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Star Shadow #2
Impossible Things Lib/E
When Benji saw Diego for the first time, he never expected to fall irrevocably and painfully in love with him.
It wasn't something either of them could face, so he buried it. For ten long years.
Ten years during which he survived the pain of his own disastrous marriage and the heartbreak of watching Diego raise a child with another woman.
Through the heights of rock stardom and the depths of their band breaking up, Benji's heart always came back to Diego. To his best friend. His bandmate. His secret desire.
Now, enough is enough.
He knows Diego loves him too. He knows they could have it all, no holds barred, with every string attached -- if only they can find the courage to bring their feelings into the spotlight.
It's time to tackle the impossible: life-altering, world-shaking, totally inevitable love.
Impossible Things is the second book in the Star Shadow series and should be read in order.
Audio CD
First published June 6, 2019
86 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books685 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 1, 2019
I was lucky to beta read this for Beth and I have to say that I fell completely in love with Benji and Diego, even though Benji also frustrated me to the ends of the Earth!
Complicated, complex characters wrapped around a fairly simple plot which focuses down on the difficulties between transitioning from friends who've been in love and pining for the other for 10 years, into actually being partners.
Added outside forces bring tension to keep the pace moving along rapidly and, the more the story progresses, the more Benji's deep desire to be successful is uncovered and the layers peeled back while Diego struggles with how to protect his daughter amid the increased publicity surrounding Star Shadow.
Everything about this romance works for me, it switches from slow burn to a powerful volcano of emotional heat and all points in between!
I've loved both books in this series and they've been radically different but both utterly brilliant.
Now I'm hoping that Felix finally gets his Max eh Beth?
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Complicated, complex characters wrapped around a fairly simple plot which focuses down on the difficulties between transitioning from friends who've been in love and pining for the other for 10 years, into actually being partners.
Added outside forces bring tension to keep the pace moving along rapidly and, the more the story progresses, the more Benji's deep desire to be successful is uncovered and the layers peeled back while Diego struggles with how to protect his daughter amid the increased publicity surrounding Star Shadow.
Everything about this romance works for me, it switches from slow burn to a powerful volcano of emotional heat and all points in between!
I've loved both books in this series and they've been radically different but both utterly brilliant.
Now I'm hoping that Felix finally gets his Max eh Beth?
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 13, 2019
This book centres on Benji and Diego, members of the band Star Shadow, along with Max, Caleb and Leo. Benji and Diego have a complex relationship, nine years in the making.. It often felt like they took one step forward then two steps back.
They work together to navigate the new changes in their lives.
"I'm sorry, but what do I do when I've been in love with someone for nine years and spent all that tie pushing them away? How do I stop pushing and start pulling?'
A great emotional story of friendship, hope and love I look forward to more.
They work together to navigate the new changes in their lives.
"I'm sorry, but what do I do when I've been in love with someone for nine years and spent all that tie pushing them away? How do I stop pushing and start pulling?'
A great emotional story of friendship, hope and love I look forward to more.
June 24, 2022
My god, Benji annoyed the life out of me!!!
June 12, 2019
Benji and Diego have been best friends and band mates for 10 years. They were attracted to each other from the start, but didn’t know how to move things forward until now. Part of that was due to age, cowardice, and other circumstances, but the time for them is finally here.
Will they mess it up before they even start?
I enjoyed this. These boys really loved each other, but had to learn to compromise in order to make a relationship last.
* arc provided by LesCourt Services
Will they mess it up before they even start?
I enjoyed this. These boys really loved each other, but had to learn to compromise in order to make a relationship last.
* arc provided by LesCourt Services
June 4, 2019
3.5 stars
Friends to lovers is a great trope so I did enjoy seeing Diego and Benji manage to come together after being in denial for so long. It is not made easy at any point! Watching Leo and Caleb deal with constant attention from fans and paparazzi is discouraging for two more members of the band wanting to come out. Both Diego and Benji are bisexual and that’s also very hard to explain to the ignorant. Both were married and divorced and Diego has a daughter to protect. It’s a convoluted path to creating a strong relationship, made more difficult by the opposite natures of the two men.
I will say the author had them communicating well, even though Benji tried to shelter Diego. He ultimately discussed the issues, even when Diego reacted badly. I also never understood what motivated Benji’s success-driven behavior, it’s just presented as part of his personality. There’s no family or friendships outside of the band members that might have deepened the characterization. Overall, it was enjoyable and kept my interest piqued, especially changes to the band’s dynamics because of the resolution. Details in the narrative indicate Max and Felix will be the subjects of the next volume. I’m not seeing much controversial between those two, so I can’t wait to find out what will happen.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
Friends to lovers is a great trope so I did enjoy seeing Diego and Benji manage to come together after being in denial for so long. It is not made easy at any point! Watching Leo and Caleb deal with constant attention from fans and paparazzi is discouraging for two more members of the band wanting to come out. Both Diego and Benji are bisexual and that’s also very hard to explain to the ignorant. Both were married and divorced and Diego has a daughter to protect. It’s a convoluted path to creating a strong relationship, made more difficult by the opposite natures of the two men.
