Bon Jovi.Bryan Adams.Presley West.My favourite men of music.Only one of them within reach.The night before Presley West was due to leave our small town of Hollings Hill, all of my high school fantasies came to life. He finally wanted me. Eight years I’d spent pining, and now I, bar-tending Tessa Lisbon, was going to make damn sure I made that night count before the music industry stole him. Never … music industry stole him.
Never screw your idols. That’s what they say, right? Well, I did, and I did it well. So well, I somehow managed to screw my own heart in the process.
He gave me one night to convince him to stay. In the end, I begged him to go.
Forever.
But that’s the thing about rock stars: they do what they want, when they want, and forever didn’t end up being as long as I expected.
Presley was back, and with his face, voice, and music now everywhere I turned, I officially had nowhere left to run.
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Here I sit, once again… Struggling to put into words how amazing this book was. I have actually been sitting on this review for a few days trying to put together a review that will do this justice… But no words can. Seriously NO WORDS.
Ms. James goes above and beyond and gives us a storyline so captivating, enticing and addictive that I couldn’t put the book down and managed to read it in one sitting.
In Cherry Beats we have Presley and Tess and oh boy, what a pair these two are. Presley was… different. He wasn’t your typical hero in this book. He was lonely, he was stuck and lost yet he has people surrounding him day in and day out… But what looks like a life of fun, pleasure, and dreams is a life of loneliness and sadness for this man. My heart hurt for this man and I couldn’t help but fall smitten for him from the moment I began this book. He was unique and amazing in every sense of the word.
Tess was perfection, especially for Presley. She was full of sass, a little spitfire and even though some of the things she did and said were questionable and not exactly /Perfect/, she was still just a lovable, witty, fun characters and I think what others may see as flaws, I see as quirks, and things that make her a perfect heroine. I adored her and I honestly cannot fault the author on how she played this main female lead out.
Presley and Tess were something else… They were perfect for each other and both personalities together balanced each other out, yet they bounced off each other. It was known early that these two were perfect for each other and that they both loved and wanted each other, and needed each other… But secrets and lies constantly pushed them apart. Hiding feelings and denying each other what they truly wanted, craved and needed. Tess didn’t feel worthy, she didn’t feel like she was enough, and Presley wanted her, he needed her.. but the insecurities Tess has do make it hard for him and it ultimately creates more and more issues with these two…
Will Tess be able to see she is worthy? Will Presley be able to show her that she is? Is Tess the answer to his loneliness? Will these two finally open their eyes and see they are meant to be…
You need to read the book to find out…
I honestly cannot fault this story. There were a few aspects to it that hit home for me a little but I think that is why I loved it so much. It was full of angst, and chemistry that flowed throughout the book.
Truly amazing, captivating, addictive and an enticing read that I highly recommend!
5 Stars
I have to admit rock star romances aren’t always a must read for me, but I was recommended Cherry Beats by two fellow book bloggers and I am so glad I listened to them!
It was jam packed with emotions and attitude, what you would expect from Rock stars. The writing was amazing, as you would predict from the amazingly talented Vicki James, who happens to go by as Victoria L James as well.
Cherry Beats has to be one of the best Rock Star romances that I have read and if this author intends to write more in this genre I may just be converted to Rock Star romances. It was a gritty romance that hooked it’s cords into my heart. Filled with awesome chemistry between Presley and Tessa, which gave my goosebumps as I fell in love with their story.
Tessa has been in love with Presley for years, but she just hasn’t been able to voice the words. She is beautifully flawed and often these flaws held her back from taking what she wanted. She is a strong, independent woman, who ultimately wants the man she loves to love her back.
Presley, stole a tiny bit of my heart each page that I turned over. He was not shy from saying and doing what he wanted. This character certainly knew how to beat a drum and the impact he had on the people surrounding him.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Cherry Beats, which was a nice surprise for me. It had a great storyline, relatable characters and a freaking awesome playlist!!
Tessa Lisbon has had a crush on Presley West from the time they were at high school together but a four year age gap, he being the elder, ensured she was most certainly not on Presley’s radar.
Fast forward several years and we find Tessa working in a bar, still infatuated with the unattainable boy who has now grown up to be a successful drummer in an up and coming British rock band. I felt her dismay, not to mention her jealousy, when she had to watch as Presley paraded a new woman in front of her each week, seemingly unaware of her attraction to him. Tessa, however, is no shrinking violet, she’s confident, with a great personality, and her witty one liners and clever comebacks had me laughing out loud.
I found Presley to be quite a complicated character, and I got a somewhat lonely vibe from him. The relationship between him and Tess was often frustrating at times. Quite a rollercoaster, firey and angsty, and not always sweet, but most definitely hot. The chemistry between them was smoking and quite frankly, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. There are a lot of fantastic sexy times, which this author writes so well and their bedroom, shower, balcony, shenanigans are sure to get you hot under the collar.
