Wednesday, August 28, 2013

SERIES REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: ROCK CHICK by KRISTEN ASHLEY

It's official: Rock Chick is my newest obsession.
I became friends with a great bunch of ladies earlier this year. When I was pulled into this group, one of the first emails I received was all about this series, Rock Chick, and author, Kristen Ashley. They loved and raved about all of her books, but this series was at the top of the list. There was talk of badass chicks, something called a "Hot Bunch", and just epicness is general.
Of course this got my interest, and I put the books on my to-read list. Well, my husband caught wind of this series, and being a lover of awesome chicks who consistently get into trouble,  action, and fun, he was all over that. He read this series and LOVED it. He and my friend were constantly emailing and tweeting each other about how much he loved the books and the insanity that is the Rock Chicks. He kept telling me to get on this, I wouldn't regret it. So after months, I finally got around to starting Rock Chick.
I. Had. No. Idea. Rock Chick has been, without a doubt, one of my favorite reading experiences ever. I am such a speed reader, but I forced myself to slow down and truly enjoy the series. I also spent as much time emailing, tweeting, gushing to my husband and friends, and laughing at the hilarity of the Rock Chicks as reading. What makes this even better is, I have found so many new friends from simply tweeting about this series. Kristen Ashley has devoted fans, and I love it.
I've been debating on a way to express my love without rambling on and on about the books, because truly, nothing I can say will do this series justice. So many readers have said so many amazing things about the series and I didn't feel like I had anything new to say. But you know me, and I had to say something. So I decided just to feature each book, the main characters, and highlight what I loved about it.



Rock Chick (Rock Chick, #1)Series: Rock Chick #1
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: FeedARead
Publication Date: 12/8/08
Format: ebook
Pages: 398
Source: Purchase

Indy Savage, cop's daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up. Now Indy's employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he's interested, Indy's decided she's not. But she can't seem to keep Lee out of her life when she's repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she's finding dead bodies).

Indy's best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee's challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart.

  

Rock Chick ~ India "Indy" Savage. A kickass woman who can rock high heels and a stun gun. India, along with best friend Ally Nightingale, is one of the original Rock Chicks. She's not afraid of life. Love, well that's another story, and that brings me to...

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Liam "Lee" Nightingale. Hot Guy Move ~ The Smile
Oh. My. Gawd. Now I know what the Hot Bunch is, and Lee is the leader. A legendary Badass, Lee is the owner of Nightingale Investigations, a whole group of badass hotties.  Lee was a bossy, sexy, dangerous, protective piece of man and I loved him. Lee is not above handcuffs and wrestling (the fun kind) to get Indy's attention.

What made Rock Chick stand out for me
Indy has been in love with Lee since she was five years old, but Lee never returned the feelings. Or so she thought. Lee has been in love with her for the past ten years, and he's tired of waiting for her to see it. Indy is in danger, Lee can protect her, and in the meantime, he's going to make her his. After the last time Lee shut her down ten years prior, Indy has become an expert in evading him. Lee's not having it anymore, and uses bribery, neck kisses, arm cages, and waist-grabbing/holding. What really makes this book so incredible for me - besides the dialogue, the hilarity, the excitement, and the Hot Bunch hotness - is the history between Lee and Indy.

  "For what it's worth, I'll share my intentions. You and me, we aren't practice for the real thing. It isn't that too much is at stake with family and friends, it's because I love you. You're funny, beautiful, and you care about people. I like the way you look at me, especially when you think I don't notice it. I like that we have history and our kids will have a big family and share that history because there was never a time when their Mom and Dad weren't together. 
  If you were a terrible lay, I might have second thoughts but you and I are dynamite together. I intend to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you. If that freaks you out, tough, because now that we've started this, there's no goin' back." 
Sa-woon, Lee Nightingale. And I love that this book introduced me to Naked Gratitude.

I also have to mention how much I loved the secondary characters Tex, Ally, Duke, Tod and Stevie. Oh, and Kitty Sue!

Part comedy. Part action/adventure. Part love story. All parts awesome.


Rock Chick Rescue (Rock Chick, #2)Series: Rock Chick #2
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: FeedARead
Publication Date: 12/19/09
Format: ebook
Pages: 500
Source: Purchase

Jet McAlister has a secret. Eddie Chavez has the hots for Jet (not to mention Eddie’s just plain hot). Jet has too many problems to realize that Eddie’s interested. Eddie loses patience when Jet ends her waitressing shift at a strip club with a knife at her throat. Since Eddie’s a cop, he figures he can help. Since Jet’s used to solving everyone’s problems she doesn’t want Eddie’s help.

Throw in a Dolly Parton look-alike, a gruff but lovable strip club owner, Jet’s ne’er do well father, his ne’er do well friend, Bear, Bear’s long-suffering, chain-smoking wife Lavonne and the crew from Rock Chick and you’ve got Rock Chick Rescue.

Rock Chick Rescue takes you on a wild ride with Jet, Eddie and the gang as they wrestle bad guys in a bagel shop, hit Denver’s backstreet poker tables (with big hair), and help the strippers at Smithie’s take down a would-be murderer.

Through this, Jet’s got to learn that even when life made you give up your dreams, you can still end up with the (hot) guy. Eddie’s got to rescue Jet from a bad man (so he can do better things with her) and teach her that some dreams can come true.
 


Rock Chick ~ Jet McAlister, quiet, unassuming, a self-professed bore. Jet works at Fortnum's (Indy's bookstore/coffee shop) and waitresses at a strip club. Jet has dedicated her life to taking care of her mom and sister, and doesn't have time for love.
Hot Bunch Hero ~ Eddie Chavez  Hot Guy Move ~ the Eddie Daze, wherein Jet finds herself so dazzled by his kisses and moves that she's unable to argue, or form coherent thoughts.  Eddie is a vice cop, and Lee's best friend, which has him walking a fine line with the law, and sometimes looking the other way.

What I Loved About Rock Chick Rescue
Eddie Chavez had a thing for Indy (yeah, complicated) until... Jet caught his attention. But what's a guy to do when the object of his affection won't give him the time of day? That hindrance is pushed out of the way when Jet's bum of a dad comes to town and puts her in immediate danger. It's time for Eddie to make his move, rescue Jet, and show her that he's the man for her. This involves lots of  hesitation, attitude and Glares from Jet. Eddie employs Eddie Talks, long showers, hip-grabbing, side-tucking, neck-hugs, and kissing. Lots and lots of kissing. I loved how Eddie fell in love with Jet's smile. I loved how Eddie fell so hard for Jet, knew she felt the same way, and didn't give up on her. The man was persistent.
Rock Chick Rescue only continued my avid obsession for the series. Tex is still the biggest, craziest badass of them all. This book also introduces us to Nancy, Lottie, Shirleen, and Daisy!

 
Favorite Moment ~

  "Why not you?" he asked.
  I didn't answer. He shook me. "Why not you?" he repeated.
  The tears hit the back of my throat and I gulped them down.
  "Jet," he said.
  I shook my head but answered.
  "I can't because there's no one to catch me when I fall."
  His guard went down and his eyes warmed. He'd looked at me with warm eyes before but never like this, they came complete with a look so tender it made my breath catch.
  "Everyone's got their hands out waitin' for you to take one. Carina, you gotta learn when to take someone's hand before you fall."

Rock Chick Redemption (Rock Chick, #3)Series: Rock Chick #3
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 2/24/11
Format: ebook
Pages: 672
Source: Purchase

Roxie’s on the run from a bad boyfriend who will not catch the hint that it is o-v-e-r. She’s in no mood for love at first sight, but when her eyes fall on Hank, it’s trouble from the get-go. Roxie tries to hold Hank at arms length but Hank wants to be a closer (as in, a lot closer). Roxie’s trouble catches up with her and Hank wants to help but Roxie knows in her heart that she’s no good for a white hat guy. The problem is no one agrees with her, especially her crazy hippie best friend Annette or her parents; the even crazier small-Indiana-town Herb and Trish. Toss into the mix the gang from Rock Chick and Rock Chick Rescue and Roxie finds herself totally outnumbered.

Climb in for another Rock Chick wild ride through Rock Chick Redemption. As the odds stack up against Roxie, she has no choice but to hold on and just ride it out through the kidnappings, car chases, society parties, a riot at the strip club, Hank getting “Mom Bombed” and one crazy night at the Haunted House.

During all this Hank works at convincing her she really wants to stay and he, along with the Hot Bunch, go all out to make her safe. Hank also needs to work on showing Roxie that her past decisions don’t mean her future can’t include something as downright delicious as… normal.
 

Rock Chick ~ Roxie Logan, a woman on the run from her crazed ex-boyfriend who won't let go. Roxie is a fashionista, a web designer, a nut. She was smart - except when it comes to dangerous situations - and determined to keep those around her safe.

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Hank Nightingale  Hot Guy Move ~ Hank Conversations, in which he can pretty much talk Roxie into going along with what he says. If that doesn't work, he has Four Kisses, each serve a different emotion, all leave his woman dizzy. And the Eyes...intense, angry, lazy (ie sexy), and smiling.

What I Loved About Rock Chick Redemption
HOLY CRAP, I loved Hank. Good guys are my weakness, particularly when they're as protective, loving, sexy, and badass as Hank. Hank was pretty much done for the moment he laid eyes on Roxie. He just had to show her that they were meant to be together. Roxie doesn't feel worthy of a man like Hank. A stalker, a kidnapping, a car chase, standoffs, and a crazy family all play a big part in Rock Chick Redemption, and I loved every moment.

