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Calendar Boys #10
Mr. October
From international bestselling author Nicole S. Goodin, comes a new standalone, rock star romance.
Masen Lennox.
Music superstar.
Recovering alcoholic.
... And in need of a fake girlfriend.
Billie Tatum.
Sweet as sugar.
Unexpectedly sexy.
... And under his skin.
Masen's reputation as music's bad boy finds him on the verge of losing his entire career, and the best way to clean up his act is to get a woman on his arm.
Billie has no idea what she's in for when she agrees to play the part of Masen's girlfriend, but as lines between real and fake start to blur, she's about to find out.
Masen doesn't believe in love.
Billie can't help but hold onto hope.
The last thing Masen wants to do is break Billie's heart, will he put aside his past and let her in? Or will she only get to keep playing pretend?
Masen Lennox.
Music superstar.
Recovering alcoholic.
... And in need of a fake girlfriend.
Billie Tatum.
Sweet as sugar.
Unexpectedly sexy.
... And under his skin.
Masen's reputation as music's bad boy finds him on the verge of losing his entire career, and the best way to clean up his act is to get a woman on his arm.
Billie has no idea what she's in for when she agrees to play the part of Masen's girlfriend, but as lines between real and fake start to blur, she's about to find out.
Masen doesn't believe in love.
Billie can't help but hold onto hope.
The last thing Masen wants to do is break Billie's heart, will he put aside his past and let her in? Or will she only get to keep playing pretend?
184 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2019
About the author
Nicole S. Goodin
34 books714 followersNICOLE S. GOODIN is a romance author and mother of two from Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand.
In mid-2015, she started to write about a group of characters who wouldn’t get out of her head. Her first book, Rushed, was published in mid-2016.
Nicole enjoys long walks on the beach, pillow fights and braiding her friends’ hair. She dislikes clichés, talking about herself in the third person, and people who don’t understand her sense of humour.
Please feel free to contact her either via her website, email, Instagram, Twitter or on her Facebook page, she would love to hear your feedback. If you’re feeling really game, you can even sign up for her newsletter.
In mid-2015, she started to write about a group of characters who wouldn’t get out of her head. Her first book, Rushed, was published in mid-2016.
Nicole enjoys long walks on the beach, pillow fights and braiding her friends’ hair. She dislikes clichés, talking about herself in the third person, and people who don’t understand her sense of humour.
Please feel free to contact her either via her website, email, Instagram, Twitter or on her Facebook page, she would love to hear your feedback. If you’re feeling really game, you can even sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 25, 2020
The only reason I didn’t give it a 1 star is because I actually liked the plot.
Look I don’t tend to say mean things but... have some self respect.
Honestly I’m so mad because I just can’t believe she would do that.
DNF around 60%
Love k
Look I don’t tend to say mean things but... have some self respect.
Honestly I’m so mad because I just can’t believe she would do that.
DNF around 60%
Love k
October 18, 2020
MR OCTOBER is a Rockstar/Fake Girlfriend romance and it was EVERYTHING!! I’ve had the paperback on my shelf for a little while but never gotten round to reading it. I decided to start it tonight and am so glad I did; I fell so hard for bad boy Masen Lennox. He is a grumpy ass but deep, deep down he has a heart of gold. I will for sure be going back to the start of this series of standalones and working my way through them all.
September 25, 2019
-Sara, 5 stars
Starting this book I was sure it was going to be my least favourite of the series and I was definitely wrong. Nicole seriously amazes me every month with these addictive stories. Mr October tugged at my hearts strings in more ways than one. The start of the “relationship" between Billie and Masen was nothing more than business and without knowing it Billie wore him down. Their love didn’t come easy and it definitely didn’t come with tears ( from me) but it came and it was so great! She was exactly what he needed to help his career but it didn’t take long for him to realize she was all he needed. I really am hoping for a short story on these couples in a book *hint hint*.
If you are just coming across this book definitely read and it make sure to check out all the other months, you won’t be disappointed!
Starting this book I was sure it was going to be my least favourite of the series and I was definitely wrong. Nicole seriously amazes me every month with these addictive stories. Mr October tugged at my hearts strings in more ways than one. The start of the “relationship" between Billie and Masen was nothing more than business and without knowing it Billie wore him down. Their love didn’t come easy and it definitely didn’t come with tears ( from me) but it came and it was so great! She was exactly what he needed to help his career but it didn’t take long for him to realize she was all he needed. I really am hoping for a short story on these couples in a book *hint hint*.
If you are just coming across this book definitely read and it make sure to check out all the other months, you won’t be disappointed!
October 9, 2019
Rachel S Goodin, has made another swoon-worthy addition to the Calendar Boys Series!
"Mr Rock Star With Attitude", Masen, needs his act cleaned up and a girlfriend seems like the perfect solution...
Billie is just...sweet...she gets under your skin, or she certainly does that with Masen!
Now you just need to read their story. I did. And I loved it. And the series.
Highly recommended.
"Mr Rock Star With Attitude", Masen, needs his act cleaned up and a girlfriend seems like the perfect solution...
Billie is just...sweet...she gets under your skin, or she certainly does that with Masen!
Now you just need to read their story. I did. And I loved it. And the series.
Highly recommended.
August 7, 2022
This is literally the only book in the series I didn't like. Masen is a rock star and looking to fix his image with a fake girlfriend. They hire Billie for the job. Personally I just couldn't stand Masen and I felt that him and Billie weren't right for each other.
November 1, 2022
Snuck in Mr. October in a night since it was such a quick and fun read! Masen is the typical hot mess rockstar in need of a image boost and Billie is the sweet innocent bystander that gets pulled into his orbit.
After a stint in rehab Masen’s team thinks it’s best for him to pretend his settled down with a girlfriend to get his label and public off his back. He’s not too happy about this plan until he sees Billie in the office and decides she would be perfect for the job. Too bad Masen gets more than he bargained for when he picked her and finds out shes more tempting than the alcohol he’s staying away from. Then throw in his fuckboy best friend Josh and Billies outspoken bestie and this new foursome becomes the family he didn’t realize he needed.
After a stint in rehab Masen’s team thinks it’s best for him to pretend his settled down with a girlfriend to get his label and public off his back. He’s not too happy about this plan until he sees Billie in the office and decides she would be perfect for the job. Too bad Masen gets more than he bargained for when he picked her and finds out shes more tempting than the alcohol he’s staying away from. Then throw in his fuckboy best friend Josh and Billies outspoken bestie and this new foursome becomes the family he didn’t realize he needed.
October 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is the first book I read by S. Goodin and I will definitely read more from this author.
The writing is amazing and I enjoyed the characters and the story tremendously.
Masen was such a tease. I love the way he touches Billie and the words they share are so sexy during those times.
Billie was strong when she needed to be. I liked the fact that she demanded to be noticed by Masen. That every time he pushes her away, she would come back and work it out.
Josh, a secondary character, brought life to this book, for me. He was fun-loving and sexy not to mention down-to-earth.
Overall, however, this book was hard for me to rate. I connected and liked all the characters in this book but I wanted more from this story. For me, it felt a little superficial. Nothing, in my opinion, was explored or experienced in depth. It all just felt glossed over.
Throughout the book, the passion simmers. I loved that but, at the same time, I wanted so much more from it. Masen and Billie have all this passion and chemistry but it never quite boiled over in my opinion. It just simmers and never really explodes, and I know this couple could definitely have that.
There is also a lot of emotional moments in this book but that, as well, feels tempered and never fully fleshed out or explored. You feel for them but it’s all just surface. For me, the book did not dig deep enough to feel the full impact of Masen and Billie’s feelings.
Masen’s music, fandom and Rockstar status not to mention his recovery from alcohol addiction are not explored. We don’t get the chance to know what brought him so low or even about his past. For me this is the difference between an incredible and memorable read and the good book I just read.
For those who love a lot of spice and sensuality, this book is a little tame in that regard but, the story that is told endears this couple to you regardless. Their longing gazes and touches give you all the feels.
Please note that as a reader I, personally, love a lot of angst and feels in the books I read. I believe that those who enjoy and look for a fluffy, heartwarming and well written romance will definitely love this story and rate this book higher.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book I read by S. Goodin and I will definitely read more from this author.
The writing is amazing and I enjoyed the characters and the story tremendously.
Masen was such a tease. I love the way he touches Billie and the words they share are so sexy during those times.
Billie was strong when she needed to be. I liked the fact that she demanded to be noticed by Masen. That every time he pushes her away, she would come back and work it out.
Josh, a secondary character, brought life to this book, for me. He was fun-loving and sexy not to mention down-to-earth.
Overall, however, this book was hard for me to rate. I connected and liked all the characters in this book but I wanted more from this story. For me, it felt a little superficial. Nothing, in my opinion, was explored or experienced in depth. It all just felt glossed over.
Throughout the book, the passion simmers. I loved that but, at the same time, I wanted so much more from it. Masen and Billie have all this passion and chemistry but it never quite boiled over in my opinion. It just simmers and never really explodes, and I know this couple could definitely have that.
There is also a lot of emotional moments in this book but that, as well, feels tempered and never fully fleshed out or explored. You feel for them but it’s all just surface. For me, the book did not dig deep enough to feel the full impact of Masen and Billie’s feelings.
Masen’s music, fandom and Rockstar status not to mention his recovery from alcohol addiction are not explored. We don’t get the chance to know what brought him so low or even about his past. For me this is the difference between an incredible and memorable read and the good book I just read.
For those who love a lot of spice and sensuality, this book is a little tame in that regard but, the story that is told endears this couple to you regardless. Their longing gazes and touches give you all the feels.
Please note that as a reader I, personally, love a lot of angst and feels in the books I read. I believe that those who enjoy and look for a fluffy, heartwarming and well written romance will definitely love this story and rate this book higher.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2021
Devastatingly Disappointing.
