know.
He didn’t know.
She didn’t know.
But it was like we all knew, you know?
Christ.
It wasn’t that Fast Lane was bad, it wasn’t particularly good either. You know?
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October 14, 2019
5 STARS
I loved it so much, it was refreshing and different from Kristen Ashley's previous books!I loved this story a lot and I loved the world!Kristen Ashley delivers a beautiful and poignant story!
I have so many feelings, and Preacher is fantastic, my heart *sigh* one of my favorite heroes.This is one of Kristen Ashley's best books!It's not your usual book from Kristen so get prepared to be blown away with this amazing world and Kristen's writing!
I loved it so much, it was refreshing and different from Kristen Ashley's previous books!I loved this story a lot and I loved the world!Kristen Ashley delivers a beautiful and poignant story!
I have so many feelings, and Preacher is fantastic, my heart *sigh* one of my favorite heroes.This is one of Kristen Ashley's best books!It's not your usual book from Kristen so get prepared to be blown away with this amazing world and Kristen's writing!
May 26, 2020
First and foremost, I’m impressed that the author decided to write in a different format. That she followed her passion, and inspiration, and that she stepped outside her comfort zone to write this book. And I must admit she did a great job.
Fast Lane, as Daisy Jones & The Six, was written for most of the book in interview format. But whereas Taylor Jenkins Reid jumped between many different interviewee POVs, KA focused on two main characters to tell the story about Lyla and Preacher.
And the longer interview chapters really worked for me. Also, the author’s distinctive writing style was perfect for an interview. The monologues sounded authentic. It was easy to imagine an interview setting. The informal way, and the natural breaks in conversations, as well as jumps from topic to topic, only added to the overall feel of an interview.
Throughout the book one of the things I would have loved to get more of was insight into Preacher. But most of all, I really missed lyrics. The book didn’t include any lyrics at all, and for me that’s the biggest part of a music inspired novel. Besides wanting more insight into Preacher, I also would have liked a deeper look into the band, their dynamics, and all the dealings in the background. I wanted even more rock ‘n’ roll if possible.
But I understand that an interview style format is geared towards telling a story, not showing, and that brings its own set of limitations.
Also I can see how this story might not be for everyone. For one, because it’s heavy on rock ‘n’ roll innuendo, and not everyone listens to this kind of music. Also, it felt like a vintage novel, and that might not be of interest to a younger audience. Even though I grew up with some ROCK, I still had to look up songs and groups that were mentioned. And many rock ‘n’ roll comparisons went over my head completely.
All in all Fast Lane didn’t give me exactly what I wanted or hoped for, but overall the story was enjoyable, entertaining and above all, different.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
Fast Lane, as Daisy Jones & The Six, was written for most of the book in interview format. But whereas Taylor Jenkins Reid jumped between many different interviewee POVs, KA focused on two main characters to tell the story about Lyla and Preacher.
And the longer interview chapters really worked for me. Also, the author’s distinctive writing style was perfect for an interview. The monologues sounded authentic. It was easy to imagine an interview setting. The informal way, and the natural breaks in conversations, as well as jumps from topic to topic, only added to the overall feel of an interview.
Throughout the book one of the things I would have loved to get more of was insight into Preacher. But most of all, I really missed lyrics. The book didn’t include any lyrics at all, and for me that’s the biggest part of a music inspired novel. Besides wanting more insight into Preacher, I also would have liked a deeper look into the band, their dynamics, and all the dealings in the background. I wanted even more rock ‘n’ roll if possible.
But I understand that an interview style format is geared towards telling a story, not showing, and that brings its own set of limitations.
Also I can see how this story might not be for everyone. For one, because it’s heavy on rock ‘n’ roll innuendo, and not everyone listens to this kind of music. Also, it felt like a vintage novel, and that might not be of interest to a younger audience. Even though I grew up with some ROCK, I still had to look up songs and groups that were mentioned. And many rock ‘n’ roll comparisons went over my head completely.
All in all Fast Lane didn’t give me exactly what I wanted or hoped for, but overall the story was enjoyable, entertaining and above all, different.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
November 13, 2022
3 Eh... Stars LIMITED TIME, ONLY $1.99!!!
* * * Spoiler Free
Ok, I have mentioned before, that Kristen Ashley was why I got the Kindle App on my PC in 2013. I had been reading romance and just came to Goodreads. I made a few friends and they all told me I needed to read Kristen Ashley. I think the first one I read was At Peace and promptly fell seriously in love with the woman. Binged and read about everything she wrote. You could say I am a true KA fan.
So it pains me to admit this is the first KA book I did not read from cover to cover. I actually was so excited to be on a plane, thinking that would be the case...but instead, I stopped reading and started something else. I was not giving up on it... just reading it very differently than I usually would.
KA shares at the beginning of the book how she had an idea that had been festering for quite some time but never attempted to do it. She then read Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid causing her to see how she could bring her Rock story to life.
Okay...
Now I know many had already read TJR's book and the similarities caused some to feel this was repetitious. I, however, hadn't so I would not be able to compare. I do love a great documentary and had seen a terrific one about Janis Joplin recently so I was primed for the ride.
The premise is a journalist doing multiple interviews with one of the hottest, most unique bands of their time. They didn't play like any of the other bands, didn't sound like any of the other bands and the way they were formed and then rose through the ranks was legendary.
It starts right away with the interviews...no backstory of the journalist and why she was doing it, etc.
What takes place is fine but at the same time not...
And if that sentence frustrated you then this book may not be for you because almost every memory by each of these characters used this type of KA speak. They would make their point and then say it was good, really good but then wasn't...you get me...
Now that could work once in a while but unfortunately, this was the pattern throughout and yes, I got what it all meant but it did make me a bit cray-cray.
The overall tale is a breakdown of the music scene from this band's perspective. It touches on how it was formed, the hard work they did to get where they were... all the Sex, Drugs, and Rockin Roll of the times. It also had these characters have backstories that impacted everything.
And one of the people who had a serious impact on the band wasn't even in the band...it was Lyla, the head singer's muse...and then lady love.
