| Title | : | Ready to Love (Damaged Hearts, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 236 |
| Publication | : | First published August 10, 2015 |
She is the one woman who is always off limits…
College rocker and infamous playboy, John Kingston, has screwed his way through most of the women on campus. But there’s one woman he will never touch: his best friend and band mate, Nicki. For four years, he’s been her protector and her confidant.
When arrogant frat guy, Axel, attempts to make a claim on her, John suffers a painful wakeup call, quickly realizing that his feelings for Nicki are not purely platonic. Recognizing that Axel’s intentions are anything but innocent, John’s possessiveness spirals out of control, sparking a dangerous feud.
Nicola Lewis can’t bear to be touched. Haunted by an awful past that she has been unable to escape, she has kept her distance from the opposite sex. And she’s been just fine living her life that way: safe and uncomplicated with no chance of getting hurt again.
Until an unexpected kiss changes everything…
But John and Nicki must decide whether the burgeoning desire between them is worth the risk. Is this a case of love conquers all, or a huge mistake that could destroy everything?
Ready to Love (Damaged Hearts, #1) Reviews
-
Find this review and more at
Ramblings From This Chick
Ready to Love is the first book I have ever read by Franca Storm, and it is also the first book in her Damaged Hearts series. This book is a standalone story. While this book was my first from Franca Storm, it might also be my last. I really hate having to do this, but part of reviewing is being honest even when it isn't what you wish you could say. I wanted to like this book so much. The cover was beautiful and the blurb was so promising. Friends to lovers and rockstar stories are two of my favorites ever. However this one just had so much that didn't work for me and unfortunately was a hot mess.
John Kingston and Nicola Lewis have been best friends for four years. They go to school together and are in the same band together. Though they are very close, they have never been anything more than friends. But when an arrogant frat guy, Axel, Takes an interest in Nicki, John begins to realize that his feelings for Nicki aren't as platonic as he once thought. But he knows that pursuing anything with her could ruin everything, including their band. If that weren't enough, Nicki's awful past keeps her from dating or touching others. She keeps her distance as a way to protect herself, but then a kiss changes everything. Can John and Nicki have a chance at something together, or will something or someone stand in their way?
Part of the reason that I struggled so much here was that John and Nicki both aggravated me constantly. John was used to sleeping around and didn't have a problem parading girls in front of Nicki, yet he would go completely alpha possessive on Nicki the minute another guy was around. He wanted Nicki and didn't want her with anyone else, yet he also "needed time" to stop being with other girls. He briefly used them being so close and in a band as one excuse not to be together, but it was the fact that he didn't want to commit that really kept him from giving in to her. The majority of this story was him telling her that they couldn't be together because of that. Nicki had some issues due to her past, and they were very understandable. She learned self defense with John's help, and she was very strong when it came to boxing. Yet she was completely weak and naive in every other aspect of her life. She was pretty much a doormat, allowing both John and Axel to basically do whatever they wanted. She had no backbone, and I didn't understand how physical she could be with both of them while being an abuse victim that supposedly still had issues with touching others. John was one thing as he was her best friend and she felt comfortable with him, but being that way with Axel didn't make sense at all and was completely unrealistic.
Another huge issue for me was the fact that this story felt like a lot was missing. John and Nicki would frequently get into arguments, and the story would suddenly pick up weeks later. They hadn't talked or seen each other in the meantime and usually both of them made some hugely incorrect assumptions. They would also usually move on to others assuming that they were no longer together without even saying the words or speaking to the other. It really bothered me, and most of the book it felt like Nicki was cheating on John with Axel, or John was cheating on Nicki with some random girl. Nicki would fool around with Axel or allow him to go too far when she was drinking, and then someone would bust in and remove Axel from her reminding her that he was basically using her. But yet she wouldn't stay away from him when she was sober either, so it made it really hard to feel sorry for her and as though Axel was taking advantage of her even when she said no. I never support rape or any attempt at rape, but yet why when you tell him no and he doesn't stop easily would you keep putting yourself in the same position, especially when you are sober? I just couldn't get over it, and I grew to dislike her because of it. I'm not saying she had it coming, but do you not learn? I also hated how the author always used "cuz" instead of because. It was with every character in this story, and didn't matter if it was dialogue or thoughts that they had. It was just flat out weird, and came off as amateurish. Surely not every single character in this book was incapable of using the full word because at all times. Overall, I wanted to like this story and I think that it really could have been great. But it was all over the place, there was too much going on and I felt like it was so back and forth that I just couldn't keep it straight. I wanted Nicki and John to figure things out, but after awhile I just stopped caring and only kept reading to see what would happen. I almost didn't finish this one, but I really felt like I had to see how things would end. While this one did wrap things up, I will warn that the ending was pretty abrupt. I don't know that I will read more from the author in the future, but if this one sounds like something you might be interested in then give it a shot. Not every book is for every reader, and just because this one wasn't for me doesn't mean that others won't enjoy it.
