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Raven Song
If your favorite rock star got drunk and crashed your favorite rom-com and ad-libbed all of his lines, you'd get something like Raven Song.
"...a punk rock Lady and the Tramp..." - Goodreads Reviewer
"If Hallmark had a hard-drinking, sweary, tatted-up rock star Disney princess, and clearly they should, it would be Raven Xerces." - Goodreads Reviewer
This is the story of a harried zoologist, a haunted rock star and the belt that ties them together.
“Take my belt.”
Stanzie Butler could not miss her flight. The most important trip of her career was on the line, and this rude, loud, unkempt hooligan was not going to ruin it with his dress code violation.
Raven Xerces, the notorious rock star with a tortured past, troubled present and uncertain future, seemed to be doing all he could to sabotage Stanzie’s flight. And like a bad penny, he just kept turning up.
When Stanzie’s layover leads her to Raven once again, he tries to make amends, and Stanzie discovers that this obnoxious tabloid star isn’t at all what she expected.
Raven Song is a story for dreamers, believers, rockers and lovers. A girl-next-door meets bad boy rock n roll romance that’s sexy, fun and full of memorable characters, dark family secrets, colorful sidekicks, layered song lyrics, a talking raven, a clowder of cats, an endangered addax, a nest of sea turtles, a trip to the zoo, fine vintage guitars, a bottle of hair dye, some new tattoos, and a whole lot of rock n roll.
"...a punk rock Lady and the Tramp..." - Goodreads Reviewer
"If Hallmark had a hard-drinking, sweary, tatted-up rock star Disney princess, and clearly they should, it would be Raven Xerces." - Goodreads Reviewer
This is the story of a harried zoologist, a haunted rock star and the belt that ties them together.
“Take my belt.”
Stanzie Butler could not miss her flight. The most important trip of her career was on the line, and this rude, loud, unkempt hooligan was not going to ruin it with his dress code violation.
Raven Xerces, the notorious rock star with a tortured past, troubled present and uncertain future, seemed to be doing all he could to sabotage Stanzie’s flight. And like a bad penny, he just kept turning up.
When Stanzie’s layover leads her to Raven once again, he tries to make amends, and Stanzie discovers that this obnoxious tabloid star isn’t at all what she expected.
Raven Song is a story for dreamers, believers, rockers and lovers. A girl-next-door meets bad boy rock n roll romance that’s sexy, fun and full of memorable characters, dark family secrets, colorful sidekicks, layered song lyrics, a talking raven, a clowder of cats, an endangered addax, a nest of sea turtles, a trip to the zoo, fine vintage guitars, a bottle of hair dye, some new tattoos, and a whole lot of rock n roll.
- GenresRomance
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2018
8 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Brasington-Crowley
22 books47 followersJennifer Brasington-Crowley is an author, illustrator, artist and animal advocate. She is a graduate of E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and an advertising copywriter and graphic designer.
She is the author of the Lyndsay and Lainey Lion children's book series (www.sunnyvillezoo.com), as well as unconventional romance series Raven Song and Stillwaters, available for download from Amazon.com.
She is a little obsessive about things like music and animals and has finally come to terms with being sorted into Slytherin.
Learn more at www.sunnyvillezoo.com
She is the author of the Lyndsay and Lainey Lion children's book series (www.sunnyvillezoo.com), as well as unconventional romance series Raven Song and Stillwaters, available for download from Amazon.com.
She is a little obsessive about things like music and animals and has finally come to terms with being sorted into Slytherin.
Learn more at www.sunnyvillezoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 13, 2021
I knew halfway through this book it would earn a 5-star review!
You can’t miss what readers are saying about Jennifer Brasington-Crowley’s “Raven Song” characters in social media – especially her rock god headliner, Raven Xerces. I just had to find out what the stir was all about, so I fired up the Kindle. Turns out the praise was well-earned!
Let’s talk first about Brasington-Crowley’s writing. It’s tight. The work the author surely put into perfecting each page is obvious. Or maybe it’s not so obvious! Never once was I pulled out of the story as I read. This tells me the author knew exactly how to deliver each sentence. Brasington-Crowley is a master of her craft.
Now let’s talk starring roles. You have a set of two very different main characters (although I might argue that Stanzie Butler is THE protagonist) AND two very different points of view informed by all the history and baggage picked up over time. It must be challenging to bring both distinct voices out in the same book, weaving back and forth without tripping up the reader. Yet again, the author pulls it off.
Some readers might identify more with straight-laced and “average” Stanzie, but even with Raven’s wild side, we can connect with the kindness he displays early on in the story through gentle interactions with Stanzie and animals in need. A scene with the two stark opposites dancing cheek-to-cheek will find you quietly listening for their heartbeats. We can identify with the vulnerability Brasington-Crowley reveals in both characters – and even want a slice of it for ourselves.