Rock Chick Redemption has MORE TEX! So much more Tex, and I loved every moment of the big, crazy guy's story. We also get more Daisy and Shirleen, which always promises a good time. Indy, Ally, and Jet are all there in support of their new friend. Lee and Eddie are still hot as ever; Vance and Luke play a big part in the story, too. I was most excited to meet Annette. My husband has been talking up Annette for months now, and she was even crazier (awesome) than I expected.


Words of Wisdom ~ courtesy of Duke. To me, this best sums up the men and women of this series:

  "These boys need women who can take the heat without meltin' like butter, and sometimes that heat is fiery. They need women who can give back their shit so they don't walk all over 'em and get bored out of their fucking skulls. And they need women who can go soft when the situation demands because they get hard knocks on a regular basis, sometimes literally, and comin' home to somethin' soft is the only way to cope."



Rock Chick Renegade (Rock Chick, #4)Series: Rock Chick #4
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 3/14/11
Format: ebook
Pages: 411
Source: Purchase

Jules has got a score to settle against the drug dealers of Denver. Vance has made it his mission that Jules won’t get dead while dishing out vigilante justice. Jules doesn’t have time for romance, she’s too busy saving the world and she enlists Zip (the gunstore owner), Heavy (an ex-PI) and Frank (a mysterious recluse) to help.

The Rock Chicks of Fortnum’s Bookstore get involved to provide romantic advice and guidance, none of which Jules accepts at first. The Hot Bunch of Nightingale Investigations adopt Jules as one of their own. Even though Jules tries to hang on to her inner Head Crackin’ Mamma Jamma, the Rock Chicks; Hot Bunch; Jules’s long-suffering Uncle Nick; Jules’s friend the rotund, African-American, Jackie-O wannabe, May; and especially Vance will stop at nothing to wear her down.

But Jules makes some bad guys pretty angry and one is dedicated to taking her out. Vance and the Hot Bunch have to pull out all the stops to keep her alive. At the same time, Jules and Vance learn the true meaning of home but once they find this precious entity they’ve been searching for all their lives, will Jules’s enemies tear it away?
 


Rock Chick ~ Jules Lawler. Social worker by day, badass vigilante by night. Jules is a completely different type of Rock Chick. Sure, she's beautiful, funny, kind, and all-around awesome, but she can also kick some serious bad guy butt. And, if you make a move on her man (or piss her off), she just might flip you over her shoulder.

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Vance Crowe  Hot Guy Move ~ the Crowe Effect, wherein Vance nails you with his stare, causing the body to react to him in more ways than one. Very effective when he wants to stop you from arguing, be agreeable, or when he wants you to remember how he can make your body feel.


Rock Chick Renegade is the book I've been most anxious to read since I started the series. This one (and Jules) is my husband's favorite, and now I see why. Because the lead characters were so different from those of the previous books, Renegade has such a different feel to it. It's not quite as...zany(?) as the others. Jules is a serious chick and she is serious about the kids she works with, and keeping them away from the dealers.

I really love how Jules stood toe-to-toe with the Nightingale Investigations boys. Jules was smart, she was tough, and she listened. And Vance Crowe? Wow, did he take me by surprise. I didn't really consider Vance all that much before, because he has mainly been on the periphery, and when he is around, he's very quiet and very intense. But in this book, Vance was amazing. His backstory was sad, his present is lonely, but with Jules, his future looks amazing. He still doesn't say much, but what he says is always worth listening to, particularly when he's showing Jules that they are forever. In the moonlight.

This book had so many amazing moments. Darius and Shirleen. Smithee's. Jules and Vance's Midnight Talks. The ending of Rock Chick Renegade tore me up, and had some events that really shake things up moving ahead. LOVED IT. And Hector Chavez!!


Words of Wisdom ~ Once again, Duke provided some Rock Chick Wisdom that helps summarize why this series is perfection.

  "Got a feeling you're gonna be a fixture in Indy's life. Whoever is a fixture in Indy's life is a fixture in mine. Don't got no family outside Delores and her folks. What family I got walks through the doors of that store on a regular basis. I'm guessin' by the way Vance looks at you and Indy and her gang have taken to you, you're gonna be walkin' through those doors on a regular basis. I'm gonna do my bit to make sure you continue walkin' through those doors.
  Where I come from, you take care of your family." 



Rock Chick Revenge (Rock Chick, #5)Series: Rock Chick #5
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 4/24/11
Format: ebook
Pages: 595
Source: Purchase

Ava hates men, she has reason and she’s vowed not only never to get involved with another one again but also to exact vengeance on her best friend’s, lying, cheating husband. Since Luke, Ava’s childhood crush, is now a private investigator, she thinks to enlist him but changes her mind at the last second.