**ARC Provided by IndieSage PR** -
More than a little rock-n-roll between friends...
I was intrigued by the idea of best friends being in a band together. Of course the idea of Nicki being off-limits had me anxious for that to change. I was mentally encouraging them to give in to their attraction to each other and go for it. I was rolling my eyes at John, the groupie lovin' manwhore. But then he surprised me by showing another side of himself. The side that puts the feelings and fears of his friend, Nicki, before his own wants and needs. I knew he was attracted to her, but I also knew that he was afraid to give into those feelings. He didn't want to take any chances with the future of their band by starting a relationship that could fail and ruin everything they had worked so hard to achieve.
Until Axel. Yup, the best eye-opener can sometimes be seeing someone else enjoying what you want. Especially when that someone is a total player and you know he's just manipulating her, using her. Why can't Nicki see what is so clear to John? Does she really like that jerk? Of course John's not jealous, he's just being a good friend, protecting her. They've been through so much together. Nobody understands her like he does.
Nicki tries not to get caught staring at John. That's kinda weird, right? Checking out your best friend's ass when he's not looking is okay though, as long as he doesn't know you're doing it. They did a good job of staying in the friend-zone...until the kiss.
Throw in some super-secretive past events that are responsible for Nicki's skittish behavior. Add a dash of danger. Stir in some crazy band mates. Then you have the recipe for a good read, enjoy. -
If you love a reformed manwhore, an inexperienced heroine, and overcoming of inner demons all in a new adult package, you'll love this one!
full review to come! -
4 out of 5 stars
John and Nicki had me cheering for them from the first page. John is the renowned playboy lead singer of a college rock band. Nicki is his best friend, back up singer in the band, not only a virgin but also very naive when it comes to guys, and totally off-limits for John sexually. Guess how long that lasts?!
They have an odd relationship because in the first two chapters we see them share things that seem romantic, but are supposed to be platonic. We see John in bed with another woman - one he doesn’t even know the name of. We see Nicki flirting with and then fighting off another guy. And then Nicki and John end up in bed together as he comforts her after she has a nightmare.
John is cocky and self-centered, but once he lets down the walls, he becomes one of the sweetest most romantic book boyfriends I’ve read about in awhile.
The story isn’t just romance though. There’s family dynamics. There’s college situations. There’s band drama. And of course, there’s history that has to be dealt with. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Storm wrote the book with alternating points of view as well as just enough background here and there to make us want to keep reading to learn more about this story and these amazing characters.
One of my favorite quotes in the book is when John is realizing that he isn’t as in control as he thinks he is:
Since my teenage years, I’ve never backed down on anything. It’s always been my way or nothing. I’ve always got what I wanted, when I wanted it. Taken what I wanted, had people doing what I wanted. I’ve been the leader in every situation -- in the band, with women, back when I went to the gym regularly and no one could beat me.
But with this situation with Nicki and Axel, it’s like all that’s been stripped away; like my power is gone.
I love this because it gives us a quick glimpse at what John is feeling and helps set the stage for the rest of the novel and the development of John & Nicki’s relationship.
I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy hot, alpha rockstars with tattoos and brooding personalities. And also if you enjoy a book with strong characters and people you can’t help falling in love with! -
You little beauty, I loved this.
It had everything I could have wanted and it was written beautifully.
Nicki and John had that whole unrequired love thing going on, they had been friends for years but it was firmly entrenched in the friend zone, no matter how much the Nicki may have secretly hope that it would eventually sneak its way out into the something more category.
Well guess what, this little love bug fought its way out and the story of how and why is just superb!
Nicki needed John all those years ago to save her ass but being around him has turned her into one tough cookie and despite the fact that John still has his blinkers on she can handle her own shit, she takes self-defence classes and isn’t averse to getting herself in the ring and donning her boxing gloves to let off a little of the pent up frustration that she has going on.
