Idol (VIP, #1)

by Kristen Callihan

Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse —and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.

• ISBN10: 1534622144
• ISBN13: 9781534622142
• Publish Date: 7 June 2016
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 338
• Language: English

Reviews

[EBookObsessed]

I am glad I was finally able to check this off my TBR list.

Killian James is the lead singer for Kill John, one of the biggest rock bands ever. He and his best friends were on top of the world or so he believed until Jackson tried to commit suicide a year ago. Nothing has been right since, and there hasn't been any music in Killian's life. Killian and Jackson wrote most of their songs together, and no one wants to look too closely at what pushed Jackson to make his attempt and everyone fears doing or saying the wrong thing.

That's what leads Killian to get a little too drunk and crash his bike on the lawn of the woman across the street from his summer rental property.  Killian wants to get away from everything. The band is supposed to go on tour again soon but he just isn't feeling the music anymore.

Liberty Belle feels like she should be excused for not having recognized one of the biggest rock stars around. First of all, they never put their pictures on their albums and she should know because she has them all, and two, because nothing about the drunk, stinky, bedraggled bum who tore up her front lawn screams major rock star. Killian loves that Libby doesn't recognize him. It has been so long since he has lived without the spotlight, it is so nice not to be catered to, or treated like he is something special and Libby definitely lets Killian know just how unspecial she thinks he is.

He might have kept things that way between them but when he hears Liberty singing on her porch, he just can't stop himself from joining in.  It's the first time in what feels like forever that music has lit his soul and of course, it is Libby who would be the muse to bring it back to him.

Killian needs to leave soon to join his band, but he doesn't want to walk away from Libby. He needs to convince his favorite wallflower that she deserves her turn in the spotlight and he will be happy to share it with her.

THOUGHTS:
I have had a copy of this on my TBR list for awhile now along with Book 2. When I was offered a review copy of the new audiobook release, I jumped at a chance to finally check  this one off my TBR list.  I enjoyed the quiet time that Killian and Libby spent together getting to know each other and pulling Killian out of his funk. The story made it easy to understand that life as a rock star looses its shine all too quickly and how normal and boring sudden has an appeal.  

You also understand how hard it is for Libby to believe that a big rock star would find anything interesting about plain old her, especially when Killian wants her to come on tour with Kill John and play with them.  No matter how frustrated Killian is about it, it is quite understandable that she doesn't want to show up as Killian new girlfriend.    She know that it will be hard enough for his bandmates to accept that she just happened to meet Killian who was impressed by her singing but new girlfriend being dragged into the band brings up thought of Yoko Ono and she doesn't want to step into the middle of Kill John's success.  Even I as the reader had a hard time with Libby being such a great unknown performer who can write her own songs who Killian just happens upon by accident.  Yes, her mother was a backup singer and her father played studio guitar in his day, but the 1 in a million shot of Killian and Liberty meeting and Liberty shooting up to her own stardom was the stuff of romance novels.

Regardless of this meet-cute and the band of all nice guys, it was an enjoyable story and I am glad I was finally able to enjoy it. 

Received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

See more at EBookObsessed.com

[Angie]

What I really liked about Idol was that it didn't feel like the typical rocker romance. Killian is actually on a break from music and meets Libby because she's his neighbor. They get off to a really rocky start, but from there they get to know each other in relative calm. They just hang out, garden, talk about music, and drink lemonade. At least until Killian is called away to go on tour, and they have to figure out how the relationship is going to work while they're apart unless Libby joins him. I also really liked how Killian is encouraging Libby to make her own dreams come true as she's also a musician. It's not just about him keeping her close for sexy times. We really get to see some of the behind the scenes ugliness of gaining fame.

The only thing that kind of bothered me about Idol was that everything felt kind of drawn out and like there were two stories happening. The beginning was a lot of fun with Libby not recognizing Killian and totally going off on him for crashing his bike on her lawn and then vomiting all over her, only to start hanging out, becoming friends and eventually lovers. I really enjoyed those scenes of them playing music together. Then it suddenly switches to the madness of being on tour and worrying about what the media is going to say about them for several chapters, only to have the focus switch again to Libby chasing her dream and even more worrying. It was a lot crammed into one book.

