Rise (a ROCK SOLID romance, #1)

It has been a long time since I gave a 5. This book was amazing. I loved Zander..! C

Good read

This book is so wonderful!! So romantic and I loved Zander's character, especially. Elizabeth was great as a lot of the other characters were such as Stormy & Dimity! Excellent read!

I'm not much of a rock star genra fan but i really enjoy this story!

Redemption of a bad boy rock star, is it possible? With the right woman it is! I love how Doc brings the rock band from co-workers to friends. Making them want to be around each other. Good book!

Enjoyed reading it .

Great story line. Good character development. Wonderful back stories. What's not to like. But here's a hint; if your review is more than a paragraph, I'm not reading it. Skip the tirades and read the book. You'll enjoy it.

Loved the book!! It took awhile for me to get into it the book, but otherwise the book was absolutely FANTASTIC!!

I first encountered Zander Freedman in Bring Him Home and then again in A Prior Engagement (which you don't have to have read to enjoy this one--it's fine as a standalone), where he wasn't the most appealing of characters, but there was definitely something about him. He's apparently a full-on villain in What the Librarian Did , which has leapfrogged up my TBR list now--it'll help me from wanting to strangle him with his guitar strap, having the insight into his true character that we finally get inRise. (And Karina's notes at the end of the book promise that he--and Elizabeth--will be back in future books in the series--bonus!) I loved this book! Elizabeth and Zander are fantastic characters, and you can't help but root for them both from page one even when what they each want doesn't appear to be in the same stratosphere. Their encounters right from the beginning are witty, funny, and not without a healthy dose of steam. Here's one of their first altercations, when Zander is trying to convince Elizabeth to take on his biography project, after he's already fired biographers numbers one and two: “What’s your dream, Elizabeth? Hell, that’s a mouthful. Liz.”  “Dream? And I prefer Elizabeth.”  “Imagine that money’s no object, Lizzy. I added a syllable because I’m a guy willing to compromise. What would you do?”  The spark of annoyance that he wouldn’t use her name shielded her against his sex appeal. “I’d take six months sabbatical, go to the States and research my next project, Alex.” Zander’s eyes narrowed, then he smiled an angel’s smile to go with the wings. “And what’s your next project, Eliza? Three syllables, that’s more than meeting you halfway.” Yeah, I could tell from this conversation that it was going to be one heck of a ride. The rest of the book did not disappoint. Ms. Bliss did a great job of making Zander into a sympathetic character--as always, he's not apologetic for what he's done in the past, though at least now he recognizes what he did wrong and is sorry for it, there's no excuses made. He tries to keep the worst of it from Elizabeth (and for the most part, from us), believing it will change how she sees him, but of course it doesn't. It doesn't hurt that the thing he is most ashamed of is the one that is easiest for everyone but him to forgive. We finally see what makes the infamous Zander Freedman tick, and it makes him an amazing hero. Elizabeth thought she was content with her life--teaching and writing historical biographies, enjoying a close relationship with her family and elderly neighbor--but as we soon see through Zander's eyes, her family, at least, neither truly understands her nor truly appreciates her. (Not that they're exactly willful in this--Elizabeth is used to her pigeonholed role in the family. She herself isn't even aware of the disparity for most of the book.) She resists Zander for as long as she can, turned on and frustrated by him in equal measure (and usually both at the same time). By the time they start on their "secret" and "temporary" relationship, I was practically screaming at them to just tell the other one how they were feeling, for Pete's sake! But of course they don't for pages and pages and pages, because that's not their style--and then we wouldn't have such a satisfying story. And oh, it is a satisfying story. I was dying to get to their HEA, but at the same time didn't want the book to end. Knowing I'll see them both again--and looking forward to reading about Zander's more ruthless and selfish past in his brother Devon's book--was a definite consolation when I finally got to the end. Write fast, Ms. Bliss! :) Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.   

I really enjoyed reading this book after a recommendation from Nalini Singh on her website. Why? I felt for both Zander and Elizabeth. With Zander I wanted to root for him and then shake my head at what he did. With Elizabeth I liked since she didn't give Zander space to walk all over her. I enjoyed she didn't know who he was until she met him. I also liked when Zander called her "Doc". The ending is a to be continued. So I hope Karina Bliss keeps them in her next books. I really want to read how shocked everyone is going to be when they find out that Zander can sing. If anyone hasn't read the book yet, read it, and you will find out what I just said.

