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Strings Attached
The first novel in a steamy spin-off series from the national bestselling author of the Salon Games novels...
On the surface, Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is a rock god with the lifestyle to match. With his drop-dead gorgeous looks and his band, Baseline Sins, at the top of the charts, he can have any woman he wants. But the constant touring and recording has taken its toll. Now he’s turned to scoring films, a gig that has introduced him to the one woman he really wants but can’t have...
Trudeau Morrison is all business all the time. As the managing director of ManDown Films, it’s her job to keep Baz focused on business too. It’s not an easy task, considering Baz has made no secret of his desire for her. But Tru doesn’t want to get involved with a rock star, even if he is the hottest man she’s ever met.
Trouble is, once Baz gets an erotic taste of Tru, he’s not going to give her up. Now he just has to show her that rock-steady is nothing compared to rock and roll...
On the surface, Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is a rock god with the lifestyle to match. With his drop-dead gorgeous looks and his band, Baseline Sins, at the top of the charts, he can have any woman he wants. But the constant touring and recording has taken its toll. Now he’s turned to scoring films, a gig that has introduced him to the one woman he really wants but can’t have...
Trudeau Morrison is all business all the time. As the managing director of ManDown Films, it’s her job to keep Baz focused on business too. It’s not an easy task, considering Baz has made no secret of his desire for her. But Tru doesn’t want to get involved with a rock star, even if he is the hottest man she’s ever met.
Trouble is, once Baz gets an erotic taste of Tru, he’s not going to give her up. Now he just has to show her that rock-steady is nothing compared to rock and roll...
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
2 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Julian
162 books1,054 followersStephanie Julian is a USA Today and New York Time best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She writes stories with sultry heat and sweet heart.
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 19, 2015
4.5 rocking stars!
I was on Netgalley looking for a new book to read. I stumbled upon this book Strings Attached by Stephanie Julian and the cover just spoke to me. Then I read the blurb and decided I would request to read it. I was excited to learn I was approved and started reading as soon as I could. I have to say I'm very impressed with what I read. I'm a fan of the rocker themed books and this one is going down as one of my fave's.
Trudeau (such a unique name) and Sebastian Valenti have a hate/no love relationship. Yes you read that right....NO LOVE. Tru HATES Baz with every fiber of her being. Baz does everything he can to piss her off. Apparently Baz hasn't left his middle school ways behind, LOL. And we soon find out that's exactly his play, he can't handle his feeling of attraction toward her so he is mean to her. But once he gets his head out of his ass and makes his play for her....OMG it's totally worth it!!!!
There is one scene that threw me for a loop and I thought for sure Stephanie was taking this book a whole other direction......but she didn't go for it. Once you read it, you'll know exactly what part I'm talking about. I'm hoping when she writes Nik's book we will get more insight into what happened. I'm guessing since this is a start to a new series each member of the band will get a book. I'm hoping so!
Stephanie's writing is spectacular and the story flowed extremely well. Strings Attached is a book you will not want to put down until the show is over. Baseline Sins will definitely be joining in the category of book bands to follow. So if you're looking for a new rocker book, Strings Attached is definitely one you will want to read.
I was on Netgalley looking for a new book to read. I stumbled upon this book Strings Attached by Stephanie Julian and the cover just spoke to me. Then I read the blurb and decided I would request to read it. I was excited to learn I was approved and started reading as soon as I could. I have to say I'm very impressed with what I read. I'm a fan of the rocker themed books and this one is going down as one of my fave's.
Trudeau (such a unique name) and Sebastian Valenti have a hate/no love relationship. Yes you read that right....NO LOVE. Tru HATES Baz with every fiber of her being. Baz does everything he can to piss her off. Apparently Baz hasn't left his middle school ways behind, LOL. And we soon find out that's exactly his play, he can't handle his feeling of attraction toward her so he is mean to her. But once he gets his head out of his ass and makes his play for her....OMG it's totally worth it!!!!
