Title: Riot Series: Mayhem #2
Author: Jamie Shaw
Format: eBook, 384 pages
Publication: February 10th 2015
ISBN: 0062379682
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Edelweiss
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 3 out of 5 Wine Glasses
When Dee Dawson meets sexy mohawked guitarist Joel Gibbon, she knows it won’t be long before she has him wrapped around her finger. No guy has ever been able to resist her… but Dee’s met her match in a player like Joel.
Dee’s not the relationship type—not after seeing the pain “love” has caused her friends and family—yet she’s desperate to make Joel want her more than anyone else. He quickly becomes an obsession, and when a reckless attempt to make him jealous ends in disaster, Dee turns into the damsel in distress she never wanted to be. With her carefree world crashing down around her, the last thing she needs is Joel’s pity.
But Joel is suddenly determined to prove he cares, and no matter how hard Dee tries to push him away, he refuses to let her shut him out. Now the girl who swore she’d never say those three little words must choose between guarding her heart and losing Joel forever… or falling head-over-heels for the tattooed rock star of her dreams.
Crystal's Thoughts:
Dee Dawson and Joel Gibbon have chemistry from the start and it doesn't take long before they fall into bed with each other. They're both just out to have a good time. So when Dee starts feeling jealous and Joel starts acting all caring, Dee knows it is time to cut and run. But this rock star didn't get where he is today by quitting, and Joel isn't going to let Dee quit on them. Will Dee allow her inner demons to get the better of her, and miss out one one of the best things in life - love?
Riot was a new adult contemporary romance of chaotic emotions. We first met Joel and Dee in Mayhem and I was itching to read their story after finishing that book. Dee seemed to be a fun loving character and a good friend, while Joel had that sexy, mysterious, bad boy appeal. Unfortunately, while I liked the story, loved the series arc, and found the writing to be exceptional, I found myself really not liking the main characters the more I read.
Dee was a mercurial character who ran hot and cold. She wants Joel, wants his attention and affection, wants him to see only her, but she doesn't want to give anything back and definitely doesn't want to keep him once she has all that. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities about her, even her friendships had it's sour notes. I don't think this has ever happened to me before, loving a character from previous books but disliking them when I finally have their story. :( Joel however, was a good character, being incredibly supportive and patient with Dee even after I would have thrown in the towel. But I didn't always understand where he was coming from and wish we could have seen more into his thought process. There was also a scene towards the end of the book that put me off him and was disappointing. Plenty of push and pull between Joel and Dee created oodles of angst in the story, but instead of adding tension to the plot it just had me frustrated and annoyed because of the character's actions.
I did enjoy the interaction with the series characters - immensely. And I can't wait to see where this series of rock stars leads next. Despite my dislike for this couple the story did end well and I can't find much complaint about the story itself. The writing was spot on and I only had one issue with descriptive terms used. Never, in all my years of reading, nor my years of a woman being around men, have I heard grown men 'giggle' and yes, 'squee', like they do in this book. Ever. I noticed this in the first book, Mayhem, as well but it wasn't as excessive there as it is in Riot. But that is a relatively small issue in the grand scheme of things.
If you enjoy reading about turbulent romances, rock stars, and college age characters give Riot a try. Though I didn't love this story as much as I did the first book, I still think that Jamie Shaw is without a doubt, a rising star in the contemporary romance world. If you are interested in the beginnings of Joel and Dee, then be sure to read Mayhem. Riot is listed as a stand-alone but I disagree and think the series should be read in order. Otherwise you're sure to miss key elements surrounding this couple.
Suggested Reading Order:
Mayhem (Mayhem #1) - Review | Amazon
Riot (Mayhem #2)
I had high hopes for the first book but didn't really care for it too much. I kind of liked Dee's no bs in the first book. I could see how that would be annoying when that's the main character though. Great review. Hopefully you enjoy the next book more.
ReplyDeleteKristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous
Dee was such a fun and spunky character in the first book, but here she came off as immature and shallow. I really just did not like her one bit which I hate but what can you do. I still look forward to the next book though and have high hopes for it. :) Thanks for dropping by Kristin!
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