A single mother.An up-and-coming drummer with a sordid past. Their paths never should have crossed. But when a senseless crime rocks Mia West’s entire world, she agrees to spend the summer hiding out at her rock-star brother’s mansion in Savannah until the storm blows over. What she never expected was the gorgeous, brooding drummer living in the guest house. His darkness a lure. His gaze a trap. … darkness a lure.
His gaze a trap.
She knows better than to go after what will hurt her most.
Leif Godwin has two focuses in his life: his band, Carolina George, and seeking retribution for what was stolen from him.
Mia was never supposed to be a part of the equation.
Her eyes an appeal.
Her body a temptation.
Touching her is nothing but a sin.
But will loving her destroy them all . . .
A Falling Stars STAND-ALONE rock-star romance from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson . . .
“An epic rocker romance, and top 2020 and lifetime read! ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ but worth 10 soul-kissing stars!” Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog
“Edgy and sexy and sure to have you clinging to every hauntingly beautiful word from beginning to end. Move aside Lyrik West . . . Leif Godwin takes intense, broody, and sullen to a whole new level, and I AM HERE FOR IT.” – NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Molly McAdams
“I’m dead. Deceased. Put a fork in me. I’m flooded with feels and adrenaline and awe after reading this glorious book! My heart is beating so fast right now. HOLY CRAP! Steam, suspense, and FEELS, FEELS, FEELS! I can’t recommend this one highly enough!” –Lauren Rowe, USA TODAY & International Bestselling Author
“Absolutely adored this story…I expected nothing less with this bloody amazing author. She truly is one of my author Rockchicks.” Kimhe Rockchick
more
Goodness, but how this gave me one heck of a major book hangover! After listening to the first Falling Stars book, Catch Me When I Fall, I was a wee bit worried because it had set the bar in the stratosphere. Well, I needn’t have worried because Kiss the Stars? It sent that bar into the celestial sphere, thanks to A.L. Jackson’s moving story of two people who have made their share of mistakes and have learned the hard way that happy endings aren’t guaranteed but unexpectedly find it within reach if they give their connection a chance. For the record, characters from Jackson’s Bleeding Stars series–from which this new Falling Stars series was spun off of–are present and accounted for her, especially Lyrik West, whose own story plays out in the third Bleeding Stars novel, Where Lightning Strikes. Why? Well, his younger sister, Mia, is the female main character in this new book! If you’re like me and you have yet to read the earlier series (I know, shame on me!), no worries, because you’ll still be able to follow along and understand whatever going on in Kiss the Stars, which pairs Mia West with drummer Leif Godwin.
In Catch Me When I Fall, Leif is already mentioned as having a wife, so in terms of story line, you could go ahead and read Kiss the Stars first and wait for the eBook of Catch Me When I Fall rather than listen to the audiobook, but then both books can be experienced as standalones, which means either way should be good. There’s a lot of character development that goes on in this new novel, and thank goodness for that because both Leif and Mia were coming from a dark place as individuals. I couldn’t help but empathize with these two. The more I learned about what they’d gone through, the more emotionally invested I became. The supporting characters were also notable, especially the kids. (Is it too early to hope that they get their own spin-off series in a few years? Consider my fingers and toes crossed, A.L. Jackson!) Fair warning: there’s a fair amount of angst in this book, so if you’re looking for a lighthearted read, I suggest you look elsewhere, BUT make sure to add this to your to-be-read list because it’s certainly worth reading. Just have a tissue or two at the ready. I’m giving Kiss the Stars five-plus stars.
“He was hotter than a thousand blazing suns. Yet somehow colder than the darkest hell. A falling star.”
Kiss the Stars is the first book in the Falling Stars series. It features Mia West, who is the sister of rock-star Lyrik from the book Where Lightning Strikes, and Leif Godwin who is the drummer for the country band Carolina George. Mia is a single mother of two: Penny is eleven and Greyson is two years old. When a senseless crime rocks Mia West’s entire world, she agrees to spend the summer hiding out at her brother’s mansion in Savannah until the storm blows over. Leif finds himself at the guest house of this mansion when he is asked to temporarily fill in as a drummer for Lyrik’s band.