Raven’s backstory begins to surface in this first-in-series, but author Brasington-Crowley never allows us to fall into pity for Raven. Instead, she brings us to fall in love with him. We even get the chance to examine the pieces of Raven we might’ve seen shining softly in that “troubled” boy – or girl – we went to school with so many years ago.
I do not intend to reveal any spoilers in this review but let me say this about the story’s resolution: Aha! So, the author IS a romantic at heart! The ending – which is just the beginning – will leave you in a good headspace.
Lastly, I typically read mysteries, so diving into “Raven Song” was a step to the left of my preferred genre. BUT, if you’re a mystery reader (like me) and love Janet Evanovich’s “Wicked” trilogy, or the EARLY books in her “Stephanie Plum” series, you will devour this book.
One last thought: If you like reading rock star biographies AND ever fantasized about anti-hero John Bender from the movie “The Breakfast Club,” you will definitely LOVE reading “Raven Song.”
You can’t miss what readers are saying about Jennifer Brasington-Crowley’s “Raven Song” characters in social media – especially her rock god headliner, Raven Xerces. I just had to find out what the stir was all about, so I fired up the Kindle. Turns out the praise was well-earned!
Let’s talk first about Brasington-Crowley’s writing. It’s tight. The work the author surely put into perfecting each page is obvious. Or maybe it’s not so obvious! Never once was I pulled out of the story as I read. This tells me the author knew exactly how to deliver each sentence. Brasington-Crowley is a master of her craft.
Now let’s talk starring roles. You have a set of two very different main characters (although I might argue that Stanzie Butler is THE protagonist) AND two very different points of view informed by all the history and baggage picked up over time. It must be challenging to bring both distinct voices out in the same book, weaving back and forth without tripping up the reader. Yet again, the author pulls it off.
Some readers might identify more with straight-laced and “average” Stanzie, but even with Raven’s wild side, we can connect with the kindness he displays early on in the story through gentle interactions with Stanzie and animals in need. A scene with the two stark opposites dancing cheek-to-cheek will find you quietly listening for their heartbeats. We can identify with the vulnerability Brasington-Crowley reveals in both characters – and even want a slice of it for ourselves.
Raven’s backstory begins to surface in this first-in-series, but author Brasington-Crowley never allows us to fall into pity for Raven. Instead, she brings us to fall in love with him. We even get the chance to examine the pieces of Raven we might’ve seen shining softly in that “troubled” boy – or girl – we went to school with so many years ago.
I do not intend to reveal any spoilers in this review but let me say this about the story’s resolution: Aha! So, the author IS a romantic at heart! The ending – which is just the beginning – will leave you in a good headspace.
Lastly, I typically read mysteries, so diving into “Raven Song” was a step to the left of my preferred genre. BUT, if you’re a mystery reader (like me) and love Janet Evanovich’s “Wicked” trilogy, or the EARLY books in her “Stephanie Plum” series, you will devour this book.
One last thought: If you like reading rock star biographies AND ever fantasized about anti-hero John Bender from the movie “The Breakfast Club,” you will definitely LOVE reading “Raven Song.”
November 27, 2021
Excellent opposites attract romance and much more. I loved the characters and want to know more about their stories. I loved this edgy, sexy story.
March 13, 2022
From what begins as a turbulent meeting, and that was not just the flight! We find Stanzie and Raven facing off, and not because they are both obnoxious, but because they both hate flying!
Where you might think these two wonderfully rich characters are not meant for each other, you have to remember to look beneath the surface, because what you see on the outside is not alway the real person.
Raven is an amazing character. He lives hard and falls hard. All or nothing it seems, and yet he is a big softie underneath once you get past all the fuckety fucks!
I love the way Brasington uses a common place item like a belt to tie the two together. If it wasn’t for that belt they may never have found each other again.
Stanzie also has her demons to deal with, and I think that is where they connect. They both had traumatic childhoods, have vulnerable moments and at a deeper level they understand each other; the sex being amazing is just the bonus!
Beautifully written with real characters struggling with the complexities of life. The story glides by and you’ve finished before you realise it! Great story, you should go out and read it.
Where you might think these two wonderfully rich characters are not meant for each other, you have to remember to look beneath the surface, because what you see on the outside is not alway the real person.
Raven is an amazing character. He lives hard and falls hard. All or nothing it seems, and yet he is a big softie underneath once you get past all the fuckety fucks!
I love the way Brasington uses a common place item like a belt to tie the two together. If it wasn’t for that belt they may never have found each other again.
