He’ll punish her for breaking his heart.He’ll make her regret every minute of the last seven years.No matter what his heart says, he doesn’t need a second chance at love.He needs vengeance.They may have been childhood sweethearts once, but they’re not the same people anymore. Jonah “Cash” Carter is a world-famous rockstar with a bad boy reputation, a long way from the poor kid on the wrong side … bad boy reputation, a long way from the poor kid on the wrong side of the tracks. Samantha Stone isn’t the same sheltered rich girl anymore, but her heart still beats for her first love, and all she wants is answers.
Their history is just too full of secrets.
He plans to make Samantha suffer for every one of them.
WARNING: This standalone second chance, enemies to lovers romance has a dark side with scenes of BDSM. If bad boys doing bad things aren’t your thing, then please do not purchase.
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I am not sure how I missed this book in the Black Light series considering How much I enjoy it but somehow I did. There is something about this author that I really enjoy. She always manages to create a story that sucks me in. This book had me a little worried with how these characters started out but it worked out in the end. I did miss seeing the characters build on their new relationship in the lifestyle. However, I did enjoy seeing the lifestyle incorporated by way of Jaxson, Chase, and Emma whom I adore.
I highly recommend all things Black Light.
As I stated in my earlier review when I read the prequel, I’m late to the Black Light Party but intend to immerse myself!! What an intensely written story with emotions bouncing from one to the other during this rollercoaster ride Livia Grant has taken me on. Jonah, aka Cash, Carter fell in love when he was only 10 years old with Samantha, aka Sami, who was 8 at the time and defended him at school from being bullied because he was the new kid. This was the epitome of unrequited love complete the devastation and the paths it can lead to. It’s about that small piece of yourself that never gives up hope even when it’s not acknowledged or recognized. It’s about good vs evil, strong vs weak, and a D/s relationship that grows with trust. This was just friggin awesome!
Book one of the Black Light series is very promising. Childhood friends separated for eight years reunite with life altering consequences. Samantha and Jonah are both looking for the same thing..closure but for completely different reasons. Manipulations, betrayals and lies have torn these two apart and left deeply seated hurt and anger in their wake. With the help of Jaxson, Emma And Chase, Sami and Jonah get on the right track.
Wonderful story of Jonah Carter, bad boy musician driven by anger, and Samantha Stone, the girl he has loved forever. Samantha has not seen Jonah since he disappeared from her life the night of his senior prom. She goes to his concert for closure but ends up on a confusing, heart-wrenching journey with Jonah to find the truth. It is a steamy read with what I consider borderline nonconsensual sex. The book needs to be read in context in its entirety to get the whole story. The reader should not dwell on one scene and make a determination on the whole book based on that one scene. This book was so much more than that. It is passion, anger, heartbreak and most importantly love. Great job Livia!
**Updated review – audiobook April 2021**
I enjoyed the narration of this book. I liked the way the narrators seemed to play off of one another. I liked the way Samantha would be speaking and suddenly I would hear Jonah interject.
The beginning of this book was difficult to get through. It might set off triggers for some people. I thought they would deal with the rape, or their “confusion” about it head on. After what happened with Jaxson, Spencer, and Jonah, the incident seemed to fade away.
For some reason, and I can’t explain why, that scene with Jonah (Cash) was much less visceral in the audiobook as opposed to actually reading the book. I also had some other insights with another read of Rocked.
There was never a good explanation of what was going on with Samantha. Why did she feel the need to give away almost everything she received? Why was she doing what she was doing? Was it the loss of Jonah or the situation with her father and uncle? Both she and Jonah had some darkness that each of them had tried to handle.
My original review is below. It waa definitely an experience. The rape, and it was rape, was difficult, but Jonah and Samantha’s confusion and subsequent behavior was also unsettling.
I still feel like I was reading two different books. Or, like I started out in darkness and moved into the light. I wonder if that was deliberate so the reader could reconcile Jonah and Samantha being together, or if that was just the way the story flowed? If nothing else, it made me feel the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Original review Jan. 2019
Take the rape scene out and I could up the number of stars. The rape scene and aftermath was not only unexpected, but disturbing. The only way I could read the rest of the book somewhat objectively was to act like it wasn’t part of the same book.
The rest of the Book was Jonah and Samantha reconnecting and revealing the lies, deceit, and cruelty that both she and Jonah experienced.
Jonah turned into a completely different person after he went to Sam’s apartment to check on her. But, the only thing I could think is how different could he really be after what he did that night at the club? What was to stop his anger from getting out of control again?
They ended up with their HEA, but reading this book felt like reading two different stories.
My first read by Livia Grant – I will be reading more.