“I’m no savior. You can be sure of that. But I’ll gladly stand in the flames if it means keeping you from the fire.”
The chemistry between Leif and Mia was really strong. They both have things they are dealing with both in past in present time. This opened up the way to some very suspenseful moments. Especially Leif has things he needs to handle before he can think of a future with Mia. He did his best to let Mia know that he wasn’t good for her, but all of his actions show a different thing. He doesn’t think he deserves her, but Mia isn’t that easily pushed away. Also the way Leif interacted with Mia’s kids was so beautiful. I especially loved the relationship he created with Penny, who was pretty shy. Both Mia and Leif were great characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. Both did a great job in healing each other. There was some suspenseful moments that had me on the edge of my seat, and I really wished there was more of that throughout the book. I think I mentioned this before in other reviews, but I really think AL Jackson would write a great romantic suspense novel.
“I wanted to carve out of place for him. Show him what it was like to belong. To be treasured and loved, the way he showed without asking for a thing in return.”
Kiss the Stars was a great introduction to the Falling Stars series. I hope the other books are going to focus on the other three members in the Carolina George band. We briefly meet them in this book and I really liked them. I also loved being reunited with my favorite characters from the Bleeding Stars series. It was fun seeing what all of them were up to. This book was romantic, suspenseful, emotional, and funny as well. It really made me feel warm inside. AL Jackson has a way with words, and she really knows how to captivate and mesmerize me with it. I always end up highlighting a lot of quotes when I am reading her book. I recommend this book if you like your romance with a bit of suspense added to it. Also pick it up if you are a fan of the single parent trope, or if you like your heroes to be a bit broody and broken. Also him being a musician doesn’t hurt at all.
„We make magic, baby. Nothing can touch us. Nothing ever will.”
A.L. Jackson’s prose is so powerful, that you can feel every emotion pouring off the pages deep in your bones. That’s why before I start reading her story I always take a deep breath. It was the same with Kiss The Stars, I needed to brace myself for the rollercoaster of feelings coming from every page of this book. Leif and Mia’s story pulled at my heartstrings, kept me in suspense and even the most painful parts filled my heart to the brim.
Mia seems to be shy and little withdrawn, but in reality she’s so strong! She always puts her children first and she’s always there for her loved ones. I adored that she wasn’t afraid to get close to Lief and that she didn’t let him push her away. They both had a painful past and although I suffered when they struggled with it, on the other hand I was glad that they were able to understand what the other one is going through.
Leif had such a big heart! I could feel his inner battle, how his past tortured him, how he felt unworthy, yet was unable to stay away from Mia. At first he tried to keep his distance, but the pull between them was too strong and when he finally let go and gave all of himself to Mia and her kids, my heart was constantly fluttering. This tortured man was the best that could happen to them.
There are no words to describe their connection. Leif and Mia’s chemistry was palpable right from their first meeting and although they fought against it, there was no way to ignore it. They complemented each other perfectly, like missing pieces of puzzle. The emotions mixed with lust and passion made their relationship so deep and intense!
Kiss The Stars is a gut-wrenching and heart-gripping story about loss, forgiveness and redemption. It’s full of heartbreak and pain, but also cute and funny moments. It beautifully shows the love not only between main characters, but also between band members and the whole family. A.L. Jackson has such a poetic writing style that you’re just unable to stop devouring this book. And although she’ll pull your heart through an emotional grinder, you’ll thank her later. Because the outcome is so worth it!
“Beautiful but gone in a flash. Disintegrated into nothing. A dream turned to ash. A shiver raced, and my stomach churned. And I knew, right then, that I was already lost to him.”
