This novel is a work of fiction and intended for mature readers. Events and persons depicted are of a fictional nature and use language, make choices, and face situations inappropriate for younger readers.His name is Luke. But nobody knows that. He was an iconic musician before he gave up music. But nobody knows that either. They also don’t know he’s twenty-seven, that he used to have an … an infectious laugh, and that he’s way too young to be widowed. They certainly don’t know the rest of his tragic story. All they know is that he comes into their café at the same time every morning and stares at the same chair at the same table. They know he’s strange. They know he interrupts their breakfast with a cold blast of air as he hovers in the doorway, mustering the courage to confront a piece of furniture.
No one asks why. No one cares. He’s fine with that. He’s done with life. This isn’t even his story anymore. It’s actually Callie’s, the young writer who sat in his chair one day.
more
Wow. I don’t even know how I ended up with this book. It’s been on my kindle a couple of months, but wow, I really loved it. The story is unusual and filled with deep emotional angst (and I love that). There’s a twist I didn’t see coming that some readers hated, but that I loved. I have feelings about everyone’s emotional journey on this one, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Let’s just say that this worked out exactly the way that I think it needed to and now I’m completely emotionally invested in this band. Now off to read book #2.
This is not a book. It’s a journey into the broken soul of someone who had everything and lost it all.
Luke is broken beyond repair and no one seem to care. Not until he meets Callie.
Callie is broken in her own way. An unlikely friendship builds, takes turns, veers off in very unexpected ways.
This story is full of surprises, anguish, friendship and love.
Narrators did a great job capturing the voices of the characters.
I loved every second of this story! Luke is broken and you can’t help but want to heal him. Callie is the perfect person to put the pieces of Luke’s broken heart back together; she’s oblivious to who he is, she’s sympathetic, she’s just pushy enough to get to the tough parts and stubborn enough to never give up. Then you add Casey to the mix and the story goes to a whole new level! Thank you Alyson for writing this book, I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Rating:
Heat:
TW/CW:
“Just a simple picture. Innocuous to anyone else, but horrifying to those who recognize that ugly, battered, vacant diner chair.”
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Night Shifts Black was the perfect book to dive right into because it delivers an outcome that shows you a way to pull through those troublesome days. And by doing so, you may be helping out someone else in the process. It was hard for me to gather words to write this review. I never expected to come across a rockstar novel like this, and this ending was far from anything I thought it to be.
This book was so emotionally heavy! The experience of depression, grief, and the ongoing loop it seems so impossible to pull yourself out of left a mark on me. A good mark, though. Because, If you’re familiar with any of these things, you’ll know how hard it is to escape the haze you’re living in. The romance takes a bit of the backseat in Night Shifts Black, but please don’t fret, because it doesn’t take away from the powerful hit the author delivers. I never saw what was coming, and now, I can’t seem to get enough of this world. Callie’s presence and her beautiful words play a huge and vital part in Luke’s life. So get ready for a read that will give you an experience that will hurt, but is worth every ounce of pain.
Veronica Worthington did an impeccable job narrating this book. Hearing the words that I was reading along to made the story so much more impactful. I was so happy to get the chance to listen and read simultaneously. I’ll be looking forward to more of her work.
On to the next book in this series I go..
**Crossposted from Dirty Little Secret Book Blog**
Rating:
Heat:
TW/CW:
“Just a simple picture. Innocuous to anyone else, but horrifying to those who recognize that ugly, battered, vacant diner chair.”
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Night Shifts Black was the perfect book to dive right into because it delivers an outcome that shows you a way to pull through those troublesome days. And by doing so, you may be helping out someone else in the process. It was hard for me to gather words to write this review. I never expected to come across a rockstar novel like this, and this ending was far from anything I thought it to be.
This book was so emotionally heavy! The experience of depression, grief, and the ongoing loop it seems so impossible to pull yourself out of left a mark on me. A good mark, though. Because, If you’re familiar with any of these things, you’ll know how hard it is to escape the haze you’re living in. The romance takes a bit of the backseat in Night Shifts Black, but please don’t fret, because it doesn’t take away from the powerful hit the author delivers. I never saw what was coming, and now, I can’t seem to get enough of this world. Callie’s presence and her beautiful words play a huge and vital part in Luke’s life. So get ready for a read that will give you an experience that will hurt, but is worth every ounce of pain.
Veronica Worthington did an impeccable job narrating this book. Hearing the words that I was reading along to made the story so much more impactful. I was so happy to get the chance to listen and read simultaneously. I’ll be looking forward to more of her work.
On to the next book in this series I go..