Oh wow!! This book was an emotional roller coaster ride from the first page. It drew me in and I just couldn’t put it down. Samantha and Jonah (Cash) have a history that goes back to being teenagers. Misunderstandings due to her family’s involvement leave very hard feelings in each of them. The story starts out as both trying to get closure so they can move on but as the misunderstandings are slowly revealed, it get emotional. I cried, I screamed at certain characters and I yelled for joy at the end!! I promise, this book is awesome. It does touch on dubious consent at the start and mentions self injury, though not in a graphic way. These things are totally needed in this book to tell the story of Jonah and Samantha and how the relationship develops. I can’t freaking wait for the next book in this series!!!
I love everything Black Light and that means that this book has left me deeply conflicted. As individuals I love Jonah and Sami. Once we could see all the pieces to the puzzle, it was easy to see where all those big negative emotions were coming from. What I didn’t always enjoy were the actions those emotions prompted. Their reunion scene has the potential to be extremely triggering for some readers. I thought it was extremely well written and it conforms to what the characters know at the time, but it’s a rough way to be introduced to their dynamic. On a lighter note, I loved getting a chance to see Jaxson, Chase, and Emma again.
Black Light Rocked is a must read! It does not matter if you started this series, like I did, further into it – you NEED to go back and read Jonah and Samantha ‘s story. Holy (insert explicit) this book!!! BL Rocked will have your jaw hitting the ground so many times, you may end up with TMJ. I’m still shocked and shaken by everything that I’ve learned about Jonah and Samantha. Everything about Rocked was . . . WOW!
This is one of those books that inspires strong feelings in the readers. For some they could be all good, for some all bad and for others like myself it’s a combination of them both. There is some very serious drama, violence, intense emotions and darkness in this book. It was easy to like Sam and honestly, my heart just bled for her. Jonah, I’m firmly on the fence about. I wanted to like him more than I did but I found it hard to excuse his actions, regardless of everything that came after.
What a fantastic story. I love all the stories in the Black Light series. It makes you want to go to Black Light on Valentine day. I like the way each authors builds on that day before and after.
This is a great friends to lovers/rockstar romance with some light BDSM all bundled into a great read. Jonah “Cash” has made it big in the music industry and after years of silence he reunites unexpectedly with Sami while performing a concert at a club. Throughout the story we’re given breadcrumbs as to what happened years before that separated these two but it’s not until the very end that’s ALL secrets are revealed. In between we get some to be right beside Sami as shes introduced to the BDSM scene and with Jonah being a sexy dom doesn’t hurt. After a point I did figure out some of the storyline much earlier then it was revealed but it was still a story that I will recommend to grab. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
This emotional second chance romance had me close to tears a few times. Samantha has no idea why her best friend Jonah left her seven years ago. Jonah has finally reached his dream of being successful in his band, and while Sami is happy for him, she needs closure. I could feel his anger through the pages. And what Jonah did, and his atonement, broke my heart. So much history for these two, and despite the pain they have been through, they show up in Black Light and play! Loved the characters, and Chase, Jaxson & Emma, and the storyline-so great to know the full backstory. Looking forward to the rest of this series, really enjoyed this one. Trigger warning, for those that are sensitive to noncon scenes.
I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I really enjoyed Sam & Jonah’s story, it’s a good second chance even if Jonah lives in a world completely foreign to Sam, one that requires 100% trust when it come to the BDSM part of his life not to mention living the life of a rock star. Is that ever going to be possible with their history? Has the past already doomed the present with the need for vengeance from 7 years ago? She is studying to get her law degree and just wants closure to the hardest part of her life, still holding on to what she had lost 7 years ago.
Enjoyed this well written story and characters. The BDSM is blended well with the life of the characters! Highly recommend!
This book not only delivered on sexy scenes with plenty of kink but with good storytelling and plot development. I liked seeing more about the history between the characters and just the overall depth to the characters that Livia Grant brought. It kept me interested to the point I couldn’t put it down and had good plot twist to it. I also loved that it allowed secondary characters to shine as well. Great job to the author!
Livia Grant gave us the love story between Jaxon, Chase, and Emma, and has continued their story with Rocked. While Rocked isn’t truly their story, the fact that a lot of it takes place around the nightclub, Runway, and the sex club, Black Light, that the trio created does mean we see them, which is nice because I love those guys. But, mostly we have the story of Jonah/Cash and Samantha.
When Samantha was growing up in Texas, she had a best friend named Jonah. They met when she was 8 and he was 10, and they were inseparable. They stayed that way for 8 years and they started a relationship that they never got to finish because Jonah all of a sudden disappeared. Her father and uncle told her that he had taken $50K to leave and start his band. Seven years later, she lives in Washington, DC and is in law school. She doesn’t live too far from the hot new nightclub Runway, and when she finds out Jonah’s band is playing for opening night, she buys a ticket for $1425. She wants to get some closure. She plans on seeing him, but hopefully he won’t see her.
Jonah, who now goes by Cash, is the front man for his band, The Crushing Stones. He’s a kinky man-whore. He’s never with the same woman for more than a few dates. He lives hard and plays harder. When his friends Jax, Emma, and Chase open their clubs, he plays for their opening night and gets a lifetime membership for Black Light. He doesn’t expect to see Samantha at the gig. When he does see her, he literally jumps off the stage and chases her down.
