Rock Chick Reckoning

Rock Chick #6

by Kristen Ashley

Stella’s the lead singer and lead guitarist of The Blue Moon Gypsies and Stella used to be Mace’s girl. Mace broke up with her, though, and the loss of him rocked her world. But Stella gets a call, late at night (again) from one of the members of her crazy band. She has to go play clean up (again) and runs into Mace and a shed load of police, and ends up getting shot.

Mace finds he doesn’t like it much that his ex-girlfriend got shot right in front of him but it’s worse. A very bad man has thrown down the gauntlet and all the Rock Chicks are in the firing line. Stella doesn’t want Mace to be the one to keep her alive, but she has no choice. Mainly because Mace isn’t giving her one.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Humor, Chick Lit, Suspense

484 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Reviews

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lordy be! I'm still wiping away my happy tears as I write this... This probably is the darkest and emotionally deepest of the Rock Chick books but it also had some of the happiest and most beautiful moments of the series as well as an INCREDIBLE epilogue!

Kai "Mace" Mason. The insanely hot, dark, broody and emotionally broken member of Nightingale Investigations. From the beginning of the series, we've always known that Mace's back story was going to be tragic and heart breaking. Whatever could have made such an unflappable, badass man live under the constant shadow of haunting memories just had to be really bad and in this book, we finally learn his story.... and yes, it broke my heart. I still just want to find him and give him a big huge hug.... and I mean that sincerely, lol, not just cuz he's a smokin' hot, utterly drool-worthy badass Alpha :P

"What I'm sayin' is shit happens to couples, In any relationship, there's ebbs and there's flows. You want that relationship to work you put on your life jacket and ride it out."

Mace and Stella used to be an item. They dated for five months and when he broke up with her, Stella was utterly broken-hearted and, as the lead singer of the Gypsies, threw herself back into her music. She misses him badly but is too stubborn to tell him (duh, she's a Rock Chick lol). And unbeknownst to her, ever since their HOT little moment in the last book where she sung to him on stage, he still considers her his woman. He knows it, and unfortunately, so do his enemies. When the Hot Bunch's women are all targeted by a criminal overlord intent on bringing war to the Nightingale Investigations turf, things quickly get out of hand. And, when Stella is targeted as well,Mace's natural solution to him needing to protecting her, as per the Hot Bunch law, is to move in with her. Under fire from their enemies, Stella and Mace begin to work through their issues, figure out their feelings, deal with their misunderstandings and realize that throughout it all, they are both utterly in love with each other.

"You two solid?" Vance asked.
"I'm workin' on it," Mace told Vance.
Vance grinned. "By my count, it takes about 2 weeks to really wear 'em down."

I just LOVE a guy who has no problem admitting he made a mistake, apologizing, and who is willing to go out of his way to prove himself.

“I fucked up and hurt you. It won't happen again.” His fingers tensed around my head and his deep voice dropped low. “I promise you, Kitten, it won't happen again.”

That being said, Stella doesn't make it easy for him at first, as per Rock Chick law.

"I'm not going there again. Not with you."
"You're already there," he informed me.
"I am not!" I snapped back.
The amusement returned. "Babe, you're sitting naked in my lap on the morning after a night where you begged to suck my --"
I put a hand over his mouth to stop his words and drowned out the muddled words...
Shit."

But can I just say how much I love a book that is able to poke fun at it's own character's flaws :P

"Bullets flyin', Hot Bunch boys puttin' their asses on the line, threats against all you all..." Shirleen whirled her finger around to take in all the Rock Chicks. "Still, you all act like getting a booty call from one of the Hot Bunch was like being tortured. I just don't get it." ...
"You don't understand," Roxie put in.
"Nope. That's right, girl, Shirleen does not understand. So what trauma are we up against now?" Shirleen's eyes moved to me. "You havin' too many orgasms or what?"

LOL!!! The humor in this book is just brilliant and so well placed - perfectly offsetting the heavy emotional drama and action packed scenes that saturate the book. And I'm not kidding about the action - it starts off with an execution and drive-by shooting, and pretty much reads like the most kick ass, adrenaline-packed movie imaginable - complete with turf wars, grenade launching, exploding buildings, evil villans (and the Supreme Asshole of All Time), snipers, shoot-outs at concerts and more.

But somehow, throughout it all, KA weaves this absolutely beauuuutiful, deeply emotional story about healing, camaraderie, and love.... oh *swoon* .... this author is freaking brilliant!!! How her books aren't just everywhere lining the shelves of every major bookstore is an honest-to-God mystery to me.

Stella and Mace were just wonderful together. Both of them have have really big emotional demons they have to deal with - Mace especially. And it was just SO sweet to see them figure each other out and help each other heal. <3

For some reason, the emotional tug on Mace and Stella's stories really hit a lot deeper than some of the past books and brought me to tears several times. But at the same time, they have, hands down, the most brilliant rapid-fire, toe-to-toe banter of any of the couples yet!

And I loved that KA blended music into this story. She has a list of songs at the beginning that she suggests listening to at certain parts of the story and let me tell you, those parts are beeeauuuuuutifull!! *Swooooon* What is it about PDA on a huge stage that just makes your heart flutter uncontrollably? *Sigh* LOVED it!

Here are the songs:
Pearl Jam's "Black"
Billy Joel's "And So It Goes"
Journey's "Open Arms"
Blink-182's "All the Small Things."

One more thing which made me ridiculously happy was the alternative POVs (!!!). Although Stella's POV is by far the main one and her and Mace's story is the focus of this book, we also get absolutely GORGEOUS scenes from Jet, Indy, Roxie, Jules and Ava's POVs as well as a few special scenes from Mace's and the Hot Bunch's side. ... In so many big series, the couples from previous books just fade into the background and while still there, are no longer the focus. But I just LOVED how refreshing it was to read the different POV's in the middle of this story and to be able to reconnect with each of the Rock Chick/Hot Bunch couples. Completely and utterly squee-worthy!! :)

And I gotta say for the last 12% of the book I literally did nothing but wipe happy tears, grin and squee!! We finally get to see the wedding that we've been waiting for for several books now (yes, it was absolutely PERFECT) and the absolutely EPIC epilogue set 5 years into the future featuring all the couples' swoony HEA's.... *sigh* *grin* ... There is something just so deeply, heart achingly beautiful about watching characters you have come to know and love for the last 6 books get everything they deserve. And also just to see all of them heal, grow together, and live their lives...... just absolute Rock Chick perfection <3

If you haven't started reading this series yet, you should bump it way up on your to-read pile. You are seriously missing out!

Here's how I see Mace and Stella:



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[Jilly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of the Rock Chick series.

Stella and Mace had been together for a few months, a year ago, and he broke up with her for being too needy. But, she's angsty over him still. Even though she is dating someone else (who is much better, by the way, than Mace).

One night her bandmate calls her over to his place because his girlfriend has overdosed. She goes running over, only to find Mace there, and then she gets shot. This means, of course, that Mace is now in charge of her life. He throws her in a car and speeds off to meet up with the rest of the Rock Chick gang because all of the other Rock Chick girls had been shot at that night as well. But, Mace didn't realize Stella had been hit so he doesn't talk to her as he speeds along. She keeps trying to get his attention to let him know that she is bleeding all over the back of the car, but he keeps shushing her and ignoring her to make calls and check in with the others. What a great guy!!!

This is the start of the relationship we get to read about. Mace is a total dick. He handcuffs Stella when she doesn't want him to pull off her pants to look at her wound. He can't possibly take her to a hospital, or let a female in the room to help - no. He actually handcuffs a wounded woman and removes her clothing. I was pissed!! There is a difference from being a sexy alpha male to being an abusive asshole and Mace crosses the line in this book many many times.

Not only does Mace start out pulling this stunt, but throughout the book he exhibits classic abusive behavior.