Stanzie also has her demons to deal with, and I think that is where they connect. They both had traumatic childhoods, have vulnerable moments and at a deeper level they understand each other; the sex being amazing is just the bonus!
Beautifully written with real characters struggling with the complexities of life. The story glides by and you’ve finished before you realise it! Great story, you should go out and read it.
April 30, 2020
It's been a long time since I've picked up a fiction novel and wanted to binge read the whole thing in one sitting. Since I started it at about 8pm, I had to binge read it in two sittings; I'm not above compromise.
The flow of this story was so natural I barely even realized I was reading. I was more so gliding across the pages as I painfully identified with Stanzie, maybe not so much in falling in love with a rockstar superstar, but in how she processed the process of first meeting Raven, then re-meeting him, then rationalizing it all so as to lessen the fall back down to earth. And, of course, the need to get her belt back; that is totally something I'd do. The ending of the story was about as Hollywood-perfect-music-swelling as could be imagined, but despite my eyerolling reaction to such tropes, I honestly and truly didn't mind this. I think it's because nothing else in the story felt forced so the perfect ending was acceptable, and yes, even enjoyable (to my realistic, non-romantic heart).
And that's what this Brasington-Crowley's strength is in this book: making a natural story. The characters were believable, the timelines and the progression of emotion were believable. The small details were the kind of small details that make the world real and don't feel like the author is trying to force you into their world. She has such a soft hand in dropping bits of knowledge into her writing that her writing comes across as confident and she just takes you along for this great story about a guy and a girl, and a belt.
Definitely recommend to everyone who just wants a well written, well crafted story that doesn't get lost in self-fantasy.
The flow of this story was so natural I barely even realized I was reading. I was more so gliding across the pages as I painfully identified with Stanzie, maybe not so much in falling in love with a rockstar superstar, but in how she processed the process of first meeting Raven, then re-meeting him, then rationalizing it all so as to lessen the fall back down to earth. And, of course, the need to get her belt back; that is totally something I'd do. The ending of the story was about as Hollywood-perfect-music-swelling as could be imagined, but despite my eyerolling reaction to such tropes, I honestly and truly didn't mind this. I think it's because nothing else in the story felt forced so the perfect ending was acceptable, and yes, even enjoyable (to my realistic, non-romantic heart).
And that's what this Brasington-Crowley's strength is in this book: making a natural story. The characters were believable, the timelines and the progression of emotion were believable. The small details were the kind of small details that make the world real and don't feel like the author is trying to force you into their world. She has such a soft hand in dropping bits of knowledge into her writing that her writing comes across as confident and she just takes you along for this great story about a guy and a girl, and a belt.
Definitely recommend to everyone who just wants a well written, well crafted story that doesn't get lost in self-fantasy.
July 11, 2021
RAVEN SONG is not your typical boy meets girl story. Rather, it’s a rock star meets ungulate biologist, ungulate biologist loans rock star her favorite belt, rock star loses belt and biologist story.
Intrigued yet?
Raven Xerces and Stanzie Butler are your new favorite literary ship. Their journey is flawed and humorous and tragic, just like the characters themselves. And the ending is pitch perfect, worthy of the big screen treatment, ASAP.
Seriously, Hollywood. Get on this.
Raven is a rock-n-roll Lloyd Dobler, Stanzie his addax-loving Diane Court. I was hooked from page one, and the only thing that kept me from crying after finishing it (sunburned, at a waterpark, because I was too engrossed to notice I’d lost my shade), was the knowledge that there are two more published books in the series (BIRDSONG and the awesomely-titled A VERY RAVEN CHRISTMAS) with a fourth book in the works.
So, if you love love stories and flawed characters and animal conservation and tattoos and guyliner and Bowie references, then RAVEN SONG belongs at the top of your summer #TBR.
Just remember to apply sunscreen.
Intrigued yet?
Raven Xerces and Stanzie Butler are your new favorite literary ship. Their journey is flawed and humorous and tragic, just like the characters themselves. And the ending is pitch perfect, worthy of the big screen treatment, ASAP.
Seriously, Hollywood. Get on this.
Raven is a rock-n-roll Lloyd Dobler, Stanzie his addax-loving Diane Court. I was hooked from page one, and the only thing that kept me from crying after finishing it (sunburned, at a waterpark, because I was too engrossed to notice I’d lost my shade), was the knowledge that there are two more published books in the series (BIRDSONG and the awesomely-titled A VERY RAVEN CHRISTMAS) with a fourth book in the works.
So, if you love love stories and flawed characters and animal conservation and tattoos and guyliner and Bowie references, then RAVEN SONG belongs at the top of your summer #TBR.
