I love a good cowboy story and this 4.5 star worthy novel, has a hot cowboy and a great plot line! Sasha Summers is a new to me author, but I will tell you that it won't be the last time that I read their work. From start to finish, I was completely wrapped up in this emotional journey, following Jace Black and Krystal King! I loved every minute of it! Hats off and two thumbs up!

Jace (Kings of Country #1). By Sasha Summers. 2020. Sourcebooks Casablanca (ARC eBook).

Jace is an entertaining and emotional romance with engaging characters embedded in the touring band life. Krystal King of the Three Kings (along with her twin sister and older brother) has written a new song but she isn’t sure she is on board with making it a duet with newcomer, Jace Black. Their chemistry sparks but Krystal’s past has kept her from committing to relationship. But Jace’s patience and honorable nature are just as impossible for Krystal to ignore as his muscles and tattoos are. This was my first read by Summers and I really enjoyed Jace and Krystal and also look forward to the other romances for the King family.

I love a rock star romance, and this one was great. Jace is an up and coming country star who meets Krystal, an already established musician in her family band, when he is going to open for them. Both Jace and Krystal were both such full characters, who had fully-fleshed out backstories that come into play throughout the story. We already ordered this book for our collection and I can't wait for book two to read more of Krystal's siblings and their stories.

I have chosen not to read/review this title as I was not able to connect with it or recommend it to the readers of our blog page or those who follow my reviews on Goodreads.

I apologize for the delay in this, as sending the negative reviews is something I (clearly) avoid doing for an embarrassingly long time.

Thank you, as always, for the review title.

Laura

WOW! What a wonderfully written tragic, emotional, impactful romantic story!
I just LOVED Krystal King and Jace Black, the lead characters in this fantastic book. Krystal is a wonderful, totally misunderstood woman. She puts out this bad attitude to the world that she is invincible to the outside world. However, in her own mind, and soul, she has been damaged to the very depths of her soul. Jace, he truly sees her for the phenomenal woman she really is. He just knows she is not the person everyone else sees. I LOVED watching Jace pull back the layers and really see Krystal.
ALL the characters are very well developed. The way that Ms. Summers builds them, you/I just either absolutely love them, or absolutely HATE them. Take Krystal’s mother, PLEASE take her away and just drop her off a cliff. I just wanted to throat punch the b, er witch more and more throughout the book. How could any mother do this?!?! Sorry Ladies, I cannot give anything away.
The author, Sasha Summer, is a new to me author whose writing that I have been introduced thru NetGalley. I was gifted with a copy of this book for my honest opinions of this book/story. Thank you NetGalley, I have definitely found a new author to love and follow!!
Thank you, Ms. Summers for sharing your writing talents with the world. You took a hard subject, brought it to life, and made it your, errr, witch! Kudos!
The ONLY thing I think the author/publisher could have done to make this book, not the story, better, is put links at the end of the book to national hotlines to groups to help victims of such abuse.
I cannot wait to read about the rest of Krystal’s and Jace’s siblings.
Thank you for reading my review. I hope I have helped you make the decision to hit that purchase button. I really think you will love this story as much as I have.

4 1/2 STARS!

An emotional journey of healing! With the first book in her Kings of Country series Sasha Summers brings us a story filled with hope as life unravels and rebuilds. I was drawn into the characters and the story quickly and didn't want the book to end. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

Krystal King is an attention grabbing character right off the bat. She is supposed to be this big country star with the world at her feet, but it doesn't take the reader long to see the undertones of what her life is really like, and as the story line progresses, we start to figure out that sometimes the bright lights and smoke are hiding a nightmare.

Jace Black is so yummy! He's your typical hardworking cowboy type in the oil fields of Texas when all of a sudden a twist of fate brings him into a world unlike anything he's ever known. He's humble, kind and such a temptation to hardened Krystal.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an emotional love story that has to overcome hurdles on it's way to happily ever after. The characters were relatable and the plot carried itself well.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series, and by the time we get to the end, there is even a possible extra book being hinted at – which can only be good news. I enjoy rock band/musicians touring and all the crazy that goes along with this, so I was delighted to get to review this book. It was, in fact, even richer than I had expected and took some novel directions which set up future books very cleverly. All the world building was done with subtlety and style – and wow, I would love to go and give CiCi King a piece of my mind!