I will say the author had them communicating well, even though Benji tried to shelter Diego. He ultimately discussed the issues, even when Diego reacted badly. I also never understood what motivated Benji’s success-driven behavior, it’s just presented as part of his personality. There’s no family or friendships outside of the band members that might have deepened the characterization. Overall, it was enjoyable and kept my interest piqued, especially changes to the band’s dynamics because of the resolution. Details in the narrative indicate Max and Felix will be the subjects of the next volume. I’m not seeing much controversial between those two, so I can’t wait to find out what will happen.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
June 6, 2019
Can friends transition to lovers? They can, but it isn’t an easy journey for Diego and Benji.
Benji watched two of his band mates fall in love and watched that love implode. The disaster that relationship caused is still being felt years later. Even though Leo and Caleb and the band are back together, Benji just can’t open himself up to the pain of loving Diego and not having it work. He deals with the pain everyday. Not telling Diego has worked so far, well...maybe not.
As they try to become a couple, there’s ten years of what if’s between them. Every decision contains too many variables. The what was becoming confused with the now.
I enjoyed the book. At times I really wanted to kick both men in the butt. Especially Benji. This signals to me that the book was well written and the characters were very believable. It doesn’t make a lot of sense I know, but the things that made it a good book also made me only able to give it 4 stars. The constant self doubting and second guessing did get old.
A nice addition to the series. Looking forward to Max’s story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Benji watched two of his band mates fall in love and watched that love implode. The disaster that relationship caused is still being felt years later. Even though Leo and Caleb and the band are back together, Benji just can’t open himself up to the pain of loving Diego and not having it work. He deals with the pain everyday. Not telling Diego has worked so far, well...maybe not.
As they try to become a couple, there’s ten years of what if’s between them. Every decision contains too many variables. The what was becoming confused with the now.
I enjoyed the book. At times I really wanted to kick both men in the butt. Especially Benji. This signals to me that the book was well written and the characters were very believable. It doesn’t make a lot of sense I know, but the things that made it a good book also made me only able to give it 4 stars. The constant self doubting and second guessing did get old.
A nice addition to the series. Looking forward to Max’s story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
June 7, 2019
I absolutely loved Benji and Diego, their friends to lovers romance is a great second installment in the Star Shadow series. I enjoyed following along with them as they took a chance on changing their 10 year relationship from friends to so much more. All in all a very enjoyable read with well-written characters and a storyline that kept me interested from beginning to end.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
June 13, 2019
3.5 Stars
I liked Diego and Benji together, but I don’t know; I just didn’t connect with them as much as I expected to. Given how long they’ve waited I guess I expected more yearning and angst leading to like an explosive moment, but it was all honestly a little saccharine.
Also, the drama/angst towards the end seemed manufactured and unreasonable. I mean, an already famous person who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight so much it’s gonna blow up their relationship? A little far fetched for me.
It was still a nice story and I’m glad I read it. Interested to see who’s up next. Hoping it’s Felix; he’s a hoot.
I liked Diego and Benji together, but I don’t know; I just didn’t connect with them as much as I expected to. Given how long they’ve waited I guess I expected more yearning and angst leading to like an explosive moment, but it was all honestly a little saccharine.
Also, the drama/angst towards the end seemed manufactured and unreasonable. I mean, an already famous person who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight so much it’s gonna blow up their relationship? A little far fetched for me.
It was still a nice story and I’m glad I read it. Interested to see who’s up next. Hoping it’s Felix; he’s a hoot.
August 15, 2019
Ays, músicos friends to lovers. Lo de que sean músicos, bah, me da igual; pero, friends to lovers...pa mí!! Muy bonito, muy romántico, aunque de vez en cuando los protagonistas merecen una colleja.
July 9, 2020
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
I love a good best friends to lovers and this one is no exception. Seeing Diego and Benji work their issues out without letting stuff get in the way was nice. I love seeing characters be mature like that. I liked their dynamic a lot. It was very understandable why they were so connected to each other. I loved the family moments with Ava too.
I love a good best friends to lovers and this one is no exception. Seeing Diego and Benji work their issues out without letting stuff get in the way was nice. I love seeing characters be mature like that. I liked their dynamic a lot. It was very understandable why they were so connected to each other. I loved the family moments with Ava too.
September 30, 2023
These guys went around in circles. I liked that Benji was portrayed as what I imagine is fairly common in the music industry, fame hungry and jealous of his friends, desperate to get to the top. Unfortunately it made him not that likeable.
June 21, 2019
4 Stars!
Impossible Things is book 2 in the Star Shadow series and I really suggest you read the books in order.
I really liked Diego, even if there were some moments in which I wanted to slap some sense into him (well, not only him, Benji needed some throat-punching in some moments, too). Unfortunately, I didn't find Benji all that likable and that dampened my enjoyment of the story a bit. They had amazing chemistry, though, and Ms. Bolden did a great job with the friends to lovers transition, which after 9 years of pining away, a marriage and divorce each and a daughter for Diego, was not as easy as it would've appeared at first.
I hated Benji's manager and how Benji would bend so easily at whatever he suggested, which frankly, I found difficult to understand.
While not my favorite of Beth Bolden's stories, it was still a very enjoyable read that I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.
Impossible Things is book 2 in the Star Shadow series and I really suggest you read the books in order.
I really liked Diego, even if there were some moments in which I wanted to slap some sense into him (well, not only him, Benji needed some throat-punching in some moments, too). Unfortunately, I didn't find Benji all that likable and that dampened my enjoyment of the story a bit. They had amazing chemistry, though, and Ms. Bolden did a great job with the friends to lovers transition, which after 9 years of pining away, a marriage and divorce each and a daughter for Diego, was not as easy as it would've appeared at first.