I listened to the audible version of this story and absolutely loved it. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already looking forward to Tracing Holland so I can get the rest of Luke’s story. This story was about love, loss and a friendship that happens in a coffee shop over breakfast. I absolutely loved Callie, Luke and Casey. Sometimes all it takes is one defining moment to change a person’s life and Callie did that for Luke just by acknowledging him and having a simple conversation. There were heart touching and funny moments in this story. There is also the topic of depression, suicide and physical abuse so beware. However, this story also has hope, love and acceptance and I loved it from beginning to end. If you want a good rockstar romance read, look no further; this is it. It’s a story I will be recommending to family and friends.
The blurb to Night Shifts Black was what really drew me to buy and read this book. It was all about that ugly, battered, vacant diner “chair!” And us readers needing to know the significance of that chair. The writing was really wonderful, too. “There is no companion. No meal. No silverware or table. Just Luke in a chair, in an aisle, sharing a silent conversation with a pretend person.”
This story is like a jigsaw puzzle with many pieces. So you have to read each word to put all the pieces together to see the whole picture. Depression is a real and serious illness that can go unrecognized, and lead to emotional distress or even suicide. This plays a big part in the story line, too.
There are three main characters, with two being famous members of a band named Night Shifts Black. They are Luke Craven who is 27 years old, undeniably sexy frontman for the band. Casey Barrett, twenty-five, born and raised in Houston, Texas, bestfriend, drummer and songwriter. And there is Callie Roland, twenty-three, born and raised in Shelteron, Pennsylvania. Since I like to keep handwritten notes, I loved Callie: “I feel naked without my little notepad to capture my thoughts whenever, wherever, whatever they are.”
The first half of this book really drew me in. The writing, the story, the characters, it was absolutely fantastic and 5* all the way. The second half was not nearly as attention grabbing, and so it was just 4.5* for me, but will round it out to 5*. I would definitely want to read more from this author.
It’s not often a book will completely catch me off guard in the best possible way. It’s beautifully written, and overflowing with raw emotion, which truly captured my heart. This book felt extremely real. The characters, the journey, the struggles, it was all very powerful at times.Callie and Luke had me utterly intrigued, and completely invested in their story, which made me NOT want to put this book down once I started. So if you’re looking for a book that’s addictive & captivating, intense & passionate, heart-breaking & hopeful, and will leave you with a powerful, uplifting message, this is the one! I highly recommend!!!!!
Heart with a little bit of rock & roll!
Can’t believe I waited this long to start this series. One meeting is all the catalyst needed to change lives. Bonds can form when you least expect it. Soul deep connections with a person you never thought could be a part of your life.
I felt those connections, watched the bonds grow, witnessed the realizations, commitments and unconditional love. I loved how organically the story flowed and the different route it takes to give readers the romance.
My only complaint is it got a little too technical for me in the last 30% and completely slowed down the story for me. But it won’t deter me. I definitely want more of NSB.
People come in and out of your life. Some for reasons we understand and some we don’t. This isn’t a simple romance. It’s not a simple story at all. It weaves in a sensitive subject with a careful, delicate touch. It gave me a romance to enjoy and a great beginning to a series I’ll definitely read more of.
What an incredible book…..
Emotion, heartbreak, friendship, love, loyalty, healing and forgiveness. This book has all that and more. Beautifully written, the insider view into the music industry was fascinating. It also tackled with sensitivity but with brutal honesty, the darkness and loneliness of depression and its affect not only on the person suffering, but on the people who love them.
After reading the blurb and the first few chapters centring on the troubled Luke Craven, former frontman of rockband Gods Night Shifts Black, this book took me on a journey I never expected and never saw coming. That’s all I can say because I dont want to ruin this for anyone.
I’ve cried, smiled, sympathised and laughed with these beautiful but lifelike characters and there were times I wanted to jump into the book and hug them all.
Superb book, one of my favourites this year without a doubt (one of my others, Haunted Melody was also by this author) I loved it, I want to go straight on to book 2, but I think this will be in my head for a while.
5 “I wish I could give it more” big stars
This was only my second book by this author, and she did not disappoint. I don’t read a lot of rock star romances, but I really enjoyed this one. I think I’ll continue with this series!
This was a wonderfully written novel. It has a unique story line that is full of intense emotions that is broken with lighthearted quips to balance it out. I’d give it 10 stars if I could.