Overall, I did enjoy Idol a lot, which wasn't a surprise as I love this author and the fun twists she puts on old tropes.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Sam@WLABB]

I knew from the opening scene that I was going to enjoy this one. Libby was such a spitfire during that first meeting, that I just wanted to know her better. Both Libby and Killian had some sadness shading their backstories, and I was glad they were able to find comfort in each other. I appreciated how they were friends first, finding that common ground in their past pain and love of music.

Other things to like:
The band dynamic was interesting and I know I want to know more about them all.
Libby and Killian had some serious chemistry, but they also shared so many honest and sweet moments together.
The groundwork for future stories was established quite deftly. I adore when authors lay out those future companion books for me.

As always, Callihan delivers just the right mix of humor and drama and filled the story with interesting characters. I was totally absorbed in this story and rooted for Libby and Killian the whole time.

[stacey_is_sassy]

Mr Gandy was mentioned and my like turned to love.

Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but really, how could I not love a book when a character is said to resemble Mr Gandy? As you may know, I have a wee crush on David Gandy. Hubby knows about it, shakes his head about it and mumbles and grumbles about it. He’s my “free” crush. This little obsession is based purely on his looks. I know, I’m shallow, but the guy is just really good looking to me. Do I want to meet him? No. Do I fantasise about him? Ahhh…NO! I just like looking at him. Geez, I’m such a dag. I’ve just spent my intro talking about Mr Gandy, who’s mentioned in the book as looking like Scottie…WHO’S NOT EVEN THE MAIN CHARACTER.

Now, the real reason why I loved Idol…

I started Idol after begging my friend Bex to pick a book for me. Idol had been sitting on my kindle for a couple of weeks but I just hadn’t found the time to read it. Bex, my dear friend, knew that this book would definitely be something that I’d like. She knows I’m a sucker for a good love story. Bex is smart, you should follow her blog - http://www.nightowlreader.com/ . I can't believe she didn't mention Mr Gandy, though (shaking head). To be honest, I was kind of expecting a sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, but Idol wasn’t really like that.

We meet Liberty, and she’s not a happy camper. Some bloke is passed out on her front lawn after crashing into her front yard. She knows she should call the cops, but decides to deal with him herself. What I absolutely loved about Libby’s character is her “take no nonsense” attitude. Her methods of dealing with him are humorous but effective. I can say that she was a lot more generous than I would have been. Letting a stranger into your house was probably not her brightest move, but we’ll escape reality for a minute and allow the fairytale to play out.

Killian has had a bit of a rough trot lately. His head is a mess and he’s feeling a little lost and unsettled. This does not excuse him getting drunk and crashing his bike into his new neighbour’s fence. The rude awakening he gets lying on her front lawn is definitely justified. What Killian can’t believe is that the little spitfire doesn’t seem to know who he is. For him, this is exactly what he needed. He wants to escape the fame, the hangers-on and the women who latch on to take a piece of him. Killian wants to be normal for a little while and in Libs company, he has that chance. Killian does not give a great first impression when he meets Liberty, but he’s determined to crack her shell. There’s something about her that he’s attracted to. Her vulnerability mixed with determination is a beacon to him. Then one day she sings…and all Killian’s problems seem to disappear.

For awhile Liberty and Killian manage to stay on the down low and get to know each other better. It’s definitely friendship to start with and the getting to know each other means that a lot of secrets are shared. Killian’s obligations eventually need to be addressed and Mr Gandy walks in to bring him back to his world. OK, it’s not really Mr Gandy. Scottie (Mr Gandy lookalike) is Killian’s band's manager. He arrives with Killian’s cousin and PR consultant Brenna, and they walk in, pack him up and move him out. Killian and Liberty’s budding relationship seems like it’s going to be short-lived. He needs to get back to his band and she’s stuck in her little house afraid to take a risk on a rockstar. Is their attraction to each other worth them taking the risk?

Idol takes us on a journey seeing the highs and lows of the music industry. Both Killian and Liberty have some issues that they must overcome before they can see their happy ever after. Being in a relationship with someone who is loved by many is not easy for Liberty. The fact that she was trying to keep their relationship private doesn’t help.

Idol was really, really good. I loved that Killian’s appeal had nothing to do with his popularity and success and only a little to do with his looks. This guy knew what he wanted, told her what she meant to him and showed her that she was the only one for him. Sometimes, when you read a book with a hero that is famous, it takes me awhile to believe that the heroine is more important than anything else. In this case, it was bloody obvious. His frustrations with his fame, devotion to her happiness and safety, and ability to block out the boobs in front of his face, jumped off the pages. Killian saw Liberty…and she was it. Liberty saw Killian…and couldn’t live without him by her side. To me, that’s the best kind of love story.