I hated Benji's manager and how Benji would bend so easily at whatever he suggested, which frankly, I found difficult to understand.
While not my favorite of Beth Bolden's stories, it was still a very enjoyable read that I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.
June 10, 2019
In the acknowledgement to this book, the author wrote that “Benji and Diego were a beast to write.” Well, they were definitely a beast to read! At times their relationship just didn’t go forward, it was blocked and hadn’t I known that this story would end with a HEA, then I would have given up on them.
Transforming a 10-year long friendship full of longing into a solid love relationship may seem easy, but once you express your feelings and allow yourself to live repressed dreams and longings, then you have to find a new balance, your priorities change and you can’t just continue your relationship as it was before. And these were the issues Benjii and Diego had to deal with, accept and solve, and most importantly they had to learn to never take their trust and love for granted because going back was not an option.
Beth Bolden is a master in writing introspection, her characters always feel deeply and live to their fullest, have a close network of friends and family they can rely on. In her books, if you read carefully you will find some characters, information or reference to characters of other books by this author and actual living persons, thus creating a fictional world that could very well be part of the reader’s world.
You may read this book even if you didn’t read the first story of this series, but it would give you additional background and understanding where the two lovers come from and what they already had to face together.
Heat level: medium
Transforming a 10-year long friendship full of longing into a solid love relationship may seem easy, but once you express your feelings and allow yourself to live repressed dreams and longings, then you have to find a new balance, your priorities change and you can’t just continue your relationship as it was before. And these were the issues Benjii and Diego had to deal with, accept and solve, and most importantly they had to learn to never take their trust and love for granted because going back was not an option.
Beth Bolden is a master in writing introspection, her characters always feel deeply and live to their fullest, have a close network of friends and family they can rely on. In her books, if you read carefully you will find some characters, information or reference to characters of other books by this author and actual living persons, thus creating a fictional world that could very well be part of the reader’s world.
You may read this book even if you didn’t read the first story of this series, but it would give you additional background and understanding where the two lovers come from and what they already had to face together.
Heat level: medium
June 3, 2019
I had previously read Terrible things, the first book in the series, and rushed to read Impossible things when I was offered the chance!
Benji and Diego have been friends for 10 years and are part of the band Star Shadow, alone with Leo, Caleb and Max. When they met they had an instant attraction but both fought it for many years until finally things change.
I loved the way the relationship developed, I loved seeing the other characters and hearing so much from Leo and Caleb. I loved that Felix came back and I totally loved the ending!
I was offered an arc of this book and happily leave my honest opinion, I would highly recommend all of Beth Bolden’s books as they are all amazing and this is no different!
Benji and Diego have been friends for 10 years and are part of the band Star Shadow, alone with Leo, Caleb and Max. When they met they had an instant attraction but both fought it for many years until finally things change.
I loved the way the relationship developed, I loved seeing the other characters and hearing so much from Leo and Caleb. I loved that Felix came back and I totally loved the ending!
I was offered an arc of this book and happily leave my honest opinion, I would highly recommend all of Beth Bolden’s books as they are all amazing and this is no different!
Want to read
May 4, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (5/4/2020)! 🎁
October 19, 2021
A good story but I thought the romance needed a bit more work
Rating: 3.5 stars
After the emotionally traumatic, narratively heavy first story (Terrible Things), I had wondered how the author was going to top that. It was a great story and had a charismatic couple at its heart.
Did I find that with Impossible Things? Not exactly.
This story has one of the issues that I see in other reviews and stories. A character that is both so well written that he feels believable and isn’t very likable. At least in my opinion. That would be Benji
He’s my grandmother’s Erica Kane, aka the actor Susan Lucci , who my grandmother talked about as though that character was absolutely real and shouldn’t be doing all those awful things.
Characters like Benji have ,unfortunately, caused some poor books to get low ratings because, again, the reviewer just “hated” the character.
Never mind that the writer had done such a superb job crafting that character that the reviewer had become emotionally wrapped up in them. SMH.
Anyway, Benji is that one character here I’m not connecting with. Well done, with motivations you can understand if not agree with. Sigh.
But while I’m not connecting with Benji, my biggest issue here is the central friends to lover romance between Benji and Diego.
What I liked about the first story, the chemistry, the communication, as well as the depth to the couple, seems to be missing here.
Yes, these men face a separate set of circumstances and barriers. It’s how they approach each other, after years of friendship, and supposed knowledge of one another that’s disappointing. It’s fraught with miscommunication, stalling, if not outright lies. Add on to that self promotion, Benji’s hugely ambitious outlook that in itself isn’t inherently bad but how the person handles it, plus Benji never explains to Diego , not once, where his insecurities and need to succeed come from. Nor does Diego ever ask.
That lack of curiosity bothers me. Partners, lovers don’t ask about such major issues?
Elements like that kept me from connecting with them, especially when I had an additional hurdle of not being able to really like Benji to begin with. That could have been overcome if Diego had convinced me to see what he loved about Benji.
Did I ever feel I saw into that? Not really. After all those years, it still felt… unfinished. Unlike Leo and Caleb.
Perhaps they set too high a bar for the other couples to follow. I’ve seen that happen in series too.
So what did I find in Impossible Things? A good well written story with well constructed characters. But with a romance that I thought needed something more. Maybe more layers, more satisfying personal “work” to make it feel as believable as the men.
