Love isn’t beautiful.And neither is the final riff of my guitar as it bleeds into silence.I wait for him to say something, anything. But he just stares at me with his whiskey-colored eyes as if he knows I need him. And I do. My album won’t record itself and he’s the best producer in the business. But I made a mistake.I crossed a line.Now I’m at his mercy, and his brand of destruction is going to … his brand of destruction is going to ruin more than my career.
*End of Me is a standalone in the Rock Me series.
The Rock Me Series
LIE TO ME
END OF ME
SING TO ME
SONG FOR ME
BAD FOR ME
END OF ME
more
So you honestly don’t need to read book 1 unless you just want to read them in order. Willow’s band wins and has the chance of a lifetime. They are working for one of the best music producers in the business. Zeke is very hard to figure out at first. Once you start reading, you see different sides of him and figure out why he’s the way that he is. He’s a man of few words but when he does talk, you definitely want to listen. He is very protective and pushes the limit with Willow. I loved reading him and seeing his different sides. Willow is a fun character! I absolutely loved her! She cares for her band and her momma. She didn’t expect to have an instant attraction to Zeke but it happened. Her bandmates tried to warn her, she listened at first but she couldn’t deny the attraction. Willow and Zeke are amazing together! I loved this book and it sense they just keep getting better and better! I can’t wait to read book #3!
Zeke is everything you’d expect from an alpha, Willow is a feisty rockstar, and their chemistry is awesome! Knowing that under all of that tough, quiet exterior is a sweet, caring man makes Zeke easy to love; he quickly became my new favorite alpha!
Before I begin my review of As You Were, I just need to take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous cover that Lee Piper choose to represent Zeke and Willow’s romance. It’s absolutely stunning. I love the colors, how unique it is, and how attention grabbing it is! It represents the story excellently. Bravo, Lee Piper!
“Give me your storm, Zeke. All of it. Don’t tame the chaos. Don’t suppress who you are.”
I love stumbling across new talent and this summer, that’s exactly how I discovered Lee Piper. She was promoting her next release, which happened to be Lie To Me, and with the synopsis and teasers she shared, I was sold! Yes, I love Rockstar Romance, and if you follow my blog, you know this. But there was something about the teasers Lee was sharing that really grabbed my attention, so I proceeded to stalk her all over social media… until I managed to weasel an ARC copy of Lie To Me to review for my Blog and with just that one book, Lee gained an ardent admirer. Her storytelling is beautiful, sexy and unique—she doesn’t write the story everyone expects. Instead, she writes the stories her characters demand. As You Were is one of my 2018 favorites. Lee Piper’s writing sucked me in completely. I won’t attempt to spin a version of the synopsis that would sell you on reading the book. Honestly, As You Were has one the best blurbs I have read in a while…and what’s better is that if the blurb intrigues you, then just wait ‘til you pick up the book! Seriously, I was 70% through the book before I even realized it so I’m not overselling this book—you’ll be just as hooked as I was once you start reading.
“You crashed into my life like a goddamn tsunami. There was no warning, no way out. Rising Star offered me a contract, said I’d be working with the next big rock act.” He swallows. “Then you walked in. You smiled like the world was full of butterflies and motherfucking rainbows. You put up with my bullshit even when I acted like a bag of dicks. You play guitar like a goddess sent to torment me.” His lips hover above mine. “And I’m drowning. I’m fucking drowning because of you.”
There are a million reasons why I loved As You Were and Lee Piper’s books in general. She’s a gifted storyteller. The stories flow beautifully and before you’re even aware, you’ve consumed the entire book. Getting lost in an incredible book is one of my favorite pastimes. And I certainly got lost while reading As You Were. At one point my husband had to actually shake me to get my attention—silly man, he should know better than to interrupt me while I am reading. As You Were was unpredictable and the story really draws you in until your as invested as the characters—and it’s truly a rarity to find a book that is not only unpredictable but also compelling. All too often it’s one or the other yet with As You Were, you get both!
There is an intensity to Lee Piper’s writing that is alluring. And her characters? Her characters are superb!!! This love story wasn’t what I expected—I was sure the course was set one way and then mind blown when the story took a direction that I hadn’t seen coming. It was awesome! The book is told completely from Willow’s perspective and while I absolutely love dual POV, Lee Piper writes a signal POV with exceptional skill. Willow is very outgoing and both sweet and snarky. I loved the relationship she had with her bandmates and her devotion to her Mom. It made her very real—very easy to love. Yet, regardless of how easy it was to love Willow, it was Zeke who just owned me. Yes, he’s fiction, and even knowing this I couldn’t help but fall head-over-heels for the broken man. Sweet heaven, if I was going to pick a hero from a book to spend my life with, Zeke would be it. He’s the alpha, growling “mine” who we all fantasize about. Zeke had this raw power that you could feel. He was super sexy. He’s very reserved and you can tell he’s been deeply hurt. He’s an asshole to Willow, but you can feel the waves of attraction surging between the pair. He’s very sweet… he cares, and when he does, he cares deeply—completely—it’s beautiful.