So I am old enough to think back to the times represented...and can imagine a band like KA wanted us to know. The only problem here was we never got a lyric or even some lines to understand what they were all about as a band.
There were moments of KA wisdom we all crave and it takes balls to the wall to try something new.
I will forever be a Hopeful KA reader. She has given me so much joy in her past books. This was a venture and trying something out of the norm is good. I will keep my eyes peeled for what is next, as I said I am a hopeful reader.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Started and fingers crossed
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
When Kristen Ashley says...
"Was raised in a house...
Existed amongst the strains of...
Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake"...
Then you know...
She has the makings...
Of a Killer Tale of Music and Heartbreak...
But We Already Knew all of this...
With Rock Chicks...
Now she is Creating Another Saga...
It's the 80s and 90s...
Big Hair, Big Riffs, and Big Love...
With all of this leading to the...
Fast Lane- October 15th 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * Spoiler Free
Ok, I have mentioned before, that Kristen Ashley was why I got the Kindle App on my PC in 2013. I had been reading romance and just came to Goodreads. I made a few friends and they all told me I needed to read Kristen Ashley. I think the first one I read was At Peace and promptly fell seriously in love with the woman. Binged and read about everything she wrote. You could say I am a true KA fan.
So it pains me to admit this is the first KA book I did not read from cover to cover. I actually was so excited to be on a plane, thinking that would be the case...but instead, I stopped reading and started something else. I was not giving up on it... just reading it very differently than I usually would.
KA shares at the beginning of the book how she had an idea that had been festering for quite some time but never attempted to do it. She then read Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid causing her to see how she could bring her Rock story to life.
Okay...
Now I know many had already read TJR's book and the similarities caused some to feel this was repetitious. I, however, hadn't so I would not be able to compare. I do love a great documentary and had seen a terrific one about Janis Joplin recently so I was primed for the ride.
The premise is a journalist doing multiple interviews with one of the hottest, most unique bands of their time. They didn't play like any of the other bands, didn't sound like any of the other bands and the way they were formed and then rose through the ranks was legendary.
It starts right away with the interviews...no backstory of the journalist and why she was doing it, etc.
What takes place is fine but at the same time not...
And if that sentence frustrated you then this book may not be for you because almost every memory by each of these characters used this type of KA speak. They would make their point and then say it was good, really good but then wasn't...you get me...
Now that could work once in a while but unfortunately, this was the pattern throughout and yes, I got what it all meant but it did make me a bit cray-cray.
The overall tale is a breakdown of the music scene from this band's perspective. It touches on how it was formed, the hard work they did to get where they were... all the Sex, Drugs, and Rockin Roll of the times. It also had these characters have backstories that impacted everything.
And one of the people who had a serious impact on the band wasn't even in the band...it was Lyla, the head singer's muse...and then lady love.
So I am old enough to think back to the times represented...and can imagine a band like KA wanted us to know. The only problem here was we never got a lyric or even some lines to understand what they were all about as a band.
There were moments of KA wisdom we all crave and it takes balls to the wall to try something new.
I will forever be a Hopeful KA reader. She has given me so much joy in her past books. This was a venture and trying something out of the norm is good. I will keep my eyes peeled for what is next, as I said I am a hopeful reader.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Started and fingers crossed
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
When Kristen Ashley says...
"Was raised in a house...
Existed amongst the strains of...
Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake"...
Then you know...
She has the makings...
Of a Killer Tale of Music and Heartbreak...
But We Already Knew all of this...
With Rock Chicks...
Now she is Creating Another Saga...
It's the 80s and 90s...
Big Hair, Big Riffs, and Big Love...
With all of this leading to the...
Fast Lane- October 15th 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 20, 2019
2.5 ... maybe 3 ... I don't know. We need those half stars!
I had sort of given up on reading KA. Not sure why, as she was one of my favourite authors. I devoured most of her books when I started "reading" again ... I mean reading books for myself as opposed to Nursery Rhyme books, Barney books, essays that the boys wrote at school. I loved her books... Sweet Dreams was one of my all time favourites. Me and Tate 4ever!!
I tried one or two of the last few books she wrote and I just didn't enjoy them that much so I sort of gave up on her. Why then did I decide to read Fast Lane? One of the reasons was that there was the music/band theme. I love music. I love going to concerts. Then there was Preacher McCade ... I read that he was an older character ... 53 or 54, at least in part of the book (but THAT part of the book where he was older was quite short, so a bit of a letdown). Alas, it all fell a bit flat for me ... honestly the first 60% of the book was a mish-mash of characters, "real-life" band names, mention of the "muse", Lyla, the interviewer, the interviewees - it just left me confused and disinterested.
I did not get the connection at all between Preacher and Lyla. She was very "unmuse" like to me (if there is such a word).
I don't want to give any spoiler but ... yeah, right! FFS!
And the amount of Bands that were mentioned ... jeez - as I said, I love my music but KA was dropping band names to beat the band (excuse the pun) ... maybe it was a way for younger readers who do not know their 80s and 90s bands to check them out but, honestly, it was a bit of an overkill for me.
... have I mentioned the "muse"? Still don't get that!
The book kept mentioning that Lyla "had it" but we never really got to see what she "had". At least I didn't see it ... opposites attract, maybe.
The last 30% flowed a bit better for me but, at the end of the day, it would not be a favourite of mine. I will never re-read it ... and I always re-read my favourites. I did love all the music references ... well, most of them when they were not on overload.
This book sort of felt like that for me ... first part dragged. I nearly gave up. The last part sort of flew by and I did like it more ... even though some of the actions/decisions by some of the characters were stupid and immature.
An OK read but defeinitely not her best ... for me, at least. Even the music couldn't save it!
I had sort of given up on reading KA. Not sure why, as she was one of my favourite authors. I devoured most of her books when I started "reading" again ... I mean reading books for myself as opposed to Nursery Rhyme books, Barney books, essays that the boys wrote at school. I loved her books... Sweet Dreams was one of my all time favourites. Me and Tate 4ever!!
