An ambitious exec and reluctant rock star sizzle in this workplace romantic comedy about music’s redemptive power, hogging the bed, and finding love.
Bright and ambitious Marin Collins sees her new internship with a prestigious PR firm as a stepping-stone to a much-needed permanent position. But her plans for career success are derailed when she’s assigned to go on the road with rock band Kings … with rock band Kings Quarters, hailed by Rolling Stone as the next big thing. To gain full-time employment, she’ll need to stick to her “no workplace romance” policy and resist the sexy and nerdy rock star on the tour bus.
Enter Brad Osterhauser, the reluctant guitarist who would rather be coding computer games than penning Grammy-nominated songs. While grateful for the band’s success, he’s trapped on tour out of loyalty to the brother and bandmate who helped him escape a depressing home life. His outlook about the current tour improves immensely when he’s smitten by the smart and stunning PR executive who joins the tour.
Traveling by bus, city to city with a group of practical joking bandmates and a greedy manager, Marin and Brad forge a friendship and forbidden romance over a shared love of Seinfeld episodes, stolen moments and Red Vines.
Will Marin and Brad’s secret passions destroy both their careers, or take desire to the ultimate encore?
If you love a slow burn romance with laugh out loud moments, forced proximity, and sizzling chemistry, scroll up now to buy or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
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I really love rock star romances because you never know what you are going to get. Despite the groundwork plot predictability, it’s always fun to read a new perspective. I went into this open minded, being forewarned of the potential steam, and glad that I took the chance because I didn’t want to stop reading.
Now, I have a low tolerance for steam and prefer not to read if possible. What I will say is that the point of view of Brad, much of what he says is steaming, due mainly because of his thoughts of being a guy. Beyond that, the rest of the plot over ruled any reservations I may have had. I really enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and definitely see this hopefully becoming a series.
Told by dual perspectives, you really get a balanced experience seeing things from two different angles. I was so glad that Marin was intelligent, ambitious and a hardworking gal that allowed her to bring something for us to want to root for. Brad wasn’t your typical rock star. There is a backstory to him that gives a unique perspective of more than a rock star character. Their developing friendship and forbidden romance gives the readers some highs and lows mixed with some drama that makes this contemporary romance worth flipping the pages. Overall, I thought it was a good read and loved their chemistry. I’d recommend checking this one out.
“It’s fine to ogle him from afar, but hands—and tongues—off.”
Starfish was my introduction to the work of author Lisa Becker. Of course, it’s my rockstar addiction that put this new-to-me author on my radar. I just can’t resist them and after reading the synopsis I was sold. Especially when I learned that Brad was not only a ‘reluctant rockstar’ but also a geek. Technology is another of my interests and I really enjoyed the nerdy witty banter.
The story is told in dual POV and I admit to quite a few giggle-snorts when both Brad and Marin lusted after each other wearing glasses. The fact they actually preferred each other in them was sweet. Yes, that’s right. Brad’s not your typical alpha asshole rocker who’s into the whole sex, drugs and rock n’ roll scene. Nope, he’s into Seinfeld and computer code. While his bandmates are drooling over blonde bombshells with silicone enhancements, he’s drooling over her brown bob, curvy ass and thighs.
The colorful support characters are addictive as well. Marin’s bestie is funny and adorable and the band members are non-stop pranks and jokes. I had fun hanging out with all of them as I virtually joined the tour. There were also a few dark characters that I wanted to run over with the tour bus, and then back up and do it again. I found the story to be sweet and entertaining as well as funny and suspenseful at times. And when you learn why it’s called Starfish you will be smiling with me.
I absolutely adored this story! I was cheering for Marin & Brad the whole time I was listening. I finished listening about 2 hours ago and I can’t stop thinking about them. I want to go back! Perfect narration by Erin Mallon & Sebastian York. Please do yourself a favor & read/listen to this book! So, so good.
That was a fun summer read. Marin gets a PR internship, not the one she hoped for but with a band. She meets Brad Osterhauser of the band Kings Quarters and she isn’t excited. But as Marin and Brad find a friendship with each other it develops into more. Love a good rock band and a bus tour.
I know when I’m reading a Lisa Becker book that is is going to be amazing. She has such a way of writing that makes the characters come alive and all of their experiences are so relatable.
Marin is starting a new job, and even though it isn’t the one she would have chosen for herself, she is enjoying it. Brad is a member of the band Kings Quarters. Even though he enjoys it, it isn’t his passion.
These two together form a bond from the beginning. The friends to lovers, slow burn relationship made the story that much more realistic. You see them battling with their inner emotions over every situation, and trying to figure out how to handle their feelings and actions in a professional way.