There is one scene that threw me for a loop and I thought for sure Stephanie was taking this book a whole other direction......but she didn't go for it. Once you read it, you'll know exactly what part I'm talking about. I'm hoping when she writes Nik's book we will get more insight into what happened. I'm guessing since this is a start to a new series each member of the band will get a book. I'm hoping so!
Stephanie's writing is spectacular and the story flowed extremely well. Strings Attached is a book you will not want to put down until the show is over. Baseline Sins will definitely be joining in the category of book bands to follow. So if you're looking for a new rocker book, Strings Attached is definitely one you will want to read.
paused-come-back-to
November 18, 2015I'm going to have to put this on pause for a bit. I'm just having a tough time getting into it since it feels like I've been dropped into the middle of the series without any of the details. I think this is because it's a spin off and I haven't read the previous series. Whatever the case may be, I'm just not feeling the connection to the characters or their stories so on pause it goes till I'm in a better mood for something like this.
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November 17, 2015
Trudeau Morrison manages and runs ManDown Films for famous producer Greg Hicks. She is a self-made woman, who has a plan for her life and is determined to work hard to make it happen. However, ever since Greg hired rock star Sebastian Valenti to score his latest film, Tru has found it more and more difficult to stay on task.
After years of mega-stardom as the guitarist for Baseline Sins, Sebastian Valenti almost lost his life in an accidental overdose and breakdown about a year ago. While staying with the Golden Brothers at their ritzy hotel for a much needed break, Baz befriended Greg Hicks and eventually started working for him. But now Baz realizes he’s starting to miss his bandmates and friends, and wonders if he is too broken to have that rock star life again.
While Strings Attached is listed as the first book in the new Baseline Sins series, it is actually the fifth book in Ms. Julian’s Salon Games series. While one could jump in and read the book as a standalone romance, I feel readers would really miss out on much of the world building and character development of the supporting cast if they skipped reading the original series. I was immediately sucked in to Tru and Baz’s story because I’d read about both characters in the previous books.
Although Tru and Baz are like oil and water and bicker constantly, they have great chemistry. The “opposites attract trope” is at its best as we witness the pair combust under an intense mutual attraction fueled by a genuine concern for each other. All it takes is seeing one another outside the usual work environment to ignite the flames. But it’s not all sunshine and roses, as Tru’s brain overrides her sexual desire and need. Tru is all the more real to me, as she tries to remember what her life plan is and why she needs to stick with it. I’m very much the same Type-A, planner persona, and can relate to her internal conflicts as she pushes forward, trying to understand and deal with (in an orderly manner) her own emotions.
What makes this story so enjoyable are the supporting characters who surround this couple. They aren’t just window dressings, showing up from book to book, but rather, confidants who help the main characters better understand their own actions and feelings. The heart-to-heart conversations and actions of friends bring the story around and help drive the plot towards its conclusion. And, especially in respect to Baz and his former bandmates, those conversations inflict genuine emotions and at times, a sniffle or two.
As much as I loved this one, I had a couple of small issues. It’s hard to get into what the issues were without spoilers, but generally it has to do with certain comments and a specific situation between Baz and his former best friend. The comments, in the form of introspection by Baz, felt oddly out of place and forced into his thought pattern to possibly set the stage for a later conflict that really never happened. Similarly, the specific action that occurred also felt out of place and was never fully addressed before the end of the book. Again, it felt like I was being set up for a conflict that never happened, and I was a bit disappointed and annoyed.
In the end I loved Tru and Baz, and I truly hope we get more of the couple, because their story really isn’t over. Although they found happiness in the last few pages of the book, they still have several obstacles to hurdle before a true HEA. Strings Attached is an emotionally intense romance between two beloved characters finally getting their chance at love. I absolutely adored Tru because I related to her plans and insecurities, making the overall story that much more meaningful. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Julian has in store for the rest of the members of Baseline Sins.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
After years of mega-stardom as the guitarist for Baseline Sins, Sebastian Valenti almost lost his life in an accidental overdose and breakdown about a year ago. While staying with the Golden Brothers at their ritzy hotel for a much needed break, Baz befriended Greg Hicks and eventually started working for him. But now Baz realizes he’s starting to miss his bandmates and friends, and wonders if he is too broken to have that rock star life again.