Loved Idol and I can’t wait for Mr Gandy’s story…I mean Scottie and Sophie’s story ;-)

Check out my Style Setter Tribute to Idol

To purchase Idol from Amazon - http://amzn.to/28SApSa


I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[thebookdisciple]

Started slow but picked up and I enjoyed it. Libby is awesome and Killian was pretty swoon worthy...you know, except for the Darling Nikki thing... :) Full review at The Book Disciple

[Cocktails and Books]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up IDOL.  I love a good rocker story because they're generally filled with angst and sex.  But when Kristen Callihan works her magic with this trope, it becomes so much more.

When we met Killian, I figured he was going to be a typical rock star who self indulged and didn't care how it effected anyone in his general vicinity.  But that wasn't Killian.  Killian had a huge heart and bore the burden of others.  What he didn't realize is that he needed a partner to help temper the unsavory side of being a rock God.  He found that in the most unlikely of places at a time that truly didn't reflect who he is.

Liberty wasn't your typical heroine.  She was a self-made recluse who hide at her grandmother's home rather than attempt to live her life or follow her dreams.  But when she found a drunk Killian on her front lawn, her life changed.  She found the support she needed to reach for her dreams and believe in herself.

I don't know if I would have liked either one of these main characters if they weren't with the other.  Their draw to one another forced their hidden parts to surface.  Forced them to look at the good and ugly sides of their characters and understand that it's ok to need someone.

Once these two gave into their sexual chemistry, they were extremely hot together.  But it's that sexual tension that made it hard to put this book down.  You were never really sure if Killian was going to be able to convince Liberty they should be together or stay together as the story moved along.

I look forward to more in the VIP series.  The guys in the band were interesting and would definitely warrant having their own stories.



 



 

EXCERPT

“You know,” I say conversationally, as I kick back, “I want to fuck you right now.”

Libby jerks as if pinched and sits a little straighter, before getting a hold of herself and slouching as if she’s completely chill. Cute.

She gives me a smirk and sips her water before drawling, “And what? Mark your territory? Assert your manly dominance?”

“Yep.” I slide my gaze to hers. “But mostly I just want to fuck you all the time.”

God, I love the way her lips part and body flushes with heat. So subtle, but there all the same. It makes me hard as steel, my balls squeezing tight. I don’t look at her but pretend I’m observing the room. The lights are dimming for the movie now, the empty chairs in front of us obscuring our lower halves.

Slowly my hand falls to space between us and smooths along her hip. She delicately shivers as my fingers trace down her thigh.

“What about you,” I murmur, lightly toying with her skirt in the darkening room. “You want to fuck me, baby doll?”

“Right now, I want to kick you,” she gets out between clenched teeth. “Keep your hands to yourself. There are nosy ass people everywhere.”

“They’re all watching the movie. Not us.” Focusing on the screen, I keep my expression neutral as I ease my hand under her skirt. Her skin is smooth and warm. The movie starts in a blast of music and the familiar old logo as I trace over her knee and up her soft thigh. “And that wasn’t a ‘no.’”

She makes a cute growl in the back of her throat, but her legs part just enough to give me room to delve between them. Her inner thighs are hot and damp, and my cock twitches.

The storyline rolls along, my touch idly roams. Libby remains utterly still but I can practically feel the tension vibrating within her. When the tip of my finger skims the crease where her thigh meets her hip, her breath catches, legs parting wider.

“Have I mentioned how much I appreciated this new skirt-filled wardrobe?” I whisper, lightly drawing circles along her skin.

“Brenna’s idea.” Her hips shift just a bit, following my touch. “Right now, I’m missing my shorts.”

I smile, my eyes on the screen, my fingers drifting to the edge of her panties. “Later, you can put them on and we’ll play ‘Fuck the Farmer’s Daughter.’”

She grunts, a stifled laugh, which turns to a strangled whimper when I pluck her panties. Her voice turns breathy. “I’m trying to watch the damn movie. I’m not interested in fooling around.” She moves a tiny fraction, nudging against my finger.

In the dark, I grin, heat and lust pulling my abs tight. “I’m sorry,” I say, not sorry at all, “But I don’t believe you. I’m gonna have to check.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Website: http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kris10Callihan

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Callihan/e/B00640PEVU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1463012240&sr=8-3