He takes away her cell phone so that she cannot communicate with others. (Isolation)

He tells her that it was HER fault they weren't together anymore because he was just testing her by breaking up with her to see if she would "fight for him" (beg).

He physically wrestles with her and restrains her while she is injured from being shot.

He grabs her arms when he is angry and bruises her. Then he tells her he will 'never do that again'. (Classic abuser line.)

He screams in her face and scares the crap out of her.

He throws things and breaks them in front of her when he is angry.

So, I don't know, it might be me,,, but I think this guy is not Mr. Right. I know, I know, he's got demons from his past. He's hurting from being traumatized seven years ago. I don't understand him. He just feels things..... Well, cry me a fucking river, but it doesn't give him an excuse for acting like an abusive asshole. If a guy has so much baggage that they can't treat a woman right, then he should live alone! His problems should not equal her pain.


I'm talking to you, Mace!

Now, apart from my complete and utter hatred of Mace, I also felt the book lacked its usual zaniness. It just wasn't fun. Also, there were multiple POV's along with Stella's. At first, I thought this was going to be really cool because each Rock Chick got to have a chapter. But, again, it just didn't deliver that fun vibe and the other girls' POV's sounded all the same. I had to remind myself which one was talking because I couldn't tell the difference.

At the very end, there was an epilogue for "Five years later". It spoiled who the next two couples will be.


Time for me to read something else before I get to the next book. I need a break! Hopefully, I will come back to this series and it will have that fun, crazy feel that I love about it.

[Vika aka ♔ of GIF & Grumpy Smut-ateer *P/T Freebie Fairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Kai "Mace"


My Stella




~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~

And just because I feel like it but had to other place to do "Additional Character Casting" I am going to do it here because this story gives us multiple POV from all those that we love

My Daisy


My Tod & Stevie


My Tex



My Duke

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is… The Rock Chick

I’m feeling a little guilty. I doubted my faith, walked away and left someone alone too long. Yes, I’m sure Stella knew I’d come back for her eventually, but the time it took me was longer than it ever should have been. It’s OK now, the friendship has been re-established and I’m sure Mace will forgive me… one day. I only left because her connection to the band and Mace’s hurtful words upset me the first time I read them, but, this time, I listened to them and with Susannah Jones’ help I saw things a lot clearer. Deep down I know I should have just trusted KA, but the consequences of my actions are my own burden to carry. Now, I will move on and Jett and Eddie will hopefully forgive me too.

This is my first re-read/listen of Rock Chick Reckoning. Now that I’ve done it, I can’t believe I held off for so long. I mean Stella is The Rock Chick. She’s the lead singer of the Blue Moon Gypsies and really cool. There were a couple of reason why I originally thought I didn’t want to re-read it, but once I was into it, I could have slapped myself for holding off for so long.

Stella is the lead singer of the Blue Moon Gypsies, but she also fills the role of carer, guidance officer and hall monitor. The men in her band (besides Floyd) are a bunch of silly blokes who never grew up. They’re good looking, pull in the groupies and get into way too much trouble. This was one of the main reasons why it didn’t take priority in my KA re-read list. These guys drove me up the wall…and Stella put up with them. They play a vital role in Stella’s life and are pretty much her family, so I kind of understood why she did. Rock Chick Reckoning sees the band go through heartache and loss, but they do love and care for each other.

Mace, Kai Mason, Hot Bunch member and Hawaiian Hottie. This guy wears a few hats, but he’s also taken a few off as well. He’s an ex-surfing and snowboarding champion. He left both professions when he has to deal with a consequence of his father’s bad decision and became…someone who Lee would want to recruit. We don’t get all the details, but let's just say that he’s on par with Luke for a scary tough guy who could kill you in the blink of an eye.

So…Stella and Mace have a history. They had been going out until Mace broke up with her because of the band and Stella keeping a part of herself closed off from him. Stella was devastated and never fully recovered. A bad guy, Sid, is looking for revenge against Lee Nightingale and the Hot Bunch. His way of hurting the men the most is by targeting the Rock Chicks. Even though Stella and Mace haven’t been together for awhile, he knows that she is Mace’s weakness. The usual action packed madness follows and we are taken on the ride to see the bad guy come to justice and the good guy gets the girl.

Both Stella and Mace have family members that suck. Mace’s dad was a horrid man. His decisions led to death and devastation. Mace turned his back on his family and moved on the only way he knew how. Stella’s family were in blood only and I was glad to see that when she had to deal with them, Mace was there to hold her hand.

We get a glimpse into the Rock Chick’s lives and catch up with the couples that were already living their happy ever afters. Shirleen, Daisy, Todd and Stevie also make guest appearances. We also meet a certain federal officer who may or may not be someone we get to know a wee bit more in another series…it’s in the future, so I won’t say any more than that.

Rock Chick Reckoning audio was another awesome story narrated by Susannah Jones. I started this one as my companion for a New Year’s exercise challenge. Some days I didn’t want to exercise, but I did want to listen to more of my story, so I was motivated to do it. I’ve sat on my exercise bike laughing, crying and grimacing. My boys walked in on one of the days I was crying and that was a bit embarrassing. I somehow managed to time it that I listened to the sexy times while I was in recovery, I’m not sure squirming would have been good on a bike. Today’s bike ride was INTENSE. My reps were high and I can tell you in that last showdown at Stella’s house with guns blazing and mad dashes to safety had my heart PUMPING. Maybe I need to read/listen to a few more intense books while I exercise.

So to finish off…Mace and Stella are now in with the other Rock Chicks as one of my favourite audios. I think we’ll categorise Rock Chick Reckoning as the Rock Chick to listen to when I need someone who understands what it’s like dealing with a family that drives you up the wall.

To buy Rock Chick Reckoning from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1QE4fee
If you buy the kindle version of Rock Chick Reckoning you can add the audio for $1.99 - BARGAIN!!

I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!!



Stella is the lead singer of the Blue Moon Gypsies and friends with a few of the Rock Chicks. The allusive Kai Mason (Mace) is the more quiet and broody member of the Hot Bunch. And these two used to be an item. A year ago, Mace broke it off. Stella isn’t sure why or what happened, but at her last gig, she showed him how much she missed him with her music. Now, something is going on with the band and Stella has to fix it... again. When she gets to her friends, she is shocked to see Mace and Luke there. Even more shocked that she gets shot at. A criminal is out there targeting the Hot Bunch’s girls. And for some reason, Stella is lumped in that category. Mace will do anything to protect her. She doesn’t understand why he even cares... He broke up with her. No real explanation. Stella and Mace were both very secretive about their pasts with each other. The more they find out, the more things start to make sense. Stella learns a little about why Mace walked away...

"The worst part of breaking up with you was lettin' me walk away."

And Mace admits what he did wasn’t the right thing... I love Mace!

“I fucked up and hurt you. It won't happen again.” His fingers tensed around my head and his deep voice dropped low. “I promise you, Kitten, it won't happen again.”

Stella has a lot in her past she needs to get through, but it’s nothing compared to Mace’s demons. I thought Vance and Jules book was difficult to read... this one just broke my heart. There were times I wanted to ring Stella’s neck... but she got it together eventually, just took her sweet ass time like some of the other Rock Chicks.



Stella and Mace have a long road ahead of them if they want to make a relationship between them work. Stella decides to do something drastic to help Mace Bringing his mother who he hasn’t seen in 7 years to Denver I was glad she did that. She redeemed herself for me in that moment.



It wouldn’t be a fantastic Rock Chick book without the humor, sexy and sweet... so here are some of my favorite quotes:

The HUMOR 


YES Shirleen, I agree!
“Any one of those boys wanted to push me around, I’d say bring it on. Hell, I’d pay for one of ‘em to move into my house. They don’t even have to do me; just walk around so I can watch. Maybe in a towel.”