1.5/5 - Ruined the month of October for me. Word of advice: Skip this one and jump right into November.
I’ll be completely honest, after reading one chapter of Billie’s POV I could immediately tell that I was not going to invest time to properly read it, instead utilizing my skimming prowess to just get on with it. Having finished the story, every predicted plot point came to fruition without missing a beat.
It was so stereotypically cliché. Billie, the struggling and unassuming yet positive girl gets into a fake relationship with the “broken, bad boy” rockstar Masen and finds herself falling in love with him despite being repeatedly treated like garbage. She deludes herself into thinking as the “fake girlfriend” that she has the sole responsibility to help reform the rockstar and in doing so loses her self worth. She becomes more of a doormat than she already was and insists on persistently nagging the rockstar. Of course rockstar Masen continues to rebuff every attempt pushing her farther away each time harsher and crueler than the last. Masochist Billie thinks she’s breaking through to him and confesses her love and ultimately getting rejected. Then she makes one more attempt and suddenly it’s all sunshine and daisies and they live happily ever after.
I can genuinely say that this is the absolute bottom of the barrel of the Calendar Boy series. Billie’s character just was not my cup of tea. Compared to the other women in the series, Billie was a pushover paper tiger. She came off as desperate, clingy and needy. Her whole personality seemed to just be her getting off on Masen treating her like crap and nothing else. At least the other months’ female lead characters had lives outside of the men they fell for, but in Billie’s case her world revolved on a fixing a man who so clearly screams RED FLAG. I’m really hoping November is not as painful to read as October.
1.5/5 - Ruined the month of October for me. Word of advice: Skip this one and jump right into November.
I’ll be completely honest, after reading one chapter of Billie’s POV I could immediately tell that I was not going to invest time to properly read it, instead utilizing my skimming prowess to just get on with it. Having finished the story, every predicted plot point came to fruition without missing a beat.
It was so stereotypically cliché. Billie, the struggling and unassuming yet positive girl gets into a fake relationship with the “broken, bad boy” rockstar Masen and finds herself falling in love with him despite being repeatedly treated like garbage. She deludes herself into thinking as the “fake girlfriend” that she has the sole responsibility to help reform the rockstar and in doing so loses her self worth. She becomes more of a doormat than she already was and insists on persistently nagging the rockstar. Of course rockstar Masen continues to rebuff every attempt pushing her farther away each time harsher and crueler than the last. Masochist Billie thinks she’s breaking through to him and confesses her love and ultimately getting rejected. Then she makes one more attempt and suddenly it’s all sunshine and daisies and they live happily ever after.
I can genuinely say that this is the absolute bottom of the barrel of the Calendar Boy series. Billie’s character just was not my cup of tea. Compared to the other women in the series, Billie was a pushover paper tiger. She came off as desperate, clingy and needy. Her whole personality seemed to just be her getting off on Masen treating her like crap and nothing else. At least the other months’ female lead characters had lives outside of the men they fell for, but in Billie’s case her world revolved on a fixing a man who so clearly screams RED FLAG. I’m really hoping November is not as painful to read as October.
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October 7, 2019
I’m pretty sure I’ve said this every single month, but this series just gets better and better. Though, I do believe that Masen Lennox is going to be hard to beat. Who doesn’t love a troubled, sexy, Rockstar?
Masen is fresh out of rehab and needs to change is image, so why not have a fake girlfriend. Enter Billie. An intern at the record company and the woman who caught Masen’s attention. However, the more time they spend together the more the feelings start to feel real, will Billie come out of this safely or will Masen’s walls be her downfall?
Masen is the bad boy Rockstar. He has so many walls up. He doesn’t really let people in, well other than his best friend Josh. He is guarded. Billie is a student, she is sweet, but there is something about Masen that is addicting. The two of them together, HOLY CHEMISTRY. It was fantastic. Their road wasn’t easy, it was painful and emotional, but 100% worth the wait in the end.
Side note: I LOVED Josh and Avery, Billie’s best friend, and I am crossing my fingers they get a story because I would love to see more of them.
This book is a MUST READ!
Masen is fresh out of rehab and needs to change is image, so why not have a fake girlfriend. Enter Billie. An intern at the record company and the woman who caught Masen’s attention. However, the more time they spend together the more the feelings start to feel real, will Billie come out of this safely or will Masen’s walls be her downfall?
Masen is the bad boy Rockstar. He has so many walls up. He doesn’t really let people in, well other than his best friend Josh. He is guarded. Billie is a student, she is sweet, but there is something about Masen that is addicting. The two of them together, HOLY CHEMISTRY. It was fantastic. Their road wasn’t easy, it was painful and emotional, but 100% worth the wait in the end.
Side note: I LOVED Josh and Avery, Billie’s best friend, and I am crossing my fingers they get a story because I would love to see more of them.
This book is a MUST READ!
October 2, 2019
This is my first book by this author and it won't be my list. I love rockstar books they are my favourites. This is Masen and Billie's story.