I tried one or two of the last few books she wrote and I just didn't enjoy them that much so I sort of gave up on her. Why then did I decide to read Fast Lane? One of the reasons was that there was the music/band theme. I love music. I love going to concerts. Then there was Preacher McCade ... I read that he was an older character ... 53 or 54, at least in part of the book (but THAT part of the book where he was older was quite short, so a bit of a letdown). Alas, it all fell a bit flat for me ... honestly the first 60% of the book was a mish-mash of characters, "real-life" band names, mention of the "muse", Lyla, the interviewer, the interviewees - it just left me confused and disinterested.
I did not get the connection at all between Preacher and Lyla. She was very "unmuse" like to me (if there is such a word).
"I'll tell you something about Preacher McCade you might not know. If you were a woman, and you meant something to him, he'd twist himself into knots to give you what you needed."
I don't want to give any spoiler but ... yeah, right! FFS!
And the amount of Bands that were mentioned ... jeez - as I said, I love my music but KA was dropping band names to beat the band (excuse the pun) ... maybe it was a way for younger readers who do not know their 80s and 90s bands to check them out but, honestly, it was a bit of an overkill for me.
... have I mentioned the "muse"? Still don't get that!
"She was rock 'n' roll and didn't even know it."
The book kept mentioning that Lyla "had it" but we never really got to see what she "had". At least I didn't see it ... opposites attract, maybe.
The last 30% flowed a bit better for me but, at the end of the day, it would not be a favourite of mine. I will never re-read it ... and I always re-read my favourites. I did love all the music references ... well, most of them when they were not on overload.
The damage was already done.
The thing is, we'd entered the fast lane.
And once you're there, you got two choices.
You keep up.
Or you crash.
Why did the shit times drag on forever and the good times go by in a flash?
This book sort of felt like that for me ... first part dragged. I nearly gave up. The last part sort of flew by and I did like it more ... even though some of the actions/decisions by some of the characters were stupid and immature.
An OK read but defeinitely not her best ... for me, at least. Even the music couldn't save it!
December 5, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Life in the fast lane – surely make you lose your mind
Wellllllllllllllllllllll well well. Doesn’t this one just put me in quite the pickle. Theoretically it should automatically receive 1 Star due to the fact that it’s a blatant rip-off of another (nearly brand) new release. From the story to the interview-style delivery, Fast Lane is 100% Kristen Ashley’s version of Daisy Jones and the Six . . . . but I liked this one better. And I know that sucks, but my ratings are due to my enjoyment level and this was more my jam. Literally. TJR had the idea, but Ashley had the execution . . . .
American Girl, by Petty. Heroes, by Bowie. Me and Bobby McGee, Joplin, but Kristofferson wrote it, and listen to all the versions, including Gordon Lightfoot’s. Because the Night, Springsteen and Smith. Fire and Rain, by Taylor. Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole by Wainwright. Gold Dust Women. Into the Mystic. Living in the City. Walk on the Wild Side. What’s Going On.
I promise you, what you get out of those songs will not be what you got out of them after you have more life under your belt.
It also helps that the majority of Reid’s fanbase is probably too young to remember “Behind the Music” so they didn’t realize that her “fresh” idea was simply a rip-off too. The one thing I can’t knock? That full-cast audio. The narration of Daisy Jones deserves 5 Stars.
Anyway, back to this one. I could have lived without the graphic sex descriptions this go ‘round. (I mean, I have read plenty of KA and I know it’s her calling card, but seriously you’re getting interviewed for a book and you’re talking about his big cock and how he used to alpha speak you into an orgasm? You stay classy, San Diego). And it also wouldn’t be Kristen Ashley without it being a bit too long in the tooth for its own good (even though this one actually isn’t 600 pages, it still drags on a tad) – but again EXPECTED. The main difference between Fast Lane and Daisy Jones for me? The feeling. Ashley is either a true fan of music or a very good researcher. These characters seemed legit and not just cardboard cutouts of what “famous musicians” are supposed to be. Just enough backstory/development was given to get me interested, but not bog things down – after all, at the end of the day this is a romance book and not a Pulitzer candidate . In addition, Ashley is an author who writes for a crowd that is around my age and this was no exception. The above quote is just a drop in the bucket with regard to references made when it came to namedropping bands, cover songs played and the reasons why. Every single mention was familiar to me and it boosted my enjoyment level tremendously. There’s nothing quite like the power of a song . . . .
Out there in the spotlight
you're a million miles away
Every ounce of energy
you try to give away
As the sweat pours out your body
like the music that you play
Later in the evening
as you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
ringin' in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette,
rememberin' what she said
Here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin' star again
There I go
Turn the page
^^^^ That’s the song (and Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band was the band) that immediately came to mind when I started reading this book. Thanks to Ashley, Townshend’s Let My Love Open the Door is my earworm today. That ain’t a bad thing, kids.
Life in the fast lane – surely make you lose your mind
Wellllllllllllllllllllll well well. Doesn’t this one just put me in quite the pickle. Theoretically it should automatically receive 1 Star due to the fact that it’s a blatant rip-off of another (nearly brand) new release. From the story to the interview-style delivery, Fast Lane is 100% Kristen Ashley’s version of Daisy Jones and the Six . . . . but I liked this one better. And I know that sucks, but my ratings are due to my enjoyment level and this was more my jam. Literally. TJR had the idea, but Ashley had the execution . . . .
American Girl, by Petty. Heroes, by Bowie. Me and Bobby McGee, Joplin, but Kristofferson wrote it, and listen to all the versions, including Gordon Lightfoot’s. Because the Night, Springsteen and Smith. Fire and Rain, by Taylor. Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole by Wainwright. Gold Dust Women. Into the Mystic. Living in the City. Walk on the Wild Side. What’s Going On.
I promise you, what you get out of those songs will not be what you got out of them after you have more life under your belt.
It also helps that the majority of Reid’s fanbase is probably too young to remember “Behind the Music” so they didn’t realize that her “fresh” idea was simply a rip-off too. The one thing I can’t knock? That full-cast audio. The narration of Daisy Jones deserves 5 Stars.
