The life of a session musician is rarely easy. After consecutive tour cancellations and a stack of unpaid bills, Chloe Bennett fears her dream has come to an end.
Then everything changes.
Indie rocker Reid Ryder needs a replacement violinist for his tour. For Chloe, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. For Reid, it’s a checkmark off his list. Already battling addiction, guilt, and his inability … and his inability to write new music, Reid’s hopeful that things are finally falling into place.
But life is never predictable.
When the tour begins, he finds himself drawn to Chloe. She challenges and inspires him. Their onstage chemistry is electric. To the outside world, they’re the perfect match. To those involved, however, it’s not so simple. When Reid’s no longer sure that the future he planned is the one he wants, a choice must be made.
Love…or loyalty.
more
Color me snared by this precious love triangle. The narrative was haunting and I couldn’t let it go. It followed me around my daily tasks, I kept reading while I was in line at the postoffice, the drugstore, any chance I got. The story of Chloe and Reid was mesmerizing.
Chloe is a very talented violinist but was having trouble finding gigs in New York. A friend got her an audition with Reid Ryder, with the possibility to play in his band. She’s so good she’s hired on the spot and off we go, on a one-year tour that covers Europe and the United States.
Needless to say, Chloe is beautiful. “Something about her, though, made him uneasy even though her appearance was everything someone could hope to find in a new violinist. Her long blond and purple hair, lip and nose rings were the perfect mix of sexy and edgy. Maybe that was the problem; she was far too attractive.” Likewise, Reid is not only a rock star, but an awarded songwriter. And HOT! “The sight of Reid Ryder sitting casually in a chair less than ten feet away had rendered her speechless and partially brain-dead. His light brown, chin-length hair peeked out from under his tight, fitted beanie. The sleeves of his Henley were pushed up to his elbows, revealing brightly colored ink that Chloe knew from photographs continued on to his shoulder. With his loose-fitting jeans and boots, he looked more like an Abercrombie model than a rock star from Memphis, Tennessee.”
The conflict? Reid has a girlfriend Jess, with whom he just reunited after several years apart. When his fame skyrocketed, he broke up with Jess, lost control of his life, got into booze and drugs. When his world spiraled into disaster, he wanted to go back to the guy he used to be, a simple guy who played in bars in Memphis and had his girlfriend. Jess represented his past and he clung to her to bring normality into his world.
The tour was a slow burn of desires, longing, jealousy and friendship. Reid had writer’s block and it was driving him crazy. He wanted his world to go back to normal but all he felt was stress and anxiety. Chloe was an easy going girl, she gave as good as she got with the other two guys on the band, had an adorable obsession with Star Wars, and eventually brought peace and music to Reid’s life. And yet, he still clung to Jess.
“He was in love with Chloe. It shouldn’t have happened. He wasn’t a cheater. He loved Jess. He didn’t want to be the kind of guy who begged for second chances and made promises, only to break them, break her, all over again.”
I loved this book, although I despaired at Reid’s actions. I could totally understand him; he felt guilt and shame at the way his world crashed down and he clung to his past. And yet, I revered at his jealous bouts when the other guys would joke around with Chloe. He was subtly possessive with Chloe’s attention and company. I loved Chloe because she was such a good girl. Her heart and her morals were in the right place and although she was developing feelings for Reid, she didn’t let them show. She was chummy and nice and caring. Her love for Star Wars and Starburst candy brought fun times to the tour bus.
I had a great time reading about Reid and Chloe’s angsty story, as they agonized about their growing feelings and hesitated to hurt the third person involved. Reid’s role was stronger, since he was so torn between the woman he wanted and the woman he felt he should be with. I thought the author made an excellent progression on Reid, as he faced his feelings and dealt with his demons. He was flawed, he was scattered, but he was emotional and honest.
“His knee-jerk reactions and impulsive tendencies had landed him in more trouble than he cared to admit, and he couldn’t allow himself to screw up any more than he already had.”
In this story, Chloe was the strong one, who was sure of what she felt and what she shouldn’t do. She was excellent giving Jess the respect she deserved.
I’m not a great fan of love triangles when someone nice ends up hurt, but in this case, this author wrote a brilliant story. I felt sorry for the losing lady but the story was too good, too well developed, too enjoyable to miss. I also loved meeting up again with Josie and Anders, and Holden and Maddy from previous books!