John may think that the way he treats Nicki is special but all he is doing is frustrating the heck out of her, she is waiting for him, her Mr Right, the shame is that he can’t see past the long line of groupies that keep him company to see that the vulnerable girl he saved is all grown up and ready to get it on!
Now in a way I understood where John was coming from, he wasn’t ready to commit and a failed relationship between the two of them would impact more than just them, they had others in the band to think about.
But this little woman is about to yank his chain, because sick of waiting, she takes matters into her own hands… she starts to date Axel.
I got the feeling that this more was more tactical than anything else, a move to force Johns hand so to speak because she really isn’t that into Axel but she knows that John detests the guy.
John knows that if she has a bad night, a nightmare or needs soothing it is him that she needs, he is the one that calms her down but he also knows that, that isn’t exactly going to sit well with Axel but damn it will take bigger and better than him to keep John from her when she needs him. The fun and games are about to commence!
Her wellbeing is paramount to him, just because he doesn’t want a relationship it doesn’t mean he doesn’t care… he cares too much if anything! Confronted by the situation and the turmoil that the whole Nicki and Axel thing has going on, the squabbling and fighting that ensued was inevitable but it awakens John to the fact that if he wants Nicki then he has to man up and get the heck on with it – she isn’t going to hang around forever.
Common sense prevails and he sets about claiming his woman but relationships are far from easy and putting one in the hands of two complete novices when it comes to all things love related is only asking for trouble.
They have exes to deal with, secrets from the past to survive and a whole host of other angst and drama thrown in for good measure along the way but what they have most is they have each other and the connection that despite it all cannot be broken.
I adored this book, I loved the characters and the realism that they exhibited.
A super read from an author I have never read before – can’t wait to get some more of her work under my belt. -
Zö said we read it. I vaguely remember it......
-
Are you in the mood for a good rock star book ? One that won't leave you going urgh another Bad boy Rock Star Novel ? Ready To Love by Franca Storm was one of those fast-paced and easy to get into rockstar novels and I know since they are all the rage, it can be hard to find a really good one but Ready to Love was AMAZING and had me not wanting to put it down until I had finished the very last page. In Ready to Love, we have a band which consists of two girls Chloe and Nicki and two guys John Kingston and Mitch. Growing up John and Nicki have been the best of friends, in fact she had not that great of a childhood and ended up spending more time with John and his family than her own. As Nicki grew older, she fell in love with the wrong guy as often girls do , she fell for one that abused and treated her horribly and John was the one to save her from him. This has cemented their friendship and relationship but lately John has been feeling a little bit more for Nicki than he is use too. What will happen though when it's not just John interested in Nicki but a fraternity brother Axel who is a player and it seems he likes it rough as well. After Nicki's past, John can't help protect her but what will happen when he doesn't know how to express his feelings and Nicki takes it the wrong way and ends up hating him. Can John prove to Nicki that he loves her and only her ? Can John be the one to show Nicki she is special and worth every bit of love in the world? The other thing I loved about this book was the fact that John wasn't just a Rock Star but also a MMA fighter. Hmmm - love my MMA fighters.
-
This is my first book by Franca Storm and I can see myself reading more by her. I enjoyed this book and the characters in it. I could feel the pain, anger and all the emotions they were feeling.
Nicki and John have been friends for 4 years they've always secretly had a thing for each other. They are in a band together are are best friends. John saved her and now sees her as fragile but Nicki is a kick ass rocker who does boxing and can kick some ass in the ring as well. Nicki wants to lose her V card and she wants John but he doesn't want to do it because she is special and he doesn't want to put the band in jeopardy, not to mention he is not ready to stop playing with all the groupies. So she starts dating Axel and although she isn't really feeling it, she continues because John has said he doesn't want a relationship. The problem there is only John can manage to touch her without her getting scared or nightmares. John hates Axel with a passion and does not trust him at all so a fight starts. Finally John mans up and goes after Nicki (thankfully in the nick of time) and they start seeing each other.
This is just a tip of the iceberg in this book. Neither of them have been in a relationship and they have no idea what to do so there is so drama there. There is the fight with Axel and then Nicki's past comes into the picture and that could be deadly.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
I received this for an honest review...... LOVED LOVED LOVED!!! I cant even begin to tell you how much I loved this book!!! I was instantly pulled into this story of Rockers/best-friends/lovers that is this book!!!