You will definitely be rooting for this duo from the start and wanting to know more about all of the other band members as well. I really hope Lisa writes a series based on Kings Quarters, because the other guys deserve their moment in the spotlight!
-A copy of the book was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Starfish audible
Brad is the rockstar, handsome, sexy and talented, a tech geek too. Marin is perfect for him because she’s beautiful and smart, she’s totally into Brad but being with him could cause her the dream job that she’s worked so hard for. To say this book is slow burn is a gross understatement, but it’s not boring. These two are so cute together and I loved them. Brad messed up in the end but they had an epic comeback. The ending is romantic and just plain awesome. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it. Since I have the audible box set it’s on to book two, Dear future self.
I need more Starfish! I cannot wait to read book 1.5 and hope there will be a book 2 soon. I won this as an audiobook from the author in a group on Facebook, and I have to say I had zero disappointments. I loved this book so much, I finished it in a day, listening to it in the car to/from work and while at work all day. I have to say I think Brad (B) is my new book boyfriend of the moment, I love him. You can’t go wrong with a sexy rock star who is also smart and has a heart. Should I mention I fell in love with him a little more when I we discover he is writing code. I write code for a living.
First book by this author for me, will be reading so many more!!
Starfish is Lisa Becker’s next standalone and first rockstar romance. I have read a few of her books and have enjoyed them so I just had to have this one. And look at that cover. It’s adorable and so Brad and Marin.
Marin has landed a Summer intern position with one of the top PR firms in LA. She was excited when she was told that she would be working at a Tech firm in Seattle. So she was shocked to be meeting a rock band called Kings Quarter. A band in the middle of a tour. A band starting the summer leg of said tour. A tour she would be joining for four months. Not working in Seattle. She knows nothing about rock bands except for what she has seen in the movies. She was anything but excited about this. That was until she got to know Brad. The sexy guitarist who wears glasses and is a bit of a nerd.
Brad wanted her from the moment he saw her. And when she put on her glasses? She was his sexy geek fantasy come to life. She definitely was not the type of girl he could only have once. She also was a bit reserved so he needed to go slow. She was a little workaholic which was amazing for the band but he wanted her to have fun as well. To make friends. To enjoy her time on the road. And when her roommate keeps taking up her room, it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know her. Watching Seinfeld and falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. It was a start but can he show her that he wants more?
Marin doesn’t mix business with pleasure. She wants Brad. Bad. But she can’t risk her career for a summer fling. That’s all it could ever be. He is a rock star who tours the world. She is a woman who stays in one place. It would never work. Or can it?
I enjoyed Brad and Marin’s story. I thought it was adorable, witty, flirty, sexy, and fun. I do love a slow burn but it was a bit too slow in the beginning. I loved their connection. Their friendship. It was so much fun and cute. It also has some heat in there with his words. I loved him! I loved Marin but it took me longer to fall for her. I did like that she didn’t just go for it. She had to think it through but it was frustrating at the same time.
Overall…it’s a flirty, fun, sexy, and witty story. I loved the main characters. I also enjoyed the rest of the band. They are not typical rock stars and still have so much fun. That was refreshing.
Quotes:
“Uthafucka!” yells Jase again as he pushes forward to attack Oliver.
“Oh, did I hurt your fragile ego?” I mock.
“Woman, don’t be starting something you can’t end,” he retorts.
“Let me help you into bed and I’ll order some pickles and ice cream from room service,” I suggest.
She laughs hard now. “I’m not pregnant and this isn’t a nineties sitcom,” she replies with a raised brow.
“Okay, what? Chocolate?” I ask. “Ah-ha! I nailed it. With that look in your eyes I know I’ve said the magic words.”
I loved this book. This wasn’t the normal rock star romance. It was so much more. Marin takes an intern job as a PR person for a rock band. It’s not the job she wanted, but it will still get her foot in the door for the job she wants. She has an instant connection with guitarist Brad. Brad’s dream wasn’t to be a rock star. Far from it. He does it for his brother who is in the band. As the tour goes along Marin and Brad draw closer. While Marin tries to fight the attraction, Brad wants to anything but ignore it. A real friendship forms. Marin learns there is more to rock stars than what the media says. And Brad really sees Marin for the amazing woman she is. Finally they can’t deny the attraction and anymore and they become electric. But something unexpected happens to test that bond they share. I loved every second of this story. I felt like I was there with them on tour, in the midst of the fun and the drama. Erin Mallon and Sebastian York, who are narrators I adore, were the perfect voices for these characters. I definitely want to continue on in the series. I am invested in these characters. A must read/listen for romance fans.