Reid Ryder is the lead singer of his band and also a recovering addict who hit rock bottom and is trying to find his way back. He has recently gotten back together with his girlfriend, Jess, and he knows he has to do whatever he can to keep her with him. When his violinist breaks her hand right before he is to go on tour he needs to find another one as soon as possible.
Chloe Bennett is a violinist who attended Julliard and is looking for a big break to help her career and future. She is shocked when she auditions for Reid Ryder and even more shocked when she lands the chance to go on tour with him to Europe.
The chemistry between Chloe and Reid is intense but is it for show or is there something deeper? But Reid knows his love is for Jess and the support that she gives him but is he willing to throw it all away for the unknown?
OMG this book was so good from start to end and I have never rooted so hard for a couple to break up before!!
I thought Reid was a good character who had been through a lot in the past and was almost clinging to his past with Jess as a way of keeping himself on the straight and narrow. Jess provided him with the stability that he needed but at the same time he was struggling so much with writing and something had to change. I knew what I wanted him to do but at the same time I was really worried about his mental state and I didn’t want him to relapse.
I loved Chloe so much!!! She was such an awesome character and I loved all of her Star Wars references through the book. They had me laughing so much and I think I really need to go back and finish all of the movies! She knew what she wanted but when secrets are revealed it was like a part of her just flipped upside down and then she was struggling between what she wanted and what she could offer which were two completely different things. My heart was breaking for her so many different times but I held out hope for her.
“I’ve barfed so many unicorns I’m crying rainbow tears”. The one liners in this book were so awesome and I loved Indy, Drew and Greer so much and I hope we get more from them as I loved this band so much!
I really understood why Reid was holding onto Jess but they were definitely at different spots in their lives but there was such a difference in Reid when she was around and it made me sad.
There were so many times my heart was breaking in this book and I admired Chloe for holding it together as much as she could.
The end was awesome and I was so happy for how everything turned out!!
I can’t wait for more from this author!!
Not having read Ms. Evans before I didn’t know what to expect with this rock star romance, but what I got was a deeply emotional tale of finding your place in the world and the second chances for HEA you find along the way. With a compelling main couple, and a vivid depiction of the gritty and sensual world of being on the road, readers will find themselves captivated by this rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Reid Ryder is at the top of the music charts but it was a rocky ride to get there, a ride that led to drug abuse and moments of writer’s block. Over the years he’s made plenty of bad choices, but in an attempt to get clean he returned to the one woman always there for him. He and Jess may come from different worlds, as she’s a bit country and he’s a lot rock ‘n roll, but he counts on her support. The moment he meets Chloe though is the moment his life changes irrevocably. Bringing her on tour gives him another support system as they evolve from friends to lovers in a slow burn teeming with sexual tension. Throughout this story I was drawn to Reid and his sexy rock star facade that hides a softer side that warmed my heart. His past is one that still weighs on him, a past dealing with addiction along with other heartbreaking moments that’s slowly revealed as Reid and Chloe spend time together. It’s a slow-burn between these two, a journey that I inhaled every step of the way before reaching a truly HEA.
Chloe Bennett’s in dire need of a music gig with her bills piling up and with wanting to prove something to her mother. An opportunity of a lifetime lands in her lap when she needs it most though and by auditioning for Reid Ryder her life will never be the same. Chloe’s giddy during her audition and from there the two of them have a crackling connection that had them dancing around each other, but because of Jess they try to stay in the friend-zone. With each mile traveled though it’s clear that it’s only a matter of time before they give in to their obvious attraction and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for that to happen. Throughout their time together readers got a heartfelt glimpse into Reid’s past with Chloe supporting him by saying it like it is. When it came to romantic feelings she didn’t hold back either, staying a friend until the Jess situation gets settled. Chloe’s a very likable heroine, honest with an intriguing look that showed off her wild side with purple hair and piercings, alongside her violin playing expertise. She quickly finds a place for herself with Reid’s bandmates taking on a familial vibe and I enjoyed their playful behavior on the road. From the first page to the last I was rooting for Chloe and Reid as their angsty journey saw them making beautiful music together as I waited with bated breath for them to finally give in to their attraction.
