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Fool's Gambit #1
On the Rocks
Lacey Decker has always felt like a footnote in her own reality, settling comfortably out of sight behind the lens as an NHL photographer. Her life of curated, clear cut lines and control is thrown into a tailspin after she finds letters from her late mother. The discovery forces her to reconnect with her rockstar father and face old wounds.
As a member of the beloved band Fool’s Gambit, Drew Mariano had the world at his fingertips. But that was a decade ago. Now, he’s floating through life and unable to break free from the past. With the band’s ten year reunion on the horizon, he must confront the secret that may make him incapable of returning to the stage with his bandmates. His heavy burden is briefly lifted when a stranger helps him escape his worries for a single night.
When they find themselves living under the same roof, Lacey and Drew resolve to remain strangers. But with identities kept hidden, they are left unaware of the thread of fate that has been tying them together for years...
As a member of the beloved band Fool’s Gambit, Drew Mariano had the world at his fingertips. But that was a decade ago. Now, he’s floating through life and unable to break free from the past. With the band’s ten year reunion on the horizon, he must confront the secret that may make him incapable of returning to the stage with his bandmates. His heavy burden is briefly lifted when a stranger helps him escape his worries for a single night.
When they find themselves living under the same roof, Lacey and Drew resolve to remain strangers. But with identities kept hidden, they are left unaware of the thread of fate that has been tying them together for years...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
108 people are currently reading
1,996 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 5, 2025
the literal only reason this is a four is because it was way longer than it needed to be but other than the length it was absolutely perfect. i love every little thing about lacey and drew my goodness. ALEXA PLAY INVISIBLE STRING
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April 28, 2024Marja Graham's novel On The Rocks explores the forced proximity romancebetween hockey photographer Lacey Decker and bar owner Luca Mariano.
I just wanted to say thank you to Marja for keeping the third-art breakup between Lacey and Luca. She knewhow much I loved the angst that camefrom it, and after careful consideration, she concluded that it was necessary between her characters.
To be honest, Luca Mariano being a manobsessedwas everything. I mean he literally went out and purchased a $1,000 couch solely based on Lacey's complaint that his previous one was uncomfortable. Or the fact that he would always have hair ties on him since he knew she would need them eventually.
In light of everything Lacey had been through and was still going through, I also admired her strength.
The way the novel concluded was something I thought was quite wholesome. Marja obviously knew what she was doing since it was the cutest thing ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I'm excited to see what Marja has planned for her other books.
*Thank you to the author, Marja Graham, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
I just wanted to say thank you to Marja for keeping the third-art breakup between Lacey and Luca. She knewhow much I loved the angst that camefrom it, and after careful consideration, she concluded that it was necessary between her characters.
To be honest, Luca Mariano being a manobsessedwas everything. I mean he literally went out and purchased a $1,000 couch solely based on Lacey's complaint that his previous one was uncomfortable. Or the fact that he would always have hair ties on him since he knew she would need them eventually.
In light of everything Lacey had been through and was still going through, I also admired her strength.
The way the novel concluded was something I thought was quite wholesome. Marja obviously knew what she was doing since it was the cutest thing ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I'm excited to see what Marja has planned for her other books.
*Thank you to the author, Marja Graham, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
May 2, 2024
Im late on my review, but it’s so worth it.
I definitely recommend On The Rocks.
This book is another of those books that take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
It had me blushing, tearing, laughing, and hooked me the moment I started it.
I couldn’t seem to put it down, but then I didn’t want it to end😅😅
Marja really outdid herself with the characters, she did an AMAZING job with the whole plot and storyline.
I especially loved how some side characters got a bit of a back story.
Drew & Lacey 🥹🥹🥹🤍🤍
These two.. I absolutely adored them!!
I loved how every little thing seemed to be connected to them and how the universe destined them to be together.
You must def read to know why this one has now become another of my faves
🤍🤍
I definitely recommend On The Rocks.
This book is another of those books that take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
It had me blushing, tearing, laughing, and hooked me the moment I started it.
I couldn’t seem to put it down, but then I didn’t want it to end😅😅
Marja really outdid herself with the characters, she did an AMAZING job with the whole plot and storyline.
I especially loved how some side characters got a bit of a back story.
Drew & Lacey 🥹🥹🥹🤍🤍
These two.. I absolutely adored them!!
I loved how every little thing seemed to be connected to them and how the universe destined them to be together.
You must def read to know why this one has now become another of my faves
🤍🤍
April 16, 2024
hi marja you WILL be receiving my therapy bill for this
January 13, 2025
This book sucked me in and I could not put it down! It is very invisible string-coded like they were always meant to find each other. I thought the secrets they agreed to keep from one another would haunt me throughout the entire book but I ended up reading without constant angst. It was a bit long but I think it was wrapped up perfectly!
“If this was a movie, this sounds like the part where I’d say ‘don’t fall in love,’� he jokes.
“You can fall in love all you want; just don’t tell me if you do,� I say.
- he falls first and down so bad
- nhl photographer x former boy band popstar
- he falls first
- forced proximity
“If this was a movie, this sounds like the part where I’d say ‘don’t fall in love,’� he jokes.
“You can fall in love all you want; just don’t tell me if you do,� I say.
- he falls first and down so bad
- nhl photographer x former boy band popstar
- he falls first
- forced proximity
April 5, 2024
UPDATE: Guess who got her first ARC!!!
FINISHED UPDATE:
3.25/5
For a debut novel from Marja Graham, On The Rocks was a really enjoyable read and I am incredibly grateful to her and her team for selecting me to receive an ARC of this book.
The book is a sports/music romance that follows hockey/photographer, Lacey, who finds herself in a ‘no personal business� living arrangement with former-famous-band-member, Drew, that turns into a budding romance.
There were a lot of highs to this book, such as the career choices for both characters and the way it impacted their lives, this ‘invisible string� arrangement between them that ended up becoming a pinnacle point of the book without even realising, and the relationships explored between all of the characters. I also like the inclusion of family trauma, the death of a parent, broken relationships with family and different family dynamics that gave them some complexity and something holding them back. However, and not necessarily a weakness of the book but something to work on in the future, was the pacing and the character development.
