Review: Rise

Rise by Karina Bliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zander Freeman is a rock legend. Frontman for the rock band Rage, he rebuilt the group after an ugly split with the other members, including his own brother. Now he's risked every cent of his own money on a world tour and he is hiding a serious medical issue that could jeopardise everything. I first met Zander in Bring Him Home when he was the obnoxious rock star that Nate was bodyguarding (is that even a word?). Apparently he also appears in What the Librarian Did, which features his brother Devin, but I haven't read that one.

Elizabeth Winston is a serious historical biographer so when Zander asks her to write his memoir she's amused and dismissive. But when she realises that he has actually read some of her work she thinks she could write something about someone who is alive, for a change.

Elizabeth forces Zander to take a good hard look at himself in the mirror, and he realises that he has sacrificed friends and family to his ego and arrogance. Heck he couldn't even remember his girl-friend for a year's real name!

As the attraction between them grows can their fling remain a dirty secret? Or could a rock legend be falling in love?

I like Karina Bliss' novels. Even her shallow, narcissistic heroes are erudite and thoughtful at times. The build up to Zander and Elizabeth's first 'encounter' was slow and sultry, I think it was about halfway through the book, and felt like extended foreplay as they danced around each other with looks and words.

If that sounds a bit tame, see a rock god negotiate with a little girl in a tiara and look after a screaming baby. Watch him enthral crowds at stadiums across Europe and the US, feel the electricity in the air as he comes off stage and hear the deep thrum of the music.

If you feel like reading a romance with a feisty, independent heroine and a jaded rock star, a great storyline and a stellar supporting cast then look no further, I've found your next read. You're welcome.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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