HarleyWhat happens when the most successful boy band on the planet breaks up?How about twenty thousand fans screaming my name.But the price of fame comes with an increased risk to my safety.I’ve been avoiding the dreaded B word for as long as I can, but after a close call with a rambunctious fan, I can’t do it anymore.It’s time to give in.I need to hire a full-time bodyguard.And when he shows up, … bodyguard.
And when he shows up, he not only screams badass, he’s another B word I try to stay away from: boyfriend material.
Brix
Protecting people is not what my company usually does, but the boss knows I need money, and the pop star is offering an insane amount to live with him and make sure no more crazy fans break into his house.
I’m doing it for the money and nothing else.
He may be the prettiest man I’ve ever seen, and I may feel sorry for the celebrity life he’s been forced into since he was a teenager, but that doesn’t mean anything.
Just because he fascinates me, that doesn’t mean I like him.
It doesn’t.
Professionalism. I’m gonna live it. Breathe it. Enforce it … Mostly.
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Adds the rest of the series to my TBR list 😉
Really loved this book
5 Stars!
We met Harley Valentine as Jay’s ex on Hat Trick (Fake Boyfriends #5) and while I hated him at first, I ended up feeling sorry for him before that book was over, so it wasn’t that much of a stretch to like and then love him in Pop Star. I think I felt even sorrier for him when I saw how sheltered he was, how the walls of fame and the recording company kept him locked inside without a way out of his contract and the closet. Brix was just perfect for him, giving Harley perspective and forcing him to actually take a breather every once in a while. They were just amazing together, each of them giving the other something they’d been missing and OMG, were they hot together! *fans self*
The stalker storyline was really well done, with it slowly escalating in a fairly believable way and showcasing Brix’s protective nature and the Mike Bravo guys. I’m really looking forward to that series when Eden gets around to writing it, it will be fun and action-packed for sure and I can’t wait to catch up with Iris, Travis and the rest of the team.
I also liked the whole thing with Brix’s dad and I can admit that I had tears in my eyes during the scene where Brix took Harley to meet him.
Overall, an action-packed, fun, entertaining, hot read, and a romance I couldn’t get enough of. Definitely a must-read!
*** A copy was provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, although I read it through KU, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Another winner from Eden!!
I loved this story. It has everything I love; wit, humor, sass, heart, passion, and depth!
I’ll admit I hadn’t finished reading Harley’s “backdoor pilot” (Hat Trick, Fake Boyfriend Book 5, Jet’s story) so I didn’t have any preconceived notions about him. I felt his care, emotions, and loneliness right from the start. I felt he was misunderstood and just needed someone to love him for him.
Now Brix is a powerhouse of a man and so gruff and sexy. I loved his no-nonsense approach to life right from the start! I enjoyed the unraveling of Brix’s story and the love and care behind the tough-guy exterior was so sweet and the way he was with his dad just about made me cry! I just loved every aspect of this story and the depth of characters, the interconnection worlds and the passion and love Harley and Brix had was beautiful to read. I also loved that Brix totally bucked the stereotype and Eden did this so well it was so steamy and just plain awesome!
I loved this story and while I can’t wait for more from the once-hot boy band, Eleven, I am now so intrigued and excited for Eden’s stories about Brix’s fellow security teammates, Mike Bravo! I can’t wait to see more from these enticing and interesting ragtag group of former soldiers (yes, especially Iris!)
Such a fantastic book! I loved it!!
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I’ve been so curious about Harley and getting to know him better was wonderful! I liked seeing the workaholic side of him and the realistic portrayal about his worries with regards to coming out publicly, or not. The bodyguard trope is a trope for a reason, and the author worked wonders with it. I loved how she wrote Harley and Brix, their dynamic is not at all cliché and seeing them fall for each other, despite all the reasons they shouldn’t, was amazing and so endearing. Brix is amazing, so down-to-earth, determinedly strong yet so gentle at heart too. He’s all about protecting others and it was unbelievably sweet to see Harley take care of him for a change. The humor in this book is signature Eden Finley, love the sarcasm and the joking, all the funny quips are a perfect way to cut the tension and emotional upheaval the MC’s face when dealing with Harley’s stalker and the much-dreaded L-word. There are some seriously touching moments in this book, especially later on, no spoilers, so I can’t get specific, but wow… all the feels, truly. I love these guys and I can’t wait to find out more about some of the secondary characters, both those linked to Eleven as well as to MB 😉
Pop Star marks the first book of this author’s new series and just like her Fake Boyfriend series, this story left me clamoring for more. In some ways, Pop Star offered a classic employer falls for the bodyguard story, but it also had a few surprises that kept the story interesting and the romance fresh.