True...
‘You’re infuriating and bossy but you’re hot. You weren’t, I wouldn’t put up with you.’


Ally’s reaction to Hank’s proposal...
“Ally placed her hands over her ears and changed, “La-la-la, not-listening-to-the-story-of-my-brother-proposing-while-doing-the-nasty-one-more-time, la-la-la.”

Stella even had her funny moments...
“There it is! Done! And you didn't even have to fuck me.”
He stared at me.
“But you can still fuck me if you want to,” I offered.
He kept staring at me.
“Like now. Fucking me now would be good,” I prompted.
He kept staring at me.
“Hello?...Calling Kai Mason, girlfriend needs a good fucking, right...about...now.”
That's when he spoke.
And this is what he said.
“God, I love you.”


The SEXY

“Christ, I forgot how fucking good you feel when you're beneath me."

The SWEET

“A year ago, I was too busy thinkin’ about how lucky I was that someone as beautiful and talented as you let me into her bed to be bossy. Now I know you love me, I can be as bossy as I want.”

“Do you think we're getting back together?"
"Getting? No," Mace answered then continued,
"Back together? Yes”

‘She looks at you like you turn on the sun in the morning and switch it off at night.’

What I loved... that Stella and Mace had history. I love that. They had some sizzling chemistry as well. Mace is pretty amazing. He has been through so much, yet he is still able to open up and take that step. The music was another favorite part... I wanted to just put Billy Joel’s ‘And So It Goes’ on repeat after reading! The ending was fabulous, but I was a little confused by the epilogue... I know there are two books left and the epilogue read like this was the last of the series. Regardless, it was nice to see where everyone ends up.




As much as I love the Rock Chick books, and I love Mace and Stella’s story, this one didn’t get a 5 star rating from me. The main reason is there is so many other p.o.v’s in this book! I like hearing from the other characters every now and then, but at times, it seemed like they took over the book. I wanted more Mace and Stella time. I still highly recommend this series, and to be honest, ANYTHING written by this author!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!! This book ROCKED!!
I know I’m in the minority amongst my GR friends, but this book was damn near perfect for me, and IMO, the best so far in the RC series. I loved “seven hundred and twenty-five thousand things” about it, but I especially enjoyed that Mace and Stella had history. They were an item at one time and I was fascinated by this, finding out what tore them apart, watching them mend, building on what they had and moving forward! They were BOTH stubborn, and I know, I know some of you think that Stella was at fault for the relationship breaking apart and she wasn’t quite on board about getting back together…BUT, Mace held some blame, his “test” backfired and he could have just as easily gone after Stella too. He knew her heart was broken, especially when she sang to him, although she claims she didn’t, but he knew better. We, the readers, were clued in about Mace’s tragic past, she didn't know and when the truth was finally revealed to her, she grabbed onto him and did everything in her power to help him heal and make it right between them. I applaud her. She had a disturbing childhood, and I can understand how her mind would wreak havoc on her when it came to trusting and believing that she could be good enough for someone as special as Mace! When they finally made it work...it was MAGIC!

This was definitely a little darker than the preceding books, but I think much of that had to do with Mace’s sister and the horrific circumstances surrounding her death. The other books, particularly, Jules and Vance’s book, RC Renegade, could be gruesome at times, but because this involved a child it gave it a darker, somber feel.

That’s not to say that I didn’t have my share of laughs and feel good moments. I loved Tod’s shrieking breakdown before the Lee and Indy’s wedding. The Hot Bunch and company discussing wedding food and other things wedding related…clueless! Lee and Indy’s wedding! Hank’s proposal…unbelievably HOT! Jane and her “secret”…very apropos, she’s the “fly on the wall”! Shirleen and her observations…

“Shee-it, any one of those boys wanted to push me around, I’d say bring it on. Hell, I’d pay for one of ‘em to move into my house. They don’t even have to do me; just walk around so I can watch. Maybe in a towel.”

I hear you Shirleen!! It was so unique how the story was written to include the Rock Chick/Hot Bunch couples that came before, all of them, and not just a smattering of upates, we got it straight from the horse’s mouth and some sexy time with each of them…AWESOME!

I could go on and on about this book, but the story’s been told and KA did it so well. Overall, I think why I enjoyed it so much, because I can relate. Not to the dark part of the book, but to Stella and the Rock Chicks. I was that girl singing with the band to Ghostriders. I wore that peasant blouse. I had lucky Levi’s, and cool flip-flops. I had a Journey Evolution cassette *snicker* before anyone even knew who the hell they were.
“You make me weep and wanna die
Just when you said we'd try
Lovin', touchin', squeezin' each other”
Memories…ahhhhh!! Sing it Steve Perry!

Of course there is a kick-ass trademark KA epilogue, that brought me to tears…I can’t get that picture of Stella and Mace out of my head…laughing together...and just...being! Wow! “Shitsofuckit!” It was good!

And can someone please tell me where I can get a Blue Moon Gypsie tee!!!

Kai “Mace” Mason, jade green eyes, thick, dark hair, flat, tight abs, square jaw and great skin that showed the Hawaiian ancestry!

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually my least favorite of the bunch when I first read it, but after re-reading this series going on 9 times it has moved up, and I find myself liking it more. I'm just not a huge fan of rock star books...

Re-Read January 2016 Still one of my least favorites of the series. Mace still comes off as a douche...

Re-read December 2017 -- I did a re-read of this one today. Initially, this was my least favorite of the series, but upon MANY re-reads it has now moved past book one. But Mace is still a douche. Who breaks up with a person as a TEST then cops an attitude when she is rightfully pissed off about it!

September 8th, 2018 -- I still think Mace is a douche, and every time I re-read this book it makes me remember that I really want Erik to get his own happily ever after...sigh.

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY CAN'T I STOP READING KA BOOKS???

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mace said to Stella:
"I can't be the star in your sky when you're the only star left shining in mine."

3.5 stars. This book was quite hard to rate. At a certain point it was a very weak 3-star rating. Then again, I rather enjoyed the last 30 % of the story. Ultimately it's a solid 3.5 stars but overall I just felt it was not good enough to round up to 4 stars.

I loved the above mentioned quote but unfortunately I didn't love the story. Sadly Rock Chick Reckoning couldn't live up to my expectations. The beginning did appeal to me however, at a certain point the plot took a turn in the wrong direction. Seriously, I didn't appreciate the "mind fucking". Mace, that was not nice! Mace claimed that he walked out on Stella because he wanted to make a point. It was a test and he wanted to know how she'd react. Duh?? What followed suit was an act of rather unnecessary hurtful things that they were throwing at one another. Their relationship was very bumpy and the whole story was messy. I felt like a ball that had to bounce left, right, up, and down. Quite dizzying, I'd say. I like my stories to flow rather smoothly. On top of that, there was so much drama! The drama took place in Mace and Stella's past as well as their present. Their families were so incredibly "bad" and their lives so full of s*it that ultimately it was just too exaggerated. It didn't work for me anymore.

I'm sorry to say it but my interest just petered out. I even caught myself skipping lines to accelerate the process of finishing the book. Not good. Honestly, when I was about 65 % done I wanted it to be over. Somehow that's quite shocking since I'm a KA addict to the core. Shortly afterwards I could feel a positive sign, though. Surprisingly I did quite enjoy the last 30 % of the book. It was really good and I felt more at ease with their relationship and Kristen Ashley didn't disappoint with the ending. That was well done and really satisfying.

The villain felt kind of construed. I mean there were bad guys but I couldn't detect them. It was too much telling and not enough showing. I don't know if I was missing anything but I think Sid (no spoiler) never really made an appearance. Towards the end he ended up dead. Mace took care of him. But how did he do that? He shot him but I don't know how he did it. Again, it was only about telling and not showing. Something else that I really didn't need were the flying grenades. Seriously?? Grenades?? That was totally OTT. Furthermore, the heroine saying 144 times "effing" or "ef" was definitely too much for my liking. At a certain point I got it, as in I really got it!

