Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss, #3)

by Nalini Singh

[stacey_is_sassy]

The Imperfect Rockstar needs redemption…

***3.5 Stars***

How do I describe my feelings about a book that had me overwhelmed with feelings of dislike for a main character that faced, lived and persevered through a traumatic experience…without sounding like a cow? I spent 80% of Rock Redemption hating the unemotional manwhore, to then spend 20% hoping someone would just love him enough to fix him. I struggled to take a step back and see these characters were more than a rockstar who found it too easy to get laid and a movie star on the cusp of greatness, willing to do almost anything to succeed in her career.

We start this story on the way, way, way wrong foot with Noah doing the old – best to hurt you now, so I don’t hurt you more in the future – trick. It’s yucky and did not show him in a great light…but…Kit, who is the walkerinerer wasn’t actually in a relationship with Noah at the time. Kit comes to realise that what she thought was a budding relationship, was nothing more to Noah than a friend. It’s yucky but it’s not cheating, so I persevered. We then see the couple down the track and their careers are flying. Unfortunately, Kit and Noah don’t appear happy or content with their lives. Noah is still acting the rockstar manwhore and Kit is working her butt off to make it big in her career. Kit is having a wee bit of a problem with a stalker and has to hire round the clock bodyguards. Noah has missed the friendship he had with Kit and struggles knowing that there is a madman out there wanting her, and maybe willing to hurt her.

Most of this story revolves around Noah and Kit trying to rebuild their friendship. Kit is hesitant considering she had very strong feelings for Noah and he didn’t feel the same way. What she comes to realise is that Noah is fighting demons. Noah feels undeserving of Kit’s love and friendship, he pushes her away thinking he is protecting her…from him. Kit has come to realise that her feelings for Noah are not easy to turn off and when she sees him struggling, decides to help him overcome his problems.

We get to catch up with the guys from Schoolboy Choir and see how the relationships are going between Fox and Molly and David and Thea. Abe is struggling to get over his divorce from Sarah and she comes back into their lives with her own issues.

This is a… s l o w b u r n…romance and I mean s…l….o…w. We get more of an understanding of how and why Noah is the way he is, but we unfortunately have to see him in “action” (more the acquiring than the act) to get the full impact of how low he will go. Once this couple decide to take their relationship to the next level, it’s not just a matter of falling into bed with each other as they both have issues to overcome. Kit has had a lot to face and overcome being in a relationship with Noah and trust seems to be their biggest obstacle.

Overall I struggled with Rock Redemption. I didn’t want to see that much of Noah’s issues playing out. Harsh I know, but it’s hard to love a Hero who purposely inflicts pain on someone he supposedly cares for. Kit just came across as a sucker for punishment and made decisions in her life based on what would make or break her career. Well written and easy to read, leaving me unhappy with this instalment, but willing to try more in the future.

Expected release date October 6, 2015.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.