“…he sets my world on fire then stands back to watch it burn.”
I never would have guessed over the summer, in that social media party, that I would love Lee Piper’s stories as much as I do, but… Lee is simply an outstanding author—I no sooner finish reading something she’s written than I want to read the book in its entirety again. If you haven’t had the chance to read Lee Piper, you have no idea how much you are missing out. If you love rockstar romance, you can’t go wrong with As You Were. And if this is your first book by Lee, have no fear, while As You Were is technically the second book in the Rising Stars series, it can be read as a complete standalone. Don’t pass up the chance to read this book… your next Five-Star read awaits…
This has been an anticipated read for me and it was well worth the wait! I absolutely love this author & the way she is able to capture these characters souls and put them to paper is just Ah-mazing to me!
Jumping right into the first few pages of the book, you have Willow & Zeke, Zeke is a broody/music producer who is also a dirty talking man that also has a soft side when it comes to Willow. And at this point Zeke makes you want to be Willow….Gah the intensity! Willow is a Bad***, beautiful guitarist, and fights for the people who she loves. She also has a band that won a contest and now are at Zeke’s Studio. Willow & Zeke have a push-pull chemistry that had me fanning myself at times. This is such a slow burn of book that it will melt your panties off. Great job on this Series Lee I absolutely Floved it!
I love that Zeek is like a storm refusing to be tamed. And that Willow is so free spirited and pushes him. He needs to learn some manners when it comes to her and she’ll make sure he gets the message. After, he can talk dirty to her all he wants. And trust me, he does and it’s freaking delicious. That alpha man just makes you shudder inside. He is the definition of intense. Nothing else needed to be said! This story has Interesting characters. Both with big hearts taking care of the people they love. Even if one of them is grumpy all the time. Simply said he is like a sour patch kid.
Both having a deep connection with the same passion for music and both of them extremely talented and dedicated to their art. There was no one better for the other when it came to falling hard and fast. There was no other man who was going to own Willow completely. And no other woman that would break his walls.
A growly alpha music producer and the musician. Zeke is unsure of what to do with his feeling for Willow, so it turns him into a big growly bear. Willow can’t resist this big bear and tries to get him to give in. Through Zeke’s actions he shows Willow that he really does care. Zeke and Willow’s story was hot and romantic. Loved it and did not want it to end. Looking forward to the next story!!
I’m not surprised Lee nailed it AGAIN. Although I would be in shock if I hear someone saying they’ve never heard of her before lol.
God!!! the woman IS A TRULY ROCKSTAR! She came to this world to make us pour our hearts out every time we meet her Alpha males.
From the very first pages of the book, I knew I would find GOLD in the form of words.
I don’t like to get into the story itself because the element of surprise wouldn’t be the same but I will say that Lee’s writing was more impressive this time around.
With well crafted characters, both emotional and appealing. A perfect pace without feeling you are rushed out to see the end and very defined personalities; I would say, As You Were is one of the best reads of this 2018.
The author makes you understand that even though, both main characters can be opposite in so many levels, the drive that push them together is the spark that can light up their passion and make them be the unstoppable Storm and The perfect Siren they were meant to be.
Zeke running as far as he can from love and Willow full of the very same feeling, will leave you wishing their story can be endless.
One of the things I’m happy to find in books is realistic backgrounds. It makes you see how much time the author took to create a solid story that can send a beautiful message.
The ups and downs in life have a huge impact when it comes to sculpt your personality. And Zeke and Willow are the living proof of that.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change ANYTHING in this story. I wish I can read more of them but I’m more excited to see what else Lee will show us. Who is gonna make us be obsessed with?
But there is something I know for sure, the next Alpha Male will own our hearts just as much as Zeke did.
This was my first book by Lee Piper and she has a new fan in me. I loved this book and the characters. Zeke is your classic broody alpha with a heart of gold. Willow is a breath of fresh air and I love her quirkiness and devotion to her mother. Willow and Zeke have amazing chemistry even though they try to fight their connection. If you like a good slow burn romance with a rockstar you have to read this book!
