Womanizer. Player.We all know them. And sometimes, we’ve loved one.My first mistake was to trust the rocker with a charming smile. My second, believing he’d never hurt me.My final mistake will not be to repeat steps one and two. People change as they mature. They live, and they learn. Emery? He’s not one of those people.He tells me that he needs me, and I wish I could say I didn’t feel the same.… me, and I wish I could say I didn’t feel the same.
Problem is, I’m also one of those people who never change. But I do learn …
And I know that the worst mistake I could make wouldn’t be to repeat the past.
It would be to let him go.
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Bottleneck is a gritty, enemies to lovers rockstar romance that will draw you in from the first page and leave you breathless until the very end. I devoured this book in one sitting as this author’s way with words is enthralling. She has an amazing ability to create interesting and entertaining stories complete with complex characters that are both raw and real. Emery’s and Alice’s characters are skillfully well developed and I love the masterful way the author weaves together such an emotionally charged story.
A standalone novel in the Dark Tide series, Bottleneck follows bassist Emery and his love interest Alice. Emery’s character is beautifully complicated and perfectly flawed. A tortured soul. A broken bad boy. This rockstar exasperated me at times all while also wanting to envelop him in a protective hug. I absolutely loved Alice for her strength of character and kind hearted soul as she also struggles in a different way. These two have a history together and it was interesting to witness how everything played out. Their life journeys are full of trial and tribulations. Life is messy and as such, so is navigating the road to happiness. These two characters will reach into your soul and make you feel. This is not your typical rockstar romance nor is it a lighthearted one. There is heartbreak as well as healing and hope.
To me, I felt that a huge chunk of the book was more about the journey in each of their individual lives more so than the romantic aspect of their relationship. Not that this is a bad thing as I really enjoyed how the author illustrated all that was going on with Emery and with Alice. More than anything I would have liked perhaps a few more chapters or maybe a longer epilogue – because I love these characters so much and also because a few things weren’t completely tied up.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies to lovers book and I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next! If you like rockstar romances or any of this author’s previous novels in the series, then you will not want to miss out on Bottleneck.
This is a fantastic series about the musicians in the band Dark Tide, and I have been eagerly waiting to hear bad boy Emery’s story… the wait is final over. Woohoo!
Oh boy, Emery Morgan is a true bag of attitude and big troublemaker to boot but I felt sorry for him right from the beginning in the first book because you could tell he was screaming out for more in his life- he just didn’t seem to know when to keep his trap shut. Annoying Alice seems to be his new thing, a past that creeps up to bite them both in the their behinds.
Alice is a struggler, we don’t get to know as much about her until much further in the book and even then it’s not a huge amount but I could connect with her character easily and empathise with her readily. She has an amazing inner strength which she’s needed to rely on consistently throughout her life yet still has the capacity to give to others.
The relationship between the two lead characters is the primary concern in this book but there are a lot of other areas as well. Linked into everything are the things from the previous two books which is an incredible feat of its own. Then there’s the serious issues of manipulation, abuse and low self-confidence that are explored without it being in your face, I applaud this author for the way she went about it.
This fast paced book just flies by so quickly because once you start you are absorbed and literally don’t want to put it down. I totally recommend it but if you haven’t read the previous books I suggest you do that as the series is terrific and you gain much better clarity knowing the entire story. Bring on Toby’s story.
Reviewer: Robyn
This is a fantastic series about the musicians in the band Dark Tide, and I have been eagerly waiting to hear bad boy Emery’s story… the wait is final over. Woohoo!
Oh boy, Emery Morgan is a true bag of attitude and big troublemaker to boot but I felt sorry for him right from the beginning in the first book because you could tell he was screaming out for more in his life- he just didn’t seem to know when to keep his trap shut. Annoying Alice seems to be his new thing, a past that creeps up to bite them both in the their behinds.
Alice is a struggler, we don’t get to know as much about her until much further in the book and even then it’s not a huge amount but I could connect with her character easily and empathise with her readily. She has an amazing inner strength which she’s needed to rely on consistently throughout her life yet still has the capacity to give to others.
