A rockstar romance with swoons, laughter and heartbreaking truths.Anna: A one-night stand with a rock star isn’t what I had planned on my birthday. But Dan Darling, sexy and irresistible as he is, doesn’t take no for an answer. What follows? Five incredible days and a connection I thought I’d never feel. Until he leaves on tour. It hurts, but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve been through before. through before.
Dan: The first time I saw her, I knew she was it. Then I doubted my feelings and believed they were only a product of my impulsivity. How can she love me when I’ve kept secret who I really am? Can I pull myself together enough to be with her and make it work? Is Anna the soothing medication I need to survive, or should I continue living my life one one-night stand at a time?
What others say about Darling:
“It’s complex and beautiful and heartbreaking and amazing!” J. Saman, USA TODAY Bestselling Author.
“Darling is one of those books you read that leaves an imprint on your heart. (…) Gabrielle has a certain flow of writing that keeps me both entertained and enthralled. A must read.” Autumn Archer, International Bestselling Author.
“This story was just… everything. It’s emotional and so beautifully written. I felt the words, felt the pain and every other emotion that was described in this book. (…) This story is by far one of my favourite reads of 2019.” S. S. Richards, Contemporary/Dark Romance Author.
more
Darling is an emotionally charged, beautifully written rock star romance that is sure to make you laugh, swoon, and even cry. It takes a very talented author to craft such an engaging story that elicits that many emotions. This book was not what I was expecting and I mean that in a good way. I am not usually one for the insta-love trope, but the way this author portrayed Dan’s and Anna’s feelings towards each other and the progression of their relationship worked very well for the story.
Anna is a woman who has been royally burned in the past and she carefully guards her heart. I didn’t warm up to her right away, but as the story further developed, I came to recognize her as a strong, resilient, and independent woman who is the perfect match for Dan. It was Dan, however, who spoke to my soul. I don’t think I have ever identified so closely with a character before and I am impressed with how the author addressed certain aspects of his life, thoughts, feelings, and interactions with those closest to him. I cannot neglect mentioning the secondary characters in this book. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the band members and I cannot wait for them to get their own books.
This author did a phenomenal job in creating a story that pulls the reader in. She combines that right amount of fame with the ordinary and tackles a certain subject matter with great sensitivity and respect. She has given a voice for those of us who experience something similar to Dan, but also illustrates how it affects those around him. Darling is one of those rockstar romances that will stay with you long after you read the last page. It was my first book by this author and in case you can’t tell by my review, it will not be my last.
OMG! YOU’VE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! IT’S WITHOUT DOUBT A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
I think it’s absolutely no secret for everyone, that I love Gabriela’s books. So far, I have mentioned, seen, read, felt and loved every one of her books. She doesn’t stop to surprise me, which is insane!!! Eveyone of here books is a total SUPRISE in my eyes, but this book is kind of the biggest surprise ever Darling is in my opinion her best book so far. It’s completely different, nothing like the other books before!!! And it’s not like the usual rockstar books you know either. No! It’s not even close to being like other books.
While reading this book, I went through all sorts of emotions.
At first I was sad for Anna and wanted revenge, then almost fainted after meeting Dan (swoon) and fell in love with both characters. Then of course continued with heartbreaks, tears and anger … I was just heartbroken afterwards, but for a different reason than before.
This unbelievable emotional and gripping story, with so much emotions that they took my breath away, about a life with a mental illness and the consequences that are following that disease, is the reason for my emotional breakdown and why I loved this book so much.
Don’t make sense? Yes, it does with this crazy, amazing and beautiful story.
This book was written unbelievable honest and without pardon. It’s rough and unforgettable, but also romantic and sweet at the same time.
It’s amazing how Gabrielle can write about such a sensitive subject so incredibly authentic.
I can’t even describe what this book did with my emotions. It wrecked me and doesn’t want to let me go. I love this book so much that I can cry again just from thinking about it
I can’t give you more of the story without spoilers and that would ruin the whole unbelievable experience, that this book is.
This book is a stand alone and ends with a HEA, but damn Gabrielle….the ending makes me want to cry again
My recommendation?
Go and download this book, you have to read this!!! It’s definitely a must read. This is a book in the category “thinking about it for a very long time”.
Rockstar romance by an author I just discovered. Dan Darling is the lead singer of the Darling Devils, Anna is still getting over her divorce. This one is definitely a wild ride
Dan Darling is like no other leading man I’ve read. Darling brings a story of instalove between this rockstar and Anna. They form an instant bond but just as quickly their inner demons tear them apart.
This love story is definitely different than all the others. It touches on subjects that, while can be hard to read, have you so invested in this couple you won’t be able to put this book down. Gabrielle G has a gift to write about these things in a beautiful way. Of course their ugly heartbreaking moments are magnified due to their other issues. These moments are so worth the read though. Grab your tissues and read this book. You won’t be the same after Dan and Anna’s story!
