Faith and the Rock Star

Lake Howling #8

by Lani Blake

Childhood Sweethearts, a Rock Star, and a parrot called Syd!

Ryan Lawrence wasn’t on Faith Harris’s list of favorite people. He’d broken her heart after one magic night together, then walked away to find fame. Forgive and forget wasn’t her motto, so when his handsome face appears back in Lake Howling, it’s fair to say she’s not happy. She’s stronger now, a businesswoman who doesn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially not a rock superstar with an over-inflated ego. He may be a man loved by thousands, just not her!

So why did she kiss him?

He’s back in Lake Howling to see his sister and instead finds something Ryan hadn’t known he was missing. Friends and Faith. Friends he understood, Faith he didn’t. She refused to acknowledge his success, and her cool attitude gets under his skin. But he’s never walked away from a challenge, especially one that stirs him up like Faith.

When his life follows him from L.A. and threatens Faith, he knows that leaving is no longer an option, because if he did, he’d be leaving more than his home. He’d be leaving his heart behind too. Ryan will do everything he can to protect the woman he now loves and make her understand he’s sticking. He’ll fight for a life together, no matter what it costs him.

If you enjoy your small town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town - the local book club - and Mrs. C., the interfering ex-owner of the Cakery who has no idea of personal boundaries, and a parrot named Syd who swears like a drunken sailor! Swim (or skinny dip!) in the ice cold lake, then warm up with coffee and a mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOLS, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there, from the very first page.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Music, Small Town Romance, Amazon

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2021

About the author

Lani Blake is a small town romance author, coffee addict and chocolate connoisseur (in that order). She's also known as Wendy Vella, a USA Today bestselling author of historical romances, a fact which still makes her head spin!
Lani's a sucker for an alpha hero with a heart of gold, who works HARD to deserve the women he falls in love with.
When she's not writing, reading or spending time with her family you'll find her walking the beach with her pup Tilly.

Connect with Lani in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/lanisreaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at LaniBlake.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Although an excellent standalone novel, the side characters are intriguing, and it is worth reading their stories, too.

Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got pulled into this story from the moment I started reading. Add in the fact that it sees our leading couple get a second chance to put their relationship right, and I was in my glory. Faith and Ryan have some heavy baggage to unpack, both for themselves and as a couple. It’s easy to understand the emotions that drove all their actions and reactions. I was torn between wanting to hug these two and wanting to smack some sense into them. I loved seeing the growth in Faith and Ryan and watching them realize how important the other is to their happiness, even if those realizations come almost too late. I adored the way this book ended. I don’t know what the future still has in store for Lake Howling, but I hope this wasn’t our last visit there.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first story in the series and I want to go back and read the previous stories. I must admit I was lost several times with so many secondary character's and how related.

I am familiar with this author under the name of Wendy Vella and love her historical stories. So this was my first for her in the contemporary genre and I am hooked. I grew up in a small town in Ohio and this story made me homesick. I loved the quirky character's and their love for the town and each other. Plus they are not shy in getting into each other's lives. Great banter thrown in made for a fast paced read.

This is a story about second chances. I certainly understood why the h was upset with the H and it took him awhile to win her over. This story was romantic and had some suspense thrown in which I loved. Their journey to HEA was very bumpy and had some challenges. There is a villain in the story that added to the mystery who was trying to hurt the h.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. I felt a connection to them so it was filled with passion and love.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam. You have to download the extended epilogue (which was needed), about 6 years in the future which was perfect. I'm not a fan of having to do this and don't understand why can't be included - my own pet peeve.

Some editing issues, but I received an advanced copy so they may be fixed by release day. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. I recommend this story and author - under Lani Blake and Wendy Vella - you can't go wrong reading her stories. (ljb)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book in the Lake Howling series I feel like it is a place that I would very much like to visit, if not move there! The small town feel that Ms. Blake portrays is one of camaraderie, support for neighbors, and unabashed love for their fellow man/woman. Ryan Lawrence returns to Lake Howling after leaving eleven years previously to chase fame. Now comfortable in his success, he comes home to visit with and support his pregnant sister. While all the Lake Howling natives do their best to keep Ryan humble, Faith Harris’s reaction just plain irks Ryan. They had shared a magical night together and then Ryan left, leaving Faith heartbroken. Determined not to let Ryan get under her skin and into her heart again, Faith tries to keep him at a distance. Love, however, will not be denied and when a danger from Ryan’s past intrudes into Faith’s present, they both realize their hearts know better than their brains. Great dialog, a cussing parrot, idiosyncratic neighbors…and more than enough love and caring to go around. Each book in the Lake Howling series is a standalone, and I highly recommend the entire series. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

