When a wary rock star and a cynical reporter fake date to bury a scandalous rumor, will true love be exposed as the real story?
Nick: I do my best songwriting while playing my guitar on the fire escape. Unfortunately, my in-bed-at-ten next-door neighbor, Maddie, is not a fan of my music. She clambers out on the fire escape to yell at me about making "noise.” In bunny slippers, no less. But then she trips and falls into my arms.
That photo of Maddie plastered all over me hits the papers, just as my dream recording company wants to sign my band. Which is a problem, because an obsessed fan is claiming that I’m her boyfriend and now the media is blowing up that I’m two-timing them both. Good-bye recording contract, unless…
Maddie: I’m supposed to cover the story. Not be the story! But when Nick begs me to fake date, I can’t resist the chance to be Nick’s girlfriend—even if fake—the opposite of my life as a city desk reporter. But my ex said I’m a terrible kisser, and there’s no way I want Mr. Hot Rock Star saying the same thing. Hence, clause 11 in our contract: There will be absolutely no physical contact.
Nick: When Maddie receives a threatening photo of the two of us with an X over her face, my desire to protect her suddenly feels all too real. It’s either a troll or her undercover investigation has been compromised. With both our careers at stake, is breaking up the only way to keep Maddie safe?
Review
I stayed up far too late reading this because I just couldn't put it down!
It starts innocently enough - a classic, implausible scenario leading to a fake relationship. And yet, it quickly reveals itself as so much more. Firstly and unusually for fake relationships, Maddie and Nick are already friends - if you can call ongoing friction over late night practice sessions 'friends'. They already know each other, giving their romance - both fake and real - additional layers, even as they grew closer. Second, Maddie's a reporter on the trail of a story about city corruption - and this addition had me hooked. It was a delight to see Nick and Maddie develop feelings as they interviewed public servants and hid behind dumpsters, rather than the usual public galas. It was woven together so well and helped their relationship grow in a wonderfully natural way, helped of course by a veritable legion of matchmaking friends.
Not only was I impressed by how the author made a compelling story about municipal corruption and handyman kickbacks, but she creates an incredible sense of place. I have no doubt that were I to go to New York City, I could walk in Nick and Maddie's footsteps
Fiction is meant to be fun, and let me tell you, this book delivered! For a delightful romance driven by a genuinely intriguing mystery, check out My Rock Star Neighbour.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHZ2LNFR/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHZ2LNFR/
https://books.apple.com/us/book/my-rock-star-neighbor/id6748830148
Author Bio
Kathy Strobos is an award-winning author living in New York City with her husband and two children, amid a growing collection of books, toys, and dollhouses. She took a break from working as a lawyer to write romantic comedies full-time and get in shape. She is still working on getting in shape.
Born and raised in Manhattan, she loves writing about New York City and her smart heroines who live and fall in love there, amidst its vibrant energy and the aroma of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is the award-winning author of: A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, Partner Pursuit, Is This for Real?, Caper Crush, My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art and My Secret Snowflake.
Social Media Links
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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kathy-Strobos/author/B09GGB2G1B
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Thank you so much for this absolutely lovely review. It made my day and had me kicking my heels up!
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