The pacing was uneven. Sometimes it moved quickly, too quickly, and missed out on opportunities to explore building up tension and anticipation. It would introduce a conflict or event and move through it in just a short paragraph that the weight of that moment was never truly left with you. You never got a chance to just sit with anything before it was one and done.
As well as this, the characters really lacked deeper development and chemistry. They often felt surface level and underdeveloped. When you have alternating POVs, it is a great opportunity to not only explore what each character is doing away from each other, but also their more complex thoughts and emotions when they are with each other. I think the opportunity to delve into those more complex mindsets and emotions was missed out on, so their attraction and romance felt fleeting and underwhelming. I recently read Magnolia Parks and I think that book does this well, where the POV allows us insight into yes, what the character is doing away from their partner, but also a look into their thinking and processing and perception of events.
I don’t think Marja Graham was trying to do anything revolutionary with this book but she definitely delivered a heartwarming romance that was the perfect springboard for future projects and I am really excited to see what she explores next.
FINISHED UPDATE:
3.25/5
For a debut novel from Marja Graham, On The Rocks was a really enjoyable read and I am incredibly grateful to her and her team for selecting me to receive an ARC of this book.
The book is a sports/music romance that follows hockey/photographer, Lacey, who finds herself in a ‘no personal business� living arrangement with former-famous-band-member, Drew, that turns into a budding romance.
There were a lot of highs to this book, such as the career choices for both characters and the way it impacted their lives, this ‘invisible string� arrangement between them that ended up becoming a pinnacle point of the book without even realising, and the relationships explored between all of the characters. I also like the inclusion of family trauma, the death of a parent, broken relationships with family and different family dynamics that gave them some complexity and something holding them back. However, and not necessarily a weakness of the book but something to work on in the future, was the pacing and the character development.
The pacing was uneven. Sometimes it moved quickly, too quickly, and missed out on opportunities to explore building up tension and anticipation. It would introduce a conflict or event and move through it in just a short paragraph that the weight of that moment was never truly left with you. You never got a chance to just sit with anything before it was one and done.
As well as this, the characters really lacked deeper development and chemistry. They often felt surface level and underdeveloped. When you have alternating POVs, it is a great opportunity to not only explore what each character is doing away from each other, but also their more complex thoughts and emotions when they are with each other. I think the opportunity to delve into those more complex mindsets and emotions was missed out on, so their attraction and romance felt fleeting and underwhelming. I recently read Magnolia Parks and I think that book does this well, where the POV allows us insight into yes, what the character is doing away from their partner, but also a look into their thinking and processing and perception of events.
I don’t think Marja Graham was trying to do anything revolutionary with this book but she definitely delivered a heartwarming romance that was the perfect springboard for future projects and I am really excited to see what she explores next.
April 19, 2024
This was really cute! I loved the forced proximity and secret history between Drew and Lacey—it was very “Invisible String� coded. I felt like they had some genuine personal depth which made their relationship growth really sweet. I enjoyed how they began to support each other as they grew closer and closer. Drew really was such a sweetie and while Lacey could be frustrating with her trust issues, I felt like she got some good closure overall. Much of the story did hinge on the “secret identity� bit. I thought it was reasonable that Lacey’s identity as Drew’s producer’s daughter remained secret, but I really don’t think that it would be possible to hide being a former pop star in real life. Drew seemed pretty adept at dodging these encounters, but if I were Lacey, I feel like I would have picked up on something so fast but do understand that the whole “no personal details� gig was her idea. Overall this was so sweet and fun, and I loved how these two fell in love and supported each other through their highs and lows. I’m looking forward to the next book(s) in the series!!
Very grateful for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for my review!🫶🏻
Very grateful for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for my review!🫶🏻
April 3, 2024
Okay guys.. when you're looking for a romance book with smut then this is the one you have to pre order! It's coming out April 17th and I had the change to read is as an ARC.
The book is about Lacey and Drew and they became roommates, sometime after their one night stand. But you know.. they made some rules because they want to stay strangers to eachother. I love the vibes in this story. Lacey is a photographer and Drew a rockstar. I loved the writing style of this book and it only took me one and a half day to finish this one. I can't wait for you all to read this book.
"The people we meet, even if they fade away, it's an honor to have memories with them."
"Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done. Waiting for you, chasing you, hoping that I'm worthy of being in the same room as you. That shit is hard."
The book is about Lacey and Drew and they became roommates, sometime after their one night stand. But you know.. they made some rules because they want to stay strangers to eachother. I love the vibes in this story. Lacey is a photographer and Drew a rockstar. I loved the writing style of this book and it only took me one and a half day to finish this one. I can't wait for you all to read this book.
"The people we meet, even if they fade away, it's an honor to have memories with them."
"Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done. Waiting for you, chasing you, hoping that I'm worthy of being in the same room as you. That shit is hard."
March 19, 2025
this is the kind of book that I really wish I had the time to finish it in one sitting! 24 hours was pretty good though 🙃
this was so hard to put down, I absolutely loved it right from the start! Lacey + Drew love them 🥹
pick this one up if you love:
former boy band member/drunmer � NHL photographer
� hidden identities � temporary roommates
� (failed) one night stand � meant to be/fate
Full review to come!
this was so hard to put down, I absolutely loved it right from the start! Lacey + Drew love them 🥹
pick this one up if you love:
former boy band member/drunmer � NHL photographer
� hidden identities � temporary roommates
� (failed) one night stand � meant to be/fate
Full review to come!
October 25, 2024
Precious!
Lacey and Drew’s story was so easy and tender I had such a good time reading it. I can understand the arguments that this didn’t need to be as long as it is but I honestly loved it.
Craig is SUCH a real one. I want a book about Craig
Lacey and Drew’s story was so easy and tender I had such a good time reading it. I can understand the arguments that this didn’t need to be as long as it is but I honestly loved it.
Craig is SUCH a real one. I want a book about Craig
April 1, 2024
arc review's coming ✨️
April 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of this book. I loved the relationship built between Lacey and Drew, and overcoming trauma together. It was such a beautiful story!