Masen's reputation is on the line and his manager wants him to clean up his image and what better way than have a fake girlfriend. Masen agrees only if he gets to pick the girl. When Billie agrees to this she never expected to commit her heart but the longer she and Masen are together the more the lines blur.
The start of the “relationship" between Billie and Masen was nothing more than business and without knowing it Billie wore him down. She was exactly what he needed to help his career but it didn’t take long for him to realize she was all he needed.
I loved secondary character Josh. I hope we get his story one day.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
Masen's reputation is on the line and his manager wants him to clean up his image and what better way than have a fake girlfriend. Masen agrees only if he gets to pick the girl. When Billie agrees to this she never expected to commit her heart but the longer she and Masen are together the more the lines blur.
The start of the “relationship" between Billie and Masen was nothing more than business and without knowing it Billie wore him down. She was exactly what he needed to help his career but it didn’t take long for him to realize she was all he needed.
I loved secondary character Josh. I hope we get his story one day.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
September 24, 2019
You know what? I say this every single time, but this one really is my favourite! I swear it this time! Mr. October is so unbelievably swoonworthy.
Masen Lennox is a superstar. Not only that, he's a bad boy superstar musician. AND, he needs a fake girlfriend to get his reputation on the up again.
Billie has no idea what she's getting herself into when she accepts the position. She's been a fan of his for a while, and it's oh so easy to fall for the moody superstar, but is it just pretend, or have they found the real deal?
These guys are hot as hell together. There is this chemistry that brews right from the get go, and it's impossible to deny. Masen has his demons though, and he doesn't make things easy.
And can I get a shout out for Josh? Hello sailor! The best friend who is so quirky and lovable. He needs his own story!
Masen Lennox is a superstar. Not only that, he's a bad boy superstar musician. AND, he needs a fake girlfriend to get his reputation on the up again.
Billie has no idea what she's getting herself into when she accepts the position. She's been a fan of his for a while, and it's oh so easy to fall for the moody superstar, but is it just pretend, or have they found the real deal?
These guys are hot as hell together. There is this chemistry that brews right from the get go, and it's impossible to deny. Masen has his demons though, and he doesn't make things easy.
And can I get a shout out for Josh? Hello sailor! The best friend who is so quirky and lovable. He needs his own story!
October 13, 2019
There is no doubting the phenom that Masen is when he performs onstage but it is his off stage antics that are putting his recording contract in jeopardy. The only way to turn it around is a fake girlfriend and he has the perfect woman in mind for the job.
Billie is an intern who works at the record label while she pursues her dreams of a career in music. She has crushed on Masen from afar but never expected that he had even noticed her let alone decided that she was the perfect fake girlfriend.
Masen allows very few people in his life beyond a superficial level but there is something about Billie that draws him in. Billie comes across as quiet however she has an inner strength that shines through. This is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for Mr. November.
Billie is an intern who works at the record label while she pursues her dreams of a career in music. She has crushed on Masen from afar but never expected that he had even noticed her let alone decided that she was the perfect fake girlfriend.
Masen allows very few people in his life beyond a superficial level but there is something about Billie that draws him in. Billie comes across as quiet however she has an inner strength that shines through. This is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for Mr. November.
October 16, 2019
Wow this book was amazing with it's main characters and supporting characters.
Billie is a young naive intern with Masens label.
Masen is burning through his stardom with women and alcohol.
When he is advised to clean up his act or lose his career he chooses to clean up for propriety sake. Only he needs a silid relationship to show he had changed. His choice of a women to be his fake girlfriend is Billie, but all to soon the fake relationship becomes all to real for Billie and she puts her heart on the line and tells Masen she is in love with him. Masen maybe having some foreign feelings but tells her he is not the commitment kinda guy breaking her heart. By the time Masen realized his mistake Billie was gone. Poof.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Billie is a young naive intern with Masens label.
Masen is burning through his stardom with women and alcohol.
When he is advised to clean up his act or lose his career he chooses to clean up for propriety sake. Only he needs a silid relationship to show he had changed. His choice of a women to be his fake girlfriend is Billie, but all to soon the fake relationship becomes all to real for Billie and she puts her heart on the line and tells Masen she is in love with him. Masen maybe having some foreign feelings but tells her he is not the commitment kinda guy breaking her heart. By the time Masen realized his mistake Billie was gone. Poof.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2019
Mr October is a fake relationship intertwined with the beat of a rockstar romance. Masen and Billie are those characters that will instantly own your heart. As they ride the riff to a crescendo of love, you will feel the beat of their hearts and the melody that their souls play only for each other. A love story that will have you a little angsty and not sure if they will be able to find the final verse in the song that is their declaration. You will feel the connection that Billie and Masen have along with the passion and heat that will have you needing to jump in a pool to cool off. Mr October will play out to a sold out crowd with these wonderful characters, their captivating story and the music that will serenade your heart.
October 16, 2019
I enjoyed Mr. October, and I loved the characters. I mean, who doesn’t relish in a remarkably written rockstar romance?