Krystal, Emma, and Travis King, a successful country band led by their father, the even more famous Hank King, are interesting in themselves. With issues within the family coming out throughout the book, Jace, the new to the industry reality show winner, is thrown in at the deep end. He does brilliantly I think, often keeping his temper when riled, and consistently being supportive to Krystal, even when he doesn't know the whole story. He is almost too good to be true, but as we learn about his past, and how swift his rise to fame has been, it is heartening to believe such people exist.

I thought the level of intrigue was well done. Both Krystal and Jace have suffered in the past; although very different issues, they have both been hurt by those who they should have been able to trust. Krystal's story is very troubling, and it fits in well with the demands that are justifiably being made in real life in the #MeToo movement. It was sad to think how true the story could have been.

I am very curious to see what happens next! Great start to a new series, thank you, Sasha Summers.

As a huge fan of country music, the cover of this book was an immediate draw for me. Also, as a fan of The Voice, the premise caught my attention as well. Not that I needed any more boxes ticked, but I’m also a sucker for a rich girl/poor boy love story.

Krystal King was a hard sell for me. Even though I really wanted to like her from the start, she’s indifferent and withdrawn at the beginning and, even knowing that there was some awful secret hiding in her past, it took some time to get past her attitude. Once Jace starts chipping away at her walls, she becomes so much more likable. Once her big secret is hinted at, however, you can totally understand why she’s thrown up all the walls that she has. By the end of the book, my entire opinion of her had changed.

Jace Black is my kind of guy, however. He comes from humble beginnings and has no family other than his sister. With Heather, he’s protective, but not to the point of being obnoxious about it, which is a good thing for both the reader and Heather. But more than that, he’s honest and he’s down to earth. They make a bit too much of a big deal about his ‘gentlemanly’ side because honestly, it’s just being a normal, respectful human being. Jace’s sister, Heather is great. She’s the perfect mix of fangirl, little sister, and side character. I’m hoping that she’s featured in one of the upcoming books because I’d love to see her with Travis (although I think Jace would object haha)!

As for the rest of the King family, they were quite a group. Emmy Lou is the sweetheart, good girl, but doesn’t come off as too plastic or artificial. Travis is… something, but I loved his obnoxious self. Hank, their father, isn’t fleshed out as well as Krystal’s siblings are, but overall I liked him. He made some questionable choices, but as a parent, I can almost understand why. CiCi, Krystal’s mother, on the other hand, was over-the-top awful. I’m hoping she becomes less of a caricature of herself during the next novel.

Although bits of Jace are predictable, I wasn’t expecting the confrontation that came. I do believe that the subject manner was handled well, however, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Now that I’m done with Jace and Krystal’s story, I’m eager to find out which King is the next to find their mate – Travis or Emmy Lou? I really hope it’s Travis, but I have a feeling that he’ll be the last to settle down.

Sasha Summers tackles a tough issue so eloquently in this book. Krystal King the sister in The Three Kings that rough around the edges, put all of her pain and brokenness into the songs she wrote. Here pinnacle song was going to be given to her sister and some new comer Jace Black.
Although when she sang the song with Jace, they along with everyone else knew the duet was meant for them.
Jace wants to be the man that makes all the pain that ever happened in here life go away - Krystal thinks she is to broken.
This book is so good and will bring tears to your eyes and make your heart beat faster.

Jace is new to the country music scene. He is just the winner of a TV talent contest. Krystal is the veteran musician, part of the chart topping Three Kings and daughter of the iconic Hank King. But she’s been hurt, badly, in the past and she pushes any man away. Can Jace break through her defenses?
This was a beautiful and empowering novel. The characters, their actions and reactions were true to life. Even though Krystal is supposed to be prickly you end up loving her for her vulnerability. Jace is a true gentleman but you love him because he sees Krystal and loves what he sees. The plot flowed like a stream toward a satisfying ending.
I would recommend this book to my patrons.