Anyway, back to this one. I could have lived without the graphic sex descriptions this go ‘round. (I mean, I have read plenty of KA and I know it’s her calling card, but seriously you’re getting interviewed for a book and you’re talking about his big cock and how he used to alpha speak you into an orgasm? You stay classy, San Diego). And it also wouldn’t be Kristen Ashley without it being a bit too long in the tooth for its own good (even though this one actually isn’t 600 pages, it still drags on a tad) – but again EXPECTED. The main difference between Fast Lane and Daisy Jones for me? The feeling. Ashley is either a true fan of music or a very good researcher. These characters seemed legit and not just cardboard cutouts of what “famous musicians” are supposed to be. Just enough backstory/development was given to get me interested, but not bog things down – after all, at the end of the day this is a romance book and not a Pulitzer candidate . In addition, Ashley is an author who writes for a crowd that is around my age and this was no exception. The above quote is just a drop in the bucket with regard to references made when it came to namedropping bands, cover songs played and the reasons why. Every single mention was familiar to me and it boosted my enjoyment level tremendously. There’s nothing quite like the power of a song . . . .
Out there in the spotlight
you're a million miles away
Every ounce of energy
you try to give away
As the sweat pours out your body
like the music that you play
Later in the evening
as you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
ringin' in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette,
rememberin' what she said
Here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin' star again
There I go
Turn the page
^^^^ That’s the song (and Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band was the band) that immediately came to mind when I started reading this book. Thanks to Ashley, Townshend’s Let My Love Open the Door is my earworm today. That ain’t a bad thing, kids.
December 19, 2022
re-read 12/12/2022 rating 2.5 stars - just not as interesting as I remembered
original rating - 4 stars
With Fast Lane, Kristen Ashley stepped out of her norm to compose a compelling Rock n' Roll romance with such incredible passion, I was captivated from the heartfelt dedication to the very last word. This was not your typical KA novel, but a gripping love story nonetheless. It was a profound experience journeying through the years with Preacher McCade, his Roadmasters, and the muse who centered them all ~ Lyla.
This was a departure from the way Ashley writes and differs from anything I've read before, as the story unfolded through an interview-style format. It took me a hot minute to get used to it, but eventually, I became absorbed and totally fascinated with these characters. Jesse Simms, the band's founding member and one of the main interviewees, commanded my full attention. Through his recollections (and many digressions), the band mates and romance came to life. I became engrossed with their beginnings and how they skyrocketed to the top of the charts; all their triumphs and turmoil; those who came, left and impacted the Roadmasters' lives; how meeting Lyla changed them forever; and the whirlwind of drama which surrounded them all. Center-stage stood Preacher and Lyla, as their relationship was just as important to the group as the music they created.
From Jesse and Lyla's memories, we got to know the talented, enigmatic, and charismatic Preacher McCade. Man, that's such a cool name and very fitting for this edgy Cajun rocker. But awesome name aside, there's so much to discover when it comes to this hero, you'll need to experience his intensity first hand. I will say he absolutely haunted me throughout this read. A man shrouded in darkness, he sought light from his beloved Lyla. I was lost within the story exploring the depths of his character as his secrets slowly unraveled. I had a love/hate relationship with Preach as I liked the man he became despite his circumstances, yet felt unsettled by some of the decisions he made. He certainly played with my emotions, but in the end, I became a fan.
Lyla, the muse and love of Preacher's life, was the heart and soul of The Roadmasters and the inspiration for several of their songs. Low key and seemingly timid on the surface, she was a nurturer tending to the needs of not only her man but the entire group. The bonds that kept them together ran deep. She was not what I expected. This shy girl could be fierce. The Roadmasters were her crew, and she stood by them through the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.
Emotional, passionate, raw, and gritty, Fast Lane was a behind the scenes look into the world of rock - with plenty of sex and drugs included. A novel that was part romance and part music history lesson, Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters' journey through the wild 80s and '90s was remarkable. The flow of the story was a tad slow in the beginning as I needed time to find comfort with the interview style of writing and become familiar with all of the characters. However, it intensified considerably as the plot progressed and moved beyond the music, the band, and Lyla. Preacher was a tortured soul for a reason, as his past was excruciatingly painful. His circumstances described were some of the darkest moments penned by this author that I have ever read. Completely heart wrenching. But through the magic of KA and Lyla's love for Preacher, I managed to make my way past the sorrow and into the light.
original rating - 4 stars
With Fast Lane, Kristen Ashley stepped out of her norm to compose a compelling Rock n' Roll romance with such incredible passion, I was captivated from the heartfelt dedication to the very last word. This was not your typical KA novel, but a gripping love story nonetheless. It was a profound experience journeying through the years with Preacher McCade, his Roadmasters, and the muse who centered them all ~ Lyla.
This was a departure from the way Ashley writes and differs from anything I've read before, as the story unfolded through an interview-style format. It took me a hot minute to get used to it, but eventually, I became absorbed and totally fascinated with these characters. Jesse Simms, the band's founding member and one of the main interviewees, commanded my full attention. Through his recollections (and many digressions), the band mates and romance came to life. I became engrossed with their beginnings and how they skyrocketed to the top of the charts; all their triumphs and turmoil; those who came, left and impacted the Roadmasters' lives; how meeting Lyla changed them forever; and the whirlwind of drama which surrounded them all. Center-stage stood Preacher and Lyla, as their relationship was just as important to the group as the music they created.
From Jesse and Lyla's memories, we got to know the talented, enigmatic, and charismatic Preacher McCade. Man, that's such a cool name and very fitting for this edgy Cajun rocker. But awesome name aside, there's so much to discover when it comes to this hero, you'll need to experience his intensity first hand. I will say he absolutely haunted me throughout this read. A man shrouded in darkness, he sought light from his beloved Lyla. I was lost within the story exploring the depths of his character as his secrets slowly unraveled. I had a love/hate relationship with Preach as I liked the man he became despite his circumstances, yet felt unsettled by some of the decisions he made. He certainly played with my emotions, but in the end, I became a fan.
Lyla, the muse and love of Preacher's life, was the heart and soul of The Roadmasters and the inspiration for several of their songs. Low key and seemingly timid on the surface, she was a nurturer tending to the needs of not only her man but the entire group. The bonds that kept them together ran deep. She was not what I expected. This shy girl could be fierce. The Roadmasters were her crew, and she stood by them through the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.
Emotional, passionate, raw, and gritty, Fast Lane was a behind the scenes look into the world of rock - with plenty of sex and drugs included. A novel that was part romance and part music history lesson, Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters' journey through the wild 80s and '90s was remarkable. The flow of the story was a tad slow in the beginning as I needed time to find comfort with the interview style of writing and become familiar with all of the characters. However, it intensified considerably as the plot progressed and moved beyond the music, the band, and Lyla. Preacher was a tortured soul for a reason, as his past was excruciatingly painful. His circumstances described were some of the darkest moments penned by this author that I have ever read. Completely heart wrenching. But through the magic of KA and Lyla's love for Preacher, I managed to make my way past the sorrow and into the light.
Read
October 17, 2019Dnf 48 %
October 27, 2019
This will be mash-up of my thought and ramblings...
First I have to say I went into this with low expectation;
- one I had to switch reading from ebook to audio bc writing style wasn't working out for me
-two I am having troubles with these new things KA is trying out
- three I am not a fan of rockstar stories, the angst of them gives me hives, I already can imagine what will happen and I don't like it
-four this is mainly one major flashback, and if you read my reviews/ramblings before you know how much I dislike them
- five this is KA love letter/inspiration/passion project inspired by Daisy Jones & The Six a book I haven't read
Considering all that and the fact that I needed to push myself to keep on listening I didn't get interested in the story well after the 50% mark... I guess I loved this book just fine!
After all, the sad moment is when just fine is acceptable for KA book. Keep in mind I have read over 60 of her books...read...reread...loved.. I am still mourning...the loss of that thrill I had..
The sad fact is that now I am a bit scared to even reread them. My present self is very surly & petty...What if I don't love them anymore?! That would be awful...
I get it!! Okay, I get that author should evolve, try new things, yadda yadda yadda...we be probably complaining if she wrote the same stuff all the time. But I just don't get this book! It is not even romance. Not love romance. I was told and not shown. All the band members are in love with Preacher, he is some kind of God. He acts like this perfect guy, then all of a sudden he is a jerk...but no oh wait he has perfect explanation. Because HE KNOWS BEST. And all man want Lyla and she IS NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS
There is a lot of music references...mainly this band is not like drop any 80's band which didn't tell me anything. Just confused me more. And for music, rock star book just missed the point completely.
This book is like one of those articles in magazines that you read ... drugs, sex, and rock'n'roll...
I didn't get any depth with the story or characters...over such huge span of the time we get the storyline bits and pieces...it was just... meh
Overall, I didn't hate it.
But it just wasn't for my liking..it missed the mark of being wrenching emotional story OR romance story. I guess it tried to be both and it failed.
This is a story that is hard to keep up what is happening and who is who. I advise audio version besides amazing Lance Greenfield's amazing voice I think if I didn't switch to audio I would dnf this book.
If this is similar to Daisy Jones & The Six I have to say I am not interested in reading that book.
First I have to say I went into this with low expectation;
- one I had to switch reading from ebook to audio bc writing style wasn't working out for me
-two I am having troubles with these new things KA is trying out
- three I am not a fan of rockstar stories, the angst of them gives me hives, I already can imagine what will happen and I don't like it
-four this is mainly one major flashback, and if you read my reviews/ramblings before you know how much I dislike them
- five this is KA love letter/inspiration/passion project inspired by Daisy Jones & The Six a book I haven't read
Considering all that and the fact that I needed to push myself to keep on listening I didn't get interested in the story well after the 50% mark... I guess I loved this book just fine!
After all, the sad moment is when just fine is acceptable for KA book. Keep in mind I have read over 60 of her books...read...reread...loved.. I am still mourning...the loss of that thrill I had..
The sad fact is that now I am a bit scared to even reread them. My present self is very surly & petty...What if I don't love them anymore?! That would be awful...
I get it!! Okay, I get that author should evolve, try new things, yadda yadda yadda...we be probably complaining if she wrote the same stuff all the time. But I just don't get this book! It is not even romance. Not love romance. I was told and not shown. All the band members are in love with Preacher, he is some kind of God. He acts like this perfect guy, then all of a sudden he is a jerk...but no oh wait he has perfect explanation. Because HE KNOWS BEST. And all man want Lyla and she IS NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS
There is a lot of music references...mainly this band is not like drop any 80's band which didn't tell me anything. Just confused me more. And for music, rock star book just missed the point completely.
This book is like one of those articles in magazines that you read ... drugs, sex, and rock'n'roll...
I didn't get any depth with the story or characters...over such huge span of the time we get the storyline bits and pieces...it was just... meh
Overall, I didn't hate it.
But it just wasn't for my liking..it missed the mark of being wrenching emotional story OR romance story. I guess it tried to be both and it failed.
This is a story that is hard to keep up what is happening and who is who. I advise audio version besides amazing Lance Greenfield's amazing voice I think if I didn't switch to audio I would dnf this book.
If this is similar to Daisy Jones & The Six I have to say I am not interested in reading that book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
Kristen to Me:"I have the book ready, you wanna read it?"
Me to Kristen:"You bet your ass I want to read it!"
This must be said. Coming off the incredible high I had for Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones and the Six, I knew I was gonna click with this book. Kristen has stated that DJ&6 was the inspiration for this book. I'll just state that the ONLY similarity between DJ&6 and Fast Lane is the interview style in which it's written. Otherwise, the stories are in no way similar to each other. Kristen puts her spin on it and I enjoyed that spin.
The story spans many decades and it follows Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters. How they formed and how they made the band better. Along comes Lyla and everything changes...for the good and the bad. Love is a finicky thing. It kinda makes you lose yourself in the person you love and when you lose yourself, well things can get wary as it does to Preacher and Lyla. I felt their love for each other. I felt their loss of each other. And ultimately, I felt everything of this story. Preacher and Lyla's love is gritty, raw, angsty, sexy and their love conquers all. The closing of Fast Lane puts a smile to your face and it ends perfectly.
Fast Lane=Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll.
Me to Kristen:"You bet your ass I want to read it!"
This must be said. Coming off the incredible high I had for Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones and the Six, I knew I was gonna click with this book. Kristen has stated that DJ&6 was the inspiration for this book. I'll just state that the ONLY similarity between DJ&6 and Fast Lane is the interview style in which it's written. Otherwise, the stories are in no way similar to each other. Kristen puts her spin on it and I enjoyed that spin.
The story spans many decades and it follows Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters. How they formed and how they made the band better. Along comes Lyla and everything changes...for the good and the bad. Love is a finicky thing. It kinda makes you lose yourself in the person you love and when you lose yourself, well things can get wary as it does to Preacher and Lyla. I felt their love for each other. I felt their loss of each other. And ultimately, I felt everything of this story. Preacher and Lyla's love is gritty, raw, angsty, sexy and their love conquers all. The closing of Fast Lane puts a smile to your face and it ends perfectly.
Fast Lane=Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll.
Read
November 1, 2019DNF @33%
This wasn't for me. I was bored to tears with the whole thing. 😭
This wasn't for me. I was bored to tears with the whole thing. 😭
October 26, 2019
I’ve read so many Kristen Ashley (KA) books that it is a blur sometimes all the characters and plots. There is always music mentioned in her books, I can tell KA is a big music fan and this project was years brewing in her mind. Fast Lane was both very familiar and different all at the same time. Told in interview style, Fast Lane covers decades and the rise and fall of a rock band that made it in the 80s.
I could tell this was a book close to the authors heart and I applaud her attempt to try something in a new style. To be completely honest though the way the story is told detracted from the emotional impact I normally feel in a KA read. For me the magic of a KA book is in the connection to the main characters that I always feel. They are never flat, always have some big emotional/situational issues happening and I get sucked in almost from page 1. Then there are the makeshift families that are formed from surrounding characters. Your family doesn’t have to be just the ones tied to you by blood and KA always creates a network of this in any series she writes.
Fast Lane, couldn’t capture that same magic and never quite did, although I did warm to the story and characters in later chapters. The book starts off being told from Jesse’s perspective. He was a member of the band and main character Preacher’s best friend. It was hard to really connect to Preacher and Lyla when it is a third person telling their story. It got easier once Lyla was one of individuals being interviewed, then I started to connect to the story a little better.
Ashley, Kristen. Fast Lane . Rock Chick Press. Kindle Edition.
Lyla and Jesse are the two being interviewed the most and without a Preacher interview I struggled to love him as much as they did. Sure, he is bigger than life, with demons in his past. But we don’t know what those demons are until much later in the book (which is a huge reveal in genuine KA style) and sometimes he is a really big jerk. So, while by the end of the book I’d forgive Preacher almost everything, during the book I wasn’t completely on board.
At one point during this story I was really afraid that we were not going to get an HEA. I was actually so afraid of this that I almost stopped the book altogether. Because a KA book that gives you all the angst and no happy at the end might destroy me. Let’s just say that I was satisfied with where this book took us at the end of it.
The start of Fast Lane took awhile to get going for me, but once it did, I enjoyed this story of a Rock and Roll Bands journey through the difficulties of fame and a couple’s journey to live in that fame and all that came with it. Lyla, was a strong solid woman that I really liked from the first interview and she added true heart to the story.
My only complaint is that I think if KA had written this in her normal voice, instead of the interview style, I would have loved it even more. But I have about 50 KA books under my belt and so that is a big mountain to climb to accept a complete change up to the writing style.
Overall this was an enjoyable read once we hit about 25% and start to get to know Lyla. She really carried the book for me. If you are a lover of music and enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody, Almost Famous or the Doors then I think there will be something in this for you to enjoy.
I could tell this was a book close to the authors heart and I applaud her attempt to try something in a new style. To be completely honest though the way the story is told detracted from the emotional impact I normally feel in a KA read. For me the magic of a KA book is in the connection to the main characters that I always feel. They are never flat, always have some big emotional/situational issues happening and I get sucked in almost from page 1. Then there are the makeshift families that are formed from surrounding characters. Your family doesn’t have to be just the ones tied to you by blood and KA always creates a network of this in any series she writes.
Fast Lane, couldn’t capture that same magic and never quite did, although I did warm to the story and characters in later chapters. The book starts off being told from Jesse’s perspective. He was a member of the band and main character Preacher’s best friend. It was hard to really connect to Preacher and Lyla when it is a third person telling their story. It got easier once Lyla was one of individuals being interviewed, then I started to connect to the story a little better.
But it was the eyes.
I gotta believe, and this would prove true, in a way, if it wasn’t Preach, it would be somebody. Another rock star. A photographer. A painter. Someone would fall in the muse of Lyla’s eyes. But as you know, it was Preacher.
Ashley, Kristen. Fast Lane . Rock Chick Press. Kindle Edition.
Lyla and Jesse are the two being interviewed the most and without a Preacher interview I struggled to love him as much as they did. Sure, he is bigger than life, with demons in his past. But we don’t know what those demons are until much later in the book (which is a huge reveal in genuine KA style) and sometimes he is a really big jerk. So, while by the end of the book I’d forgive Preacher almost everything, during the book I wasn’t completely on board.
At one point during this story I was really afraid that we were not going to get an HEA. I was actually so afraid of this that I almost stopped the book altogether. Because a KA book that gives you all the angst and no happy at the end might destroy me. Let’s just say that I was satisfied with where this book took us at the end of it.
The start of Fast Lane took awhile to get going for me, but once it did, I enjoyed this story of a Rock and Roll Bands journey through the difficulties of fame and a couple’s journey to live in that fame and all that came with it. Lyla, was a strong solid woman that I really liked from the first interview and she added true heart to the story.
My only complaint is that I think if KA had written this in her normal voice, instead of the interview style, I would have loved it even more. But I have about 50 KA books under my belt and so that is a big mountain to climb to accept a complete change up to the writing style.
Overall this was an enjoyable read once we hit about 25% and start to get to know Lyla. She really carried the book for me. If you are a lover of music and enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody, Almost Famous or the Doors then I think there will be something in this for you to enjoy.
