Kristie J’s review of Idol (VIP, Book 1) by Kristen Callihan
New Adult/Contemporary Romance published by Plain Jane 7 Jun 16

I read and enjoyed a number of the Darkest London series and have one of the Game On books on the TBR pile, but this is the first contemporary that I’ve cracked open by this author, and the book grabbed me from the beginning.

I love our heroine’s, Liberty or Libby, reaction when she finds a drunk, passed-out Killian on her front yard. Way to go, I thought. I also love the fact that she has no idea who he really is.

Killian is the lead singer of the current hottest band in the world, but they are on a hiatus at the moment. One of the other members and Killian’s best friend had tried to kill himself and Killian had to get away from it all while his friend is recovering. It turns out that he is renting the house next to Libby.

Their relationship starts out fairly acrimonious, but Killian is a charmer and he manages to get past the barriers Libby has put up. She’s fairly withdrawn in more ways than one. She doesn’t really have any close friends, she works from home, and she lives in a fairly isolated place, the North Carolina outer banks. But their relationship really starts to bloom when Killian discovers what a talented musician Libby is and, in fact, they both share a deep, deep love of music. Their bond becomes deep and their love for each other essential.

But all things must come to an end and way to soon Killian must rejoin the world, which means going on tour again. He begs Libby to go with him, but Libby has debilitating stage fright, plus she’s not sure if she really wants that kind of life. Her parents were musicians and warned her away from it. But Libby is so much in love and missing Killian so much that she finally relents, with a few conditions.

While I haven’t read that many ‘rock star’ books, I have read a few and this is one of the best I’ve read. While on the outside Killian acts just the way you would think – sex, drugs, and rock and roll – inside he’s longing for someone to love him for who he is. For him it’s not the lifestyle that’s important, it’s the music itself.  He’s charming and funny and quirky and really makes for a multi-layered hero.

Liberty makes for an equally well-developed heroine. She also, though she won’t really admit it, is needing to be loved too. When she finds it with Killian, it’s the unselfish kind of love, as is his for Libby. I very much enjoyed this book and definitely plan on continuing with the series.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse—and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.

No excerpt available.