The rock star world is on glittery display in Ms. Evans’ book, warts and all as my heart pounded each time this duo hit the stage. While their growing closeness played out backstage so too did it play out on stage in a sensual dance that everyone around them took note of. This vivid depiction further immersed me in this tale and left me on edge in a sometimes frustratingly slow journey to HEA. Another roadblock between these friends to lovers is Jess (a facet of the story that some readers might have a big problem with). She’s a good support to Reid when he needed it most but they are two very different people with futures that are going in opposite directions. Though Jess is in the background for most of the story Reid stayed true to her, at least in his deeds, which is why I didn’t consider him a cheater. It was clear too that their time together was nearing an end as he worked through his demons to find a future of his own making with Chloe by his side. On a whole I found this a satisfying read with characters I could see myself hanging out with. I appreciated their truthfulness, even when there was hurt involved, and found myself captivated by their journey to HEA. I would love to revisit the rock star world as Ms. Evans was a talented guide who has plenty of stories left to tell.
Everything does not have to always be rushed. Sometimes a slow burn to love is just what is needed.
Reid and Chloe are finding their way. Finding their way to each other. They take their time and discover what love is. There are some moments of tenseness. There are some tears that need to shed. There are some laughs to be had. There are some bouts of anger. There is a story.
I love the fact that Olivia does not glorify these characters. She holds them responsible for their actions. Reid is flawed, nowhere near perfection but he owns that. Chloe is strong and determined. She is her own person and she wears it well.
But more importantly, are the words that Olivia uses. Her words are magic. They are a balm to the soul. They tell a story that resonates with you forever. And this story will resonate with me until the end of time. Great job Ms. Evans, great job!
Brooklyn & Beale, Reid’s song for Chloe
My first love is all about the Rocker Romance, and in Brooklyn & Beale I have found another must re-read story and fantastic author. Olivia Evans seems to be someone who lives and breathes a love of rock concerts and it shows in her writing. I felt I’d met a kindred spirit, so from the first sentence, I was entranced.
Straight into the Prologue, I didn’t even know these characters, yet my heart was already breaking for them.
Ms Evans’ written description about the heat, chemistry and sheer attraction between Chloe and Reid was a living and breathing thing, it’s so palpable that it had a life of its own, and could almost have been another character in the book.
As I read through, it was like I was a tense mess of emotions that bombarded me from the digital pages of my screen. One moment laughing at the witty camaraderie between the band members on the bus, and the next spent completely gutted for Reid and Chloe as they negotiate the land mines of attraction while trying to maintain the boundaries of an intense and close friendship. Olivia Evans’ writing talent is showcased when sad and awkward moments are broken and lightened with witty phrases. The secondary characters are amazing and really round out the whole book experience.
There’s no blurb info from me sorry, because plenty of fantastic reviews have done that. This is how I felt while reading Brooklyn & Beale, and I can only rave about how fantastic it was and tell you to just buy the damn book!!! I was all in from the get go, through to the end. To the end where those final words of the book had me in tears…………
I totally loved their story, so, if Rockers are your bag, I absolutely and highly recommend this book. 5 Rockin’ Stars, seriously.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
Storyline: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Heat Factor: 4 stars
Overall Rating: 5 stars
Brooklyn & Beale by Olivia Evans has easily soared up the list as one of my favorite reads of 2019. This book is centered on a rock band of three hot rocker musicians and the female violinist that joins them on tour. It’s an angsty slow burn romance that’ll have you swooning!
Reid Ryder is super swoony, edgy and completely vulnerable. He’s also a recovering addict. Living the life of a rocker hasn’t been easy and like many rock stars before him, Reid soon found himself grappling with drug addiction. After one fateful evening, Reid soon learned just how life threatening his addiction was and found himself in rehab determined to beat the statistics. Now sober and on tour, Reid finds himself missing one thing that the drugs brought him… creativity. Struggling to find his artistic craft with words Reid is discouraged and questioning if getting clean came with a cost that he can’t afford to lose.