A Epilogue with them off on vacation together with Diego’s daughter just doesn’t fill in those emotional blanks. At least for me.
Still recommending it because I recognize that not everyone will feel about Benji the way I do.. And if you’re reading the series, you should read all the books in the order they were written.
Now onto Hazardous Things which is Max’s story along with a certain younger brother. I’m looking forward to this.
Rating: 3.5 stars
After the emotionally traumatic, narratively heavy first story (Terrible Things), I had wondered how the author was going to top that. It was a great story and had a charismatic couple at its heart.
Did I find that with Impossible Things? Not exactly.
This story has one of the issues that I see in other reviews and stories. A character that is both so well written that he feels believable and isn’t very likable. At least in my opinion. That would be Benji
He’s my grandmother’s Erica Kane, aka the actor Susan Lucci , who my grandmother talked about as though that character was absolutely real and shouldn’t be doing all those awful things.
Characters like Benji have ,unfortunately, caused some poor books to get low ratings because, again, the reviewer just “hated” the character.
Never mind that the writer had done such a superb job crafting that character that the reviewer had become emotionally wrapped up in them. SMH.
Anyway, Benji is that one character here I’m not connecting with. Well done, with motivations you can understand if not agree with. Sigh.
But while I’m not connecting with Benji, my biggest issue here is the central friends to lover romance between Benji and Diego.
What I liked about the first story, the chemistry, the communication, as well as the depth to the couple, seems to be missing here.
Yes, these men face a separate set of circumstances and barriers. It’s how they approach each other, after years of friendship, and supposed knowledge of one another that’s disappointing. It’s fraught with miscommunication, stalling, if not outright lies. Add on to that self promotion, Benji’s hugely ambitious outlook that in itself isn’t inherently bad but how the person handles it, plus Benji never explains to Diego , not once, where his insecurities and need to succeed come from. Nor does Diego ever ask.
That lack of curiosity bothers me. Partners, lovers don’t ask about such major issues?
Elements like that kept me from connecting with them, especially when I had an additional hurdle of not being able to really like Benji to begin with. That could have been overcome if Diego had convinced me to see what he loved about Benji.
Did I ever feel I saw into that? Not really. After all those years, it still felt… unfinished. Unlike Leo and Caleb.
Perhaps they set too high a bar for the other couples to follow. I’ve seen that happen in series too.
So what did I find in Impossible Things? A good well written story with well constructed characters. But with a romance that I thought needed something more. Maybe more layers, more satisfying personal “work” to make it feel as believable as the men.
A Epilogue with them off on vacation together with Diego’s daughter just doesn’t fill in those emotional blanks. At least for me.
Still recommending it because I recognize that not everyone will feel about Benji the way I do.. And if you’re reading the series, you should read all the books in the order they were written.
Now onto Hazardous Things which is Max’s story along with a certain younger brother. I’m looking forward to this.
October 29, 2019
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” ~ Christopher Reeve
Benji and Diego have been friends and bandmates for ten years. Powerful chemistry between them has always been there, but now they are in a position to make it what they have both dreamed of—more. One of their biggest concerns is the fear of losing what they presently have. They are afraid of rocking the boat and ending up with nothing.
Being in love with your best friend, yet having to hold back for so many years, took an emotional toll. Now that they are free to act on those feelings, they don’t quite know how to go about it. Complicated by the emotional impact is the fact that neither have ever been with another man. Previously, both were married to a woman. Diego is gay, but married his wife to be, who was pregnant at the time. He had never been with anyone else. Also, Benji, took an inordinate amount of time deciding that he was bisexual. After deciding that being with Diego was a possibility, not just a dream, he knew that he needed to get out of his marriage, to be free to be with Diego.
Coming out to the band isn’t a big deal, especially since they already knew. The other bandmates are relieved that Diego and Benji have finally admitted the attraction and do something about it. Coming out to the public is a different matter. Diego is afraid of the publicity it would cause, particularly when it comes to his child, Ana.
Benji is willing to do anything for Diego, but with the pressure his manager is putting on him, to either become involved with someone else or come out as a couple, is intense; something has to give. Benji has always been ambitious and realizes what publicity can do for the band’s image, how it can enhance the possibility of their being successful, but Diego doesn’t. He’s always been in the background and wants to remain that way.
As Benji and Diego work through their relationship, the specter of what going public will do to their lives frightens Diego. The demands made upon someone who is famous are enormous, but comes along with the territory. Diego wants Benji, but doesn’t want the controversy and lack of anonymity that goes along with it. The thing is, he can’t have it both ways; he has to make a choice.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Being a fan of the series, I understand the struggles Diego and Benji have had. However, it is still it’s difficult to imagine why it took ten years to get to the point of admitting how things really were between them and acting upon them. Although not uncommon in relationships, their unclear communication caused them more problems than were necessary. They were both stubborn and self-centered at times; neither wanted to compromise, which didn’t help their cause. Often, I wanted to smack their heads together, and tell them to grow up. With all that said, it was clear that they loved each other and deserved to be together. Thanks, Beth, for helping Diego and Benji find a way to do so. I’m sure the rest of the band thanks you too.
June 10, 2019
If you read Terrible Things, you won't be surprised to find out that the next book in the Star Shadow series, Impossible Things, is equally as wonderful. Beth Bolden does a stellar job with the love story between band members and best friends Benji and Diego.
Their relationship is full of ups and downs, pushes and pulls. Both men have long loved one another, but have never been together. They've endured ten years of fear, bad timing, and chances gone wrong.
