“I was blown away by this book! Alyson Santos delivers a fresh take on the rock star romance genre with Rising West. All I can say is: read it! Read it now!” — Jayne Frost, Author of the Sixth Street Band SeriesTurner Artist Management Urgent Action Item: ✔ Find a new frontman for Burn Card. When one of your top artists loses their lead singer to a solo career, you jump on the problem. When it … on the problem. When it also involves a devastating breakup with the band’s queen bee, you drop everything and run.
So I did—run. To the east, where I found a young single father so mesmerizing, his talent almost makes you forget he comes at a price. Enormous potential steeped in personal tragedy, what’s an agency to do?
See, I’m just the manager. The story that follows actually belongs to my client Liberty Blake and the enigmatic heartthrob whose world is about to be blown apart.
Because now that the industry wolves have the scent, everyone’s desperate to know:
Who is MASON WEST??
Rising West is a standalone Turner Artist Rocker Novel.
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I absolutely loved this story.
I am a fan of this author’s writing and storytelling talents, so it’s no surprise that I loved this as much as I did.
This deeply emotional story had my attention, and my heart, the entire time. Mason gets a second chance at doing what he loves…playing music, being a rock star.
This beautifully written romance had some serious subject matter that was penned with care and gentleness. The feels were coming off the pages in waves, sometimes making my eyes leak, and sometimes making my heart swell with so much happiness.
I just wanted to wrap up Mason and a certain preschooler in a big hug so many times. They quickly stole my heart from the very beginning. I felt their love, I experienced their pain, I craved their happy ending.
Liberty was equally awesome. Together, she and Mason had a connection that was strong and they understood each other and the pull toward each other was powerful. I so loved them together.
The rest of the band was highly lovable and intriguing and I would love to read their stories. The NSB mention was a delightful surprise. (I still swoon over Luke.)
The poetic words of this author have wowed me yet again. Loved it!
The audio narration was pure perfection. #NAILEDIT.
The lovely story of Mason and Liberty are amazing and sweet. Brooklyn stole my heart in this book. I love their chemistry and their romance obviously. The whole Band are wonderful. The emotions are many, I love them all, happiness, love, sadness, broken heart. Great story.
Suffering profound loss, how does one survive? When you have an infant daughter who’s now become your whole world, you do it by pushing through one day at a time. At least that’s how it is for Mason West, former almost rockstar, now struggling single dad. Liberty Blake just wants the pain of heartbreak and betrayal to pass so she and her band mates can move on to salvage what’s left of their band. The last thing she wants is another egotistical frontman to replace the one they lost. Doesn’t this sound like the makings for an interesting story? Well, you’d be partially correct, but it’s SO much more than that.
This is a powerfully evocative and highly emotional tale. The intense imagery elicits such deep feelings that at times it’s like your own heart is breaking, while at others you may feel such pure joy. You will most likely be brought to tears a time or three. There are also many times that will make you smile, if not actually laugh. Most of those involve Mason’s daughter, Brooklyn, who is someone with whom you’ll absolutely fall in love. All the characters are so well drawn that even though the focus is on the MC’s, you can’t help but feel connections to the others as well. The narrative draws you in effortlessly, grabbing your attention from the start, keeping you enthralled throughout, and leaving you completely satiated at the very end.
Ms. Stiles is a new author for me. This is the first of her stories I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. The manner in which she uses Katrina’s journal entries to fill in Mason’s emotional backstory throughout the book is unobtrusive and yet so dynamically impactful that it becomes an integral part of their present. The effect of her writing will resonate with you beyond the last page. Fair warning, this is not a book you can easily walk away from. So be prepared, if you start reading at bedtime, to lose some sleep. You will surely need tissues close by and may find yourself chuckling out loud a few times. But one thing I can guarantee is you’ll only be sorry if you don’t read this amazing story.
I enjoyed the story of Mason West, his daughter Brooklyn, and Lie-berry. I think my favorite scene is when Brooklyn reminds the grown ups to use their words, not their hands!
Mason’s past is heart-breaking, yet he has been a great single dad to his daughter – sacrificing so much and working hard for so little.
Burnt Card and Liberty come into Mason’s life and his dream is once again a possibility. As is Miss Lie-berry who is struggling to mend her recent broken heart.
Great angsty, but not overly steamy rockstar romance story. I recommend!
I was a little apprehensive going into this because I worried how Alyson Santos was going to follow up the amazing NSB series with a whole new rock star series. I need not worry, because she is off to an amazing start with this new series. My heart broke for Mason. I loved his emotional journey through this book. His story captivated me and I couldn’t quit reading! I can’t wait to catch up with him and Liberty in future stories in this series.
Alyson Santos rocks the shit out of rockstar books and that is official. The lyrics she writes for the songs they play are unffffffff!