Just remember to apply sunscreen.
January 22, 2021
If Hallmark Movies had a hard-drinking, sweary, tatted up rockstar Disney princess - and clearly they should - it would be Raven Xerces.
He's sweet, he's angry, he's broken. He's perfectly imperfect but trying to do better, and when fate throws him and straight-laced workaholic Stanzie together, it puts their lives on a course neither of them could have ever expected.
If you're looking for a typical romance novel, this ain't it.
But, if you're looking for a passionate and moving love story with with wonderfully unique characters, a plot that will keep you hooked from the start, and laugh out loud moments, Raven Song is the rockstar romance you never knew you needed to read.
He's sweet, he's angry, he's broken. He's perfectly imperfect but trying to do better, and when fate throws him and straight-laced workaholic Stanzie together, it puts their lives on a course neither of them could have ever expected.
If you're looking for a typical romance novel, this ain't it.
But, if you're looking for a passionate and moving love story with with wonderfully unique characters, a plot that will keep you hooked from the start, and laugh out loud moments, Raven Song is the rockstar romance you never knew you needed to read.
December 8, 2021
A love story to end all love stories
I knew I’d love this and my only regret is not reading it sooner.
Brasington is a genius at writing moody emotional rocker boys and I’m here for it 100%.
When rock god Raven meets painfully ordinary biologist, Stanzie on a plane, no one expects sparks to fly.
Coincidence or serendipity… this was beautiful.
I knew I’d love this and my only regret is not reading it sooner.
Brasington is a genius at writing moody emotional rocker boys and I’m here for it 100%.
When rock god Raven meets painfully ordinary biologist, Stanzie on a plane, no one expects sparks to fly.
Coincidence or serendipity… this was beautiful.
October 18, 2022
Addictive!
Hi. I’m Nett, and I’m addicted to “will they or won’t they” romance. I’m here to report that Brasington-Crowley was an unashamed enabler of my condition via a high dose of emotive courtship in her book, Raven Song. Will Raven be able to control his own addictions? Will Stanzie get over her insecurities? Sorry - you’ll have to get your own fix to find out! Being very familiar with the addictive twists and turns in her other series, Stillwaters, I knew I’d be in trouble with this one. Have I learned my lesson? Hardly. Birdsong, the second book of the series, is on my TBR.
Hi. I’m Nett, and I’m addicted to “will they or won’t they” romance. I’m here to report that Brasington-Crowley was an unashamed enabler of my condition via a high dose of emotive courtship in her book, Raven Song. Will Raven be able to control his own addictions? Will Stanzie get over her insecurities? Sorry - you’ll have to get your own fix to find out! Being very familiar with the addictive twists and turns in her other series, Stillwaters, I knew I’d be in trouble with this one. Have I learned my lesson? Hardly. Birdsong, the second book of the series, is on my TBR.
June 6, 2023
Looking for a quick and genuine love story that will keep you wondering, "Will they or won't they?" till the very end? This book is for you. Loved it!
December 16, 2021
Stanzie is a dedicated conservationist, and she absolutely cannot miss her connecting flight to get to work supporting a breeding pair of endangered addaxes at Columbus Zoo. Unfortunately, notorious party boy Raven seems determined to cause a scene with the cabin crew. Sparks fly immediately, and soon enough, Stanzie finds herself wondering if there might be far more to the man in front of her than his bad reputation.
This is exactly the kind of relationship I love reading about. Although Stanzie and Raven seem so different on the surface, Jennifer Brasington-Crowley arranges the pieces of the story so wonderfully as to show us immediately how perfect they actually are together. There are some incredibly sweet moments with rescued animals, gentle romance, and even some dark secrets from Raven's past that made some of his and Stanzie's decisions all the more heart-breaking. Theirs is a real relationship goals story, and I loved it so much.
I adored Raven Song and I'm so looking forward to continuing the series with Birdsong and A Very Raven Christmas because I think based on the blurbs, if anything, I'm going to love them even more. I would note a content warning for references to the prostitution of a child by a parent, although this is brief and refers to events in the past.
This is exactly the kind of relationship I love reading about. Although Stanzie and Raven seem so different on the surface, Jennifer Brasington-Crowley arranges the pieces of the story so wonderfully as to show us immediately how perfect they actually are together. There are some incredibly sweet moments with rescued animals, gentle romance, and even some dark secrets from Raven's past that made some of his and Stanzie's decisions all the more heart-breaking. Theirs is a real relationship goals story, and I loved it so much.
I adored Raven Song and I'm so looking forward to continuing the series with Birdsong and A Very Raven Christmas because I think based on the blurbs, if anything, I'm going to love them even more. I would note a content warning for references to the prostitution of a child by a parent, although this is brief and refers to events in the past.