As they start to make their feelings known, they still have a lot of complications to face. One man's been fighting his bisexuality and longs to not be in the press. Meanwhile, the other longs to be famous and in the spotlight. Getting on the same page isn't automatic.
The heart of this story is the realistic difficulties involved with going from friends to lovers. The fear of ruining a friendship that means the world to you. The fear of going too fast. The fear of the sexual experience you've spent your whole life waiting for. I love these men. I love how deeply they love and how strong their longing for one another is.
There are so many things I love about these men. They are best friends, the chemistry is strong, but it's the desire to take things slow that I love best. It just seems so right, totally in line with the personalities involved. I appreciate that they have different goals and different ideas, yet still long to make their relationship work.
I love this band. I love their struggles, and their healing. I love the banter and I love the strength of their friendships.
The author has created an intriguing world of stardom and it's pitfalls. The men are all amazingly developed, both endearing and complex, and the storylines are emotional, deep, and full of heart. The flaws, the hardships, the struggles, and the manipulation the band endures all make for a gripping read. Readers will instantly fall in love with these men and won't want to put this book down until the end.
I highly recommend Beth Bolden's Impossible Things to anyone who loves a great rock romance. If you haven't read the first book, however, do so now. This series is just that amazing!
Their relationship is full of ups and downs, pushes and pulls. Both men have long loved one another, but have never been together. They've endured ten years of fear, bad timing, and chances gone wrong.
As they start to make their feelings known, they still have a lot of complications to face. One man's been fighting his bisexuality and longs to not be in the press. Meanwhile, the other longs to be famous and in the spotlight. Getting on the same page isn't automatic.
The heart of this story is the realistic difficulties involved with going from friends to lovers. The fear of ruining a friendship that means the world to you. The fear of going too fast. The fear of the sexual experience you've spent your whole life waiting for. I love these men. I love how deeply they love and how strong their longing for one another is.
There are so many things I love about these men. They are best friends, the chemistry is strong, but it's the desire to take things slow that I love best. It just seems so right, totally in line with the personalities involved. I appreciate that they have different goals and different ideas, yet still long to make their relationship work.
I love this band. I love their struggles, and their healing. I love the banter and I love the strength of their friendships.
The author has created an intriguing world of stardom and it's pitfalls. The men are all amazingly developed, both endearing and complex, and the storylines are emotional, deep, and full of heart. The flaws, the hardships, the struggles, and the manipulation the band endures all make for a gripping read. Readers will instantly fall in love with these men and won't want to put this book down until the end.
I highly recommend Beth Bolden's Impossible Things to anyone who loves a great rock romance. If you haven't read the first book, however, do so now. This series is just that amazing!
May 29, 2020
Impossible Things, the second book in the Star Shadow series, tells the tale of Benji and Diego getting their issues sorted out and their relationship developing from best friends to lovers...a trope I really like.
I've got to say I'm pretty conflicted here. I liked Benji and Diego in Terrible Things (book one) and the teasers in that story hinted at a tale of a great love affair ten years in the making. Truth be told, I liked the MCs a lot less in Impossible Things than as side characters in the previous book. Here, I often wanted to throttle both of the men as at various stages in the book one or other of them is acting completely unreasonably: at one point I was so frustrated I actually shouted out loud 'JUST BLOODY TELL HIM!!', earning a really funny look from my other half. 😆 I also felt bits of the storyline didn't quite work for me, especially the angst-building arc towards the end...it just didn't feel like it fit. Another aspect is that I would have liked more of the plot to give greater context to both men's flaws - they're clearly both complex characters but we don't really know why. And, similarly to Terrible Things, it felt a bit drawn out and a bit more editing could have trimmed it down by 60 or 70 pages.
On the other hand, for as obstinate and just plain annoying as Benji and Diego can be, both men have some wonderful qualities as well. Diego is a wonderful father who is adamant that his job and the fame that goes with it will not affect his daughter's wellbeing. Benji's generosity is endless - I loved the day out he arranged for Diego and Ana (his daughter). Both men love hard and want to live authentically and I'm glad they got their HEA. The other band members get plenty of page time so it's nice to see how loved-up Caleb and Leo are (after book one) and it looks like the author is setting up Max and Felix for book three. Frustrations aside, Impossible Things is a decent read...3*
I've got to say I'm pretty conflicted here. I liked Benji and Diego in Terrible Things (book one) and the teasers in that story hinted at a tale of a great love affair ten years in the making. Truth be told, I liked the MCs a lot less in Impossible Things than as side characters in the previous book. Here, I often wanted to throttle both of the men as at various stages in the book one or other of them is acting completely unreasonably: at one point I was so frustrated I actually shouted out loud 'JUST BLOODY TELL HIM!!', earning a really funny look from my other half. 😆 I also felt bits of the storyline didn't quite work for me, especially the angst-building arc towards the end...it just didn't feel like it fit. Another aspect is that I would have liked more of the plot to give greater context to both men's flaws - they're clearly both complex characters but we don't really know why. And, similarly to Terrible Things, it felt a bit drawn out and a bit more editing could have trimmed it down by 60 or 70 pages.