Too late, Luke knows she’s up to something and he’s already seen many a Rock Chick try to fight her own battles without the Hot Bunch stepping in. He’s having none of it. She’s having none of him. The clash of the Rock Chick and Hot Guy begins but Luke’s got the advantage. He has handcuffs and he’s not afraid to use them.
 



Rock Chick ~ Ava Barlow. Burned by men her whole life, Ava has sworn off men. There's only one guy who can shake her resolve, her childhood friend, Luke Stark.

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Luke Stark  Hot Guy Move ~ Luke Lip Fog. Luke has beautiful lips that will cause a woman to go speechless if she truly looks at them. And, those lips are so amazing that he can kiss a woman stupid.

THIS BOOK! Rock Chick Revenge is my favorite of the series (so far). Ava was a character that I could relate to on so many levels. She just felt so real to me. She considers herself a dork. She's kind of silly, but is strong when it counts. I loved that she had known Luke since she was eight, and had been in love with him ever since. I didn't really think I was going to truly love Luke. He was kind of a bad boy in Redemption and Revenge. Well, not really bad, but he was lurking around Roxie and Jules pretty hard, and it's clear he was becoming ready for love.

But once I got to know Luke?? I fell hard. This man, oh my gosh, the way he cared about Ava was so beyond what I expected. The fact that he adored and cared for her, even when they were young, and she was a chubby girl with glasses, was incredible. The way he protected her when trouble comes her way was awesome. And the mouth on that man! Forget Luke Lip Fog, the things he said to Ava had me hardcore swooning.

Besides the love story, Revenge had so much action. This book was just non-stop trouble from beginning to end. And I can't forget Shirleen. That woman makes me giggle like crazy. Seriously, no movie or show could be half as entertaining as this series.

And the ending? I cried like a baby. Happy, happy tears.



Favorite Moment ~

  He touched his lips to mine, eyes open, and murmured, "Never thought life could be this sweet."
  My stomach got melty. "Really?" I whispered.
  He rested his forehead against mine. "There are two kinds of women. The ones you go to bed with and the ones you wanna wake up with. Lots of the first, not many of the last. If a man's lucky, he'll find the last."
  He touched his mouth to mine again and I took that as a definite sign I was the last. 




Rock Chick Reckoning (Rock Chick, #6)Series: Rock Chick #6
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 11/13/11
Format: ebook
Pages: 561
Source: Purchase

Stella’s the lead singer and lead guitarist of the Blue Moon Gypsies and Stella used to be Mace’s girl. Mace broke up with her though and the loss of him rocked her world. But Stella gets a call, late at night (again) from one of the members of her crazy band. She has to go play clean up (again) and runs into Mace (and a shed load of police) and ends up getting shot.

Mace finds he doesn’t like it much that his ex-girlfriend got shot, right in front of him but it’s worse. A very bad man has thrown down the gauntlet and ALL the Rock Chicks are in the firing line. Stella doesn’t want Mace to be the one to keep her alive but she has no choice… mainly because Mace isn’t giving her one.



Rock Chick ~ Stella Gunn, leader of Blue Moon Gypsies. Stella is not only a Rock Chick, she's a Rock 'n Roll Chick.

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Kai "Mace" Mason   Hot Guy Move ~  Ummm... Intensity? For me, Mace was sort of a departure from the rest of the Hot Bunch. Tragedy has led him to become a closed book. He was a challenge. I love a challenge.

I honestly didn't think the series could get any better after Rock Chick Revenge, but I was wrong. What completely killed me with Reckoning, besides the story and characters, was the various points-of -view added. I was blown away when I got to be back in Indy's head again, and Jules, Ava, Roxie and Jet. It was fun to see how they viewed their lives and the other characters now versus when they each had their book. AND, the GUYS! Being in the head of a Hot Bunch guy was just as awesome as I'd hoped.

Rock Chick Reckoning had such a different, much more intense feel to it. Don't get me wrong, the characters are still amazing and funny, and the action is just as crazy as ever. It's just, Mace's story is hard. Stella's story was hard, too, but his broke my heart. I spent a lot of this book wiping tears away.  But, I also spent a lot of it laughing, especially at Shirleen, Tex, and Smithee, who were being their ridiculous, awesome selves, as usual.

Mace and Stella together were terrific. Unlike the rest of the Rock Chick/Hot Bunch group (except for Indy and Lee), Mace and Stella had a past romantic relationship; one that ended abruptly and painfully. I loved seeing Mace and Stella reconnect, even though it did hurt to see Stella believe she wasn't really good enough for Mace. I loved seeing their walls begin to come down, the truth about their feelings come out. Best of all, I loved seeing them fight to the death for each other, and prove that love can heal anything.