So far I've enjoyed so many Rock Chick stories that I shouldn't be too sad that for once it didn't quite work for me. Everyone's opinion is bound to be subjective and I think that's alright. The average rating of Rock Chick Reckoning is very high and I'm definitely a minority here. I can only say: give it a try and maybe you'll love it!

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “I Love Those Rock Chicks” Stars!!



Stella and Mace used to be a couple, until he broke it off with no explanation about a year ago and left her broken. She never get over him.
She found refuge in her music and when a member of her band has a problem and she has to go sort it out (yet again!) she finds Mace again. And despite all the feelings, she doesn’t want to be near him.



But let’s not forget that this his is a rock chick book. Therefore one of the girls is always with some kind of trouble.
The thing is: this time they are all in trouble. Some crazy psycho is after the girls of the Hot Bunch and somehow Stella got included in that group. And now Mace is pretty fixed on protect her.
The thing I still don’t understand is: Why the hell somebody was stupid enough to mess with the Nightingale Team girls?



I loved how this book had a previous background of them and how their relation didn’t just started at lightning speed.
This was a very raw and emotional book and when you starting finding out about their ghosts and understanding why Mace broke up with her you will want to cry. And in some moments slap the hell of Stella. I liked her but she was the first Rock Chick to seriously annoy me.

Lee and Indy are still my favorite couple (what can I do? I got caught up with him!) and Luke’s story is still my favorite book, but this one got close by. It was way rawer than Vance’s story.
Why am I giving it five stars? The EPILOGUE.
First I was confused and thinking: “There are still two books after this. Why this feels like the end of the series?” but after a while I didn’t care anymore.
This was basically me while reading it:



I will say it once more. I know I’m repeating myself but I really don’t care: GO READ THESE BOOKS!!!

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 ROCKING stars for the epilogue alone! *****


August 12, 2013


Not to sound like a broken record but this is still my favorite book in the series. Mace is still my main man and this book is worth the read (and multiple re-reads!) for the epilogue alone!

Bring on Ren now! Even though he was never a part of a Hot Bunch, he always came across as mighty Hot to me ... ;)


August 6th, 2013


Re-reading this one to get ready for Ally & Ren ...



January 7th, 2013

Three reasons why this is my favorite book in this series:

1. Mace



He surfs, snowboards, kicks ass & loves hard!

2. Stella



She happens to be an actual ROCK CHICK!

3. Epilogue

That includes one of my favorite scenes EVER written by KA ... when Stella says to Mace (during the concert at the very end) “Get out here, babe, I wanna kiss you ...” all while singing one of my favorite Blink-182's songs ...




Love this story. Love the fact that Mace and Stella have history and don't just end up moving in together after having just met one another.

Ladies, you can have your Luke, Lee, Eddie, etc. 'cause I am just fine with having Mace all to myself!

Aloha!

[Kellie Maddox-Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indy, redheaded, blue-eyed and built; Ally, dark-haired, brown eyed and slim; Jet honey blonde, green eyed and pretty; Roxie, also blonde but darker, blue-eyed and seriously stylish; Ava, another blonde, totally knockout, bombshell gorgeous with light brown eyes and Jules movie star glamour. These weren’t exactly your average women.
Hells yeah you got that Right Stella! They aren’t your average women they are the “Rock Chicks!”

= = > I may swear and have small spoilers! .Don’t say you weren’t warned < = =
KA Is a genius!

I actually REALLY enjoyed this story.
I can totally understand where some people are coming from and didn’t like it because it was so much more darker than the others so far.
I think that’s what made me like it. The fact it wasn’t like the other books.

Pro’s

Written from more than one POV – I LOVED THIS! We got not only in Stella’s head, but we got Hank, Jules, Ava, Mace, Indy, Jet and the sneaky little thing Jane.
I loved when the girls were watching the couples and feeling their connections. It was just brilliant!

Kai “Mace” Mason – Fuck I love that name.. It’s just the kinda name that you know he’s gunna be hot! But we already knew this about Mace from previous books. The broody one. The one will gives slight smiles when he finds things funny but doesn’t laugh. The Hawaiian guy who’s an ex surfer and ex snowboarder. The guy who has demons.
And also the guy who put it his foot down! He told Stella she only had one chance, and if she threw it in his face he was done. She did, so he left. (Obviously we know he came back but you get what I mean!)
He has a fucking dirty filthy mouth on him and everything he says is brutally honest. Even if it hurts. He is the badass of them all and known to go Maverick. I just loved him!
Yes people didn’t like him because of his “test” with Stella. I totally got why he did it. Maybe they could of just TALKED, but that would have defeated the purpose of the chase and this book I suppose.

Stella Gunn - A True Rock Chick! Oh don’t get me wrong I wanted to stab her in the eye when she threw her “chance” back in Mace’s face! But she made for it!
I can gush forever about her but its just Love.

The Epilogue I know some people hated it but it left me feeling amazing. I literally had the shot of Stella running to Mace them making out on stage him dipping her imbedded in my brain the whole day. In my Head it even faded out from a scene and turned to a black and white photo in the Rolling Stone. Just amazing!

All the Rock Chicks They are just awesome. Full Stop.

Shirleen! Man I love her! She’s just makes these books. Well her and Tex.

Tex One funny Mo’Fo.. He made a bomb, then went and made coffee like it was an everyday thing LOL

The weddings and Engagements Indy’s wedding sounded beautiful. I thought it would be rock chick, but it was perfect for her. All the engagements were super cute too!

Jane - That sneaky little thing! Leaking their stories!

THE SOUNDTRACK Yes that had to be in SHOUTY CAPITALS. I played Pearl Jam’s Black as she was singing it as I just had to! All the music that is mentioned in this book is phenomenal. Well all the music that’s always mentioned is.

CON’S
Preston Mason What an effing douchebag!

Sid I didn’t really get who he was and all that jazz. Yeah they were all in danger but they didn’t say much about him till heaps later, also no mention of him in earlier books. If they had all been working on it for yrs should there have been?

The Epilogue While I LOVED “seven hundred and twenty-five thousand things” about it. I hated knowing who ended up with who and how many kids they had etc. (well I secretly liked it a little) I was just annoyed that it jumped 5 yrs and the next book came back to the same time frame. Just weird. If this was the last in the book I could get that.

I can’t really think of much more atm but may add more later when I’m not so hung-over and can think straight.


Fav Quotes

Shee-it, any of those boys wanted to push me around, I’d say bring it on. Hell, I’d pay for one of ‘em to move into my house. They don’t even have to do me; just walk around so I can watch. Maybe in a towel.” –Shirleen
………………………………….
“La-la-la, not-listening-to-the-story-of-my-brother-proposing-while-doing-it-la-la-la” – Ally
…………………………………
“A year ago, I was too busy thinkin’ about how lucky I was that someone as beautiful and talented as you let me into her bed to be bossy. Now I know you love me, I can be as bossy as I want.” –Mace
…………………………………
“Lucky for me, you also got great hair, great eyes, great legs and an unbelievable heart-shaped ass, still when inside you and I hear your throaty fuckin’ voice of yours beggin’ me to fuck you harder, I swear it takes everything I got to keep control and not come.” – Mace
…………………………………
“She looks at you like you turn on the sun in the morning and switch it off at night” – Chloe
………………………………….
“Down Mace Slut! My brain commanded.- Stella
……………………………….
“I can’t be the star in your sky when you’re the only star left shining in mine.” – Mace
……………………………….

[Ingie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written March 10, 2015

3 1/2 Stars - A lot of 'Chick' fun once again

Book #6

This is just more and more like a series about a very big gang of lovely hilarious crazy people. This IS smexy romantic suspense in the best way.