On the other hand, for as obstinate and just plain annoying as Benji and Diego can be, both men have some wonderful qualities as well. Diego is a wonderful father who is adamant that his job and the fame that goes with it will not affect his daughter's wellbeing. Benji's generosity is endless - I loved the day out he arranged for Diego and Ana (his daughter). Both men love hard and want to live authentically and I'm glad they got their HEA. The other band members get plenty of page time so it's nice to see how loved-up Caleb and Leo are (after book one) and it looks like the author is setting up Max and Felix for book three. Frustrations aside, Impossible Things is a decent read...3*
June 21, 2019
After reading Terrible Things, the first book in this series, it was impossible not to want to hear Benji and Diego’s story next (see what I did there?). While you could read this one on its own, I would strongly recommend reading these stories in order to get the background of the band and see what they went through with Leo and Caleb’s story.
I loved Diego, and it was his character with whom I most identified. I understood his need for a calm, quiet life outside the band and his desire for privacy—particularly where his family was concerned. Benji…I found him to be a bit frustrating. He’s very driven, though at times it can make it seem like he’s chasing popularity. It’s clear though that he wants to be known for his music, not who he’s with.
Together, the two of them are sizzling hot; they definitely have the physical chemistry. They also have the fact that they’ve been best friends for ten years going for them. Where they clash is with the attention they get outside of Star Shadow—Diego is perfectly happy staying out of the spotlight and just enjoying his life and family, while Benji wants to make sure he’s front and center in people’s minds—even to the point of seeming jealous of Leo and Caleb.
One character I truly disliked was Benji’s agent/manager, Jay. The way he treats the guys’ lives as a popularity contest is abhorrent to me, especially since it just feeds into Benji’s personal perceptions of himself and his friends. Jay was beyond manipulative, and I just wanted to throttle him…and berate Benji for not just getting rid of the guy.
Overall Impossible Things was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’m definitely interested to see what’s going on with the final member of the band, Max, and Leo’s brother Felix…so I can’t wait for the next book! This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I loved Diego, and it was his character with whom I most identified. I understood his need for a calm, quiet life outside the band and his desire for privacy—particularly where his family was concerned. Benji…I found him to be a bit frustrating. He’s very driven, though at times it can make it seem like he’s chasing popularity. It’s clear though that he wants to be known for his music, not who he’s with.
Together, the two of them are sizzling hot; they definitely have the physical chemistry. They also have the fact that they’ve been best friends for ten years going for them. Where they clash is with the attention they get outside of Star Shadow—Diego is perfectly happy staying out of the spotlight and just enjoying his life and family, while Benji wants to make sure he’s front and center in people’s minds—even to the point of seeming jealous of Leo and Caleb.
One character I truly disliked was Benji’s agent/manager, Jay. The way he treats the guys’ lives as a popularity contest is abhorrent to me, especially since it just feeds into Benji’s personal perceptions of himself and his friends. Jay was beyond manipulative, and I just wanted to throttle him…and berate Benji for not just getting rid of the guy.
Overall Impossible Things was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’m definitely interested to see what’s going on with the final member of the band, Max, and Leo’s brother Felix…so I can’t wait for the next book! This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
June 11, 2019
Benji and Diego love each other, which is clear from page one. (Actually, it's clear from book one!) They recognize all the best and worst things in each other, but their feelings remain true. The problem is that they have opposing goals for their lives, and they can't see how to make being a couple work with their differences. Benji has a need for more recognition, a jerk of an agent, and a hard time saying no; so he ends up in bad situations sometimes, when he should just put his rock star foot down. Diego wants to continue ignoring his fame when he's offstage, hoping that staying off the media's radar will keep his life uncomplicated.
These men are both frustrating at times, but they are also both extremely likeable characters. They have great conversations full of humor and heart. The intimate scenes are sexy and sweet. They are good people who have loved each other for years, and they just want to spend their lives together - if only they could work through their issues.
I love all the band members, and their scenes together are wonderful. Leo and Caleb are just as adorable together here as they are in their book, Terrible Things. And Max and Felix still need to find happiness - maybe together? This is a great series. I hope to see more of the fans' reactions to the changes in the band, regarding both couples and musical growth. I look forward to spending more time with all these men.
These men are both frustrating at times, but they are also both extremely likeable characters. They have great conversations full of humor and heart. The intimate scenes are sexy and sweet. They are good people who have loved each other for years, and they just want to spend their lives together - if only they could work through their issues.
I love all the band members, and their scenes together are wonderful. Leo and Caleb are just as adorable together here as they are in their book, Terrible Things. And Max and Felix still need to find happiness - maybe together? This is a great series. I hope to see more of the fans' reactions to the changes in the band, regarding both couples and musical growth. I look forward to spending more time with all these men.
June 11, 2019
The second book in the Star Shadow follows Benji and Diego, men who have been friends for over 10 years and spent that time fighting feelings that they have for each other. A lot has happened for each other them - marriage, children, making a band and the band breaking up - especially with everything that happened in book one for Leo and Caleb.
This story is filled with emotion including longing and pain but balanced with joy and love. There's a long journey for the two to get their HEA and a history to work through. Each man has a different outlook on life and a different way of working which puts them at odds on occasion. It's easy to read the love that each man feels for the other but it's whether they can work through everything else. Ana, Diego's daughter, is one of the stars of the show as such an adorable little girl! There's even one or two characters to hate just to balance out the feelings for readers. There were a few times that I got frustrated with Benji but he had to work things out for himself, though both men had a lot of support from their band mates as well as each other as they were friends first which is still important to them both.
