Exposed (VIP #4) eBook PDF

User Reviews

Phuong ✯

Rating: really liked it
✩⡱ 3.25 - 3.5 stars

✧ It was to be expected that Brenna and Rye wouldn't have the same meet cute moment the other three couples had, but I was still missing it. Not knowing what Kristen Callihan would come up with when both the main characters meet for the first time was one of my fav parts in the other books. Even tho when Rye was eavesdropping on Brenna sex conversation w Jules and how they ultimately come to their friends w benefits arrangement was still amusing.

"You're not getting sick, are you?"
"Why?" I lean in–like a fool, because it's never a good idea for me to get too close to Brenna James. "Would you wipe my fevered brow if I were?"

✧ BRENNA'S HEELS CLICK BEING THE BASS LINE FOR ONE OF KILL JOHN'S SONGS eidkafklafklfj yooo 😭🤚 please that's one of the most romantic thing in the world and you can't tell me otherwise. No wonder why men in real life don't compare. I only needed to read that part to be sold on Rye 🥺

Whip sighs. "What made you think getting physical with Brenna without the poiblity of any kind of relationship in the cards was a good idea?" I stare blankly at him.
"My dick?"

✧ Rye could be an idiot sometimes, but one of the best thing about Exposed was how he was such a simp for Brenna from the beginning. He knew all these little details of her (the click of her heels, her coffee, her perfume when she's on her period etc.) and it was really cute.

"Wings, Bren. So you'll never forget how far you can fly."

✧ Breen is such a QUEEN. I love that she is such a boss lady in her job, but when it was her private life she was a mess. That made her such relatable.

"Brenna, you are my idol, the woman who told the head of RAI Record that the day he started staring at guys' dick when he talked to them was the day it would be okay for him to talk to your tits."

✧ WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME THIS BOOK HAD DADDY KINK LMAOOO (even tho it's only a joke, but still 😭)

His grip on my hair twitches, but he doesn't move. "Tell me one thing firt." Soft lips touch the shell of my ear, his voice dark and resonant. "Who's your Daddy?"
Shock exploded over my skin in a wave of heat. My knees. A breath escapes me–half startled laugh, half groan. Sweet hell, I'm so hot, I can barely breathe. My response is thready, needy. "You. Only you."

✧ Rye and Brenna had a lot of cute moments in this book, but for some reason I wasn't feeling their friends w benefits thing. Maybe it's bc i'm not so fond of that trope, but it took me a while to get invested.

But here, with Brenna's funny little snores buffeting my chest, it hit me with a calm certainty that music isn't the entirety of my heart and soul. It no longer own me completely. She's there too, in my heart and soul. A touchstone in the darkness of uncertainty.

✧ The mandatory comment of Scottie is the best. Find yourself a friend who gives you customise luggage and mutual funds for your retirement. You won't need for anything ele. 💅

"You all suck," Killian mutters, but his posture is easier now. Hi dark eyes pin Libby. "I can't believe you stole my phone."
"You like what I did after I stole it," she drawls, clucking her tongue.
"Lord deliver us all," Scottie pleads to the ceiling.
"Here." Stella punks a tray down before him. "Have a cookie."

✧ I was annoyed to hear that Bren's "hate" of Rye comes from an misunderstanding. For some parts I can undertand her holding a grudge againt him for a while when she saw Rye kissing her aunt, but all that could been easily avoided if she confronted Rye and talked to him. As Rye said "all this time you hated me for something that I didn't do". They could have acted on their mutual attraction way earlier if they had talk to each other ugh i hate this. Now it took them over a decade to clear the air.

✧ that whole birthday party scene with the whole Kill John fam + Killian parents + Brenna parents was unneseccery and made me lowkey uncomfortable. It felt like I was sitting with them at the table with that negative energy coming from Bren's parents and I don't need that negativity in my life 🥴

Stella!!!: FUNNY. Now get your butts down here. All of you. RYE! I know you're there. I can hear you breathing.
Rye-Rye: I was having the weirdest dream. You all were in it. No. Wait. It was a nightmare. Or should I call it a wake-mare since I'm fairly certain I'm awake now, and you're all still texting.
WhipIt: HUR!
So-Sophie: Cocaa, Rye-Rye. You love cocoa.
Rye-Rye: I will not be swayed by a mere beverage
Stella!!!: And cookies. Lots of cookies
Rye-Rye: I'll be down in 5

✧ THE FOUND FAMILY OF KILL JOHN!!! 🥺 honestly, these characters and their family are giving me such comfort.

Conclusion

Love how Rye was such a simp for Bren, but the whole friends w benefits and misunderstanding was kind of meh for me that I wasn't fully invested the first half of the book, but still good addition to the VIP series.

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VIP SERIES

#1 Idol – 3.5 stars
#2 Managed – 4.5 stars
#3 Fall – 3.25 stars
#4 Exposed – 3.25 - 3.5 stars
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Kate

Rating: really liked it
Despite the slow start, Rye and Brenna's story brought me just...IMMENSE J O Y.