John is my new love and book boyfriend... He is hot and sweet and totally in love with his best friend/band-mate Nicki. They have been fighting this attraction to each other for awhile
Nicki has had some hard times in the past and John has always been there.. Now she is ready to move on with her life and wants John to do that with her... John is your typically bad boy rocker different girl in his bed nightly but wants Nicki..
This is their love story and it is freaking EXPLOSIVE..
I was captured by this book from the first and kept me wanting more and rooting for this couple to get their SH&T together. I loved the writing as it is what absolutely pulled me into their story!!
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be my last AHMAZING -
A good read. But it doesnt make me feel somethin' toward the story. And almost all the story is about sex. Bah. The heroine is kinda annoying so...but its worth it if you want to read some sexy bestfriend to lover story with so much sex scenes and all
-
I loved the premise of this book, 2 guys and 2 girls in a rock band that are best friends who look out for each other, especially John and Nicki. Nicki is a good girl, great student, musician and friend, she is all around the perfect chick, well except she can't let anyone get close to her due to a very traumatic experience she suffered. John is the frontman, a role he takes very seriously along with the perks, but when Nicki who suffers from anxiety and nightmares needs him, he will drop everything to be by her side. Feelings between the two start to shift and this is where the story takes a step back for me. The constant push and pull between them went on for too long for two people who know each other as well as they do. I was rooting for them and at times wanted to shake them both to get to the HEA. Martin & Chloe's story/non story almost became more interesting and I would like to see a book about them.
-
Want more.....
Loved the storyline. It was fast paced reading kept me wanting to know more. Loved Nicki and John together the dynamics and chemistry was awesome. Now I need to know more what happens next with the band and Chloe and Mitch they definitely need more attention. I need to know why Chloe is the away she is, so hint, hint and wink need MORE!! I also downloaded your MC series I think the first book is called "Reckless" not sure but I love absolutely love MC reads. So thanks for keeping this reader bumping her kindle for the next page.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis -
They’ve been friends for years and band mates. John saved Nicki from a brutal personal attack and since then, she relives the memory.
John is used to protecting her and fears the repercussions of becoming romantically involved.
After deciding to try at a relationship following the drama of getting his car keyed and being attacked, he decides to give up his female fan club. -
Sweet story.
-
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“She keeps putting me in no-win situations. She keeps tempting me, knowing I can’t go over the line. And my patience is at an end now. Stripping in front of me like this grates on my last nerve. I’m not superhuman.”
4 stars. This book was a cute friends turned lovers book! I really enjoyed reading this book and you definitely need to one click this pronto!!
She is the one woman who is always off limits…
College rocker and infamous playboy, John Kingston, has screwed his way through most of the women on campus. But there’s one woman he will never touch: his best friend and band mate, Nicki. For four years, he’s been her protector and her confidant.
When arrogant frat guy, Axel, attempts to make a claim on her, John suffers a painful wakeup call, quickly realizing that his feelings for Nicki are not purely platonic. Recognizing that Axel’s intentions are anything but innocent, John’s possessiveness spirals out of control, sparking a dangerous feud.
Nicola Lewis can’t bear to be touched. Haunted by an awful past that she has been unable to escape, she has kept her distance from the opposite sex. And she’s been just fine living her life that way: safe and uncomplicated with no chance of getting hurt again.
Until an unexpected kiss changes everything…
But John and Nicki must decide whether the burgeoning desire between them is worth the risk. Is this a case of love conquers all, or a huge mistake that could destroy everything?
I really loved this book, I loved the idea of a male best friend falling for his female best friend. John and Nicki have always been best friends. He’s always been there to help her through things and she confided in him when things got tough. John never thought that when he saw frat guy Axel hitting on her he’d be affected the way he is. After that John is determined to make Nicki his! This book is so cute and so worth the read!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club** -
WOW Ready to Love! I didn't want this book to end! Ready to Love will draw you in right from the first page and you will want to put this book down. This is the first book I have read by Franca Storm and I'm absolutely in love with her writing style. There are a lot of books written in different character POV's that repeat certain scenes. This however was not the case with this book! Another reason why I loved this book so much!