The relationship between the two lead characters is the primary concern in this book but there are a lot of other areas as well. Linked into everything are the things from the previous two books which is an incredible feat of its own. Then there’s the serious issues of manipulation, abuse and low self-confidence that are explored without it being in your face, I applaud this author for the way she went about it.
This fast paced book just flies by so quickly because once you start you are absorbed and literally don’t want to put it down. I totally recommend it but if you haven’t read the previous books I suggest you do that as the series is terrific and you gain much better clarity knowing the entire story. Bring on Toby’s story.
Angsty rockstar romances make my day! This was another emotional rollercoaster ride from Max Henry, next book in her Dark Tide series with a second chance feel. Emery- sexy, mouthy, manho bass player has been mentality beaten down from a nasty relationship he’s been stuck in for years, what a evil bitch this woman is. Yet, they keep going back for more- she takes and takes while he drinks to numb the pain she causes…and he let’s her.
The one light he had in his life dimmed the moment his best friend and confidant, Alice, left him without an explanation years ago. Running into her on the same concert circuit makes him miss, hate and want to hurt her the same way she hurt him. What did he do wrong?
Wow, this one was unexpected, made me a little mad watching Emery put up with Deanna when everyone around him saw her for the user she was, but it was also very witty! Some of the one liners were a riot, even if the content was emotionally dark at times. Max’s storytelling keeps you on your toes- will have you laughing one minute and wiping a tear the next!
Alice and Emery’s mutual anger had them missing out on what could have been a beautiful relationship, way back when. It all began with the music they both loved as an anchor, along with hopes, dreams of the future and shared experiences but that had been blown to hell and needed some serious repair. Would trust and truth ever be part of their story?
If you are a fan of the Dark Tide series, you’ll want to grab this one and get comfy for another wild ride on the their crazy train! Nicely done epilogue leaves room for more love, growth and self discovery for each of these uniquely different band members and their significant others. Loved it!
Emery and Alice were friends before getting involved in anything romantic. They both are trying to make music their career. Emery takes off but Alice struggles for years and never gives up. The choices that Emery makes lead to heartbreak for the couple. The wrong woman leads Emery to the bottom of a bottle and an emotional freefall. Can the two become a couple or even friends after ten years? A stunning good read about life, love and overcoming obstacles.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Womanizer. Player. We all know them. And sometimes, we’ve loved one. My first mistake was to trust the rocker with a charming smile. My second, believing he’d never hurt me. My final mistake will not be to repeat steps one and two. People changed as they mature. They live, and they learn. Emery? He’s not one of those people. He tells me that he needs me, and I wish I could say I didn’t feel the same. Problem is, I am also one of those people who never change. But I do learn. And i know that the worst mistake I could make wouldn’t be to repeat the past. It would be to let him go.
This book is one heck of an emotional roller coaster. This is the story of Emery who is a man that is in desperate need for friendship and love. He doesn’t have a best friend and needs one bad. However he has an addiction problem and is about to hit rock bottom. However he just can not stop chasing the past. Alice though is a beautiful soul who was destroyed the day her best friend walked away. She carries this hurt around with her daily. Can these two heal each other and find something magical? You have to read to find out. I thought this story was so beautiful and emotional. I had a lump in my throat many many times reading this book. I thought it was a beautiful story and I am so glad that I got to read it.
This is the 3rd book in this awesome series and is Emery and Alice’s story. Emery who is the bassist form “Dark Tide” and Alice, lead singer and guitarist for Letters from Alice” have a history, which has been damaged by miscommunication and life. No spoilers: this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional and rocky roller coaster ride, with hate, fear, addiction, passion, and is a raw, gritty and intense love story. I was completely captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this gifted author.