[CealR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fan of Ms Vellla (now Blake)'s writing, and so excited to get to review ARCS of any of her work, but I'll be honest - I was a little leery when I realised a rocketry was our hero. That trope isn't really my thing. However, as per usual, my fears were laughable within about a chapter. This really is just one of those authors you can have absolute faith in.

The series focuses around our Lake Howling community - probably one of my favourite contemporary settings. I mean seriously, I'd move there in a heart beat and set up a cookie shop or something hahaha!

This story focuses on Faith (think tough shell, gooey centre, looking for her place in the world) and childhood sweetheart Ryan, who went off to find fame and fortune in a wildly popular band. But the story is really about that knack of really valuing hime only after you've been away too long.

As always, there's a little danger and intrigue to spice things up, but mostly, these books are about heart, family and a little heat;)

[Mireille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Lake Howling and was delighted to visit everyone again in this book. This time Faith gets her HEA with Ryan. Ryan just happens to be a rockstar but none of the Howlers will acknowledge this as they want to keep him grounded. Lani’s Lake Howling series is fantastic, the characters are great and hallarious at times. Although this book is a stand alone, I feel to get the best out of it, you should have read the previous books so you understand all the players. I loved Faith and Ryan’s story, my attention was captured by the end of the first page and held until the last page, but my absolute favourite part of book was Militant’s revelations. All in all a great book and I’m so looking forward to reading more. I received this book from the Author. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters are wonderful! It was easy to step right into their lives and follow along their journey. This is not the first book in the series but I had no trouble following along and now, I have the anticipation of reading the previous books in the series.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest addition to the lake howling series is a pure joy to read. There is something so comforting about revisiting a loved fictional town and the many well known characters and as always I loved all the banter between the friends and couples. Faith and Ryan’s story is a great addition to the series.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

+ bonus.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town

Faith was feeling antsy she didn't no why her twin brother had found the love of his life they were in the middle of renovating there hotel she just couldn't put her finger on it she loved her town and the people once upon a time she couldn't wait I t to get out but she new better now Ryan was driving back to his home town the view took his breath away why had it taken his sister and Faith to come home loved this series

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the Lake Howling world and I've missed it so much! We finally get Faith's story. Noah's twin sister and fellow Lake Howling resident who much deserves her happily ever after. Faith's world is rocked when her friend's brother, Ryan, returns to Lake Howling. What no one seems to know is that Faith and Ryan had a moment before he left without saying goodbye to start his music career. Heartbroken that he left, she never mentioned what happened between them to anyway. Even her twin brother who she is super close to. But Ryan returns after Faith chews him out for not coming home to see his very pregnant sister. And Ryan is glad he comes back. It's been 11 years and not only has he realized how much he has missed his family and friends but he realizes just how much he has missed Faith. He knows what he did was wrong, leaving without goodbye. But he knew if that he stayed, he would have never been able to leave her. And they were young and just starting their lives. He wanted to go out and find himself. But now that he is back, he is finding it harder and harder every day to leave again. And when he sees and interacts with Faith again, he is a goner. Faith doesn't want to give in to the attraction and connection she has with Ryan. Because he'll be gone again and she won't be able to watch him walkaway a second time. Ryan wants to convince her to give them a chance. Can they make it happen? While they figure it out something else is stirring in Lake Howling. Starts with an anonymous gift and soon leads to some threatening acts.

Overall, another great addition to this series! I loved getting to know Faith more and meeting Ryan was such a treat. Their chemistry was great. And it is so nice to see so many beloved characters make an appearance and catch us up on their lives. Such a fun and sweet series to read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith and Ryan—she and her twin brother own The Howler, an inn, bar, and restaurant in Lake Howling; Ryan’s a local boy turned international rock star who is home because his sister is having a baby and wants him there. As he discovers that his roots ground him, she’s trying desperately to avoid a relationship of any kind with him because she knows she won’t recover well from it. They go back and forth—through sporting events, his sister’s emergency c-section, a concussion (her), a fire, and other relational challenges—until they finally admit that they love one another and find their HEA. A few serious editing issues.