Chloe Bennett is gorgeous, unique, talented and super sassy. She’s the perfect heroine and struggling musician just trying to make ends meet. With bills stacking up and gigs for a violinist hard to come by, Chloe soon finds her luck changing when she’s asked personally by Reid Ryder to join his tour after his violinist breaks her hand and is unable to tour.
This story is a romance but a slow-burn angsty one. I think this is what I loved about it the most. It isn’t your typical rocker hooks up day one of tour book. This book really develops the relationship of these characters over a year’s time. The author really took the time to develop the relationship which doesn’t happen often.
This story is written to perfection. Olivia has a way of telling a story that rivets readers from the prologue and keeps them hooked till the end. Her writing is flawless, like no joke. She is detailed and has so much depth to her storytelling that it feels real. Her character development is the best I’ve seen in a while. The quirks and personalities she gives to each character makes them all so unique and different and completely memorable.
This story should not be missed. If you are looking for a developed well-crafted rock star romance, you need to read this book!
5 stars!
I love reading Olivia’s stories. She has a way of wrapping you into her world and not letting you go till she is done with you. Her writing is flawless and captivating.
“He’d never felt this way; the anticipation, the longing, the undeniable desire. He’d never wanted anything more than to press his lips against hers; so he did.”
This story isn’t just about love, it’s also about one mans journey to find the redemption he needs and happiness he wants more than anything. I couldn’t put it down.
The witty dialogue and characters you can’t help but love are worth 5 stars on there own. Reid is a leading man everyone will fall in love with and Chloe is the leading lady everyone will want to be. You can tell when you read Olivia’s books her characters mean something to her. Everyone of them, even the supporting ones. I love that about her books.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s going on my top ten of the year list. Just like her first book Hollywood and Vine did last year. If I could rate this higher I would in a heart beat.
PS..I miss you Anders. So so much
“Just because people don’t agree with my delivery doesn’t mean my thoughts aren’t on fucking point.”
You’re a dick Anders but I love you. Thank you Olivia for putting him in this one.
Brooklyn & Beale-Spoiler
Authors make the best songwriters! I loved every single lyric in this book especially the last song. All the feels with those words. While I didn’t like how long Reid let his relationship play out and left Chloe hanging I did tremendously enjoy when they finally got together. I can’t wait to read more from Olivia Evans!
Brooklyn and Beale is a story that will serenade your heart and at times consume you like only a rock ballad can. This rockstar romance is highly emotional and a tour worth jumping on the bus for. The chemistry that radiates off the pages between these two is electric and can be felt soul deep like the beat of a drum. Reid and Chloe’s story is also packed full of witty banter and hilarious moments. A story that will show you that sometimes following your heart is the only path to choose and ultimately the true loyalty you owe yourself. Be warned Reid and Chloe are out to steal your heart and they will be successful at it.
**I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I don’t know where to start, other than saying how completely in love I am with this story and these two characters.
Chloe is a struggling session musician living on her last dime. Reid is a well-known music superstar who needs a violinist in a pinch. Chloe fits the bill, joins his tour, and quickly becomes close to Reid. But as time goes on and the nature of their relationship starts to evolve, both of them are left with choices to make … and someone is bound to get hurt.
Here’s the thing about Brooklyn & Beale — I legit couldn’t put it down. I’d close my Kindle, start to work on something else, and within five minutes I’d have it opened right back up to where I left off in this story. I was hooked, and it happened immediately after the first chapter. I couldn’t stop thinking about Chloe and Reid, couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen next, if he was going to slip up, if she was going to land in somebody’s arms on the tour, if they were going to land in one another’s arms. Their chemistry was absolutely insane. They just had this incredible connection. Within a few days of knowing each other they had a solid banter going. From Jedi mind tricks to heaps of Starburst wrappers to breakfast in a bag, there was always something for them to laugh about. And I loved that.
This is a beautifully written story. The scenes are so vivid, I felt like I was living right alongside Chloe for much of the story. Olivia has this poetic way of describing the onstage performances and the way the music impacts Reid and Chloe. I felt like I was literally devouring these words as I read them, taking them in and letting them flow through me. It’s an amazing experience for me when an author creates a word that I can’t keep my mind off of, even when I’m not actually reading, and Olivia did that with the world in B&B. All I wanted to do was kick my real life obligations out of the way so I could get back into this story.