April 8, 2019
I read this book in less than two days, couldn’t put it down! I always had a soft spot for the broken, the damaged and the misfits. And I fell in love with Raven (and Stanzie) from the start 🖤
This book had the perfect mix of witty dialogue, cute animals, hot romance and a lot of angst. It made me cry at a very special scene, so vivid I could see it played out in front of my eyes.
This book had the perfect mix of witty dialogue, cute animals, hot romance and a lot of angst. It made me cry at a very special scene, so vivid I could see it played out in front of my eyes.
December 1, 2020
Raven Song by Jennifer Brasington-Crowley is a sweet, funny, and heartwarming story of an unexpected romance of two seemingly different but united by the love of nature people.
Stanzie, a passionate zoologist, is taking a work trip crucial for her mission of animal preservation, while her seatmate, a scandalous rockstar Raven Xerces get into a fight with aircraft staff and gets arrested, which causes a delay in a flight.
But when Stanzie and Raven accidentally meet each other again during her involuntary layover, he suddenly reveals himself from an absolutely unexpected side.
The book creates an authentic atmosphere, that makes readers feel and see all this breathtaking scenes of wild nature doing its magic and people dragged to each other by overwhelmingly strong and new for them feeling as by the tidal wave.
Stanzie, the heroine, cause both sympathy and frustration because of her saddening lack of self-esteem and healthy boundaries, resulting from her traumatizing childhood. It’s mostly her lack of confidence that cause the main conflict of the story, deeply hurting both of its characters. It also makes Stanzie to easily fall into a trap of stereotypical bias as she decides to fix her mental pain of lost love by trying to find an instant replacement. Which predictably only leads to trouble.
Also, it’s both funny and sad to read about her falling into the familiar to almost every woman trap “I’ll spent tons of money on a hair stylist and expensive clothes and instantly become a different, happier person.”
However, the story shows that we are getting loved for being genuine selves and looking in the way that suits the life we choose, whether it’s tattoos and eyeliner of a badass rockstar or a khaki coverall of zoologist.
Stanzie, a passionate zoologist, is taking a work trip crucial for her mission of animal preservation, while her seatmate, a scandalous rockstar Raven Xerces get into a fight with aircraft staff and gets arrested, which causes a delay in a flight.
But when Stanzie and Raven accidentally meet each other again during her involuntary layover, he suddenly reveals himself from an absolutely unexpected side.
The book creates an authentic atmosphere, that makes readers feel and see all this breathtaking scenes of wild nature doing its magic and people dragged to each other by overwhelmingly strong and new for them feeling as by the tidal wave.
Stanzie, the heroine, cause both sympathy and frustration because of her saddening lack of self-esteem and healthy boundaries, resulting from her traumatizing childhood. It’s mostly her lack of confidence that cause the main conflict of the story, deeply hurting both of its characters. It also makes Stanzie to easily fall into a trap of stereotypical bias as she decides to fix her mental pain of lost love by trying to find an instant replacement. Which predictably only leads to trouble.
Also, it’s both funny and sad to read about her falling into the familiar to almost every woman trap “I’ll spent tons of money on a hair stylist and expensive clothes and instantly become a different, happier person.”
However, the story shows that we are getting loved for being genuine selves and looking in the way that suits the life we choose, whether it’s tattoos and eyeliner of a badass rockstar or a khaki coverall of zoologist.
April 19, 2020
Only a week ago, I read a quote saying that stories can be as good as a thief: it comes quietly, takes you by surprise, and there it goes into your head, creating a permanent mark.
This book, and the story of Raven & Stanzie, is exactly that.
In real-life, I am not a believer of love at first sight/night. So as you can imagine, it takes a LOT to make me believe in stories like these. And yet there's something about this book--the way the author weaved the story and the characters' background story, the songs (oh. my. goodness. THE SONGS!), the supporting characters and everything else in between--that just works. Before I knew it, they stole my heart and I literally cried (not at the end, but somewhere along the road...), and I'm not afraid to admit it, because this doesn't happen to me every time either.
Reading this book reminds me of seeing Hedwig and the Angry Inch (another fave) for the first time, albeit without a transgender/transsexual character, and it has the same effect. It's a great reminder of how a rocker is also just a normal human being, often misunderstood by others.
The aftertaste? All-round pleasant with a dash of addiction to Raven Xerces.
Will definitely read other books from this author!
This book, and the story of Raven & Stanzie, is exactly that.