The Epilogue. I'm not exactly sure why, since there are two more books in the series, to be honest, I don't care because of how much I loved it. There is an epilogue to beat ALL epilogues in Reckoning. This takes place five years in the future, and that's really all I can say about this because my eyes keep tearing up just thinking about it and I can't see.


Favorite Moment~

  "I would never have guessed Mace had a weakness but there it was. And without hesitation, he gave it to me, a piece of him. And that piece was the fact that he lived in black too. And it was right then, I knew I loved him. And that my luck had finally changed. And that, come hell or high water, I was going to pull him out of the black."   




Rock Chick Regret (Rock Chick, #7)Series: Rock Chick #7
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 12/9/11
Format: ebook
Pages: 607
Source: Purchase

Sadie Townsend is known by all as The Ice Princess and she’s worked hard to earn her reputation. Her father, a now-incarcerated Drug Lord, has kept her under his thumb her whole life and she’s learned enough from living in his world to give everyone the cold shoulder. But one inebriated night, she shows the Real Sadie to the undercover agent she knows is investigating her father, the handsome Hector Chavez, and he knows he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Hector makes one (huge) mistake; he waits for Sadie to come to him. Tragedy strikes and Sadie’s got a choice, she can retreat behind her Ice Fortress or she can embrace the Rock Chick/Hot Bunch World. Guided by Hector, the Rock Chicks, the Hot Bunch and her new gay roommates, Buddy and Ralphie, Sadie negotiates a life out from under her father’s thumb, a life that includes poison, arson and learning how to make s’mores.


 

Rock Chick ~ Sadie Townsend, Ice Princess, daughter of a crime lord.

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Hector "Oh My God" Chavez   Hot Guy Move ~ Double H, otherwise known as Hispanic Hottie,  has too many hot guy moves to name.

I don't even know what to say about Rock Chick Regret. My friends had warned me it was intense, but I didn't realize just how intense it was until the moment I burst into tears. At 4%. This book made me cry so, so many times. It also made me cry and smile and giggle and swoon.

Besides the details of Sadie's life and trials, a major theme of this book is the ups-and-downs of life. The good days and the bad days. The happy moments and the sad moments and how among all of the swings back-and-forth...life just goes on. That you must grab those happy moments when you can, because they will be there to help you through the rough times. Most importantly, you can get through anything when you are surrounded by the people who love you.

Hector Chavez was absolute perfection in this book. The way he loves and takes care of Sadie, the way he pushes just enough to make her see, but never hard enough to break her made him a hero. The amount of love in this story, between Hector and Sadie, between each Rock Chick and Hot Bunch counterpart, and between all of the characters in general continued to blow me away.

Rock Chick Regret introduced Ralphie and Buddy, who were the best. Malcolm, Kitty Sue and Tom also play a big part in the story. Tex, Duke, Marcus, Daisy, and Shirleen (always, especially Shirleen) kicked ass in this book.

Once again, KA rocked the Epilogue. Just the thought of knowing Rock Chick Revolution ends the series makes me want to cry.


Words of Wisdom ~  (once again, courtesy of Duke)

  "Somethin' else, darlin'," he went on quickly and his voice lowered. "Your mom was here, she saw what I saw at your gallery, heard what I heard you say, it'd tear her heart out. Girl, it would just kill her to think you thought that of yourself. She made the ultimate sacrifice for you, don't let it be for nothin'. Take hold of life and live it beautiful like she wanted you to." 
 



Rock Chick Revolution (Rock Chick, #8)Series: Rock Chick #8
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: 8/13/13
Format: ebook
Source: Purchase

Ally Nightingale has secrets. Secrets she doesn't even share with the Rock Chicks. But two men know what she's up to. One has her back. The other has her heart, but he doesn't know it.

As Ally rewinds the last year of her life, she knows two things. One, she’s never going to get what every Rock Chick should have—her own Hot Bunch guy. And two, she’s a Nightingale through and through. She just isn’t sure what to do about that.

But as her secrets are revealed, the men in her life react. Darius Tucker, a lifelong friend, as usual takes her back. Ren Zano, the man she loves, isn’t quite so sure. The Rock Chicks, Hot Bunch and the entire gang at Fortnum’s weigh in, and a Rock Chick Revolution starts brewing.

It’s up to Ally to control it and prove what she knows down to her bones.

She’s a Rock Chick, she deserves her hot guy and she’s going to keep the one she wants…

Because she’s a Nightingale.