I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of this book. I loved the relationship built between Lacey and Drew, and overcoming trauma together. It was such a beautiful story!
April 4, 2024
Omg how do I even tell you how good this book was!? I loved everything about this book! I was instantly drawn in by the chemistry of Drew and Lacey. I loved the way that they were there for each other through their struggles. The spice, the love, the banter…it was perfect. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series will go but I’m all for it. I think I’ve been converted into a fool’s gambit girlie! So thankful to have read this ARC!
April 18, 2024
This book made me laugh, giggle, broke my heart, and put it back together again. Drew & Lacey are perfect MCs. Lacey is strong, sarcastic, and loving. Drew is sweet and caring. Together, they are everything. They live, dance, and heal together and it is beautiful. Add in the secret identities and rockstar vibes (but also not) and it's magic.
Price is a great friend, Ev is the quintessential younger sassy, sister, and it works perfectly. Craig is golden and he makes me laugh every scene he is in. Everyone deserves a friend like Craig in their lives. He may be the true hero in this story.
Highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who needed a second chance, who has ever been afraid to open up, who has been to afraid to share their pain, who can't cook, who isn't sure how they will make it through the day, and anyone who believes in love helping us be our best selves.
Price is a great friend, Ev is the quintessential younger sassy, sister, and it works perfectly. Craig is golden and he makes me laugh every scene he is in. Everyone deserves a friend like Craig in their lives. He may be the true hero in this story.
Highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who needed a second chance, who has ever been afraid to open up, who has been to afraid to share their pain, who can't cook, who isn't sure how they will make it through the day, and anyone who believes in love helping us be our best selves.
July 6, 2024
good reads count your days, you deleted my review of this book from April 😒.
(dates are inaccurate cause good reads is a little 🤭 and I don't remember even in April I read this book).
ARC review
you can be roommates with your past one night stand right? well that's the case for Lacey and Drew.
when these two meet it's under anonymous circumstances that lead to a steamy night together with no plans of seeing one another again. that is until fate has it set in their cards to live together.
I loved these two and their relationship as it developed. it started off physical and Lacey was really closed off about her past, which given context, I don't blame her. the third act conflict made sense for this story because Lacey reacted properly in my opinion.
I was happy that Drew was patient with her. I can't wait for book two and to see the rest of their friends/family relationships.
⭐️ 4.5
(dates are inaccurate cause good reads is a little 🤭 and I don't remember even in April I read this book).
ARC review
you can be roommates with your past one night stand right? well that's the case for Lacey and Drew.
when these two meet it's under anonymous circumstances that lead to a steamy night together with no plans of seeing one another again. that is until fate has it set in their cards to live together.
I loved these two and their relationship as it developed. it started off physical and Lacey was really closed off about her past, which given context, I don't blame her. the third act conflict made sense for this story because Lacey reacted properly in my opinion.
I was happy that Drew was patient with her. I can't wait for book two and to see the rest of their friends/family relationships.
⭐️ 4.5
October 19, 2024
� ARC REVIEW �
| loved this book so much and here's why:
It's rare that one comes across a book that shows mental health issues as well as this one does. When I say that I mean that this book not only depicts mental health issues but literally shows and tells us how hard it is to battle and how the characters heal one another.
Lacey and Drew's love story is so special! I fully believe that they are fated mates (iykyk). It was not only a love story but it was a healing story, a representation of how losing loved ones affects you and how change does not always mean things get better.
I cried, I laughed and I giggled my ass off for Craig! I would recommend this book for anyone because everyone SHOULD READ IT!!
❗️SUPPORT INDIE AUTHORS ❗️
| loved this book so much and here's why:
It's rare that one comes across a book that shows mental health issues as well as this one does. When I say that I mean that this book not only depicts mental health issues but literally shows and tells us how hard it is to battle and how the characters heal one another.
Lacey and Drew's love story is so special! I fully believe that they are fated mates (iykyk). It was not only a love story but it was a healing story, a representation of how losing loved ones affects you and how change does not always mean things get better.
I cried, I laughed and I giggled my ass off for Craig! I would recommend this book for anyone because everyone SHOULD READ IT!!
❗️SUPPORT INDIE AUTHORS ❗️
April 6, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW�
5 stars - no hesitation.
This was 5 stars like 1% in.
I don't know what was in this book but IT HAD ME HOOKED. I mean, I'm in awe over these characters, the plot, the storylines, the humor, the banter, the tenson, and the powerful messages.
I laughed, cried, gushed, blushed - you know name it.
Right off the bat, you just knew this was going to be good.
Lacey is a POWERHOUSE and her humor, wit and sarcasm is EVERYTHING you could want in a FMC. She really got the ball rolling with her sarcastic one liners and insults when she wanders into the bar dedicated to the beloved band, Fool’s Gambit. Insults and digs that are meant for Drew, the former drummer of said band.
Drew is a baby angel cake who needs to be protected at all costs. This man. Holy smokes. I am in LOVE with him. Truly. Marja did an INCREDIBLE job writing his character (Lacey too, duh). He is literally perfection - flaws and all. Charming, smooth, swoon-worthy, caring, attentive, HAS A MOUTH ON HIM, tatted, A DRUMMER, funny, sarcastic, cheeky - I MEAN HE IS PERFECTION.
This man just says the right things. Can I get me one like him, please???
Their heated banter was SENDING me. So, it was no surprise that they find themselves getting lost in each other in a one night stand - never thinking they'd see each other again.
Except, OH WAIT, they BECOME FREAKING ROOMATES. Fate? Uhhh yeah, most definitely. But let's not stop there...they decide to keep their personal lives private from each other and keep all talks of inner turmoil out of the apartment. Their rules, not mine.
WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I WAS SO DAMN STRESSED AND ANXIOUS ABOUT THESE TWO FINDING OUT ABOUT WHO THEY REALLY ARE (and the significance behind it), UGH LEMME TELL YA...
The plot is also amazing. I absolutely loved watching these two navigate living together while also keeping their secrets but also slowly falling for each other. I loved watching not only their friendship grow but their romantic relationship blossom. I am smitten for these two.