October 15, 2019
My head is exploding but in a good way, Kristen Ashley put the pedal to the metal in Fast Lane to tell the fictional story of a band that goes from garage, to sh*t hole bars, to clubs, to stadiums over the course of many, many years and all that entails, from the hard life on the road, to sex, drugs, and so much more. Woven throughout this book was an unconventional love story that had ups and downs and went a bit sideways. I really don’t want to give anything away about this book; it is an experience for the reader and every reader is entitled to discover everything about this book and the story on their own. Gritty, raw, emotional, poignant this is Kristen Ashley at her best.
Kristen Ashley makes no bones about the fact that music is life and it is easy to see how much she loves and appreciates it in this expose of the band Preacher McCade and The Roadmasters. Told through interviews with a key band member and the woman everyone believes was a muse for the band, Lyla, we see the band rise, fall, and more in this story. Through it all we watch the intriguing relationship between Preacher and Lyla go through many phases; some sweet and innocent, some sexy and raunchy, some wild and out of control, and some absolutely heartbreaking.
Guaranteed to make you want to crank up 70-90’s rock, throw in some blues, hip hop, and possibly even a bit of Celine Dion , Fast Lane is an amazing story of loss and love and my favorite book to date from author Kristen Ashley.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Kristen Ashley makes no bones about the fact that music is life and it is easy to see how much she loves and appreciates it in this expose of the band Preacher McCade and The Roadmasters. Told through interviews with a key band member and the woman everyone believes was a muse for the band, Lyla, we see the band rise, fall, and more in this story. Through it all we watch the intriguing relationship between Preacher and Lyla go through many phases; some sweet and innocent, some sexy and raunchy, some wild and out of control, and some absolutely heartbreaking.
Guaranteed to make you want to crank up 70-90’s rock, throw in some blues, hip hop, and possibly even a bit of Celine Dion , Fast Lane is an amazing story of loss and love and my favorite book to date from author Kristen Ashley.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 13, 2019
"There are women who just have… [Pause] Something. Lyla had that."
Well I am sure that this story was a long time coming, knowing what a huge fan Kristen Ashley is of rock & roll! And 'Fast Lane' is certainly a bit outside her normal comfort zone, much like a passion project or a story that she absolutely HAD to tell.
This book tells the story of a famous band's path to stardom and the often-rocky road to the top. Told in an interview style much like Taylor Jenkins-Reid's 'Daisy Jones & the Six', 'Fast Lane' (LOVE the title, by the way!) also has at it's center the love story between Lyla and Preacher, the lead of the band.
Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters lived a hard life, exactly as you would expect a rock band from the 80's and 90's. This is a book filled with nostalgia from those decades, written by an author who is obviously a true fan of rock & roll and the bands that created the memories of our youth. Kristen Ashley's biography states that she grew up with the sounds of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake so you just know that she has probably been DYING to write a story like this for years!
This story unfolds as the interviews with band members develop and for me, the best parts focused on Preacher's muse, Lyla. Of course her arrival changed many things about the band and their relationships. I loved the interview-style narrative and as always, Kristen Ashley created another unforgettable main character in Preacher McCade.
"And the only thing I’m sure of in all of that, the only thing that’s solid, is Preacher."
Although this book is different from most of Kristen Ashey's other books, the interview style works well. I wasn't always feeling the pull of the music or the nostalgia for the time period but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. Definitely pick this one up if you are a fan of rockstar romances and the emotional pull of Kristen Ashley's books. You won't be disappointed!
"We should all follow our stars."
Well I am sure that this story was a long time coming, knowing what a huge fan Kristen Ashley is of rock & roll! And 'Fast Lane' is certainly a bit outside her normal comfort zone, much like a passion project or a story that she absolutely HAD to tell.
This book tells the story of a famous band's path to stardom and the often-rocky road to the top. Told in an interview style much like Taylor Jenkins-Reid's 'Daisy Jones & the Six', 'Fast Lane' (LOVE the title, by the way!) also has at it's center the love story between Lyla and Preacher, the lead of the band.
Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters lived a hard life, exactly as you would expect a rock band from the 80's and 90's. This is a book filled with nostalgia from those decades, written by an author who is obviously a true fan of rock & roll and the bands that created the memories of our youth. Kristen Ashley's biography states that she grew up with the sounds of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake so you just know that she has probably been DYING to write a story like this for years!
This story unfolds as the interviews with band members develop and for me, the best parts focused on Preacher's muse, Lyla. Of course her arrival changed many things about the band and their relationships. I loved the interview-style narrative and as always, Kristen Ashley created another unforgettable main character in Preacher McCade.
"And the only thing I’m sure of in all of that, the only thing that’s solid, is Preacher."
Although this book is different from most of Kristen Ashey's other books, the interview style works well. I wasn't always feeling the pull of the music or the nostalgia for the time period but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. Definitely pick this one up if you are a fan of rockstar romances and the emotional pull of Kristen Ashley's books. You won't be disappointed!
"We should all follow our stars."
January 10, 2022
** spoiler alert ** I am a huge KA fan, I've read most of her work but recently I've felt I couldn't connect with her books..... until this one.
This book is amazing.
It is a very unusual style.
It still managed to have the KA style in it.
It's written as a retelling of events of the life of a band but it's done interview format with the occasional more personal events written as first person.
It's multiple POV.
It follows the ups and downs of the members of the band, some of those events include, drugs and many women.
For the safety gang there is mention of the Hero being with many women, no detail, it's more referenced to than described.
The heroine is young when they meet so the Hero holds back but is with others.
After her birthday there is an issue between them, they are not together, they are separated by the band travelling there is a misunderstanding, he thinks she blew him off so he sets out to hurt her, again there are no details.
There are no intimate details of anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating once they are together.
During a later separation he is celibate, she is not but again no details.
I thought this was a really brave project and I found it fascinating.
HEA.
On a reread I will stand by my original review, I know some readers couldn't connect with this book but I really liked it, as something different.
This book is amazing.
It is a very unusual style.
It still managed to have the KA style in it.