I really liked the concept of the book. However, there wasn’t something that didn’t sit with me well. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the main characters. I didn’t understand completely why Zeke was always so angry – it seemed extreme. Also, the way he “growled” all of the time was a little annoying. I really wanted to like it. I did root for Zeke and Willow. I just wish I had felt more of a connection to them. I know I’m in the minority – it had such great reviews. I will try another from her in the future. (Granted, I did not read the first book in the series as I won this book).
The writing pace kept the reader entertained. The characters were fun loving characters. I enjoyed the witty relationship she had with Drake and Reid. There were definitely some steamy scenes in the book which were interesting. There were definitely good things about this book.
I love Lie to Me, Reid and Shiloh’s story the first book in this series which Rising Star started. But As You Were is different for me, I cried on some of the scenes in this book, I laugh, I swoon not only for Zeke but Drake (Willow’s bandmate) make his way too!
And that’s all, love this! Love everything in this book!! Zeke is such an alpha who has a soft side that is very charming! I love his character, his nickname Little Siren for Willow! And Willow rocks! Yah, girl, I’m very proud for her, for being brave for her Mother, for her Band, for their future on Music Industry and also for Zeke, she faces Selena, Zeke’s ex-wife who has a b!tch role in this book. Thanks, Lee Piper, there’s a Willow.
As a reader obsessed with rock star romances I’m constantly on the lookout for new-to-me authors telling stories set in the sexy and intense world of music. With this second installment in the Rising Star series I found every one of my buttons pushed courtesy of a larger than life couple and their combustible connection. Theirs is a relationship playing out under the harsh lights of the heroine’s burgeoning fame and weighed down by the hero’s painful past and their ups and downs pulled me in wholeheartedly. From the first page to the last this story held me captive and once the final page was turned I was ready to read it all over again.
Willow’s an unforgettable heroine devoted to her band’s building success and to the care of her mother. When it comes to her music she gives hours to growing her talent and it’s a true joy seeing her play guitar. Not only does she love music, but she loves the talent given to her by her ailing mother, a talent that will last long after her mother passes. Gaining fame is in honor of her mother and the upcoming wealth will make life better for her mother in her remaining years and it’s these reasons that had me rooting for her. Willow’s an eclectic heroine, in her looks and in her way of living. She’s a vegetarian who loves crystals and reads auras, she does yoga, and is content making do with what she has. She’s a strong-willed heroine with a kind heart and she constantly endeared herself to me through her words and deeds. The moment she met Zeke she knew he was trouble, but something about him called to her and had her reaching out to him despite the brick wall he put up. She’s able to see past the angry wall he put up to form a heartfelt connection to him that had me cheering them on towards HEA.
Zeke Danton’s a top-notch music producer set to work with an up and coming rock band that will forever change his life. Reader’s first impression of Zeke is that he’s rude and controlling, but in truth he’s just exacting and committed to perfection in the bands he works with. Their success becomes his and his ego needs a boost after all the nastiness he was put through courtesy of his ex-wife. Zeke’s rather cold and closed off at the start but being around Willow shows a bit of thawing in his temperament. His anger over his ex and other past betrayals have him unwilling to put his heart on the line at first, but Willow challenges him at every turn. He can’t help showing his protective side when she asks for nothing to make her own life better and the more time they spend together the bigger his heart seems. His actions turn sweeter when it comes to Willow, but he also retains a naughty side that shows his talent for dirty talk and a bit of sensual control. He ends up being a delicious hero who kept my attentions glued to the page. He was a bit rough at times, but it was clear he had a good heart too that had me rooting for Willow to win him over completely.
This was a deliciously decadent tale from start to finish, mostly told from the perspective of Willow but with exhilarating interactions with a drool-worthy hero with plenty of emotional baggage of his own. They may look like opposites but when it comes to music and matters of the heart they are in perfect sync. They’re a crackling couple with sweet and sexy interactions that form a slow-burn relationship that kept me glued to each searing look and caring deed done to each other. Not only was the romance combustible in this book, but medical issues surrounding Willow’s mother were also heartbreaking and handled in a realistic manner that brought a tear to my eye. Surrounding this appealing main couple was a cast of equally enjoyable secondary characters. I enjoyed seeing the main couple, Reid and Shiloh, from the previous installment and was happy to see their HEA continuing as they balance couplehood with fame. I also enjoyed playboy lead singer Drake with his snarky behavior and look forward to the kind of woman to tame his unapologetic ways. Reid, Drake, and Willow make a strong-willed trio though and their solidarity and protectiveness of each other warmed my heart. They are an immensely likable band worthy of fame and with this book’s hard-won conclusion they’re one step closer to reaching the top. Though this book can be read on its own I highly recommend reading the first installment in this series to get to know these characters from the very start. Fans of rock star romances, and intensely emotional storytelling, will want to add this whole series to your bookshelf as it’s one you won’t want to miss.