The spice was HOT. There may be a scene with Lacey on the phone talking to her bestie and Drew has other plans and DAMN...it had me covering my eyes, blushing.
I think we also need a HUGE shoutout to the side characters in this. I mean...I am almost positive that I loved them ALL. Price is the best friend that everyone wants. But let's face it, if he was my bestie, I'd definitely be secretly in love with him.
Craig is just...he is so NEEDED in this book. He brings the humor we forget we need. He's so genuine and I loved the friendship him and Lacey form. Him and Drew are so adorably funny and I was eating these two up.
Drew's sister, Evelyn, is a character who you know has a story to tell and I hope we get that.
The bandmates...well, I think I'm still forgiving them. Cara, did those two ever make up?!
I couldn't put this down. I didn't want this to end. I just wanted to savor every moment reading this.
There were super emotional moments in this that I think need a moment of appreciation. I loved Drew and Lacey opening up to each other and telling each other what they need. The therapy pact...HAH, I loved that. But seriously, there were so many moments that just had you in your feels Yeah, they bicker a lot, but they also truly need each other. It was beautiful.
They fight but they communicate. And I loved that.
The letter from Lacey's mother...oof, that one got me.
I am OBSESSED with how this was written. I just...I could go on for hours.
Thank you SO much to Marja Graham the ARC copy!
5 stars - no hesitation.
This was 5 stars like 1% in.
I don't know what was in this book but IT HAD ME HOOKED. I mean, I'm in awe over these characters, the plot, the storylines, the humor, the banter, the tenson, and the powerful messages.
I laughed, cried, gushed, blushed - you know name it.
Right off the bat, you just knew this was going to be good.
Lacey is a POWERHOUSE and her humor, wit and sarcasm is EVERYTHING you could want in a FMC. She really got the ball rolling with her sarcastic one liners and insults when she wanders into the bar dedicated to the beloved band, Fool’s Gambit. Insults and digs that are meant for Drew, the former drummer of said band.
Drew is a baby angel cake who needs to be protected at all costs. This man. Holy smokes. I am in LOVE with him. Truly. Marja did an INCREDIBLE job writing his character (Lacey too, duh). He is literally perfection - flaws and all. Charming, smooth, swoon-worthy, caring, attentive, HAS A MOUTH ON HIM, tatted, A DRUMMER, funny, sarcastic, cheeky - I MEAN HE IS PERFECTION.
This man just says the right things. Can I get me one like him, please???
Their heated banter was SENDING me. So, it was no surprise that they find themselves getting lost in each other in a one night stand - never thinking they'd see each other again.
Except, OH WAIT, they BECOME FREAKING ROOMATES. Fate? Uhhh yeah, most definitely. But let's not stop there...they decide to keep their personal lives private from each other and keep all talks of inner turmoil out of the apartment. Their rules, not mine.
WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I WAS SO DAMN STRESSED AND ANXIOUS ABOUT THESE TWO FINDING OUT ABOUT WHO THEY REALLY ARE (and the significance behind it), UGH LEMME TELL YA...
The plot is also amazing. I absolutely loved watching these two navigate living together while also keeping their secrets but also slowly falling for each other. I loved watching not only their friendship grow but their romantic relationship blossom. I am smitten for these two.
The spice was HOT. There may be a scene with Lacey on the phone talking to her bestie and Drew has other plans and DAMN...it had me covering my eyes, blushing.
I think we also need a HUGE shoutout to the side characters in this. I mean...I am almost positive that I loved them ALL. Price is the best friend that everyone wants. But let's face it, if he was my bestie, I'd definitely be secretly in love with him.
Craig is just...he is so NEEDED in this book. He brings the humor we forget we need. He's so genuine and I loved the friendship him and Lacey form. Him and Drew are so adorably funny and I was eating these two up.
Drew's sister, Evelyn, is a character who you know has a story to tell and I hope we get that.
The bandmates...well, I think I'm still forgiving them. Cara, did those two ever make up?!
I couldn't put this down. I didn't want this to end. I just wanted to savor every moment reading this.
There were super emotional moments in this that I think need a moment of appreciation. I loved Drew and Lacey opening up to each other and telling each other what they need. The therapy pact...HAH, I loved that. But seriously, there were so many moments that just had you in your feels Yeah, they bicker a lot, but they also truly need each other. It was beautiful.
They fight but they communicate. And I loved that.
The letter from Lacey's mother...oof, that one got me.
I am OBSESSED with how this was written. I just...I could go on for hours.
Thank you SO much to Marja Graham the ARC copy!
November 24, 2024
I already wrote a little review in April, but I had to come back to actually make this a proper post.
Right of the start, I enjoyed the writing style a lot. Reading was so smooth that you really just flew through the pages. We’re introduced to Lacey, a hockey photographer who’s life is thrown into chaos as she finds letters from her late mother, and Drew, former drummer of a popular band who are to reunite for their 10-year anniversary, which he is seemingly struggling with. Both of their lives while they’re complete strangers has always been connected by an invisible string.
I enjoyed how this storyline played out. Both protagonists are innately pretty different, but this is probably why they work together so well. I loved their (sarcastic) banter, the little back and forth. I’m a fan of dual POVs because it gives authors and readers the opportunity to explore and get to know both characters on a deeper level. Sure, you learn what they are doing when apart from one another, but it also grants a glance into their more complex thoughts. And I think that is where I was missing something. They’re development was great though, especially as a couple who had to grow and overcome some things.
Sometimes I felt a bit anxious about their roommate arrangement and them not revealing personal information, because again, the invisible string that connects their lives. The fact that Luce got mad at one point because Drew never disclosed who he is, when they had the understanding they wouldn’t discuss this matter, made me want to shake her.
A highlight I want to point out is the extremely funny and interesting cast of side characters. Craig had me cracking up more times than I can count. There’s a couple stories I’d love to hear about certain characters and band members, and I hope they get the chance to be explored on the page.
What I especially liked about this book is the way the author explored heavier topics. Mental health and the struggles that come with it or the death of a person and how to deal with the aftermath is often hard to fully depict on the page. It might be talked about, but here the author managed to actually display those struggles, how hard those are to battle, and what an importance a supportive network has. Luce and Drew, even though struggling with different things, could rely on the other so much. Their therapy pact definitely belongs to my favourite emotional but sweet moments those two had.
The pacing felt a little off every now and then. Sometimes I didn’t have the chance to sit with something, because as soon as a problem appeared it was gone. Also if you are under the impression that this is a hockey romance because it mentions NHL in the blurb, don’t be surprised it is not � the book still deserves to be read. ON THE ROCKS had so many great moments, that will have you swooning at both protagonists. 3.75⭐️
(Thanks to the author who provided me with an eARC to read.)
Right of the start, I enjoyed the writing style a lot. Reading was so smooth that you really just flew through the pages. We’re introduced to Lacey, a hockey photographer who’s life is thrown into chaos as she finds letters from her late mother, and Drew, former drummer of a popular band who are to reunite for their 10-year anniversary, which he is seemingly struggling with. Both of their lives while they’re complete strangers has always been connected by an invisible string.
I enjoyed how this storyline played out. Both protagonists are innately pretty different, but this is probably why they work together so well. I loved their (sarcastic) banter, the little back and forth. I’m a fan of dual POVs because it gives authors and readers the opportunity to explore and get to know both characters on a deeper level. Sure, you learn what they are doing when apart from one another, but it also grants a glance into their more complex thoughts. And I think that is where I was missing something. They’re development was great though, especially as a couple who had to grow and overcome some things.
Sometimes I felt a bit anxious about their roommate arrangement and them not revealing personal information, because again, the invisible string that connects their lives. The fact that Luce got mad at one point because Drew never disclosed who he is, when they had the understanding they wouldn’t discuss this matter, made me want to shake her.
A highlight I want to point out is the extremely funny and interesting cast of side characters. Craig had me cracking up more times than I can count. There’s a couple stories I’d love to hear about certain characters and band members, and I hope they get the chance to be explored on the page.
What I especially liked about this book is the way the author explored heavier topics. Mental health and the struggles that come with it or the death of a person and how to deal with the aftermath is often hard to fully depict on the page. It might be talked about, but here the author managed to actually display those struggles, how hard those are to battle, and what an importance a supportive network has. Luce and Drew, even though struggling with different things, could rely on the other so much. Their therapy pact definitely belongs to my favourite emotional but sweet moments those two had.
The pacing felt a little off every now and then. Sometimes I didn’t have the chance to sit with something, because as soon as a problem appeared it was gone. Also if you are under the impression that this is a hockey romance because it mentions NHL in the blurb, don’t be surprised it is not � the book still deserves to be read. ON THE ROCKS had so many great moments, that will have you swooning at both protagonists. 3.75⭐️
(Thanks to the author who provided me with an eARC to read.)
April 7, 2024
overall rating: ★★★★
spice rating: 2 🌶�
𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐒 releasing April 17, 2024
� 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡.
𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐒 follows Lacey and Drew as the universe keeps stringing them together after an inevitable one-night stand. Looking for some relief after a conversation with her no show father, Lacey goes to have a drink at a random bar where she meets Drew. With some steam to let out, Lacey finds herself bickering with the random stranger at the bar, which then leads to them having one of the best nights of their lives... and it was just that. One Night. Or was it?
� 𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩-𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠, 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.
𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 was a good mixture of her mother and father. There wasn't a describable in between because Lacey was the woman her mother taught her to be, but she was also the trauma her father put in her since he was never in her life. There's several moments in the story where Lacey was so relatable that I found myself tearing up. Her overthinking and desire to push people away were highlights of the character that she was, but so was her growth throughout the story.
� 𝙎𝙤, 𝙣𝙤, 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙢𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙭.
𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐖 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐎 was fixated on the past - on what he never got to say goodbye to. He continually struggled with it throughout the decade since Fool's Gambit had split apart. He was teetering on the border of living and surviving until he met Lacey. Drew's character and the mental health representation within his character was well written. The struggles of his past were things that were holding him back from ever moving on, and the improvement he has throughout the story was heartwarming.
� 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚.
Lacey and Drew had such a healing relationship. From a one-night stand to the end of the story, there was just something between them that kept pushing them together *cue invisible string by taylor swift* and it really became one of the foundations of their relationship. The little moments between the two of them were my favorite moments and it's really what drove this story to be a four stars. The way their relationship grew and the healing process they went through not just for each other, but themselves was beautiful. I wish there were more moments of them individually. The pacing of the story was slightly off and there were some moments outside of their relationship that could've been expanded.
𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: Thank you so much for the ARC! I had a wonderful time reading this debut novel and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
spice rating: 2 🌶�
𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐒 releasing April 17, 2024
� 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡.
𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐒 follows Lacey and Drew as the universe keeps stringing them together after an inevitable one-night stand. Looking for some relief after a conversation with her no show father, Lacey goes to have a drink at a random bar where she meets Drew. With some steam to let out, Lacey finds herself bickering with the random stranger at the bar, which then leads to them having one of the best nights of their lives... and it was just that. One Night. Or was it?
� 𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩-𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠, 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.
𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 was a good mixture of her mother and father. There wasn't a describable in between because Lacey was the woman her mother taught her to be, but she was also the trauma her father put in her since he was never in her life. There's several moments in the story where Lacey was so relatable that I found myself tearing up. Her overthinking and desire to push people away were highlights of the character that she was, but so was her growth throughout the story.
� 𝙎𝙤, 𝙣𝙤, 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙢𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙭.
𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐖 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐎 was fixated on the past - on what he never got to say goodbye to. He continually struggled with it throughout the decade since Fool's Gambit had split apart. He was teetering on the border of living and surviving until he met Lacey. Drew's character and the mental health representation within his character was well written. The struggles of his past were things that were holding him back from ever moving on, and the improvement he has throughout the story was heartwarming.
� 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚.
Lacey and Drew had such a healing relationship. From a one-night stand to the end of the story, there was just something between them that kept pushing them together *cue invisible string by taylor swift* and it really became one of the foundations of their relationship. The little moments between the two of them were my favorite moments and it's really what drove this story to be a four stars. The way their relationship grew and the healing process they went through not just for each other, but themselves was beautiful. I wish there were more moments of them individually. The pacing of the story was slightly off and there were some moments outside of their relationship that could've been expanded.
𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: Thank you so much for the ARC! I had a wonderful time reading this debut novel and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
April 14, 2024
ARC review
“I don’t believe in much, but I believe that whatever keeps bringing us together is stronger than anything that could tear us apart.�
Lacey and Drew, strangers from different worlds, meet on a night out in a bar. They end up moving together as roommates with a deal of not sharing any personal details with each other, staying strangers. Lacey is a hockey photographer, passionate about her work. Drew is an ex-boy group drummer, owning a bar dedicated to his past. Both have burdens of the past, trauma to sort. Together they decide to be in the eye of the storm�
Slow-burn, witty banter, emotional baggage and beautiful love. The side-characters Craig, Prince, Evelyn made it all so good!! This little world has my whole heart. Lacey and Drew have my whole heart ❤️ Drew was such a perfect book boyfriend, I can’t handle it 🥺
“Lacey is a miracle, and I’m not convinced I’m someone worthy of one.She’s a miracle, and I’m just a man who she so happened to fall asleep on—a man she’s rebuilding from dust. Each time she walks through the door, I immediately feel sturdier, maybe even a little more whole.�
I highlighted so many quotes I just cried when reading. Marja Graham writes effortlessly readable text, words flowing in front of my eyes. The plot held me in its grasp, never a boring moment. An excellent romance book. Also, the smut was 🔥
Thank you for giving me the chance to read my first ARC <3
“I don’t believe in much, but I believe that whatever keeps bringing us together is stronger than anything that could tear us apart.�
Lacey and Drew, strangers from different worlds, meet on a night out in a bar. They end up moving together as roommates with a deal of not sharing any personal details with each other, staying strangers. Lacey is a hockey photographer, passionate about her work. Drew is an ex-boy group drummer, owning a bar dedicated to his past. Both have burdens of the past, trauma to sort. Together they decide to be in the eye of the storm�
Slow-burn, witty banter, emotional baggage and beautiful love. The side-characters Craig, Prince, Evelyn made it all so good!! This little world has my whole heart. Lacey and Drew have my whole heart ❤️ Drew was such a perfect book boyfriend, I can’t handle it 🥺
“Lacey is a miracle, and I’m not convinced I’m someone worthy of one.She’s a miracle, and I’m just a man who she so happened to fall asleep on—a man she’s rebuilding from dust. Each time she walks through the door, I immediately feel sturdier, maybe even a little more whole.�
I highlighted so many quotes I just cried when reading. Marja Graham writes effortlessly readable text, words flowing in front of my eyes. The plot held me in its grasp, never a boring moment. An excellent romance book. Also, the smut was 🔥
Thank you for giving me the chance to read my first ARC <3
January 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶🌶🌶
This is about a former boy band star (Drew) and his band's former manager's daughter (Lacey) but neither of them knows who the other is when they meet
I love the hidden identity aspect!! That's one of my favorite tropes. And I really liked them both helping the other heal and move on from their pasts!
I love the side characters!! Craig is an absolute legend! And I loved Evelyn, Price, and Jared as well.
My only real setback with it was that I just had a really hard time getting into it. I don't really know if it was the pacing or the writing style but I just had a hard time getting fully absorbed in the story.
Quotes I loved:
I’m not sure at what point Craig invited himself on this little trip or when he took the edible that has him staring at everything like he’s a toddler in a toy store, but the effect has Drew and me feeling like parents trying to pull their child from one exhibit to the next.
We stay mostly quiet as we go through the exhibits until Craig tries to convince a kid that goldfish are venomous. The kid just stares at him, calling Craig a hairless idiot.
I give Drew one last look before weaving through the crowd to catch up with Craig before he gets bullied by more preteens.
Falling for Drew was a wound knitting back together, a progression so slow and nurturing it was hard to notice while it was happening but seeing it now, I’m certain of my feelings for him.
🌶🌶🌶
This is about a former boy band star (Drew) and his band's former manager's daughter (Lacey) but neither of them knows who the other is when they meet
I love the hidden identity aspect!! That's one of my favorite tropes. And I really liked them both helping the other heal and move on from their pasts!
I love the side characters!! Craig is an absolute legend! And I loved Evelyn, Price, and Jared as well.
My only real setback with it was that I just had a really hard time getting into it. I don't really know if it was the pacing or the writing style but I just had a hard time getting fully absorbed in the story.
Quotes I loved:
I’m not sure at what point Craig invited himself on this little trip or when he took the edible that has him staring at everything like he’s a toddler in a toy store, but the effect has Drew and me feeling like parents trying to pull their child from one exhibit to the next.
We stay mostly quiet as we go through the exhibits until Craig tries to convince a kid that goldfish are venomous. The kid just stares at him, calling Craig a hairless idiot.
I give Drew one last look before weaving through the crowd to catch up with Craig before he gets bullied by more preteens.
Falling for Drew was a wound knitting back together, a progression so slow and nurturing it was hard to notice while it was happening but seeing it now, I’m certain of my feelings for him.
April 3, 2024
Lacey is a NHL photographer, always looking to keep herself and her heart safe from others, while still working through the grief of losing her mother and finding some letters she had written before passing. Drew is struggling to move past losing his former music career and figuring out what he wants to do in life, all while his old band is planning a reunion concert that he is not thrilled one bit about. When these two first meet at a bar, both are looking for an escape which leads to a steamy one night stand. But then their paths collide again, they suddenly find themselves as roommates who make a pact to keep their identities hidden and leave work at the door before coming home. When the truth finally catches up to them, what will they end up doing?
I absolutely loved both Lacey and Drew individually and I especially love them together, even the moments when they are just roommates. I think both of their struggles are written well and I love seeing their development as they find their own happiness. The tension between them kept me on edge and I lived for the steamy moments. But there is also something so sweet about how they also comforted and were present for each other on their low days as well. They are just perfect together and I love them!
I can’t wait to see where the Fool’s Gambit series goes from here�.but I’m hoping to see more of Garrett and Ev!