In real-life, I am not a believer of love at first sight/night. So as you can imagine, it takes a LOT to make me believe in stories like these. And yet there's something about this book--the way the author weaved the story and the characters' background story, the songs (oh. my. goodness. THE SONGS!), the supporting characters and everything else in between--that just works. Before I knew it, they stole my heart and I literally cried (not at the end, but somewhere along the road...), and I'm not afraid to admit it, because this doesn't happen to me every time either.
Reading this book reminds me of seeing Hedwig and the Angry Inch (another fave) for the first time, albeit without a transgender/transsexual character, and it has the same effect. It's a great reminder of how a rocker is also just a normal human being, often misunderstood by others.
The aftertaste? All-round pleasant with a dash of addiction to Raven Xerces.
Will definitely read other books from this author!
November 18, 2019
Raven Song is a beautiful and passionate romance between biologist/zoologist Stanzie and rock star Raven.
Stanzie is a strong young woman who's passionate about her job and totally not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, but deep down, she feels lonely. Her past relationships all felt confining and incomplete, and she's at a point in her life where she's doubting the existence of true love.
When she meets Raven, love is the last thing on her mind.
Raven is a bad boy with a heart of gold. After falling in love with him in BirdSong, it was incredible to witness the progress he made in this book. Raven is a former addict who's really trying to change and find a new meaning to his life. He recognizes his past mistakes and is determined to not repeat them. This is why, when he meets Stanzie, he finally opens up to her and does all he can to show her that he cares.
Stanzie is exactly what Raven needs, and Raven is exactly what Stanzie needs. And their love is so full and special that you can't help wanting more.
Stanzie is a strong young woman who's passionate about her job and totally not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, but deep down, she feels lonely. Her past relationships all felt confining and incomplete, and she's at a point in her life where she's doubting the existence of true love.
When she meets Raven, love is the last thing on her mind.
Raven is a bad boy with a heart of gold. After falling in love with him in BirdSong, it was incredible to witness the progress he made in this book. Raven is a former addict who's really trying to change and find a new meaning to his life. He recognizes his past mistakes and is determined to not repeat them. This is why, when he meets Stanzie, he finally opens up to her and does all he can to show her that he cares.
Stanzie is exactly what Raven needs, and Raven is exactly what Stanzie needs. And their love is so full and special that you can't help wanting more.
August 24, 2020
I fell in love with a girl at a rock show
Like the last book I read from this author, Stillwaters, I could not put this book down either. I was up way past my normal sleeping hours so I could find out what happened.
This book also had me reminiscing about my concert days where I thought if I could only meet a member of the band, they would fall in love with me, and I would go on tour with them and live the Rockstar fantasy. Isn't that every sixteen year old's dream?
If you like love stories, watching two polar opposites come together, want to learn more about animals, and read about a Rockstar with a tender heart, buy this book, read it, and review it so others can find it too.
Like the last book I read from this author, Stillwaters, I could not put this book down either. I was up way past my normal sleeping hours so I could find out what happened.
This book also had me reminiscing about my concert days where I thought if I could only meet a member of the band, they would fall in love with me, and I would go on tour with them and live the Rockstar fantasy. Isn't that every sixteen year old's dream?
If you like love stories, watching two polar opposites come together, want to learn more about animals, and read about a Rockstar with a tender heart, buy this book, read it, and review it so others can find it too.
October 1, 2019
Meet Stanzie, a biologist/zoologist with a passion for a nearly extinct breed of hooved animals. Stanzie is happy in her world. I liked Stanzie right away because she is comfortable in her own skin and unapologetic about what she wants and likes. She is more amused upon meeting rocker Raven than she is star struck. The author has written a realistic female character. Stanzie is both strong and confident, yet still vulnerable and emotional. Many authors today forget that female characters do not need to be written in extremes and absolutes, but Stanzie was written as someone who could be your sister, neighbor, or the woman sitting next to you at work.
The author also beautifully wrote about addiction, not only from the point of view of the user, but showing the emotion from those affected by the abuser’s actions. I feel this is often overlooked in stories where addiction plays a part. She never tries to justify Raven’s actions, rather describes them in intricate detail without a lengthy discussion of “why?” to garner sympathy, as I see in a lot of stories dealing with this subject matter.
This was a good read that quickly became a page turner. I am looking forward to reading the prequel, BirdSong, and to reading other works by this talented and amazing author.
The author also beautifully wrote about addiction, not only from the point of view of the user, but showing the emotion from those affected by the abuser’s actions. I feel this is often overlooked in stories where addiction plays a part. She never tries to justify Raven’s actions, rather describes them in intricate detail without a lengthy discussion of “why?” to garner sympathy, as I see in a lot of stories dealing with this subject matter.
This was a good read that quickly became a page turner. I am looking forward to reading the prequel, BirdSong, and to reading other works by this talented and amazing author.