Cash is a real d**kbag at certain times. I mean, I wanted to just jump in there and smack the crap out of him. Luckily, Jax and Spencer took care of that for me, which is good, because I’m not sure how to turn myself digital yet. He deserved it though. I mean, he really, really did. When he brings Jonah back, he’s much better. I spent part of the book in tears because it was sad. What Sami has to deal with because of actions of others is just so sad. I’m glad that Emma is there to help, when necessary, and in more ways than one.
I wouldn’t mind seeing another story with Jonah and Sami as a primary couple, even if it’s just a short story.
Not sure what it is about Livia Grant’s stories but they keep giving me a massive case of “the feels” and “Black Light Rocked” was no exception. I really enjoyed the characters Cash (Jonah) and Samantha. The risk Sam took and the not so positive payoff that eventually turned around into what developed into a well-plotted relationship. And if you’re scratching your head, I’m trying to avoid spoilers here because there are aspects to the story that are THAT good, not the least of which are the characters. I feel like I should backtrack. You know how there are some stories where you REALLY want to like the characters but the male lead is too much of a jerk and the female is too whiny? Yea, that isn’t this story. Not even close. While Cash starts off as a playboy with an attitude, it shifts quickly, and Sam is very much a likeable character that you will almost immediately be rooting for her happily ever after.
Book #1, Black Light series. Livia Grant takes you on a thrill ride with twists and turns you’ll never see coming!
Black Light…D.C.’s most secret and exclusive BDSM club. Jonah “Cash” Carter is no stranger to the club. As he and his band, the Crushing Stones, are scheduled to appear at Runway, the nightclub located above Black Light, little does he know his past is poised to return with a vengeance, and his life will be changed in ways he could never have seen coming. Samantha Stone knew Jonah. From childhood, they were best friends. But he betrayed her when he left her behind. Devastated? Oh, yes! Disappointment and anger have been her constant companions. Jonah and his band are now at the top of their game. Samantha lives in D.C. Being the good girl, she follows her family’s wishes to become a lawyer. When she learns the Crushing Stones are coming to Runway, it’s her chance for closure. She might not get close enough to Jonah for an explanation, but at least she can see him one last time. But things seldom turn out as planned Getting the ticket to the show was hard enough. Screwing up her courage to attend is another thing altogether. And when she’s finally there? It’s all she can do to sit and watch the screaming groupies throw themselves at the gorgeous tatted man onstage. Finally pushed beyond her limit, Sam tries to leave, only to be pushed to the edge of the stage by the crowd, straight into Jonah’s line of sight. What she sees shocks and bewilders her. There’s fury and rage in Jonah’s eyes, all directed at her! What the hell? He has the nerve to be angry at her? As she races out, Jonah catches up to her. When he does, things will never be the same. Both are livid. Neither is willing to give in. What happens when incandescent anger and rage meet the irresistible? Sam and Jonah are about to find out. There are so many lies, secrets, hidden agendas. The question is, can either of them find, believe, or handle the truth? Jonah lives in a world completely foreign to Sam, especially with respect to BDSM. That lifestyle requires 100% honesty and trust. How can that ever be possible with their history? It will take a monumental effort for these two to even make peace, much less move beyond the past. Is it possible? One thing is certain. Trust is the only thing that can make a difference, and that’s in very short supply. Is there a way to find a way back? Or has the past already doomed the present?
Livia Grant’s an author I adore, and I was totally blown away by this book. She’s one of the few authors who’s an automatic buy for me. And this book hooked me from the first page. These characters are so real and relatable. Jonah and Samantha have both suffered unspeakable torment. They’re both victims. They both believe they’ve been unjustly betrayed. Samantha’s feelings of abandonment grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. Jonah’s rage leaves him totally out of control. That’s an incredible hook that pulled me even further into the story. The feelings of betrayal, uncertainty, danger, and attraction are overwhelming. These characters aren’t just well-crafted and charismatic. They’re stunning! The twists and turns in this book will leave you guessing right up to the very end. Livia Grant has created a story that takes you from the depths of despair to the heights of passion. She also knows her subject matter very well. The descriptions of every aspect of the BDSM lifestyle with its infinite possibilities, nuances, and inherent beauty are nothing less than breathtaking and spot on. This book resonated with me on so many levels. I was hooked from the first word. I can’t give Black Light: Rocked anything less than five stars. It’s just that amazing and compelling! Congratulations, Ms. Grant, on an absolutely marvelous book!
One final note. Be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM sexual scenes. If you don’t enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers’ websites. Use these resources. DON’T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON’T ENJOY THE BOOK. It’s not fair to the author. She works very hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you’ll object to the book’s subject matter before you buy it, you’re doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading
Really liked this book, wished it was longer though, but I hope we will get back for the characters in the next book of the series. It was great to see the characters from Infamous Love. I really felt for Sami and Jonah and all the time they lost.