Darling was the first book I read by Gabrielle G. Two things right off the bat—these people are not in their twenties and, as such, they have experiences and “stuff” that happens as we grow older, and the book grabbed me and did not let go until I turned the last page.
Dan Darling is so cool, and the way he meets Anna is breathtaking. Talk about a rescue! No spoilers–read the book! But Dan has things going on in Dan that are not easily fixable or glossed over. Here is why I have fallen for Gabrielle G as an author; she takes a subject that is often still considered taboo and handles it in a healthy, loving way. Not only does she weave this topic into the story in a way that does not overtake the story, much less the romance, but it impacts the story, and the tale adjusts to it. Dan still manages to be the Hero in a big way and makes you love him more.
Anna needs a prince charming. Let’s be real; her husband and life dealt her a crap hand. When she meets Dan, it is total serendipity. And Karma comes through so magically for her that it leaves you swoony and content. Again, Gabrielle manages to handle an adult situation that many confront with grace and not your usual romance solution but an adult resolution. Bravo.
This book hit all the checkboxes for me as I was reading so much, so I read it in one sitting. There is a bit of angst, ADULT FREAKING ANGST. These people are dealing with significant life complications. It works out, and here we go–the epilogue of this book was the most beautiful–I was stunned. We always get the happily ever after with our couple riding off into the sunset. I struggled to find a word that embraces the completeness of this epilogue, and the closest I could find is enouement. I am not sure it’s really a word per se here is the definition I found: “the bittersweetness of having arrived in the future, seeing how things turn out.” Darling is probably one of the very best rock star romances I have ever read. READ IT NOW!
This story has me feeling some kind of way.
Darling is the story of Dan Darling and Anna. Dan is more than your typical rock star he comes with some heavy baggage. Anna is a hard working woman with emotional scars thanks to her ex. From the moment they meet its like instalove. Things happen so fast and with Dan leaving so soon and spiraling mentally he knows he can’t be loyal to Anna so the best thing to do is let her go. Anna is trying to pull herself together the only way she knows how to. With Dan leaving her confused as to why things ended Anna is convinced everything they shared meant nothing. Dan soon realizes Anna isn’t like all the other women and he can’t seem to stop thinking about her. Lars and Art his band mates and best friends know that Anna might be the key after all to helping keep Dan sane. Can Anna accept all of Dan’s baggage.. and can Dan really commit?
A truly beautiful story. This isn’t your typical rock star romance. Gabrielle G. really touches on what it’s like to love and deal with someone who is suffering from a mental illness.
This isn’t my first read by Gabrielle G.
I love me a good rockstar book. This one was so different than what I thought it was gonna be.
You get to meet Anna and Dan in her first book, Always & Only, so you know a little about them but to get this book and see how they got together and their past and what they went through was so cool.
It took me a little to get into the story as like I said it was different than the other type of rockstar books I have read, which isn’t a bad thing. There just was some things I don’t personally care for in romance books. I get that it was cuz of his problems he has had to dealt with, not saying cuz you need to read it to find out.
But overall it was a good book with a good storyline.
4⃣
I would recommend this book!
Books are written with the intention to not only captive the reader but also leave a lasting impression long after the book is finish. Darling by Gabrielle G. is one of those books.
The journey of Anna and Dan, has the stuff you think of when you picture rockstars, women, sex, late nights, traveling etc, however this is not your typical rockstar read. Anna and Dan are two complicated souls, who each has something from their past that hinders them from being complete and open with each other.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, the characters and the details provided about mental health was very informative. Author Gabrielle G. wrote an excellent novel, where she captured the real emotions of both someone struggling with a mental issue but also how it affects those around them and yet still made it romantic. She didn’t sugar coat what life is , it was raw and yet heart warming.
One of the funniest scenes in this book, has to be the scene where Dan addresses Anna’s ex husband and his new wife by the nicknames Anna has for the couple, “scumbag and the wife” it was so unexpected of him and I really sat there laughing for a few moments.
My favorite character is Lars. I love how attentive, supportive and protective he is. I highly recommend you read this book.
First of all let me say that this was my first read by Gabrielle G. I began to see and hear about her books on social media and in book forums and was intrigued. So when an opportunity to read an ARC of this book presented itself I was all over it.
Second, rockstar romances are not normally my go to trope when it comes to contemporary romance reads. So when I say that I freakin’ loved.this.book and have now added this trope to my Top 5 it speaks to the phenomenal writing of this author.
Third, Dan and Anna are two incredibly beautiful characters who will have your heart and mind all over the place as you get to know them both individually and as a couple. You can’t help but fall in love with them.
Fourth, their love story will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride and you will be happy that it did.
