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Excess All Areas #4
Love You Like That
Zoe Atkins wanted exactly one thing. To be the world’s greatest percussionist. Instead, she’s on a tour bus engaged in a stupid bet with rock star, Alex King, trying to fill the hole left behind when her dream gave up on her.
The prickly former percussionist wasn’t supposed to steal his heart. With her distrust of lipstick and love of men’s pyjamas, she was everything playboy, Alex, didn’t want in a lover. At least, that’s what he thought when he bet her he could find her a hook up during their tour. Until he’s forced to watch the woman he’s come to desire leave the bar with her perfect guy, taking a piece of his already bruised and battered heart with her.
Now it’s up to the Sad Fridays’ rocker to use his passionate powers of persuasion to convince Zoe he’s more than her wingman. He’s her everything.
A grumpy-sunshine, rockstar romance.
The prickly former percussionist wasn’t supposed to steal his heart. With her distrust of lipstick and love of men’s pyjamas, she was everything playboy, Alex, didn’t want in a lover. At least, that’s what he thought when he bet her he could find her a hook up during their tour. Until he’s forced to watch the woman he’s come to desire leave the bar with her perfect guy, taking a piece of his already bruised and battered heart with her.
Now it’s up to the Sad Fridays’ rocker to use his passionate powers of persuasion to convince Zoe he’s more than her wingman. He’s her everything.
A grumpy-sunshine, rockstar romance.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2022
About the author
Scarlett Cole
36 books1,960 followersFour-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.
She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.
When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettcole/
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FNTzyC
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/scarl...
Newsletter sign-up: http://www.scarlettcole.com/contact
If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com
She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.
When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettcole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsscarlettcole
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsScarlettCole
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FNTzyC
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/scarl...
Newsletter sign-up: http://www.scarlettcole.com/contact
If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 17, 2022
I’m running out of ways to express how incredibly talented Scarlett Cole is with the words. It’s not just how she uses the perfect blend of words to unfold an incredible heart wrenching and also heart-stoppingly uplifting storyline, but all the circumstances she weaves into the storyline that are just mind blowing!
EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.
Everything about this journey carried emotion, but I can’t really explain that in detail #sorrynotsorry because I’d really like for the whole world to read Zoe & Alex’s journey with a blank slate. This is one of those stories I wish I could magically erase all reviews and just leave ratings LOL so as not to have a single plot point spoiled. I was sucked into the storyline from almost the beginning, and I didn’t stop until it was done.
The emotion I felt the most while I read this story was contentment. Scarlett is an author you can trust will fully research and develop all circumstances she chooses for her characters. There was no plot-point that was OTT nor where there any that were not fully developed which allowed me as the reader to just get lost in the words and enjoy more than anything else.
The journey of Zoe & Alex was captivating and not the least bit predictable with a sprinkle of comic relief and good old fashion dramatics from others lol Their growth from friendship to more was sexy and sensual and their relationship bond was honest and solid. I just could not get enough of these two but then again, I pretty much say that about all of Scarlett’s characters. She makes her stories relatable and real and more often than not, I just want to jump in and become part of the story!
I love this woman’s word wizardry! I’ve loved it since the moment I read her first book in 2015 and my love has never wavered. Do yourselves a favor and be sure to invite her into your reading time, you will never regret it! #promise
EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.
Everything about this journey carried emotion, but I can’t really explain that in detail #sorrynotsorry because I’d really like for the whole world to read Zoe & Alex’s journey with a blank slate. This is one of those stories I wish I could magically erase all reviews and just leave ratings LOL so as not to have a single plot point spoiled. I was sucked into the storyline from almost the beginning, and I didn’t stop until it was done.
The emotion I felt the most while I read this story was contentment. Scarlett is an author you can trust will fully research and develop all circumstances she chooses for her characters. There was no plot-point that was OTT nor where there any that were not fully developed which allowed me as the reader to just get lost in the words and enjoy more than anything else.
The journey of Zoe & Alex was captivating and not the least bit predictable with a sprinkle of comic relief and good old fashion dramatics from others lol Their growth from friendship to more was sexy and sensual and their relationship bond was honest and solid. I just could not get enough of these two but then again, I pretty much say that about all of Scarlett’s characters. She makes her stories relatable and real and more often than not, I just want to jump in and become part of the story!
I love this woman’s word wizardry! I’ve loved it since the moment I read her first book in 2015 and my love has never wavered. Do yourselves a favor and be sure to invite her into your reading time, you will never regret it! #promise
May 13, 2022
“Fall hard. Love hard. Care hard. Trust me, it’s worth every effort.”
5 stars!
This is such a beautiful story! An emotional, heartfelt, passionate and functional love story between two amazing characters who are so deserving of the amazing love that they find together. It’s a rockstar friends-to-lovers romance that is full of feels, and I absolutely loved it.
Alex and Zoe have appeared in earlier books of the series (you could read this as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend experiencing it all from the beginning). Alex is a member of rock band, Sad Fridays, with his brother, cousins and friend, and they’ve just hit the big time. Lighthearted and fun, he is a pansexual player who bounces from partner to partner, and I was thrilled to discover that there’s so much more to him than I ever expected.
Zoe is the best friend of Cerys (heroine of book #2), she is a very talented percussionist who lost her hearing, and has pretty much just been killing time trying to figure out what comes next for her. She has easily fit into the Sad Fridays family, and has joined the crew on their very first tour of the UK.
There’s already a fun friendship between Alex and Zoe. They tease and banter, and they currently have a bet going where Alex is acting as Zoe’s wingman, trying to find her someone to hookup with while the boys are on tour. But the more time they spend with each other, the more they open up to each other, things begin to change. And right when Alex thinks he’s found Zoe the perfect man, he realises that he wants it to be him.
Alex is the perfect blend of funny, confident rockstar, with an irresistible vulnerability. He has so much love to give, and he wants nothing more than to give it to somebody, and be loved in return. He’s been hurt badly in the past, and doesn’t think it will ever happen for him, but then Zoe comes along, giving him everything he has ever wanted. And Zoe is a great heroine. She’s smart and brave, and though she’s been through so much, she takes it all in her stride and just rolls with it, and I love that! Watching her give herself so freely over to Alex is so beautiful.
I love, love, love this relationship! Alex and Zoe are open, they are completely honest with each other, and they come together with open hearts, ready to explore everything that they’re feeling. It’s fun, sweet and sexy, they communicate so easily, and I love how openly accepting they were of each other. And the sex! Holy freaking hotness! Alex is a mildly kinky sex god who loves control in the bedroom, and the dirty talk and sexy time is creative, passionate and absolutely sizzling. It’s also a fantastic reflection of the trust, honesty and growing love between them, and is such an important part of their relationship as we watch them open up and trust each other completely.
Together, they journey to discover not only what they want from a relationship and how to make it work together, but also what they want from their lives, what makes them happy, what they want their legacy to be, and they support each other to find and achieve it, and it’s so, so beautiful to watch.
There are some serious elements which work really well with the story, but there’s no angst, no unnecessary drama, just two people finding their way to each other and figuring out life together, and I love that!
The rest of the family crew are a big part of the story. There’s some great continuation for the previous couples and I loved seeing them all settle into their HEAs, and the hints for Ben’s book coming up next have me absolutely desperate for his story!
I am absolutely loving this series, and Scarlett Cole has delivered a really special read with this book.
I loved it! 5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars!
This is such a beautiful story! An emotional, heartfelt, passionate and functional love story between two amazing characters who are so deserving of the amazing love that they find together. It’s a rockstar friends-to-lovers romance that is full of feels, and I absolutely loved it.
Alex and Zoe have appeared in earlier books of the series (you could read this as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend experiencing it all from the beginning). Alex is a member of rock band, Sad Fridays, with his brother, cousins and friend, and they’ve just hit the big time. Lighthearted and fun, he is a pansexual player who bounces from partner to partner, and I was thrilled to discover that there’s so much more to him than I ever expected.
Words had never been able to explain the need he had for connection.
Fucking hell. Why did nobody ever need everything he so desperately wanted to offer?
Zoe is the best friend of Cerys (heroine of book #2), she is a very talented percussionist who lost her hearing, and has pretty much just been killing time trying to figure out what comes next for her. She has easily fit into the Sad Fridays family, and has joined the crew on their very first tour of the UK.
There’s already a fun friendship between Alex and Zoe. They tease and banter, and they currently have a bet going where Alex is acting as Zoe’s wingman, trying to find her someone to hookup with while the boys are on tour. But the more time they spend with each other, the more they open up to each other, things begin to change. And right when Alex thinks he’s found Zoe the perfect man, he realises that he wants it to be him.
It was more than sexual spark. It was…fuck. It was the first time she’d really needed him … She’d needed his help. He’d offered it. She’d taken it. And thanked him for it. And it was a spectacular thing to be needed by Zoe Atkins.
Alex is the perfect blend of funny, confident rockstar, with an irresistible vulnerability. He has so much love to give, and he wants nothing more than to give it to somebody, and be loved in return. He’s been hurt badly in the past, and doesn’t think it will ever happen for him, but then Zoe comes along, giving him everything he has ever wanted. And Zoe is a great heroine. She’s smart and brave, and though she’s been through so much, she takes it all in her stride and just rolls with it, and I love that! Watching her give herself so freely over to Alex is so beautiful.
“You accept me. I don’t have to hide any of the pieces of who I am. But I worry that will change. It has in the past. A lot.”
“Alex,” she sighed, brushing a curl behind his ear. It made him feel nurtured and safe.
“We both have our reasons for feeling insecure, but lets work on those too. Because I want this, Zoe. I want us.”
I love, love, love this relationship! Alex and Zoe are open, they are completely honest with each other, and they come together with open hearts, ready to explore everything that they’re feeling. It’s fun, sweet and sexy, they communicate so easily, and I love how openly accepting they were of each other. And the sex! Holy freaking hotness! Alex is a mildly kinky sex god who loves control in the bedroom, and the dirty talk and sexy time is creative, passionate and absolutely sizzling. It’s also a fantastic reflection of the trust, honesty and growing love between them, and is such an important part of their relationship as we watch them open up and trust each other completely.
It was the look in her eyes that sent him over the edge. Because adoration from a woman you were falling in love with was the headiest fucking thing.
Together, they journey to discover not only what they want from a relationship and how to make it work together, but also what they want from their lives, what makes them happy, what they want their legacy to be, and they support each other to find and achieve it, and it’s so, so beautiful to watch.
“You and me. It’s good, Zoe. Really fucking good.”
There are some serious elements which work really well with the story, but there’s no angst, no unnecessary drama, just two people finding their way to each other and figuring out life together, and I love that!
“I love you so fiercely it’s like you exist in my veins, buried in every beat of my heart.”
The rest of the family crew are a big part of the story. There’s some great continuation for the previous couples and I loved seeing them all settle into their HEAs, and the hints for Ben’s book coming up next have me absolutely desperate for his story!
I am absolutely loving this series, and Scarlett Cole has delivered a really special read with this book.
I loved it! 5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
My favorite up and coming band-The Sad Friday’s are back!