Thank you so much to Marja for sending me an early copy to read and review. All opinions are my own!
I absolutely loved both Lacey and Drew individually and I especially love them together, even the moments when they are just roommates. I think both of their struggles are written well and I love seeing their development as they find their own happiness. The tension between them kept me on edge and I lived for the steamy moments. But there is also something so sweet about how they also comforted and were present for each other on their low days as well. They are just perfect together and I love them!
I can’t wait to see where the Fool’s Gambit series goes from here�.but I’m hoping to see more of Garrett and Ev!
Thank you so much to Marja for sending me an early copy to read and review. All opinions are my own!
April 11, 2024
•ARC REVIEW�
⭐️ Marja Graham could write a master class in pining. I wanted Lacey and Drew to just admit their feelings for each other so badly!
⭐️ The careers of both MCs were super interesting and tied so well into the plot
⭐️ I loved how our MCs were connected in multiple ways before they ever even met
⭐️ I am getting a bit sick of super-sweet romcoms that barely have any conflict so I appreciated the appropriate contrast of pain/suffering and genuine humor in this book!
⭐️ Interesting cast of supporting characters—I was relieved she didn’t try and force Lacey and Price together or have some weird jealousy thing going on. It was a great portrayal of true male/female friendship.
✖️This is just my personal beef, and I end up writing this on nearly every interconnected standalone review. I know that the author is trying to set up the storyline for the characters in future books but it felt like there was so much info dump in the last few chapters to set up the subsequent stories.
✖️I wish there had been more detail about the concert. It feels like it was described in two paragraphs, all from Lacey’s POV, when that was the big thing Drew was gearing up to overcome. That was his big obstacle.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy! I loved it and absolutely would recommend!
⭐️ Marja Graham could write a master class in pining. I wanted Lacey and Drew to just admit their feelings for each other so badly!
⭐️ The careers of both MCs were super interesting and tied so well into the plot
⭐️ I loved how our MCs were connected in multiple ways before they ever even met
⭐️ I am getting a bit sick of super-sweet romcoms that barely have any conflict so I appreciated the appropriate contrast of pain/suffering and genuine humor in this book!
⭐️ Interesting cast of supporting characters—I was relieved she didn’t try and force Lacey and Price together or have some weird jealousy thing going on. It was a great portrayal of true male/female friendship.
✖️This is just my personal beef, and I end up writing this on nearly every interconnected standalone review. I know that the author is trying to set up the storyline for the characters in future books but it felt like there was so much info dump in the last few chapters to set up the subsequent stories.
✖️I wish there had been more detail about the concert. It feels like it was described in two paragraphs, all from Lacey’s POV, when that was the big thing Drew was gearing up to overcome. That was his big obstacle.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy! I loved it and absolutely would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
“You’re kinda falling for me, huh?”“Not falling, fallen. And I’ve been waiting for you to catch up,�
4.5/5⭐️
*possible spoilers*
Hey siri, play invisible string by Taylor Swift
I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of on the rocks and I absolutely loved it. I think that the characters where written amazingly and where developed really well. I liked how some side characters got a bit of back story as well. I think that that will allow for a stronger connection to the characters if this does become a series.
The relationship between Lacey and Drew was captured in a was that really made me fell like I had a connection to the characters and I felt very invested in the back and forth between them.
I really enjoyed the back story of both characters and why they had both ended up how they were. I liked being able to see Drew break down Lacey’s walls and show he how he can love her.
I am truly a believer in the invisible string theory and these two were truly interconnected with each other without knowing it. I think that this was one of may favourite parts of the book, all of the little things that tied them together without them even realising it.
All in all I really liked this book and would 100% recommend it if you are looking for a good forced proximity romance book.
4.5/5⭐️
*possible spoilers*
Hey siri, play invisible string by Taylor Swift
I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of on the rocks and I absolutely loved it. I think that the characters where written amazingly and where developed really well. I liked how some side characters got a bit of back story as well. I think that that will allow for a stronger connection to the characters if this does become a series.
The relationship between Lacey and Drew was captured in a was that really made me fell like I had a connection to the characters and I felt very invested in the back and forth between them.
I really enjoyed the back story of both characters and why they had both ended up how they were. I liked being able to see Drew break down Lacey’s walls and show he how he can love her.
I am truly a believer in the invisible string theory and these two were truly interconnected with each other without knowing it. I think that this was one of may favourite parts of the book, all of the little things that tied them together without them even realising it.
All in all I really liked this book and would 100% recommend it if you are looking for a good forced proximity romance book.
April 5, 2024
i couldn’t put this book down. it consumed me, it had all my undivided attention and all that mattered were these characters, i couldn’t think about anything only lacey and drew. i was a goner for these two and rightfully so, they took hold of my heart and didn’t let go.
lacey and drew were both going through some personal things and just needed an escape and with a chance encounter they found that in each other for one night. little did they know the universe had its way in bringing them back together.
i couldn’t get enough of lacey and drew. it didn’t matter how they came to be, they were destined to be together. their banter was amazing and they had incredible chemistry. the vulnerability they both showed and how they both were there for each other was beautiful. they were each others missing piece and fit seamlessly together. i absolutely adored them.
on the rocks brought the onslaught of emotions. heartbreakingly beautiful and filled with an abundance of hope. i loved everything about this book and i can’t wait to see what marja has in store for the rest of the fool’s gambit series!
*thank you so much marja for the arc*
lacey and drew were both going through some personal things and just needed an escape and with a chance encounter they found that in each other for one night. little did they know the universe had its way in bringing them back together.
i couldn’t get enough of lacey and drew. it didn’t matter how they came to be, they were destined to be together. their banter was amazing and they had incredible chemistry. the vulnerability they both showed and how they both were there for each other was beautiful. they were each others missing piece and fit seamlessly together. i absolutely adored them.
on the rocks brought the onslaught of emotions. heartbreakingly beautiful and filled with an abundance of hope. i loved everything about this book and i can’t wait to see what marja has in store for the rest of the fool’s gambit series!
