Just a Girl
A Novel
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
In this pitch-perfect novel from the author of When Joss Met Matt (“One of those books that make you forget everything around you.”—Sophie Jordan), a rock ’n’ roll diva must choose between her career and her heart.
After getting kicked out of her own band—by her own boyfriend—Presley Mason finds herself back in Wisconsin, helping her parents run their renowned music store. Instead of belting out powerhouse vocals to sold-out crowds in L.A., she’s stocking shelves and inspecting rental violins. But the shop isn’t all bad: When she’s vacuuming up late one night, she bumps into the guitar teacher with the smoldering amber eyes and the killer tattoo. And that’s when things take an interesting turn.
Presley soon finds that Paul Kellerman is as good in bed as he is on guitar. So why isn’t he stoked to share his band, Jukebox Bleu, with her? Turns out Paul has crippling stage fright, which he’s been self-medicating without much success. But when Jukebox Bleu’s lead singer gets called for military service, the other members beg Presley to front them. Even though she swore never to mix men with music again, the temptation to perform is almost as intense as her chemistry with Paul. Now Presley must decide what’s more important: a second chance at love . . . or rock stardom.
Praise for Just a Girl
“I found Just a Girl by Ellie Cahill to be exactly what I was looking for: a romance about people in their young twenties who live and behave like they are in their young twenties. . . . I really liked this book.”—Smart Bitches
“Ever since reading my first book by Ms. Cahill, I’ve been looking forward to reading another of her stories . . . this was a very entertaining, fast-paced, amusing read that had me captivated from start to finish.”—Harlequin Junkie
“Just a Girl is one of those books that really pulls you onto the scene and makes you feel like a part of the action! . . . Ellie Cahill is always such a delightful author to read! . . . If you’re in the mood for some fun romances, her books are exactly what you need!”—Book Addicts Guide
“An easy and lighthearted read. I liked the story and the humour that popped up every now and then.”—Romance Between the Sheets
Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
From sold-out amphitheaters to smoky bars, this romance offers a glimpse into the rock ’n' roll lifestyle. Rock star Presley Mason is back home working at her parents' music store (and licking her wounds) after her band-mates and boyfriend kick her out of their group. We cheered for Presley to get her swagger back, and give love a second chance with a sexy guitar teacher. Tackling topics like anxiety and substance abuse, Just a Girl offers a realistic view of the life of a 21-year-old musician while still remaining upbeat.
Customer Reviews
Great Summer Read
This was a fun book to read! I love books about musicians and music, so I was a happy camper!
I laughed a lot with this book. Presley’s parents are an absolute riot and very open and honest about everything! To the point they embarrass Presley. Her parents are renowned musicians in their own right, but have retired to run the music store. They still have a lot of famous friends coming by the music store to jam on Thursday nights. The have Presley back in the music store working.
Presley was a great character with sass, but when she was fired from her band, The Luminous 6, she came back home to regroup. She lost her will to sing and perform. Her hurt and anger were dragging her down. Then she meets the handsome guitar teacher (Paul) who works at the music store. Presley was attracted to him immediately. She had doubts about dating another guitar player, as her ex-boyfriend who she started the band with and then turned on her. They had been working with new band-mates and a heavy metal sound, which wasn’t Presley’s style. Presley had been offered a solo recording contract on numerous occasions, but she wanted to be a packaged deal with her band, but they were mediocre musicians at best. Her band felt they could do better without her.
Paul was amazing! He was sweet and caring. He was beautiful to Presley with his amber eyes and incredible tattoos. He was a very talented guitar player and a great teacher. Paul suffered from debilitating stage fright that he had to drink and smoke a joint in order to function and even that wasn’t really helping. He also played in a band called Jukebox Bleu that played locally around town. He would become physically ill before performances. Paul’s sister tried to help him work through his issues, but he would become frustrated with her treating him like a child and a head case. Paul was very hard on himself because of his stage fright and didn’t want to seek therapy, he chose to self-medicate instead. Presley tried to help him also and found a new way to help him cope with his stage fright, have sex in the bathroom right before a performance. He would have his mind on other things so he didn’t think about performing and was a little more relaxed.
Presley helped out with Jukebox Bleu when they were supposed to play for a summer event when the front man was called up for duty with the National Guard. Presley didn’t really want to do it, but she wanted to feel the joy through music again and hopefully bring Paul along with her.
There are things that are said and done between Presley and Paul to change the dynamics of their relationship. They have support from their families and friends to get them through. They find a way through the difficulties they are faced with and come out better for it, even though they were brokenhearted.
I loved, loved the music selections between each chapter to sum up what Presley was thinking and going through. Here's a sample of the music:
A Playlist for Wallowing at Work
1. Welcome to the Working Week – Elvis Costello
2. Soul Suckin’ Jerk – Beck
3. This F***ing Job – Drive-By Truckers
4. I’ve Had it – Black Flag
5. Livin on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
6. Working Class Hero – John Lennon version preferred
7. Factory – Bruce Springsteen
This book is a fun fast paced New Adult read and I highly recommend it. It’s a fun summer read!
A Fun Read
A fun read, especially if you like music. A romance between Paul and Presley, even though Presley was not sure if she wanted another musician in her life. I liked how Paul over came his fears. Presley's parents were a hoot!! Loved how Elie put in the song titles on how the characters were feeling. Brought back many memories from the songs that were listed.
Loved it!
I loved this fantastic, entertaining, fun and sexy, rock star romance story. The storyline was so different than most rock romances. With a beautiful lead singer who is given the shaft by her band and her boyfriend because she is better than them. And she is, too good for them. Broken because she just wanted to sing with a band. I could not read this story fast enough and I read it in one sitting. This story was well written and crafted, a great story with a really good build and pace. It had lovable characters with a ton of chemistry and heat.
Coming from musical legend parents Presley grew up with music and it is so deep in her soul that she is just cant stay in LA after the breakup. But with the love of her parents and their quirky, talented, musical friends, as well as a hot new guitar teacher at her parents' legendary music store, Presley just might make it.
Loved the musical talent and the fun and flavor they brought to Thursday nights. Also I immensely liked the playlists for different moods and problems that Presley was dealing with. Loved Paul and Presley together! Get this book you will love it too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Received a complimentary copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review