4.5 stars!

And just to clarify, the slow start does not refer to action taking a while to pick up, it's more that I expected to love this book immediately. I was looking forward to it for so long and was building all these expectations, and when it didn't sweep me off my feet on page 1, I felt oddly disappointed for a moment. But that did change as I kept reading!

I love romance genre and it's almost exclusively what I read these days but it's been a while since I encountered a story that made me feel so much and delivered on so many fronts: steamy romance, love story spanning years, a beautiful found family trope and characters that seem real, flawed and human in all the best ways, in ways that can be relatable.

"There is a time in a woman’s life when her friends start finding their true loves and suddenly everything is a couple’s deal, complete with private looks and inside jokes that you’re no longer part of, and ugh! Somebody hand me a drink already and get me out of this nightmare."

Tell me Brenna James is not the most relatable person ever! I've adored her from the very first sentence in 'Idol' and that has not changed. I love how Callihan expanded on her character here and really delved deep. Brenna is independent, witty, controlling and vulnerable at the same time. We get layers, dimensions, angles and whatnot here.

Rye is going like this half the time, trying to figure things out:

“Because I know you,” he says softly, firmly. “I’ve spent years trying not to learn you, and failing.”

And yet at the same time, Rye DOES know Brenna, and it would make my heart burst at times with just how well he knows her: knows the rhythm of her steps and makes it into a beat of a song, knows the smell of all her perfumes and what it means when she uses them, knows that it means that she's got a headache when she wears her hair down. This man could make a catalogue of all things Brenna and I am HERE FOR IT.

Half the time I wanted to smack Rye's head for things he said, and half the time it made me melt. Then he would say shit like below, which honestly made me laugh out loud, but seriously, romance gods, whoever you are, give me a person this dedicated to making me feel good:

"As it is, I don’t eat another bite of food. If it isn’t Brenna in my mouth, then I don’t want it."

For all the things Rye knew about Brenna (and things she knew of him), it was made abundantly clear that both of them had built their walls so high, they became impenetrable even to people closest to them. And that's where the title - which is suitable as hell - kicks in, as both Rye and Brenna learn each other anew, and slowly let go of misunderstanding and misconceptions that had grown around their relationship like poison ivy.

“When the stage lights go off, when the music stops, what am I? Where do I go?”

There are two things I particularly love about this series, outside of how the romance itself is written:

❤ how the characters are so well fleshed out, each one a distinct personality, dealing with issues, traumas, mental health, their identity, loneliness...; everyone here struggles with something and is on a personal journey of their own - I can feel their vulnerability and in return, I feel I can relate, and the story goes from being just another story to being my friend

❤ omnipresent love for music - I've said this before but I love how music is an important theme throughout this series, it means something to these characters and I can tell how much music means to the author just by some of the lines/scenes that come up

Quite often, musician setting is used just as a way to sexy things up but the writing does not support it and it's like the characters could be anything else instead. Which isn't something I point out to criticize actually, but just to drive the point home - and that point is that this very much IS NOT the case here.

"Truth?
I don’t think I’m good enough for anyone.
And here’s the real horror: this is the complete opposite of what I project to the world. On the outside, I am a confident woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. I don’t let anyone fuck with me. (...) I believe in myself. When it comes to my profession.
When it comes to me?
Apparently, I don’t.

Brenna is my soulmate, I rest my case, your Honour 😭😭😭

Other random thoughts:

♫♫♫ seeing the Kill John gang together and all their interactions left me laughing, giddy with happy feels and content - it was just so wholesome 🥰🥰🥰

♫♫♫ I was surprised here - in lots of stories, it's possible to pinpoint the source of third act drama after the first few chapters, like it's not subtle at all: e.g. character A hates The Thing with a burning passion and character B used to do The Thing or sth along these lines - we all know where that's going; here there was this Thing with Rye and (view spoiler)

♫♫♫ miscommunication happened but in a believable, non-annoying (at least to me) way - what I loved actually was how honest Brenna and Rye were with each other, and the times when they were not so forthcoming with their feelings? I understood that, because the foundation for that had been laid down. Plus, it did not take them too long - like ridiculously long - to actually speak their mind

♫♫♫ there was a bit of this Thing that makes me break out in hives aka a professional woman in control of her life simply must be in need of being controlled in bed to "let go" - but the way this was done was not OTT and in the end, did not bother me***

*** this annoys me for one simple reason: show me a book where the hero is The Boss in his professional life so much that he wants to be told what to do during sex so that he can "let go of control" -

♫♫♫ but there were some refreshing bits, sex-wise - Rye admitting that he had never actually had great sex (even with all the rock star sexcapades), Brenna being opened about her sex drive, sexual desires etc. (that should NOT be groundbreaking but sadly - yeah), Brenna being the one more...challenged when it came to intimacy, commitment and relationships, that's my girl xD

♫♫♫ Scottie playing the matchmaker, he's an evil puppet master in whatever he puts his mind to, it's not even funny 😂😂😆

♫♫♫ there was one continuance mistake that DROVE ME NUTS, in Brenna's flashback at the beginning it's said that A Thing (mentioned in 2nd point) happened during Brenna's birthday party, but when it's discussed later it's suddenly Rye's birthday party and I'm left with my brain churning SO WHAT IS THE TRUTH KRISTEN DON'T DO THIS TO ME

♫♫♫ but aside from that, writing was really something else here, some turns of phrases and lines were so beautiful, it made me emotional

"God, but she’s sharp-edged beautiful in this faded watercolor world of mine."