There’s a great cast of well developed supporting characters, each with their own unique personalities, both good and bad, and I can’t help but hope they start shouting at this author to write their stories too.
This is a different type of rockstar romance than you might expect. It focuses mainly on the push and pull between Tess and Presley. Their lives were not always a bed of roses but Ms. James’s writing skills brought these wonderful characters, their feelings, thoughts and dilemmas to life. All in all a very enjoyable read.
“I was not going to ruin this reunion with tears….
“Kiss me before I say something I regret,” I whispered.
He did. He kissed me and swallowed all the words I didn’t want to say. He rocked back and forth, taking it slow, like a rock balled beat of his drums, never once stopping, never once picking up pace, never once making me feel anything other than I was being adored and fucked by the hottest man on the planet.
The man who would leave me in the morning , the way I ran from him three years ago.”
Presley and Tessa are part of my soul! I swooned over these two for a solid week. I am cry-laughing writing this review because I need them back. Their world of strength, sassy quippy humor, sarcasm, and mad crazy love is so much damn fun. Everyone needs a RockStar to admire and Presley will be mine forever. Tessa, or lovingly known as Cherry, is just the kind of woman to stay the course with Presley’s limelight lifestyle. Although they are both fractured by unhealthy secrets and families, their commitment to each other goes beyond all boundaries. It is a bond between hearts where there are no masks, only raw truths and unspoiled love.
I’m still hungover after reading this brilliant story, Vicki James your words are Gold , this story is nothing less than perfection Rock Star romance at it’s best.
Vicki has written a story where I actually felt like I was on tour and in the audience there feeling every emotion and musical beat. . Presley West what can I say….. he’s become my new BBF perfectly imperfect
I’ve always had a thing for drummers and Vicki you captured this ten fold with Presley.
“Goddamn drummer boy with his poetic words, hands of destruction, and the honest heart I somehow held the key to.’
Rockers are one of my favorite genres and Vicki you definitely rocked this Book, the Writing was flawless. I loved every part from page 1 until the end I’m being greedy because I’m hoping we will be getting more from these characters and the side characters also which blended in so well, I usually don’t listen to anything while reading but I found myself going back and forth with with the playlist and each song just fit perfectly.
I highly recommend you run and one click this rock star masterpiece.
Watch out ladies as Presley West is about to steal your hearts!
I haven’t read a really good rockstar romance in a long time and I really mean that, but as soon as I starting reading this story I could instantly tell that there was something special about it. I just knew that I was on to a smash hit of a story, in fact i’d go as far as to say this is the best rockstar romance i’ve ever read.
Firstly I was drawn in to the story by it’s characters Presley and Tessa. They are two people from the same small town. Presley becomes the drummer in a famous rock band that every woman wants and Tessa is the sassy redheaded girl that works behind the bar in his favorite pub, they form a strange kind of friendship that starts out with banter and silly sarcasm between them that is hilarious, he nicknames her Cherry and this ignites the spark between them.
Secondly the plot line of this book was brilliant it had just the right amount of drama and tension that kept the story interesting and I thought it was very original. Sometimes I find that the drama can be overplayed in a story and becomes silly but this was not the case.
The romance was a slow burn that became so hot it steamed up my glasses, I found Presley to be a swoonworthy hero that I could easily fall in love with. Cherry was also a great heroine, she was always trying to do the right thing while making herself miserable in the process, but I admired her for strength and determination.
This book is an adrenaline fuelled emotional rollercoaster ride. It left me with a massive book hangover and a want to read it all again, because it was just that bloody brilliant. The writing was insanely good and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Every time I start a book and think I can’t wait to fall into this world, discover these characters find out there story! Cherry beats had me desperate for every page, every word and every chapter till that very last letter.
This a story that reached in and poured my soul out into its pages. A creative masterpiece that Vicki James some how weaves in a way much like drugs your addicted and completely under a spell before you even realise what’s happening.
I cried hard! I felt desperation down to my bones! But boy did I love Presley and Cherry story!
Now to convince Vicki James how much we need the rest of those Youth Gone Wild Boys books!
This book was in one word, EPIC !!!!
Rock star books are like crack to me and I inhale them but this book had something that others haven’t – PRESLEY WEST!!!!!
So much more than your typical rock star romance, this was a school girl crush that became so much more, it was an epic love story taking us through the highs and lows, the light and the dark of the rise of an absolute rock god. This book is real, its raw, its hot and you will fall under Presley’s spell in an instant.