Admittedly, there were occasions I grew frustrated, especially with the back and forth between the characters, but the push and pull created drama and kept the story moving forward. However, by 80 percent through, I was hoping for growth and wishing for Masen to admit his feeling toward the heroine so I could connect to the characters and feel their chemistry. Billie was a little weak; I guess I would be too if I had a rockstar goddess fucking me sideways.
In the end, I’ll admit, I loved and forgave Masen.
Admittedly, there were occasions I grew frustrated, especially with the back and forth between the characters, but the push and pull created drama and kept the story moving forward. However, by 80 percent through, I was hoping for growth and wishing for Masen to admit his feeling toward the heroine so I could connect to the characters and feel their chemistry. Billie was a little weak; I guess I would be too if I had a rockstar goddess fucking me sideways.
In the end, I’ll admit, I loved and forgave Masen.
October 10, 2019
There are no words to describe how much I LOVE this calendar boys series and this book! Nicole has done it again and added another amazing story to her growing list of awesomeness! From the very second I started reading I was hooked and unable to put this book down. I LOVED Masen! He was broody and angry and so full of himself, but at the same time he had such a caring sensitive side. I was't sure where this story line was going to go, but I was definitely taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions getting to the end.
This is a must read book for sure!
By Alisa
This is a must read book for sure!
By Alisa
October 17, 2019
Fun sexy story with everything to keep you entertained. In this one we find the broody rock star struggling not to fall for the fake girlfriend. Masen needs a big public relations boost. In comes the fake girlfriend plan. Billie is sweet and pretty much wears her heart on her sleeve. However, she is not a pushover. Masen struggles with keeping the lines drawn but they blur quickly. Good story with great supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2019
Masen needs to revamp his reputation after getting out of rehab so what better way to do it then find a fake girlfriend. Of course when his manager and PR rep tells him this he agrees with one exception, he gets to pick the girl.
They say opposites attract and when it comes to these two it’s true. He is broken and thinks he can’t love or be loved. She is a shy, hopeless romantic that refuses to give up. 🖤🖤
They say opposites attract and when it comes to these two it’s true. He is broken and thinks he can’t love or be loved. She is a shy, hopeless romantic that refuses to give up. 🖤🖤
October 14, 2019
Masen is a rock star on the verge of losing it all. He needs a good woman on his arm to keep things together. Billie is a good woman, she doesn't know what she is in for when she agrees to be Masen's fake girlfriend. Masen just might break Billie's heart if she gets too involved in an real relationship with him. This is a good romance involving alcoholism, addiction and a sweet couple.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2019
Everyone loves a rockstar who is full of himself...
....then meets a someone who sets his world off tilt.
Love the banter, the chemistry, the attitude...
This series, is amazing, love how each book is complete standalone..
....then meets a someone who sets his world off tilt.
Love the banter, the chemistry, the attitude...
This series, is amazing, love how each book is complete standalone..
October 16, 2019
This was an entertaining storyline that kept me turning the pages. The characters are well developed and engaging.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2019
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2019
Ahh once again this author has done it. This is a fantastic story. Highly recommend this series
October 16, 2019
She’s an addiction of the most terrifying kind.
The first thing I thought when I read the blurb is that it reminded me of one of my favorite rockstar romance books by another well known author. That should have scared me away as I didn't want to be unfair to this author or her story by comparing and critiquing hardcore. But the reason I decided to go for it was for two reasons....one is that hottie on the cover and the other being that the other book didn't feature the "fake relationship" aspect. Rocker romance is one of my favs, and anything that starts out as fake is usually guaranteed to be a great read. And great it was! By the end of this book, these two had become one of my fav couples ever.
Book Facts: Told in dual POV, Mr. October is a standalone rockstar romance that's part of the Calendar Boy Series. It does have a HEA. On the verge of losing his entire career because of his bad boy ways, recovering alcoholic and music superstar Masen Lennox needs a fake girlfriend to help him clean up his image. Billie Tatum is the perfect girl to fill the role, but can she keep her feelings in check? Or will she fall for the gorgeous rocker who doesn't believe in love?
Timeline of Reading:
Starting: Cover model is hot....that's pretty much all I can think about right now lol.
14%: Not wasting time at all, I like it.
25%: He's in trouble and doesn't even realize it.
32%: Holy crap that was hot....
48%: Its like finally getting there only for someone to screw it up....wtg Masen.
56%: I don't know how to feel about this.... she knows this isn't going to end well.
70%: I LOVE them
73%: Might have been my fav chapter
78%: Good for you girl
86%: Oh come on, douche bag.
91%: Well that changed directions quickly.
Finished: Too freaking sweet. seriously loved them.
"The Five":
Favs from Book: Avery & Josh, "Sugar", the kitchen scene, the drunk girl in the bathroom, how carrying her is "their thing".
Hates from Book: Masen's fear, Masen's "reminder", red head at club, the epilogue (wasn't as good as it could've been), that its over.
Quotes:
His pain destroys me. He gets cut and I’m the one who bleeds.