My poor tortured Mason West. If we weren’t in lockdown I would hunt him, tackle him to the ground and give him the biggest hug the world has ever, ever seen. I would even promise to keep my pants on.
His beautiful little girl Brooklyn can come and play unicorns with me any day of the week. In fact when these crazy days are over I’m asking her for a play date. Just me, her, unicorns, Princess castles and rainbows.
Liberty and the rest of the Burn Card band are awesome and all that but Mason and Brooklyn stole the show and brought the house down. I want to go to a Burn Card concert and throw my bra at Mason.
Honestly this a fabulous read.
Encore. Encore. Encore!
Wow!!! Alyson Santos blew me away with the story of Mason West!!!! He is a rockstar unlike any other!!!! He just made me swoon!!!! I was addicted from the very first pages!
I loved the synopsis, and I knew I had to read it! I love rockstar romances, but this one was quite different from others I have read in the past. Mason was on his way to fame and fortune when he lost it all, and he found himself as a single father, trying to make ends meet. Years later an opportunity of a lifetime comes his way, and it has the potential to change his life both professionally and personally.
Liberty had her heart crushed when the frontman of their band and her boyfriend left her and the bandmates in the dust, and the band needed a new singer. Enter Mason West….her life nor Mason’s will never be the same.
Alyson Santos’s writing is just magical, almost poetic. Her words just invoke all sorts of emotions. She truly captured who Mason was, and she made me fall so in love with him. How could I not love him? He wasn’t the normal arrogant rockstar who needs to be taken down a peg or two. In fact, he thought he didn’t deserve any good things in life, but oh my gosh, he deserved it all. He was loyal, loving, and adored his sweet, precious daughter, Brooklyn. She was his first love….ALWAYS!
And Liberty… she was a strong, independent woman, but she had a huge heart. I love that Alyson gave her that name. She epitomized the meaning…”freedom.” She was patient, kind, and loving with Mason, breaking down his walls and helping to free himself from the self-doubts he was plagued with. In addition, I adored the scenes with her and Brooklyn!!!!
I can’t leave this review without mentioning the inclusion of Brooklyn’s mom, Katrina. I thought it was a genius move on Alyson’s part to make her such a big part of the story. She was a character herself even though she was no longer on earth with Mason and Brooklyn. It made the story even sweeter!
Liberty and Mason’s love story was beautiful and emotional, again, such much of that was because of Alyson’s writing! This is the first novel I have read by her, and she has made me a HUGE fan!!!!
Beautiful. No other way to describe this love story.
This is my first book by Alyson Santos, but a true love affair between myself and this author has been started. Her words are like the melodic tune that draws you in and holds you there. That song that you find yourself putting on repeat in your head because once you listen the first time it stays with you forever.
Mason, the hero. Liberty, the heroine. Brooklyn, the heart. Watching these characters find their way to each other was pure magic. Life sometimes tosses us cards that we are not sure how to play. Do we hold them or fold them? But then in a redeal, we are dealt the hand that is worth playing.
I was lost in the words. I was captured by the prose. I succumbed to the story. All the stars and then some more.
All he wanted was to play music but fate has something in store for him. This is the first in the Turner Artist Rocker series and in a way it felt right the way it started. We have Mason West who had everything, love, music and a little girl he never expected to have. Then we have a young woman who the opposite of him has everything she has dreamed of having with the band Burn Card. These two have so much in common yet it is their pain that really brings them together. The chemistry is all there but what I loved the most from Alyson Santos did in this book was how much music can bring two people together but also heal them. This is not your typical romance but one filled of a man finding his reason for living and him seeing he deserves a second chance. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
A beautiful story and a beautiful man! Mason West was an unassuming man, insecure and with strong feelings of unworthiness, until he stepped on a stage to sing. Then he transformed into a rockstar and he owned the stage, gave it all his heart and soul, and turned the experience into a religion. Then he stepped off stage, and went back to the humble, awkward, adorable guy.
I loved reading about Mason and his rise to stardom. He has this need for music and he was struggling for years. A single father at eighteen, his girlfriend dead, he had to renounce his dreams of fronting a band to raise his little girl. When the chance to front another band came around, he had such mixed feelings, he struggled deciding, but in the end, there was no other answer. His soul called for it and he just wouldn’t be able to live with the regrets.
The band he was to join had also gone through struggles, mainly the head of the band, Liberty. She didn’t want a new singer because the previous one broke her heart. But in order to go on, they had to hire Mason. He was their ticket to rise above past scandals. And in hiring Mason, they shot to the stars.
Mason West struggles with feelings of worth. There’s a darkness always lurking inside of him, and a demon on his shoulder telling him he will never amount to anything, This relates directly to his upbringing with a neglectful mother. But with Liberty, the strength he used to derive from his deceased girlfriend is present again. They had to go through fire but together they were a strong and united couple.