While Strings Attached is listed as the first book in the new Baseline Sins series, it is actually the fifth book in Ms. Julian’s Salon Games series. While one could jump in and read the book as a standalone romance, I feel readers would really miss out on much of the world building and character development of the supporting cast if they skipped reading the original series. I was immediately sucked in to Tru and Baz’s story because I’d read about both characters in the previous books.
Although Tru and Baz are like oil and water and bicker constantly, they have great chemistry. The “opposites attract trope” is at its best as we witness the pair combust under an intense mutual attraction fueled by a genuine concern for each other. All it takes is seeing one another outside the usual work environment to ignite the flames. But it’s not all sunshine and roses, as Tru’s brain overrides her sexual desire and need. Tru is all the more real to me, as she tries to remember what her life plan is and why she needs to stick with it. I’m very much the same Type-A, planner persona, and can relate to her internal conflicts as she pushes forward, trying to understand and deal with (in an orderly manner) her own emotions.
What makes this story so enjoyable are the supporting characters who surround this couple. They aren’t just window dressings, showing up from book to book, but rather, confidants who help the main characters better understand their own actions and feelings. The heart-to-heart conversations and actions of friends bring the story around and help drive the plot towards its conclusion. And, especially in respect to Baz and his former bandmates, those conversations inflict genuine emotions and at times, a sniffle or two.
As much as I loved this one, I had a couple of small issues. It’s hard to get into what the issues were without spoilers, but generally it has to do with certain comments and a specific situation between Baz and his former best friend. The comments, in the form of introspection by Baz, felt oddly out of place and forced into his thought pattern to possibly set the stage for a later conflict that really never happened. Similarly, the specific action that occurred also felt out of place and was never fully addressed before the end of the book. Again, it felt like I was being set up for a conflict that never happened, and I was a bit disappointed and annoyed.
In the end I loved Tru and Baz, and I truly hope we get more of the couple, because their story really isn’t over. Although they found happiness in the last few pages of the book, they still have several obstacles to hurdle before a true HEA. Strings Attached is an emotionally intense romance between two beloved characters finally getting their chance at love. I absolutely adored Tru because I related to her plans and insecurities, making the overall story that much more meaningful. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Julian has in store for the rest of the members of Baseline Sins.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
November 18, 2015
Strings Attached is the first book in a new series, but I have to say that I felt as though I was dropped into the middle of a series from the very first page. The opening scene seems to be picking up where another series left off, and I was feeling a bit confused in the first few chapters.
Trudeau, aka Tru, is a small town girl who has made it big in the big cities by a few strokes of good luck. She has a job working with one of the hottest film producers around, and she is currently assigned to assist one of the most infuriating men on the planet. Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is rock star through and through right down to a stint in rehab after he almost killed himself with an accidental overdose. He and Tru can't be in the same room for more than 5 minutes without wanting to claw each others eyes out- but maybe that's just foreplay?
Tru dresses the part of a conservative prude, but there is some fire beneath the good girl exterior. She has always been driven and has to plan things out to the nth degree, so Sebastian's natural go with the flow attitude makes her absolutely nuts. She is everything Baz never thought he wanted but somehow when they finally get past the arguing they realize that they just click well together.
Baz is fighting some serious guilt for his actions over the past year or so, and although he accidentally OD'd, he wasn't a heavy user prior to the incident. He can fight the urges now but worries whether he will be able to handle life on the road again. On top of it all, he misses his band and his best friend Nik but he is afraid that he spent too much time pushing everyone away during his recovery and the aftermath so that no one will forgive him.