Rock Chick ~ Ally Nightingale, sister of Lee and Hank, best friend to Indy

Hot Bunch Hero ~ Ren Zano   Hot Guy Move ~ Turning on the Macho Italian American Badass


What can I say about Rock Chick Revolution that thousands of readers haven't said already? I mean, I just know I won't even come close to doing this book justice. I am so happy with the book, it was better than I ever expected, but I am also SO SAD that it's over.

I always wondered why Ally's book was last, since she is one of the original Rock Chicks. It was mentioned in Revolution that Indy was the heart of the Rock Chicks, and Ally was the backbone. That is so dead on. Ally Nightingale is tough, smart, bold, brave, and she feels deep. She was a complete departure from most of the Rock Chicks, with the exception of Jules. And I always hesitate to declare favorites, because in a series in which all of the characters are truly beyond compare, I feel like I'm downplaying my love for the others. But, I know that Ally will always hold a special place for me among the group.

Not only was Ally a completely different type of Rock Chick, but her guy Ren Zano, he's a departure from the Hot Bunch. Yes, he was bossy and sexy and just out-of-control appealing, but he and Ally were so unique to the series. This definitely caught me by surprise, but I loved it.

Rock Chick Revolution was a great conclusion to the series. Once again, no one rocks an epilogue like Kristen Ashley. I was thrilled to get a look at the gang in the future, and even now, I'm still a little teary-eyed and choked up just thinking about this group of characters I feel I know, love, and have brought me so many new friends and so much fun. I know I'm selling this book short, but guys, I have a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes and I just can't even.

Also...the last line of the epilogue....RIGHTEOUS! Can't. Wait.


Words of Wisdom ~

  "It's a gift," she said, her voice funny, deep with emotion. "Watching you all get close, witnessing all that happened making you closer, feeling that love. But it was another gift, maybe even a bigger one, precious, knowing that sharing it makes people I don't know laugh. It makes them happy. Some of them write to me. They tell me bad things are happening in their lives. But they read my book and it takes them away. It makes them smile. Laugh. Even if for moments, or better yet hours, they can forget the bad, be with us here at Fortnum's, and laugh."  


  "Because, no matter how old we get, we always need to believe in fairy tales."



What I think I loved the most about Rock Chick, besides the humor and incomparable dialogue, is the love. Yes, the love between the Rock Chicks and their guys, but also the love shared between all the characters. Every woman cared about every guy, and vice versa. They were all friends and they all treated each other like family. Would die for one another in a heartbeat. They took each new character in, made them a part of the family, and there was no going back. Your family is what you make it.

  "A motley crew of cops and crooks, bounty hunters and baristas, PIs and rock stars, hot guys and Rock Chicks.
  My people.
  My family."


Thank you, Kristen Ashley, for giving me a series that I happily invested my time, heart, tears, and laughter in.

Thank you #booksluts for pushing me to read Rock Chick and virtually holding my hands the whole way through.



Purchase Rock Chicks Series



About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.


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GIVEAWAY

To spread the Rock Chick love, I will gift one random commenter their choice of books from the Rock Chick series, via Amazon or B&N
Ends 9/4/13, at 11:59 pm
Open Intl.
Must be 18+ years of age.
Please leave an email address. 


 
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59 comments:

  1. I have heard a lot of great things about these books. I can't wait to read them! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  2. I've only read the first book but I loved it! I will definitely continue the series since I've heard the rest is just as great!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    nancyl9108[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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  3. I haven't yet read any of the Rock Chick books, but the more I read about them, the more I know I MUST get in on the action and the fun. I loved your post and your reviews. I really want to start reading this series. I hope to win. Thanks for the chance. michelle_willms@yahoo.com

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  4. Havent started this series yet but would love too. Thanks for the chance to win a book :)
    florianne_lew@yahoo.com

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  5. I didn't read this books yet but can't wait to start, I have read great reviews about this series :) Thanks for the chance to win :) good luck to everyone.

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  6. Thanks for the review, and the reminder that this is a great series/author! I have only read the first book and will have to read more of it on this long weekend! =D Thanks for the chance to win!

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  7. Loved this series & thanks for the chance to win

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    Replies
    1. opps forgot to leave email address ladybug0121550@yahoo.com

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  8. I've heard great things about this series!! The series is on my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway!
    peki0101(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  9. Ooh! These guys seem like they are absolute hotties! And the girls sound like they are quite level-headed as well.
    I'm curious about this series now, Andrea. I love reading contemporary adult romances from time to time and this sounds like a series that I would enjoy.
    I have to say, Lee and Indy's story sounds like it would be my favorite because I love a good romance where the couple don't know that they are in love each other since a long time.
    Great reviews, Andrea and thank you for the giveaways!

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  10. I don't want your giveaway...I think you know I don't need it...but I love, love, love that you're doing it and spreading the Rock Chick word!!