*thank you so much marja for the arc*
April 17, 2024
I received an ARC of this book, thank you Marja!
Drew is a former drummer of a well known band, and stumbles upon Lacey (a hockey photographer) at the band-themed bar. They have a one night stand, and Lacey ends up living in Drew’s place. Lacey is used to having one night stands, so she doesn’t like to get to know the people she sleeps with. Lacey and Drew agree to live under the same roof without telling each other their [personal] identities. I thought the pacing of this book was somewhat inconsistent—it felt like a slow burn and it bounced around different topics at times. However, I admire the secret “invisible string� aspect of this book and the way Lacey and Drew cared for one another, even when times got tough. There were lots of banter in this book, which felt kind of realistic since they were rooming together as strangers. The character development between Lacey and Drew was nice!
I’m going to give this book 3.75/5 ⭐️
Drew is a former drummer of a well known band, and stumbles upon Lacey (a hockey photographer) at the band-themed bar. They have a one night stand, and Lacey ends up living in Drew’s place. Lacey is used to having one night stands, so she doesn’t like to get to know the people she sleeps with. Lacey and Drew agree to live under the same roof without telling each other their [personal] identities. I thought the pacing of this book was somewhat inconsistent—it felt like a slow burn and it bounced around different topics at times. However, I admire the secret “invisible string� aspect of this book and the way Lacey and Drew cared for one another, even when times got tough. There were lots of banter in this book, which felt kind of realistic since they were rooming together as strangers. The character development between Lacey and Drew was nice!
I’m going to give this book 3.75/5 ⭐️
April 10, 2024
If you were a fan of one direction then this book is gonna be your vibe. The whole time reading this I couldn’t help but feel like it was 1D getting back together for a reunion, now which member would be Drew? I don’t know. BUT it was the vibes.
Now Drew. What a wonderful man. He fell, and he fell HARD. The guy was done for the moment she didn’t recognize him. He was the sweetest and most patient man. We all need a Drew in our lives. I love how much growth he went through to get to the end.
Lacey should have commitment issues tattooed across her forehead because she is the QUEEN of them. My girl didn’t believe she was worth sticking around for, but boy was she wrong. I love her sass and her passion. She also went through huge growth especially through her grief and moving past the point of feeling stuck.
Marja wrote a beautiful book and I hope you all take the chance to read Drew and Lacey’s story.
Now Drew. What a wonderful man. He fell, and he fell HARD. The guy was done for the moment she didn’t recognize him. He was the sweetest and most patient man. We all need a Drew in our lives. I love how much growth he went through to get to the end.
Lacey should have commitment issues tattooed across her forehead because she is the QUEEN of them. My girl didn’t believe she was worth sticking around for, but boy was she wrong. I love her sass and her passion. She also went through huge growth especially through her grief and moving past the point of feeling stuck.
Marja wrote a beautiful book and I hope you all take the chance to read Drew and Lacey’s story.
April 17, 2024
Received this as an ARC (blessed) and wrapped it up this morning!! (& happy release day <3)
5 stars easy!! Romance, fun, ROOMATES, and one night stands!
"The people we meet, even if they fade away, it's an honor to have memories with them."
I resonate with that so much. How lucky are we to get to know so many people.
This book is a dual POV that follows Lacey and Drew who become roommates after a previous one night stand which might I say, seemed mighty worthy of a second night.
Lacey is a photographer and Drew is the to die for rockstar. These two had banter from the get, the chemistry is there and apparent throughout even their struggles. This felt like a very real and relatable read. Lacey knows how to push his buttons but he knew how to play back.
This book flowed so well and and I can't wait to see what else is to come!
5 stars easy!! Romance, fun, ROOMATES, and one night stands!
"The people we meet, even if they fade away, it's an honor to have memories with them."
I resonate with that so much. How lucky are we to get to know so many people.
This book is a dual POV that follows Lacey and Drew who become roommates after a previous one night stand which might I say, seemed mighty worthy of a second night.
Lacey is a photographer and Drew is the to die for rockstar. These two had banter from the get, the chemistry is there and apparent throughout even their struggles. This felt like a very real and relatable read. Lacey knows how to push his buttons but he knew how to play back.
This book flowed so well and and I can't wait to see what else is to come!
April 17, 2024
I seriously have no words!
“And they were roommates!�
I’m simply obsessed with this book.
What could make a celebrity romance even better?…secret identity! Both of the characters were so well represented in this story by their fears and struggles, and readers get to watch them come together and learn how to overcome them by letting someone in. I love some forced proximity, and this forced proximity was amazing and so unique! The characters felt so REAL, and their internal dialogue was my favorite thing in the whole world. There were so many feet kicking and butterfly inducing moments. I need everyone to experience the rush that is reading this book.
Thank you Marja for the opportunity to read an ARC!
“And they were roommates!�
I’m simply obsessed with this book.
What could make a celebrity romance even better?…secret identity! Both of the characters were so well represented in this story by their fears and struggles, and readers get to watch them come together and learn how to overcome them by letting someone in. I love some forced proximity, and this forced proximity was amazing and so unique! The characters felt so REAL, and their internal dialogue was my favorite thing in the whole world. There were so many feet kicking and butterfly inducing moments. I need everyone to experience the rush that is reading this book.
Thank you Marja for the opportunity to read an ARC!
April 11, 2024
This book is for the fans of a romance that consists of how little moments and actions, made with the best of intentions, turn into a love that consists of the biggest feelings and rawest emotions.
I love Lacey and Drew and I love their love. They show that you can love and be loved - even if you come with a lot of baggage, a metric ton of emotional damage, and an insane history.
I will say I do wish that we got MORE of their raw emotions while we were in their POVs and that some little moments weren’t passed over so quickly because of the emotional impact they carried, but not enough to dock a star.
Thank you Marja Graham for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Lacey and Drew and I love their love. They show that you can love and be loved - even if you come with a lot of baggage, a metric ton of emotional damage, and an insane history.
I will say I do wish that we got MORE of their raw emotions while we were in their POVs and that some little moments weren’t passed over so quickly because of the emotional impact they carried, but not enough to dock a star.
Thank you Marja Graham for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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