December 3, 2019
Raven Xerces, the infamous front man of rock band Black Talons. Stanzie Butler, the biologist for an endangered species at the zoo. This is their story.
This book flung me back to my fan-fic days, the era of my heavy-liner teenage years, and all the rockstar fantasies I vicariously lived through though my headphones and my Fender.
Raven and Stanzie give a punk rock Lady and the Tramp feel with a nerdy, goofy, and yet realistic twist.
Jennifer has witty, fun, expressive settings with unforgettable characters.
This book flung me back to my fan-fic days, the era of my heavy-liner teenage years, and all the rockstar fantasies I vicariously lived through though my headphones and my Fender.
Raven and Stanzie give a punk rock Lady and the Tramp feel with a nerdy, goofy, and yet realistic twist.
Jennifer has witty, fun, expressive settings with unforgettable characters.
December 16, 2022
This was a really great read from start to finish. Raven is a jerk when he meets Stanzi, but there's a rapport and chemistry that carries through the book. The backstories are woven in well, and there's a LOT of issues and resolutions. Great ending, HEA. Standalone.
January 4, 2024
What a great read! A little romance, adventure, and risk it left me hanging, wanting to grab up the others in the series.
May 3, 2023
Loved Raven!
OMG! This story is amazing! When you think you know what will happen, you learn something new! I was so excited with the ending of the story!
Go read it now!
OMG! This story is amazing! When you think you know what will happen, you learn something new! I was so excited with the ending of the story!
Go read it now!
August 17, 2019
My new favourite book.
Written beautifully, the story held my attention all the way through. The characters are wonderful too and realistic. Stanzie's sass was excellent and the banter between her and Raven had me laughing out loud. The chemistry between these two characters is intoxicating and passionate; you just want to read more and more of it.
I fell in love with Raven along with Stanzie from the get-go and can't wait to read more from Jennifer!
Written beautifully, the story held my attention all the way through. The characters are wonderful too and realistic. Stanzie's sass was excellent and the banter between her and Raven had me laughing out loud. The chemistry between these two characters is intoxicating and passionate; you just want to read more and more of it.
I fell in love with Raven along with Stanzie from the get-go and can't wait to read more from Jennifer!
Want to read
June 13, 2023🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (6/14/2021)! 🎁
September 10, 2024
🚨Spoilers🚨
This is a very good book, and i think it is leading to a really good series. It is the rock star romance that i love so much. This book has all the feeling. Raven is a troubled rockstar with a lot of tortured soul baggage but ultimately has a good heart. Stanzie is an interesting gal that has mostly devoted her life to animal conservation and is a bit one minded about it till an accidental meeting on a plane with a major super rockstar. She is the piece he has been missing to finally be whole and he makes her see there is more to life and they both share a great love for animals.
In true honesty they spend most the book both trying to figure out what happened or if they made the right choice and then trying to find each other again. But it is very well written and it just feels like a lead up to much more to come.
I don’t feel like i am really selling the amazing book part in this review but just take a chance and read it. It totally pulls you in and keeps you wanting to see where it goes next.
Narrator was acceptable, it was a computer read book but much better than a lot of computer read books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= I love it and i will probably read it many more times ❤️
☀️= it has warm sexual vibes but no actual details. There is a sex moment or two but it is very brushed over. Kinda like maybe a YA/NA book.
🔊= audiobook
💲= I own it
⚠️= There are some light triggers warnings, some child abusing or sexual abuse, sex worker, drugs. There is no great detail but it is brought up.
I can not wait for the next 📖 book in the series ❤️
This is a very good book, and i think it is leading to a really good series. It is the rock star romance that i love so much. This book has all the feeling. Raven is a troubled rockstar with a lot of tortured soul baggage but ultimately has a good heart. Stanzie is an interesting gal that has mostly devoted her life to animal conservation and is a bit one minded about it till an accidental meeting on a plane with a major super rockstar. She is the piece he has been missing to finally be whole and he makes her see there is more to life and they both share a great love for animals.
In true honesty they spend most the book both trying to figure out what happened or if they made the right choice and then trying to find each other again. But it is very well written and it just feels like a lead up to much more to come.
I don’t feel like i am really selling the amazing book part in this review but just take a chance and read it. It totally pulls you in and keeps you wanting to see where it goes next.
Narrator was acceptable, it was a computer read book but much better than a lot of computer read books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= I love it and i will probably read it many more times ❤️
☀️= it has warm sexual vibes but no actual details. There is a sex moment or two but it is very brushed over. Kinda like maybe a YA/NA book.