    Loved this whole thing...awesome series review, babe...you brought me to tears with the RCRevolution quote from Jane...it kills me every time I even THINK about it.

    So happy you finally listened & jumped into our favourite fictional world and loved it as much as me (us)...but is it really fictional? These people are real...right?

    xo

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  11. I haven't read these, but would love too!! fischert484@gmail.com

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  12. I've only heard great reviews from other book readers about this book! Thanks for the extremely awesome giveaway!!! :)

    kaylaorton1@gmail.com

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  13. I LOVE Kristen's Unfinished Hereos and Dream Man series and I have been meaning to start this series but just haven't gotten to it yet *hangs head in shames*

    Love all your reviews and this just reminds me that I need to push this series back up to the top of my TBR.

    Debbie @ Keep Calm & Read Romance

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  14. I've only read the first book, but am a big fan of Kristen's. If I win, I'll be chosing the second in the series :-)

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  15. Wow, I think I need to check these out! So much love in this post. I love that each book focuses on a different girl; that's always fun. And your husband read and loved these too? That is awesome!!

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  16. AWESOME!!! I've only read the first one so far-RIGHTEOUS!
    So funny and Lee-Swoon!!!! Thx for the Chance.
    I shared---
    Series Review & Giveaway: Rock Chick, by Kristen Ashley ... http://thebookishbabes.blogspot.com/2013/08/series-review-and-giveaway-rock-chick.html?m=0 …
    Retweeted by Maria

    spera_family@yahoo.com

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  17. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    rachaelcumle@gmail.com

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  18. Ok I'm gonna buy the first one per your request! If I hate it I'm gonna beat your ass

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  19. I have the first Rock Chick novel.
    I need to start this series soon.
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway !

    stamper_sierra@yahoo.com

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  20. I love how much you've loved this series. Too bad I couldn't read it with you. I skimmed a lot of your review, because I plan to start it soon. Great series review!

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  21. I didn't even know about this series until you started reading it and you have me so interested in them! They just sound like so much fun!
    Thanks for the giveaway! readerslive1000lives(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. Wow! First off, major credit to you for writing a series review!! I don't think I could have done that. :P Also, I had no idea this series even existed until you started mentioning it. Yep, you've convinced me... I MUST now give this a try! :D It sounds so fun!

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  23. Love your review! These are all going on my TBR! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  24. OMG. If I'm going to read through these, I'm going to fall asleep for real because I'm so tired. As you gathered from my giveaway post yesterday, I spent my birthday with my friends and we were up from 5:am to 1:am today. I went to work and just got home and I'm trying to catch up with everyone's blogs. Excuses, I know, but better to tell you that I've been keeping an eye on your updates for this series on GR and they've been hilarious, romantic and really fun. I'm so happy this is one of your favorite series and that you've enjoyed these books:) I know how much you looked forward to the last one and it was worth the wait for you:) Hehe. I love the fact that these are standalones in a part of a series as I can basically read any of these without having read all the previous ones. You've definitely made me intrigued with all your excitement:)

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  25. I didn't read this books yet but can't wait to start, I have read great reviews about this series :) Thanks for the chance to win :) good luck to everyone.

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  26. Oh this is the book you're holding in your hands on you pic. I always see when you leave a comment on my blog but actually haven't read any review for it. So now OH MY! I mean it sounds so hot and so good! I need to check this out. Great reviews :)

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  27. I've not seen anything on this series before. I think I may have seen one of the covers but that's it. You are clearly obsessed. Maybe sometime I'll have to find out why. :)

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  28. Holy shit! You just put the rest of us bloggers to shame! Awesome reviews. I get intimidated started a long series like this but I've seen you gushing on this one :)

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  29. As one of the aforementioned Booksluts who wouldn't shut up about this series, I want to say that I am overjoyed that you finally relented and found this series. Seeing you fall in love with this wonderful would KA created brought me so much joy. Plus, quite a few of us reread it with you so the once a week chatter about this series, for over a glorious month, morphed into legendary email chains for sure. LOL

    You are absolutely right about this series, and it is so wonderful to see so many people who had no idea this series existed decide to check them out then. That is called paying the RC love forward and it is exactly as it should be. This series *IS* all about love, so it is as it should be.

    *muah*

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  30. I haven't heard about this series before but it sounds like something I would like. I love awesome dialogue, humor, excellent secondary characters, and a good romance. With all your talk, I might just have to check this out. Great review!

    Vi
    Confessions of a Vi3tBabe
    Deity Island

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  31. Gad woman, you reviewed them all and sucked me in to the tropes and characters so much so that I want to read these!! Between the humor, banter and smexy..i need these!

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  32. Okay, you TOTALLY convinced me to read this series! This definitely sounds like something I've love.

