ONE NIGHT WITH THE DRUMMER OF SUNSET REVIVAL?Yes, I’m game.Dani Mills, drummer of the world-famous rock band, Sunset Revival, doesn’t have time for romance. Touring with her bandmates across the country, she’s content with meaningless sex: one-night-stands, no kissing, no personal details. These are her rules…and there are never exceptions.John Michaels lives a life of seclusion in Corolla, North … lives a life of seclusion in Corolla, North Carolina. He works, eats, and sleeps—and is perfectly content with his lifestyle. He doesn’t have the time, or energy, to deal with people. Or relationships. Especially women relationships.
When Sunset Revival gets stranded on the beach, it’s John who is asked for shelter. With his sexy-as-sin good looks—covered in ink with blue eyes so deep they shine—Dani finds herself desperate for one night in his bed. That’s all either of them wants, really…one night, no-strings, no promise of tomorrow.
Yet, when one night turns into two, both find themselves breaking their own rules. Thrust into a whirlwind of passion and desire, the pair struggle to maintain the upper hand, with John learning the hardest lesson of all…never kiss a Rockstar.
**NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR can be read as a standalone, or as the second book in Sarah Darlington’s NEVER TRUST Series.
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4.5 Stars
Dani Mills, 27, is the drummer in a famous band. When her cousin and bandmate fell for a girl in Kill Devil Hills, the group took a hiatus from touring and, while on the coast, ended up crashing at John Michaels’s beach mansion one night. Readers of the original Kill Devil Hills series will remember John, 33, as Sydney’s older brother, who it turns out is a bit of a recluse.
I really liked the premise from the time I read the original blurb so I was anxious to read this one. There are just too many player/manwhore heroes and sheltered virgin heroines in romancelandia, and this is SO not that set-up.
As a girl rockstar and non virgin, Dani was super refreshing! I do gotta say though, Dani’s lack of safe sex practice did skeeve me out a bit. For John it was a first time thing, but Dani gave me the impression it was a habit with her. I tried to get past it though because for some archaic reason readers overlook it all the time when it comes to the “hero” and that double standard just isn’t okay. And I was pleased that despite issues from her past that led Dani to her ONS lifestyle, she was still a strong female character who spoke her mind while holding everyone together.
John was also a welcome addition to the current romance market. In fact, he’s a romance safety lover’s wet dream. He wasn’t just a non-manwhore, he’d been celibate four freaking years! There was no OW drama this time around. Zero. Zip.
It was pleasingly low-angst and sexy. I just adore romances like this one where the story stays focused on the hero and heroine working through their feelings and making their relationship work.
Told via their dual alternating first person POV, John and Dani were both great characters and were just what each other needed. Kudos when a romance captures what is so important in any relationship—bringing out the best in each other.
Like the previous title, I was up to 1am again…okay more like 2am. (There were bonus chapters.) But the pacing and elements are much different this time. Plus there’s a bit of suspense. A reveal I did not begin to even guess. But I love a good twist that pulls things together better than you expected. In fact, I really need another bonus scene. I might even need a spin-off book.
Also fans of ‘Pulled Under’ from the original Kill Devil Hills series will want to be sure to read this one as Sydney and Rhett make several cute appearances and continue their HEA. They were a great addition to the story, especially their interactions with John.
Luke and Rebecca’s story is up next and I might just have to take chance on them as I’m starting to get sucked in.
I was so excited to get John and Dani’s story because in the first book we get small glimpses of them together and John is a mysterious character that I knew it was going to be good. John is a loner, he likes his solitude, his tattoo shop, and his sister that is about all because he hates attention and people in general. Dani is a world-famous drummer for a band so her life is always in the spotlight, so you don’t know how these two totally different people will work together. Dani loves the attention, has a set of her own rules due to a tragic event that happened in the past, and she doesn’t do relationships. In theory these two are extremely different and shouldn’t work at all, but the saying opposites attract could not be truer for these guys. Slowly, John breaks all of Dani’s rules and worms in way into her life and heart and the same could be said about Dani integrating her into his life. I loved their push and pull and trying to figure out how they were going to work. I can’t wait for more, but I have a feeling I’m not going to be a fam of Rebecca.
