Everything about this book called to me. The cover, it features a musician, and it’s a second chance romance. The author may have new to me, but it didn’t matter. I am always on the lookout for new authors and so I readily jumped into the story.
Title: Play For Me
Author(s): Tam Derudder Jackson
Series: The Balefire Series #1
Also in this series: Sing For Me, Wild For Me, Hot For Me
Published by Amazon.com Services LLC on May 27, 2021
Pages: 214
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Source: Netgalley
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon
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Series Rating:
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JackWhen I made my deal with the devil, I thought I was on my way to my rock 'n' roll dream. Too bad I didn't read the fine print. Having it all meant giving up the only girl I knew I'd ever love. Five years later, I'm drumming in the hottest rock band in the country, but I live like a monk.Fate hands me an opportunity to reconnect with my perfect girl, giving me one glorious night with Clio Barnes. Our chemistry is off the charts. Too bad fate plays by her own rules. When Clio hears my bandmate's idea of a joke, she believes I've used her, dissolved our love into a one-night stand, and she blows out of my life. When our tour ends, I'm determined to find her again, no matter how well she hides from me.
ClioAll my life, I've been invisible. For a brief moment five years ago, Jack Whitehorse saw me. And he made me feel like the center of his universe. But that was an illusion. Music was Jack's only love. A chance encounter after a Balefire concert...
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Play For Me by Tam Derudder Jackson is the first book in the Balefire series. It introduces Jack Whitehorse and Clio Barnes. Jack and Clio were high school sweethearts. Clio was Jack’s world, and the only thing that came close was his love of music. Clio’s parents didn’t approve of their relationship. Therefore, to remove him from her life, Clio’s father offered Jack what he thought was the opportunity of a lifetime. Naively Jack accepted and in doing so unwitting pushed Clio from his life.
Fast forward five years later Jack is the drummer for Balefire, one of the hottest bands in the country. Despite achieving his dream, he felt incomplete, as the girl who owned his heart was not by his side. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?
Despite its predictably, I enjoyed the story and spending time with some characters. I say some, because I found a few detestable, for instance, Clio’s parents. Anyway, let me not digress.
Jack and Clio made a great couple. However, their biggest issue lay in their failure to communicate. I could emphatise with them as teenagers, but as adults I wanted to shake them a time or two. Jack had every opportunity to come clean about his reason for walking away five years ago, and he never did. Don’t get me started with Clio aargh! I am happy to report they eventually got it right after much pulling of teeth.
Now, although they both exasperated me with their failure to communicate, I loved how much they grew throughout the story. Clio learned to stand on her own and accomplish so much without her parents’ financial backing. It helped that she had the support of her friends.
Jack’s willingness to step up and take responsibility for his past actions proved how much he grew throughout the story.
Play for Me moved quickly and was an easy read. I finished in less than a day. It ended on a heart-warming note which had me smiling, and I have to admit, brought a teeny bit of tears to my eyes. However, there were aspects of the story I found unbelievable, but hey its fiction so maybe I am nit picking.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Play for Me shows how important a role communication plays in the success of any relationship. It’s a story of betrayal, lies, secrets, discrimination and, most of all, love. Overall, an ok read and perfect for readers looking for a light read.
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About Tam Derudder Jackson
Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can find her driving around in her convertible with the top down or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.
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I just love new adult romance. Thanks for putting this on my radar!
You are welcome.
This is a new to me author. The characters sound interesting and it looks like the series is off to a good start 🙂
It was my first time with the author. Interesting series.
I like this type of book too Nadene and this one looks good. Thanks for the great review
You are welcome, Debbie.
With that cover and story about a rocker, I expected a higher heat level. Exasperating characters are a miss for me. I appreciate your honest reviews.
Thanks DJ.
Play For Me sounds like a solid romance read. Great review.
Yes it was solid.
A Rock Band second chance romance does sound pretty good. Argh, lack of communication is frustrating, but glad they got past that in the end.
One of my biggest pet peeves, lack of communication. Don’t like when it causes the story to drag.
Second chance romance always have a certain charm.
They sure do.
Great review. I think I have only ever read one New Adult genre book. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thanks Stacey,