I love starting a new series with brand new people to like (or dislike upon occasion), and a world that is wide open to explore, add to that being able to step into one of my favorite music worlds was pure joy. Jace begins the Kings of Country series with an emotionally powerful romance that not only brings two world and romance weary people together but gives us a backstage view of the crazy, satisfying, and pure magic world of Country Music.

On the surface, Jace and Krystal may seem a bit opposites, but at the core, they are certainly kindred spirits when the music flows and the lyrics take on special meaning. Watching their slow-burn tumble into love and working out a future together was such a fun journey. To be frank, there are some very sensitive issues dealt with in Jace. While it might not always be comfortable, this story does shine a light on a dark place and brings eventual healing in many ways. It’s not always easy to show abuse of any kind in a romance, still, for many people, this issue has been a fact of life for years. It is that touch, that feeling of reality that brings me back to this author.

Jace took me on a sweet and sultry ride that I didn’t want to end – and now comes the wait for the next story in the Kings of Country. I had a blast with this one, and I’ve no doubt if you love a good romance then you’ll want this on on your bookshelf right now.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Krystal King was born into country royalty. Jace was born into a hard working grassroots family. When Jace wins a reality singing competition everything changes! He goes from working two jobs and fighting to pay bills to stardom. His win also opens doors to the King family. He is asked to do a duet with Emmy Lou King from the famous siblings group Three Kings. Yes...if you have read the first line I said Krystal King not Emmy lou...let me explain. Krystal and Emmy are twins...and well Krystal is considered the troublemaker of the group Three Kings. She should clearly not be doing a duet with a good ole county boy like Jace...she will sully his image in the business. So Emmy lou it is….but the song in question is Krystals baby. She wrote it...poured her anger, sadness, and soul into this song and dammit she wants to sing it! Krystal comes to the studio the first day of rehearsals (at her dads request) to give pointers to Emmy and Jace, but Emmy suddenly is not feeling well and needs Krystal to step in. The moment Jace and Krystal set eyes on each other...the sparks fly...and well when they start singing it’s combustible! This is clearly their song!

My thoughts:
I loved the start of what is certain to be a strong series! I really enjoyed the setting of the country music stage! The characters are all likeable in their own way...even Travis (lol) the twins brother and the third sibling in Three kings. I can’t wait to read his story. It’s clear Sasha Summers can write sexy banter…. I mean those twos chart topping chemistry...wow (get it...lol...their musicians)!!
My only complaint is I did think the book dragged on a little long.

I recommend that you tune in (couldn’t resist the pun) to this new number one single!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Sasha Summers, and the publisher for this opportunity.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casa for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jace
By: Sasha Summers

*REVIEW* ☆☆☆.5
Well, I will begin by saying Jace is a well written insightful story full of unexpected emotional issues . These issues are extremely relevant and timely, but they are also heavy and leaning toward sensitivity overload for some. I like the story for its strength and grounded ideals, and the characters are likeable, sympathetic and authentic. There are many positive aspects. My only bother is the issues addressed because they bothered me a bit. Overall, I would still recommend this story.

What a fantastic book. Very well developed stories and characters. I loved Jace and Krystal.
The storyline was so good right from the beginninv. You will not be able to put this book down. A definite good read for anyone that likes a HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3258062936

***4.5 Stars***

Jace was not at all what I expected... It was so much more! Sasha Summers knows her way around writing a compelling and quite addicting romance. I was hooked from start to finish.

Jace is the first novel in the Kings Of Country Series written by Sasha Summers. Now I’m a huge fan of country music! From the traditional artists to the new age musicians, I love them all. So when I first read the blurb for Jace (Kings Of Country book one) I had to check my excitement at the door, or be labeled a crazy fool for the rest of my life.

I had every right to be excited!! Sasha Summers hooked me from start to finish. I couldn’t put this book down! I was honestly shocked by how much I really did love this story. Because I’m a fan of country music, I tend to be a tad bit picky when it comes to novels written around this certain genre/trope. I find myself scrunching up my nose often and rolling my eyes, but with Jace, there was absolutely no nose scrunching going on….thank the good lord for that.

