Book 2 of 2 of the NSB Series.Second chances are hard enough when you deserve them. Then there are the ones you don’t.Callie asked if I was ready. And that’s the question, isn’t it? Ready for what? The spotlight? The music? Or ready for life. Ready to face the reality that what I was is going to attack the very fabric of who I am now. No one knows I’m a different person. Well, no one except the … one except the two most important people in my life, which is why there’s a remote chance I might actually pull off the comeback I never saw coming.
Then again, that was before Holland Drake crashed into my life. I didn’t ask for her. Heaven knows she didn’t ask for me. But sometimes it’s not about what makes sense; it’s about accepting that not everything will. It’s learning you have a choice when it feels like you don’t. It’s believing even the worst past can still have a future.
And sometimes it’s none of that. Sometimes it’s survival. A blind fight through the pain as you cling to any shred of hope you can find. And it’s those moments, those desperate pleas into the darkness for a flicker of light, when you have no choice but to confront the blessing that often feels like a curse:
You’re still alive. You’re still significant.
You’re once again Luke Craven, frontman for Night Shifts Black.
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. Please note this book also addresses the issues of depression and suicide in a compassionate, realistic manner.
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I freakin’ love Holland Drake; everything about her is amazing! After reading NSB and becoming invested in Luke’s story, I couldn’t wait to read Tracing Holland; Alyson Santos did not disappoint. I love the glimpse into the rockstar lifestyle that this book gave. I love that it touches on so many sensitive subjects, so many uncomfortable situations, and makes the reader feel the turmoil of the characters. I love everything about this book!
This book is different from stereotypical CR books. It deals with inner darkness and the life of a rockstar. Loved the struggles and the emotion interaction between the different characters. This is a continuation of book one NSB, with the edition of a new line of characters. I will say, I didn’t like the heroine initially, inserting herself in our Rockstar’s life. But she eventually grew on me. You must read NSB 1 first to understand the emotional pressure and personal struggle background. Luke is a beautiful mess and it was amazing to see him grow from NSB1.
I loved this book because it is written different from a typical romance storyline. Emotional roller coaster. LOVE THE CHARACTERS!
I’m so happy to say that the sequel to NSB went above and beyond my expectations.
“But I’m Luke Craven. Dandelion. Train-Wreck. Liar. Gravedigger. Believer. Beautiful Moment Destroyer.”
Luke Craven is not your typical Rockstar. Since the death of his wife, he’s been fighting the demons in his head, and feeling responsible because of the bad choices he made in the past. But he’s had a lot of help and support these last few months from Casey, Callie, and his therapist, and now it’s time for a comeback tour.
“Am I ready? No. But I’m ok with that now. I’m ok, because for the first time since I can remember, I’m not afraid of myself. I’m not afraid of tomorrow. I’m not afraid to live.”
Holland Drake is the lead singer of Tracing Holland, and they are one of the opening bands for NSB. I really enjoyed her character. She is confident, independent, and very candid. She was exactly what Luke needed, he just didn’t know it yet. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I felt a whole gamut of emotions as Luke tried to fight for the future he wanted.
I’m torn
Picking up where NSB ends, I’m thrust right into the reality of what it means for life to begin again. Struggles and successes are at the forefront. Rock & roll taking a prominent position too.
Luke Craven’s story is different, difficult and I don’t take that lightly. Holland Drake is a little too close to perfect. I struggled to connect with her and them as a couple. I just didn’t feel their chemistry.
This is definitely a series that is most enjoyable when read together. It’s a group of characters that are a family that laughs, loves, cries and lives.
I really wanted to love this one. So many did. Luke’s story, as told from his perspective, just didn’t hit the mark for me. I got a lot of answers to my questions but never a real pull to completely invest
This is the second book in the Night Shifts Black series, I think you should really read them first before jumping into this one. This is Luke’s book who is the lead singer of NSB he has come along ways from his destructive past, but still has a way to go. With his bandmates and Callie, they go on tour with two other bands opening for them. Tracing Holland and Limelight, Holland Drake is the lead singer and she has this instant connection with Luke, Luke just wants to stay alone, sing, and just survive every day with all his triggers. Holland is the perfect little self-help book Luke didn’t know he needed.
I loved this book, I am so happy it was not as dark as the first one, but still had some very emotional moments. I loved how this author shoved the mental struggles that Luke faces every day, to us the reader. I get it. I am struggling with depression and anxiety every day and it is not easy and is never-ending. This book promotes that it’s okay to ask for help to talk with a therapist. This book brilliantly shows good days and really bad days. Holland was just the extra therapy he needed.
Amazing read
Tracing Holland (NSB Book 2) by Alyson Santos is a beautifully written, contemporary, rockstar romance and is not a standalone. Night Shifts Black, a phenomenal book, must be read first as it lays the foundation for this character-driven series. Tracing Holland picks up where Night Shifts Black ends.
The story follows Luke Craven, frontman for Night Shifts Black, and is told entirely from his perspective. He has rejoined the band and is on the road with them headlining a tour with two other bands, Tracing Holland and Limelight.
Luke still struggles with the same issues. He’s still battling some serious demons, but he has learned to implement healthier coping skills. He has grown significantly and continues to grow throughout the story, especially as a relationship develops with Holland Drake.
In Night Shifts Black, we got to know Luke through Callie’s eyes, so it was really wonderful to switch perspectives, get inside his head, and experience his thoughts and emotions first hand. Although this was an emotional book, it did not feel quite as heavy as the first even though it tackled the same dark subject matter.
This is the story of Luke’s second chance – a story of hope and redemption.
Still loving these well written characters and emotional storylines!! Would like to have seen Callie be more of a presence during the dark times!! She was so much apart of the first book and then almost non-existent and this one, in Luke’s life that is! On to Viper!!