Fans of this author will undoubtedly recognize Harley from the Fake Boyfriend series. While he wasn’t a fan-favorite secondary character in Hat Trick, the author did a great job exploring his personality and circumstances to gain readers’ empathy. I also enjoyed Brix, especially because he wasn’t the typical alpha, ex-military hero common in romances. However, it was this couple together that had me happily sighing. I loved how these men supported one another and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Beyond the romance, I also enjoyed the stalker storyline- particularly the few twists it introduced to the storyline. I definitely recommend Pop Star to readers who like good, easy romances with minimal angst between characters, and I can’t wait for what’s next in the Famous series.
*eARC received via Gay Romance Reviews. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Yess!!!!I’ve been waiting for Harley’s book and I love this book so fucking much! And Brix? Swoon worthy!! I mean who doesn’t like a huge ass guy with a heart of marshmallow? And he’s a bodyguard!
Written in dual POV, Pop Star is the first book in a new series. While it is a standalone, fans of the Fake Boyfriend series will already know Harley from Hat Trick.
This book is hilarious, sexy and has a bit of mystery and action. There’s a lot moments that had me laugh out loud. Should I even say anything about their first meeting?
Brix is so sweet. He makes Harley realise his self worth. Harley’s had a really hard with his ex and the label and everything and I felt so sad for him.
I love all the side characters but especially Iris. I love him and he needs a book. And Trav too. I love the easy dynamics between Harley and Brix’s friends.
I really looking forward to Ryder’s book and can’t wait to read more from this universe.
*ARC provided by the author via Foreword PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
This book was so good. It’s one of the few books I’ve read lately that has been able to keep my focus. This book focuses on Harley, who we first met in Hat Trick, and Brix, who works at Mike Bravo and becomes Harley’s bodyguard. I’ll admit I wasn’t a fan of Harley from the previous series but I think we really get a good look into his character here. He manages to redeem himself and I think he really deserves the HEA. This story is funny, snarky, and sexy. I really enjoyed how the events in this book unfolded and there was more mystery than I expected. I really enjoyed the cameos from Eden’s Fake Boyfriend series and the new characters who work at Mike Bravo. I’m excited to see what comes next in this series and hopefully get a little more of Harley and Brix while I’m at it.
Delightful banter, suspense and romance create a wonderful story! I so enjoyed this story-line. The story flowed and i found myself so enjoying it and how the characters interacted. i was hooked on these MC’s and they made me laugh.
Harley and Brix create a steamy, intense, delightful couple that you will enjoy getting to know. Bix is sweet, caring and protective and we get to see Harley learn to take some time for him. It is okay to take a break. The connection these guys have really fills in the missing pieces in both of their lives, really beautiful.
This is the first book in the Famous series and i am looking forward to the next one.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review
This story made me so happy! I loved Brix and Harley, who were both confused about what they needed in life. Despite very different backgrounds, these two actually had a lot in common, especially the fact that they were both afraid to let anyone know them completely. Whether they were having sex, arguing, or opening up about tough issues, the dynamic between Harley and Brix was fantastic. The way each wanted to care for the other was beautiful. I loved these flawed and wonderful men, and I can’t wait to see more of them as the Famous series continues. Highly recommended, even if you didn’t like Harley when he was introduced in Hat Trick. He might have been a diva, but he was never a bad guy.
love the whole series and other books by this author
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
Harley had moment of realisation as he looked around his life. The life he chose for fame! Only with management talking live-in security, Harley was afraid his secret was about be become to hard behind Evah fiancee persona. Yep maybe management was right, news flash Someone was in his home! That whole part was just to good to not be a wake-up call. Brix was being punished, he just knew it. A live-in babysitter, a NDA and outrageous list of demands. Gott love that first impression. Time and togetherness bring them closer, where Brix’s is breaking away from the wrong assumption, seeing more than Harley is willing to share with the real world. Maybe fighting the attraction more complex to handle with Harley in the spotlight. Loved Brix so much as the big bad that is a totally softie on something’s that he loves. Harley grew on me once you get why he fears the unknown so much. Oh I need more of Iris and Mike Bravo Team!
For me, this book was all about Brix. From what I have seen a lot of people were introduced to Harley in Hat Trick lucky for me that this is my first Eden Finley book, so I didn’t have an opinion about him one way or another. If Brix hadn’t been so swoon worthy I don’t know if I would have liked this book as much because Harley just seemed like he was missing something. Like his character didn’t quite fit right to me.
Harley is not your average pop star. After leaving his former boy band and going solo he has not quite figured out how to become exactly who he wants to be. After a meet and great with fans Harley heads home to find a stranger in his home. Not just any stranger, an obsessed fan. After these events, his manager convinces him to get a fulltime bodyguard.