I love rockstar books and I love it when the heroine is a rockstar! Dani is the drummer of a very popular band. She doesn’t do commitment, likes to have one night stands with strangers and is very guarded. John is very guarded as well. His family is not the best and only want him for what he can do for them. Dani pursues John and they both quickly become attached. I love that both the hero and heroine acknowledge how they feel without too much drama. It is easy to see why these two are perfect for each other. I didn’t think I would like Dani, but I was so wrong. She is awesome! She really does love her family. John is awesome too. He is so loyal to those who earn it. They are both just coasting along in life until they connect and that connection is a breath of fresh air for both of them. Again, as with all of Sarah Darlington’s books there is no unnecessary filler or drama for the sake of drama. A great story, great writing and loveable, interesting characters. I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
Never Kiss a Rockstar (Rockstars in Kill Devil Hill #2) by Sarah Darlington is Dani’s story. If you haven’t read book one please do. Dani is the drummer for the hit band Sunset Revival. The story picks up with the gang going to John Michael’s house for the night when they couldn’t get back to their rental property. When Dani lays eyes on John she is instantly interested in him. She doesn’t mind having a one night stand with him. That is her m.o. when it comes to guys, hit it and quit it. Her one rule is no kissing. John is a brooding closed off individual. He likes his personal space and is not keen on these strangers showing up at his house. When Dani knocks on his bedroom door and propositions him with one night of sex he is more than happy to oblige. What started out as one night morphed into something neither of them expected. I loved their story. Two damaged people who end up turning a one night stand into a healing experience neither one expected. I read this book in one sitting. Once I got to the end I wanted more from these two. I fell in love with them and am looking forward to the next book. We get to see the other characters in this book and learn more about them and their struggles. I especially would love to know more about John’s past. His past definitely sounds interesting and there is more to him than meets the eye. I have read plenty of this author’s books and I always enjoy her stories. 4.5 stars for me.
4.5*
Never Kiss a Rockstar, book 2 in the Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills series, should definitely be read after Never Trust a Rockstar. While I guess you could technically read it as a standalone, you’ll havea much deeper appreciation of the story if you start with the first book!
I love when the “script is flipped” so to speak, and characteristics/traits you’d usually find in the hero are now ones that the heroine possesses. Dani has no room in her life for romance or commitment, she’s happy leading the life of a single rockstar. Until she happens upon John Michaels. John is satisfied with his quiet existence as a tattoo artist, never expecting his life to be upended by a world famous drummer. What was supposed to be only one night turned out to be the start of something neither Dani or John planned for, the start of something neither saw coming.
I really enjoyed Dani and John’s story. They’re both pretty closed off, and vulnerable in their own ways. I love when a couple you don’t think should work ends up making you throw all your preconceived notions out the window. When we got that first brief glimpse of these 2 in NTaRS, I thought there was no way, no way, that John would ever give Dani the time of day. Boy was I ever wrong, and glad about it! These two were perfect together. John is so strong and loyal and protective, just the person Dani needed in her life. I loved how they opened up to each other, allowing their vulnerabilities to come through.
It was great getting to visit with Sidney and Rhett again. I will never get tired of seeing my favorites from the Kill Devil Hills series, but I appreciate how Sarah has made this series easily stand on its own. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the rockstars stories!
Dani and John love story was everything I was hopping for!
I truly love Sarah Darlington’s writing. The way she makes the story flow, is just fantastic.
I loved to get to know John better. He was a character from previous books that always intrigued me. And boy… he is sexy!
The way they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other and how they were always understanding one another made me happy!
They both deserved to be happy and I don’t think anyone else would perfect for each other. They complete one another in a really perfect way!