And last but not least, add this book to your TBR list and I hope that you will love it as much as I did and that like me you plan on reading more by this awesome author.
Anna hasn’t had an easy time of it lately. Her ex husband cheated on her the day she lost their baby. She runs into him at a concert featuring the Darling Devils band. Dan is the lead singer and once he and Anna meet it’s sparks flying. They have an incredible five day stand. Dan begins to think he may be able to let his guard down and have something real with Anna. Anna has to overcome her past to move on with the future. A sexy, stunning read!
What can I say about this book? How about it is freaking amazing and everyone needs to read it! I’m not even sure how Gabrielle G. manages to keep upping her game with every book she writes, but she does and we all get the reward!
Darling is an emotional roller coaster that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what she’s going to put you through next. One minute I would be smiling and the next I would have to remind myself not to throw my kindle so I won’t break it.
Gabrielle G. is an author that will leave you feeling this book long after you read it, and Darling is no exception. The plot, the characters, the writing, everything was just amazing! Gabrielle G. is not afraid to write about topics that some might be, and she does it with such respect and talent. So many times if a problem or issue is not something we face we look right past it, or don’t truly understand the effect it has on others. Gabrielle G. takes that topic and makes you feel what it is.
Dan and Anna will forever be in my heart. Sometimes we read books that just hit us in different ways and this was definitely one of those books that hit me right in my heart.
Darling is the perfect example of why I absolutely love Gabrielle G. and all her words. I cannot wait to see what she gives us with book two, I know it will be just as amazing, and probably more so than book one!
This is one epic read that will send your emotions on quite a roller coaster ride of feels. The storyline is gripping and intensely emotional. It will quickly suck you into its orbit and simply refuse to let you escape. Ana and Dan are complex and complicated characters. You easily find yourself feeling for them both. This book is made of a powerful combination of raw emotions, drama, poignancy, sweetness, steam, secrets and undeniable love. In the spirit of full disclosure this book does deal with mental health issues, so if that is something that does not appeal to you as a reader or if this might be a cause for concern for you emotionally, please be aware of it.
Let me start off by saying that I have never read anything by Gabrielle G. before so when the opportunity came up to read this book, I jumped at the chance.
As someone who suffers from depression, I definitely related to Dan Darling who so happens to be the lead singer of the Darling Devils!! Along with friends Art & Lars, the Darling Devils are truly living a dream life but not everything is as it seems. We also meet Anna who is still dealing with the fallout of her scumbag ex’s cheating and miscarriage. But a chance encounter with Dan Darling shows Anna that not all men are like her ex, but also Dan learns what it truly means to love another person without his mental health taking complete control over his life.
I love that Ms. Gabrielle wrote this story and shows that not everything ends with happily ever after and shows for some a reality none of us could ever imagine. While many characters do live their happily ever after once the story is over, this is the first book I’ve ever read that ends in what really is a reality for someone in real life. Bravo Ms. Gabrielle!! I loved every moment of this story, can’t wait to see more of Lars and Art as well as read more of your books!!
Wow, just wow!! I went into this story blind. I knew nothing about it since I signed up to read the ARC well before I got to it on my list. I’d never read anything by this author before either, but that’s going to change. This story is real, it’s raw, it’s freaking amazing.
Dan Darling has it all, lead singer of the Darling Devils and god among rock stars. But what most people don’t know is that he suffers. He’s got Bipolar II disorder and needs medication everyday to function, and even with the medication there’s going to be days when he doesn’t.
Anna Spencer’s had it rough. Her marriage fell apart the day she lost her baby, the same day she discovered her husband having sex with his nurse. Wary of relationships, and still reeling from the betrayal, her life’s been a string of one-night stands and therapy since.
Waiting for her friends at a bar on her 38th birthday, who happens to come up but her now ex-husband with his current wife (his nurse), after wishing her a happy birthday and attempting to talk with her, they’re interrupted when the hot guy Anna’d been eyeing earlier comes up and takes her away. It’s only then that she realizes why he seemed familiar. It’s none other than Dan Darling, lead singer of the band her friends are taking her to see later that night. This starts a whirlwind relationship.
But it’s not a bed of roses. Basically no one outside of the band and his family knows that Dan suffers from Bipolar II. When it’s discovered he’s in a manic phase and off his meds, things go downhill fast. These are two broken characters who are perfect for each other, but with all the cards stacked against them, they will need to be amazingly strong to come out the other end together.