John is the playboy lead singer to Worst Exit and Nicki is the shy guitarist. Nicki and John have been best-friends since high school after a horrible incident that Nicki suffers. Since that incident John has always taken on the protective best-friend role. However all of that changes one night after a gig at a frat house when Axel, one of the frat brothers, takes an interest in Nicki. John starts to realize that he wants more from Nicki then just friendship even if she has always been the one girl who is off limits.
“You’re easy to love, Nicki. So damn easy to love. I can’t get enough of you.”
Does Nicki feel the same way about John or does she see him as nothing more than her best-friend? Can John give up his playboy ways to be the name he knows Nicki needs her life?
You know the drill!
-
A kiss can make the biggest impact between two friends
College rocker and infamous playboy, John Kingston, has screwed his way through most of the women on campus. But there’s one woman he will never touch: his best friend and band mate, Nicki. For four years, he’s been her protector and her confidant. When arrogant frat guy, Axel, attempts to make a claim on her, John suffers a painful wakeup call, quickly realizing that his feelings for Nicki are not purely platonic. Recognizing that Axel’s intentions are anything but innocent, John’s possessiveness spirals out of control, sparking a dangerous feud. Nicola Lewis can’t bear to be touched. Haunted by an awful past that she has been unable to escape, she has kept her distance from the opposite sex. And she’s been just fine living her life that way: safe and uncomplicated with no chance of getting hurt again. (Amazon blurb)
Without sounding like a screaming teenager groupie who is totally in love with a lead singer who not only sings like a god, but has the body of a boxer, and the loyalty of a dog (please don't take this the wrong way!), OMG John is simply drool worthy. As for Nicky, I never would have pinned her for being this badass boxer capable of taking on the men in her gym and an amazing song writer, but she has this quality that simply draws you in, even though she has suffered at the hands of a trusted adult years ago, and John being the one to save her. The two make a pair that simply reminds me of Baby and Johnny in Dirty Dancing - timeless. As for the author, I sincerely hope that her other novels keep that quality, that 'je ne sais quoi' that keeps me coming back to her stories even if I know I should be doing something else, like going to work.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club** -
I am in LOVE with this book and author! Franca Storm, where have been all my life?
College rocker, John Kingston, is a HOT man whore, who has slept his way through 99.9% of the woman on campus, except one. He refuses to touch his best friend and band mate. Nicola Lewis cannot handle being touched because of her terrifying past. She's beautiful, but keeps her distance from men, all except her protector, John. That all changes with an unexpected kiss. When frat boy, Axel, decides he wants Nicki as a notch on his bedpost, John has to face his true feelings for her, as his possessiveness is out of control that starts a war. Will John and Nicki decided being together is worth the huge risk?
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! Franca Storm's characters were fantastic, and amazingly well developed. The glimpses of the background surrounding the characters pasts throughout, made it that much harder to put it down for anything. Even though John was a player, he still put Nicki's protection and well being above all else. I formed a girl crush on Nicki, as she made her future better and didn't let her past define her. It also helped that she could seriously kick some butt in the boxing ring. The dual POV made the story even fuller. There was quite a bit suspense that kept me on edge, and the chemistry between Nicki and Dylan was SMOKIN HOT! I swear sparks flew off my kindle. I'm a new fan girl of this author, and I'm praying she writes more about this band, like maybe Mitch and Chloe's story (hint hint)? HIGHLY LOVE and RECOMMEND! -
Love this book.
John Kingston is a notorious player. He is known all over campus and all over town for his conquest. His main concern is his bands success. He will not let a woman near his heart. He's also known for his boxing skills. Everything can be a competition for him. His best friend is Nicki and she is the only hot babe off his radar. They have been best friends for four years. She is also in his band.
Nicki is not your typical college girl. She doesn't like to party or drink much. She studies hard to get good grades. She knows her best friend is a player but that is ok because he is her protector.
He's also the only man she can stand to touch her. When her bad memories comes to haunt her in her dreams he holds her until the old fears are gone again. Every time he has woke holding Nicki in her bed nothing has ever happened. They have never stepped over that line.
Nicki doesn't date. Out of left field a young hot frat boy starts flirting with Nicki. Normally this wouldn't bother John but this time Nicki starts to flirt back and from there the chaos begins.
Ready To Love is the perfect example to show that love is built on trust and commitment and not solely based on a physical attraction. I enjoyed this book tremendously. Nicki experienced a traumatic experience and John made her feel safe and gave her the skills to be stronger. Nicki gave John an intimate relationship not based on sex. Great story and read. -
Ready to love is a standalone.