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  33. easily one of my favourite book series - they totally rocked! jem(at)jeminabox(dot)com {{:oD

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  34. I love Kristen Ashley she's writes the best alpha males!! Rock Chick is an awesome series I highly recommend!! I love Luke & Lee!!

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  35. I've had this series on my TBR forever and just actually have been dying to read something by Kristen Ashley. Just waiting for my Amazon shipment to arrive so I can finally read some of her stuff!

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    xo_veronica16[at]hotmail.[dot]com

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  36. Andrea, I kinda don't like you right now. LOL First, you have a husband that'll read Rock Chick! Then you review the entire series - which I now am DYING to read but don't have time at the moment. Will the anticipation make them better?!? Seriously though, this is a fabulous way to spotlight Kristen Ashley and this series, Andrea. I'm glad you're Rock Chick obsessed and I can't wait to become one as well! :) You ROCK!!

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  37. Good lord, Andrea! How did you get through these so quick? And yay!! for reading what you want! I've been trying to read only what I want lately, which is not so easy with a blog and review requests staring at me!

    I think I have a few of these books already (blame my twitchy "buy it with one click" finger!) I'm interested in seeing how you compare the Colorado Mountain series with this one!

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  38. Wow, how had I not heard of these?! That's so awesome that your husband read them first and loved them. I can't believe you read so MANY and reviewed them in one post! That's a week and half of reading for me!

    candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. I've never heard of this series, but after reading the review for the first book I definitely will have to read it sometime. I didn't read the rest of the reviews since I plan on getting this series at some point. Thanks for bringing this series to my attention hon!!

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  40. I am just starting to read this author's work (dream man series), would like to read this series too.

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  41. OH.ma.god Andrea...when you told me you loved this series and I HAD to read it...I was like yes I will in a while or as soon as I finish Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mountain series, but holy shit girl, I didn't expect this! I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE the way you reviewed this series but more than that, I love what I read. My biggest weakness in reading books like these are the guys. I can't help but fall for them, and it seems Ashley's men have it all don't they. The smile, the dimples, the sweet, the protective instincts, and just plain old HOTNESS! I cannot wait to meet Liam, Eddie, Hank, Vance, Luke, Kai, Hector (especially Hector....DOUBLE H....HISPANIC....YES PLEASE!!!! I AM ALREADY IN LOVE WITH HIM! lol ;p) and Ren. They all have such distinct personalities and I love that they each brought something new to the series with their own little distinctions. Plus, the lead female characters sound fabulous. Like strong, capable women. I can't wait to meet them. Okay, seriously lets be serious here, I cannot wait to pick up this series and just devour it. Kristen Ashley really knows how to write, and I am discovering this while reading her Colorado series. She really can bring the humour, love, and heartfelt emotions all in one. I'm so glad to see you LOVED this Andrea! It really shows! Amazing, brilliant reviews! :D

    P.S. I can't wait to see what you think of Sweet Dreams! I really enjoyed that one. But you were right I think Ty has a place on his own. I can't decide who I like better! lol ;p

    And thanks for the giveaway! :) (maida-cool(at)hotmail(dot)com)

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  42. I have not read any of these books yet, but would love to!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

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  43. Oh my gosh, wow! Superb job. You read the entire series :)

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  44. I have been wanting to read this series for a long time!! I have them all on my TBR list!! Thank you for the chance!!
    ag_girl76 at yahoo dot com

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  45. Thanks for this giveaway!
    liezelovesbooks@yahoo.com

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  46. Wow, this series sounds great! You read a ton of books! I love how you broke down your reviews in to Rock Chick, Hot Bunch Hero, Favorite Moment, Words of Wisdom, etc. What fun reviews! I think it's pretty neat that you can discuss this series with your friend, and husband!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  47. Sounds great, thank you so much :)
    bobbyehopebooth at yahoo dot com

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  48. This is actually the first of this series. It looks & sounds amazing.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  49. I haven't read this series yet but I've heard amazing things!!! Can't wait to check it out!!!

    adrean.sidio07@hotmail.com

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  50. Great giveaway ..thanks for the opportunity and I love the covers...simple yet seductive.

    pharmx_2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  51. Thanks for the giveaway! cant wait to read them! :)

    lilmommy21@msn.com

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  52. I've seen some of these gushy tweets you speak of and I've been curious what all this Rock Chick business is about. That is so cute that your husband read them and you can gush with him about it. Brian doesn't read, he's a movies kinda guy. So he just gets to hear me complain about how the books were better. :)

    I'm gonna have to check these ones out.. do you think I would like them?

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  53. Thanks for the giveaway! (sammyjoeyk@aol.com)

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  54. I've really been wanting to get into the Rock Chick Series!

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  55. this is AMAZING!
    CAMA210608(at)yahoo(dot)com

    xoxo

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