This Author never fails to bring the feels, writing sheer poetry, but this time around, I didn’t pour through like I usually do, but I’m leaning towards my busy schedule keeping me from diving in rather than the content. Extremely slow burn stemming from a chance meeting, and we will see by the time all is said and done how very much intertwined Leif and Mia would become. Their attraction was so potent, palpable, the heat searing from them absolutely scorching, but those walls they both had made me so frustrated!! Each dealing with their demons from the past, slowly they began to lower and this reader ate up their budding romance as if she was starving. Their pain lent to more as they navigated their way, and the twists will make your heart pound out of no where because I didn’t put all the pieces together until I read them, and my jaw dropped clean down to the floor. Heartfelt, raw, and emotional, it’s a can’t miss read that you don’t have to have read the Falling Stars to enjoy, but you will all the more if you have!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
“This man that was terrifyingly beautiful and devastatingly bad. Written in the scars he wouldn’t allow anyone to see.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Great rock star type romance! Fantastic! I really liked both main characters and the romance! The wow! The emotions. Just wow!
I liked this book. The characters were interesting and their mysterious back stories kept me flipping the pages. It was a really great start to a new series and as a first book by this author for me. I’d recommend it.
Bloody Brilliant !!
This story is so intense,emotional and beautifully written I just could not put it down.
Mia and Leif are two tortured souls that are just meant to be together.
A chance meeting were their hearts seem to recognise eachothers pain,but nothing happens between them.
But Fate has other plans because they meet one another again when Mia takes safety with her children at her brothers home…who is in a rockband and unbeknownst to Mia has asked Leif to play drums for them while they write some songs. So Leif is now living there too and their attraction and connection just won’t fade,only getting stronger.
But Leif has a dark past,and suffered a great loss and Mia is grieving after a trauma she encountered…what they don’t realise is that their lives are more entangled with one anothers than they could have ever have imagined.
This story is amazing and I relished every single part of it.
Playing like a movie inside my mind I pictured everything perfectly,because A.L.Jackson’s writing is so detailed and descriptive,flowing melodically and capturing every single emotion inside of me.
Kiss The Stars is an incredible book , a story that will stir your soul and keep you on the edge of your seat,A romance shrouded in darkness,grief and fervour and I Loved it.
5 EXCEPTIONAL STARS.
“You are the light I stopped believing existed.” “And you are my completion.”
Gosh, this book was poetry in motion. It was absolutely beautiful. It drew me in from the start and I couldn’t put it down. In the story, we meet Mia and Leif. They are both suffering from tragic events that took place in their lives. So, is it possible to find love after loss?
“The gorgeous stranger in the attic. A dark storm. A white light.”
When Mia and Leif first meet their connection is so strong but, Leif has demons in his closet that’s he’s been fighting and because of that, he doesn’t want to let himself be happy and loved. But Mia West, his stranger in the attic sees the good that is Leif and she knows he is worthy to love and be loved. Mia was a strong character in my opinion. She always put her children first and she wasn’t afraid to get close to Leif and let him push her away.
“Girl written in the strength exposed by her scars.”
Their journey was beautiful to read. From the first words written to the last. I just couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to get through the rest of the series if it’s anything like this first book, I know it’s going to be magic. I also listened to the book on audio. Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt you can’t go wrong with them. Just perfect!
“My falling star. And I knew right then I would chase him down to eternity.”
“The only thing you see when you look at me is your beauty reflected back. You are the true definition of it, Mia. Beauty. You stole my breath the first time I saw you. You are the creator of it. I won’t taint that.”
“You got me, Mia. You fucking got me. And that is my honest.”
Moving on after a loss isn’t easy but with the right person by his side Leif is able to let go of the past and embrace a future with Mia and her kids, Penny and Grayson. Kiss The Stars is a good book full of heart pounding turns, never a boring moment.
Sometimes a book comes around when you feel like you have no words to describe it! Well because it’s just that brilliantly written or that you’re so drawn to it you lose yourself in every word of it!
That’s Kiss the Stars by A.L. Jackson!
From the very first page, you sucked into A.L. Jackson’s magical poetic vortex of storytelling! Casting you in its song and claiming you with its words!!! All-powerful, needy, and every so much perfection beyond words!
Rock Star Heaven!!
Great first read by this author. Can’t wait to read more.
“We caught a falling star, Leif.”
“Don’t you get it . . . you are the beauty reflected back at me. You thought you were the darkness, but you were my light. I love you, Leif. Let me love you back.”