Angsty, raw, passionate and incredible. The Dark Tide men are a difficult group of men to understand, but the right women can make the most irritating men come around. Emery is a good friend that takes his band mate Kris to reunite with the woman he loves. What he didn’t know was that he was going to come face to face with the love he has always denied was there, Alice. She used to be his best friend until he made a choice that pushed her away. Now they have to face the past and it’s not gonna be pretty. Emery fights with addiction and is fighting for a way to get past it. Maybe that is why she enters his life again now. There are a lot of things unsaid and the pressure to find out the truth is building. You can feel it build in every conversation and with every turn of the page. Secrets can be landmines. Will theirs destroy them? Emery and Alice are those wonky puzzle pieces that just fit. Can they find the way they fit together? You gotta read this one!
Coming face to face with the past, but moving on..?
Wow, Max Henry’s Dark Tide series is brutal, raw and most definitely does not sugar coat the imperfections of the music industry’s worst players. So honest, you could almost call it a study in damaging human behaviour and relationships. The song references also give an insight into Ms Henry’s absolute passion for music and her characters as I read the books about the Band that I love so much.
It’s Emery’s turn, and we get to see the train wreck that is his relationship with Deanna, the psychotic-girlfriend who has dogged him through two books, since Dark Tide were signed eight years ago.
As much as I admired Emery for finally taking back his life and asking for help, I couldn’t like him. He absolutely was an addict and embraced the rock star lifestyle and everything it had to offer, but even as he struggled in his recovery, I found no redeeming features in him that had me changing my mind.
It’s been eight years since Alice learned her lesson about him the first time around, and I genuinely liked and admired her. In losing Emery under the circumstances that she did, I can see why she didn’t overshare feelings or friendships, but she seemed lonely and sad. And also like the nicest person to not have anybody decent in her corner. Emery was just awful to her, and while he said seeing her made him want to make changes in himself, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. Life has been tough for her. He wouldn’t know it, because he’d excised her so completely from his life. Dark Tide made it, but her band didn’t.
What this book did stand out to me for is it’s a fine example in showcasing that not all abusers wear the same disguise, nor is their abuse always physical and able to be seen. Some wear lipstick and heels, and the damage done in undermining confidence and stealing visions of a future without them is as caging as any physical restraint. Escape planning and support is just as important.
While I some unaddressed questions, I highly recommend this book as necessary reading for those who the love imperfect rockers and Max Henry’s Dark Tide series. 4 Stars
Fantastic!!!
This book isn’t just about rockers and the people that hang off their stars. It’s really about trying for your dreams even if it doesn’t work out…at least you had the guts to try. You persevere through many things to make that dream a reality.
Emery made a big mistake years ago and Alice was caught up in that by him breaking her heart. Emery definitely chose the wrong woman and paid dearly for it during their ten years apart. He tried to survive his choice at the bottom of a bottle. Even though Emery and Alice were friends long before anything went deeper, they both were making the circuit with their bands trying for that one shot at making it in the music business. Emery got lucky and Alice struggled all of this time never giving up no matter what was thrown at her.
Now years later they meet up again and Emery thinks it’s a good idea to sleep with Alice’s bandmate. Not a winning idea but when everything seems hopeless it doesn’t really matter. Would Alice and Emery be able to overcome the last ten years or would Deanna, Emery’s evil choice, make it impossible for things to work out with all the under handed meddling she was doing to keep Emery under her thumb while her hand was in his… wallet?
This story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions which were intense, the forgotten events of the past heartbreaking and the totality of this book unforgettable. This is one book you truly don’t want to miss.
Talk about emotional, this story had all the feels… Emery the bad boy of the group, he’s attitude personified. But he’s more than that in telling his story we get the behind the scenes view that will shatter your heart as we find out more about the man behind the bravado! His muse or his ex best friend Alice returns and sparks fly as they both battle their demons and each other! A spectacular story of beating the odds… these Dark Tide boys sure know how to steals hearts!!
The wait for this third book in the Dark Tide series had left me a little bereft for their world; but Max Henry sure hasn’t disappointed in delivering with Emery’s book.