My Summer 2014 romance-project was to listening to all eight audiobooks. I did five so it was about time to go back to this crazy "rock-chick-girls" and sexy gorgeous "hot-bunch-alpha-men" in Denver once again.



Fun, fun, fun, exiting speedy and HOT, as always..
I really enjoyed this part but I also felt it was a bit to much about to many characters and I'd wished for a more tightly told story about the main couple here. A shorter book with less pages had made it even better for me. Anyway I'll of course continue this funny hot and romantic suspense series.

***********************************************

'Reckoning' — Stella & Mace's story

It was the lead singer and lead guitarist of the Blue Moon Gypsies, Stella Gunn's to get a "hot-bunch' man there in Denver. This 'Rock Chick' girl choosed another swoon-whorty Nightingale-agent, the former famous surfer Kai "Mace" Mason. This was their second chance to get it together and it was of course a wild rollercoaster journey.

“I fucked up and hurt you. It won't happen again.” His fingers tensed around my head and his deep voice dropped low. “I promise you, Kitten, it won't happen again.”

These two had an unusual big amount of old heavy shįt to carry on. Terrible previous experiences, tough and nasty relationships with parents etc, etc. I was actually deeply touched to tears now and then. I never hesitated, I liked and tried to understand them both and I felt their love and attraction.

‘There was something very sexy about Mace going commando. Very sexy.
Down Mace Slut! My brain commanded’

Reckoning is without doubt a solid good RC-installment even if I had wanted a larger part dedicated to only Stella and Mace. - ...I liked the doggie.

***********************************************

The audiobook edition...
This sixth part was once again a pretty long (17 hrs) audiobook narrated by Susannah Jones. Always nicely done. I can't imagine a better voice for these books by now. ~ Applauses!!

These audiobooks are also comparatively cheap if you have already bought the kindle edition or buy it at the same time. Good and well written Kristen Ashley entertainment for very little money. (I just paid $6 for the ebook and audio.)

***********************************************

These seventeen audiobooks hours ended in a interesting and sweet "in the future" epilogue. (Was this meant to be the last book?) Good to hear about them all, happy, h@rny and with families and stuff, in the future.

There are already next to 1.000 reviews (mostly happy) for 'Reckoning' so I don't think there is more to add. Just fun & crazy times in Denver once more.

I LIKE - they are irresistible enjoying to be with


********
The Rock Chick series, my reviews:

Six done so far:
#1 - Rock Chick (3.5 stars), Indy & Lee
#2 - Rock Chick Rescue (3.8 stars), Jet & Eddie.
#3 - Rock Chick Redemption (4.3 stars), Roxie & Hank
#4 - Rock Chick Renegade (4.0 stars), Jules & Vance
#5 - Rock Chick Revenge (4.5 stars), Ava & Luke
#6 - Rock Chick Reckoning (3.5 stars), Stella & Mace (this one)
#7 - Rock Chick Regret, Sadie & Hector (next up)

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Review - August 30-31, 2013

Looking at my original review, I had given this 3.5 stars, but bumped it up to 4 because of the epilogue. Apparently this was, at the time, my least favorite of the Rock Chick stories. After my re-read, however, I've gained a new, huge, appreciation for Mace and Stella, and I've decided there really is no "least favorite" story. There are some I like better than others, sure, but none deserving a label of "least".

Kristen Ashley is a brilliant storyteller and she really knows how to take us inside the hearts and souls of her characters. It rarely matters what they're doing, it's the way they do it that makes the story for me. Passionate, poignant, funny, burn up the pages sexy...Stella and Mace do it all, and they do it in a way that made me fall in love with them, all over again!

New rating - 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.


Original Review-:


Here it is, short and sweet:

Rock Chick Reckoning is the sixth book in the Rock Chick series, and even though it isn't a favorite, it's still such an awesome story… but then again, it’s a Kristen Ashley book, so how could it be anything but?

Mace and Stella are fantastic characters whose relationship really is the driving force behind this particular story. While the plot is exciting and we get to see all the Rock Chicks and their Hot Bunch men in rare form indeed, it was Mace and Stella’s page time that kept me coming back for more.

This book is really a 3.5 star read, but the epilogue was great and pushed it up to 4 stars for me!


-----
If you're a Kristen Ashley addict, or just interested in checking her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated 5 Stars - 5/16/14

So after my millionth re-read of this I finally realize that my original review is total bullshit. I rated it 4 stars and said I didn't feel as "drawn" to Mace and Stella.

Pfffft. I must have been high on crack when I wrote that because this and Sadie/Hector's story are my two most re-read Rock Chick stories.

I LOVE Stella and Mace. They have history. Also, I just love stories where music and lyrics are a part of the story line.

Pearl Jam is one of my favorite bands of all time and that scene regarding "Black?" A song that Pearl Jam originally refused to release as a single because they considered it such a personal song? Fucking swoon.

My Original Idiot Review:

I didn't feel as drawn to Mace and Stella as I have to all of the other book pairings. I still enjoyed it though.

[KristenReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 to 4 stars

I enjoyed this book for the most part. Rock Chick Reckoning definitely has a darker, grittier, and more intense feel to it, which I prefer to the early Kristen Ashley Rock Chick books. 

There are two elements about this book I find very odd: 

1. Kristen Ashley includes an end of series epilogue in this particular book. Why, when there are still two books left in the series?

2. Unbeknownst to the reader, the author has very cleverly interwoven the involvement of a side character throughout the plots in this series. Instead of waiting until the last book, Kristen Ashley reveals this character's involvement in the overall plot of the series in book six. Makes you go hmmmmm?

Overall, however, this book was a good read. 

If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read: April 22, 2012

Loved Mace and Stella's story! I really don't think KA can write a 'bad' story!

Second read: May 13-15, 2014

Really enjoyed this re-read





.. but I had to ask my self HOW DID I MISS THE NAMES OF THE FUTURE HOOK-UPS IN THE EPILOGUE?
KA gave us Hector and Sadie, and Ally in Ren in this epilogue.


*shaking my head in shame at myself*

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am I the only one who finds the Rock Chicks annoying?
Rate: 2.5/3 stars.

[Katy Loves Romance ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be the darkest and most gripping but Intense Rockchick book upto now!!


BLURB
Stella is the lead guitarist of 'her' band(the Blue Moon Gypsies). She used to be with Mace but he broke up with her and a year later Stella is still holding onto her broken heart, but when she gets a call in the middle of the night 'Again'to sort out some trouble from her band which she alway seems to have to clean up, she runs into Mace with a load of police, PI's and ends up getting shot... Mace doesn't like that his ex-girlfiend got shot in front of him, and Stella doesn't want Mace to keep her alive from the BAD man, nor does he like that all the rock chick's are in the firing line, but he's not giving her a choice to run any longer and so it begins.....


Stella fights him to start with as all the rock chicks do, he hurt her and walked away well that's what she thought he did..!!! She continues to try and push him away but once she relizes that she still loves him and he actually never really walked away from her they work through there troubles together and fight together to stay together.

"The worst part of breaking up with you was lettin' me walk away."

"I'm sorry I fought you, Mace,"
I whispered.
"But now that your mine again,
I'm never going to let you go."

Kai Mason(Mace)
Mace has Demons that he's dealing with of every minute, of every hour, of every day. He has a past that he is dealing with.... once Stella and Mace sort there s*** out, Stella see's his demons in his eyes and swears to heal him, make him whole again and help him to be happy!!
Mace comes from money 'Alot' of money and his dad is a first class prick, Dick and Arshole to name a few select words!! He doesn't want Stella near Mace, he doesn't want his past to come out, nor does he care about his children, he only cares for his self and his money!!


Lana and Chloe, Maces 'Moms'
Mace hasn't seen his mum nor his stepmom for 7 years... but Stella reunites them....