I loved this author’s writing style. At times, it was almost poetical, and there’s a lot of musical terms I’d never heard of before and found fascinating. I loved that Mason’s routine with his little girl is presented, his relation with Brooklyn’s grandparents is so warm, and how he makes friends so easily. There’s something so unassuming in Mason, at the same time so easygoing and accepting that makes him a perfect friend. He contrasted perfectly with Liberty, who was dramatic and intense, as only a musician can be. In a way, they balanced each other, gave each other the support and acceptance they needed.
I loved everything about this book, the pace, the descriptions, the balance between prose and steam, the characters and the little snippets of humor scattered into the characters’ musing. Also a man who can cry when emotion overwhelms it and doesn’t feel less like a man. It was delightful, intense, a little emotional and sad, and cute whenever Brooklyn appeared with her toddler language. I’ll always remember the oct-uh-pies!
Who doesn’t love a Rock Star romance? Rising West is my first Alyson Santos book and it will not be my last! It had everything I love! Chemistry, drama, romance, angst and super-hot sexy times!
Burn Card needs a new front man. Liberty Blake, the heart and soul of the band, is devastated after her break up with the previous front man. So to say she is a bit picky about who will fill his shoes is an understatement. She is raw, hurt and unsure of her talent.
“So…you’re mad that he’s hot? Should we tell Sam we’re only auditioning ugly dudes?”
Mason West is a single father bursting with talent. His talent was put on hold because of a terrible tragedy. He is so swooney! But Mason is so much more. Hard working, kind, sensitive and an amazing dad to four year old Brooklyn. He has such a beautiful soul. Full of emotion that is palpable.
“Music was never about the money for me. It was never about anything except the need to release it from my soul and let it color my world.”
I loved everything about Rising West. It is beautifully written. There are many humorous moments with Brooklyn that had me laughing out loud!
4.5 stars
#AuthorAlysonSantos #RockStarRomance #Hot&Steamy #WestAndLiberty #RisingWest
“Have you ever thought the world would be better off without you?”
How did I forget how well Ms Santos writes? I so want to revisit the NSB series again. Her way of introducing character’s and their development is exquisite to experience. Connecting with the characters is a given and the storyline flows effortlessly making it an absolute pleasure to read. These are not your run of the mill Diva’s screaming entitlement. The author portrays them as the raw and bleeding people they truly are not the persona’s portrayed by the media. The touch of giving Katrina a voice was brilliant and made you see Mason from a totally different perspective.
Mason is a young single father, who had a dream. However dreams don’t put food on the table, so he’s a roofer by day. Playing the occasional gig, but it’s becoming harder and harder. Until he gets the call to audition as the front man for Burn Card. However he second guesses himself constantly believing this is something he doesn’t deserve. He’s lost and has scars that run deep, the only light in his life is his daughter.
Liberty is trying to hold everything together when the front man of her band chooses a solo career and to be single. The band members love everything about Mason, he is talented and got a great voice, but Liberty has the final say. She can’t disagree with them, ability exudes from every pore, his instrument is like a natural an extension of his body. Her greatest concern is that Mason will leave them in the same position as Chris did, or is it?
Warning: You may struggle to put this book down, but the housework can wait and it’s so worth grabbing a copy provided you have some tissues.
This book WRECKED me in all sorts of ways.
My heart physically and literally ACHES when I think of Mason.
My soul cries when I think about his story. His past and present.
My mind can’t switch off thinking about him and Liberty and little Brooklyn.
Phenomenal writing and what a FANTASTIC start to a new series from Alyson Santos. BRING IT ON! I promise to have enough tissues to hand next time.
“Mason can’t dream because he has no idea who he really is. So I guess that’s the question, my mission should I choose to accept it— and him. Can I believe enough for the both of us.”
“If you want the sun to rise in the west, Mason, you fucking make it rise.”
Rising West is the first book in the series and my first reading from the author. After this book, it’s safe to say that I’m a new fan of her writing.
I am, without a single shred of doubt, irrevocably in love with Mason West. Why, you ask? Because for a rockstar, this guy smashes all of the typically normal trappings of one with his sensitive and creative soul. His dark pasts that still haunts this beautiful person made him to what he is right now, and I love that the author made the character of Mason West just the way he is.
I love the scenes between Mason and Brooklyn, you can practically hear my ovaries exploding from all those cute, heart melting moments between father and daughter. If I wasn’t sold already to his character, this is enough reason for me to love him even more. I like the Liberty’s character- with her strong, take charge personality. Mason definitely needs her in his chaotic, somber life. Overall, I love this emotional, single dad, rockstar romance and couldn’t wait for more from the author!
Literally me while reading this book:
Reads. Loses breath. Stops.
Reads same lines again. Eyes fill with tears. Loses breath.
