Review: Just a Girl by Ellie Cahill

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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: June 21st 2016 by Loveswept 

Genre: New Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Presley found herself back home after her band and her boyfriend decide to drop her after a show in L.A. While dealing with her issues and getting over her loss, she helped her parents in their legendary music store. It was here that she met Paul who also worked there giving guitar lessons. When they started hanging out and getting closer she found out that he was part of a band and that he suffered from severe stage fright. While trying to help him through it she also agreed to help the band out by singing with them. Her inscurities started getting the better of her and she feared that history was repeating itself.

Ellie Cahill is not a new author to me and it is definitely safe to say that her books are easy to get through. I think that if life had not got in the way I could have easily finished Just a Girl in one sitting. Although I felt like it started a little slow, it gained momentum and then raced to the end. Anyone with a keen interest in music would certainly appreciate all of the references to songs and artists throughout this book.

This book was new adult and I have to remind myself of that as I write my thoughts. Presley was at times really immature and somewhat annoying, in my opinion. I didn't hate her but I did find her getting on my nerves at times. On the other hand, I really liked Paul and wanted a little more than I got. I did like them together but I felt that the build up to their initial "hook up" was lacking slightly and because of that their chemistry on the pages wasn't as strong as I would have liked. In other words, they got together too quick for me to really feel the chemistry and it took a while for me to catch up to where they were. In fact, they were no longer together by the time my brain decided that I really liked them together.

One more area that I wish was expanded on was Paul and his phobia and drug use. Yes it was dealt with but in a quick and glossy way. It was an important part of the plot that seemed too easily resolved where Presley's fear of rejection took the stage front and center yet wasn't as serious an issue.

I fear that perhaps I am being a bit harsh because I really liked When Joss Met Matt and this one isn't quite as good. I felt the same way about Call Me, Maybe. However, Just a Girl delivered on the entertainment, drama and heat that this genre is known for and gave me a couple hours of escape which is part of what I love about reading in the first place.

 

About the Author

Ellie Cahill is the author of When Joss Met Matt, Call Me Maybe (2016), and Just a Girl (2016). Ellie is also the not-at-all secret pen name of Young Adult author Liz Czukas (Ask Again Later, and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless). Liz's books are often compared to John Hughes movies, while Ellie usually gets compared to Nora Ephron. Either way, if you like a good 80s rom-com, you've found the right place. When they're not writing fun, funny romances full of shenanigans and awkward kisses, Liz and Ellie are at home with their family and a golden retriever with different ideas about the definition of "dog bed."

You'll find Ellie on Facebook and Twitter (@ellie_cahill) but you'll more easily find Liz in those same places as well as Instagram and Tumblr. You'll find either one of them parked in front of the TV every Sunday night getting their fill of Zombies, Westeros, The Doctor, or any other place where cute English guys fight evil.

Speed round: sweet tea, Hufflepuff, dark chocolate, cheese is the perfect food, Go Badgers, and Han shot first.

Connect with Ellie

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads