Author: Sarah Darlington

First Published: 05 December 2019

Rating: 4 stars

“’We all put on a mask, a version of ourselves we want others to see,” John said gently, brushing my hair out of my hair face, staring at me hard.”  

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Sarah for sending a copy my way!

ONE NIGHT WITH THE DRUMMER OF SUNSET REVIVAL?
Yes, I’m game.

Dani Mills, drummer of the world-famous band, Sunset Revival, doesn’t have time for romance. Touring with her bandmates across the country, she’s content with meaningless sex: one-night-stands, no kissing, no personal details. These are her rules…and there are never exceptions.

John Michaels lives a life of seclusion in Corolla, North Carolina. He works, eats, and sleeps—and is perfectly content with his lifestyle. He doesn’t have the time, or energy, to deal with people. Or relationships. Especially women relationships.

When Sunset Revival gets stranded on the beach, it’s John who is asked for shelter. With his sexy-as-sin good looks—covered in ink with blue eyes so deep they shine—Dani finds herself desperate for one night in his bed. That’s all either of them wants, really…one night, no-strings, no promise of tomorrow.

Yet, when one night turns into two, both find themselves breaking their own rules. Thrust into a whirlwind of passion and desire, the pair struggle to maintain the upper hand, with John learning the hardest lesson of all…never kiss a Rockstar.

Never Kiss a Rockstar follows Sunset Revival’s drummer, Dani and Kill Devil Hills’ tattoo artist, John. This book has just the right amount of angst and steaminess. Also, I love that we have a female rockstar! I’m becoming addicted to this series. I cannot put these books down.

Dani Mills doesn’t date and she doesn’t do love. She’s been there, done that and got her heart broken. Instead, she throws her energy into the band and one-night stands are all she’s interested in. From the moment she sees John she knew she wanted him but she doesn’t except one night to turn into more. In John, she’s found safety and a home. The longer she with him the harder it is to leave.

Tattoo artist and all-round hermit, John Michaels has a secret, one that he hides under ink and piercings. The only person he lets close is his younger sister, Sydney. Overall he’s content with his life, which he splits between his studio and the mansion he’s grandfather left him. I adored John. While he tries to come across has this grumpy guy who hates everyone, he’s a total sweetheart. He doesn’t care that Dani is famous. All he wants to see her happy.

I love that Sarah Darlington has subverted the virgin and player trope; Dani is the player who has left behind a string of one-night stands where John has been celibate for years. It was refreshing. I’d loved to see more of this in the romance world.

There is a fair bit of angst in this relationship. Both of them are scared of letting people in they just used different methods of keeping their distance — Dani uses casual sex where John isolates himself. There’s this push and pull of wanting to explore these feeling but equally being terrified of getting hurt again. But as they get closer, Dani gets rid of her rules and John invites Dani are into his space. They bring out the best in each other, which is so vital in a relationship

Again like the first book, I wished it were a touch longer. It is a short book only 200 pages. I wished we had more time to develop the relationship because giving the pair’s insecurity and unwillingness to date they were together relatively quick. I do love this world and the slightly dysfunctional Mills family so I will always want more from these stories.

This was a successful addition to the series. I cannot tell you how much love how Darlington reverses the virgin/player trope. Luke’s story is next and I’m expecting the angst to be turned up to a whole new level.