John Kingston playboy and rocker, he has had most of the women in his college apart from his bandmate Nicki,shes off limits.They are friends,look out for each other,confide in each other.
When someone shows interest in Nicki Johns realises he has feelings for her,that they go beyond the boundaries of friendship,he sets out to win Nicki.Finally ready to face his feelings for her.
Nicki cannot stand to be touched,haunted by a past she just cant escape she keeps herself closed off to everyone.John has always been there for her,helping her,she also has feelings for John shes never revealed.Nicki has taken self defence classes,she strong she loves nothing better than getting in the ring to get rid of the frustrations that build up inside of her.Deciding shes tired of waiting for John she starts to dateAxel in order to maybe make him jealous as its no secret John hates him.Hes scared any kind of relationship will wreck what they have but no longer being able to sit and watch someone else take who he wants he realises he has to act before its too late.Can John convince her they were meant to be and what happens when the past comes into the present how will it impact on their lives now?
What a great read…loved it.Its sweet,romantic and sexy with drama and heartbreak thrown in too.I loved the characters and the storyline kept me totally gripped till the very end.I will definitely be reading more from this talented author -
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first read by Franca Storm and it left me begging for more!
John is the ultimate 'hit it and quit it' rising young rock star. This has never been a problem...until now. He's starting to notice his feelings towards his best friend in the world, Nicki, aren't so friend-like anymore. And maybe they never have been but he's hidden it from himself.
John's the only person Nicki has ever let all the way in. He's her savior, and that's not just a figurative phrase. He saved her life and ever since he's been the only one who can comfort her from the fear and pain from her past.
When a guy John doesn't trust starts making moves on Nicki and she's letting him he realizes he needs to make a decision about what he wants. Nicki's a virgin, and John's protectiveness over her is fierce. He feels she deserves better than what he can give her, but if he'd just open his heart to her with how he really feels he could be all she deserves and more. He's just afraid because he doesn't want to mess up their friendship or hurt their band. Plus, he's never been in a committed relationship before.
You're going to love John and Nicki's story. It's sweet and sensual, with plenty of emotional angst. Their hard earned HEA is beautifully written and I can't wait for the stories of the other band members! -
John is your rocker and one of the famous playboys on campus, Nikki is his BF, in their band and totally off limits. Ha Ha
They are BF and for four years they have been just that, until one day he needs to man up and let his feelings go especially when a sorority brother, Craven is only out to score with Nikki and will manipulate her in anyway to think its something more than a one-night stand. Nikki is a virgin and if not for John a few times saving her she would be another rape victim. The band members, Mitch and Chloe are hilarious in this story and both are polar opposites of John and Nikki. Chloe and John come from family and money, whereas, Nikki and Mitch were not so lucky growing up and have to work harder than them to get somewhere.
In this fast paced story, you will feel their emotions and be feeling the pain in those kickboxing scenes. The sex is hot and when I seen this was a standalone I was like no way there has to be more to this story especially at the ending. There is so much more to this story for John/Nikki's relationship, Mitch/Chloe's just for fun moments, and the bands future. I'm ready to love and looking for more in these damaged hearts of theirs. If you like a quick read, rockers and BF who finally come to their senses this book is for you. -
I received a free copy for an honest review
Nikki can’t stand to be touched, especially by men. For so long she’s avoided dating and any form of intimate contact with all guys but one, John Kingston. He was the guy who saw her at her lowest and picked her back up again – she trusts him completely. But recently their friendship has felt like more and Nikki finds herself wishing she could go that bit further with him.
Not wanting to ruin their friendship she accepts the advances of campus playboy Axel who seems nice enough. Caught up in his words she doesn’t see the kind of guy he really is behind the charm – but John does. With his feelings on the line he must choose whether to step in and man up, claiming Nikki for his own or let her go and let her move on with her life. Will they be able to move on from the past and make a future together?
I really enjoyed this book, lots of drama and emotion as well as some great sexual chemistry! With Nikki’s past and Axel in the mix it created a variety of drama filled situations for Nikki and John to face and they are one HOT couple! Excellent read which I devoured in one sitting, definitely worth a read. -
So definitely loved this book! John Kingston is a rocker man whore who has slept his way around his college campus. The only woman he hasn't been with is the girl that's been in love with him for a while now. His best friend and bandmate Nicki. Nicki has a rough past, her stepfather attacked her a few years prior and John saved her, since then he's been her best friend and protector. Everything changes when they finally kiss and John realizes that the love of his life has been right in front of him. The stress of dealing with his overbearing father and the unwanted advances of Axel, a fellow student who has his sights set on Nicki, make john and Nikki's relationship rocky from the get-go.