We love her,"Chloe whispered,changing the subject to Stella. "She's perfect for you."
"She's beautiful. She's talented," Chloe went on and Mace turned his gaze to her to see her face soft. "And she looks at you like you turn on the sun in the morning and switch it off at night."

There's a wedding... Lee and Indy's which I thought was just right foor them... Lots of romance and laughter in parts.

This book is written in lots of different characters thoughts, so we see into Jules and Vance, Roxie and Hank... his proposal is 'cough' 'cough'(I wish my hubby proposed to me like that!!!)Amaze-balls. This I enjoyed, I felt that this book as a whole wasn't just about Mace and Stella but about them all!!!

We get a great epilogue which we see into the future so as much as I did love it, I don't really understand why Kristen Ashley wrote this in this book as we still have Hector and Sadie's story and Ally and Rens!! we see into them as parents etc.... which is awesome but think I would have prefered it in Ally's book!!

I completely fell for Mace though being as he's very quiet, and you don't really know much about him in the other Rock chicks I loved learning all about him!!

Overall This has a very dark feel to it but has some light hearted Rock chick with lots of BADASS men and some rock and roll mixed in being as Stella is in a band!!

" I can't be the star in your sky when you're the only star left shining in mine."- This pretty much sums the book for me!!!

Christ, I forgot how fucking good you feel when you're beneath me."

And yes lots of steamy scenes to enjoy!!!!!

Go and meet Mace, I loved him <3

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading one Kristen Ashley book a week since about November and I still have so many to go. You’d think I’d start to get bored with her writing or the romance or the couples. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I get so lost in them sometimes I forget to do anything else until it is over and that is totally what happened to me in this book. I finished it in a day and meant to go back and write updates or a review…but alas I totally failed.

What you need to know

This is book 6 of a series. Even though you could read it as a standalone that is just silly start with Rock Chick and if that is your cup of tea then you will love the rest of the ride.

I loved Mace and Stella’s story. They dated for about five months and then broke up. It becomes clear pretty early that had they actually got to know each other while dating/sleeping together they could have saved themselves some time but what fun would that be.

The other thing that is great about this specific book and why I probably got so drawn into it was the fact that it included everyone from the prior books in a bigger way as it seems someone has declared war on the Nightingale men and all their women are in trouble. Mix in some Tex, Daisy and Shirleen and you have what amounts to a bang up story.

I’ve been waiting to read about Mace’s history since we learned how he lost his sister back in book 2 and it did not disappoint. It was heart-wrenching and I cheered with Stella every time she dispensed one of his demons back to the grave.

Don’t read the Epilogue

I’m not sure why but this book has an epilogue set about 5 years in the future. That would be fine but there are 2 more books and couples in this series. If you read the epilogue then you know who they will end up with. It isn’t a huge spoiler but I wish I would have known that before I read the epilogue.

It was cute to learn about the new families and such but still I wish I would have waited so it didn’t seem like the series was already over.

[Lana *Best left alone with books and snacks* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why did you have to mess with a fine working formula, miss Ashley?

Now, this is how it usually works: Rock Chick gets in some kind of trouble, Rock Chick meets Hot Bunch Guy, insta lust, denial, Hot Bunch Guy goes after Rock Chick, Rock Chick stubbornly tries to not get involved, Hot Bunch Guy patiently puts up with her bullshit, bang bang shoot shoot, kidnapping, chase, rescue, Rock Chick gives into the Hot Bunch Guy, happy end. That's what I'm used to, that's what I'm counting on.

What did we get here? Rock Chick (Stella) met Hot Bunch Guy (Mace) quite a while ago, they were in a relationship, he dumped her, she sang to him, she got shot at because of him, now he needs to protect her and naturally he wants her back.

This is what I had problem with. HE DUMPED HER. A YEAR ago. They were together for MONTHS. And they didn't know each other AT ALL. How is that even possible in a Hot Bunch universe? That's not what these boys do. They see what they want, they go after what they want, they don't take no for an answer. And it takes them at most a week. How? Just how did Mace and Stella manage to mess it all up for the series?



And another thing. Stella's swearing. What the hell kind of swear word is Shitsofuckit!? It annoyed me to an unimaginable level. Even more than effing. And that says something. I hate the word effing.


That's how you do it in a grown up world

There was also this thing of multiple POVs that made me not very happy. I hope it was just an experiment and won't get into next books. It just didn't work for this series. Too many characters. We need to focus on just one couple at a time. Comprende, miss Ashley?



All of that really pissed me off, but around the half of the book I was mostly over it. Shit got more serious, and anyway I was too tired from two flights to be a proper bitch, so I let it go. It was fun in the end.

Over and out

P.S.: This was my ...

Mace


Stella


P.P.S.: Alannah Myles's Black Velvet is totally my new obsession

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series! I could easily name seven hundred and twenty five thousand things that I adore about this series, but that will take too long, so I’ll just talk about book 6 – Mace and Stella.

God, I love Mace!! I never really got much of a feel for him in the earlier books of the series, apart from a brief (and very interesting) appearance in book 2 Rock Chick Rescue, then again at the end of book 5 Rock Chick Revenge, where he was discovered sharing an intensely smouldering eye-f**k with Stella, lead singer of the Gypsies.

Mace and Stella had history – a brief but intense romance which left Stella broken hearted. When Mace forces himself back into her life (in true Hot Bunch Guy style), it’s the usual tug of war, denial of feelings and stupidity that goes on until she finally caves.

“Broody Mace looks pleased?” I asked. We all knew what that meant. Been there done that, had the t-shirt.
Stella had been laid.

Seeing the two of them come back together was very intense. Yes, Stella had some baggage from her past, but Mace was the one with the truly tragic background. He had very strong feelings for Stella but was so damaged by what happened to his sister it broke my heart.

“I can’t be the star in your sky when you’re the only star left shining in mine.”

And this leads us to the little twist in this usual Rock Chick formula, where Stella is the one who realises that Mace is it for her, and she latches on and refuses to let go. She opens up to him, fights for him and forces him to deal with his demons, literally pulling him through it all. And I loved that about her!

This book is a lot darker than earlier books in the series. Not only because Mace’s past was so tragic and he and Stella had so much to deal with, but also because, for the first time, all of our Rock Chicks were in danger. And not the kind of danger that leads to the usual bitch fights in a strip joint, stun gunning, food fights and hilarious car chases… but REAL danger. This leads to some emotional scenes as the protective tenderness of the boys come out, and at one point I actually cried, the scenes were so beautifully written!!

On the upside of all of this danger though, we get to spend a lot of time with all of the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch (yay!). Including the big wedding we've all been waiting for!!! The REALLY exciting part is that we get multiple POVs – quality time with each of the couples from the previous books – and not just any time, but gorgeously swoony, intimate time (particularly with Hank and Roxie *sigh*). I also love that we got our very first glimpse into the secret world of the Hot Bunch! Watching the boys in all of their uber-badassness without their girls around was brilliant.

And now to the music…

The Rock Chicks are big music fans of course, and music has always played a part in the series, but this book has a real focus on it and really should come with its own soundtrack. In the beginning of the book Kristen Ashley encourages her readers to listen to the songs that Stella uses to express herself while reading the scenes. I did this and it was AMAZING!!! So do yourself a favour, and read this book with a source of music nearby. Ashley does a sensational job of describing a scene, bringing the emotion, and then when she adds music into it, it’s almost multi-sensory overload!

If nothing else, when Pearl Jam’s ‘Black’ makes it epic appearance in the book, be sure to play it and it will absolutely give you tingles!! 'Open Arms' by Journey will make you cry, and Blink 182s ‘All the Small Things’ - SHITSOFUCKIT – the visual image that goes with this song is burned into my brain forever!!!