I knew from starting book 1 that this series was going to be incredible! Sarah Darlington didn’t disappoint with this one.
Omg this book was just gah so good. Finished it in A DAY! The way Sarah writes is so smooth and good. She had this way of just being able to suck you into her story and the world of these characters and it is amazing!
I was so happy to get more about John and Dani! They both are such strong characters and to get more about how they got to be the way they were was the best. I just adored them together!!
I am so excited for the next in the series.
5⃣
recommendation!
This was my first Sarah book, I was so excited to read it because I love that: 1) it takes place in NC, & 2) the heroine is the rockstar!!
I felt a bit lost at first (there’s one book before this), but after about 25% I felt more caught up.
Dani & John were adorable. They both had some issues to get over, but I loved watching them not be able to fight their feelings for each other. It was such a great story!
I love rockstar romance stories, this second book in the series about Dani Mills, the drummer, meets Johan a stranger, after going through one night stands, she finds herself wanting more, so she is about to break her rules for him. This emotional story told from both points of view makes you want to read it all at once. I can’t wait for more.
Never Kiss a Rockstar is book two in the Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills Series. It can be read as a standalone. This series follows the members of Sunset Revival and each books follows a different member. This book is Dani’s story. I loved Dani and John. I can not really pinpoint why but I fell I love with these to right away and got completely sucked into there story. These two have a great backstory. Neither are looking for a relationship and both have things they are keeping from each other. John kind of keeps to himself and really has no clue who Dani is at first. Dani has a past and is just looking for a one night stand but John becomes so much more. This one is a good read htat you should check out.
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Never Trust series and it is Dani’s story, the female kick a** drummer of the band Sunset Revival. It picks up where the first book leaves off and everyone is back in the quaint beach town but instead of being able to return to their rental property, they all wind up going to John’s house due to the weather. John is somewhat of a loner who really does not like to be around people as he values his personal space. When Dani sees him, she is intrigued and her thoughts turn to the possibility of having a one-night stand as she is not one who has committed relationships. The attraction between them cannot be denied and once the deed is done, Dani and John are changed in unexpected ways. Are these two coming together the missing puzzle pieces that will allow them to heal their past wounds? This is one well written storyline with charismatic characters that once started will not be put down. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Never Kiss a Rockstar is the second book in the Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills I can absolutely be read as a standalone. As for not reading book one in the series, I didn’t find that I was lost in the story line and then it flowed very nicely as it’s a standalone. This is my first ever read by Sarah Darlington and I thought it was very good.
Our main characters, Dani and John, are an interesting pair especially together. Dani is the drummer in the band, Sunset Revival, and is such a wildcard. You never know what she’s really thinking even when you’re reading in her point of view. On the upside, she seems to be in this very strong and tough rocker persona but when you get her alone, she’s completely the opposite, especially with John. I found John to be a little off-putting to me. He doesn’t seem very approachable or nice at first but once we get into the story more you see that he is a nice, caring and thoughtful person. And boy does he fall for Dani so fast.
Overall, I thought the story was good. A little too fast paced for my taste and a little on the insta-lovie side. There was growth, acceptance, lots of chemistry and don’t think that you’ll be missing out on any sexy scenes. This book is full of them! Sarah Darlington didn’t hold back on that aspect. if you are looking for a fun and good read, this book is for you.
stars.
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Danielle and John’s story melted my heart. They’re two of a kind. The two of them have been wounded and are still trying to heal from those wounds. Merely getting by from one day to the next. Until Danielle abruptly inserts herself into John’s life. Initially it was only supposed to be one night but life doesn’t always go as planned. An undeniable connection pulls them together and little by little they discover they are not that different. Love breaks through, helping heal and before long the two find a kind of inner peace.
I really liked going on this emotion filled journey with them. They are great characters and I really loved the dual point of view. I also delighted in seeing some of my old Kill Devil Hills favorites. (4.5)
ARC REVIEW
Coming back to Kill Devil Hills is always a pleasure, but if I have to say, this trip has been my favorite of all so far.