I love this series & cast of characters so much!
Alex & Zoe completely stole my heart in a big way!
The emotionally deep, big emotions and their pains and struggles are so heart wrenching at times.
I loved the friendship and slow burn relationship that develops between them and it had some unexpected attributes that I LOVED!
I was particularly excited for these characters story because Alex is a bit of a haunted, sexy enigma in the previous books and Zoe is surly, strong and incredibly intriguing.
Alex is pansexual and it plays a big part in his past and present. The way he thinks he’s viewed and the way he is actually judged.
He’s closed himself off to the idea of real love and commitment.
Zoe studied at a prestigious music conservatory, she was headed towards being the very best percussionist and she began losing her hearing and her one passion and dream with it. I really had strong feelings about that aspect, it made me feel such sorrow for her. It gave so much depth to her journey and Alex plays a wonderful part in this.
Alex and Zoe have a bet going and he’s going to be her “wingman “ they of course start spending tons of time together. They are so much better together than I even expected and it was such a surprising vibe. (Emotional, serious and heart wrenching like I expected) BUT, the surprise was the playful and a unique lightness to their interactions that I absolutely ADORED! Alex brings out a side of Zoe that isn’t her “usual “ and Zoe gives Alex acceptance and support that he desperately deserves and needs.
Their chemistry is scorching hot and their sexual exploration was unexpected and really sensual. Zoe’s hearing loss plays an interesting part in this and it was so fresh (to me) and added emotions and crazy hot sexiness.
The secondary characters are family at this point and I loved all their interactions. They are all amazing, vibrant characters that make me care.
Nan is an epic secondary character and she adds so much humor and heart to every book in the series. I felt it stronger in this book, even. I freaking love her! I want her to adopt me.
It’s such a beautiful, emotional story with original and interesting aspects.
I love the characters, their journey was simply sublime. I couldn’t love it more!
I love this series & cast of characters so much!
Alex & Zoe completely stole my heart in a big way!
The emotionally deep, big emotions and their pains and struggles are so heart wrenching at times.
I loved the friendship and slow burn relationship that develops between them and it had some unexpected attributes that I LOVED!
I was particularly excited for these characters story because Alex is a bit of a haunted, sexy enigma in the previous books and Zoe is surly, strong and incredibly intriguing.
Alex is pansexual and it plays a big part in his past and present. The way he thinks he’s viewed and the way he is actually judged.
He’s closed himself off to the idea of real love and commitment.
Zoe studied at a prestigious music conservatory, she was headed towards being the very best percussionist and she began losing her hearing and her one passion and dream with it. I really had strong feelings about that aspect, it made me feel such sorrow for her. It gave so much depth to her journey and Alex plays a wonderful part in this.
Alex and Zoe have a bet going and he’s going to be her “wingman “ they of course start spending tons of time together. They are so much better together than I even expected and it was such a surprising vibe. (Emotional, serious and heart wrenching like I expected) BUT, the surprise was the playful and a unique lightness to their interactions that I absolutely ADORED! Alex brings out a side of Zoe that isn’t her “usual “ and Zoe gives Alex acceptance and support that he desperately deserves and needs.
Their chemistry is scorching hot and their sexual exploration was unexpected and really sensual. Zoe’s hearing loss plays an interesting part in this and it was so fresh (to me) and added emotions and crazy hot sexiness.
The secondary characters are family at this point and I loved all their interactions. They are all amazing, vibrant characters that make me care.
Nan is an epic secondary character and she adds so much humor and heart to every book in the series. I felt it stronger in this book, even. I freaking love her! I want her to adopt me.
It’s such a beautiful, emotional story with original and interesting aspects.
I love the characters, their journey was simply sublime. I couldn’t love it more!
May 17, 2022
Now and then, you come across a story that speaks to your heart. I was not that interested in Alex’s story. I had judged him by his prior behavior in previous books. I am so glad I took the time to read this book; it is a journey like no other.
In his book, Alex is a changed man, and knowing Zoe has made him want to change. The communication and honesty levels were so much more than I would have imagined. Watching them both grow and open up to trust each other was remarkable.
I also want to point out the time and research the author chose to make sure every detail was precise. Her care to write Zoe accurately made her story richer and showed.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
In his book, Alex is a changed man, and knowing Zoe has made him want to change. The communication and honesty levels were so much more than I would have imagined. Watching them both grow and open up to trust each other was remarkable.
I also want to point out the time and research the author chose to make sure every detail was precise. Her care to write Zoe accurately made her story richer and showed.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
May 21, 2022
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Amazon US / Amazon UK / Kobo / Apple / Nook / Google Play
What should Zoe do when Alex, the guy she's been developing a small crush on, wants to be her wingman and find her a hookup? Why does she even need one? What she wants is to find her life's direction. Since she started losing her hearing, she's dropped out of school and is drifting along. Being on tour with Alex's band and her best friend, Cerys, should be giving her some direction, but it's not. And Alex being in her space trying to find her a guy is definitely not helping matters.
Alex has been burned by his past relationships, so he's stopped trying. Now he just hooks up and then moves on. Then Zoe goes on tour with his band, and he's developing feelings for her that he never expected. He knows he can't offer her the commitment she wants, but perhaps he can try. Will she ever trust him enough to lean on him? To let him in a little?
This is a heartfelt, wonderfully told story, very much out of the box for a rockstar romance. Alex's pansexuality is handled in a sensitive, deft way, without over the top exaggerations or stereotypes. Zoe's hearing too, is handled beautifully with a steady hand - not too heavy, not too delicate. I loved their story, loved them as a couple, and am really excited to read more about these rockstars finding love.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
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May 18, 2022
4.5 stars
Trigger warnings: gender identity bashing by a parent, unsupportive parents of a child with a disability, attack (off page) but aftermath on page, light BDSM play
The Sad Fridays are headed out on tour and things have changed rapidly in their lives over the last year; three of their members have found love, one has a baby on the way, one has worked through addiction, and they are all beginning to realize that their lives will never be the same. Love You Like That is a friends to lovers story between two people who want to be loved just as they are; a pansexual rock star and a deaf former musician turned personal assistant. Both of these characters have had to overcome some obstacles in their lives, neither has been very successful in the love department, yet they really seem to “get” one another which leads to a silly bet and eventually deciding to see where the feelings they have towards one another go.
I’ve been waiting for this book, Alex King, percussionist and backup drummer in the band Sad Fridays, has interested me from the start. I love his outlook on life and relationships, his tender heart, and his unique sense of style. After two failed relationships Alex made the decision to just enjoy the company of a partner and feels a long term relationship isn’t in the cards for him. He also has decided he’s going to be the best wingman ever for his friend Zoe Atkins when she heads out on tour with them. Zoe isn’t completely comfortable touring with the band but when her apartment suffers some structural damage she agrees. Losing her hearing was a blow to Zoe who was on her way to becoming the best percussionist in the world. With constant pressure for her family and even her best friend to return to music, Zoe knows it wouldn’t be the same, she fears she could never be at the level she was before she lost her hearing. She enjoys touring with her best friend and the band especially Alex who has grand plans to find her a hot one night stand. While hanging out with her, Alex learns how Zoe’s deafness affects her, how he can do better when communicating with her, and he begins to realize he likes her more than he probably should. Watching her go to dinner with another man is torture and he decides it’s time to tell her how he’s feeling.
I loved the way these two characters jelled, how they really got one another. They listened when the other one talked, they asked questions, they educated themselves, and they were each other’s champion as well as each other’s soft place to land. I loved the trust that built between them and the way they grew to know just what the other one needed. At times, I felt this story was bit chaotic and full; Alex’s pan sexuality, Zoe’s deafness, the band’s tour, family issues, Zoe’s life changes, the community art center, the BDSM play, Alex and Ben’s mother’s situation, and that’s not even all of it. That said I appreciated the lengths Ms. Cole went to in order to educate readers on pan sexuality, deafness, and even BDSM. It made me realize how exhausting life was for Zoe on a daily basis which just made me love and appreciate her character all the more.
It is never a bad thing when two people find their perfect match and that describes Alex and Zoe. Filled with laughter, understanding, smoking intimate moments, and most of all love; Love You Like That was an excellent addition to this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Trigger warnings: gender identity bashing by a parent, unsupportive parents of a child with a disability, attack (off page) but aftermath on page, light BDSM play
The Sad Fridays are headed out on tour and things have changed rapidly in their lives over the last year; three of their members have found love, one has a baby on the way, one has worked through addiction, and they are all beginning to realize that their lives will never be the same. Love You Like That is a friends to lovers story between two people who want to be loved just as they are; a pansexual rock star and a deaf former musician turned personal assistant. Both of these characters have had to overcome some obstacles in their lives, neither has been very successful in the love department, yet they really seem to “get” one another which leads to a silly bet and eventually deciding to see where the feelings they have towards one another go.
I’ve been waiting for this book, Alex King, percussionist and backup drummer in the band Sad Fridays, has interested me from the start. I love his outlook on life and relationships, his tender heart, and his unique sense of style. After two failed relationships Alex made the decision to just enjoy the company of a partner and feels a long term relationship isn’t in the cards for him. He also has decided he’s going to be the best wingman ever for his friend Zoe Atkins when she heads out on tour with them. Zoe isn’t completely comfortable touring with the band but when her apartment suffers some structural damage she agrees. Losing her hearing was a blow to Zoe who was on her way to becoming the best percussionist in the world. With constant pressure for her family and even her best friend to return to music, Zoe knows it wouldn’t be the same, she fears she could never be at the level she was before she lost her hearing. She enjoys touring with her best friend and the band especially Alex who has grand plans to find her a hot one night stand. While hanging out with her, Alex learns how Zoe’s deafness affects her, how he can do better when communicating with her, and he begins to realize he likes her more than he probably should. Watching her go to dinner with another man is torture and he decides it’s time to tell her how he’s feeling.
I loved the way these two characters jelled, how they really got one another. They listened when the other one talked, they asked questions, they educated themselves, and they were each other’s champion as well as each other’s soft place to land. I loved the trust that built between them and the way they grew to know just what the other one needed. At times, I felt this story was bit chaotic and full; Alex’s pan sexuality, Zoe’s deafness, the band’s tour, family issues, Zoe’s life changes, the community art center, the BDSM play, Alex and Ben’s mother’s situation, and that’s not even all of it. That said I appreciated the lengths Ms. Cole went to in order to educate readers on pan sexuality, deafness, and even BDSM. It made me realize how exhausting life was for Zoe on a daily basis which just made me love and appreciate her character all the more.
It is never a bad thing when two people find their perfect match and that describes Alex and Zoe. Filled with laughter, understanding, smoking intimate moments, and most of all love; Love You Like That was an excellent addition to this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 25, 2023
First off, this entire exchange with Alex and Jase had me rolling!
"And then she was putting all these perky slogans from the book over the top. Shit like, ‘she was his, and when he’d finished fucking her, she’d realise it.’”
“That sounds a bit rapey.”
Jase nodded. “Then there was one about how she didn’t want him but needed his money to pay down college debt.”