This is a story of bitter reconnection that’s founded on misconceptions, misunderstanding, and ultimate missed opportunity, and the resultant punishment and pain the star-crossed lead characters put each other through as they battle back to one another.
Dark Tide’s Bassist, Emery and Lead singer and guitarist of Letters From Alice, Alice, share history; as teens they developed a friendship bound by their passion for music and drive to make it an industry that can raise you to dizzying heights, or chew you up and spit you out just as quickly.
But events and miscommunication drove a wedge between these two, leaving a chasm of hurt and anger; at the centre of which is the issue of addiction.
Boy, is this guy a contradiction of scarred, hardened outer shell and broken tender soul underneath, the product of his tumultuous relationships, addiction and fears, ultimately poor decisions and verbal assaults that will have you love, hate and pity him in equal measure.
Conversely, Alice’s tenacity was a beacon of light in this story; in her struggles with her flailing career, financial hardships and her seesawing love and hate for Emery.
She maintains such strength of focus, you’re behind this woman 100% and want to see her triumph.
I enjoyed the resolution that their reconciliation brought at the end of the book as well as the closure and acceptance of other areas of their lives.
Not everybody gets exactly what they want in a happy ending, but ultimately it may well be what they need!
This was a rocky road filled with enormous emotional boulders and potholes that had to be navigated. Long sealed doors that had to be opened and dealt with and hurdles to get over, made even more complicated by Emery’s vile excuse of a girlfriend, Deanna.
This uber she-villain was the thorn in my side in this tale! I hated her with a passion!
I initially didn’t quite get their sustained relationship, when it was so clearly toxic and in decay.
I think I would have like to have seen her get exactly was she deserved in the end, though as it felt a little unresolved, but perhaps we’re yet to see the last of her?
However, this was not enough to take away from the impact and brilliance of this story that still earns 5 stars from me! And still, we have Toby’s story to come, I can’t wait!!
Emery’s story is finally here!
From the very first book in the Dark Tide series we saw glimpses of Emery. His attitude. His struggles. His messed up life.
Bottleneck was raw and intense. This book will leave you completely gutted.
The characters in this story amazed me. Their battles only made them stronger. It wasn’t an easy road.
Max Henry will break you before she puts you back together.
Another phenomenal story!!
Raw and gritty are words that are very fitting for this story—this series, really. Addiction and abuse are at the forefront of this book. It has led to a lot of hurt and misunderstanding—and keeps on with the hurt when Emery keeps doing things like drunk texting then forgetting. Alice keeps trying to let him in and he keeps throwing it back at her. Deanna is a horrible person, not that Emery is a good one. The couple paragraphs Emery really thinks about his situation at the party is very profound, but sad because he still is stuck there in his head. I love that Emery has a real support system, even when he doesn’t recognize it. I also love that a Like A Storm reference was thrown in that would only be recognized by a fan of the band. This author never disappoints me.
Not sure what it is about this series and author, but if you want raw gritty emotions as well as an amazingly great read then this is the series for you. This book shows what happens when friends become enemies and choices came back to haunt us. Nothing is as it seems and mistakes only lead to more heartache and despair, Is the road back as simple as wanting it to be so? I don’t do spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out.
I have been eagerly awaiting this book, so I’m really excited that it’s here! If you want a brutally raw and honest series then you’re in the right place. The author has no qualms about ripping your heart out and making you cry. Thoroughly reccomend the first two books if you haven’t read them yet.
Wow I knew from previous books that Emery was just as messed up and broken as the other members, if not more so, but MY heart breaks for him the state he is in beginning of the story and I know it will only get worse from here.
These characters amaze me in their strength of what they battle with and overcome. Although this book is a prime example of communication is key. You never know who is either rooting for you or plotting your demise.
This is a story that like the rest of the series you won’t be able to put down, my lack of sleep can atest to that. Also hold onto your kindle or keep it on flat surface, you’ll want to chuck it a fair bit.
There are a few unanswered questions you’ll be left with but hoping they’ll be answered in the last book…
4 solid stars.