Tessa/Cherry was just awesome. She was quirky, she was sassy and when the opportunity for just one night with the man of her dreams presents itself, what more can she do but grab it with both hands. Underneath all that quick mouth and flaming hair is a whole lot of vulnerability and when she pushes Presley away, the last thing she expects is for him to turn up on her door step again
The journey from unknown to legend is full of ups and downs for Presley. Those highs are high but when the lows hit the one person he runs to is Tessa, the girl that crawled under his skin and into his heart after that one night.
Vicki James has literally nailed this book. Its addictive, its seductive and it will draw you in and throw you out at the other end with the hugest smile on your face and an epic crush on Presley West!!!
This book has firmly landed itself in my top rock star books EVER!!!! and if you love Bryan Adams with a side order of Bon Jovi then you are in for an absolute treat
I absolutley LOVED Presley West.
From the moment i started reading this book i fell inlove with it. I love a good rock star romance.
There love story was just amazing from all the troubles Presley had going on and trying to be a rock star when all he wanted was to be happy and with Tessa.
I would recommend this book to everyone Vicki James has killed it with this book and you will love it.
Epic doesn’t even cover how I feel about Cherry Beats.
It is a beautiful yet ugly story of love, life, and rock n roll.
Vicki James has written a story that will stay with me as one of the greats. Great writing, great characters, great setting.
Now, is it too much to ask for an extended epilogue?
“I always told you I was selfish.”
“You’re a rotten bastard, Presley West,”
“Is it so bad of me to want you?”
I seriously dont know what to say…. I dont even think I have the words to explain how much I loved this book…
I got the arc late from Vic because I didnt even see the arc sign up form *sad face*. But she so kindly said “I’ll send you the arc now” I was like thank you thank you thank you.
I saw ages ago that she was writing a new book which would be a rock star romance which I’m such a sucker for lol. I just knew it was going to be good.
Tessa first lays her eyes on Presley in high school she’s 11 and he’s 15. She thinks he’s beautiful and he’s in a band too(a Drummer) *thinks (Oh I bet he knows how to work those sticks too haha)*… Tessa loves her music. She loves Bryan Adams & Bon Fucking Jovi(Same as me girl… same as me).
Fast forward 8 years and Tessa is a barmaid and Presley is about to head to London and embark on an new adventure with his band. She’s always liked him from afar but has never done anything about it as he brings in a new woman into the bar once a week just to get a rise out of her. Presley loves to get under her skin. He calls her Cherry because of the colour of her hair and the colour of her Doc Martens.
“No regrets”
He comes into the pub with a new woman for the last time before he leaves for London the following day. Cherry and him do their usual back and forth banter like they always do lol. He eventually leaves and Cherry enjoys listening to her music whilst she starts to tidy the pub. But when she thinks she’s on her own.. she really isnt. Presley is watching her which then leads to them both having one amazing night together. Then they dont see eachother for 3 years…. As Tess would say “This is why you should never fuck your idols.”
“I’m in so much trouble with you, aren’t I?”
“Screwed with a capital S.”
Presley & Cherry…. Gahhhh I bloody love them both so damn much. The banter between them in the beginning was brilliant. I laughed oh so much, swooned so damn much and god did I cry sad and happy tears.
That certain part when it’s the TriFest…. if you’ve read it then you’ll know what I’m talking about. My hand went to my heart and I swooned then I cried lol. Because of what Presley did. I’m such a soppy bitch but it made my heart so damn happy.
“Will it be epic?”
“Yeah. It’ll be epic, baby.”
These two characters and their story owns a piece of my heart and I’m not even sorry that they’ve taken it. The story was beautiful and swoon worthy.
I’m so happy and my heart is so damn full xx
Presley is the drummer for a rock band but he never forgot the small town girl he left behind. Tessa “Cherry” is a bartender and in love with Presley. I couldn’t put this book down. It broke my heart at times but put it back together too. A great rock star romance and highly recommended.
Omg I did not want this book end. Presley West is absolute rock god. He has gone straight to the number 1 spot of rockstar book boyfriend, way way above Kellen Kyle and Brain Sinclair.
The writing and story of Cherry Beats is a masterpiece. Presley and Tess are such amazing characters, the writing has passion and soul it jumps from every page. All the side characters are brilliant, especially Bourbon.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Beautiful writing, beautiful story. Characters you will just fall in love with. Read it. Read it. Read it.
I adored Tessa. Emotionally strong, good head on her shoulders, great love of music, and super witty. She has been in love with Presley from afar never thinking he noticed her. Little did she know he did. Presley is a talented musician, wanting to share his success with someone-Tessa, walking sex god, and so much more than meets the eye. I adored how their story unfolded. Their banter is hysterical. Their chemistry is off the charts. Their love made me believe in soulmates. I fell in love between the pages of this book and you will too!
