AotM: Fall For Me (The Rock Gods #1) by Ann Lister (Reviews+Giveaway)

Fall For Me

The Rock Gods, Book One by Ann Lister

BUY LINKS

Amazon

UK http://amzn.to/2figq2K

Universal http://getbook.at/FallForMe

BLURB

Entertainment journalist, Ryan Pierce, meets the infamous bad-boy rocker, Dagger Drummond, and walks away with a great interview and a scandalous news bit that has the potential to turn the music world on its ear. Exposing the story would boost Ryan's career, but it would also come with the risk of ruining Dagger's privacy – and possibly his Rock God status. The unlikely friendship that develops between Dagger and Ryan brings Ryan to question more than just his journalistic oath to report the news. It also forces him to take a look at himself and newly discovered feelings – feelings that make Ryan blind to the risk of becoming front page news himself. Will Ryan find the courage to make a life decision to give himself true happiness with Dagger or take the path that would likely lead to heartbreak and destroy his career forever? 

GOODREADS

4.5 Stars

So, have you ever read a book and not particularly care for it, then go back and reread it and love it? Well, that's what happened here. Fall For Me was my first ever Ann Lister book and frankly, the first time around I didn't care for either of the main characters all that much. But after two years and countless books by this author, after rereading the story, I saw the characters in a new light. I always thought Dagger was far too pushy, and I'm not sure why because all I saw this time around was how patient he was with Ryan. How much he took his time with Ryan and let him have his space when he needed it. I interpreted Ryan as being terrified of commitment in the first read through, but not so much this time around. He just had to take the time to truly look inside himself and find the man that was always there. He needed to learn to accept himself and be comfortable in his own skin.

Dagger and Ryan had amazing chemistry and I loved that the progression of their relationship, both emotionally and physically, moved at a natural and realistic pace. It wasn't rushed. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I loved getting a backstage pass to seeing a small pierce what life on the road for a rockstar is like.

I really enjoyed rereading this story. Although the story is well-written, reading it compared to Ann's later books, I can see just how much she has grown as a writer. She has really honed her craft well and become an amazing author, definitely one of my favorites!! Very enjoyable and recommended!!

*book purchased by the reviewer*

5 Stars!

Dagger and Ryan's Story

This is the first book in the Rock Gods series and it sets the stage for some of my favorite Ann Lister books. I'm a big fan of GFY, so, of course, I enjoyed this one. I'm also a fan of angst and this one checked many of my boxes.

Dagger is definitely a dichotomy in the beginning of the story. We have the outwardly cocky, sexy and aggressive Alpha Rock Star Ryan meets during his interview. Then we see the man who is taxed from hiding his true self. The man who craves something real and lasting with Ryan who he's quickly falling for.

Dagger made a humming sound. “I’d love to find someone to share my life with –my bed; my heart.” His words were beginning to slur.

I love that Ryan struggles with his feelings. He's trying to figure out his sexuality as he begins to realize he may not be straight and possibly never was. He has to unravel feelings that happened in the past, in his adolescence and it's conflicting for him. It becomes clearer and clearer that he is bisexual but that's difficult to come to terms with. This isn't just an easy GFY story because as much as I love those this is more a story of exploring sexuality and self-discovery which does not easily resolve itself.

I loved that these men started slowly by becoming friends first. Their initial introduction is rocky and confrontational but when they get past that, their friendship blooms and progresses. Over the phone, the chemistry heats up and their friendship starts to resemble more of the getting to know you stage of a relationship. Their chemistry is palpable and their encounters grow hotter and hotter as they explore their physical relationship. I'm not even going to pretend I didn't breathe a bit faster at a few scenes.

I loved that they work not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well because their friendship is quite realistic and believable. My only real objection was that Dagger could be pushy at times in the beginning, knowing that Ryan was not "gay". However, after reading this story for the third time, I find I looked at it all in a new light. I honestly believe that Dagger just felt confident and comfortable with the vibe he was getting from Ryan and he could flirt openly with confidence that Ryan would not get angry or turn against him. I think his pushiness was more his way of helping Ryan not be afraid.

Dagger does have a few glaring faults, one of which is his inability to trust and although understandable is a major flaw when it comes to Ryan later in the story and leads to a situation I'm not sure I'd have easily been able to forgive. This is really the only time I truly didn't like Dagger and wanted to smack him. Ryan and he are both quite stubborn individuals and they don't have the best methods for overcoming the big explosive hurdle they face in the climax of the story, however, in true Ann Lister form, they overcome it and get their happy ending (no pun intended).

Overall, I adore this story and Dagger and Ryan are probably my favorite couple in this series. I have a soft spot for the men who basically started it all within the Rock Gods. I highly recommend this book, as well, as the remainder of the series.

***A copy of this book was purchased by me and reviewed with no compensation by the Author/Publisher. All opinions stated in this review are mine alone and do not reflect opinions based on anyone else's interpretation of the book***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living on the island of Martha's Vineyard with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. Her 'behind-the-scenes' exposure to the music world and her love of rock music is the inspiration for her erotic rock star romances.

The Rock Gods series gave her Bestselling Author status on Amazon. Beyond The Music, Book 7 in the series, reached #1 in Gay Erotica in the Pre-Order and held that spot for several weeks. The last book in the series launches the spin-off series, Guarding The Gods, which is releasing in early summer 2016.

Fall For Me, Book One in the series was a Finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Award. Each book in this series brings her two favorite elements together: musicians and the love between two men. These stories focus on what it truly means to love; love unconditionally, love without restrictions or labels, love without fear or judgment – to just simply love.

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PLEASE NOTE: The paperbacks are US Only since we all know how expensive posting can be. The e-copies of the books for this month-long contest will be sent directly to Kindle. 

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