Once you have read the book, this quote will make you shiver and squee all at once - “Get out here, babe, I wanna kiss you.”

Which brings me to the Epilogue, which is FREAKING EPIC!!! I’m a little confused why Ashley chose to put an Epilogue which is based 5 years into the future at the end of book 6 and not wait until the end of the series (especially as it gives us spoilers for the next two books). But regardless, I’m so glad I got to read it, everything is wrapped up in a gorgeously happy HEA.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 3.75 ***

Another read with my Kristen Ashley's addicts support group at BB&B

We are back in Denver, Rock Chick and Hot Dudes haven!!! ( I really think we should probably all move that way, it sounds very love-hotness promising) Among all the hotties, we get to learn more about Hawaiian stud Mace and THE ROCK CHICK Stella - the lead singer and babysitter of the Blue Moon Gypsies Band. She has her hands full with her band-mates, who obviously belong with the lost kids and Peter Pan and stir up just as much trouble. Stella has been around for a while and is a good friend of the original Rock Chicks - Alley and Indy. Thus, at one point the previous year she had met a member of the Chicks entourage, security man, ex-surfer Kai Mason, or Mace. We learn it was attraction at first site and they were together for a while. But the hot dumb-ass dude broke it off and now both are healing their relationship wounds. However, apparently the hopping world of Denver is small (it is a humongous city, believe me, I almost got lost there several times!) and faith, or most accurately a death and a drive-by AK47 shooting, throws them back into each-others' lives and they have to figure out what is it that keeps pulling on their heartstrings and are they going to have a chance to selvage it...

This book gives us a bit of everyone we already have fallen in love with, but i have to say that Jules has realy grown on me. Also, Daisy is my girl and Tex..... Oooooooo, Tex!!!! Some are awaiting a baby, some are about to get married, and some keep being as crazy as we love them:):):) It also introduces us to members of Stella and Maces' families and some of them are adorable, but some truly suck! I wanted to throw my Kindle down and stomp on it several times dew to their ... stupidity and harshness would be only the two least negative things i can say about them... Both have had family trauma which has left them scarred and distrusting, another barrier in their road to happiness.

The Rock Chick Reckoning is the sixth installment in the series and it is full of the fun stuff we have grown to expect - shootings, murders, car chases, sexy times, kidnappings and explosions - what more can a person want????!!!! It is written in the familiar everyday relaxed manner and the banter is as sharp as ever. The relationship was much more believable on her side though, his felt more like a conquest and possession then the love she obviously feels for him. There were some things I had issues with as well, but they had more to do with the actions of the main characters and the constant no-reason bickering, than with the quality of the book itself. KA keeps being successful at engaging us, making us root for the ensemble of characters and deepens our relationship with the gang and relatives. It was not the best book in the series, but it was still a Rock Chick Book and it hit a special spot in my heart, reserved only for KA.

Thanks once more for the comfortable corner of BB&B, which hosts our KA support group buddy reads, and thank especially to my reading buddies - you make this addiction even sweeter:):):)

Now I wish all a wonderful Superball weekend and find time for some relaxing reads! Books for EVER!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well shit. Each time I finish one of these, I am certain that the high I’ve been riding on is sure to settle. That I just can’t love the next one as much. But yep. Mace and Stella’s story was fantastic. I think I like them broken. Because there is no doubt that Mace is broken.

As all hell breaks loose, the Rock Chicks become the target of a dangerous man, set to make sure the men pay for interfering in his crimes. With Eddie and Hank working with the crew to make a huge bust, a big play is made to show them that they need to back down. Stella never figured she’d end up in the midst of flying bullets, it’s been a year since Mace left, she isn’t quite a Rock Chick, but what she doesn’t realize that even though Mace walked away – he never let go of his claim on her.

Now we knew Mace was going to be a complicated guy. A guy doesn’t survive watching is sister die, live with those demons and come out smelling like roses. But Stella never realized that Mace was just waiting for her to stake her own claim. Make her own stance. To fight for him. To find him worth fighting for.

But as the story of Stella and Mace unfolds, we are still right in the middle of a war and everyone is at risk. But Stella is quickly realizing that even with all the danger around her, she is willing to risk everything if it means showing Mace that she is willing to give him more than she takes.

There was something so beautiful about these two lost souls finding each other. Everything thing else happening faded into the background when they were together. I couldn’t focus on anything outside of the two of them. My heart broke for them both and I loved that these two found something so perfect together. Two broken halves that fit perfectly together.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great narration again but this wasn't my favorite story. I was annoyed by the multiple POV and the epilogue that spoiled the next two books!

[Arini · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

too unbothered to be bothered to form any thoughts...

i think i kinda like Mace, but Stella shouldve picked that other guy. also, if she loved Mace and was so heartbroken when he broke up with her, then she shouldve dug deeper and tried to fight for him or at least have enough dignity by not giving in too easily and embarrassing herself the first chance he demanded they were back together and threw himself at her. OR maybe she shouldve just gotten herself shot sooner to get Mace back.

idk this book is stoOoopid cause nothing made sense.

(read as an audiobook)

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried to stay away, really I did, but I just can’t seem to kick my Kristen Ashley obsession. I managed two whole books by another author before I fell off the wagon. They’re just so much fun – they’re irresistible and I’ve just got to feed the habit!
So back we go to the Nightingale Hotties and their Rock Chicks – this time the turn of the delicious Mace and his ex, Stella, who is a bonafide Rock chick, actually a guitarist and singer with a band. Mace has dumped Stella a year before and she is so not over him. Remember back in Rock Chick Revenge how she sang ‘I’m so lonesome, I could cry’ only to him despite being in a room full of hundreds of people? Oh, they’re not done, not by a long shot.
This one begins with a well-orchestrated Al Qaeda style attack on the Hot Bunch and their Rock Chicks. Sid is our nefarious villain and he is subject to a police and Nightingale investigation overseen by Mace. They’re getting close to bringing him down so he decides on an all-out attack on the Rock Chicks as a warning to back off. Stella finds herself caught right in the middle of it and takes a bullet to her hip. Thankfully, it’s just a flesh wound but Mace is incensed with rage that Stella has been shot right in front of him.
‘War’ Mace declares and the rest of the Hot Bunch agree.
They all take refuge in chavtastic Daisy and Malcolm’s ‘Castle’ and it’s here that Mace manages to overhear a conversation Stella has with the rest of the Rock Chick crew about her childhood, how her parents made her feel, how Mace made her feel and he begins to understand some of the issues that drove him away a year ago. In true KA Alpha-man style, Mace comes over all Neanderthal, drags Stella from the room by the wrist, declares that she is once again his woman and will hear no objections. Stella disagrees.

We have the usual disagreements and misunderstandings as the story progresses but this one is quite heart wrenching – Mace has a truly tragic past, one which has given him emotional ‘demons’ and, slowly, we see Stella start to exorcise them. It’s lovely.

This is, as usual, written from Stella’s POV in the first person but we get several chapters told from the POV of some of the other rock chicks. We have a very dynamic marriage proposal and Lee and Indy finally get wed which was lovely to see.

We get to find out a bit more about the mysterious Jane. I’ve often wondered her purpose in these books – she’s ever present but only gets a few mentions in each book. She’s of indeterminate age, tall, thin, constantly has her head buried in a romance novel, she’s quiet and pathologically shy. I often wondered if this was perhaps a manifestation of Kristen Ashley or us the reader in her novels but she gets a chapter right at the end and we find out what she is doing with all her knowledge of the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch.

We get a 5 year epilogue which is a first for the Rock Chick books and, bizarrely, includes a HEA for the couples for the next 2 books, one of which isn’t even written yet. It’s very sweet, Kristen Ashley really does give good epilogue, and told from Ava’s POV but quite strange, I thought. It felt very end of seriesish despite the fact there are 2 more books to go. Perhaps would have been best left to the end of book 8.