This book was an emotional story that left me floored in the end. Luke’s story is heartbreaking and a reminder that you never know how you will help another person just by becoming a friend. I enjoyed watching the friendship between Luke and Callie unfold. I had to pull out the tissues a few times and was left wanting more once the story came to an end. Amazing story and I can’t wait to read more by Alyson Santos. This was the first book of hers that I have gotten to enjoy and now I am hooked.
A powerful, emotional story that was so well written and believable. A story that takes you into someone’s mind who battles everyday with the darkness and the person that helps to battle that darkness with them and bring them back into the light…. and it all starts with a chair!! A fantastic read.
What an emotional intro to this author! Encore, thankfully the next book is written. A unique look into depression and how it effects those around us. Whilst this is about a rock band it’s not your usual, parties, groupies and bad management. This book delves into the psyche of two of the members and the girl in the cafe. It’s raw, deep and emotionally draining, no hearts and roses or sugarcoating.
Callie is sitting at the cafe minding her business while enjoying her cup of tea, when he walks in the door. His eyes find hers and he asks her to please vacate his chair. She doesn’t falter and shifts across to the opposite side of the table. From there they have an unspoken breakfast meeting almost every day. The chair is of huge significance, but how. One day he brings his friend Casey who warns her to not get too close to Luke because he destroys and ruins things. Callie worms her way into Luke’s life, she doesn’t back away she ignores his pleas and makes him face reality. When she comes face to face with Casey again she is drawn to him but tells him he’s not a good friend. However Casey show her his true self and her observations couldn’t of been further from the truth. Callie brings light back into their life where there was only darkness.
This book is different from stereotypical CR books. It deals with inner darkness and the life of a rockstar. Loved the struggles and the emotional interaction between the different characters. A different twist in the relationship with the main 2 characters. I loved this book because it is written different from a typical romance storyline. Emotional roller coaster. LOVE THE CHARACTERS!
This story is so amazing. It isn’t what you think it is going to be going in, but you are in for a ride. This story deals with depression, friendship and most of all, love. This is real, raw and emotional. Alyson has taken a rock star romance to a new level. The lyrics she has written are beautiful and at times heartbreaking. This book is about second chances and redemption and never giving up on people.
Callie is contemplating what to order for breakfast at a diner when a good looking guy with a sad soulful look in his eye approaches her table and asks if she can move seats. She does, only moving to the seat across the table from the chair she had been sitting in. As she settles in her seat she watches this man stare at the chair she had been sitting in, hesitantly reach towards it and draw his hand away. Then he quickly turns around and leaves the diner. The waitress tells her that this is the third day he’s come in and done that. Intrigued, Callie shows up the next morning, sits at the same table and when the man approaches she invites him to have a seat at the next table with her. They strike up a conversation and the two of them become semi friendly, jokingly calling themselves the breakfast club. As this looks like a romance novel and I can feel Callie’s attraction to Luke, I thought ok, here’s my couple. but nope! Callie and Luke were not my romantic couple, but their relationship was the catalyst that drove Callie to find romance. Luke was the best friend. Intrigued? Hell yes!
This novel felt like a J. T. Geissinger novel. Full of great character depth, intense feelings, and agonizing pain. Just as you’d deduce from the above scene, Luke was working his way through emotional trauma. Callie, it seemed was his straight man, but she actually had a lot of depth too and together they had a solid supportive friendship. So, where is the love in this love story? There is one, it’s just not where I expected it. When it happens, it fits, and it’s wonderful.
This novel was seriously good! I loved the friendships in this novel. Dealing with serious topics like depression and suicide, the friendship and love that these characters felt for each other was what elevated the story to another level. Will I be reading the second book in this series, Tracing Holland? Yes, I have to see how Luke falls in love! Oh, did I mention this is a Rock Star romance? NSB, or Night Shifts Black is the name of their band, just in case you are wondering about that title.
First you will fall for Luke,as the broken bad boy rocker then along comes Baby Casey who has a story of his own to tell you.Callie meets Luke and a whole new world opens up to her
Night Shifts Black (NSB Book 1) by Alyson Santos is a contemporary, rockstar romance told from the single POV of Callie, the main character. This was my first Alyson Santos book and, WOW!, it will definitely not be my last.
This book is so good that I’m almost at a loss for words. This beautifully written, character-driven story had me completely captivated right from the start. I simply couldn’t put it down.
The author tackles some really heavy issues in a very classy, sensitive and respectful way without minimizing or glossing over the difficult and ugly parts. We’re given a very realistic look at what it’s like for someone who suffers from depression, self-loathing, and suicidal ideation, and also what it’s like for their loved ones.
The story explores relationships, friendships, and the persistent power of love.
Remarkable and compelling. I can’t wait to read more!