Ms. Julian can definitely write some scenes that will leave you hot and bothered, but this book is more than just erotic interludes. There is a great story line that goes along with it as Tru tries to decide if she can find a way to go with her heart instead of her head to take a chance on love, Baz tries to regain his confidence in himself while fighting for Tru, their friends try to resist the urge to bang their heads together when both turn obstinate, and intricate and complicated relationships emerge. Overall I enjoyed the story, I just wish that I had read the Salon Games books first so that I may have been able to understand the background of this one a little bit faster.
Trudeau, aka Tru, is a small town girl who has made it big in the big cities by a few strokes of good luck. She has a job working with one of the hottest film producers around, and she is currently assigned to assist one of the most infuriating men on the planet. Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is rock star through and through right down to a stint in rehab after he almost killed himself with an accidental overdose. He and Tru can't be in the same room for more than 5 minutes without wanting to claw each others eyes out- but maybe that's just foreplay?
Tru dresses the part of a conservative prude, but there is some fire beneath the good girl exterior. She has always been driven and has to plan things out to the nth degree, so Sebastian's natural go with the flow attitude makes her absolutely nuts. She is everything Baz never thought he wanted but somehow when they finally get past the arguing they realize that they just click well together.
Baz is fighting some serious guilt for his actions over the past year or so, and although he accidentally OD'd, he wasn't a heavy user prior to the incident. He can fight the urges now but worries whether he will be able to handle life on the road again. On top of it all, he misses his band and his best friend Nik but he is afraid that he spent too much time pushing everyone away during his recovery and the aftermath so that no one will forgive him.
Ms. Julian can definitely write some scenes that will leave you hot and bothered, but this book is more than just erotic interludes. There is a great story line that goes along with it as Tru tries to decide if she can find a way to go with her heart instead of her head to take a chance on love, Baz tries to regain his confidence in himself while fighting for Tru, their friends try to resist the urge to bang their heads together when both turn obstinate, and intricate and complicated relationships emerge. Overall I enjoyed the story, I just wish that I had read the Salon Games books first so that I may have been able to understand the background of this one a little bit faster.
November 21, 2015
Boy, talking about opposites attracting. Tru and Baz at first don’t know if it is frustration they feel for each other or is all of this friction between these two is leading to something much more positive. Baz is the lead guitarist to a rock band, who accidently overdosed a year ago and during his down time he was hired to write a music score for a movie. Tru was a hardworking, dedicated employee who ran a tight ship for her boss, Greg, who happens to be friends with Baz. So we have a career minded woman who is used to getting her way and a take no prisoners attitude vs a recovering rock star who is realizing that there is something that definitely needs his “special” attention.
The author made you feel the extent that Tru’s feelings were going with Baz and you just didn’t want to see her get hurt but at the same time I was giving Baz the benefit of doubt because I thought he would be able to handle life on the road along with a serious relationship. (anyway I was hoping so) Will Baz be able to fight the demons that pushed him over the edge which landed him in rehab in the first place? Will Tru cut her losses and save herself a broken heart if/when Baz takes to the road touring? The chemistry these two had in private or not so private was off the charts. It was nice seeing what they had between them growing and had you rooting for them to be able to make it as a couple without giving up what they each loved.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
The author made you feel the extent that Tru’s feelings were going with Baz and you just didn’t want to see her get hurt but at the same time I was giving Baz the benefit of doubt because I thought he would be able to handle life on the road along with a serious relationship. (anyway I was hoping so) Will Baz be able to fight the demons that pushed him over the edge which landed him in rehab in the first place? Will Tru cut her losses and save herself a broken heart if/when Baz takes to the road touring? The chemistry these two had in private or not so private was off the charts. It was nice seeing what they had between them growing and had you rooting for them to be able to make it as a couple without giving up what they each loved.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
November 8, 2015
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com
I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
Stephanie Julian writes a charged story with realistic characters that are vulnerable and complex. Sebastian Valenti is the lead guitarist for Baseline Sins, one of the top rock groups. He is at a crossroads; he has recently been released from rehab and is trying to figure out his life. Even though he is a talented songwriter and musician, is an emotional mess, vulnerable and filled with self doubts.