Reads same lines again, highlights passage, shivers over how heartbreakingly lovely this whole thing is.
This whole thing.
Y’all. This is the first book I have read by Alyson Santos. Why has nobody insisted that I read one of these books before now? This is my exact favorite flavor of kindle crack: beautifully written, deeply emotional, swoony, sexy, and smart.
Mason West wrecked me. I loved him so fiercely, but he was such a broken soul. His character arc was such a deeply, sometimes darkly emotional experience and it was absolutely rewarding in the end. I adored every single piece of him. And I adored, even more, how simply and easily Liberty loved him. I appreciated that the drama wasn’t the type of drama you might expect from a storyline like this. I loved how steady and confident Liberty was in her feelings and her own role in Mason’s life. I loved the little family they formed and how the whole storyline was handled with a sort of respectful, raw honesty.
I loved the writing.
Have I mentioned that?
Holy cats. It was sooo good! It was almost lyrical (and not just when it was actual lyrics) without being too flowery. It literally took my breath away sometimes. The thoughts and emotions that Ms. Santos poured into these characters were so powerful and touching. This was an absolute treat to read and I will certainly be back for more. Loved, loved, loved this unconventional rockstar romance. So glad I took the chance on it!
Oh how my heart aches for Mason West, Alyson Santos gives us an emotional story of life after loss and heartbreak and the struggles to believe that the “sun will rise again”
A heartfelt raw and gritty story that has aalllll the feels ,the emotion in this book soaks right down to your soul.
Mason west gave up everything he always dreamed of after the tragic events that left him alone to bring up his daughter. But now 4 years later he dares to dream that his talent can once again shine and become the rockstar be always dreamed he would be he just needs to fight his demons and believe…..
I absolutely loved this book beautifully written and fantastic characters I cant wait for more.
So much more than a rocker series…ALL THE FEELS.
Sexy rocker god on the stage. Check.
Tortured rocker with a traumatic past. Check.
Off the charts chemistry both on and off the stage with the keyboardist. Double check.
Single dad vibes. Check.
Adorable daughter who will melt your heart. All the checks.
This was a great story that I’m so glad I took the chance on a new to me author. Her style at first was a little confusing how each chapter started, but once I understood – it was pure genius. It gave us so much insight into Mason’s past. Mason West is a tortured soul who lost his first love way too young. But Brooklyn really lights up his life, but something is still missing. When he finds it with Burn Card – he thinks he has it all, but his past comes back to haunt him.
Liberty is strong, stubborn, and has her own hurts to get past. She and Mason together are combustible and Ms. Lie-berry will make your heart melt.
“Mason, don’t you see that while you’re chasing a sunrise, you’re already the entire d**n sun in that little girl’s world? You’re the orbit, the horizon, everything good and beautiful in her life.”
Mason – you truly are rising west!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Title: Rising West
Author: Alyson Santos
Genre: Rockstar romance
My rating: 5 ++
This is the book I was waiting for. The kind of story that’s written once in a blue-moon. Yeah. It’s that good. Thank you, Alyson. Thanks for writing such beautiful words that literally leapt off the paper. Sad to say this is honestly the first time I’ve ever read one of your books. Not to worry, though. It won’t be a last. Because if you continue writing captivating character’s like, Mason, who not only has smoldery looks, but charisma and passion to fight (with everything he’s got); I’m sold. Mason will forever have a special place in my heart. He and Liberty were the perfect combination. Together they created an explosive love-affair. Was it perfect? No. Was it exhilarating and electrifying and non-toxic? Yes. These two bring a whole new meaning to “breathtaking.” That’s what they were. That’s what they are. And the music; so poetic. Not cheesy at all. Loved every bit of this story.
*Thank you so much Alyson Santos and Wild Fire Marketing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
5 ‘All the Stars’ Stars!!
I’ve been so excited for this new series by Ms.Santos! Rising West has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint! This book is EVERYTHING! It deserves all the stars! This story and it’s characters are exactly what I needed in my life. I absolutely loved it!
Mason and Liberty’s journey is an unforgettable one from beginning to end! From the beauty of the music to the emotions that were so real, every bit of their story hit me right in the chest. I connected with these characters, I felt everything with them, and I adored them so much.
Mason West has my heart forever!
With Rising West, Ms.Santos has created one of the most beautiful, realistic, and moving books I’ve ever read. This story has left such a big mark on not only my heart, but my soul as well. It’s one of my new favorite books and a top read of 2020 for me! I can’t wait for Falling North!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
A rating. Such an amazing book. I loved Mason and his vulnerabilities…he’s so unsure of his talent and abilities. I just wanted to hug him and loved that Liberty soon discovered that need, too. This was an amazing start to this new series and I can’t wait for more. No one writes musicians better than Alyson Santos.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!