To say that this book has left me wrecked is putting it mildly. I’m always down to read a good love story set in the music world, but I was not prepared for the roller coaster ride of feelings and emotions that the author took me on. You can literally feel the hopelessness, angst, heartbreak, love and exhilaration that both characters, Presley West and Tessa Lisbon, experience in each page. You will find yourself rooting for these two, and hoping against everything that they will make it in the end – knowing full well that nothing in the music industry lasts for long, let alone a relationship between a rock god and a nobody from a small
I sincerely hope that Vicki decides to bring us more from the boys of Youth Gone Wild. I am so ready to get back on that ride and see where she takes us.
This book blows the rafters off. Vicki’s lyrical story grabbed me from page one. With each successive chapter, I fell harder for Tess and Presley. OMG, Presley is book boyfriend perfection. Both characters felt like real 3 dimensional characters. They weren’t flat 2-D creations. And Vicki dragged my willing heart along for the ride through every twist and turn, every dip and rise of this rollercoaster love story.
Cherry Beats made my heart sing and smile and ache and cry, but most of all it made it BEAT—in anticipation of MORE. And Vicki delivered that more and then some. I only hope that this isn’t the last we see of Cherry and Presley because I’m in love and don’t want to say goodbye.
Move over Kellen Kyle, theres a new rock star in town and he’s called Presley West!!! Hold on to your underwear ladies because this guy is smouldering hot, dreamy and just a little bit cocky – he’s everything you need in a true Rock God!!!
This book pulls you on from the first word and before you know it you are screaming at your Kindle because you just read the two words that every reader dreads – THE END (or maybe thats just me). Tessa, or Cherry as Presley cheekily calls her, is fiery like her red hair, sassy and completely lovable too. She’s just perfect for Presley and their chemistry in this book is off the scale! I also loved the guys from the band Youth Gone Wild, only now I really need to know more about then, these guys need their own books!!
I’ve really struggled to come up with the words that best describe this book, but only one comes to mind – EPIC!! Just totally epic, one of my top reads of this year. My advice to a new reader – download the equally epic sountrack, put your headphones on, block out the world and get lost in Cherry Beats!!! You won’t regret it for a second!!
I fell in love with another man…….his name is Presley F@*king West! This book totally changed my view on rockstar stories. I can totally relate with Tessa not believing she’s good enough for her childhood crush to be in love with her. The road they travel together was a page Turner and I wanted more hours in the day to live this story. Absolutely loved it!!!
5 STARS!!!
LOVED it!!! Cherry Beats by Vicki James! Cherry Beats is Tessa Lisbon and Presley West’s story. Their story just drags you in.
This book wasn’t about the glamorous life of a Rockstar. It showed a darker side of the Rockstar’s life. Don’t get me wrong this was not a Dark book to read. It does show the alcohol and drug use and the indiscriminate amount of sex these band members had. Life on the road wasn’t all fun and games but they made their lives as pleasant as they could.
Presley came to the relationship with a lot of baggage and Tessa kept finding out what that baggage was and sometimes she felt like she couldn’t deal with it.
Tessa Lisbon had a crush and has wanted to be with Presley West for 8 years. They hooked up 3 years prior to Presley becoming famous. Now that he is a “rockstar” he wants Tessa/Cherry even more.
While reading Cherry Beats I kept wondering how in the world could there be an HEA for Tessa Lisbon and Presley West’s future. With the world always breaking in to their lives after-all Presley was famous. He was a “rockstar”!
Thank goodness for Tessa’s friends Molly and Bourbon (Tessa’s boss). Tessa wasn’t very close to her family was very dysfunctional & not supportive at all!
There is a passage in Cherry Beats that I just had to laugh at. It wasn’t that it was particularly funny. It just brought back good memories for me. My son named his Cockatiel “Jimmy” after Jim Morrison, Jimmy Page, or Jimi Hendrix. Take your pick of which one. He was a fan of all 3 Jimmy’s. And of course you will need to read Cherry Beats to even know what I just referenced.
I loved reading Cherry Beats! Even though this is the first book by Vicki James she is not an inexperienced author and it shows! Not when she can drag you into the story and makes you feel all the emotions happy, sad, anxious, angsty! Again I loved Tessa aka Cherry and Presley’s story! 5+ STARS!
I loved Presley and I loved how he showed over and over that he was so much more then some people gave him credit for. He was willing to put himself on the line for the people he cared about. He wasn’t perfect and had some serious baggage but it was awesome that Cherry loved him for him. Not for the rock god but for the man. And Cherry? Well she was amazing too. Determined and loyal and pretty damn awesome. This was a great read full of sex, drugs, rock and roll and a fantastic love story! Can’t wait to read more from this author.