Brix is ex-military who works for Mike Bravo along with some deadly men and women. Personal security isn’t usually his gig, but his boss knows he needs the money and he can’t pass up the opportunity for this kind of money. Brix becomes Harley’s bodyguard six days a week and while he can’t deny the attraction, he has to Harley he tells himself it isn’t reciprocated. Even if it was it’s not like his can risk this job.
Now Brix believes Harley is straight and vice versa. As the story goes on it doesn’t take long before they both realize that the attraction is in fact mutual. Brix is a beast of a man with the heart of a marshmallow and Harley is a pretty boy pop star who just wants to be loved. As things heat up between them there are other nefarious forces at work.
Even though Harley wasn’t my favorite, but I didn’t dislike him. I loved the touch of angst, the deliciously hilarious banter and how Brix wanted what was best for Harley. I cannot wait to find out what happens when we get the books for the other guys/girls of Mike Bravo!!
I am actually not so into rock-star, in this case pop star, romances but this is Harley we are talking about!
Remember Harley, Jay’s ex from the Fake Boyfriend series? If not, you have some catching up to do. So Harley is getting his story and this poor guy, seriously deserves it…
Harley…I wanted so badly to dislike you after everything you had put Jet through but I just knew you had some goodness inside you! I have had a love/hate relationship with Harley since Hat Trick and I hoped we would eventually get to see what Jet saw in Harley before their (toxic) relationship fell apart. I love this continuation of the Fake Boyfriend world and am so happy we are getting to see all the guys from Eleven get their HEA, especially after getting screwed by JoyStar. Brix is an amazing character and I love the balance and peace he brings to Harley’s life. I can’t wait for the rest of the guys stories and I hope we hear more about Brix’s friends as well. Wonderful series!
What I loved most about this was the chemistry between former boy band star Harley and rough former service man turned private security baddie Brix. This was full of drama and intrigue but just as full of sweet moments and a pretty great cast of side characters. I really enjoy what I’ve read from this author so far in this and other books. I volunteered to read and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.
I listened to the audible version of this story and enjoyed it a lot. The narrator did a fantastic job. Rock star Harley Valentine needs a bodyguard after a stalker appears in his home. Brix is in desperate need of money to pay off a debt so he’s the perfect man for the job. I enjoyed both of their characters a lot. Harley came off as a little immature and inexperienced at times but his character wasn’t annoying. No one expected it to be more than a bodyguard protecting a rock star, but when feelings get involved both men start to question everything. This story was funny, steamy and had just the right amount of suspense to keep me intrigued. The ending was really good and left me wanting to listen to the next book in this series. I’m also excited to check out other books from this author and will recommend this one to any of my friends and family looking for a good M/M read.
I absolutely love Harley and Brix. I couldn’t wait for Harley to find his HEA after Hat Trick. This is a stand alone and do not need to read Hat Trick first but if you haven’t why not??
This book starts off with a bang and sucked me right on in with Harley and Brix adventures, I will call it. Brix is the big bad bodyguard hired to protect Harley. Let’s just say their first meeting doesn’t go as planned. LOL.
Brix keeps his personal life tight to himself even so much he hasn’t spoken to his closest friends about what is happening in his life. The only thing they really know is that he needs money. This assignment to work for Harley will help him big time. Brix eventually learns that in order to show trust and how much he loves Harley, he must let his guard down and show Harley all there is to him and his life.
Harley is a huge Pop Star that is in the closet and controlled by his record company. So much so he has a couple of personas that only only one person has seen through. Yes, that’s Brix. It’s so sad how lonely he is which only show money doesn’t give you everything.
This book is full of laughs, awesome banter, mystery, omg the rules that Harley sets forth had me on the floor laughing. Throw in some scary times (hello it is a bodyguard needed book) and what more can you ask for. I could not put this book down. Pretty much read in one day. I love Eden’s writing and can’t wait for the next.
Break free
I want to visit Trav’s ranch as they have all the best toys but remind me to never make him, or the other MBs mad. I happily volunteer as Harley’s taste-tester though. “I made him believe in fate. He makes me believe in love.” I’m so happy Harley found his own HEA. Brix is just the man he needs. Not because he’s smart, sexy and strong—all true by the way—but because he gives Harley perspective about who he is and how amazing that person truly is. Also he shows Harley how to have fun and plans the best distractions. Harley, on his end, gives Brix the peace and space to breathe he needs. With each other, they have a safe place to just be and most importantly be loved for who they are. There are so many wonderful and beautiful feels in this book and I’m excited the rest of the band will get their own stories.
The “mystery stalker” storyline was a little lame and tame. Brix’s secret Sunday trips should have never been a secret, and the book desperately needed an epilogue. It left some unanswered questions on a personal level mainly dealing with Harley and felt a little unfinished.
I did like the book and will definitely read the next one.