“She couldn’t just get a job like the rest of us?”
“Something to do with a sick mom, and medical bills. I don’t know. Apparently, it’s a trope.”
“A trope?”
“Don’t ask. I did and it’s half an hour of my life I’ll never get back.”
🤣🤣🤣
I liked this story of two broken people who want love, finding each other and healing the other. Loved how Alex wanted to protect her even tho, he knew she could take care of herself. Loved Zoe making her own choice to go back to music and that Alex never pressured her and saw her side of things.
I loved how she stood up for Alex and accepted him and his pansexuality. They were each other's rock.
Loved how they wanted to stay a secret for a bit but Alex just lost all control when he saw Zoe all hit and walking towards him. How he grabbed her, kissed her and carried her off in front of Iz, Willow and Chaya as they all cheered.
We also have the heroine in danger trope and getting hurt which makes me melt when the hero is all worried about her.
Good book and looking forward to reading Ben and Chaya's story.
"And then she was putting all these perky slogans from the book over the top. Shit like, ‘she was his, and when he’d finished fucking her, she’d realise it.’”
“That sounds a bit rapey.”
Jase nodded. “Then there was one about how she didn’t want him but needed his money to pay down college debt.”
“She couldn’t just get a job like the rest of us?”
“Something to do with a sick mom, and medical bills. I don’t know. Apparently, it’s a trope.”
“A trope?”
“Don’t ask. I did and it’s half an hour of my life I’ll never get back.”
🤣🤣🤣
I liked this story of two broken people who want love, finding each other and healing the other. Loved how Alex wanted to protect her even tho, he knew she could take care of herself. Loved Zoe making her own choice to go back to music and that Alex never pressured her and saw her side of things.
I loved how she stood up for Alex and accepted him and his pansexuality. They were each other's rock.
Loved how they wanted to stay a secret for a bit but Alex just lost all control when he saw Zoe all hit and walking towards him. How he grabbed her, kissed her and carried her off in front of Iz, Willow and Chaya as they all cheered.
We also have the heroine in danger trope and getting hurt which makes me melt when the hero is all worried about her.
Good book and looking forward to reading Ben and Chaya's story.
July 25, 2022
This is going to be a different kind of review this time. **warning 😁 also very lengthy** I want to make sure I get it right. I’m a very positive kind of reader and reviewer in that every book starts with 5 stars and as the book loses points for one reason or another the star drops. On the plus side, I tend to have higher ratings, on the negative side sometimes after a reread I downgrade the book a bit. But, being a happy, optimistic sort, this doesn’t happen a lot.
As I was reading along, not long into this book, I was doing heavy duty thinking on how to grade it. I had a hunch this might be the case based on the hero Alex, from previous books. First, a brief outline. This is the 4th book in a series about a rock band from Manchester England. The series starts out with the five of them struggling with different issues. In fact they are about to break up close to the end of the first book but they stick it out, when their band gets discovered due to a popular influencer. Their career begins to grow in the successive books and in this book they’re about to go on their first major tour.
I just love and I’m in awe of how well the author is layering and adding and building each book in this series. Each member of the group is integral in each story, though each member is the focus of each book. Considering the book deals with music, it’s wonderful orchestration.
The hero in this book is Alex, the drummer. He’s kind of the wild one and he does a lot of hooking up with both men and women. I was thinking he must be bi, but near the beginning of this book, he identifies himself as pansexual, something I’ve never read in a hero. In a brief yet clear way, he says what’s most important to him is hearts, not parts.
The heroine in this book is Zoe. She is best friend and roommate to Cerys, the heroine from a previous book. She is a brilliant percussionist but her world is rocked when it’s discovered in a previous book and the outlook of regaining any kind of hearing is dim. She and Alex become fast friends; in fact he bets her he can find her a good hookup since her dating life is almost non existent.
As this book opens, they are trying to convince Zoe to go along with them on tour. She is reluctant because of her hearing issues and she’s just not comfortable with large groups of people. She somewhat reluctantly agrees as she has the kind of job she can do remotely. She has a fascinating job, she keeps tracks of characters, storylines, dates and all kinds of vital facts for romance authors who write erotic romance series in order to guarantee continuity for the authors; what she calls “bibles”.
As romance readers, to everyone who may be reading this review, we can really notice discrepancies.
Alex and Zoe become close and closer during the tour and desire between them builds. They are both very open about their sexuality and discuss it with each other. Because of what she does, Zoe is exposed to many sexual acts she otherwise might not have been and is intrigued. There couldn’t be anyone better than Alex to open up to as he’s a very (very) sexual person.
As I was reading, this book often took me to the boundary of my own comfort level and even past it a few times. I can’t emphasize strongly enough though, this is not a criticism of the author. (This is where it gets tricky trying to explain me and my feelings). I know that what makes me somewhat uncomfortable, is exactly what another reader is needing and wanting and if you are that reader, I’m going to say this more than once, you NEED to read this book. I can clearly see it’s brilliantly and beautifully written and I’m in awe of Scarlett Cole’s writing ability.
Alex is pure perfection in how he deals with Zoe and their sensual journey. He’s encouraging, not aggressive. He’s constantly checking in with her to make sure she’s ok with what they are doing. He’s a wonderful caretaker. He also “knows” her down to her very soul. It’s not just in a sexual way he meets her needs. As a drummer and musician he understands what the loss of something that defines a huge part of what she is, is impacted by her growing deafness and this gives Zoe such comfort.
.I know I’ve been focusing on Alex so far but Zoe is also pretty darn perfect for Alex. We see that on the inside, he doubts anyone will truly love him and accept ALL that he is. He’s had partners in the past but when he explains his pansexuality and what it means and that no, he isn’t by, they can’t except him - men or women. But Zoe can. He’s constantly overwhelmed that Zoe doe, 100% accept all of him. That’s what he wants most in the world.
So I did a lot of pondering on how to rate this book, and realized I couldn’t give it any less than five well earned, well deserved stars and I truly wish they had a higher rating for those books you know you will never forget, those books that make you think and look inside yourself as this book has done for me.
I can’t recommend this book; this series because it’s a journey, high or strong enough. I’ve loved her books in the past, but this one, for me, is on a whole new level.
I’m standing in ovation and shouting BRAVO to Scarlett for this outstanding book.
As I was reading along, not long into this book, I was doing heavy duty thinking on how to grade it. I had a hunch this might be the case based on the hero Alex, from previous books. First, a brief outline. This is the 4th book in a series about a rock band from Manchester England. The series starts out with the five of them struggling with different issues. In fact they are about to break up close to the end of the first book but they stick it out, when their band gets discovered due to a popular influencer. Their career begins to grow in the successive books and in this book they’re about to go on their first major tour.
I just love and I’m in awe of how well the author is layering and adding and building each book in this series. Each member of the group is integral in each story, though each member is the focus of each book. Considering the book deals with music, it’s wonderful orchestration.
The hero in this book is Alex, the drummer. He’s kind of the wild one and he does a lot of hooking up with both men and women. I was thinking he must be bi, but near the beginning of this book, he identifies himself as pansexual, something I’ve never read in a hero. In a brief yet clear way, he says what’s most important to him is hearts, not parts.
The heroine in this book is Zoe. She is best friend and roommate to Cerys, the heroine from a previous book. She is a brilliant percussionist but her world is rocked when it’s discovered in a previous book and the outlook of regaining any kind of hearing is dim. She and Alex become fast friends; in fact he bets her he can find her a good hookup since her dating life is almost non existent.
As this book opens, they are trying to convince Zoe to go along with them on tour. She is reluctant because of her hearing issues and she’s just not comfortable with large groups of people. She somewhat reluctantly agrees as she has the kind of job she can do remotely. She has a fascinating job, she keeps tracks of characters, storylines, dates and all kinds of vital facts for romance authors who write erotic romance series in order to guarantee continuity for the authors; what she calls “bibles”.
As romance readers, to everyone who may be reading this review, we can really notice discrepancies.
Alex and Zoe become close and closer during the tour and desire between them builds. They are both very open about their sexuality and discuss it with each other. Because of what she does, Zoe is exposed to many sexual acts she otherwise might not have been and is intrigued. There couldn’t be anyone better than Alex to open up to as he’s a very (very) sexual person.
As I was reading, this book often took me to the boundary of my own comfort level and even past it a few times. I can’t emphasize strongly enough though, this is not a criticism of the author. (This is where it gets tricky trying to explain me and my feelings). I know that what makes me somewhat uncomfortable, is exactly what another reader is needing and wanting and if you are that reader, I’m going to say this more than once, you NEED to read this book. I can clearly see it’s brilliantly and beautifully written and I’m in awe of Scarlett Cole’s writing ability.
Alex is pure perfection in how he deals with Zoe and their sensual journey. He’s encouraging, not aggressive. He’s constantly checking in with her to make sure she’s ok with what they are doing. He’s a wonderful caretaker. He also “knows” her down to her very soul. It’s not just in a sexual way he meets her needs. As a drummer and musician he understands what the loss of something that defines a huge part of what she is, is impacted by her growing deafness and this gives Zoe such comfort.
.I know I’ve been focusing on Alex so far but Zoe is also pretty darn perfect for Alex. We see that on the inside, he doubts anyone will truly love him and accept ALL that he is. He’s had partners in the past but when he explains his pansexuality and what it means and that no, he isn’t by, they can’t except him - men or women. But Zoe can. He’s constantly overwhelmed that Zoe doe, 100% accept all of him. That’s what he wants most in the world.
So I did a lot of pondering on how to rate this book, and realized I couldn’t give it any less than five well earned, well deserved stars and I truly wish they had a higher rating for those books you know you will never forget, those books that make you think and look inside yourself as this book has done for me.
I can’t recommend this book; this series because it’s a journey, high or strong enough. I’ve loved her books in the past, but this one, for me, is on a whole new level.
I’m standing in ovation and shouting BRAVO to Scarlett for this outstanding book.
May 16, 2022
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order. This band based in Manchester, comprising four cousins and a close friend is finally making it big - their dream has come true ... and then they all find their HEA ... never easily, and always having impact on the rest of the guys. Add in a Nan who is a total star and excellent cook, and you have the makings of a gritty, sexy and utterly believable rockstar romance series.
This time it is Alex who completely unexpectedly realises that the woman he sees as a friend is really the precious person he has been holding out for. Always flamboyant, regularly judged for being with either a man or a woman, despised by his abusive father, he deserves someone who loves him unconditionally. He subconsciously tests Zoe at every step, but her honesty and understanding are completely baffling to him, but also so enticing.
Zoe has been a side character for a while, best friends with Cerys and so in the inner circle - but always slightly out of it, as she is losing her hearing. A percussionist of the orchestral variety with a promise of an international career, she is now working as a virtual PA, and denying that she misses her dream career. So falling for the drummer of the Sad Fridays was not in her plans at all.
I loved these two, moving from friends to lovers, and recognising the needs that each other have and how best to meet them. The journey is not necessarily simple, but it is very engaging and I loved every minute of it. Now, do we finally get Ben's HEA? hmmmm I am relying on the author to weave her magic once again!