In conclusion, Brenna and Rye's story was...so worth the wait! And now, having devoured 'Exposed' so quickly and so recklessly, with no consideration for the fact that the next book is not even announced yet, all I can do is patiently wait for Whip's story.

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07/06/2021: THIS IS NOT A DRILL, JULY 13TH, THIS IS NOT A DRILL

It's probably not healthy to get so psyched for this book and yet here I am:

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18/02/2021: SAVE THE DATE TO GET YOUR DERRIERES SNATCHED BY BRENNA AND RYE, JUNE 2021

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Waiting for release date like:

description

CristiinaReads❀

Rating: really liked it
Enemies to lovers, becoming obsessed with each other to a point of slowly yet instantly falling in love with each other...

A story that we have all been anticipating. Between two characters that are the total opposite and have represented what total obsession truly is. Brenna and Rye have become one of my favorite fierce characters that represent the ultimate lust towards each other. And Kirsten has not disappointed once again. This is the series of the summer that's for sure. But with fair warning, this book like the previous books in this series touches topics that can be more in depth to the emotional side. For those whom are Kirsten reader lovers, you should not be surprised about this revelation. And it's emotional aspect of things is what makes this novel truly a masterpiece.

ARC kindly provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review...

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EmBibliophile [hiatus]

Rating: really liked it
4 ‘clickety-click’ stars

Rye was such an oblivious idiot, but the way he was such a simp for Bren??? The pinning?? Ahhh I can’t! I just truly liked the way he was pinning over her. The fact that the bass line of one of the band’s songs is based on the click of her heels?? NOTHING could be more romantic!! He mentioned that and I was a goner!! Also, the way he just really knows her and notice every little thing about her? I was like please I can’t! He was so sweet and oblivious, he got me feeling like “Aww he’s in love” many times!

“Yeah, I know. So what’s left? What’s your fantasy?”
“You.”

I freakin admire Brenna! She’s a boss lady to be admired and respected. As much as she want to appear tough she still got her insecurities which makes her more real. I just like the way she talks so blunt and the way she walks like the boss lady she is. I love her.

“Brenna, you are my idol, the woman who told the head of RAI Records that the day he started staring at guys’ dicks when he talked to them was the day it would be okay for him to talk to your tits.”

Ahhh a freakin boss!! She’s such an idol.

As much as I was excited for this I went with low expectations, because the whole friends with benefits situation is a recipe for a disaster that I can’t handle. I got easily frustrated with all the miscommunication and misunderstanding. However, this was still so cute and enjoyable to read. I think this might be my second favorite book in the series after managed. I also really loved seeing the whole band and their lovers being one big happy family. The found family trope here is just so good!

#1 Idol ~ 3.5 stars
#2 Managed ~ 4.5 stars
#3 Fall ~ 3.25 stars

Isabella. R

Rating: really liked it
5 Resistance is Futile Stars ⭐

Exposed is reminiscent of the first ever books I read by this author. Emotional, passionate and an utter joy to read. It was like reading with my feelings bursting out of my skin. I completely loved the golden Viking Ryland Peterson and his devotion to Brenna James.

God, but she's sharp edged beautiful in this faded watercolour world of mine. She makes my knees weak and my heart ache.

Frenemies with benefits. Rye and Bren go way back. The bassist and PR manager for KillJohn. They were in it from the beginning and once friends until it all changed. Immaturity and pride determined their fate for 10 long years. That is until Rye hears something he wasn't privy to.

"Feel that? That's just from standing close to you. From me thinking about all the ways I could figure you out, find all the little things that will make you come."

An arrangement that provides sexual release but acts as the perfect cover for the truth. Bren craves mind-blowing sex, and Rye wants the job. Secret trysts that reveal more than just desire. It begins to strip away the animosity and pettiness these two share. In its place mutual respect, kindness and unrequited love is revealed.

Stupid pride has kept me from admitting he is one of my favourite people - maybe my absolute favourite. When he is near, I hum like a struck tuning fork. Everything is more with him.

However a hookup in secret can't remain that way as there is the rest of the band and entourage of friends to consider. Plus when lust is laced with love, it won't be ignored. Can either Rye or Bren be brave enough to expose themselves?

I really loved this story. I appreciated the maturity between these two and the worship bestowed on each other. I was thrilled that this author didn't provide drama for the sake of it. Instead we got a romance that provided attraction which was palpable, and a couple totally dynamic together. This is definitely my fave of the series. 💙

To my beautiful friend Lana and BR, our conversations bring me so much joy. This was so worth the wait!

