Listen To Me by Kristen Proby

Listen To Me by Kristen Proby
Release Date - April 12, 2015

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?

Five best friends. A hot restaurant. Lots of romance. This series immediately caught my eye with its promise of a friendship focused story. While there were certain elements that just didn't work for me, but this ended up being an enjoyable read that has me curious enough to check out the companion novels to come.

There is a Sex and the City vibe to this novel. A group of friends who would do anything for each other. 5 very different, but compelling women who are as gorgeous as they are fabulous. Those missing Carrie Bradshaw and the gang will instantly feel at home with these characters. There is something special about the chemistry and bond between these women. I hope future novels have much more of them interacting together.

The romance, sadly, is the only element that I didn't connect with. The story takes place over an longer period of time than what the pacing indicates. It feels rapid and continuous, but we're told that time jumps are happening without really feeling them. It makes the relationship feel super sped up, when in actually it has taken months to unfold. This disconnect made it so that I wasn't invested in the relationship or its outcome. I wanted more insight into their connection and what made them attracted to each other than just the physical. It's a case of where I liked both of the characters on their own, but I am not so sure I liked them together.

The obstacle that Addie and Jake have to overcome is, predictably, past events and relationships. Kristen Proby writes a woman with her walls up very well. Addie has been hurt before, and has gone into protection mode. Jake is struggling with his own issues, and each of these serves to throw obstacles in the path of their romance. This novel absolutely follows a typical romance trajectory but it's done in such a sweet way. I would have enjoyed it more if I was more invested in the romance, but I predict those who are will devour every page of this story.

The main element of a romance novel is, obviously, the romance. It's the core of the story. While I may not have become fully invested in this particular romance, I did love the set up for the next book, the friendship between the women, and the Sex and the City vibe of the entire series. It's a fun and light read for when you're looking for something to pair with a great glass of wine.