I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

A wonderful second chance romance brimming with unending heart and passion. This novel and its characters had me enthralled. Even though Dakota occasionally caused problems while attempting to be funny, I adored the dynamic between Jack and his bandmates in Balefire. The same is true of Clio and her relationships with Stacy and Annabelle. They make an incredible group.

I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher.

Second-chance romance calls to me but unfortunately the many plot holes and loose ends in this story left a lot to be desired. The relationship was okay for me, but again left a lot to be desired.

Play for me: The first in the balefire series and you get to me Jackson Whitehorse and Clio Barnes.
When Jack signed a contract, he failed to read the fine print and it cost him. Cost him, big time. You got to meet Clio and you learned what her struggles were and what the connection was to Jack. It had deals, romance, good guys, heartbreak, good times and anything else you’d like to throw in. The characters were great and the story line drew you in. So when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy.

Jack and Clio were high school sweethearts until her father intervened and torn them apart. Clio doesn’t know the truth and believes Jack left her for his music career. All Jack can dream about is one day running into Clio again and making everything right. He gets his chance when she shows up at his band, Balefire’s concert and attends the after party. They share a amazing night together, but scared off by his band mates’ pranks, Clio flees and refuses to speak to Jack. What will it take for Jack to win back Clio’s heart if she ever gives him another chance?

Hot and steamy, this second chance romances hits most of the right notes. Jack and Clio have great chemistry and are well matched, but I wanted Clio to stand up for herself making Jack fight just a little harder for her love and forgiveness. 3.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this book.. It is a classic romance but I have never read a book with anything like this plot so I think it is definitely unique. The characters actually have character so that was nice and the plot was not just solely about the romance. Would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers and the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was a steamy romance that was perfect for fans of both rock music and/or romance. I haven't read anything before by the author, and I was really impressed by their work. While the time jumps were sometimes a little confusing, I loved the dual narrative and following these two characters across the plot of the novel. I'm not usually a fan of the baby trope in romance novels, but this was definitely the exception to my rule!

I was gripped from start to finish reading this book, reading it in one sitting. I fell in love with the love story, the characters and the world that the author created in the novel. In all honesty, I felt sad when I finished it as I wanted to read everything about the band!

An excellent addition to this book was the playlist given to the reader by the author at the end of the novel, as it gave the reader the opportunity to listen to these songs and associate it with the story. It also helped to understand the type of music the band may be playing, which was really lovely.

In conclusion, this was a great read with a loveable romance and characters. Well worth picking up, if you haven't done so already!

A wonderful second chance romance full of so much emotion and a never ending amount of heart. I couldn't get enough of this book and these characters. I loved the dynamic between Jack and his Balefire band mates even though Dakota did cause some issues trying to be funny. The same goes for Clio and her friendship with Annabelle and Stacy. They are truly an amazing trio.

I loved how Clio and Jack always found their way back to each other even after everything bad or complicated happened between them. Their love for each other and their daughter is beyond powerful and it will last a life time.

I do wish there would have been moments written into the book that readers would have seen. For example more of the day Clio gave birth, when the band meet Clio and Angel, and when Clio and Angel meet Jack's family.

For anyone that love second chance romance, a surprise baby, rockstars, amazing friendships, emotional rollercoasters, and beyond cute and wholesome endings you should definitely check out this book.

ARC received for review

I read and enjoyed Ms. Jackson's paranormal Talisman series, so I decided to see what she could do with a rock band.

I enjoyed Jack and Clio's journey, but at times there was too much silence between them. Clio would let that silence grow too big in her head. When they were together, it was beautiful and hot. Loved the band mates and her friends. Her parents were a real piece of work, and there was no real resolution to the drama with them.

Everything about this book called to me. The cover, it features a musician, and it’s a second chance romance. The author may have new to me, but it didn’t matter. I am always on the lookout for new authors.

Play For Me by Tam Derudder Jackson is the first book in the Balefire series. It introduces Jack Whitehorse and Clio Barnes. Jack and Clio were high school sweethearts. Clio was Jack’s world, and the only thing that came close was his love of music. Clio’s parents didn’t approve of their relationship. Therefore, to remove him from her life, Clio’s father offered Jack what he thought was the opportunity of a lifetime. Naively Jack accepted and in doing so unwitting pushed Clio from his life.Fast forward five years later Jack is the drummer for Balefire, one of the hottest bands in the country. Despite achieving his dream, he felt incomplete, as the girl who owned his heart was not by his side. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?Despite its predictably, I enjoyed the story and spending time with some characters. I say some, because they were a few I found contemptible, for instance, Clio’s parents. Anyway, let me not digress.

Jack and Clio made a great couple. However, their biggest issue lay in their failure to communicate. I could emphatise with them as teenagers, but as adults I wanted to shake them a time or two. Jack had every opportunity to come clean about his reason for walking away five years ago, and he never did. Don’t get me started with Clio aargh! I am happy to report they eventually got it right after much pulling of teeth.Now, although they both exasperated me with their failure to communicate, I loved how much they grew throughout the story. Clio learned to stand on her own and accomplish so much without her parents’ financial backing. It helped that she had the support of her friends.Jack’s willingness to step up and take responsibility for his past  actions proved how much he grew throughout the story.The story moved quickly and was an easy read. I finished in less than a day. It ended on a heart-warming note which had me smiling, and I have to admit, brought a teeny bit of tears to my eyes.

Conclusion/Recommendation

Play for Me shows how important a role communication plays in the success of any relationship. It’s a story of betrayal, lies, secrets, discrimination and, most of all, love. Overall, an ok read and perfect for readers looking for a light read.

This one was a little better than the second book in the series. I lived Clio, she has a strong bond with her friends. But then, there is more about her friends than her relationship with Jack. There was the character development that I liked and the drama to make it interesting but there were some plot holes left open that were not resolved. I liked Jack, and especially the scenes with the baby.

Jack and Clio were high school sweethearts until her father intervened and torn them apart. Clio doesn’t know the truth and believes Jack left her for his music career. All Jack can dream about is one day running into Clio again and making everything right. He gets his chance when she shows up at his band, Balefire’s concert and attends the after party. They share a amazing night together, but scared off by his band mates’ pranks, Clio flees and refuses to speak to Jack. What will it take for Jack to win back Clio’s heart if she ever gives him another chance?

Hot and steamy, this second chance romances hits most of the right notes. Jack and Clio have great chemistry and are well matched, but I wanted Clio to stand up for herself making Jack fight just a little harder for her love and forgiveness.

Most of the reviews on this say it is cliche. It absolutely is. Rocker meets good girl. They breakup. He becomes big. She becomes a college student. They reunite. However, this book was absolutely adorable. I really liked Jack. Clio was eh. I hated how immature they both were (hello, communication) but overall, I thought it was a super cute story and I would recommend it to romance readers who like music and some sultry parts :)

This is a second chance rock star romance. It takes place a few years after high school. Jack and Clio haven't seen each other and their break up wasn't an easy one for either of them. Jack is now a hot shot drummer and Clio is in her third year of college. Convinced to attended a Balefire concert by one of her best friends Clio doesn't realize she will be coming face to face with Jack,the boy she never could get over. I really enjoyed this book in the beginning it really caught my attention and i was cheering for Jack, I did feel that it did drag a bit towards the middle and didn't think it needed to be as long as it was. Although all around i liked the story line and the big surprise that takes place. I also liked the way Clio handled the situation with her parents. All in All I give this book a 4 star review and will definitely continue on with the series.

I received this book from NetGalley, and it is the ultimate miscommunication read.

If miscommunication is your favorite trope, this is your book. It follow the story of high school sweethearts, Clio, a rich girl that always wanted to be seen and loved, and Jack, a poor boy that dreamed of playing his music for millions. Jack gets the opportunity of a lifetime for an audition with a popular local band but the contract he gets from Clio's father (that he signs without reading) comes with strings attached. One, Jack can't contact/talk to Clio for two years, and two, if he does, Clio's father will destroy Jack's dad's business. So the main storyline stims around the fact that he can't even break up with the girl and tell her why, so both are confused and think the other hates them.

Years later they have a reunion, and like any sweet romance she saved herself for him only to get immediately pregnant and think he's seeing other women. Surprisingly not a spoiler, as it's written on the book description.

I personally find miscommunication frustrating, so this was a difficult read for me. However, the characters are sweet and you hope for the best for them.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! It wasn’t my favorite , and I’d prefer not to leave negative reviews online.

The storyline of the first installment in this series is an emotional rollercoaster. It's a second chance romance that is full of obstacles at every possible turn.

Jack is the drummer of a famous band. To get there, he is tricked into signing away what is most valuable to him. He is cornered and has no way of explaining his behaviour. Clio doesn't understand why he has suddenly changed. Five years later, they reconnect and even then, things go wrong after they think that all will be well. He is now back, but can she trust him?

Clio's friends are very supportive. Her parents are pathetic. I would have liked to have seen a little more interactions between the band members. Jack and Clio are well portrayed. In the end love prevails.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The premise of the book intrigued me from the start. Clio and Jack have been drawn to each other from the start in high school. She comes from the richer area of town, and her parents want her to be with someone they approve of. Jack is looking to further his career in his band that he’s about to sign with and they are torn apart. 5 years later after reuniting they are blessed with a surprise. Obstacles after obstacles are in the way of these two. I really enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised that this is going to be a series as they have great background characters that I would enjoy learning about more. I will definitely check out this author in future as this was the first book by her. I would definitely recommend this book.

There is so much packed into this book that it soon gets too much and the story therefore seems rushed. Elements that warrant deeper examination (like Clio's pregnancy without the love of her life, the relationship with her parents, and Jack's connection with the band) get neglected in favor of banter and lengthy descriptions of fashion attire. Both of which bring nothing to the story. I'd prefer a deeper character development rather than description of mundane props.
The story line is great and has so much potential, but there are too many missed opportunities to make a pleasant read into an unforgettable story.
Shame, because the author can clearly write.
Recommended for readers looking for a quick, entertaining read.

Holy hotness! Romance and Rock and Roll? Hell Yeah!

Well besides the awesome hotness of the book, I loved that the storyline was fast moving and it kept me intrigued from the first page until the last.

And Holy Wow Cow! That cover! Um can you introduce me to your cover model? Holy Abs!!!