So, this was my first book by A. L. Jackson that she wrote solo. I listened to her and Rebecca Shea, One Wild Night and One Wild Ride and loved those. My Book Wife (Mere) recommended A. L. to me and what a recommendation. I loved this book. I listened to audio Royal Couple Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt bring Leif and Mia to life. They did an amazing job at telling this gripping story. Leif is a tortured sole with a dark past and he so wants to leave it all behind but fears he doesn’t deserve the love he finds with Mia. Mia is running from some scary stuff taking refuge at her brother Lyrik’s home. Leif is a step-in drummer for Lyrik’s band and Mia is an artist and single mother. Sparks fly when these two meet and even when Leif tries to pull away he can’t go far. Ultimately their connection wins but the twists and turns and secrets and lies keep this an interesting read. A Rockstar – Single Mother romance that will have you laughing, crying and hoping that these two make it despite their pasts. A solid 4.5 stars
Kiss The Stars
(Falling Stars # 1)
Written by: A. L. Jackson
You know as a reader of A. L. Jackson books you are going to get a story that will draw your entire soul into the story. She will capture you with her characters and go after your heart with their story.
Her books guarantee you will fall in love, break like the characters do and then heal with her ability to craft a story that you will go to again and again.
In Kiss The Stars, Mia West has suffered a huge loss and her fear is all encompassing, shadows make her jump but running into a dark room with Leif Godwin sitting in the dark corner doesn’t seem to bother her, well it bothers her but she isn’t scared. Her interest lies in wanting to know him, learn about him, maybe get him to tell her his honest feelings.
When her older brother and his band head to Savannah, GA for a summer recording session, little did Mia know that Leif would be there as well, subbing in for the bands drummer. Slowly, the walls between them come down and what neither thought they might have again becomes a possibility. Until, his past and her past collide.
Keep the tissues close at hand, and know that A. L. Jackson has again given us a boy who is in need of healing and a girl who just might take his breath away and heal him in the process.
Leif is a tormented drummer who is trying to stay out of the limelight and move on from his sordid past. Mia is trying to pick up her life after witnessing a horrible incident. Neither Leif nor Mia is looking for love but there is no denying their pull to each other.
This is my first book by A.L. Jackson and it has intrigued me to read more of her books. Leif is a troubled but loyal hero and Mia is a fierce and protective mother. I had a little trouble feeling the connection between the main characters but the family connection in the story makes me want to continue the series. Another great job by both Andi Arndt and Zachary Weber narrating this story.
Kiss the Stars is a single parent, rockstar romance and the beginning of the Falling Stars series.
Wow! Just wow! AL Jackson writes with so much passion! And this book was completely filled with it! Leif is the definition of broken bad boy. He has been through a horribly tragic, something completely earth shattering. When he first meets Mia they feel that spark, attraction and yearning but Leif is so broken he believes he doesn’t deserve her and everything he loves gets broken. Mia is a single mom of two sweet amazing kids that filled my heart with so much love. She’s also been through a tragedy that has left her scarred. I did not see the twist towards the end coming whatsoever and my heart was in my throat for the remainder of the book. What an emotional rollercoaster!
This was my first book by AL Jackson and I loved it. It was a book I chose, desperate to escape a huge book hangover I was suffering and it carried me through and gave my heart a love story it really needed.
Leif Godwin was my favorite kind of hero. He was a drummer, part of an up and coming band. He had all that sexy swagger that exploded onto the page from the first moment he appeared. He had a haunted past that weighed on him heavily which had him completely believing he wasn’t worth being loved or feeling hope.
He meets Mia when he is asked to meet with her brother, Lyric West, who is the member of a world famous rock band called Sunder. (SIDE NOTE: Mrs. Jackson has a series out now about the members of Sunder getting their HEAs called The Bleeding Stars that I definitely plan to read next!)
Mia meets Leif in a “meet cute” that was intense to say the least. It reminded me of a music video I saw as a teen. It was poetic as was many other moments between them. Mia hasn’t had it easy either. She possessed a beautiful spirit that loved deeply and fought with so much strength. I really admired her character.
