Not only breaking rules, but also hearts

Synopsis

Sofia
One night.
No cuddling.
No sleepovers.
These are the rules I live my love life by. Running a business as a bar owner leaves no time for relationships—or their drama. But when I meet international rock star Brenner Reindhart, he makes me want to break all the rules . . .

Bren
Keeping Industrial November at the top of the best-selling charts for over eight years has taken a toll on me, and I’m ready to slow down.
I’ve been burned by love before, and I’m finally ready to try again. I think Sofia Ocampo might just be the one. Only, she has no plans to ever be in a relationship.
Aware she has no interest in it, I still give her my heart.
I can only hold my breath and hope she won’t break it.

***This high-steam, contemporary rock star romance contains adult content with some taboo elements not suitable for all readers. Read responsibly. All novels in the Industrial November on Tour series can be read in any order.***

My review

Sofia doesn’t do relationships. Her focus is on her bar, and when in time of need, she has her own rules. Namely, just one night, absolutely no cuddling and don’t even think about sleeping over. Thank you, goodbye, NEXT!
But when rockstar Brenner Reindhart enters the picture, everything she ever wanted, is now shifting. Especially now that Bren is looking to slow down after eight years of being at the top of the best – selling charts.
Bren, after having been heartbroken before, is now ready to try again. And he thinks that Sofia may be the perfect woman for her.
But no matter how much they are attracted and how good they are together, with both wanting different things, can this truly work out? Or will hearts be broken?

So, before you even think about reading this story… if you don’t like reading about VERY steamy moments, with very explicit details, don’t start reading it.
Because even I, who has read a few steamy stories, was a little bit shocked about just HOW explicit it would go. But I don’t see that as a problem, so I kept reading.

But even if there are several moments that were getting too hot, and a few taboo elements, this truly was a romance.
Because we have two main characters that make fireworks appear blank compared to the sparks that they make fly around, but are also burnt by/afraid of giving in to love.

I like how strong Sofia was in this story. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t, and in her case it’s truly what you see is what you get. She speaks her mind, you know immediately what her intentions are. And if you don’t like it, you know where the door is.
She is a passionate woman, not afraid of her own sexuality, and not afraid to try something new.
Her loved ones have her complete devotion, and even if initially it’s not easy to gain her trust, once you have it, you can always count on her.

What I loved about her too, was that she stands her ground, also in bed. For once, it’s a woman using men for her own pleasure and not the other way around. And before you think bad of her, or start sl*t-shaming her, just don’t. Sofia is a woman who knows what she wants and her intentions are clear for the beginning.

And Bren… he is a rock star, but without the typical behaviour of one. He’s already been there, done that. What I liked about him, is that he is not the typical handsome one, but has a rougher look. And while the fans are more attracted to the other members of the band, Sofia sees his own beauty.
He is a rock star, but without the attitude. He wants to give Sofia the world.
And he looks after the other members of the band. His nickname isn’t stolen!
But what he should learn, is listen to what Sofia is truly saying, and not try to persuade her and hope to change her mind…

I was a bit surprised at the pace of the story. Initially it’s a slow pace, a lot happens in a short amount of time. But then suddenly we fast forward and we make a serious and important jump in time. It left me momentarily a bit confused, but it was also necessary for our characters to grow and realize what they have been missing out…

I found this a steamy story, that’s for sure, but also a story about two people finding each other, but also losing each other because of their stubbornness. Being in a relationship means compromising, but doesn’t mean that you have to repudiate your own feelings.

This story was a rollercoaster of emotions, going from hot to cold, filled with doubts, trust issues but also filled with emotional, beautiful lovely moments. Because you know that love is worth of all the risks and pain you endured in the past once you dare to trust and love someone with all your heart. And it’s a recipe for hot make out sessions! 😄