This is the fourth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order. This band based in Manchester, comprising four cousins and a close friend is finally making it big - their dream has come true ... and then they all find their HEA ... never easily, and always having impact on the rest of the guys. Add in a Nan who is a total star and excellent cook, and you have the makings of a gritty, sexy and utterly believable rockstar romance series.
This time it is Alex who completely unexpectedly realises that the woman he sees as a friend is really the precious person he has been holding out for. Always flamboyant, regularly judged for being with either a man or a woman, despised by his abusive father, he deserves someone who loves him unconditionally. He subconsciously tests Zoe at every step, but her honesty and understanding are completely baffling to him, but also so enticing.
Zoe has been a side character for a while, best friends with Cerys and so in the inner circle - but always slightly out of it, as she is losing her hearing. A percussionist of the orchestral variety with a promise of an international career, she is now working as a virtual PA, and denying that she misses her dream career. So falling for the drummer of the Sad Fridays was not in her plans at all.
I loved these two, moving from friends to lovers, and recognising the needs that each other have and how best to meet them. The journey is not necessarily simple, but it is very engaging and I loved every minute of it. Now, do we finally get Ben's HEA? hmmmm I am relying on the author to weave her magic once again!
May 17, 2022
LOVE YOU LIKE THAT is the fourth instalment in Scarlett Cole’s contemporary, adult EXCESS ALL AREAS erotic, rock romance series focusing on the members of the British rock band Sad Fridays. This is thirty-one year old, Sad Fridays’ percussionist Alex King, and percussionist/author assistant Zoe Atkins’ story line. LOVE YOU LIKE THAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers including rope play, bondage, Domination and submission.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Zoe and Alex) LOVE YOU LIKE THAT focuses on the friends to lovers relationship between thirty-one year old, Sad Fridays’ percussionist Alex King, and percussionist/author assistant Zoe Atkins. Zoe Atkins is rapidly losing her hearing, and her career and university degree in music has been placed on hold. Working remotely for a romance author, Zoe had plenty of time to spend with her best friend Cerys, Sad Friday’s music producer, who convinced our heroine to come along on the band’s latest European tour but Zoe never expected to become the focus of the band’s percussionist Alex King, the man with whom Zoe will fall in love. Alex is determined to be Zoe’s wingman, in the hopes of getting our heroine laid but no one is ever good enough, and Alex often struggles in the face of another man’s attraction. Alex is a bit of a manwh*re, whose pansexual lifestyle is fodder for the fans and paparazzi alike but as Alex begins to search for a potential match for our story line heroine, he soon realizes that the only man for Zoe, is quite possibly himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zoe and Alex, and the potential fall out as Alex’s past refuses to let go.
Alex King has a reputation, and he is happy to seduce both men and women, but as Alex and Zoe grow closer together, Alex’s past wants to rekindle what was and what will never be. Zoe Atkins always thought she would have a career in music but never expected to lose her hearing before graduating from university with her music degree. Working as an author’s assistant, Zoe begins to fantasize about the love scenes where Alex and Zoe are the leading couple, a fantasy that is about to come true. As the tour begins to take on a life of its’ own, Alex and Zoe begin to make plans for a more permanent relationship, as Zoe begins to wonder if she will ever play music again.
The relationship between Zoe and Alex is a friends to lovers; a seductive romance in which Alex wants his own happily ever after, having watched as his band mates, friends and family are quickly falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the members of Sad Fridays: Matt and Isabel (One Day Like This 1), Jase and Cerys (Next Time I Fall 2), Willow and Luke (How Good it Was 3), as well as Alex’s brother Ben, Chaya, Simon, Ben, Ed and Grandma Nan.
LOVE YOU LIKE THAT is a story of family and relationships, friendships and understanding, obsession and betrayal, happiness and love. The character driven premise is captivating and impassioned; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic and fallible.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers including rope play, bondage, Domination and submission.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Zoe and Alex) LOVE YOU LIKE THAT focuses on the friends to lovers relationship between thirty-one year old, Sad Fridays’ percussionist Alex King, and percussionist/author assistant Zoe Atkins. Zoe Atkins is rapidly losing her hearing, and her career and university degree in music has been placed on hold. Working remotely for a romance author, Zoe had plenty of time to spend with her best friend Cerys, Sad Friday’s music producer, who convinced our heroine to come along on the band’s latest European tour but Zoe never expected to become the focus of the band’s percussionist Alex King, the man with whom Zoe will fall in love. Alex is determined to be Zoe’s wingman, in the hopes of getting our heroine laid but no one is ever good enough, and Alex often struggles in the face of another man’s attraction. Alex is a bit of a manwh*re, whose pansexual lifestyle is fodder for the fans and paparazzi alike but as Alex begins to search for a potential match for our story line heroine, he soon realizes that the only man for Zoe, is quite possibly himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zoe and Alex, and the potential fall out as Alex’s past refuses to let go.
Alex King has a reputation, and he is happy to seduce both men and women, but as Alex and Zoe grow closer together, Alex’s past wants to rekindle what was and what will never be. Zoe Atkins always thought she would have a career in music but never expected to lose her hearing before graduating from university with her music degree. Working as an author’s assistant, Zoe begins to fantasize about the love scenes where Alex and Zoe are the leading couple, a fantasy that is about to come true. As the tour begins to take on a life of its’ own, Alex and Zoe begin to make plans for a more permanent relationship, as Zoe begins to wonder if she will ever play music again.
The relationship between Zoe and Alex is a friends to lovers; a seductive romance in which Alex wants his own happily ever after, having watched as his band mates, friends and family are quickly falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the members of Sad Fridays: Matt and Isabel (One Day Like This 1), Jase and Cerys (Next Time I Fall 2), Willow and Luke (How Good it Was 3), as well as Alex’s brother Ben, Chaya, Simon, Ben, Ed and Grandma Nan.
LOVE YOU LIKE THAT is a story of family and relationships, friendships and understanding, obsession and betrayal, happiness and love. The character driven premise is captivating and impassioned; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic and fallible.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 22, 2023
—pansexual rockstar x deaf percussionist 🎶🎶🎶
—such a healthy relationship with so much open communication 🥰
—they get together before the 50% and there is no third act breakup ‼️‼️‼️
—so much great commentary on ableism, saviorism, and inspiration porn 💯💯💯
—they have such a deep and unwavering understanding of and support for one another 🥺🥺
—they are ready to throw hands for each other 👊💥
—the love of music and creating is delightful 🎵🎨
—shows the reality of hearing aids not being some magical cure that gives you perfect hearing 🦻
—alex being pansexual and wearing makeup and nail polish and kilts and sheer tops and pearls...he’s a vibe 💃
—alex’s grandmother fighting panphobes on social media and adopting queer kids who don’t have supportive families...she’s an icon maybe 🌈🌈
content/trigger warnings; past outing mentioned, past queerphobia mentioned, past bullying mentioned, ableism, past child physical abuse mentioned, past queerphobia mentioned, amatonormativity, homophobia, kissing, explicit sexual content, child abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, threats, off-page physical assault, hospital, blood, vomiting, pregnancy, alcohol consumption,
rep; alex (mc) is pansexual. zoe (mc) is deaf.
some quotes from alex about being pansexual:
“nothing quite like your sexual preferences being outed by total strangers. now speculation raged. was he bi? was he a third or in a throuple? a switch? gay? he’d not felt the need to clarify he was pansexual because he knew it would open him up to a whole other line of questioning.”
“the easy answer is i’ve never adhered to sexuality constructs because they just struck me as labels that someone defined once we had language. some people say pansexuals don’t see gender, but that’s as ignorant as saying you don’t see colour. it’s just that as colour should be irrelevant in making decisions about hiring or leasing property or whatever, gender is irrelevant when it comes to being attracted to someone emotionally, sexually, or romantically. other things have been way more important. the obvious, are they attractive? gender doesn’t make that decision for me. never has. but there are other things. do they have passion in their lives? can we laugh together? what fires them up? their life, their career, their friendships, and their hobbies. are they curious? about how things work, about why we are who we are. curious everywhere. including the bedroom.”
“the number of options i have being pansexual is not directly proportional to my ability to be faithful and happy with one person. if you’re conflating sex between two men and sex between a man and a woman as two separate needs that require fulfilling equally, then not for me they don’t. for some, they do. being pansexual is not monolith.”
“as a pansexual person, he sometimes felt he didn’t fit in anywhere. wasn’t straight enough to pass, not gay enough to fit in. didn’t dress typically male but identified as one.”
notes: it did annoy me how zoe thought wanting a man to call the shots in bed is anti-feminist. i wish alex’s music got as much detail and time as zoe’s did. and i kinda expected the sex to be kinky (he ties her up a few times and that’s about it) or at the very least hotter than it was, but maybe that’s a me thing because i like sex scenes to be equal or a more give and take situation rather than one person being in control and focusing mostly on one person’s pleasure.
—such a healthy relationship with so much open communication 🥰
—they get together before the 50% and there is no third act breakup ‼️‼️‼️
—so much great commentary on ableism, saviorism, and inspiration porn 💯💯💯
—they have such a deep and unwavering understanding of and support for one another 🥺🥺
—they are ready to throw hands for each other 👊💥
—the love of music and creating is delightful 🎵🎨
—shows the reality of hearing aids not being some magical cure that gives you perfect hearing 🦻
—alex being pansexual and wearing makeup and nail polish and kilts and sheer tops and pearls...he’s a vibe 💃
—alex’s grandmother fighting panphobes on social media and adopting queer kids who don’t have supportive families...she’s an icon maybe 🌈🌈
content/trigger warnings; past outing mentioned, past queerphobia mentioned, past bullying mentioned, ableism, past child physical abuse mentioned, past queerphobia mentioned, amatonormativity, homophobia, kissing, explicit sexual content, child abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, threats, off-page physical assault, hospital, blood, vomiting, pregnancy, alcohol consumption,
rep; alex (mc) is pansexual. zoe (mc) is deaf.
some quotes from alex about being pansexual:
“nothing quite like your sexual preferences being outed by total strangers. now speculation raged. was he bi? was he a third or in a throuple? a switch? gay? he’d not felt the need to clarify he was pansexual because he knew it would open him up to a whole other line of questioning.”
“the easy answer is i’ve never adhered to sexuality constructs because they just struck me as labels that someone defined once we had language. some people say pansexuals don’t see gender, but that’s as ignorant as saying you don’t see colour. it’s just that as colour should be irrelevant in making decisions about hiring or leasing property or whatever, gender is irrelevant when it comes to being attracted to someone emotionally, sexually, or romantically. other things have been way more important. the obvious, are they attractive? gender doesn’t make that decision for me. never has. but there are other things. do they have passion in their lives? can we laugh together? what fires them up? their life, their career, their friendships, and their hobbies. are they curious? about how things work, about why we are who we are. curious everywhere. including the bedroom.”
“the number of options i have being pansexual is not directly proportional to my ability to be faithful and happy with one person. if you’re conflating sex between two men and sex between a man and a woman as two separate needs that require fulfilling equally, then not for me they don’t. for some, they do. being pansexual is not monolith.”