This one is going on my Best of 2015 list! Zander Freedman is a rock legend, a bad boy everyone loves.  He fell from grace when his brother quit the band after collapsing on stage and then entering rehab.  When his other band mates left as well, Zander turned to a reality TV show and restarted the band.  Now he’s on a glorious resurrection tour and back on top.  As part of his ongoing public image plan he wants to write a memoir that will cement his place as a god of rock and roll.   After firing his first two biographers, he’s hoping that hiring a respected academic and Pulitzer Prize winner will give his memoir that credibility he wants.  Writer Elizabeth falls for Zander’s pitch but promises herself she won’t fall for him.  When she accompanies him at home and on tour for the weeks of interviews she needs to gather information for the book she’s just as intrigued by the things he doesn’t say as she is those he chooses to share.   This was such a good book!  It’s my first A grade of 2015.  I really enjoyed it.  The behind the scenes look at a rock star’s life felt true to me.  The characters were unique and the pacing of the story really worked for me.  It’s hard to write a review, because I just want to gush about the things I liked.  So here’s my list: 1. Elizabeth and Zander are adults.  This is NOT an NA book.  They are mature and they make decisions and are not surprised that their decisions have consequences.  I really love that! 2. Elizabeth is smart and successful, and Zander appreciates this about her.   3. Elizabeth doesn’t make assumptions about Zander, which means she notices the front he puts up when others don’t.  Because she’s a biographer, she’s used to looking for behind-the-front information, and it totally makes sense that she would be a person who would see through him. 4. Zander is both awful and a character you can sympathize with.  He’s done some horrible things in his past.    He’s changed his ways now, and he’s not making excuses about the past.  He owns it and is trying to do things right now, even if he doesn’t let anyone else see that.   5. The corner that Zander has backed himself into was totally believable to me. 6. Elizabeth has a life outside of Zander and vice versa. 7. You get to read about the behind the scenes parts of a rock and roll life style.  It seemed very realistic and interesting! 8. There is sequel bait, but they play a role in the story that felt natural. 9. Elizabeth goes to church.  That’s right - it’s not an inspirational romance, but there’s a character who believes in God and has that as part of her life.  It’s not a big part of the book at all, but it felt so realistic to me! 10. It’s got book charisma – that factor that’s hard to describe, but makes you not want to put the book down while you’re reading it.  Like me.  I planned several hours of getting stuff done on the blog and then promptly sat down and read this book instead. A few more notes to consider.  Despite some really incredible sexual tension, the sex is not dirty dirty like I enjoy.  The story was good enough that I didn’t miss that, but if that’s essential to you it might be an issue.  There is sex, and it’s explicit, but there’s fewer details than you get in some books. The pacing of the story is wonderfully slow.  It’s not a rush to bed or insta-love, despite their instant attraction.  As a big fan of low conflict romance, this is a great fit for me, but I can see how others might not enjoy it. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it!  It’s the first entry on my Best of 2015 list!   * Though not listed as a series on Goodreads, Rise is connected to other books Bliss has written.  Zander is also a character in the following books: What the Librarian Did, Bring Him Home, and A Prior Engagement.  *I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Romantic, Intelligent, Redeeming and Lovely! A Fantastic Story From Beginning to End!  5 Rockin’ Super Stars! The Review:  This was my first book by this author and I am completely sold on her writing talents! "Rise" was exciting, fun and witty. The story was flawless and had so much heart and depth, I immediately wanted to do a re-read when hitting the last page. The characters were solid and connectable and I fell completely for both the heroine and hero! And the writing... wow. It was elegant and captivating. I just couldn't get enough... Story/Characters...  Zander Freedman, lead singer of Rage is trying to hit gold for the second time in his life. After his original band fell apart, he decided to recreate their success with a younger set of band mates. Zander is ambitious, goal oriented, sometimes called a tyrant in his demand for success, he’s arrogant, self-assured and HOT. AS. SIN! He’s also holding on to some very damaging secrets and if they ever got out, he knows he’d fall from grace. With the rising stardom of his band, he takes on the infamous Elizabeth Winston, established historical writer, to come in and write his memoirs. Elizabeth has lead a quiet life filled with the quiet adventures and truths of the long-ago dead. Her life is humble and she’s respected amongst her peers. When self-proclaimed bad-boy rocker Zanders approaches her to write his memoirs, she’s understandably reluctant. But realizing an opportunity when it knocks, she agrees and thus changes both her and Zander’s life forever. What I loved most about this story was there wasn’t the insta-attraction or insta-lust or insta-love between these two. Zander has an agenda in hiring Elizabeth and Elizabeth has a reputation to maintain. They start out on the neutral foundation of working colleagues. Elizabeth is there to do a job and Zander finds plenty of ways to circumvent her sharp eye from discovering more than he wants her to know. As they banter back and forth and create a relaxed environment for more to bloom, these two start a very slow fall towards more, and it’s never boring, never slow and always fun! Sometimes in rock and roll stories, we’re witnessing the beginning stages of a bands legend where their career takes off and they have to find or keep the love they’ve unexpectedly found. I loved that in this story, Zander has already had his fame. He’d already experienced all the grandeur of the lifestyle and at almost forty, we get to see the possible end and near fall of a rock legend. It was a wonderful and uniquely different look at a side of a story not often told. And I loved it! Zander and Elizabeth had beautiful chemistry and their romance was sweet and wonderful to read. I enjoyed every moment of their connection and that ending? SO. GOOD! And I have to mention the marvelous job the author does of incorporating side stories the kept me both excited to see what happened with the sub characters AND excitedly anticipating the next chapter where we would see what was happening with our hero and heroine.  The Wrap Up:  I loved everything about this book. I simply couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens with two of the sub characters from this book who we left in a bit of a struggle. I think I’ve found another favorite author! * Written for Craves the Angst Book Reviews *

