This is one of my favourite rock star romances of all time, in fact I love it so much I read it when it first came out then again recently to write this review. One of the best things about it for me as an older reader is that it features characters closer to my age that I can relate to rather than young band members starting out. It has a unique plot with aged and larger than life rock star Zander Freedman deciding to use Pulitzer prize winning historical author Elizabeth Winston to write his memoir.

It is obvious from the beginning that their relationship is never going to run smoothly, Zander is used to getting his own way, and doing everything to his own timetable. In addition he is struggling with an illness that threatens to derail his multi million dollar tour and his newly resurrected career. Elizabeth is a perfectionist who is not willing to put her prestige and career on the line to write a shoddy book.

As mayhem swirls around Zander, Elizabeth tries her best to remain grounded, stick to the task in hand and avoid falling for him, but this is proving impossible as he will only tell her what he wants her to know and not the real truth about his life. But Elizabeth is not stupid and knows that there is a lot more to this man that he is revealing to her. Yes, this is a clash between two strong forces who refuse to back down until feelings get in the way.

This is an unforgettable story that should be in the collection of every rocker romance lover. Karina has written other books featuring the characters in Rise and I am excited to read more of her work.

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.

Rise - The redemption story of a rock star going straight(er) through the love of a good(ish) woman. lol, I love it!

I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book. I've read my share of Rock Star romances and they usually follow the same recipe. This one sounded like it could be different and I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out that it was.

Zander is your quintessential rock star. Ego as huge as his fan base, broody and tortured on the inside, sex appeal for miles and stubborn as hell. He is trying to rebuild his band after the original members broke up and he is not letting anything or anyone get in his way. Just as he is determined to keep his rock-god status he is also determined to have Elizabeth Winston write his memoir. She has the kind of reputation that would get his story told and taken seriously by the masses. What he wasn't expecting was to have the reputable Dr. Winston turn out to be a passionate, fiery woman who gave as good as she got and made him want for more than fame.

This was such an enjoyable read for me. There were the usual suspects in a rock star romance -- egos, problems with substance abuse and tour antics. But for me, all that faded into the background even though it added to the story in one way or another.

The author did a great job on establishing, building and developing Zander and Elizabeth's connection throughout the story. Every other element brought to the page somehow added to establishing that connection. Be it how Zander's actions affected Elizabeth's view of him or Elizabeth's ability to deal with the walls Zander chose to throw around himself, all this and more made their connection obvious for me. But ultimately, the candid dialog, range in emotions and flirty banter made this romance worth my time. I can't wait to read up on more of Zander and Elizabeth's story.

You know all it takes is the right one to change everthing. Finding someone and something real didn't seem like a reality for someone like Zander especially with sweet Elizabeth but after so long it's impossible to deny. Then you follow the fight of will they make it once they've figured out it's inevitable, yet bumpy as hell.
A mix of sexy and redemption and these two take you on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride that you can't get enough of.

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
This book was definitely not what I had expected. I had expected a typical trope of rock star and girl falling in love. However, on reading this book I was pleasantly surprised. This book is really well done in that it is realistic and romantic without relying on tropes previously done. The pace is quite slow at times but I think it reflects the slow building of the relationship well as speeding through a relationship would not do justice the characters especially Elizabeth. Making the romance a slow burn allows each character to be developed and defined in their own way as an individual before they come together. It gives weight to the romance and it means more when they come together as the reader understands the characters better and so is more invested in them singularly and together. I enjoyed the 'family' of other characters in the book as the author weaves in their relationships with the MC, giving time to explore themes further such as female friendships. I really liked the inclusion of the friendships and the exclusion of the typical ex as the bad guy idea often seen. The writing is good and draws you in quickly with its warmth and funny quips scattered throughout.
A well written romance that I would recommend to anyone.

Zander Freeman is a rock legend. Frontman for the rock band Rage, he rebuilt the group after an ugly split with the other members, including his own brother. Now he's risked every cent of his own money on a world tour and he is hiding a serious medical issue that could jeopardise everything. I first met Zander in Bring Him Home when he was the obnoxious rock star that Nate was bodyguarding (is that even a word?). Apparently he also appears in What the Librarian Did, which features his brother Devin, but I haven't read that one.

Elizabeth Winston is a serious historical biographer so when Zander asks her to write his memoir she's amused and dismissive. But when she realises that he has actually read some of her work she thinks she could write something about someone who is alive, for a change.

Elizabeth forces Zander to take a good hard look at himself in the mirror, and he realises that he has sacrificed friends and family to his ego and arrogance. Heck he couldn't even remember his girl-friend for a year's real name!

As the attraction between them grows can their fling remain a dirty secret? Or could a rock legend be falling in love?

I like Karina Bliss' novels. Even her shallow, narcissistic heroes are erudite and thoughtful at times. The build up to Zander and Elizabeth's first 'encounter' was slow and sultry, I think it was about halfway through the book, and felt like extended foreplay as they danced around each other with looks and words.

If that sounds a bit tame, see a rock god negotiate with a little girl in a tiara and look after a screaming baby. Watch him enthral crowds at stadiums across Europe and the US, feel the electricity in the air as he comes off stage and hear the deep thrum of the music.

If you feel like reading a romance with a feisty, independent heroine and a jaded rock star, a great storyline and a stellar supporting cast then look no further, I've found your next read. You're welcome.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.