“as a pansexual person, he sometimes felt he didn’t fit in anywhere. wasn’t straight enough to pass, not gay enough to fit in. didn’t dress typically male but identified as one.”
notes: it did annoy me how zoe thought wanting a man to call the shots in bed is anti-feminist. i wish alex’s music got as much detail and time as zoe’s did. and i kinda expected the sex to be kinky (he ties her up a few times and that’s about it) or at the very least hotter than it was, but maybe that’s a me thing because i like sex scenes to be equal or a more give and take situation rather than one person being in control and focusing mostly on one person’s pleasure.
May 18, 2022
Throughout the band Sad Fridays journey in Scarlett Cole's Excess All Areas rockstar romance series, each book just gets better and better. As time went on, I was most curious about the mysterious, enigmatic keyboard player, Alex King. Even his name was sexy. I've had my eye zeroed in on him all along and was very curious to find out what made this man tick!!!
An apartment disaster steers Zoe Atkins, best friend of Cerys, into an unexpected 11th hour decision to tour with the band. Alex has a bet going that he'll find Zoe the perfect man before the end of the tour but with the amount of items on her wish or no way list, it's not looking good for Zoe. They begin an awkward friendship over the course of the tour, both feeling more attraction than either will admit to....is it me or is it getting really hot on this bus???
She's prickly, standoffish and feeling defiantly independent, wanting to be liked and respected for who she is now. Losing one's hearing is tragic for anyone but for someone like Zoe, who's entire life has been dedicated exclusively to music- it's especially devastating. I could feel Zoe's frustration as she tried to navigate the hearing world when every aspect of her life had changed so dramatically. Music HAD been everything, but not anymore.
For Alex, no matter what else was going on around him, he could count on music to sooth his soul. He is empathic, sensitive and a romantic at heart. He follows his own way in life but more than anything he wants to be loved but doesn't want to be judged because the way he loves might be different than someone else's. He doesn't trust that people will actually accept him as he truly is. There's one person who has always had his back- his crazy, wonderfully outspoken Nan who's been his biggest cheerleader and blessed him with this keen observation-
"....I learned a cool phrase to describe what it’s like to be pansexual… hearts not parts. Is that about right?”
Gotta love this amazing lady and yes, Nan, that's exactly right.
I loved peeling back the layers that made Alex and Zoe who they were. Each one revealed more and more for me to love about them. They really did SEE each other and the lovely way Alex and Zoe supported each other through life's obstacles brought tears to my eyes and warmth straight into my heart.
What a beautifully touching story Scarlett Cole has written about two misunderstood people who needed someone to be in their corner. Alex and Zoe found in each other the perfect soulmate to fit into the lives they were creating for themselves. As the pages started dwindling down, I wished I could have waved a magic wand so Love You Like That might have gone on indefinitely. I would have loved to keep on reading about Alex and Zoe.
I was thrilled to have been given an early copy of this book to read and review. Now I'm looking forward to Ben and Chaya's angsty tale coming up next.
An apartment disaster steers Zoe Atkins, best friend of Cerys, into an unexpected 11th hour decision to tour with the band. Alex has a bet going that he'll find Zoe the perfect man before the end of the tour but with the amount of items on her wish or no way list, it's not looking good for Zoe. They begin an awkward friendship over the course of the tour, both feeling more attraction than either will admit to....is it me or is it getting really hot on this bus???
She's prickly, standoffish and feeling defiantly independent, wanting to be liked and respected for who she is now. Losing one's hearing is tragic for anyone but for someone like Zoe, who's entire life has been dedicated exclusively to music- it's especially devastating. I could feel Zoe's frustration as she tried to navigate the hearing world when every aspect of her life had changed so dramatically. Music HAD been everything, but not anymore.
For Alex, no matter what else was going on around him, he could count on music to sooth his soul. He is empathic, sensitive and a romantic at heart. He follows his own way in life but more than anything he wants to be loved but doesn't want to be judged because the way he loves might be different than someone else's. He doesn't trust that people will actually accept him as he truly is. There's one person who has always had his back- his crazy, wonderfully outspoken Nan who's been his biggest cheerleader and blessed him with this keen observation-
"....I learned a cool phrase to describe what it’s like to be pansexual… hearts not parts. Is that about right?”
Gotta love this amazing lady and yes, Nan, that's exactly right.
I loved peeling back the layers that made Alex and Zoe who they were. Each one revealed more and more for me to love about them. They really did SEE each other and the lovely way Alex and Zoe supported each other through life's obstacles brought tears to my eyes and warmth straight into my heart.
What a beautifully touching story Scarlett Cole has written about two misunderstood people who needed someone to be in their corner. Alex and Zoe found in each other the perfect soulmate to fit into the lives they were creating for themselves. As the pages started dwindling down, I wished I could have waved a magic wand so Love You Like That might have gone on indefinitely. I would have loved to keep on reading about Alex and Zoe.
I was thrilled to have been given an early copy of this book to read and review. Now I'm looking forward to Ben and Chaya's angsty tale coming up next.
May 15, 2022
I just love it when a new to me Author blows my mind away in such a spectacular way. Love You Like That by Scarlett Cole is my one of my top read of 2022 and I am not going to miss a single book by her again. Alex and Zoe has that kind of gut wrenching, heartfelt, deeply angsty and passionate love story that haunts you forever.
Alex King, the lead drummer of the band Sad Friday made a bet with one of his bandmate's girlfriend's best friend. He will find a man to hook up for Zoe Atkins. He gets the perfect opportunity when Zoe has to join them on their next tour as her home was under repair. Zoe has been struggling a lot. She is a prolific percussionist but she lost her hearing in final year of music school. Now she doesn't have any goal in life. Is Alex the direction she needs?
I feel this book just destroyed my heart. Zoe is such an wonderful and complicated character. Witty. Feisty. Deeply passionate about her music. You can feel how the absence of music is sucking her soul out of her. And she still amazed me with her strength and resilience and beautiful outlook. She was scared and upset and frustrated and heartbroken but she kept on trying. Her personality can come across a bit distant and sharp but just imagine the devastating loss she faced. While her friends were a fabulous support system, not everyone was understanding. She just needed a push and that's where Alex came in. This man is just pure beauty inside out. Bold and open and unapologetic about his sexuality. Caring. Loving. Flirting. Gorgeous. Panty melting hot with the kind of intensity in his emotions those just own me. He didn't coddle Zoe. He inspired her to remember that she is still the amazing percussionist. She is still the best. They have this beautiful chemistry. Sometimes they were teasing friends. Sometimes they were connected at soul. Sometimes the passion burnt them. It has a subtle flavour of BDSM that I loved so much. It was slow burn but also explosive. The emotions were to die for. This was a such a remarkable journey and I was a mess at the end. Haunting. Poignant. Breathtaking. A masterpiece from Scarlet Cole.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Alex King, the lead drummer of the band Sad Friday made a bet with one of his bandmate's girlfriend's best friend. He will find a man to hook up for Zoe Atkins. He gets the perfect opportunity when Zoe has to join them on their next tour as her home was under repair. Zoe has been struggling a lot. She is a prolific percussionist but she lost her hearing in final year of music school. Now she doesn't have any goal in life. Is Alex the direction she needs?
I feel this book just destroyed my heart. Zoe is such an wonderful and complicated character. Witty. Feisty. Deeply passionate about her music. You can feel how the absence of music is sucking her soul out of her. And she still amazed me with her strength and resilience and beautiful outlook. She was scared and upset and frustrated and heartbroken but she kept on trying. Her personality can come across a bit distant and sharp but just imagine the devastating loss she faced. While her friends were a fabulous support system, not everyone was understanding. She just needed a push and that's where Alex came in. This man is just pure beauty inside out. Bold and open and unapologetic about his sexuality. Caring. Loving. Flirting. Gorgeous. Panty melting hot with the kind of intensity in his emotions those just own me. He didn't coddle Zoe. He inspired her to remember that she is still the amazing percussionist. She is still the best. They have this beautiful chemistry. Sometimes they were teasing friends. Sometimes they were connected at soul. Sometimes the passion burnt them. It has a subtle flavour of BDSM that I loved so much. It was slow burn but also explosive. The emotions were to die for. This was a such a remarkable journey and I was a mess at the end. Haunting. Poignant. Breathtaking. A masterpiece from Scarlet Cole.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
May 18, 2022
Poor Zoe, she wanted to be the world's best percussionist & she worked hard towards it, but when her life took a turn, well, she had to figure out where to go from there. Alex is the drummer for Sad Fridays, who are really making it big these days. He's different from the usual rock star, and he has some demons. Zoe ends up on tour with them as she's the bff of one of his bandmates' girlfriend, and he ends up making himself Zoe's wingman. I loved the fact that Alex was the one who really helped Zoe as he pushed her & taught her that she's still the percussionist she wanted to be, and he also was trying to push her out of her comfort zone by betting her he could find a hookup for her, but little did he know that doing so would not make him feel that great as his eyes were finally opened. These two were beautiful together as they actually pushed each other in new directions which was just what the doctor ordered. Scarlett Cole penned a highly original rock star romance filled with so much heart & emotion that really did my feelings in, and everyone needs this book in their lives! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 18, 2022
Zoe thought she had her life planned out until her dream career as a percussionist becomes no longer possible. While she decides what the future will bring she decides to travel with her best friend and the Sad Fridays band on their tour. She thought this would be a great chance to spend some time with Alex never expecting that he would use this time to find someone else for her.
Alex had the perfect plan as despite the fact that he was attracted to her he knew that when it came to love and relationships, they had different goals. He is going to be a good friend and help her find the man of her dreams, but things are about to become complicated when he wonders if he can be that man.
Alex and Zoe are so supportive of each other as they face the insecurities, they both have when it comes to love. The chemistry between them is intense, their interactions are humorous and the romance so swoony. In addition to getting to know these two captivating characters we get to spend time with the other members of the band which leaves us wanting more of them and their stories.
Alex had the perfect plan as despite the fact that he was attracted to her he knew that when it came to love and relationships, they had different goals. He is going to be a good friend and help her find the man of her dreams, but things are about to become complicated when he wonders if he can be that man.
Alex and Zoe are so supportive of each other as they face the insecurities, they both have when it comes to love. The chemistry between them is intense, their interactions are humorous and the romance so swoony. In addition to getting to know these two captivating characters we get to spend time with the other members of the band which leaves us wanting more of them and their stories.
May 20, 2022
Yet another hit by Scarlett Cole about those fab Sad Friday guys.. this time centring around Alex who is the percussionist of the group.
Life hasn't always been plain sailing for Alex .as much as he's accepted that he's Pansexual, it seems some others just can't wrap their head around it.
Zoe is struggling to find her place in the world after getting over the fact she's now deaf.. music was her world and now that's all changed.
These guys started off as friends and watching them grow together as a couple and be there for each other/ and just accept each other for what they can and can't do is just beautiful.
To see Alex just being able to be himself was amazing... and to see Zoe be herself again was heart warning all round.