I really enjoyed this Rock star romance. Marin is hired for an internship and at the last minute is given one she was surprised about. Instead of a job at a tech firm, she is to go on the road with a rock band and manage their social media, interviews meet and greets etc. She travels on the bus with band and stays with them on the road for 4 months. What Marin didn’t expect was to enjoy their company so much. Especially Brad the lead guitarist. They have their ups and downs and sweet moments. This is a slow burn romance that follows Brad and Marin through their friendship and love life. The wonderful voices of Erin Mallon and Sebastian York help to make this a story not to miss!
This book was a little slow to get started, it was cute in the middle and then once she got the couple together it was much faster pace as they weren’t giving her many obstacles lol
The conflict in the book to pull the couple apart was PERFECT! It was smooth and seem less and believable! It fit beautifully with the story line and the flow. It didn’t make you want to roll your eyes because one of them was being EPICALLY stupid just standard stupid lol
Then she did a few “after the music” chapters
Audio Review
Sleep like a Starfish
When Marin gets a new assignment she has no idea where that will take her. She was expecting something entirely different from the PR role she landed with Kings Quarters, a rock band that is traveling the country. As she gets to know the band though she comes to love her position as well as one of the band members even though she can’t act on those feelings.
Brad enjoys playing in the band and the perks that come with that but when he first meets Marin he could all of a sudden care less about the groupies and after parties. He just wants to spend time with her. Now to convince Marin they can be together.
This is a fun and funny romance that takes time to get there. The characters are all likeable and I got wrapped up in the goings on of the group. Loved the side characters as well, Marin’s bestie Grace is fun and loveable too. There is of course drama to deal with and family issues as well as underhanded moves by some. I really enjoyed listening to this book and highly recommend it.
Erin Mallon and Sebastian York are fantastic as always. Their timing is spot on and they brought out these characters. Loved listening to both of them from beginning to end.
Vivacious, Charming, Sexy, and Funny
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This slow-burn romantic comedy is wonderfully entertaining. I think that Mariana Zapata, Helen Hoang, and Sylvie Stewart have some fierce new competition for writing the best slow-burns and funny contemporary romances. This is the first book by Lisa Becker that I have experienced, and her writing was so good. The entire situation and the characters seem so real and yet so captivating. The dialogue sparkles with something special. It is such a feel-good story that I will definitely listen to again. I totally recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes romantic comedies, slow-burn romances, rock star romances, and/or contemporary romances.
Finally, a rock star who is a good guy! Of course, Brad has a dirty mind, but that is great in a book boyfriend. Brad is the lead guitarist, sometimes songwriter, and backup singer for his older brother’s band, but Brad would rather be creating his own video game. I loved how this audiobook has first person perspective that alternates between the two main characters, Marin Collins and Brad Osterhauser. It is great to be able to get into Brad’s head in addition to the lovable heroine. Marin and Brad are so sweet together, and their attraction sizzles. The secondary characters are memorable, too, especially Marin’s best friend.
The narration is absolutely perfect. Erin Mallon and Sebastian York are fantastic as they alternate chapters: Erin for Marin’s chapters and Sebastian for Brad’s chapters. The narrators perform with enthusiasm, nuance, humor, and gorgeous voices. Erin Mallon’s voice is melodic and wonderful. Sebastian York’s voice is sexy and perfect for a rock star with a nerdy side. They both infuse so much life into their performances, and they are excellent at love scenes.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
#AudiobookObsession Reviewer
I love so much about this story! First off I am not a huge fan of rockstar romances. But I gave this a go since I have enjoyed the authors other books. I am so glad I did! This story made me laugh and walk around with a smile on my face. The characters are witty, smart and not at all what I expected.
The jokes the boys play on each other is super funny. Plus some of the games they come up with on the bus? Genius!
Now I looked at Brad one way but as the story went I changed my opinion of him. I was shocked to decide he is actually sincere. When he calls her while she was sick to remind her to take her meds??? OMg! I about died! That right there just made me smile…BIG! Shoot! I am smiling right now just thinking about that scene. I don’t even want to mention either song he wrote?!? GAH! I would have DIED! Yep expired on the spot!
The rest of the crew are interesting to say the least. They all have issues but have a fun side to them and they all consider themselves a family. Thank goodness for the epilogues! They were amazing! Perfect ending!
I did listen to this on audio. Erin Mallon and Sebastian York are the narrators. They are perfect for this story! They took and amazing story and turned it phenomenal! This will be on my list of re-reads!