-Billie
“I can carry that for you, Ma’am, it’s really no problem,” Eric tells her but she shushes him. “I’m probably never going to get this close to a pair of Louboutin’s ever again, Eric, let me have my moment, dammit.”
-Avery
“As much as I can see she loves you, you need to let her go – she’s too good for this version of you.”
-Josh
“Sing with me.”
-Masen
I should run in the opposite direction, but I can’t seem to do anything but move towards her.
-Masen
Characters:
His presence intimidates me, but I crave it. He’s like gravity, pulling me in while at the same time, doing his best to push me away.
Masen Lennox:
"The Five" - Facts:
1. Bad boy rockstar and recovering alcoholic with his entire career on the line if he doesn't repair his reputation.....that's where Billie comes in.
2. He doesn't believe in love, the only thing he loves is making music.
3. He has never allowed a woman to get to know the real him, and doesn't plan on letting Billie except she begins to read him better than anyone else ever has.
4. He starts to open up to her, letting her know he has no tattoos because he is scared of needles.
5. He is afraid of getting close to any woman because of his addictive personality....he's certain he would become addicted to Billie because he's never wanted a woman as badly as he does her.
"The Five" - Characteristics: gorgeous, alpha, closed off/private, scared, liar
Fav Scene: the red carpet
Fav Quote: If alcohol is my addiction, this girl is my kryptonite.
How I felt: My first impression of him was that he was the typical badboy rockstar, all idgaf attitude and inability to love anything but his music. And for the most part he is, but I'm pretty sure he is afraid of falling in love and getting hurt....so its an act. He fights so hard to resist whats clearly there between them BUT at a point you get frustrated and wish he would just stop. The sad part is as the reader you know more about how he feels than he does--he loves her in the ways he can but his addiction to her might be more intense than any love he could offer her could be. He is hurt her (& in turn me) multiple times but under it all is a broken dude, one that also does the sweetest things for her. I loved him.
Billie Tatum:
"The Five" - Facts:
1. Handpicked by Masen to play his girlfriend long enough to save his career. He sees her at the label where she interns, offering her 1 million dollars.
2. Her "barely there" shorts are an extension of herself, and what Masen tends to blame everything on.
3. Her dream is to produce music and Masen quickly sees just how naturally talented she is (including playing instruments and singing)
4. She believes that love is everything and wants her HEA one day.
5. She has no idea the power of her sex appeal or how gorgeous she is. She thinks he doesnt want her because she isn't "enough".
"The Five" - Characteristics: sassy, hot, sweet, insecure/not confident, strong
Fav Scene: Ch 19 bedroom scene
Fav Quote: “Don’t run,” she pleads, her eyes begging. “Not from me.”
How I felt: My first impression of her at the label office was that she was going to be fun. Then I soon realized just how sweet she was, and my excitement turned to worry..... she is going to break her own heart falling for him. She made me angry with her poor confidence, acting like she isn't good enough for someone like him. Throughout the story you can feel her hopefulness, she wants it to be more. You can also feel the strength to fight building in her as well, and fight she does. She became a fav heroine of mine in the last maybe 30%, because she refuses to give up or be pushed away. I was seriously rooting for her.
"The Five" - Their Relationship: electrifying, hot as hell, frustrating, slow burning, addicting.
How I felt: These two take electrifying chemistry to another level with their slow building romance. Even their "almosts" are hotter than most full on scenes in other books. It drives you insane how they come together and then push away, but you know eventually when it actually comes together its going to be hot. And God is it.... but what I didn't expect was how sweet it would be. These two frustrated me (okay more so Masen) but they also captured my heart, because I was invested in the fight for "us" along with them. Totally going in my fav couples vault.
Final Thoughts:
Me Currently:
In the end, I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. While I started by unfairly assuming this wouldn't hold a candle to my fav rockstar romance (that I thought was similar), I realized that it was all the best things that I could compare, how both books were able to do the rockstar genre a favor with their books. At first I expected a rockstar that didn't believe in love because of either a broken heart OR just refused to live a life settled down. It surprised me that his reasoning was both raw and heartbreaking, giving a glimpse of the fear an addict must feel at giving anything that power. It's honestly painful to imagine how lonely and scary that is. Where this book outshines "my favorite" is how we are shown glimpses of Masen that are worthy of Billie's love.... that we aren't just expected to go along with the idea of her falling for a cold & unattainable man. Instead, despite his denial and cruelness (at one point), you already saw the tender moments that made her fight for him one to root for. I didn't realize how important this was until it was right in my face. But my favorite thing about this entire book is how Nicole mastered the art of making their slow building romance so electrifying I didn't mind the torture of waiting. Their "almosts" had me hotter than some very descriptive fully getting on scenes in other books....its the tease of what's the come, you almost feel it as if you are a part of it.
I am always a sucker for the secondary characters, and the two appearing the most in this one were insta-favs for me. I loved Avery and her protective and spitfire side with all things Billie, but Josh was the real MVP for surprising me with his realness with Masen as well as his protectiveness for Billie. I really want more of him, just not with Avery (well unless there is some drama that adds a little angst to their story). There are still 2 "months" left in this series, here's hoping.