This book is just so good.
I both wanted to finish it and didn’t at the same time.
I was hooked from the beginning, at times my heart was in my mouth but I soon recovered.
I absolutely loved Willow and Zeke so much.
One of my favourites of the year.
Lee Piper does it again with the second installment of her Rising Star series!!! Willow and Zeke are like fire and ice. Hot, sexy, full of angst, this book will keep you reading. I love the tension and desire between Willow and Zeke. It’s explosive. It’s a must read
A super sexy read from Lee Piper. A hot and broody alpha male and his Siren. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and just didn’t let go.
After winning a music contest Willow and her band are now in the studio cutting their first album and working with one hot and very broody music producer Zeke. Sparks fly from Zeke and Willow’s first meeting but with so many obsticals standing in their way do they really have a chance at a relationship.
A great read that can completely be read as a standalone, don’t miss out get your copy now!!
As You Were by Lee Piper is a story of finding true love. An age-gap story of musical producer Zeke and guitarist Willow. The attraction is instant for both but allowing them to find each other’s heart will take trust. The both have obstacles in their way to happily ever after. Can they be honest with each other. Can they keep things casual so no one gets hurt. Will they be able to trust each other after the pain they have lingering in their heart. Read “As You Were” and find out. Characters from the first book in this series are part of Zeke and Willow’s story. In the end their story captured the romantic in me. I love when I read a story of first love and fighting to hold on to it.
As You Were is book two in the series. I loved it. Zeke and Willow’s story was so good. Their chemistry and connection was off the charts and the sexy scenes were scorching! I loved loved Zeke, he was so sexy, possessive and all alpha. Willow was sweet, I loved her. Looking forward to reading Drake’s book.
My first book by Lee and I loved it! I’m honestly thinking of reading the first book from this series asap! I’ve met the couple from the first book and I really liked them.
Let’s not forget this couple though: Zeke – the caveman. And man, was he hot! And Wil – the talented aka next door girl. Both beautiful in their own way. And of course, there’s this third peson who makes it all a bit more interesting.
Loved it!
4.5 stars
“I’ve always loved storms, and this man is a storm personified.”
Wow, just WOW. As You Were was my first book by Lee Piper and oh dear, it flashed me. Bright and clear. I just couldn’t put it down and I really tried. But I kept saying “one more chapter” and “only 10 more minutes”. This happened until I turned the very last page at 3am.
“It’s like he’s starving, yet knows one taste will be the cataclysm for chaos and ruin.”
Zeke is the perfect hot, broody, closed off, branded guy with a charisma that knocks you out of your shoes. He’s an enigma, you can’t help yourself but being drawn to. You can’t get enough of him, even though he has so many rough edges and sometimes rubs you the wrong way. However, deep inside he has a heart of gold and if he allows himself to fall in love, he falls with everything he has to give.
“No one else excites me, challenges me, or grounds me like you do. You’re the ultimate storm.”
Wil is impressive. I love the way she handles her life with so much passion and how she handles Zeke. She wears her heart on her sleeve, speaks her mind and stands her ground. Even at a young age she knows what she wants and fights for it.
Zeke is Wil’s ultimate storm she can’t stop chasing.
“Because nothing can tame the storm and the siren.”
As You Were is a fantastic female rockstar romance that grabs you from the first page to the last. It’s like a desert you taste once and can’t get enough of until you devoured every last bit.
Well this book was unexpected for sure! I actually didn’t realize it was book 2 in the series so I will have to pick up Lie To Me Reid’s story too. I would give this steamy read a huge 4 stars and highly recommend to others. I love rock star books… and alpha males… but his even came with the a twist that a girl was in the rock band. The chemistry between the characters was smokin’ hot! This is my first book by this author but I will be reading others and soon!
Zeke has been burned in the past badly, he vows to himself to never love again. He has made a name for himself in the music industry and no one will take that away from him….
Willow is an up and coming star and she is determined to do whatever it takes to make it big… she owes it to her band-mates and her ailing mother….
Zeke is the producer… the boss… but when sparks fly will they give into them or go down in flames?
Get to one clicking to see what happens you don’t wanna miss it!
As You Were is the first book I’ve read by Lee Piper and i just loved it! I can’t wait to read her other books! The writting and storyline had me hooked from the very beginning! I fell in love with Willow’s character right away! Despite being young she is years beyond her age and is a force to be reckoned with! She was a siren indeed!! Zeek, i needed more time to like him! I wanted to punch him repeatedly at times! He eventually grew on me and WOW! As You Were is everything you want in a rockstar romance and so much more!!