Title: Idol (VIP #1)

Author: Kristen Callihan 

Published: June 7th 2016 by Plain Jane  

Source: Scribd 

Type: Audiobook 

Blurb: 

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.   

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads 

This story is not only a romance, but as well a journey to rediscover oneself and become a better person. I may have enjoyed this last part more than the love story. But let me tell you more than what the blurb is describing. 

Libby meets Killian at (maybe) the lowest point in his life. Hiding away in an old house, in a small town where hopefully nobody will recognize him, he’s taking time away from his band, his fame and his life in general even. Oh, the drunk part you’ve already read about, but the scene in the book is fantastic! From the first pages we see Libby’s strength and her independence. The fact that she doesn’t recognize him makes Killian act more naturally and they begin a beautiful friendship, which in the end will lead to music – of the heart and the real kind as well. Will they stay together when reality strikes? That’s the million dollar question: will fame change everything? 

I was mentioning earlier that this is also a journey of self-discovery. Killian has lost his motivation and even his inspiration. He is tired, drained even. Recent events in their band affected all members, some in more ways than others. He is lost. Libby gives him a breath of fresh air, a chance to feel normal again. For her, Killian is the key to her own music. He opens the door to her dreams, but also her fears. They will find strength in one another, they will find even inspiration. This would be the first part of the story.  

The second part is focused on the life Killian has on stage, with his band, but as well on Libby’s career. I don’t want to get into details, as I may spoil a big part of the action, but there are challenges that their relationship will have to face and there are feelings that will be left unsaid. Loved it!  

In terms of the writing, even if this book has 339 pages (according Goodreads), it felt like a lot more. Not in a bad way, not at all. I was so drawn into the story and I was so caught up in the characters that I lost track of time. I love the fact that the author put a lot of attention into the reactions each character has to the major events, such as Libby finding out who Killian is, or later the team’s reaction to her presence or Libby’s attitude toward her potential career. It all felt natural.  

Since I listened to this book on Scribd, I can say that both narrators did a great job. I loved how each used the inflexions to portray key details of our characters’ personalities. I had no problem understanding who was who in the scenes where more characters appeared.  

Oh, and speaking about the rest of the characters, I have a feeling that the next books in the series will be fantastic as well. We find out a little about them, not about all but the main ones. I cannot wait to tell you about their stories as well (I’ve finished book 2 and I am almost half way into book 3 already).  

Ok, time to wrap this up. I decided to give the book 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because at some point nothing happened and the action felt a bit slow. Also, the tension in the end was not as intense as I was expecting. This does not mean that I enjoyed it less, absolutely not. I loved the book and I loved the narration, but the reviewer in me is acting out. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read the book or if you’ve read any other series by this author. For me it was the first book and I cannot wait to read her other series as well.  

Until next time, happy reading!  

Cover Review: Oh, I love the cover! It represents the story perfectly. The stage lights, Killian in the middle of it all, but keeping his mystery somehow. Yes, the cover is awesome.  

Favorite Quote: 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.  

About The Author

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.