All in all, I can totally recommend Mr. October. I haven't read any of the others in the series, but even despite that I have zero doubts that this one has to be a contender for the best in the series. Its that good.
"There are twenty-six letters in the alphabet. You can arrange those letters into a seemingly endless number of words, but no matter the outcome, no matter what words he chooses, all I hear when he sings, is love."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first thing I thought when I read the blurb is that it reminded me of one of my favorite rockstar romance books by another well known author. That should have scared me away as I didn't want to be unfair to this author or her story by comparing and critiquing hardcore. But the reason I decided to go for it was for two reasons....one is that hottie on the cover and the other being that the other book didn't feature the "fake relationship" aspect. Rocker romance is one of my favs, and anything that starts out as fake is usually guaranteed to be a great read. And great it was! By the end of this book, these two had become one of my fav couples ever.
Book Facts: Told in dual POV, Mr. October is a standalone rockstar romance that's part of the Calendar Boy Series. It does have a HEA. On the verge of losing his entire career because of his bad boy ways, recovering alcoholic and music superstar Masen Lennox needs a fake girlfriend to help him clean up his image. Billie Tatum is the perfect girl to fill the role, but can she keep her feelings in check? Or will she fall for the gorgeous rocker who doesn't believe in love?
Timeline of Reading:
Starting: Cover model is hot....that's pretty much all I can think about right now lol.
14%: Not wasting time at all, I like it.
25%: He's in trouble and doesn't even realize it.
32%: Holy crap that was hot....
48%: Its like finally getting there only for someone to screw it up....wtg Masen.
56%: I don't know how to feel about this.... she knows this isn't going to end well.
70%: I LOVE them
73%: Might have been my fav chapter
78%: Good for you girl
86%: Oh come on, douche bag.
91%: Well that changed directions quickly.
Finished: Too freaking sweet. seriously loved them.
"The Five":
Favs from Book: Avery & Josh, "Sugar", the kitchen scene, the drunk girl in the bathroom, how carrying her is "their thing".
Hates from Book: Masen's fear, Masen's "reminder", red head at club, the epilogue (wasn't as good as it could've been), that its over.
Quotes:
His pain destroys me. He gets cut and I’m the one who bleeds.
-Billie
“I can carry that for you, Ma’am, it’s really no problem,” Eric tells her but she shushes him. “I’m probably never going to get this close to a pair of Louboutin’s ever again, Eric, let me have my moment, dammit.”
-Avery
“As much as I can see she loves you, you need to let her go – she’s too good for this version of you.”
-Josh
“Sing with me.”
-Masen
I should run in the opposite direction, but I can’t seem to do anything but move towards her.
-Masen
Characters:
His presence intimidates me, but I crave it. He’s like gravity, pulling me in while at the same time, doing his best to push me away.
Masen Lennox:
"The Five" - Facts:
1. Bad boy rockstar and recovering alcoholic with his entire career on the line if he doesn't repair his reputation.....that's where Billie comes in.
2. He doesn't believe in love, the only thing he loves is making music.
3. He has never allowed a woman to get to know the real him, and doesn't plan on letting Billie except she begins to read him better than anyone else ever has.
4. He starts to open up to her, letting her know he has no tattoos because he is scared of needles.
5. He is afraid of getting close to any woman because of his addictive personality....he's certain he would become addicted to Billie because he's never wanted a woman as badly as he does her.
"The Five" - Characteristics: gorgeous, alpha, closed off/private, scared, liar
Fav Scene: the red carpet
Fav Quote: If alcohol is my addiction, this girl is my kryptonite.
How I felt: My first impression of him was that he was the typical badboy rockstar, all idgaf attitude and inability to love anything but his music. And for the most part he is, but I'm pretty sure he is afraid of falling in love and getting hurt....so its an act. He fights so hard to resist whats clearly there between them BUT at a point you get frustrated and wish he would just stop. The sad part is as the reader you know more about how he feels than he does--he loves her in the ways he can but his addiction to her might be more intense than any love he could offer her could be. He is hurt her (& in turn me) multiple times but under it all is a broken dude, one that also does the sweetest things for her. I loved him.
Billie Tatum:
"The Five" - Facts:
1. Handpicked by Masen to play his girlfriend long enough to save his career. He sees her at the label where she interns, offering her 1 million dollars.
2. Her "barely there" shorts are an extension of herself, and what Masen tends to blame everything on.
3. Her dream is to produce music and Masen quickly sees just how naturally talented she is (including playing instruments and singing)
4. She believes that love is everything and wants her HEA one day.
5. She has no idea the power of her sex appeal or how gorgeous she is. She thinks he doesnt want her because she isn't "enough".
"The Five" - Characteristics: sassy, hot, sweet, insecure/not confident, strong
Fav Scene: Ch 19 bedroom scene
Fav Quote: “Don’t run,” she pleads, her eyes begging. “Not from me.”