Trudeau Morrison works for a company that makes movies and she meets Sebastian when he writes the score for one of their films. They see each other every day and as they work together, the tension is high whenever they are in the same room. Sebastian admires everything about Trudeau, especially her confidence, organizational skills and how hard she works at her job. Trudeau has never been attracted to bad boys, so she doesn’t understand why she is drawn to Sebastian. It takes a while for Sebastian and Trudeau to stop running away from their feeling and realize they are good for each other. I liked both Sebastian and Trudeau. They bring out the best in each, but before they can be together, they have to work through some issues.
This is an engaging story, but the ending was rushed and I have some unanswered questions. It is the first book in the Baseline Sins series and is a standalone. I was happy to see some of the characters from the Salon Games series make an appearance in this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
Stephanie Julian writes a charged story with realistic characters that are vulnerable and complex. Sebastian Valenti is the lead guitarist for Baseline Sins, one of the top rock groups. He is at a crossroads; he has recently been released from rehab and is trying to figure out his life. Even though he is a talented songwriter and musician, is an emotional mess, vulnerable and filled with self doubts.
Trudeau Morrison works for a company that makes movies and she meets Sebastian when he writes the score for one of their films. They see each other every day and as they work together, the tension is high whenever they are in the same room. Sebastian admires everything about Trudeau, especially her confidence, organizational skills and how hard she works at her job. Trudeau has never been attracted to bad boys, so she doesn’t understand why she is drawn to Sebastian. It takes a while for Sebastian and Trudeau to stop running away from their feeling and realize they are good for each other. I liked both Sebastian and Trudeau. They bring out the best in each, but before they can be together, they have to work through some issues.
This is an engaging story, but the ending was rushed and I have some unanswered questions. It is the first book in the Baseline Sins series and is a standalone. I was happy to see some of the characters from the Salon Games series make an appearance in this book.
January 15, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group/InterMix for this advanced copy.
This actually came out in November, from what I remember. I completely forgot I had it until I went to see what books were expiring and came across it.
Perfecting her skills is something Trudeau takes a lot of pride in. That, and her job at ManDown. Life would be a whole lot easier if hot and broody Sebastian Valenti cooperated with her. Ever since they met three years ago they’ve butted heads. He lives to rile her up and she lives to make sure he doesn’t let Greg down. “Baz” is an on-hold rock star from the popular band Baseline Sins, who has taken an interest in composing scores for the movies at ManDown Films’ studio. After his accidental suicide, he needed to find an outlet that didn’t involve women, drugs, or escaping into the heavy music he’d perform every night. Leaving the band behind, he goes to rehab. When he comes out, he continues to hide away and finds himself working for Greg and to his luck, that’s where he meets Trudeau...
SEE MY FULL REVIEW HERE
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group/InterMix for this advanced copy.
This actually came out in November, from what I remember. I completely forgot I had it until I went to see what books were expiring and came across it.
Perfecting her skills is something Trudeau takes a lot of pride in. That, and her job at ManDown. Life would be a whole lot easier if hot and broody Sebastian Valenti cooperated with her. Ever since they met three years ago they’ve butted heads. He lives to rile her up and she lives to make sure he doesn’t let Greg down. “Baz” is an on-hold rock star from the popular band Baseline Sins, who has taken an interest in composing scores for the movies at ManDown Films’ studio. After his accidental suicide, he needed to find an outlet that didn’t involve women, drugs, or escaping into the heavy music he’d perform every night. Leaving the band behind, he goes to rehab. When he comes out, he continues to hide away and finds himself working for Greg and to his luck, that’s where he meets Trudeau...