[Vera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I'm a little bit sad putting 2 stars to this book. It's the first one I read from this author, and don't get me wrong, English isn't my first language, but I felt something wrong here. Sometimes, I was very confused and read the same sentence two times to understand. The story was cute, I was expecting more, though. The characters were kind of the same from the very start to end. Only the MMC had some development but not very real. Overall, I don't wanna be harsh. I think in the future, maybe I will try this author again because I feel that I like her ideas.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Faith and the Rock Star has heart, heat and a tiny bit of intrigue. A second-chance, brother’s friend romance, it is a well-written story with characters who are easy to fall in love with. As with the best small town stories, the importance of community is also showcased beautifully. What a way to end the series!

[Susan Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. The quirky, small town community added greatly to the story. I found the dialogue humorous and engaging. The relationship between the mc and fc was a satisfying slow burn.
I did get confused about following so many characters, many of whom also had nicknames. Also, there were some typos that were a little distracting.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

he was her first but he left to be a rock star
she stayed in their small lakeside town where everyone knows everyones business

he came home when his sister was going to have a baby

they had sex

and fell in love

a crazy lady almost killed her and kidnapped him but the police killed her

they got married, had twins and another one on the way

[Tim Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Town Rock Star Returns

The story had such a homey feel to it. Lake Howling is a small hometown where everyone treats everyone like family and has each others back. There are some really funny parts. Ryan the hometown rock star left Faith the bar owner 11 years ago breaking her heart. They both still have strong feelings for each other that leads to some steamy romance.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith and the Rock Star is the 8th book in Lani Blake‘s Lake Howling series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend this.

I really liked the book and hope, that there will be another one in this series.

[April Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockstar love

Together, when they were teens, but then he up and left without a word. She has never gotten over him, so can they move on. Once again another great story from Lani, wrapping up the Lake Howling series. Ryan and Faith we're just meant to be.

[Bewaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan is a kind of down to earth rockstar. Unfortunately he left his heart behind when he went looking for opportunities. Well, we all know how that usually works out. Faith didn’t immediately forgive him, but when an element of danger targeted Faith, both of them really wised up.
Good read..

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

I love how Faith and Ryan were able to work through their issues and deal with a dangerous stalker. I also appreciated how their friends supported them with humor and love.

[Gail smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story

Really enjoyed this story of love, they loved but we're scared of the consequences of there love. He thought that he was not entitled to love her and she was aifraid of him leaving and breaking her heart again.

[Feija · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ I loved this book!!

[Colleen Pascavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Series.

New author for me. Really enjoyed the first book and subsequently the rest in this series. Couldn't stop reading them. One right after the other. Great books.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Lihsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written and tons of typos. The only reason it gets a 2 is because it did its job and put me to sleep.

[Lani Blake]

Available Now on Amazon, Google Play, Apple & Kobo:
https://laniblake.com/faith-and-the-r...

Read an excerpt of Ryan and Faith's story below:

"Wh-who the hell are you!” She grabbed a
towel and held it to her front,
but not before he’d seen the spectacular rack of Faith Harris.
“It’s Ryan, Faith. Sorry to scare you I thought you were Hope.” He held up
both hands all the while his eye ran over her.
Hell she was beautiful. That body was
long and lean, but curved in all the
right places. He hadn’t felt his pulse pick up speed like this in a while. When
you were surrounded by beautiful woman all day, you became immune, or so
he’d thought.
“How long have you been there?” Her dark eyes narrow
ed.
“Just got here.”
“Well now you’ve had an eyeful, you can leave.”
His feet didn’t want to move.
“Faith, are you ok?”
“Get out!”
“Right, sorry,” he backed out and closed the door. What the hell ws wrong
with him, he was usually all class and action, but
in that moment all he could
think about was pulling her into his arms and removing the devastation he’d
seen in her eyes.
“Are you all right, Faith? Can I do anything for you?”
“No. Hope’s not here, so go away!”