Rozberry🍓

Rating: really liked it
Idol - 5 stars
Managed - 4.5 stars
Fall - 5 stars
Exposed - 4.5 stars

Okay. CONFESSION: After 2+ years of ~~anxiously waiting~~ - who am I kidding - book stalking Exposed since it popped up on KC’s GR page, I recently started to wonder if I was setting myself up for a letdown. 3 years after Fall, it’s more than possible for a writer’s voice to evolve or just lose the pocket of that headspace they had writing the previous books in a series. It’s also not often 3 books in a series, imho none are any worse than 4.5 stars. So expectations can become lofty pretty quick - be it unintentional or not.

Keeping that in mind, for a hot second I thought that fear was realized at the beginning. Probably mostly due to Exposed not being afforded a strong kickstart the previous 3 books had with great meet-cutes. Because, unlike the previous couples, Brenna & Rye grew up together during Kill John’s rise to fame. So Exposed’s beginning was more about establishing the groundwork that could alter the road of what’s been a loooooong standing history as frenemies for a decade+.

Once the setup for the plot(frenemies with benefits) was in place, KC left no doubt Exposed was worth the wait & then some. Again it’s been 3 years real time since Fall, but after finishing Exposed, imho it doesn’t read like it. KC steps almost seamlessly back into the VIP world.

Okay okay, I know I’m getting off track & rambly. Oops 🙊😂 . Anyhoo…

With Brenna(Killian’s cousin, Idol/book one) in charge of Kill John’s PR, over the years she & Rye often have been in close quarters touring, other band business & whatnot. Despite the longstanding animosity & tension between the two of them over the years, the whole band, Brenna & Scottie’s connection has grown into a strong ‘found family’. (Especially after they learned the full scope of what was going on with Jax. Also since welcomed Libby, Sophie & Stella into their found family with open arms.) Because of that bond they all have, Rye & Brenna know each other in so many ways no one else on the outside would. Yet just the same, they’ve both built emotional walls up sky high. Each fiercely protecting their vulnerability from the other, not letting any cracks in their façades be exposed(yep, I went there 😂) to their deepest vulnerabilities. Brenna particularly because of painful moments in their history. That wasn’t about to change — that is until Rye hears something NEVER EVER meant for his ears.

Instead of dancing around the line of going into too many plot details, what I will do is share some of the reasons why I enjoyed Exposed so much.
— The element of ‘found family’. I know I touched on it a bit above, but it’s truly a special key to why I love the VIP series. It’s beautiful how deeply they care, support, love for one another. Even when they’re teasing & totally giving each other shit - it's all still there, still present. It’s enviable honestly.
— The vulnerability. Sure, what everyone sees is pretty great; a member of a world famous rock band & a successful head of PR for said world famous rock band. But what takes Exposed from a quote unquote good read to a great read is KC’s ability to tap into the part of Rye & Brenna’s most personal thoughts & feelings that are so authentic & unguarded. It tugs hard at the heartstrings & makes them so relatable. It was just as good when they began sharing some of that vulnerability with each other. Like 4:32, I absolutely loved the callback to what had happened with Jax & how effecting it was for all of them. Idk how many romance writers would’ve thought of a detail like that in the 4th book of a series.
— I’m tempted to say VIP is so much more than a rockstar romance series — & in a lot of ways, it is —, yet music feels so believably intrinsic to who each member of Kill John is. Music isn’t just a backdrop of some lucky happenstance to facilitate a crazy sex life as it has in other rockstar romances I’ve read. (Although that’s not to say their sex lives were never of the crazy rockstar kind.) idk there’s just something very believable about them as musicians & their love of it, especially Rye.
— oh & lets not overlook the banter, the romance & the sexy were totally top notch 😉🙌.
— Oh! btw, Scottie needs to update his business cards - talent manager AND matchmaker 😂. Sneaky sneaky.

You might be wondering what the .5 star missing is about. That would be a so-so opening & Brenna’s one f-up kinda annoyed me just a little in the second half. She totally rectified things later on being the one to make a grand gesture 😍. ( update: to be a little clearer, I didn’t dislike Brenna. Just a decision she made.)

🤞🤞 KC doesn’t torture us again with such a long wait for Whip’s book 🤞🤞.

Total transparency here: I most definitely have a big ol’ soft spot for the whole VIP series as you can guess by my ratings of all the books. Nonetheless, I’m aware Fall received a pretty mixed reception. I bring this up because I think if you are on the side that loved Fall, you’ll love Exposed as well. Whereas if you’re of the opinion of not loving Fall so much, I’m thinking you might like Exposed more than Fall, but maybe not love. My train of thought with that is because it’s a little more emotional than Managed & Idol, but maybe not quite as much as Fall.