Scarlett knows how to write a story that just draws you in from start to end while always leave you begging for more too.
Getting glimpses of the other couples is always so great too.
Roll on Ben's story next!
Life hasn't always been plain sailing for Alex .as much as he's accepted that he's Pansexual, it seems some others just can't wrap their head around it.
Zoe is struggling to find her place in the world after getting over the fact she's now deaf.. music was her world and now that's all changed.
These guys started off as friends and watching them grow together as a couple and be there for each other/ and just accept each other for what they can and can't do is just beautiful.
To see Alex just being able to be himself was amazing... and to see Zoe be herself again was heart warning all round.
Scarlett knows how to write a story that just draws you in from start to end while always leave you begging for more too.
Getting glimpses of the other couples is always so great too.
Roll on Ben's story next!
May 17, 2022
17/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...
En bref, j'ai aimé découvrir l'histoire d'Alex et Zoe, ils sont tous les deux touchants et attachants et les pans de l'histoire qui leur sont liés sont vraiment bien faits, tout comme les explications que nous apporte l'autrice. J'ai aimé les voir se battre pour ceux et ce qu'ils aiment, ils ne sont pas du genre à baisser les bras et on ne peut que sourire en les voyant tomber amoureux sans vouloir vraiment le reconnaitre au départ. Plus on avance et plus les événements s'enchainent, j'ai apprécié leurs différents combats et si j'avais vu venir une certaine chose, le final est vraiment chouette et le clin d’œil à la romance m'a donné le sourire. Une romance intense entre deux personnages qui n'ont pas leurs langues dans leurs poches !
En bref, j'ai aimé découvrir l'histoire d'Alex et Zoe, ils sont tous les deux touchants et attachants et les pans de l'histoire qui leur sont liés sont vraiment bien faits, tout comme les explications que nous apporte l'autrice. J'ai aimé les voir se battre pour ceux et ce qu'ils aiment, ils ne sont pas du genre à baisser les bras et on ne peut que sourire en les voyant tomber amoureux sans vouloir vraiment le reconnaitre au départ. Plus on avance et plus les événements s'enchainent, j'ai apprécié leurs différents combats et si j'avais vu venir une certaine chose, le final est vraiment chouette et le clin d’œil à la romance m'a donné le sourire. Une romance intense entre deux personnages qui n'ont pas leurs langues dans leurs poches !
May 16, 2022
Outstanding!!
As always Ms. Cole has brought another 5+ star book that has captured my heart. With following the rock band Sad Fridays, they are finally making it big with a tour in the UK. Alex, the drummer for the band, makes a bet and plays wingman to Zoe who happens to be his bandmate’s girlfriend’s BFF and also happens to be a percussionist as well.
Zoe and Alex’s friendship is the best and its with this author’s writing that you are taken on a fantastic ride with this couple as their friendship turns into so much more. To say that this rock romance is really good is quite the understatement because it feels like so much more. Do yourself a favor and check out the rest of the books in this series as well as all of her other books because they are some of the best I’ve read.
As always Ms. Cole has brought another 5+ star book that has captured my heart. With following the rock band Sad Fridays, they are finally making it big with a tour in the UK. Alex, the drummer for the band, makes a bet and plays wingman to Zoe who happens to be his bandmate’s girlfriend’s BFF and also happens to be a percussionist as well.
Zoe and Alex’s friendship is the best and its with this author’s writing that you are taken on a fantastic ride with this couple as their friendship turns into so much more. To say that this rock romance is really good is quite the understatement because it feels like so much more. Do yourself a favor and check out the rest of the books in this series as well as all of her other books because they are some of the best I’ve read.
May 17, 2022
I can't tell you how excited I've been for Alex and Zoe's story and honestly it did not disappoint, in fact I've spent every spare minute today devouring this book and it hit me in so many ways.
As not only is the romance beautifully developed and written, but its heartfelt, passionate and emotional. Not to mention Alex and Zoe as individuals really sing and there's a real honesty to them that I found extremely refreshing and the heat they generate is through the roof.
And of course, no Excess All Areas story would be complete without the rest of the band and their families, including Nan the glue that holds these guys together, and by the end my heart just felt full and I genuinely wanted more. Which is why I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this story and series to others.
As not only is the romance beautifully developed and written, but its heartfelt, passionate and emotional. Not to mention Alex and Zoe as individuals really sing and there's a real honesty to them that I found extremely refreshing and the heat they generate is through the roof.
And of course, no Excess All Areas story would be complete without the rest of the band and their families, including Nan the glue that holds these guys together, and by the end my heart just felt full and I genuinely wanted more. Which is why I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this story and series to others.
May 17, 2022
I did something I rarely do when reading a new book. I took TWO DAYS to read this story. I intentionally slowed downed, stop for awhile, and then jumped back in. Why you ask? Because Zoe and Alex have a unique tale to tell. Sigh. Pause. Deep breath.
This book took on a life of its own. It is part of a series so it includes a tribe of beloved characters especially Nan. Eek I need a Nan.
Color me impressed with all the elements beautifully tackled in this story. It is a rockstar romance that has a main character who is deaf. Wow Wow Wow I am completely shocked at how thoughtfully this is done. I have so much to say about this but I won’t because it would give away too much story.
Another lead explores sexual identity in a intriguing and interesting way. Sooo flipping good. My mind is blown away by this character’s insightful view on not only sexuality but sense of self.
I can’t get over how much I love this book. Zoe and Alex will continue to haunt me for awhile. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
This book took on a life of its own. It is part of a series so it includes a tribe of beloved characters especially Nan. Eek I need a Nan.
Color me impressed with all the elements beautifully tackled in this story. It is a rockstar romance that has a main character who is deaf. Wow Wow Wow I am completely shocked at how thoughtfully this is done. I have so much to say about this but I won’t because it would give away too much story.
Another lead explores sexual identity in a intriguing and interesting way. Sooo flipping good. My mind is blown away by this character’s insightful view on not only sexuality but sense of self.
I can’t get over how much I love this book. Zoe and Alex will continue to haunt me for awhile. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
May 18, 2022
Wonderful! Heartwarming, deeply thoughtful, immersive and so well written; this book has been a joy to read. I loved the premise, the discussion, the honesty, the compassion combined with frankness and openness. I googled the music and BSL , which I relished and was also told a tender and delicious love story, which went beyond Alex and Zoe to encompass them and their wider family. I loved that the setting was familiar and that they didn't already live in massive mansions filled with marble. Eating round Nan's pasting tables...yes, we've done that too and had the best time. Absolutely brilliant! Alex and Zoe go to the top of my couples list!
May 11, 2022
4.5 stars full review coming 5/17/22 www.simplylovebooks.com
I loved the way these two characters jelled, how they really got one another. They listened when the other one talked, they asked questions, they educated themselves, and they were each other’s champion as well as each other’s soft place to land. I loved the trust that built between them and the way they grew to know just what the other one needed.
I loved the way these two characters jelled, how they really got one another. They listened when the other one talked, they asked questions, they educated themselves, and they were each other’s champion as well as each other’s soft place to land. I loved the trust that built between them and the way they grew to know just what the other one needed.
September 11, 2022
There is a depth to this book that surpasses so much, even the previous books I have read of this extremely talented author. Insights into deafness and language and music and art are one thing, let alone the portrayal of a polyamorous character who had not impressed me that much in previous books. This series keeps getting better and better.
May 15, 2022
Zoe and Alex were fantastic! They both wanted to be loved and accepted for who they are and they found that with each other. Once again I am in awe of Scarlett Cole's writing. For me, she is up there with Jill Shalvis with how she captures friendships and family relationships. It makes my heart happy.
Let me just say that the second epilogue has me DYING to get my hands on the next book!
Let me just say that the second epilogue has me DYING to get my hands on the next book!
May 22, 2022
Through the previous three books in the Excess All Areas series I've come to think of the members and crew of Sad Fridays as family. I've become captivated by their lives and have felt every emotion of theirs as if they were my own. This latest installment is yet another winner with its delightful banter, heartfelt emotions, and a main couple who's immensely likable as they evolve from friends into lovers. It's a romance that pulls you in from the very start, never letting go as I'm still thinking of this story long after the final page was turned.
Alex King is the drummer for the up and coming band Sad Fridays, a sexy and charming man who's unapologetic about his sexuality while living life to the fullest. He's pansexual, a unique quality not seen in many romance novels, so for him it's feelings and emotions that guide him to his partners...not their gender. When readers first see him they see a carefree, flirtatious rockstar, a larger than life man full of fun and charm. Being around his friend Zoe though brings out deeper layers to the bold and brash man just looking for love and acceptance after having his heart broken many times in the past. He was someone I desperately wanted to see happy as he was such a loving and caring man and his connection to Zoe was all he needed and deserved.
Zoe Atkins is a complicated character, one whose life journey I could relate to as the issues facing her because of her becoming deaf are ones I've experienced as a quadriplegic. Among the many brilliant facets of this story is in fact Ms. Cole's handling of Zoe's disability, the physical as well as the emotional changes she's experiencing as a drummer losing their hearing. Ms. Cole's clearly done a lot of research on the subject which she presents in a respectful manner that pulls readers into Zoe's life. When readers first meet Zoe she's a bit lost but is brave in the face of her uncertainties and pushes on through all the self-doubts. After all, without music who is she and what does it mean for her future? All she needs is someone to REALLY hear her and that someone is Alex. Their connection might start with a bet that has Alex acting as her wingman to find her a man, but it's not long before he realizes he's the perfect man for her.
The connection between Alex and Zoe is a special one! It's sizzling yet sweet, moments of bdsm balanced with moments of tender words and deeds, it's a smorgasbord of hearts and souls. Theirs is a romance of more than just friends to lovers, it's a romance of one heart to another, a journey of heartfelt talks where communication is vital. Theirs is an unforgettable journey that I feel honored to have been a part of and I look forward to where Ms. Cole will take us next. Though you can read this book on its own, it's a much richer experience reading the previous books first. You get to see the journey of Sad Fridays from the very beginning. You get to know the bandmates, and their significant others, and become fully immersed in their lives as every up and down pulls at your heartstrings. Getting to see these characters again was like coming home, especially Nan. Nan is wise with an outspokenness that makes me smile and I would love to see her get her own story. With the way the second epilogue ended I'm now left waiting with bated breath for what happens next in a series that's nearly flawless and that I highly recommend.
Alex King is the drummer for the up and coming band Sad Fridays, a sexy and charming man who's unapologetic about his sexuality while living life to the fullest. He's pansexual, a unique quality not seen in many romance novels, so for him it's feelings and emotions that guide him to his partners...not their gender. When readers first see him they see a carefree, flirtatious rockstar, a larger than life man full of fun and charm. Being around his friend Zoe though brings out deeper layers to the bold and brash man just looking for love and acceptance after having his heart broken many times in the past. He was someone I desperately wanted to see happy as he was such a loving and caring man and his connection to Zoe was all he needed and deserved.