SEE MY FULL REVIEW HERE
November 17, 2015
It's 5am on release day. I got the book several hours ago & drank it down in one lengthy, delicious swallow. But in my defense I've wanted more Baz since he was introduced two books ago. (And I've tried to preorder this one three times since its publication date was announced. Amazon had to tell me it was already ordered & my urgency wouldn't make it come any faster.)
The thing about meeting Baz, and for that matter, Tru, two books ago is real. Although this is the first Baseline Sins book, it's a spinoff of Stephanie Julian's wonderful Salon Games series and there are enough nuances to all the characters in the combined worlds that knowing the backstories is nearly obligatory. I also find the city of Philadelphia a richly drawn character because I've walked her streets and felt her energy, and Ms Julian conveys her with the same affection I feel for her.
I highly recommend you read the Salon Games books before diving into Strings Attached, and I look forward to learning more about the other members of Baseline Sins.
The thing about meeting Baz, and for that matter, Tru, two books ago is real. Although this is the first Baseline Sins book, it's a spinoff of Stephanie Julian's wonderful Salon Games series and there are enough nuances to all the characters in the combined worlds that knowing the backstories is nearly obligatory. I also find the city of Philadelphia a richly drawn character because I've walked her streets and felt her energy, and Ms Julian conveys her with the same affection I feel for her.
I highly recommend you read the Salon Games books before diving into Strings Attached, and I look forward to learning more about the other members of Baseline Sins.
November 28, 2015
Strings Attached was a fun, rocker type book with a whole lot of sexual tension and hotness. I liked the characters but had a hard time connecting with them. I felt I just needed more of Tru’s story to get that bond or feeling where I got her.
Having not ready any of Stephanie Julian’s other work, this was a pleasant first book to start out with. The direction of the book almost went off the rails a couple of times, but in hindsight I understood it a little better. I feel there is so much more to learn about the rockstars of Baseline Sins and there were moments that we were given little crumbs of but then the story moved past it. Overall, this was sexy and entertaining. The characters were engaging and fun and made me want to get to know them all a bit more! Give this a try and find your next Book Crush. 3.5 Stars
Having not ready any of Stephanie Julian’s other work, this was a pleasant first book to start out with. The direction of the book almost went off the rails a couple of times, but in hindsight I understood it a little better. I feel there is so much more to learn about the rockstars of Baseline Sins and there were moments that we were given little crumbs of but then the story moved past it. Overall, this was sexy and entertaining. The characters were engaging and fun and made me want to get to know them all a bit more! Give this a try and find your next Book Crush. 3.5 Stars
November 20, 2015
first time I read anything by this author. I have to say I enjoyed this story. Sebastian the rock star scoring a movie after a tough year and Tru a studio manager who hates him, but really she doesn't. underneath alll the fighting and insults lies passion, heat and chemistry. tru brings some light into sebastians life and he makes her stop being so serious and enjoy life. They compliment each other. well written, great supporting and main characters.
September 6, 2021
A Comeback for Sebastian?
I loved this story. Sebastian is a rockstar that nearly died last year from an accidental overdose. He was a musical prodigy who turned to rock music much to the chagrin of his parents. They wanted him to get back to writing 'real' music. During the year after his overdose he is commissioned by a filmmaker friend, Greg, to write the score for Greg's new movie. While at the company, Sebastian meets Trudeau (Tru) and they fight horribly. For awhile......Read this book, it's truly enjoyable (pun intended!)
I loved this story. Sebastian is a rockstar that nearly died last year from an accidental overdose. He was a musical prodigy who turned to rock music much to the chagrin of his parents. They wanted him to get back to writing 'real' music. During the year after his overdose he is commissioned by a filmmaker friend, Greg, to write the score for Greg's new movie. While at the company, Sebastian meets Trudeau (Tru) and they fight horribly. For awhile......Read this book, it's truly enjoyable (pun intended!)
September 20, 2016
Title: Strings Attached
Author: Stephanie Julian
Publisher/Year: Penguin Publishing 11/17/15
Length: 276 Pages
Series: Baseline Sins #1
Overview
The first novel in a steamy spin-off series from the national bestselling author of the Salon Games novels...