‘Never Kiss A Rockstar’ by Sarah Darlington is book number two in the ‘Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills’ series and it follows the story of Dani, drummer of the Sunset Revival, and John, tattoo artist and owner of Kill Devil Ink in their journey to overcome fears and find love.
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but not only was I shocked when I discovered that we’d pick up from before the end of book one and see Emma and Caleb’s story from a completely different point of views, but I was also excited to see how this couple was going to survive and make it work throughout all the chaos going on in their lives.
A wild ride full of passionate encounters, sweet whispers and a hungry and unrelenting love is what makes this book special.
Dani is the drummer of one of the best bands worldwide, she is a strong woman in a man’s world, she is surrounded by testosterone on and off stage, always being the peacemaker between cousins who are also her bandmates and yet always trying to take away her pain any way she can.
She is fierce and a little firecracker if you ask me, she is confident yet vulnerable, ready to take on the world but also scared to do it, she is passionate and free, she knows what she wants and is not afraid to ask for it. Especially if the thing she craves is a broody and silent tattooed man who seems to be the very thing that could make her feel alive or destroy her completely.
John is a big tattooed man with an angry streak you don’t wanna meet, a permanent scowl on his face and some cutting words ready to be served, but underneath that hard exterior lies a vulnerable man who keeps everyone at arm’s length to avoid getting hurt.
He is kind and caring if he likes you, he loves fiercely and will protect those he loves with the very core of his being. He is sweet and goofy sometimes, sarcastic and hard-working, he is someone who doesn’t need nor want anyone’s help, someone who can easily make it on his own but would much rather navigate through life having Dani by his side at all costs.
As per usual for all of this author’s books, this character has gone through hell and back to get where they are, they have been hurt so badly they will have to learn to open up again, they will need to learn how to trust again, how to love again, how to take the leap even if there is a chance of getting hurt.
Dani and John represent this with the very core of their story.
They will have to go through obstacles, open their eyes and see what’s in front of them, let go of their fears and allow someone else in, they will need to go through this and a lot more to get to their happiness.
Passion and love fill this book to the brim, a book that will make you happy, leave you speechless, make you breathless and help you see these stories with a different pair of eyes.
If you are looking for something sweet and fast-paced, something to make you smile and give you a little bit of spice, something with the right amount of drama and amazing characters that will come to life, then this is the book for you.
Make sure to check this book out and of course the rest of the series! And keep an eye out for the rest of the Mills family to finally get their HEA!
Dani and Johns story was perfect. She’s in the spotlight while he prefers being on the sidelines until she makes a proposal of a one night stand which he is more then happy to accept but it never really ends there lol. These two both had epic walls guarding themselves but found that without effort and complete ease each one was lowering those walls and unmasking the other and it was great to read it happening!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Wow – what a couple! These two had my heart from their first encounter. This series just keeps building with the relationships and each book giving you a peek into the other members of the band and their lives. Dani is the only female of the band with her cousins. When her cousin Caleb falls in love, they suspend the end of the tour and head to Kill Devil Hills for Caleb to get his girl. While there the band ends up staying one night with John Michaels. Dani is bored and John doesn’t’t look boring. I loved the rockstar Dani and the secluded John, their rules, their secrets and their story. Never Kiss a Rockstar can be read as a standalone, but this band and all their family, friends are not to be missed!
4.25 Stars
After reading the first book in the series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Dani and John’s book. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
*****
”I fuck men and then I walk away. Period.”
“And I don’t fuck. Period.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re my first fuck in four years. I don’t like people, especially women. I don’t bother trying. I just don’t bother. I like my solitude. I like my life complication-free, and women are complicated.”
“And I seemed uncomplicated? But now you’re probably realizing that I’m actually complicated as hell.”
“You are complicated. But I’m making an exception for you. Make an exception for me, too.”