4 stars romantic suspense.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy effing hell. This book rocked! Rock Chick Reckoning wasn’t my favorite of the Rock Chicks, not even close, but that’s comparatively speaking. Standing alone without the competition of the previous 5 books in this series it would be amazing!

Kai “Mace” Mason has demons that even he can’t outrun or beat. Witnessing his beloved sister’s murder he left all he ever knew and began a mission of revenge. Once all revenge was meted out he was recruited into the Hot Bunch headed up by Lee Nightingale. This group has always been a perfect fit for Mace. He’s unhappy, surly and has a barely contained fury at all times. When his ex-girlfriend starts getting shot at it brings back all kinds of bad feelings and puts Stella right back into his life.

The Nightingale Private Investigations Team, all of them highly qualified, intensely skilled, morally dubious, but totally super cool.

Stella Gunn is the lead singer and den mother of the Blue Moon Gypsies. She was the one to take care of everyone. So, who could blame her? She fell in love with Mace a year before. He took care of her for a change. She had 4 wonderful months with him and then he walked out on her. The loss of everything she felt in those months rocked her world and changed everything. There’s a price on the head of all of the Rock Chicks and she, like it or not, is one of the Rock Chicks. This throws her right back into the personal territory of Kai Mason and all of her feelings she has tried to bury.

“I fucked up and hurt you. It won’t happen again.” His fingers tensed around my head and his deep voice dropped low. “I promise you, Kitten, it won’t happen again.”

It broke my heart to watch Mace suffer the way he did. It was painful to watch both Mace and Stella open up to each other and face the demons that they both had buried. Maybe that’s why this wasn’t my favorite of the series, the book was filled with pain and angst. It was broken up by the Rock Chicks and some of their antics, but it just wasn’t enough to balance the pain. Thank goodness Mace and Stella get their balance in the end, but it was a long time coming.

After having a life of no love for so long, finding a guy who could love so deep that he’d sacrifice everything to avenge someone he cared about felt effing great.

You can find this review and others at http://tinar1121.blogspot.com

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Seriously! Amazeballs! Loved it!

Freaking fantastic story. It had everything I've come to love from KA and in the Rock Chic series. Excellent, detailed story with great characters, a bit of funny with some sexy throw in, a lot of emotion and drama. I thought this story in particular was super intense. The other books have been pretty intense as well but between Mace and Stella's complicated relationship, Mace’s past, and all the drama happening, this was off the charts!

Mace and Stella, these two are something else. That push and pull that people have when you can see their chemistry, they had it. That first 25% was killer because there was so much tension and so much happening right away, it was a wild ride. When all the little details start to unfold, I swear I was holding my breath, completely pulled in.

Love Stella, her dog, and her band. I think Stella is an awesome addition to the Rock Chick bunch. Mace was pretty amazing. I do wish there would have been more from his POV but when there was, it blew me away. His story, the details of his past, it was heartbreaking so to witness and I felt his healing throughout the book. I was a wonderful thing.

Loved all the different POV's that were included. I love how the women and men are always so there for one another. They are this true family from their bickering to their comradely and caring. It is just so great!

Seriously awesome read with an excellent build and pace. Fantastic addition to the series. The epilogue blew me away. LOVED all those details and seeing where everyone was at and updated on families and all that good stuff. I swear I feel like I know these people and they're fictional characters. Love this series so much!

[Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read September 17, 2013


Mace
"The worst part of breaking up with you was you lettin' me walk away. It was so good between us, I didn't think in a million fuckin' years you'd let me walk away."

Oh man!! This series is awesome!! I have loved re-reading it and can totally see me reading it again someday!! This book still is my second fave of the series. No one can compare to my love for Lucas Stark, but Mace is for sure a close second. Something about those men who are badass but have demons haunting them that get me every time. Of course I also love the silent type guys who only say the bare minimum but when they give it to you, be prepared, because it's honest and straight to the point. LOVE LOVE LOVE this type of story. I loved getting all of the POV's from the other characters, which ultimately may be part of the reason why I love this book so much. Getting into all of my other fave's characters heads again was just a happy bonus. I will say again, the scene where Stella sings Black to Mace is just epic for me. I'm not sure why but it just stands out for me and like I think I've already said below, the way KA wrote that it was like I was there, in the audience watching it. KA AWESOMENESS!!!! If you haven't read this series you are totally missing out. Believe me. I've read all but Ally's story and the second time around it's just as good as the first!! :) In the words of KA....ROCK ON!! :)

First Read Review January 15, 2013
Let me just start by saying I am so sad I'm getting close to the end of this series. I still have two books left but I have come to love these characters so much, I will miss spending time with them in Fortnum's sipping coffee and gossiping. These characters have truly touched my heart.

This book was Mace and Stella's story. Stella is lead singer of the Blue Moon Gypsie's. 3 in the morning one her members call her in frantic needing help. She rushes to his side, to find there is nothing she can do to help and besides that the cops have beat her there including 2 of HOT BUNCH guys, one of them being Mace. Mace broke Stella's heart a year ago. Not having time to process what's going on, bullets start flying one hitting Stella. In that moment it is the beginning of war. The Hot Bunch vs Sid Carter. Carter has not only shot Stella but also shot at all of the Rock Chicks in different locations at the same time. Stella's isn't sure how she got drug into this seeing as she is not a Rock Chick or with one of the HOT BUNCH. Mace realizes he is still in love with Stella and starts trying to get her back in the HOT BUNCH bossy way. Stella has to protect herself, this guy has broke her heart just like everyone else in her life and knows she can NOT let him back in. Losing him again will destroy her. And as Rock Chick books go the story begins.



There is so much drama in this story. A bad guy Sid Carter is after Lee and the boys, but taking is aim out on the Rock Chicks to send a message to them. Mace is dealing with a very dark past that he is keeping from Stella. Mace's dad is coming after Lee and Stella to get to Mace. The assistant DA decides to not help Lee and in turn goes after Shirleen, Jules, Lee and whoever he can take down. Tex gets kidnapped and rescues himself by blowing the building up he was being held in. Indy and Lee's wedding is all of the chaos of this. Plus, Mace and Stella trying to work out their relationship.



I have to say my favorite scene in this whole book was the scene between Mace and Stella in the bar. Stella knows she has to protect her heart from Mace. She has to send him the message that it is over to please stop his pursuits and leave her be. Her best way of expression is through her music. So as a surprise last song she sings Black by Pearl Jam directly to him. The crowd grows quiet listening. Stella looses herself in the song. She opens her eyes to see Mace coming toward the stage. He steps up grabs her guitar and twists it behind her, wraps his arms around her dips her back and kisses her right on stage. The crowd is shocked but gets into and starts cheering, all the while the ending music of the song is played around them. I have to say, this scene completely got me. A GR friend, Kellie, had mentioned before I got to, but I was completely unprepared for the feelings it would give me. KA wrote this scene perfectly. NEVER, have I been able to picture a scene like this scene in my mind. I literally had tears running down my face. It was pure perfection and completely beautiful.

"You didn't get it,"Stella whispered.
I really really needed him to get it. But he didn't understand that he turned my world to black and he didn't didn't get it that I couldn't go through that again.
"No, Kitten, you don't get it," Mace whispered back.
"Let me go, Mace."
Instead he spoke. And what he said with the background soundtrack of the repeating end notes of a soul-destroying rock song changed my fucking life.
"I can't be the star in your sky when you're the only star left shining in mine."
That was right before the gunshots rang out.



I can't really say much more about this series than what I already have in the previous reviews. All of the characters have touched my heart. There is a little bit for everyone. Love, Friendships through thick and thin, angst, steam, suspense, thrilling moments, characters that have you rolling around laughing. I just can't say enough. If you haven't read it, your missing out. Bump it up your list. You will NOT be disappointed. :)