After that meeting, they never expect to see each other again. They are both surprised to find themselves practically living together for the summer.
I loved their connection! It was electric and so passionate with some very hot scenes between them. Leif constantly battled with himself over what he deserved and he didn’t think he deserved anything good. He forever cast himself the devil of the story when he was far from it.
Like I said, he was my favorite kind of hero but he was a little too tortured. That was one of the only things I disliked about this book. After being in his negative headspace too much, I was ready for him to start growing.
There’s an intriguing layer of suspense that is weaved throughout the pages that intrigued me a great deal. Most of the action takes place in the last 20% of the book. I would have loved for it to be spread out a bit.
I loved the side characters, especially the children. They were hilarious and so cute!
I loved how this book came to a close and the warmth I felt as I finished the last page. It was a warmth that had me misty eyed. This was a journey I would gladly take again. I can’t wait to dive into the other books by this author.
This book is funny, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
4.5 stars
I always have to brace myself before I read one of this author’s books because I know I am about to go on one heckuva angst-filled emotional ride, and Kiss the Stars most certainly delivered in every way.
Mia is the sister of Lyrik West from Sunder who you will recognize if you have read the Bleeding Stars series. (If you have not, don’t worry, this book absolutely stands on its own.) As the story opens, Mia is trying to recover emotionally and mentally from a horrific attack that happened at her art gallery. She is jumpy but trying to put on a brave face, so attending her brother’s fundraiser is overwhelming. When a drunk partygoer gets a little too handsy, she flees for the safety of the gallery in her brother’s home only to meet a brooding stranger who had the same idea. Despite the desire to take the leap to find out what kind of trouble lies beneath that gorgeous surface, they part with no names exchanged and a lot of smoldering UST in the air.
Leif is a talented drummer for up and coming country group Carolina George, but a boatload of trouble from his past has him trying to stay out of the spotlight. The Sunder boys know him from his previous heavy metal days in LA, and they make him an offer to spend a few weeks jamming with them under the guise of work. His every instinct is screaming that is a bad idea, but he cannot say no to guys who are not just the best in business but friends too.
When they come face to face again, it’s obvious to everyone that Mia and Leif have met before as chemistry between them is palpable. Queue the overprotective big brother moments and the emotional roller coaster! Mia is a single mom with 2 kids so she can take care of herself, but it won’t stop Lyrik from trying to butt in anyway particularly since danger seems to have followed her to Savannah. She has questioned herself for decisions made when it comes to the kids’ father too, so she is a bit afraid to trust her own judgment even when her soul is telling her this man could be everything she didn’t know she was looking for. Leif has spent so much time living with the grief of past mistakes which cost him everything he loved that he will not allow himself to believe he deserves anything good in life. He is driven by the need for revenge, but Mia and her kids threaten to derail those intentions when he wonders if redemption may be a possibility for him after all.
Threads of their pasts are skillfully woven together through the turbulent emotions that ebb and flow like the music that is so important to their lives. As much as I love their story, the constant push and pull with mixed signals got to be a bit too heavy after a while. The rest of the Sunder family including the kids were a much-needed relief valve at times, and I absolutely adore Mia’s nephew Brendon. If there is ever a spinoff series about the kids, that boy is going to be a force to be reckoned with if his teenage personality is any indication!
AL Jackson always knocks sexy rockstar romance OUT OF THE PARK.
Leif bleeds goodness even though he can’t see it and doesn’t feel it. He can only see the revenge he desperately needs and the pain he lives and breathes .
Mia is goodness and love in the background of a rock band. How is that? She’s Lyrik West’s younger sister and she’s in danger.
Leif and Mia are a spark in a dry forest ready to ignite. And when it ignites it will burn them alive. Mia’s children add depth to this story. Her daughter afraid and so full of love and maturity. Her son a toddler who adds levity.
When past and present meet the danger will threaten everything dear to them. An old wrong made right can heal and give them hope and a HEA.
I read book two before this but reading Leif and Mia’s story made me love then even more.