*****
I remembered John from previous books as Sydney’s older and overprotective brother. Hot and covered in tattoos. He came off as moody and intense. And he was. But he was SO much more.
*****
“John didn’t love easily. But when he did, watch the fuck out because it was fierce.”
*****
Dani was great. A tough exterior and a gooey interior.
John and Dani were perfect for one another. Their relationship was hot and sweet at the same time. My favorite combination!
*****
“I love you,” she muttered again. “Say it back to me.”
“You know I fucking love you.”
“Tell me this isn’t temporary.” Her face paled. “Please.”
This surprised me more than her telling me she loved me. She wanted it to be permanent.
“It’s not temporary.”
“You mean it?”
I can’t believe I even considered ending this a moment ago.
“Hell yes, I mean it. I want to be the only man inside you ever again. The only man who gets to make you come. The only man who gets to hold you at night. The only man you tell your secrets to. I’m your boyfriend. That means it’s just us. And that means there is no expiration date on this thing between us. You okay with all that?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Then get your ass back in my bed. I’m sorry I doubted you for even a second right then.”
“You doubted me?
“Yeah. But it will never happen again.”
*****
As a bonus, we get to catch up with Rhett and Sydney (Pulled Under amzn.to/33zVHRF) That Thanksgiving scene was EVERYTHING.
We’re also gifted with an epilogue and a couple bonus chapters where we get Dani and John’s HEA.
I definitely recommend this book. Sarah has the unique ability to create unforgettable characters that stay with you. I read hundreds of books a year and I STILL remember the very first book I read by her – Kill Devil Hills (still my all time fave).
Noah, Georgie, Ellie, Rhett, Sydney…..and now John and Dani. I have a feeling they made the list.
Ya’ll I’m obsessed with this series! Each book keeps getting better and better with this non traditional spin on all things rock star. Dani Mills does things her way; she’s a no attachment..love em’ and leave em’ type of girl & John Michaels doesn’t do people period. These two never saw each other coming What was supposed to be one night of no strings attached turned into so much more. Breaking all their “rules” for one another..GAH! So Good! Seriously, there is so much to love about Never Kiss a Rockstar…from all the witty banter, the sass and some really swoon worthy moments; you’ll be walking around with all the heart eyes for sure … I could not put this book down & I cannot wait for Luke & Ollie’s stories!
***ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review/ Megan Scandalous Book Blog***
I seriously did not care for Dani when I started this one – boy did she change my mind! I did learn to love her “in your face”, know what she wants attitude. I guess I am so used to seeing this in a man it took some getting used to for my mind to embrace (well done Sarah, well done).
Dani & John are so opposite, yet so compatible you couldn’t help for them to be more, want more, go for more. The secondary characters in this one only enhance the story. John has an amazing relationship with his sister. Dani has an interesting relationship with her cousins.
I enjoy a story where you can see growth in the characters and that is what you get from this one!
4 Cranky Stars
The rockers of Sunset Revival are back in Kill Devil Hills and this time we meet Dani and John. Her with an aversion of relationships and him hiding the person he used to be.
Dani is the drummer for the band. She has a love them and leave them mentality. One night stands are all she’s capable of because the girl thinks she’s cursed. When her cousin Caleb lands them in town she meets John. She’s never felt an attraction to anyone this way recently and tries to keep her distance yet the heart wants what the heart wants.
John is has a secret. A secret he hides behind tattoos and piercings. He hardly let’s anyone in except his sister Sydney. He’s content with his life as a tattoo artist and hiding in a mansion handed to him by his deceased grandfather. One night he offers his house to help a friend. It’s here he meets Dani. She rocks his world. He knows her stance on relationships yet he still falls and hope she will be there each day as the sun rises.
I really liked the Kill Devil Hills series and I loved Caleb’s story. I felt with Dani’s story it was more sex not much story. Not that there is anything wrong with it i just thought they would explore who they were not behind closed doors. Dani is a mess and John hides behind his mask. All in all a pretty good story with love and sexy times.