What a cute twist on the rock star romance! There’s a bit of forbidden (boss/employee), forced proximity, and a delicious slow burn in Starfish, as well as lots of laughs thanks to some very inventive pranks. The behind the scenes and the details of the what goes on during a band tour were really interesting. I enjoyed the build up between Marin and Brad (though there’s quite a bit of instalust at the start), and how their relationship went from friendship to more. The adorkable moments were the best (Harry Potter! Star Wars!) and I loved that they had so much more than just a physical connection. There was some drama late in the book that felt a bit over the top, but given the situation, it was easy to understand how assumptions and emotions could get out of hand quickly. I really loved the epilogue though and the peek into the future for the band was just right. There’s also a novella available called Dear Future Self, which is about the former front man for Kings Quarter, Jase Connors.
Erin Mallon and Sebastian York were fantastic as usual and I am always impressed with their range and ability to voice male and female characters so well. York’s voice was a smidge too deep for me since Brad was described as more lean and not quite as over the top alpha as some other romance heroes, but I still loved his performance.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
AudiobookObsession
Outstanding Story & Audible Listen Captivating & Heartfelt!
Starfish
A Rock Star Romance
By: Lisa Becker
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Sebastian York
I loved everything about this book, from Lisa Becker’s wonderful writing style to the storylines and characters she created to Erin Mallon & Sebastian York’s amazing narration. Heck, I even love the title and the story behind it. 😉 I am a huge fan of Rock Star romance books and Lisa Becker does not disappoint, her storylines are original and different then your typical angsty romance, which I found refreshing in many ways. The characters are complex and well developed. I adored Marin and Brad as well as his bandmates. I loved the camaraderie amongst the band members and the pranks they played. Marin landed a much wanted summer internship with the public relations firm. She was excited thinking she will be doing P.R for a tech company in Seattle. But when she and the other interns received their assignment she learned her assignment was changed, she would be working with and going on tour with “Kings Quarters”, an up and coming rock band. She got to meet the manager, Damon and band members Jase, Johnny, Oliver, Craig and Brad before setting going on their tour bus for four months. Brad was instantly attracted to her, she was attracted to him too but vowed to never get involved with someone she works for and will keep it completely professional. These two were great together and for each other, they become good friends & confidants. He wanted to take their relationship to another level and knew she was afraid but he is a patient man. I loved how well plotted this book is, a lot goes on and there is never a dull moment. There is plenty of drama, a bit of angst, some great humor, some heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones, twists with betrayals as well as a slow burn romance. Lisa Becker, thank you for this awesome story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to hearing more about the rest of the band, especially the king prankster, Oliver.
I listened to the Audible edition, Erin Mallon and Sebastian York are amazing narrators and voice artists. They do an awesome job portraying the characters and bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personality. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to their work. Thank you for another awesome listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Starfish is a beautifully written rockstar romance. Marin and Brad slow burn story is fun and sweet. They share an instant attraction, and a great chemistry. The band’s life is well described, and feels real! I love the ending. Erin Mallon and Sebastian York did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it.
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Lisa Becker. It was a relatively predictable plot and some moments seemed to good to be true, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was both sweet and funny. I loved Chapter 44! (That’s why I decided on 5 stars instead of 4.) And I really liked that the name of the book was meaningful.
I’ve listened to Erin Mallon and Sebastian York before and had high expectations for the audio. They did a great job and I always appreciate having both male and female narrators when the book is written from dual points of view. The only thing that could have made it better was actually singing. The songs didn’t seem like ballads from the lyrics alone, but she had so many other great performance moments (like the toothpaste one) that it was still great.
Overall, I would recommend the Audible version for people looking for a story that’s both sweet and funny.
#AudiobookObsession
A little light on what I would call a rockstar storyline, but a truly entertaining listen none the less. Little to no angst, fun, lots of good vibes among the characters and we find the answers for the strange name to the book.
Erin & Sebastian did a wonderful job narrating these characters.
This was my first story by Lisa Becker but will not be my last. I spent most of my day listening/reading about Marin and Brad. I like that there was a slow progression to the friendship. Like that it was not accomplished in a few days. It had all the elements I enjoy in a story..nice comfortable feel to the story that came alive as I listened. There was some angst in there also as life is not always easy. I like that there was a family vibe to the story about the band members. Craig and Brad were brothers..but Jase, Johnny and Oliver were also a part of the story. I enjoyed the games they played while on the road and the pranks were a fun surprise. I am looking forward to reading more of her stories soon…Oh and anytime Sebastian York says my name..in a audio is pure gold..haha!