(not spoilers, just condensing previous updates)
(view spoiler)

abire

Rating: really liked it

“You once thought I was worth the risk—” My voice breaks then finds strength. “You’re worth it too. I don’t want to just be your friend, Rye. I want…I want to be yours. I want you to be mine. Wherever I land, whatever I’m doing. Because I…I adore you, Ryland Peterson.”

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I WOULD IN A HEART BEAT!!!

This was so fucking worth the 3 years wait, it exceeded all my expectations! Brenna and Rye have been one of my favorite potential couples ever since I read Idol back in 2018, and I'm so happy to say that they made it to my top favorite couples EVER!!! This book was absolute perfection, and no one should be surprised to see me rereading it soon! I loved everything about it, EVERYTHING!!!!

2021 UPDATE :

WE HAVE A DATE!!!!!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, WE FINALLY HAVE A DATE!!!

2018 :

BRENNA AND RYE BRENNA AND RYE BRENNA AND RYE!!!! PEOPLE I HAVE BEEN REVIVED AGAIN GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!

TJ ☾

Rating: really liked it
-3.5 stars-

my reading slump has carried over to reviewing lately so apologies for these lazy ass footnotes i been dishing out, but this the best i got rn:

🎸 loved brenna
🎸 rye did the job
🎸 i appreciated brenna calling rye out for shaming her in the past when it came to her flirting/having sexual relationships cause that scene in book 1 pissed me tf off
🎸 this was better than i thought it'd be but my sweet bb jax kept stealing the show for me 😘

Lacey (laceybooklovers)

Rating: really liked it
I’m always SO happy to read a Kristen Callihan book, and Exposed did not disappoint! I adore this rock star romance series and its cast of characters, so it was a delight to be back with them. It’s got a frenemies-to-lovers romance between a bassist and the band’s PR manager. Their romance has been years in the making and when they finally fall into bed for a frenemies-with-benefits fling, they can’t get enough. I enjoyed Brenna and Rye so much!

Brenna and Rye have been at each other's throats for years. There has always been a simmering tension between and they finally get to act on it when, after overhearing Brenna talk about needing some all-consuming sex, Rye offers himself up on a platter for her. He never expects to fall so hard for her – or for her to be so adamant against being with him for real. But there's nothing that can stop him from proving to Brenna that the feelings between them are real and that he's worth taking a chance on.

Kristen Callihan is always so good at drawing me back into a series even though it's been years since I last read it. Reading Exposed was like being back with a group of friends, even though they're all rock stars. What I love about these characters is how dow-to-earth they are, despite all the fame and glory. Brenna and Rye's romance is also so wonderful to read. I love an unexpected pursuing hero, and Rye is exactly that. You just know how much this man adores Brenna even though they haven't always gotten along. The care and attention he gives to his heroine is swoon-worthy! Brenna herself is a take-charge heroine who you can't help but root for and love. She's had to climb her way up in her industry to be the successful woman she is today.

Exposed might not have topped my love for my #1 VIP book, Managed, but it easily takes the #2 spot. I had so much fun with Brenna and Rye's heartfelt, steamy romance. I loved how much we get to see the rest of the band members and their significant others and can only hope we get Whip's story next!

ellie

Rating: really liked it
i want to preface this review and point out that what bothered tf out of me with the book was a me thing. i think a lot of other people could either overlook it and not give it a second thought, or not even notice it really in the first place. i am not one of those people lol.

i have waited eons for this goddam book. Brenna and Rye had me hooked from book one and i literally craved their story.

this book made me so giddy in the beginning. i had a constant smile on my face. i was internally squealing the whole damn time. i thought i was in for an easy five-star read.

until we find out the real reason Brenna hates Rye... and my enjoyment plummeted.

my feelings reading this book were extremely reminiscent of when i read Inked in Lies last year and The Fourth Time Charm earlier this year. as in, the feeling of anticipating your favourite couple in a series you’re utterly invested in... only for them to fall flat and be underwhelming af.

i can’t really get into why i didn’t enjoy this and what ruined it for me without going into spoilers. so some serious spoilers ahead if you plan on reading the book and would rather not know!

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Brenna, early on in the book, notes the reason she truly hates Rye: bcos she walked in on Rye and her aunt, Isabella, sitting snuggly and kissing... looking like they had fucked or were about to.

immediately all of that giddiness evaporated. all of my sunshiney emotions for the swoon-worthy cuteness dissipated and i was left feeling pretty frustrated.

i was hoping and praying it was a misunderstanding. literally anything. i was making up all kinds of shit in my head as to how Brenna could have misinterpreted the situation— i even came up with a fabulous dream sequence lmao. *spoiled alert* that didn’t happen.

the reality wasn’t as bad as i thought... but i still wasn’t a fan. it turns out, Rye drunkenly flirts with her, detailing how she’s the most beautiful woman in the world, blah blah blah and Isabella kissed Rye before he pushed her off and turned her down, and nothing actually happened... but this isn’t discovered until pretty late in the book. and by that point, it was too late🤷🏻‍♀️ id spent so much time not enjoying this that the revelation didnt really resolve any of my icky feelings.