Zoe Atkins is a complicated character, one whose life journey I could relate to as the issues facing her because of her becoming deaf are ones I've experienced as a quadriplegic. Among the many brilliant facets of this story is in fact Ms. Cole's handling of Zoe's disability, the physical as well as the emotional changes she's experiencing as a drummer losing their hearing. Ms. Cole's clearly done a lot of research on the subject which she presents in a respectful manner that pulls readers into Zoe's life. When readers first meet Zoe she's a bit lost but is brave in the face of her uncertainties and pushes on through all the self-doubts. After all, without music who is she and what does it mean for her future? All she needs is someone to REALLY hear her and that someone is Alex. Their connection might start with a bet that has Alex acting as her wingman to find her a man, but it's not long before he realizes he's the perfect man for her.
The connection between Alex and Zoe is a special one! It's sizzling yet sweet, moments of bdsm balanced with moments of tender words and deeds, it's a smorgasbord of hearts and souls. Theirs is a romance of more than just friends to lovers, it's a romance of one heart to another, a journey of heartfelt talks where communication is vital. Theirs is an unforgettable journey that I feel honored to have been a part of and I look forward to where Ms. Cole will take us next. Though you can read this book on its own, it's a much richer experience reading the previous books first. You get to see the journey of Sad Fridays from the very beginning. You get to know the bandmates, and their significant others, and become fully immersed in their lives as every up and down pulls at your heartstrings. Getting to see these characters again was like coming home, especially Nan. Nan is wise with an outspokenness that makes me smile and I would love to see her get her own story. With the way the second epilogue ended I'm now left waiting with bated breath for what happens next in a series that's nearly flawless and that I highly recommend.
May 22, 2022
3.5/3.65 ⭐️
Love You Like That is the fourth book in the Excess All Areas series, it tells the story of Zoe Atkins and Alex King through 3rd person POV.
It should be known Scarlett Cole had me excited to read about them and their story since seeing their appearance in Willow and Luke’s story How Good It Was.
Scarlett delivered an entertaining storyline that was filled with lots of angst and emotional turmoil leading to a fairly deeply emotionally narrative overall when it came to following along on the journey that Zoe and Alex led you on.
Many times and moments their story had you feeling a lot of emotions, given the depth they brought into everything they endured throughout. On top of being the type of people they were, especially when it came to being there for their friends and family.
Given the two characters you got when it came to Zoe and Alex, it was no surprise they paved the way for quirky, fun, passionate yet entertaining at times plot line.
Ultimately leading to moments of laughter, whilst also bringing a lot of deep and heartfelt emotions all throughout. Especially when you took into account the characters themselves.
On the one hand you had Zoe a smart, quiet girl who kept to herself. Having lost her dream of being a percussionist, seeing as she lost her hearing with becoming deaf. She was trying to navigate herself in life given the hole that was created from her broken dream.
On the other hand you had Alex who was out there, in being loud, proud and confident in who he was. Openly embracing his sexuality.
Despite different personalities they did share some traits, like their love of music which allowed them to bond over it. Being able to understand each other in that perspective, given the lifestyle that came from it. Knowing the sacrifices made to live that life.
The other trait they shared was their big hearts, with the love they had to give. It allowed them to bond on a deeper level, which developed into some much more than either expected over time.
The fact that Zoe and Alex were able to bring down each others walls with opening up to one another, is what paved the way from moving their relationship into more than just friendship.
The proof that what they shared was something special, given the deep connection they formed over time. Sharing parts of themselves they have never shared with anyone else or felt comfortable enough too.
Whilst there was an overall strong narrative to follow along with, there were times where the story had me stopping from reading straight through.
Although there have been times where some books have allowed me to overlook the story being told through 3rd person, like Willow and Luke’s story How Good It Was for example.
Unfortunately when it came to Love You Like That, the 3rd person POV bothered me more than expected.
Even with loving the eccentric plot and unique characters of Zoe and Alex, in the end it just wasn’t always enough for me to be able to overlook it.
IMO had the story been told through 1st person it could’ve been a lot more stronger. And would’ve definitely kept me reading straight through with no issues.
Especially given how excited Scarlett had me for Zoe and Alex's book after reading Willow and Luke’s story.
Overall Love You Like That was still a good read, having enjoyed getting to know Zoe and Alex and follow their story.
And despite the issues stated above, Scarlett Cole still did a good job, especially with the two strong characters she created.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Love You Like That is the fourth book in the Excess All Areas series, it tells the story of Zoe Atkins and Alex King through 3rd person POV.
It should be known Scarlett Cole had me excited to read about them and their story since seeing their appearance in Willow and Luke’s story How Good It Was.
Scarlett delivered an entertaining storyline that was filled with lots of angst and emotional turmoil leading to a fairly deeply emotionally narrative overall when it came to following along on the journey that Zoe and Alex led you on.
Many times and moments their story had you feeling a lot of emotions, given the depth they brought into everything they endured throughout. On top of being the type of people they were, especially when it came to being there for their friends and family.
Given the two characters you got when it came to Zoe and Alex, it was no surprise they paved the way for quirky, fun, passionate yet entertaining at times plot line.
Ultimately leading to moments of laughter, whilst also bringing a lot of deep and heartfelt emotions all throughout. Especially when you took into account the characters themselves.
On the one hand you had Zoe a smart, quiet girl who kept to herself. Having lost her dream of being a percussionist, seeing as she lost her hearing with becoming deaf. She was trying to navigate herself in life given the hole that was created from her broken dream.
On the other hand you had Alex who was out there, in being loud, proud and confident in who he was. Openly embracing his sexuality.
Despite different personalities they did share some traits, like their love of music which allowed them to bond over it. Being able to understand each other in that perspective, given the lifestyle that came from it. Knowing the sacrifices made to live that life.
The other trait they shared was their big hearts, with the love they had to give. It allowed them to bond on a deeper level, which developed into some much more than either expected over time.
The fact that Zoe and Alex were able to bring down each others walls with opening up to one another, is what paved the way from moving their relationship into more than just friendship.
The proof that what they shared was something special, given the deep connection they formed over time. Sharing parts of themselves they have never shared with anyone else or felt comfortable enough too.
Whilst there was an overall strong narrative to follow along with, there were times where the story had me stopping from reading straight through.
Although there have been times where some books have allowed me to overlook the story being told through 3rd person, like Willow and Luke’s story How Good It Was for example.
Unfortunately when it came to Love You Like That, the 3rd person POV bothered me more than expected.
Even with loving the eccentric plot and unique characters of Zoe and Alex, in the end it just wasn’t always enough for me to be able to overlook it.
IMO had the story been told through 1st person it could’ve been a lot more stronger. And would’ve definitely kept me reading straight through with no issues.
Especially given how excited Scarlett had me for Zoe and Alex's book after reading Willow and Luke’s story.
Overall Love You Like That was still a good read, having enjoyed getting to know Zoe and Alex and follow their story.
And despite the issues stated above, Scarlett Cole still did a good job, especially with the two strong characters she created.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
Scarlett Cole is a writer who always stands out but when she shines she really shines and Love You Like That, book four in her Excess All Areas series, was blinding!
Alex King was so achingly hot the pages melted every time he took them over. Alex was complicated, progressive and one hell of a hero, you would want him by your side in your bed and most of all in possession of your heart. He stood out for not being perfect but for being kind, observant and being true to himself and advocating for those he cared about to be true to themselves. It is not often you find a hero so confident in himself that he gives his heroine the recognition and respect she deserves as an equal even while embracing the differences they have. This portrayal took a lot of abuse for being who he was and while painful at times it made him an exceptionally well adjusted person instead of a mess which was admirable all on its own.
Zoe, even while introverting and surrounding herself with substantial defenses to come to terms with her own hurdles, showed an incredible amount of bravery and strength. Bristly and off putting at times, once Zoe found her footing she was fierce, enlightening and a character that was as captivating as she was endearing. When Zoe realized that despite her ability to stand on her own, being capable of trusting and leaning on others while still maintaining her independence was not only empowering but freeing.
From the start it was apparent that Alex and Zoe were really well matched from their playful camaraderie, to their shared love of percussion, to their simmering physical attraction it was no surprise that they found their way to each other. Communication was so key in this pair's dynamic especially when juxtaposed against Zoe's fading ability to communicate by traditional means in the most basic way and Alex constantly battling to express his authentic self without abuse. As a couple they were true equals and partners who balanced each other by sharing the weight of their individual burdens. Alex and Zoe for all their success at being independent were two lonely people who spent a lot of their energy hiding their vulnerability and craving for, while resigning themselves to not finding, their person. This relationship blossomed when this pair opened themselves up to their potential not looking for the perfect person but the person perfect for them, someone who understood them on a whole other level and lifted them to their best place.
One of Scarlett Cole's strengths as a writer is she becomes her characters, meaning she does her research, finds out what makes her portrayals tick, so their triumphs, struggles and areas of expertise feel authentic. Sensitivity is always and foremost this author's goal when writing even when her characters do not experience kindness themselves, giving her readers stories filled with compassion not pity. Love You Like That, another Scarlett Cole story to fall in love with!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone.*
Alex King was so achingly hot the pages melted every time he took them over. Alex was complicated, progressive and one hell of a hero, you would want him by your side in your bed and most of all in possession of your heart. He stood out for not being perfect but for being kind, observant and being true to himself and advocating for those he cared about to be true to themselves. It is not often you find a hero so confident in himself that he gives his heroine the recognition and respect she deserves as an equal even while embracing the differences they have. This portrayal took a lot of abuse for being who he was and while painful at times it made him an exceptionally well adjusted person instead of a mess which was admirable all on its own.
Zoe, even while introverting and surrounding herself with substantial defenses to come to terms with her own hurdles, showed an incredible amount of bravery and strength. Bristly and off putting at times, once Zoe found her footing she was fierce, enlightening and a character that was as captivating as she was endearing. When Zoe realized that despite her ability to stand on her own, being capable of trusting and leaning on others while still maintaining her independence was not only empowering but freeing.
From the start it was apparent that Alex and Zoe were really well matched from their playful camaraderie, to their shared love of percussion, to their simmering physical attraction it was no surprise that they found their way to each other. Communication was so key in this pair's dynamic especially when juxtaposed against Zoe's fading ability to communicate by traditional means in the most basic way and Alex constantly battling to express his authentic self without abuse. As a couple they were true equals and partners who balanced each other by sharing the weight of their individual burdens. Alex and Zoe for all their success at being independent were two lonely people who spent a lot of their energy hiding their vulnerability and craving for, while resigning themselves to not finding, their person. This relationship blossomed when this pair opened themselves up to their potential not looking for the perfect person but the person perfect for them, someone who understood them on a whole other level and lifted them to their best place.
One of Scarlett Cole's strengths as a writer is she becomes her characters, meaning she does her research, finds out what makes her portrayals tick, so their triumphs, struggles and areas of expertise feel authentic. Sensitivity is always and foremost this author's goal when writing even when her characters do not experience kindness themselves, giving her readers stories filled with compassion not pity. Love You Like That, another Scarlett Cole story to fall in love with!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone.*
June 27, 2022
I knew Alex‘s book had the potential to be my favorite, because Alex has been one of the most interesting characters throughout the series. He has shown emotionally intelligence and caring every single time he’s interacted with the main characters of the first three books. I wanted to know more about him and have been counting the days until we got his story. The wait was absolutely worth it.