Rock star romances are all the rage and I love them.  I also read them often, and now and again, one will stand out.  Rise is one such book.  It's not because it's hot or raunchy, or the fact that it's the hottest new/biggest rock star.  It's because of the characters and who they are. Elizabeth and Zander are infinitely likable. I was surprised by the fact that I liked Zander.  I think that's because I haven't read the previous book so can't judge him on how he used to be.  I only know him as this guy who is worried about taking care of his responsibilities.  I know meddling isn't always fruitful, but Elizabeth genuinely cared about the people around her, so it didn't come across as invasive and intrusive.  The two had wonderful chemistry. I also enjoyed how old Zander and Elizabeth were.  It made the emotions and story feel solid.   What I really liked was how religion was included in this book.  Elizabeth is the child of two ministers and so faith plays a big role in her upbringing and who she is.  It was done in a way that was true with keeping in Elizabeth's character, but wasn't too preachy or overbearing for those who have different beliefs.  While reading, I had the fleeing thought this book could be categorized as an hot inspirational adult contemporary rock star romance.  There were moments when things were fade to black/implied and others when love scenes were more explicit.   I experienced so many emotions as I read and the story was so entertaining, I found it extremely hard to put down. I hurt so much for Zander when I found out what caused him the most pain.  I wanted to reach into the book and give him a giant hug.  All in all, I enjoyed being kept on my toes as I read. It wasn't just Elizabeth and Zander who kept me wondering about what was going to happen next, but also Zander's new band mates and the people in their lives.  I enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to reading more about them in the future.

From time to time I find a rare gem ... a book that is so absolutely well written and engrossing I cannot put it down. This is such a book. I have to admit, I am a rock 'n roll addict. If the cover shows anything to do with a rock band or legend... I have to read it. Friends know this about me, so I was recommended to read this book. Thank you my friends! We hit the jackpot with this one. Zander is the walking rocker cliche. Arrogant, selfish, obnoxious, greedy of both money and fame are but a few of his rocker qualities. Yes, yes, he is HOT, swooning gorgeous, and has a voice that makes all his fans (men and women alike) melt into a puddle of goo when he sings. The word womanizer does not even begin to describe his personal relationships. He has been a successful leader of the band Rave since he was discovered at age sixteen, and now as he approaches his fortieth birthday, he is not about to slow down. He has resurrected his band after a very public break-up with original members, and he is taking no prisoners. Meeting Dr. Elizabeth Winston is the best thing that could have happened to him. He has decided to hire her to write his memoirs, after firing her two predecessors. It is all part of Zander's plan... with a reputable biographer writing his memoirs, he will rake in a lot of money. He is arrogant enough to strategize what he will and will not disclose in order to manipulate her into writing a favorable memoir. The one thing he was not counting on was the impact her presence would have on his band, his life, and his heart. This book is well written, fast paced, funny, engrossing, with an in depth look at the life of a rocker pursuing everlasting fame and power. The psychology behind his actions makes this story even more gripping. I loved it! It is a thrilling romance with all the trimmings!

A hot, emotional, and sweet romance, Rise was an excellent read. I was wary going into it, hoping it wouldn't be a cliche rockstar romance but it turned out to be a book with realistic emotion and raw romance. I really enjoyed it. Elizabeth was a great heroine. Calm, cool, and collected, there was very little that could ruffle her. Other than the fear of letting herself be vulnerable to someone who would very possibly break her heart. But, in the end, her determination allowed her to overcome even that. I really liked her character. Zander was an interesting personality. He was magnetic, forceful, charming, and could get just about anyone to dance to his tune with just his smile and a few well placed words. But, he was also determined and wanted nothing more than to prove himself to the world. And, he could be surprisingly sweet as well, particularly with Elizabeth. I thought he was a great character. The romance built up slowly. It went from attraction to Elizabeth and Zander gaining respect for each other to them falling in love (though they refused to admit it at first). They were sweet together, both influencing the other for the better. And they definitely had chemistry that sizzled. The plot moved steadily, keeping me engaged from the start. There were a few slow parts, but it wasn't a major problem. I enjoyed the story and the ending was great. I look forward to reading the next books in the series. Rise was a fantastic romance that I really liked it. It had interesting characters, an intense romance, and an enjoyable story. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out. *I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review