the damage had been done.

it tainted a lot of the romance for me. i wasn’t nearly as invested as i originally was. i was pretty resigned to them being together bcos i could not forget about the reason she’s always hated him. it just loomed over my head like a dark cloud— a constant reminder as to why i couldn’t fully enjoy this to the extent i craved.

and even when i kept telling myself “hopefully it’s just a misunderstanding and it’ll be cleared up”, i realised even if it was a misunderstanding, it wouldn’t take away from the fact i spent the majority of this book not enjoying myself bcos of it.

the secret didn’t have the desired i effect i imagine the author was intending. it didn’t have me on the edge of my seat. it didn’t make the book angstier or grittier. it just... made me enjoy this a lot less than i initially was🤷🏻‍♀️

im all for secrets and misunderstandings when they’re executed properly but this didn’t elevate the story in any way. it really did taint my enjoyment. i found myself flying through the book in hopes that we’d find out the truth of that night bcos i couldn’t get invested until i had some semblance of clarity you know?

and it disappointed the fuck out of me.

bcos it ruined a pretty good romance for me. Brenna and Rye were beautiful, palpable and intense. but i couldn’t fully get into it bcos of that misunderstanding.

especially when Brenna was low-key painted as architect of their crumbling relationship. what was Brenna supposed to think? i mean, Rye had not only actively rejected her by that point when she had seen him with Isabella, but he did it publicly too in front of their friends, and continued to antagonise her about her feelings for him— as though she was a little kid with the audacity to crush on the unattainable rockstar who she should have known would never feel the same.

so, i got that he was upset that their ten year hatred had stemmed from something he actually didn’t do... but he also did other things just to be hurtful for no reason. Brenna just reacted and replied in turn to the rules he set out and made. they just probably didn’t expect that hostility to last ten years.

he threw her feelings for him in her face and proceeded to sleep with countless other women while Brenna had to stand around and watch. so by the time the incident with her aunt rolled around... i didn’t blame Brenna in the slightest for believing that he slept with her. all the evidence pointed to the fact.

and all bcos Killian— Brenna’s cousin and Rye’s best friend— threatened the guys to stay away from Brenna.

so you’re telling me that Rye had feelings for Brenna back then too... but didn’t do anything bcos Killian said so? is that still a plot conflict in romances? i thought we left that shit back in 2017. and not only that, but Rye couldn’t have just let her down gently, so instead he was just an incessant dick instead?

*sigh*

a lot of reviews are painting Rye as the spotlight-stealer in this book— and i get it, i do, he was swoon-worthy af when he wanted to be— but i ain’t overlooking his shittiness too. it really wasn’t all on Brenna.

who i adored. my bad bitch in five inch heels who had the patriarchy by the balls. i loved her. and i truly felt for her with all of her conflicting feelings for Rye. i understood her fears and hesitancy— yeah she could be cold and distant, but that’s honestly my favourite type of heroine. rather that than a doormat with a capital D.

the combination of her and Rye? it was electric. there was a reason ive been obsessed with them from the beginning and their intense chemistry only proved it. bcos despite my less than stellar feelings towards that piece of miscommunication, i still loved Rye and Brenna as a couple a whole lot.

Rye Peterson— Brenna’a personal nemesis and general pain in her arse— was swoon-worthy. and whipped. he even admitted himself that he imagined that hearts were popping out of his eyes every time he looked at her. he was obsessed. and i kinda was too?

THE HEELS!🥺🥰 no way did this man use the click-click, clickety-click her heels make when she walks as the bass line for one of the band’s most successful songs??

It’s the little clickety-click that always hooks me. An audible clue that she adds an extra sway to every other step. I’m not going to admit how many times I’ve watched her walk to figure that bit out.

i– and he knows that she wears a different perfume depending on her mood... and can identify which perfume is for which mood? get me a man like Rye Peterson, STAT.

Brenna’s perfume tickles my nose. She doesn’t have a signature scent but wears different ones for different moods. Unfortunately, I know them all. Over the years, I’ve figured out what mood she’s in depending on what fragrance she chooses.

and he was kinda dorky too, which was adorable and so unexpected. when he chokes on his own goddam spit bcos he was literally drooling over Brenna? iconic, honestly.

he knew everything about her. the man was obsessed and it was swoon-worthy. im just bummed a lot of it was overshadowed by the miscommunication. especially their inevitable fallout too... i literally did not understand it😭 i was reading it confused af.

im i the only one? who reads a romance book and the couple breaks up for the required 80% mark conflict and you’re genuinely confused as to why they broke up? what was the reason?

it was just unnecessary and confusing af. i was reading, kinda just scratching my head and hoping they would resolve things bcos (again) i couldn’t enjoy the angst for what it was bcos it didn’t make any sense to me🤷🏻‍♀️

it really sounds like i didn’t like this book— but that’s the annoying thing. i did. a lot. but all of the ridiculous shit started to pile up until i couldn’t ignore it anymore.

so honestly, Brenna and Rye’s love for each other is a solid five stars. just the culmination of shit that came along with it was not lol.

and Scottie and Sophie still hold my heart🥰 Scottie especially ;)))) im also hoping Whip gets his own book... possibly with Jules?😏

“I always was.”
I can’t quite make my mouth work correctly. “Always was what?”
“Yours.” Tender hands cup my cheeks. “I’ve always been yours. And you…You already are my everything. You’re my music, Bren.”
A sob escapes. “Rye.”