Definitely a recommended friends to lovers romance. I'm loving the series so far and looking forward to seeing who gets their story next!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This story is filled with emotion including longing and pain but balanced with joy and love. There's a long journey for the two to get their HEA and a history to work through. Each man has a different outlook on life and a different way of working which puts them at odds on occasion. It's easy to read the love that each man feels for the other but it's whether they can work through everything else. Ana, Diego's daughter, is one of the stars of the show as such an adorable little girl! There's even one or two characters to hate just to balance out the feelings for readers. There were a few times that I got frustrated with Benji but he had to work things out for himself, though both men had a lot of support from their band mates as well as each other as they were friends first which is still important to them both.
Definitely a recommended friends to lovers romance. I'm loving the series so far and looking forward to seeing who gets their story next!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 10, 2020
4.5 Stars
Waiting. Secret longing. Sexual tension. Best friends. Fearful. Stubborn. Those are all words to describe Benji and Diego. EVERYONE can see it, feel it, and almost touch it, and that includes Benji and Diego. Many years, and a failed marriage each, and it’s still there, circling around them looking to land. Along with their fellow bandmates, I’m dying for them to just DO IT ALREADY. Here’s the thing about fear: it’s powerful.
These are two very likable guys, and I’ve been rooting for them since the first book. They both deserve happiness and love, and I believe they will find it...if they just let themselves embrace it.
I enjoy that we get to see, and spend time with, the other band members as well. It’s always a treat to get updates on Leo and Caleb. They’re more than just bandmates, after all. I like how supportive they are to Benji and Diego, and how they also call them out when needed.
This is book two in this series, and it’s possible to read this as a standalone. Possible, but not advisable. There are things that happen in the first book, that are important to this story. The books also overlap in time, as well. I feel like the story needs to be read in order to fully enjoy it. Since the series, overall, is very enjoyable, it shouldn’t be a hardship to do so. I can’t wait to read more about all of these guys!
Waiting. Secret longing. Sexual tension. Best friends. Fearful. Stubborn. Those are all words to describe Benji and Diego. EVERYONE can see it, feel it, and almost touch it, and that includes Benji and Diego. Many years, and a failed marriage each, and it’s still there, circling around them looking to land. Along with their fellow bandmates, I’m dying for them to just DO IT ALREADY. Here’s the thing about fear: it’s powerful.
These are two very likable guys, and I’ve been rooting for them since the first book. They both deserve happiness and love, and I believe they will find it...if they just let themselves embrace it.
I enjoy that we get to see, and spend time with, the other band members as well. It’s always a treat to get updates on Leo and Caleb. They’re more than just bandmates, after all. I like how supportive they are to Benji and Diego, and how they also call them out when needed.
This is book two in this series, and it’s possible to read this as a standalone. Possible, but not advisable. There are things that happen in the first book, that are important to this story. The books also overlap in time, as well. I feel like the story needs to be read in order to fully enjoy it. Since the series, overall, is very enjoyable, it shouldn’t be a hardship to do so. I can’t wait to read more about all of these guys!
June 10, 2019
Impossible Things by Beth Bolden is the second book in the Star Shadow series. This time we get to delve into the journey of love with Benji and Diego as the main characters. They are finally ready to admit to themselves and to each other what the people closest to them have known for almost a decade... they are supposed to be together. But going from Friends to Lovers is a process a d especially when you are rockstar bandmates, not publicly "out", and have to balance so many other things while embracing the love you share. There were a few times I found myself thinking "oh no, dont do that... bad idea, man" and then " awwww, these guys -". I love Diego and Benji together and find their relationship sweet and sexy. I loved to also see the other Star Shadow guys who are so fun. I can not wait for more.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
June 19, 2019
🎶Feelings repressed, Diego and Benji, makes for dull boys😨😟
June 16, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
🎤3.5-4🌟stars🎹
Some steam, lots of words left unsaid for too long and delay, delay between two men who've known who they wanted since they were teenagers. I preferred Terrible Things, the previous book in this rock band series that focused on the romance between band members Caleb and Leo; this story flagged for me towards the middle and I could never understand why Diego and Benji waited so long. Add in a creep like Benji's agent and I just found myself hurrying to the end and, yes, skimming at times to get there.
I generally like author Beth Bolden's MM romances; they are well-written and have interesting, often fiery, dynamics between the lovers. I just was not bowled over with this pair of protagonists.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 16, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
🎤3.5-4🌟stars🎹
Some steam, lots of words left unsaid for too long and delay, delay between two men who've known who they wanted since they were teenagers. I preferred Terrible Things, the previous book in this rock band series that focused on the romance between band members Caleb and Leo; this story flagged for me towards the middle and I could never understand why Diego and Benji waited so long. Add in a creep like Benji's agent and I just found myself hurrying to the end and, yes, skimming at times to get there.
I generally like author Beth Bolden's MM romances; they are well-written and have interesting, often fiery, dynamics between the lovers. I just was not bowled over with this pair of protagonists.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 10, 2020
The Star Shadow series continues to be a rockin’ good time. Benji and Diego get their long, (long, long) awaited story. This friends-to-lovers book has less personal angst (& fewer trigger warnings) than the first book, but the boys make up for it by creating enough of their own drama.
There’s less banter between Benji and Diego than there was between Leo and Caleb; so I wound up highlighting fewer passages. But their relationship is a different relationship, as it should be, built on a long-standing friendship, mutual trust, respect and shared experiences.
What this novel does show in more detail, was the inner workings of the machine that is Public Relations / Promotion aspect of being a famous band.