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of this read. The characters are great and I'm really hoping we get Chloe and Mitch's story next - their chemistry is undeniable and the sparks are flying during this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the dual POV it just makes a book so much better and that's especially the case in this book when Nicki is facing the fears of her past. Excellent read - highly recommended.
*given in exchange for an honest review*
Reviewed by Lee'Anne -
So definitely loved this book! John Kingston is a rocker man whore who has slept his way around his college campus. The only woman he hasn't been with is the girl that's been in love with him for a while now. His best friend and bandmate Nicki. Nicki has a rough past, her stepfather attacked her a few years prior and John saved her, since then he's been her best friend and protector. Everything changes when they finally kiss and John realizes that the love of his life has been right in front of him. The stress of dealing with his overbearing father and the unwanted advances of Axel, a fellow student who has his sights set on Nicki, make john and Nickis relationship rocky from the get-go.
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of this read. The characters are great and I'm really hoping we get Chloe and mitchs story next - their chemistry is undeniable and the sparks are flying during this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the dual POV it just makes a book so much better and that's especially the case in this book when Nicki is facing the fears of her past. Excellent read - highly recommended.
*given in exchange for an honest review* -
* 4,5 rocking stars *
When I laid eyes on Ready to Love's awesome cover, I knew I had to read this book. I love the new adult genre, and books about bands and music. If there's a hot player front man, who steals my breath and heart along the story, then consider me a fangirl. This was my first Franca Storm book, but definitely not the last. I'm practically begging here for a Chloe - Mitch story.
I'm glad we got to know both Nicki's and John's POV, it helped to understand their friendship, feelings and relationship. John was so sweet with Nicky, always taking care of her when her past hunted her.
They had fights and problems, just like any other couple. The story was quite angsty, and that's what made it so real to me. By the end, both of Nicky's and John's character developed well, and they learned to deal with their insecurities together. It was good to see that John and his father mended their relationship, and Nicky learned to be strong on her own and fought off her demons.
*** I got a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *** -
* * ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
This was a first for me reading a Franca Storm book , but it will definitely not be the last.
John and Nicki are best friends have been for a long time, John is her saviour, he was there at her darkest, he's her light, but there has always bit that little spark, but he knew better cause Nicki wasn't like other girls, she's something special but it's wants it's he just isn't sure he deserves it , deserves her.
Nicki feels safe with John he's the only one who can touch her and to be honest she's wanting it more, but she sees how he looks at her pity, she doesn't want that and plus Johns a player, he could never commit, but when frat boy Alex comes into the picture John realizes how much he wants Nicki to be his. I loved the characters, the emotions you could feel how much John loves Nicki, it's a well written story, I loved it. -
3.5/4 star review
This book is a sweet read about a couple people who have been friend for 4 years who are now in college. After something terrible happens to Nikki the only man she trusts is her best friend John.
John is studying law (well I say studying in the loosest of terms, all he really wants is to make it big with his band) to keep his father happy. He also has a bit of a temper. Nikki just happens to also be one of his band mates.
I say that this is a sweet story because it seems to be the very essence of a quintessential love story.
Boy saves girl
Boy and girl fall in love
Overcome all obstacles in their lives and live Happily Ever After……
Not that there’s anything wrong with this. In fact this is why I liked this books so much. They had the foundation already there to build a long and lasting relationship.
Would I read anything else by this author??? A big fat YES!!!! -
Ready to Love drew me in quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat. I COULD NOT put the book down because I had become so invested in the characters that I was afraid something terrible would happen to them while I was away from the book. Seriously. The plot was riveting and intense.
The characters were complex and believable, not so much different from people I know in real life. Nikki was certainly no damsel in distress, and John was no cookie-cutter rockstar. I liked that their relationship was passionate and HOT but went much deeper than physical attraction.
This was the first book I've read by Franca Storm, and I have to say it's one of the best books I've read in months! I will definitely be researching her other books now. Franca Storm has a new fan.
I reviewed this book on behalf of A Book Lover's Emporium book blog.