On the surface, Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is a rock god with the lifestyle to match. With his drop-dead gorgeous looks and his band, Baseline Sins, at the top of the charts, he can have any woman he wants. But the constant touring and recording has taken its toll. Now he’s turned to scoring films, a gig that has introduced him to the one woman he really wants but can’t have...
Trudeau Morrison is all business all the time. As the managing director of ManDown Films, it’s her job to keep Baz focused on business too. It’s not an easy task, considering Baz has made no secret of his desire for her. But Tru doesn’t want to get involved with a rock star, even if he is the hottest man she’s ever met.
Trouble is, once Baz gets an erotic taste of Tru, he’s not going to give her up. Now he just has to show her that rock-steady is nothing compared to rock and roll...
My Thoughts
Thank goodness we finally got to have an installment that focuses on Baz since we really got to know about him when Bree and Greg fell in love. From what we remember from that story, he's had a rough time coming back from an overdose and then trying to get his head on straight. all while hiding out at Haven.
So in this first book of a spin off series, we see how Baz comes into his own now that the score for the movie is done, and how that means that he's open to finding more for himself. That comes in the form of Tru - Greg's old assistant turned managing director of their production studio.
Tru is a girl who knows what she wants and gets it. She's no nonsense and that's why she's gotten on so well with Greg. She's become fast friends with the girls from the Salon Games series - Belle, Kate, Sabrina and even Talia that we get to see them pop up again and again in this series.
The relationship between Baz and Tru starts off as most of these do - they hate each other - they know how to push the other's buttons and not in a good way so you know that it's going to lead to something hot and steamy. We see them fight at every turn and to me it's a question of when they will finally decide to realize that it's not hate but attraction that keeps them going.
Throughout this story - really what we are seeing is Baz coming to terms with his friendships from the guys in the band, as well as trying to figure out what his next move is since he's so afraid of what's going to happen if he screws up and everyone else seems to fear the same. everyone but Tru that is. He has a hard time trying to reconnect with his bandmates and that cuts him down a bit while also trying to navigate whatever it is that's going on with Tru.
In true form of Ms. Julian, we get so much heat and passion when these two come together that it keeps the story going at a fast pace. There's so much chemistry that it leaps off the pages and while you want to see them succeed - you know that there's so much keeping them apart that it's really a question of who's going to shove them back in the right direction to make it work. So, all in all a nice read from this spin off series and i can't wait to see what's next
Author: Stephanie Julian
Publisher/Year: Penguin Publishing 11/17/15
Length: 276 Pages
Series: Baseline Sins #1
Overview
The first novel in a steamy spin-off series from the national bestselling author of the Salon Games novels...
On the surface, Sebastian "Baz" Valenti is a rock god with the lifestyle to match. With his drop-dead gorgeous looks and his band, Baseline Sins, at the top of the charts, he can have any woman he wants. But the constant touring and recording has taken its toll. Now he’s turned to scoring films, a gig that has introduced him to the one woman he really wants but can’t have...
Trudeau Morrison is all business all the time. As the managing director of ManDown Films, it’s her job to keep Baz focused on business too. It’s not an easy task, considering Baz has made no secret of his desire for her. But Tru doesn’t want to get involved with a rock star, even if he is the hottest man she’s ever met.
Trouble is, once Baz gets an erotic taste of Tru, he’s not going to give her up. Now he just has to show her that rock-steady is nothing compared to rock and roll...
My Thoughts
Thank goodness we finally got to have an installment that focuses on Baz since we really got to know about him when Bree and Greg fell in love. From what we remember from that story, he's had a rough time coming back from an overdose and then trying to get his head on straight. all while hiding out at Haven.
So in this first book of a spin off series, we see how Baz comes into his own now that the score for the movie is done, and how that means that he's open to finding more for himself. That comes in the form of Tru - Greg's old assistant turned managing director of their production studio.
