Idol (VIP, #1) by Kristen Callihan Series: VIP #1
on June 7th 2016
Pages: 307
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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.
Idol definitely satisfied by rock star romance craving. The typical formula for this trope goes something like this. A rock god lives a life filled with tons of groupie sex. He meets the one woman who won’t jump into bed with him which makes him want her even more. Once they hook up, he’s reformed and becomes a one-woman man. Regardless of its predictability, it’s a setup that works for me. Idol enhances that theme and it’s a nice variation.
Killian is the lead guitarist and singer for a popular rock band. Recent events have left him in a downward spiral, so he’s hiding away in a small beach town and avoiding anything music related until he gets his mojo back. Liberty is a hermit who lives across the street from the house Killian is renting. To say the two get off to a rocky start is an understatement. Given her prickliness I found it odd that Killian grows attached to—and dependent upon—Liberty so quickly without really knowing anything about her. After they make the leap from enemies to friends, though, and they begin to spend more time together, there’s an understandable pull between them and it’s obvious that they bring out the best in each other. Some wonderful sexual tension follows as well as some really steamy action.
Is it possible to have a super sweet and ultra hot rock star rolled into one? Heck yeah, if your name is Killian James. The man oozes sex appeal, but he’s humble, sensitive, and supportive.
I loved that music is so integral to the plot and not just a backdrop. Unlike typical rocker romances, Libby is talented in her own right and isn’t merely a sidepiece who is there to support Killian. In fact, it’s Libby’s passion for music and her talent that help solidify their bond. I really enjoyed their time spent together on tour. Libby’s relationship with the other band members is another a highlight of the story.
The book has a strong opening with an enticing peak into the future that leads the reader to believe something bad goes down between Killian and Liberty. The story then switches to the past and as the storyline progresses, I began bracing myself for the major collision in their relationship. When the past and the present finally intersect, the excitement I expected was missing. The big conflict is so avoidable that I felt rather let down and frustrated. In spite of that, Liberty and Killian are both appealing characters, and their chemistry is strong enough to help carry this very sweet story.
Overall, Idol is a great start to the VIP series, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Recommended for fans of:
Rock star romances
Sweet heroes
Steamy sexy times
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Excerpt
“You know,” I say conversationally, as I kick back, “I want to fuck you right now.”
Libby jerks as if pinched and sits a little straighter, before getting a hold of herself and slouching as if she’s completely chill. Cute.
She gives me a smirk and sips her water before drawling, “And what? Mark your territory? Assert your manly dominance?”
“Yep.” I slide my gaze to hers. “But mostly I just want to fuck you all the time.”
God, I love the way her lips part and body flushes with heat. So subtle, but there all the same. It makes me hard as steel, my balls squeezing tight. I don’t look at her but pretend I’m observing the room. The lights are dimming for the movie now, the empty chairs in front of us obscuring our lower halves.
Slowly my hand falls to space between us and smooths along her hip. She delicately shivers as my fingers trace down her thigh.
“What about you,” I murmur, lightly toying with her skirt in the darkening room. “You want to fuck me, baby doll?”
“Right now, I want to kick you,” she gets out between clenched teeth. “Keep your hands to yourself. There are nosy ass people everywhere.”
“They’re all watching the movie. Not us.” Focusing on the screen, I keep my expression neutral as I ease my hand under her skirt. Her skin is smooth and warm. The movie starts in a blast of music and the familiar old logo as I trace over her knee and up her soft thigh. “And that wasn’t a ‘no.’”
She makes a cute growl in the back of her throat, but her legs part just enough to give me room to delve between them. Her inner thighs are hot and damp, and my cock twitches.
The storyline rolls along, my touch idly roams. Libby remains utterly still but I can practically feel the tension vibrating within her. When the tip of my finger skims the crease where her thigh meets her hip, her breath catches, legs parting wider.
“Have I mentioned how much I appreciated this new skirt-filled wardrobe?” I whisper, lightly drawing circles along her skin.
“Brenna’s idea.” Her hips shift just a bit, following my touch. “Right now, I’m missing my shorts.”
I smile, my eyes on the screen, my fingers drifting to the edge of her panties. “Later, you can put them on and we’ll play ‘Fuck the Farmer’s Daughter.’”
She grunts, a stifled laugh, which turns to a strangled whimper when I pluck her panties. Her voice turns breathy. “I’m trying to watch the damn movie. I’m not interested in fooling around.” She moves a tiny fraction, nudging against my finger.
In the dark, I grin, heat and lust pulling my abs tight. “I’m sorry,” I say, not sorry at all, “But I don’t believe you. I’m gonna have to check.”
About Kristen Callihan
Kristen Callihan is an author because there’s nothing else she’d rather be. She has written New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestsellers. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Her debut book, Firelight, received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence and was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, Best Book of Spring 2012 by Publishers Weekly, and Best Romance Book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she’s not writing, she’s reading.
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