Reid is a perfectly flawed character. He has a past, it’s not a pretty one, and though he may be ashamed of his actions, he does nothing to hide them. He owns up to every mistake he’s made and he works to ensure those mistakes don’t happen again. But Reid knows how to love as well, and when loves … he loves with every single part of himself. His intensity (and tattoos) shot him right onto my Top Book Boyfriends of 2015 list.
Chloe has her issues too, and I loved how she was so strong willed and fiercely independent. She lived her life for her and no one else, took risks and did what she needed to keep herself sane and happy. I also loved how Olivia brought Josie and Anders into the book, as well as Maddie and Holden. I loved Hollywood & Vine and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into that slice of the world again.
There’s a LOT of UST in this story. It’s a slow, slow burn, but such a sweet and savory one as well.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Brooklyn & Beale is a Got Nikki? Must Read. Go out and get your hands on this one right away, and be prepared to chunk out a few solid days on your calendar, because you really won’t want to part with the story once you start it.
Five stars to this book!
4.5 stars for Brooklyn and Beale by Olivia Evans. This is my first book from this author, but I can’t wait to read more. Ok so I loved Reid and Chloe. However, one thing bugged me .Reid and Jess and when you read it I’m sure you’ll understand. I did get extremely frustrated and wanted to throat punch Reid but he did make up for it eventually. Chloe’s character rocks. She is an amazing violinist, sweet and snarky. I just loved her character. Reid and Chloe have chemistry that jumps off the page at you. The struggle they each have when dealing with their feelings is what makes the story. I was on edge waiting to see what would happen between them. I want more of these characters.
This rock star romance has everything you could ask for in a book. The chemistry Olivia is able to create between Reid and Chloe is off the charts. Once again, Evans’ humor shines through in her witty banter and dialogue amongst her characters. This is another 5 star, must read.
Brooklyn & Beale is a standalone, slow burn, rockstar romance. Chloe, a struggling but badass violinist gets her big break when she ends up on tour with mega rockstar Reid Ryder after his violinist broke her arm shortly before the tour started.
Chloe and Reid seem to have a connection almost right away and quickly become friends but there seems to be feeling simmering underneath their friendship. But they both must fight their feelings and deny them to everyone, including themselves, because Reid already belongs to someone else.
Reid has had a rough year after one horrific night changed his life. He’s been going through emotional turmoil and hasn’t been able to write anything. As they continue on tour, living in close quarters, their connection continues to build and soon Chloe is the only one he wants to be around. She soon begins breaking down his walls and figures out ways to help him get back to loving being on tour and possibly being able to write again.
I was nervous about reading this book when his gf was mentioned but I think Olivia did a great job handling this issue. I loved their story and really felt the buildup of their connection and love for each other. It was heartbreaking having to watch Chloe see Reid with Jess, believing that her feelings were unrequited. You also felt bad for his gf Jess but ultimately still wanted Reid and Chloe to be together.
I also loved the dynamic with the supporting characters and the relationship that they all had. Touring wasn’t always sunshine and roses for them but in the end, they are a family and will always be there for one another.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and will definitely try another one of Olivia’s books.
What a back and forth story! Be prepared – this story is a bit drawn out for my liking and I felt that the ending was a little abrupt because it was just getting to the good part, but nonetheless it was an enjoyable book and the writing style was great. I loved the character of Chloe, because she followed her own dreams no matter what and who didn’t agree in the process. Added to that her outspoken and confident personality of knowing what she wanted, I really loved that her character was the focus in this storyline. I also liked Reid’s character as well, but in different ways. I thought it was a great portrayal of addiction and how triggers and relapses work, and also how there is growth once someone starts the recovery process. It seemed to me that as he stayed clean, Reid realized that Jess maybe wasn’t the best choice for him in his career and life, but he would continue to pursue her had he still been using because he was fixated on what worked so well before. I also loved the band, especially Greer’s character, and hope that we get some additional books of the other band members!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Oh how I fell hard for this SLOW BURN!!!!
Their connection was palpable! As their story slowly unfolded before me I wanted and needed it. And how could I not love the witty yet nerdy banter?! I laughed and felt for this couple. Olivia is an author that needs to be out there more. I can’t wait to read more from her!!