Tru is a girl who knows what she wants and gets it. She's no nonsense and that's why she's gotten on so well with Greg. She's become fast friends with the girls from the Salon Games series - Belle, Kate, Sabrina and even Talia that we get to see them pop up again and again in this series.
The relationship between Baz and Tru starts off as most of these do - they hate each other - they know how to push the other's buttons and not in a good way so you know that it's going to lead to something hot and steamy. We see them fight at every turn and to me it's a question of when they will finally decide to realize that it's not hate but attraction that keeps them going.
Throughout this story - really what we are seeing is Baz coming to terms with his friendships from the guys in the band, as well as trying to figure out what his next move is since he's so afraid of what's going to happen if he screws up and everyone else seems to fear the same. everyone but Tru that is. He has a hard time trying to reconnect with his bandmates and that cuts him down a bit while also trying to navigate whatever it is that's going on with Tru.
In true form of Ms. Julian, we get so much heat and passion when these two come together that it keeps the story going at a fast pace. There's so much chemistry that it leaps off the pages and while you want to see them succeed - you know that there's so much keeping them apart that it's really a question of who's going to shove them back in the right direction to make it work. So, all in all a nice read from this spin off series and i can't wait to see what's next
December 15, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of Strings Attached by Stephanie Julian. The first book in the Baseline Sins series.
Strings Attached is about Sebastian “Baz” Valenti, rock god and songwriter for the latest film from ManDown and Trudeau Morrison who manages ManDown. She has to keep him focused on the task on hand.
It was hard for me to read the story because I was missing a lot of background information. It is labeled as a spin-off series that can be read as a stand-alone series but I have to disagree. It was tough to follow the story sometimes as I have been missing important parts from the other books.
The book by itself is well written and I liked the characters but I would recommend only to read it if you know the background story.
Review of Strings Attached by Stephanie Julian. The first book in the Baseline Sins series.
Strings Attached is about Sebastian “Baz” Valenti, rock god and songwriter for the latest film from ManDown and Trudeau Morrison who manages ManDown. She has to keep him focused on the task on hand.
It was hard for me to read the story because I was missing a lot of background information. It is labeled as a spin-off series that can be read as a stand-alone series but I have to disagree. It was tough to follow the story sometimes as I have been missing important parts from the other books.
The book by itself is well written and I liked the characters but I would recommend only to read it if you know the background story.
December 27, 2015
The blurb was great but didn't matched the story. The story started just like that... I needed some introductions of the characters to understand where's the story is going. Tru was practical not only in thinking but also while making decisions. Sebastian was so called jerk but he didn't seem like that all in the story. There was major communication gap between Tru and Sebastian. There was not any relationship talk between them at all. They rather assumed things than talking about them. The big question in my mind was what the hell was happening between Sebastian and Nik !! I think that Sebastian in major part of story was thinking about him and Nik instead of him and Tru. The last part in which Sebastian confessed was also done when Nik asked him to. The ending was a quick end and no insight of their future.
Read
October 22, 2015Dnf @ 26% I had a hard time getting into the characters and following what the storyline was really about. When I started the book it felt like I was dropped into the middle of a series which was a little weird because this is the first book in a new series. I plan on coming back to this book after I catch up on the previous series. Maybe then I can better understand the characters and get the full feel of what was happening.
November 24, 2015
This is the first book in the Baseline Sins series, which features the members of the band Baseline Sins. It’s a spinoff of another series that I didn’t read. I feel like I missed out on quite a bit by not reading the first series. There were also a lot of continuity issues I had a hard time overlooking. I liked the basic feel of the story, but things kept coming out of nowhere and throwing me off. I may read the original series to see if this one makes more sense after.
October 14, 2015
*3.5 stars*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Berkley*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Berkley*
February 24, 2016
I did not finish reading Strings Attached as I wasn’t able to connect to the characters and the story.
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