This isn’t your typical Rockstar Romance. The author does touch on addiction, but barely. She does talk about all the sex the members have with groupies, but this book is so much more. This is a book that talks about a mental disorder without either glorifying it or making the sufferer out to be the bad person. You can tell that this author took A LOT of time to research. It’s well written, honest, real. It takes a special kind of author who can take such a topic as mental health and weave it into a storyline in such a way that you become so invested in the characters and storyline you read it all as fast as you can. This has to be one of my top reads for 2019. What an amazing job. My one and only issue is at the very end, she had Dan talking about touring and putting out a new album at the age of 75+. For me, obviously, it was a personal thing and I didn’t deduct anything from the review.
*I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
OMG, this book! It is full of so many feels, angst, issues and love. It is a definite page-turner and so beautifully written. Darling is the first book in the Darling Devils Series by Gabrielle. G. It is written about Dan Darling, the lead singer of the band the Darling Devils. Here we see Dan help Anna one night when she is stood up by her girlfriends and runs into her ex and his new wife. We find out a lot about Anna’s past and what has led her to be somewhat bitter about men and relationships in general but this all changes when she meets Dan. Although she doesn’t end up with him straight away and she is a bit shy about allowing him into her heart, there is definitely a connection between the two characters and this book follows that connections, mis-communication and building of the relationship throughout this book. The book also deals heavily with mental health issues relating to both of the characters and how they come to understand each other and themselves better through time and acceptance.
This was a wonderfully written book. It had enough of a story-line to keep you involved and some really sexy moments. There were also moments of genuine heart-break where you felt for both of the characters immensely, both due to outside forces in their relationship as well as their own baggage.
Dan Darling is a really good character and to say that he is flawed is an understatement, but it doesn’t deter from how much you really like him and are routing for him to get his act together. The fact that he has some amazing friend also help and it will be interesting to read their stories in the series.
This is a great story, with great characters. A must read for any romance fans.
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Talk about deep in the feels!
Gabs takes you on a ride of your life with this book which I personally think is Gabs at her finest! I loved Dan… He wasn’t your typical rocker. He wasn’t cocky but he was confident and he knew what he wanted or who he wanted to do. But for me, I navigated this story through Anna’s eyes. And God did it break my heart and I loved every moment of it.
I’m a sucker for a happily ever after, you know the beloved rockstar and the gorgeous star struck fan driving off into the sunset? Well, that’s not this book. This story gives you the real world in all its intense, raw and sometimes heartbreaking glory. Every character had their flaws and I loved them for those flaws, not in-spite of them. Gabrielle G. didn’t sugar coat real life issues and struggles, the hot button topics were discussed openly and honestly. And I loved it! It drove home that no one is perfect, life is messy and everyone has demons. It’s not the struggles that define us but how we deal with them.
This is the first book in a new series from this author, and what an emotional roller coaster journey Anna and Dan’s story is! This is a beautifully written story which is complex, emotional, humorous, heartbreaking, and entertaining. I look forward to reading more in this series, and highly recommend for all rock star romance lovers.
You Should One Click This Book!!
This is a story about two damaged souls who tried to find solace and take chances on their chance meeting at a bar. Dan Darling, lead singer of the Darling Devils, overheard Anna, her ex and his new wife at a bar and he could see the struggle Anna was having with those two so he swooped in to save the pretty lady by pretending to be her date on her birthday. Ah, sweet justice!! The new wife was a huge fan of Dan’s and was left standing there with her mouth hanging open.
Anna’s story was about struggling to overcome her past since finally conceiving after so many years only to lose her baby and then find her husband in his office having an affair with his current wife. Trust was a big thing and the idea she could never have a baby again.
Dan’s story was a look into the world of someone who was bipolar and trying to keep his stuff together especially being on the road. Their chance meeting had them both giving caution to the wind and seeing where this possibly went. It didn’t take long for things to fall completely apart.
The author did an excellent job bringing mental health to the forefront and doing it with a famous rock star. This book took me on one crazy ride having me turning pages as fast as I could. The ending to this book was a big surprise and one I won’t soon forget.
This rock star romance mixed with emotion, Twists and turns, and everything in between will become one of your top reads of 2019!! The author absolutely blew me away and I never expected what came of this story!! This unsual romance will absolutely enthrall every part of your being and make you fall in love with Dan and Anna from the very beginning.
What an epic, rockstar romance that will stay with me a long time. This author continues to get better and better with each book. This book was WOW AMAZING!! I loved the characters. They were very raw and real. Their issues were things we don’t normally read about in romance books and that created such a different, amazing feeling!! This book definitely hits different emotions and gives you insight into how life can really be sometimes. No matter what ups and downs life throws at you, you can endure and support no matter what!
Dan darling and Anna bloom – totally amazing, twisted, crazy devoted couple! Their story starts out as Anna showing what a strong, amazing woman she is. The story escalated and as things progress, you just sit and wait to see how it unfolds! Between their friends, the circumstance, and Dan darling being a rock star, you will absolutely fall in love!! The drama is out of the world in this book which keeps your attention and has you LOL!!