Now onto a little bit about what this novel is about…. Without spoiling you all.

Jace Black is a new big name in country music thanks to winning his season of Next Top American Voice. Still reeling from his win, he receives the shock of a lifetime when he gets his hands on a song written by one of the hottest country music singer/songwriters Krystal King.

Krystal King has finally written a song that was made solely for herself to sing. Now comes the difficult part of trying to talk her daddy, country music idol Hank King, into letting her sing her own song. But everything isn't all rainbows and unicorns, you see Krystal is in a musical trio with her twin sister and her brother, and after years of getting tossed out of the spotlight she finally sees this song as her opportunity to shine.

I absolutely LOVED Jace Black and his good boy vibes! This southern boy brings the charm and the swoon. My heart was invested in his character from the get go. I loved the fact that this man was Krystal’s rock. He was her confidant and no matter how much she tried to push him away, he stayed right by her side. He was a true man’s man.

Krystal showed a greater strength that is unlike anyone else's. This woman had one of the worst things a teenager can have happen to them….and the hardest part to digest is the fact that the people who were supposed to protect her and believe her above all others, swept her issues under the rug. So this teenager grew up into a woman who held her shield with an iron grasp. I can’t even begin to explain how much hate I had for Krystal’s mother. She was such a bitch….. I’d actually like to see what happens to this woman…

I’m beyond excited to continue this series! I need more of these characters in my life. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

A country music story about Jace Black who has gone from the oil fields as a roughneck, his sister put his name in for one of those T.V. shows and he won. Now he is looking at singing with one of the legends of country music the King family.
Krystal King has written another hit song or so she believes. Now her father and others want her sister and some unknown to sing a duet. She does not want her song to be sung by them because it is personal and she feels it is her song.
The story takes hold when the two of them meet and they are actually able to do the duet together. An instant attraction forms. The comes in the mind of Krystal and the impression that she has of herself that she is broken and not worthy of anything good happening in her life. Here Jace fights with her in to get her to see the good that is inside of her.
This story will take you in many different directions trying to find their place in the world and also deal with the past especially from childhood. That is Krystal she has to overcome and deal with her childhood and what happened. When she finds out about Jace and his past she wants to move on and let him go. But he won’t go. See how they work it out and how everything comes together. You should also be aware of some child molestation that is in this story for those which will bring back memories. I really enjoyed this book and the characters, did not like her mother. Overall a very good story.

Sasha Summers crafts a beautiful, tender story of finding your voice. Readers will adore the undeniable connection between Country newcomer Jace & legacy musician Krystal. Summers expertly weaves fame with hidden heartache, family with the healing power of creating music. A can't miss!

I’ve said before I’m a sucker for cowboy romances, and this one has such a great hero & heroine, I really enjoyed reading it! I loved how small town boy meets country star girl & their overall dynamic as a couple. The steamy parts didn’t overtake the story or get too crazy, Jace is the perfect novel heartthrob (country gentleman!), and Krystal’s story is so powerful I think her personality & storyline alone kept me into the book! I can’t wait for the next in the series! I do want to mention possible trigger for child molestation.

I loved this delightful tale of a singer born into country royalty and a country boy just starting out. The book is named for the hero but it is the heroines story that will drag you in and make you listen. I loved Jace and his gentlemanly ways. I ached for Krystal for what she’d gone through and would go through. I loved that Jace was there for her and fought for her. This book will take you on an emotional ride worthy of a country song.

You need to read about Krystal and Jace!

Country singer Krystal King is upset that the song she wrote is going to be recorded by her twin sister Emmy Lou and Jace Black, the winner of Next Top American Voice because she wanted to keep the song for herself. Emmy Lou decided to fake being sick so that Krystal would be forced to record with Jace and everyone was surprised how good they sounded together resulting in Jace being offered the opening act for the Three Kings of Krystal, Emmy Lou and their brother Travis.

Some books have a hard time pulling the reader into the story but Jace pulled me right in because I absolutely loved it and the background of the story especially for someone that was raised on classic country music. The connection between Krystal and Jace singing is amazing but I will let the author take you on the journey and it is worth the read!

P.S. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.