Llakshmi

Rating: really liked it
4.25 ✨

“She’s the one that got away.”

I cant help but smile over how whipped this guy is. Rye Peterson has been in love with Brenna since page one and no one can convince me otherwise.

I picked this book up because I absolutely adore Managed. It’s probably my all time favorite book and one of my first romances that I ever truly fell in love with. Soooo I picked this up for the cameos. Hehe. I really wanted more glimpses of my Gabriel.

But this was sooo good. Gooey and cheesy and cliche and just what I wanted. As much as I love my dark romances, I do indulge in dessert once in a while.

Story: We follow Rye, Bassist for the band Kill John, and Brenna (no idea what she actually does but she kind of manages their band?). When Rye accidentally catches ( eavesdrops on ) Brenna talking about how she wants to have amazing sex for once in her life, he volunteers as tribute . And so begins their sex buddies no strings attached bs.

I know you don’t believe me, but I’m tired of moving from partner to partner. I’m tired of feeling…” A deep flush turns his face red. “Alone.”

What I loved about this book:

RYE PETERSON

He was everythinggg. Definitely didn’t steal Gabriel’s spot but a close second. Like I said : he was fucking pussy whipped. It was so painfully obvious and all the more satisfying to read about.

He’s the first hero in a long time that I’ve read about, who made himself vulnerable so early on the book.

“I’m good, Bren. I’ll do whatever you want, for as long as you want. I’ll make certain you’re taken care of, and I won’t tell a soul.”

He was the definition of male perfection. He was sexy and sweet. Possessive and protective. Smart and funny. A rock star and a fucking nerd. I legit shed tears at how he doesn’t exist in my life.

Brenna was fine. She was your typical strong heroine who let her pride get in the way too many times. But I did like her personality when she let him in. She was fun and always gave as well as she took.

“Thing you should know about me, Rye. If my partner isn’t pleasured, then I’m not going to be either.”

There were so many moments in this I LOVEEED.

⚫️The friendship between the gang was so hilariously cute.

⚫️The boys fighting over Sam, Dean and Castiel from Supernatural

⚫️Him obsessing over how she takes her coffee and the scent of her perfume.

Group moments:

“She doesn’t count. We’re a relationship unit.” “God.” I groan and pinch the bridge of my nose where a headache is forming. “Which means Sophie knows too.” Scottie’s smile is brief but fond. “No. I love my wife, but that doesn’t mean I’m unaware that she has the biggest mouth in all creation.”

^im crying.

“Let me save you some more future grief. If your woman comes to you to complain about some shit going down in her life, she doesn’t want you to fix it.” “What’s the point of telling me if I can’t help find a solution?” “So you can nod and say, ‘Fuck that noise, you’re completely in the right, sweetness.’ Or, ‘I’m sorry, honey, that truly sucks. Would you like a foot rub?’”

Honestly. I really enjoyed this book. Their relationship was so much fun and filled with banter. The writing in this was humor filled and didn’t bore me out. KC wrote their relationship in a way that’s both slow and fast; but there was so much loyalty in this book and among the friends that it’ll make you ache.

“I always was.” I can’t quite make my mouth work correctly. “Always was what?” “Yours.” Tender hands cup my cheeks. “I’ve always been yours. And you…You already are my everything. You’re my music, Bren.”

Ahhh cheesy goodnesss

Highly recommend this if you’re looking for a good comfort read

Eva

Rating: really liked it
Most likely not. Rye called her a slut or whore or something like that in Book 1 just because she was flirting with another guy when he himself fucked every women he met. Disgusting double standards. He wants her to be all celibate and not even look at another guy when he made out with lots of women (and then took them to his room) in front of her, most likely knowing she liked him.

He totally lost it when she when just appeared to be flirty with another guy yet he constantly makes her endure watching him do much worse. How is that even remotely romantic?

Can't believe kristen callihan is writing this kind of plot. So disappointed. But I still have some faith. Would only read it if someone can confirm Brenna also had great sex and didn't pathetically pine after him while watching Rye screw every women he met.

Their relationship seemed very toxic and unhealthy to me. I don't understand how people are so excited to read about this couple.

ApoorvaReads

Rating: really liked it
3.5 stars ⭐️

”He kisses me as though I’m dessert, hungry lips and seeking tongue. Right there on the sidewalk in the pouring rain. And I forget about everything else. Here is where I need to be. I’m no longer empty or listless. I’m alive. My senses fire with hot sparks that crackle along my skin.”