I am in love with Alex and Zoe. Both of them have these aspects of their lives that are painful, traumatic, and heart wrenching to read about, yet they are both such awesome caring characters. And the things that make them "difficult" in others' eyes are what make them perfect for one another.
It’s almost hard for me to write this review, because this book hit me so deep. I have so many amazing feelings about it that I don’t even know where to start. This whole series has been great and pulled at my heartstrings so much. The characters have gone through so many challenges, and readers get to see them work through everything that has happened them, see the impact it has on their relationships with each other and with their significant others. I think what I like about the series is it’s so freaking real. There are these difficult times that they grow through that are just so magical. The connections, the feelings, and the support of everyone in these books is just so fantastic. While I personally can identify with some of the things that Alex is going through, I can only imagine what Zoe is going through. Losing your hearing when being a musician is vital to who you are must be an absolute nightmare. Something I appreciated was seeing the people around her think they were helping/supporting her, but Alex being helpful and supportive in a way that actually worked. It was such a good example of not putting your beliefs and solutions onto another person, and I think that’s what made it even better. Alex has shown his emotional intelligence throughout the whole series when he has given advice or helped handle situations in the previous books, so I knew that he was going to being that into his own story. He has his own insecurities and hangups, but he takes the time to pause and reflect and really deal with what’s going on in the moment. It is just so refreshing to see all of it play out. The relationship that Alex and Zoe have is absolute relationship goals!
Honestly, I think I could talk all day about this book, but I think I'd rather just recommend you all read it! Do yourself a favor and read the whole series!! Feel all the emotions, learn about the different perspectives, and enjoy the wild ride the Sad Fridays are on.
Lastly, I want to sincerely thank Scarlett Cole for writing a Pansexual character so well. For showing what it actually means to be supportive and an ally. Showing that there will be mistakes, but the effort and willingness to learn and change is all that matters. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this story.
I am in love with Alex and Zoe. Both of them have these aspects of their lives that are painful, traumatic, and heart wrenching to read about, yet they are both such awesome caring characters. And the things that make them "difficult" in others' eyes are what make them perfect for one another.
It’s almost hard for me to write this review, because this book hit me so deep. I have so many amazing feelings about it that I don’t even know where to start. This whole series has been great and pulled at my heartstrings so much. The characters have gone through so many challenges, and readers get to see them work through everything that has happened them, see the impact it has on their relationships with each other and with their significant others. I think what I like about the series is it’s so freaking real. There are these difficult times that they grow through that are just so magical. The connections, the feelings, and the support of everyone in these books is just so fantastic. While I personally can identify with some of the things that Alex is going through, I can only imagine what Zoe is going through. Losing your hearing when being a musician is vital to who you are must be an absolute nightmare. Something I appreciated was seeing the people around her think they were helping/supporting her, but Alex being helpful and supportive in a way that actually worked. It was such a good example of not putting your beliefs and solutions onto another person, and I think that’s what made it even better. Alex has shown his emotional intelligence throughout the whole series when he has given advice or helped handle situations in the previous books, so I knew that he was going to being that into his own story. He has his own insecurities and hangups, but he takes the time to pause and reflect and really deal with what’s going on in the moment. It is just so refreshing to see all of it play out. The relationship that Alex and Zoe have is absolute relationship goals!
Honestly, I think I could talk all day about this book, but I think I'd rather just recommend you all read it! Do yourself a favor and read the whole series!! Feel all the emotions, learn about the different perspectives, and enjoy the wild ride the Sad Fridays are on.
Lastly, I want to sincerely thank Scarlett Cole for writing a Pansexual character so well. For showing what it actually means to be supportive and an ally. Showing that there will be mistakes, but the effort and willingness to learn and change is all that matters. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this story.
May 11, 2022
I know I won’t be able to write the review that this story deserves. First of all, I must take my hat off to Ms. Cole for writing this incredible narrative. I found it to be insightful, emotional and thought-provoking, and I loved witnessing Alex and Zoe’s journey throughout the book.
The research, care and consideration that the author has taken to ensure Zoe’s story is one that we won’t forget is evident in every chapter. I’m no stranger to caring for others who have additional needs, but there were times when I stopped and thought hard about what Zoe was asking for, and because of this, I now have a greater understanding of some of the misguided judgements that people (including myself) can unintentionally make. Zoe’s journey is quite something, and I am certain that you will love and admire her as much as I do once you’ve read her story.
I absolutely adore Alex. To my knowledge, his pansexuality is quite unique in romance novels, and it was wonderful to learn more about this incredible young man. He has the biggest heart which has been hurt many times over the years, and all I ever wished for was for him to find his own happiness - he deserves nothing less.
Love You Like That is more than simply Alex and Zoe’s story - it is a telling of multiple journeys. One of the many highlights for me is witnessing Alex and Zoe’s friendship develop throughout the narrative. They both recognise the importance of communication, trust, understanding and acceptance - they are perfect for each other.
Love You Like That also continues the journey of Sad Fridays. The boys take the next step in their careers and go on tour. I am thoroughly enjoying witnessing their success which is well and truly deserved. They, and their partners, are family, and I’ll never tire of being in their company. In fact, I’d give anything to be included in their close circle. Along with following the path the band is taking, this narrative also features the journeys of the couples from previous novels, and there are some special moments in this book that brought tears to my eyes. Nan is also back and steals the show in all the scenes she is included in. She’s amazing!!
I highly recommend that you not only read and enjoy Love You Like That but all the books in this series. Although each book can be read as a standalone, this series is penned following the band’s journey from its early days and in my opinion ideally should be read in release order. The Sad Fridays boys and their extended family will always have a special place in my heart. Witnessing each of the guys finding their ‘one’ has been an emotional roller coaster of a ride. The series finale is Ben’s story, and I have a feeling I’m going to need tissues close at hand for this one too.
The research, care and consideration that the author has taken to ensure Zoe’s story is one that we won’t forget is evident in every chapter. I’m no stranger to caring for others who have additional needs, but there were times when I stopped and thought hard about what Zoe was asking for, and because of this, I now have a greater understanding of some of the misguided judgements that people (including myself) can unintentionally make. Zoe’s journey is quite something, and I am certain that you will love and admire her as much as I do once you’ve read her story.
I absolutely adore Alex. To my knowledge, his pansexuality is quite unique in romance novels, and it was wonderful to learn more about this incredible young man. He has the biggest heart which has been hurt many times over the years, and all I ever wished for was for him to find his own happiness - he deserves nothing less.
Love You Like That is more than simply Alex and Zoe’s story - it is a telling of multiple journeys. One of the many highlights for me is witnessing Alex and Zoe’s friendship develop throughout the narrative. They both recognise the importance of communication, trust, understanding and acceptance - they are perfect for each other.
Love You Like That also continues the journey of Sad Fridays. The boys take the next step in their careers and go on tour. I am thoroughly enjoying witnessing their success which is well and truly deserved. They, and their partners, are family, and I’ll never tire of being in their company. In fact, I’d give anything to be included in their close circle. Along with following the path the band is taking, this narrative also features the journeys of the couples from previous novels, and there are some special moments in this book that brought tears to my eyes. Nan is also back and steals the show in all the scenes she is included in. She’s amazing!!
I highly recommend that you not only read and enjoy Love You Like That but all the books in this series. Although each book can be read as a standalone, this series is penned following the band’s journey from its early days and in my opinion ideally should be read in release order. The Sad Fridays boys and their extended family will always have a special place in my heart. Witnessing each of the guys finding their ‘one’ has been an emotional roller coaster of a ride. The series finale is Ben’s story, and I have a feeling I’m going to need tissues close at hand for this one too.
May 17, 2022
This is the first book I have ever read by this author and well this book so different and more than I expected. When I first saw the description on this book I thought it would be a fun rock n roll romance with a girl who is friends with a rocker and eventually they fall for each other. Going into this story I had no idea that at first it would make me uncomfortable and then it would make me fall in love with these characters.
This the story about a rock n roll character named Alex. He is the type of rocker I had never read before in a romance. He is a pansexual, which I had to google. (sorry all these are new terms for me) Essentially it means he sees the person and not the gender so he has relationships or sex with male and females but its about attraction and not gender. But in the story he had come out to his father and he was referred to as a homosexual and some people thought as his as bi. Honestly Alex is a character. A fun and different character. To some degree I pictured him as a very flamboyant man. He wears his grandmother's pearls very often and leather pants and jackets without shirts. He is very sexy but in my mind and the book describes him as a really fun, flamboyant character but also very sexy and also a bit of a alpha in bed. He really likes submissives as a partner.
We also meet Zoe in this book. She is best friends with Alex's brother's girlfriend and both her best friend and Zoe are sorta treated like family by the band. When their apartment is destroyed, Zoe decides to join the band and her bestie on the road since she works at home. Zoe and Alex are very good friends. Zoe is also deaf. She was a talented musician when she went deaf and had to give up music. She shy's away from life and relationships and Alex makes her a bet to give guys a chance and try and get her out there. They form this really beautiful relationship with each other that is very accepting and honest and it became this very romantic friendship that made me fall in love with them as a couple. I really adored that for both of them their feelings for each other kind of creeps up on them.
For both Alex and Zoe they both find something they never had before and thats what made this story so special and wonderful. This is a couple that I think I will be thinking about for a long time.
The story was extremely original and a totally different rock n roll romance than I have ever read before and than I was expecting to read when I opened this book on my kindle.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This the story about a rock n roll character named Alex. He is the type of rocker I had never read before in a romance. He is a pansexual, which I had to google. (sorry all these are new terms for me) Essentially it means he sees the person and not the gender so he has relationships or sex with male and females but its about attraction and not gender. But in the story he had come out to his father and he was referred to as a homosexual and some people thought as his as bi. Honestly Alex is a character. A fun and different character. To some degree I pictured him as a very flamboyant man. He wears his grandmother's pearls very often and leather pants and jackets without shirts. He is very sexy but in my mind and the book describes him as a really fun, flamboyant character but also very sexy and also a bit of a alpha in bed. He really likes submissives as a partner.
We also meet Zoe in this book. She is best friends with Alex's brother's girlfriend and both her best friend and Zoe are sorta treated like family by the band. When their apartment is destroyed, Zoe decides to join the band and her bestie on the road since she works at home. Zoe and Alex are very good friends. Zoe is also deaf. She was a talented musician when she went deaf and had to give up music. She shy's away from life and relationships and Alex makes her a bet to give guys a chance and try and get her out there. They form this really beautiful relationship with each other that is very accepting and honest and it became this very romantic friendship that made me fall in love with them as a couple. I really adored that for both of them their feelings for each other kind of creeps up on them.
For both Alex and Zoe they both find something they never had before and thats what made this story so special and wonderful. This is a couple that I think I will be thinking about for a long time.
The story was extremely original and a totally different rock n roll romance than I have ever read before and than I was expecting to read when I opened this book on my kindle.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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