How I felt: My first impression of her at the label office was that she was going to be fun. Then I soon realized just how sweet she was, and my excitement turned to worry..... she is going to break her own heart falling for him. She made me angry with her poor confidence, acting like she isn't good enough for someone like him. Throughout the story you can feel her hopefulness, she wants it to be more. You can also feel the strength to fight building in her as well, and fight she does. She became a fav heroine of mine in the last maybe 30%, because she refuses to give up or be pushed away. I was seriously rooting for her.
"The Five" - Their Relationship: electrifying, hot as hell, frustrating, slow burning, addicting.
How I felt: These two take electrifying chemistry to another level with their slow building romance. Even their "almosts" are hotter than most full on scenes in other books. It drives you insane how they come together and then push away, but you know eventually when it actually comes together its going to be hot. And God is it.... but what I didn't expect was how sweet it would be. These two frustrated me (okay more so Masen) but they also captured my heart, because I was invested in the fight for "us" along with them. Totally going in my fav couples vault.
Final Thoughts:
Me Currently:
In the end, I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. While I started by unfairly assuming this wouldn't hold a candle to my fav rockstar romance (that I thought was similar), I realized that it was all the best things that I could compare, how both books were able to do the rockstar genre a favor with their books. At first I expected a rockstar that didn't believe in love because of either a broken heart OR just refused to live a life settled down. It surprised me that his reasoning was both raw and heartbreaking, giving a glimpse of the fear an addict must feel at giving anything that power. It's honestly painful to imagine how lonely and scary that is. Where this book outshines "my favorite" is how we are shown glimpses of Masen that are worthy of Billie's love.... that we aren't just expected to go along with the idea of her falling for a cold & unattainable man. Instead, despite his denial and cruelness (at one point), you already saw the tender moments that made her fight for him one to root for. I didn't realize how important this was until it was right in my face. But my favorite thing about this entire book is how Nicole mastered the art of making their slow building romance so electrifying I didn't mind the torture of waiting. Their "almosts" had me hotter than some very descriptive fully getting on scenes in other books....its the tease of what's the come, you almost feel it as if you are a part of it.
I am always a sucker for the secondary characters, and the two appearing the most in this one were insta-favs for me. I loved Avery and her protective and spitfire side with all things Billie, but Josh was the real MVP for surprising me with his realness with Masen as well as his protectiveness for Billie. I really want more of him, just not with Avery (well unless there is some drama that adds a little angst to their story). There are still 2 "months" left in this series, here's hoping.
All in all, I can totally recommend Mr. October. I haven't read any of the others in the series, but even despite that I have zero doubts that this one has to be a contender for the best in the series. Its that good.
"There are twenty-six letters in the alphabet. You can arrange those letters into a seemingly endless number of words, but no matter the outcome, no matter what words he chooses, all I hear when he sings, is love."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2020
My heart was racing right alongside Billie's from all the turmoil that she was going through with Masen and her heart. She liked his music, but was not completely sure on the man besides the fact that he was extremely handsome. She was exceedingly shocked that Masen picked her to be his fake girlfriend. Masen however, completely was taken off guard with how being around Billie was making him feel. He didn't know what emotions he was feeling since he wasn't shown what love is all throughout his life. That is one of the sad aspects in the book is that those feelings are all too real in life to go through. But it takes a special one willing to teach and be the glue that is needed to help show how that can change one for the better.
November 29, 2023
Mr October was a painful read it took me way too long to read because it's one of those books where it just feels "too real" reading it didn't feel like escaping into another world or living through a different character because Masen was just too much like a guy I used to know and some of the things Masen did actually made me feel hurt for Billie because I know how it feels. All and all though Masen did dedeem himself in the last two chapters which doesn't happen in real life.
October 6, 2020
Ahhhh. So sweet and romantic. The book focuses on the characters and their lives so one can live the fantasy with them for a little bit. There is a little bit of bs, but because the story is shortish, it doesn’t overwhelm the story nor grate one’s brain cells.
It just provided a demure romance fix that left a happy glowing feeling at the end.
It just provided a demure romance fix that left a happy glowing feeling at the end.
June 11, 2022
4,5⭐
I was smiling like a goddamned idiot through 1/3rd of the book.
I loved it.
I loved the main characters and I loved their besties.
I loved the story and the development of Masen.
I loved that the miscommunication trope was excluded from this book.
The writing was much better and with the exception of a couple cringy phrases I loved it.
My fave so far.
I was smiling like a goddamned idiot through 1/3rd of the book.
I loved it.
I loved the main characters and I loved their besties.
I loved the story and the development of Masen.
I loved that the miscommunication trope was excluded from this book.
The writing was much better and with the exception of a couple cringy phrases I loved it.
My fave so far.
September 18, 2021
It was such a good book. Masen was a tortured soul and Billie fitted him just right. They were a really fantastic couple
December 18, 2021
Ugh a smoker and besides a broody non-communicative alpha type....I liked Josh a lot better but whatever.....silly Billie liked him best.
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