Managed by Kristen is probably one of my favourite ever grumpy-sunshine books and when I heard we were getting Rye and Brenna’s story after 3 years of waiting, I was all over the moon. Though, I didn’t like this book as much as I liked the previous books in the series, I still enjoyed reading their story and getting to know more about the characters.

”His presence takes away my air. He’s just too much. Too big, his body too strong and tight. His voice too deep—not a bass but a low baritone that has a tendency to vibrate along my skin when he’s near.”

Ryland Peterson also called, Rye , is the bassist of the band ‘Kill John’. In the earlier books, I always got the vibes that Rye was an egoistic asshole which made me like him a little less but in this book Rye totally proved himself.

There are so many things I loved about Rye in this book- how he was whipped for Brenna, how he knew and give attention to small-small details regarding her and how he was such a sweetheart to her and always put her first.

”But here, with Brenna’s funny little snores buffeting my chest, it hits me with a calm certainty that music isn’t the entirety of my heart and soul. It no longer owns me completely. She’s there too, in my heart and soul. A touchstone in the darkness of uncertainty.”

Brenna James is the head of publicity and works for the band. She and Rye always bash up their heads and there’s usually a lot of tension in the air when they both are in the same room. I adored Brenna (most of the times). I loved how she wasn’t ashamed of what all she liked, how confident she was.

”I’m so cold, so empty. Scared. I’m scared. Because I am alone, and I don’t want to be. Not right now. I want arms to hold me tight, the warmth of another body pressing into me. But there isn’t anyone I want in my bed with me either. There’s the rub. I want something that doesn’t exist.”

Brenna was a character I could relate to. I feel like its human nature to seek for affection, company and just have someone to talk. In Brenna’s case this need was amplified because all her friends were in committed relationship and she was all alone. The thing is no matter how much we say that we don’t need anyone, the truth is- we do and Brenna needed that too.

“I’m safe, Bren. I swear.” Safe. Ha. He’s anything but. Rye is my one weak spot. The person most likely to do the greatest damage if he wanted to. But if he doesn’t understand that by now, I’m certainly not exposing my underbelly by telling him.”

I’m usually not a fan of “friends-with-benefits” but in this book it just worked. I loved how Rye was the one who wanted more because usually in the books it’s the girl who always want more so, I loved this uniqueness.

”“I always was.” I can’t quite make my mouth work correctly. “Always was what?” “Yours.” Tender hands cup my cheeks. “I’ve always been yours. And you…You already are my everything. You’re my music, Bren.” A sob escapes. “Rye.”

Did I mention how much I loved the fact that Rye was such a goner for Brenna from page 1?😭 The guy knows her coffee orders by heart, he knows what perfume she wears and what mood it depicts and he legit used the click-click-click voice of her heals for a song beat which is his biggest hit sksksks. God, do guys like this really exist?😩🥲

”The knowledge swells between us, reflected in her eyes. And she touches me with trembling hands, moves with me, taking me just as I take her. In that moment, I know the truth: I am home. After a long journey, I am home.”

What didn’t work for me was the lack of plot, how some details and issues regarding Rye wasn’t really worked well upon but still I enjoyed reading more about Rye and Brenna and how they exposed (pun intended) their true selves to each other.

”I’m his music. And he’s my wings.”

Bibi

Rating: really liked it

My second attempt at reading this and I was irritated by Rye and Brenna's unrealistic enmity. 10 years of bickering and then one overheard conversation and Rye starts drooling over Brenna every single day.

How? After 10 years? GTFOH. I don't care if they have a HEA. DNF @ 60%.

Wendy'sThoughts

Rating: really liked it
5 Everything You Could Want Stars
* * * * * spoiler Free
I happened to have love Managed and somehow missed the other books. Silly Me , I know. But I came to my senses and was able to grab Exposed and I will NEVER skip another entry to this series again. Pinky Swear.

This is love story like no other in that the people involved are so meant for each other it hurts.They have been part of each other's lives for decades and now after so many bad habits of being at each other throats, bickering and snarking, something happens that will finally put them on the right course.

All it takes is Rye overhearing Brenna having a confessional conversation to a dear friend to get our two to have the conversation that opens the door to so much possibilities.

Each person is scared to be close and vulnerable but when Brenna finally lets her guard down, Oh Boy, are we in for some amazing times. Rye takes this chance and does everything in his power to show Brenna how he really feels.

As I said earlier, this love story has it all, personal growth from both people. The lesson of acceptance of who you are is perfect and never let anyone tell you different. The belief in love and how it can allow you to be your best.

And the last little thing I will share that was the BEST, these two had chemistry off the charts and they were fantastic together, not only was it sizzling, most important it was meaningful.

Hopefully there is another entry coming, because I have permanently marked a do not forget when it is published.

Idol (VIP, #1) by Kristen Callihan

Idol (VIP, #1)
Managed (VIP, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fall (VIP, #3)
Exposed (VIP, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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Exposed (VIP #4)

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