[Review]: "Idol"

Idol by Kristen Callihan
Publisher: Plain Jane (June 7, 2016)
Series: VIP, 1
Genre: NA Contemporary

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 away to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

My Review:



Idol is the first pre-order -- hell, the first new release, period -- that I've bought in nearly a year. The last one, actually, was Callihan's Game Plan. Why am I mentioning this? Because I feel you need to understand how careful I am with my book buying anymore (for a combination of reasons), and so you can understand how big of a deal it is for me to have pre-ordered a book, a book that wasn't even on sale. That says a lot about my love for this author's novels.


I was hooked from the start. That may be a cliche line, but it's true, and here's why: Killian is a mess. Literally. He's falling down drunk in Libby's yard, covered in his own vomit, after crashing his bike into a fence because he was stupid enough to drive drunk. He's not hurt, don't worry. Libby finds him and sprays him with water to wake him up -- and get rid of the stench. From the very start, Libby refuses to take any shit from Killian, and I loved that about her, loved that they had some tension and banter between them throughout the entire book. (This is a common theme with Callihan's NA books, and I love it so much.)

"You know, I've had girls on their knees before me plenty of times. But they usually do it with a smile."

She snorts. "I'd be more impressed if you were the one used to being on your knees. I like givers, not takers."

I adored their time spent as neighbors -- getting to know one another, helping each other, and, of course, falling for one another. I fell for Killian right alongside Libby. Damn lucky girl.

"I knew it would be so good. I shouldn't have held back the first time I wanted to kiss you."

"When was that?" Everything feels languid, hot, slow. His touch, mind. I nuzzle his neck, drawing in the scent of his skin.

He smiles, small and smug. "When you threatened to shoot me."

"I hated you then."

A low hum vibrates in his throat. "You found me irresistible. You would have caved."

"I would have bitten you."

"Bite me now."

That husky whisper has me moving, seeking his lips. I nip his lush bottom one, tugging at it gently, and he groans, drawing me in, slipping his slick tongue along mine. "Tell me you want this too, baby doll."

"Want what?" I can't think, my head is heavy, my limbs fumbling. 

His dark eyes meet mine. "Everything."

My finger shakes as I trace the dark line of his brow. His lids lower, his head tilting to follow my touch. I lean in, kiss the corner of his eye. "Only with you."

The tension is carried throughout the book in the most delicious way; hell, it's past the 40% mark (I believe) before they even have sex. But it's so well done, and flows nicely for the story and their relationship. And when the sexy times come (pun intended, sorry) . . . Well, they're very much UNF-worthy. No surprise if you've read Callihan's previous NA series.


I loved meeting the other characters -- Killian's cousin (and PR for the band), Scottie (their agent) and the 3 other band mates (Jax, Whip and Rye). Jax's story gave me all the feels, especially seeing how that event also affected his best friends, his band mates. I have a feeling his story, when it's written, will really gut me and yet I'm okay with this because I trust Callihan.


Really, Callihan does a fantastic job with emotions, giving them depth and making them so very realistic, as well as wrapping them around characters that the reader can't help but care deeply for. I was definitely knocked firmly in the feels multiple times in this book -- from Jax and seeing the four men trying to fix their band, from Killian and Libby as they hit a few heart-aching roadblocks in their journey to a HEA, etc. The last 15% or so really had me fully, emotionally invested in Killian and Libby, needing them to make everything okay again because they so obviously belong together.


So there's angst and feelings, banter and fun interactions, sexy times and chemistry . . . what more do you need?!

"Baby doll, I could assert my manly dominance, thump my chest, and declare you're mine. But it wouldn't mean a damn thing if I'm not yours in return."

I'm anxious for the rest of this series. Scottie's book is next, which should be fun. Uptight British hero? Yes, please! But I'm also dying for the rest of the band to get their stories told, too. In short, thank you, Callihan, for writing another emotionally perfect read, and I need another dose ASAP.

5 STARS! 

~ * ~ * ~

I bought this book.

*Note: The quotes used belong to Kristen Callihan; TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them. Any mistakes or typos in the quotes are my own fault.

~ * ~ * ~

There's so much I loved about this book, and this rambling review doesn't even begin to cover it. Also, I have 21 "pages" of quotes on my Kindle. Twenty. One. Yeah, I had a hard time picking just those three to share. If I could, I'd share them all. Instead, just go read the book! :)

Oh, and as a note: Idol is told in alternating 1st POV. 

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on June 30th for a chance to WIN an ecopy of your own!

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,




  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!