It's written as a retelling of events of the life of a band but it's done interview format with the occasional more personal events written as first person.
It's multiple POV.
It follows the ups and downs of the members of the band, some of those events include, drugs and many women.
For the safety gang there is mention of the Hero being with many women, no detail, it's more referenced to than described.
The heroine is young when they meet so the Hero holds back but is with others.
After her birthday there is an issue between them, they are not together, they are separated by the band travelling there is a misunderstanding, he thinks she blew him off so he sets out to hurt her, again there are no details.
There are no intimate details of anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating once they are together.
During a later separation he is celibate, she is not but again no details.
I thought this was a really brave project and I found it fascinating.
HEA.
On a reread I will stand by my original review, I know some readers couldn't connect with this book but I really liked it, as something different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
3 "We were the band." Stars
This was interesting, something completely fresh from Kristen Ashley and I really enjoyed that part of it. There were some loose ends for me though, specifically Lyla. There's such build up to her character and I didn't really get the whole "muse" connection at all or what it was so significant. The hype was much more than the execution provided. The style of KA's writing here worked well for me, I enjoyed the air of mystery surrounding the band from this format of storytelling. It did add a layer of depth for me from the two characters we hear from most. Overall I enjoyed this even though I have some lingering questions. It was a good story with a great KA ending as usual.
Want to read
September 30, 2019I want..I want!
October 15, 2019
4.5 stars!
This was very, very good. The writing style is a departure from the norm, and was done entirely in an interview fashion. I thought that might take away from really feeling the story, but I needn't have worried.
All the feelz were there, and I teared up twice.
KA fans will love this!
Shout out to so many fantastic musical references from the rock gods from the 70s, 80s, and 90s! That added so much to the story for me.
This was very, very good. The writing style is a departure from the norm, and was done entirely in an interview fashion. I thought that might take away from really feeling the story, but I needn't have worried.
All the feelz were there, and I teared up twice.
KA fans will love this!
Shout out to so many fantastic musical references from the rock gods from the 70s, 80s, and 90s! That added so much to the story for me.
dnf
October 15, 2019dnf 10%
ahh i can’t believe im dnf’ing a KA book after reading a few pages.
the format is in “interview” style and im just not used to it at the moment.
i’ll probably continue this when i’m in the mood.
ahh i can’t believe im dnf’ing a KA book after reading a few pages.
the format is in “interview” style and im just not used to it at the moment.
i’ll probably continue this when i’m in the mood.
Read
October 17, 2019I wanted so much to read this book!!! Unfortunately I dnf it at 25%.
I didn’t enjoy that the story was being narrated, despite Jesse’s captivating intense talk.
I didn’t enjoy that the story was being narrated, despite Jesse’s captivating intense talk.
Want to read
August 27, 2019NEED THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!
October 21, 2019
Not for me....
I love KA. She’s written some of my favorite books. Unfortunately, I could not get into this. The interview style was beyond boring and I dnf.
I love KA. She’s written some of my favorite books. Unfortunately, I could not get into this. The interview style was beyond boring and I dnf.
October 15, 2019
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fast Lane by Kristen Ashley. My thoughts are everywhere, this book was magnificent, nothing short of another KA masterpiece. For long time KA fans this book will in my opinion surprise you. It is not the traditional equation of Kristen’s writing which is always equivalent to pure magic. The numbers may be different but the sum will always be the same, delivering an amazing read that can take you on a whirlwind and make you, laugh, cry, yearn, and rejoice all throughout the telling of this story of Preacher, Lyla, and the roadmasters.
Fast Lane is for everyone, a longtime fan of Ms. Ashley, a reader who perhaps has yet to be enthralled with her storytelling, and the KA virgin who has yet to discover the Magic that is the talent of Kristen Ashley. For this long-time fan of the Queen of Romance, this was KA at her best and yet such a refreshing nuance in her writing style. It is quite an achievement that after devouring all 69 of her works I could be so very surprised by this complete shift in her writing style. All this means to me is that for all the thoughts that she has mastered a winning formula, that is not an accurate statement. Kristen simply is a master of the written word in any way she chooses to weave her tale.
I refuse to give you any clues to spoil the beauty of Fast Lane instead I will tell you what Ms. Ashley’s work has meant and done for me. The power her words hold. 3 years ago, the first love of my life, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. For the grace of god, I was able to walk with her through her last season on this earth though the very end. Through every appointment, every treatment, being her health care proxy, making every single last decision. Nothing in my life could have ever prepared me for how extremely hard that year would be. Those 13 months were not about me, all that mattered was that I showed up for her in any way she needed me, every time she needed me. She fought the BIG fight; she was a warrior. I pray that If put to the test I may have just a sliver of that strength. I was strong and never ever waivered in front of my Queen. During those 13 months when I needed to escape the horror and sadness that was the reality of losing my grandmother, I always turned to a reread of a Kristen Ashley book. Kristen’s works allowed me to escape and recoup for the next round, to calm the storm that raged in my mind. I will be forever grateful that she shared her talent always but especially for helping me keep my sanity in check during the most difficult 13 months of my life and the 2 years following my grandmothers passing through present day. Her words woven in her way hold that much power, hold that much magic. I ask you please do not deprive yourself from this masterpiece. Pick it up, one click on amazon, however, whichever is your way just make sure to get your copy of Fast Lane today. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Guest Reviewer Pilar❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 16, 2019
Kind of on the fence with my rating, not sure how I’m feeling about this book, but it might have more to do with life stuff right now then the book itself. So I’ll just say this, Kristen Ashley never fails to tell an epic story from start to finish and she could write a fast food menu and I’d enjoy every second of reading it. Also I read this in one sitting so maybe once I’ve had more time to absorb the book I’ll have a clearer picture of my feelings about it.
I hope you enjoyed this super unhelpful review..
I hope you enjoyed this super unhelpful review..
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October 15, 2019Once he met her it was always would be Lyla ... hum-hum, yeah, ok. There should be a paragraph in this title: Once he met her it was always would be Lyla (except when he fucked other women while she was virgin at home). What a joke. To think that one day I liked the books of this author.
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