Sam's Reading: A Work in Progress

I may have accidentally reread this whole thing while trying to get through a NetGalley copy of another book. For...reasons. I hadn’t reread this book since release date which is not a thing I do with Kristen Callihan contemporaries. (I usually reread months later.)
A little spoilery here:
I wish I could review it better, I’m not sure this book is 5 stars to be honest. It’s likely more in the 4 range. The reason I love this book is largely due to the way Libby helps Killian heal and cracks him wide open. it was the simple everyday There’s this scene that I do not want to spoil that was so lovely when he realizes he’s in deep. Sappy as it sounds, you felt him him that scene. I love a tender big-hearted hero. I also appreciate a quiet heroine who is sassy, it’s a nice mix. And true to Callihan form, it doesn’t have to be the hero’s whose gesture brings them back together—if you’ve read Friends With Benefits by Penny Reid, which many don’t like, I frankly love it for that reason. The hero’s already laid it on the line pretty clearly, so let’s not stick to the fantasy.

There was a bit of distraction as a first in the series to set up the series, so some felt rushed & lots of characters introduced, another reason my 5 is probably too high. What really stood out for me was the beginning, the slow build, the comfort of home. It's like the characters get to know each other on another level without needing the sizzle hot insta-lust. In fact, there was really not much of that. They just...cared. I think that felt unique for a rock star romance, don't you?

I anxiously await Jax’s book but I also understand why it may be a bit of a bear to write, particularly for an author who is open about her own depression. That seems like it could be a dark place to go. I can also honestly say that I liked the choice she made for this story arc by not focusing on Jax, and that I thought Killian’s feelings and trauma surrounding Jax were well done and I heavily identified and have felt similar failures, sorrow, and anger in the same situation.

I guess I kinda did do a review, eh?