If your jam is complex relational story with actual grown-up communication, interspersed with lots of appearances by fellow Star Shadow members and the fun that is this fun group of guys, you will love this book.
There’s less banter between Benji and Diego than there was between Leo and Caleb; so I wound up highlighting fewer passages. But their relationship is a different relationship, as it should be, built on a long-standing friendship, mutual trust, respect and shared experiences.
What this novel does show in more detail, was the inner workings of the machine that is Public Relations / Promotion aspect of being a famous band.
If your jam is complex relational story with actual grown-up communication, interspersed with lots of appearances by fellow Star Shadow members and the fun that is this fun group of guys, you will love this book.
June 7, 2019
This is another amazing book in the Star Shadow series and I love everything about it. I was fully engaged from the very first page and I could not put it down. Impossible Things is emotional, sweet, funny, sexy, full of hope, the storyline is wonderful and the characters are incredible. I liked Benji and Diego in the first book and I was looking forward to reading their story. They have an amazing connection and smoking hot chemistry that they have been denying for years as neither of them were willing to admit their feelings for each other. Their band has been through a lot together and finally things are starting to fall into place for them but Benji may have made Diego wait for too long. They have so many obstacles in their way and with someone behind the scenes trying to push them into something that they aren't ready for their relationship could be over before it even really starts. I love seeing how well Caleb and Leo are doing, the ending is perfect and I can't wait to see what happens next in this fabulous series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 14, 2019
I was hoping we would get Diego and Benji’s story, and we did. Only, I wasn’t as happy with it as I hoped I would be. It started off with potential but then lost me quickly.
Benji came off like some attention craved jerk, and Diego was kind of mocked for thinking he could have a private life. I really did not like Felix’s remark about that being beyond reality. There are several musicians that maintain a successful stage life and genuinely private life off the stage. Everyone made it seem like it was some impossible feat. It’s hard to maintain, but it’s not impossible.
Also, the fact that Benji contemplated using Anna , Diego’s daughter , was gross. I could not get over that. The fact that he was going to go through with Rochelle (beard) while dating Diego (who refuses to be some secret side boyfriend) was also the move of a jerk. The fact that Benji was so easily manipulated by his manager Jay, was so pathetic to me.
Then the issue of Anna’s parentage was super unnecessary . Plus the way Vicky (think that’s her name lol) was portrayed near the end of the book pissed me off.
I loved Diego’s character but not Benji’s. He did not come off at all likable. This was a disappointing read for me. 😩
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
Benji came off like some attention craved jerk, and Diego was kind of mocked for thinking he could have a private life. I really did not like Felix’s remark about that being beyond reality. There are several musicians that maintain a successful stage life and genuinely private life off the stage. Everyone made it seem like it was some impossible feat. It’s hard to maintain, but it’s not impossible.
Also, the fact that Benji contemplated using Anna , Diego’s daughter , was gross. I could not get over that. The fact that he was going to go through with Rochelle (beard) while dating Diego (who refuses to be some secret side boyfriend) was also the move of a jerk. The fact that Benji was so easily manipulated by his manager Jay, was so pathetic to me.
Then the issue of Anna’s parentage was super unnecessary . Plus the way Vicky (think that’s her name lol) was portrayed near the end of the book pissed me off.
I loved Diego’s character but not Benji’s. He did not come off at all likable. This was a disappointing read for me. 😩
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
May 22, 2020
Diego and Benji have been friends and members of the popular band Star Shadow for ten years. They’ve also been in love with each other for all that time but too scared to act on their feelings. When they finally take the big step and go from friends to lovers it’s harder than they thought.
I could relate to quiet Diego more but I really really felt for Benji. He worked so very hard for his career and his music and even though I didn’t agree with some of his actions I could understand were he was coming from. I really enjoyed reading their love story and their happily ever after warmed my heart. Also, I loved seeing all my favorite characters from the first book and I can’t wait for the next one, Max and Felix!
I could relate to quiet Diego more but I really really felt for Benji. He worked so very hard for his career and his music and even though I didn’t agree with some of his actions I could understand were he was coming from. I really enjoyed reading their love story and their happily ever after warmed my heart. Also, I loved seeing all my favorite characters from the first book and I can’t wait for the next one, Max and Felix!
June 12, 2019
🌟🌟3.75🌟🌟
I never really got into the rhythm of this book and I’m not certain why. Maybe too much of the past was rehashed? I think Jay poking and feeding into Benji’s doubts and fears while Benji allowed that to bleed into his fledgling romance was off putting.
That said, the rest of the story I did enjoy. Diego and Benji were sweet together as was their interaction with Ana. Diego’s talents were showcased well, though I feel like in spite of the intense drive we’re told Benji had, not much really came of that. It was nice to see Leo and Caleb. Felix provided great comedic moments, I look forward to more of him.
Voluntary ARC review.
I never really got into the rhythm of this book and I’m not certain why. Maybe too much of the past was rehashed? I think Jay poking and feeding into Benji’s doubts and fears while Benji allowed that to bleed into his fledgling romance was off putting.
That said, the rest of the story I did enjoy. Diego and Benji were sweet together as was their interaction with Ana. Diego’s talents were showcased well, though I feel like in spite of the intense drive we’re told Benji had, not much really came of that. It was nice to see Leo and Caleb. Felix provided great comedic moments, I look forward to more of him.
Voluntary ARC review.
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