🔊= audiobook
💲= I own it
⚠️= There are some light triggers warnings, some child abusing or sexual abuse, sex worker, drugs. There is no great detail but it is brought up.
I can not wait for the next 📖 book in the series ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
I picked up Raven Song as I’m on a rockstar romance reading binge, and Raven Song hit all the feels and threw in plenty of laughs with hints of sadness too.
When Raven Xerces refuses to pull up his pants on a flight that Stanzie, a zoologist and Addax expert, is on. She takes off her belt and loans it to him. The trouble is the belt has sentimental value and Raven leaves the plane without returning the belt. Because of all the delays Stanzie misses her connecting flight and has to spend an extra day in Los Angeles and fate throws them together again. We know straight away that Raven’s persona is just that, a bravado to hide his vulnerability. A second meeting at the beach reveals that he isn’t the hard man rock star Stanzie expected, and is a sensitive soul who is dealing with his demons.
Brasington-Crowley weaves in useful information about nature and the need for conservation without it being preachy. And wow, Raven certainly smashed the stereotype, a bad boy with a soft heart who is trying his best to fight an addiction. When Stanzie leaves him to fly to San Diego, Raven has to admit he has feelings for her, but before he can track her down, he has a tour planned. But fighting his addiction is a hard and lonely path, and he falls back into temptation. A close friend reminds him he could have Stanzie, the one who got away.
Stanzie is strong, confident in her work, but deep down, she too is lonely and vulnerable.
On her return to Ohio, Stanzie too is processing her encounters with Raven and is slowly trying to forget the impact meeting him has had on her heart. So when she hears that Raven’s band Black Talons are playing in Columbus, she decides she wants her belt back and to hell with the consequences of meeting Raven again and the damage it might do to her heart.
Plenty of ‘80s music references and that song and that ending is so over the top. You’ll whoop and roar as the crowd. And there’s a prequel Bird Song.
When Raven Xerces refuses to pull up his pants on a flight that Stanzie, a zoologist and Addax expert, is on. She takes off her belt and loans it to him. The trouble is the belt has sentimental value and Raven leaves the plane without returning the belt. Because of all the delays Stanzie misses her connecting flight and has to spend an extra day in Los Angeles and fate throws them together again. We know straight away that Raven’s persona is just that, a bravado to hide his vulnerability. A second meeting at the beach reveals that he isn’t the hard man rock star Stanzie expected, and is a sensitive soul who is dealing with his demons.
Brasington-Crowley weaves in useful information about nature and the need for conservation without it being preachy. And wow, Raven certainly smashed the stereotype, a bad boy with a soft heart who is trying his best to fight an addiction. When Stanzie leaves him to fly to San Diego, Raven has to admit he has feelings for her, but before he can track her down, he has a tour planned. But fighting his addiction is a hard and lonely path, and he falls back into temptation. A close friend reminds him he could have Stanzie, the one who got away.
Stanzie is strong, confident in her work, but deep down, she too is lonely and vulnerable.
On her return to Ohio, Stanzie too is processing her encounters with Raven and is slowly trying to forget the impact meeting him has had on her heart. So when she hears that Raven’s band Black Talons are playing in Columbus, she decides she wants her belt back and to hell with the consequences of meeting Raven again and the damage it might do to her heart.
Plenty of ‘80s music references and that song and that ending is so over the top. You’ll whoop and roar as the crowd. And there’s a prequel Bird Song.
March 15, 2025
I picked up Raven Song fully expecting to DNF it. I don't really know why I bought it because I'm not a fan of will they won't they romance novels when we all know that they will. Anyway, I decided to at least give it a go and I was pleasantly surprised. It was well written and I found myself routing for the main characters, who are both endearing while also being individual. Overall it was a charming read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 23, 2021
This book is brilliant. As with all the others I've read by this author, it is full of fantastic, flawed, vulnerable and wonderful characters. I was instantly drawn into the story and the main characters are so well written I believed in them from the start.
This romance tugged at my teenage (and much older) heart. I couldn't put it down.
This romance tugged at my teenage (and much older) heart. I couldn't put it down.
June 2, 2023
Now, I am not usually a romance reader, but Jennifer Brasington-Crowley did not write your typical romance novel.
Raven Song is a high-test, rock 'n' rolling, tear-jerking, animal-loving and heart-tugging rom-com that begins with the funniest and cleverest meet-cute EVER! It is a freaking brilliant story!
Raven Song is a high-test, rock 'n' rolling, tear-jerking, animal-loving and heart-tugging rom-com that begins with the funniest and cleverest meet-cute EVER! It is a freaking brilliant story!
January 28, 2019
3.75 stars
February 26, 2025
Raven will forever be one of my favorite characters. Loved it!
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