Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in The Balefire Series. The story of Annabelle and Dakota is so good. This is a second chance romance as long as they both get out of their own heads and admit what they truly feel for each other. There is just so much to this story. Each book in this series just gets better.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wild For Me
By: Tam DeRudder Jackson
Once again Tam DeRudder Jackson has written a fantastic book. I have read each and every one of the books of the Balefire Series so far and each one is better than the next. Tam DeRudder Jackson does a fantastic job developing characters who are believable but who are also rock stars. She shows the life of sex, drugs and rock and roll in all of its glory and does it in such a way that you look at the characters and feel like they are incredibly relatable. The characters in Balefire so far have been so well developed that I truly feel like I know them on a personal level.
These books are each written as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading each and every one. There is some character overlap between books. Also and perhaps most importantly – if you miss a book you are really missing an essential piece to Balefire. Tam DeRudder Jackson has really created a crazy yet wonderful world around this band and I definitely recommend going along for the full ride. I cannot wait to see what will happen in the next book!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3)
I am 100% one of the many girls who had dreams of the rock star being their one true love. So this book and series makes the 16 yr old me from 1989 squeal.
Dakota is the one who swore off relationships and want nothing more than a night with a girl if that long. All of that changes in a moment.
Annabelle and her relationship with her younger sister remind me of my daughters relationship with one another and I loved it.
The Balefire guys are the best. I just do not like Garrett and after being such a jerk I don’t know if he is redeemable or not, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have absolutely loved this series, and somehow the author has stepped up their game with this book. It’s an emotional ride with plenty of tension, drama, and steamy scenes. Each book really gives you more background for each character, so I recommend beginning with the first book in the series for the full effect. Getting to see Dakota and Annabella go back and forth with each other was incredibly entertaining. I may have yelled at the book a couple times out of frustration, but that is a sign of a truly engaging book. The flow of this story is magnificent just like the ones before it. I highly recommend giving this series a chance and getting to know all of the band members!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m obsessed with The Balefire Series. I think Tam DeRudder Jackson may be one of my new favorite authors. Her worlds are amazing. I’ve always loved books about bands and musicians, and she writes them SO WELL. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a contemporary romance series with some sexy rock & roll men and absolutely beautiful ladies. I wish this was a movie series, I would be so into it!! Anyways. I seriously recommend this to anyone and everyone.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Balefire are a smoking hot rock band full of gorgeous men who set many hearts a flutter all over the world when they play, but they always return to their home town when the tours are over, but sometimes they also end up playing to their home crowd, just like the one night when Dakota catches the eye of a couple of sexy women in the front row who all seem to want his attention, however, one of them catches it the most. A woman with green eyes and auburn hair who is wearing a tight leather skirt and throws a pair of lacy, black panties on the stage which Dakota hangs on his guitar and makes it known that he is open for some fun after the show and this is exactly what happens, a night of amazing sex, followed by the woman upping and leaving as soon as dawn breaks leaving only her first name and a whole heap of good memories behind.
Annabelle is a smart young woman with her whole life ahead of her, as well as the hots for the local rock band, so she cannot believe her luck when she gets to spend the night in a hotel room with the hotter than hell guitarist, but she knows that it would only be a one night stand, she isn’t naïve and knows that it is what they are known for, so she leaves it at that and keep hold of the memories of the passionate night they shared together. A couple of years later and it her best friends wedding, and not only marrying the man of her dreams, but that he is in the same band as the hot guitarist, what she doesn’t expect is that said musician remembers her and the night they shared and apparently in just as much detail as she does.
As the wedding plays out, neither Annabelle or Dakota can keep their eyes, hands or lips off of each other, but they promise to behave and so only a phone number is exchanged, but after polishing off way too many shots too early in the night, Annabelle and the other bridesmaids are escorted back to their hotel, but nobody knows that until after the fact, especially Dakota, he thinks she bailed on him, but he keeps chickening out from testing to see if he has the right number for her and it is eating him up inside. Meanwhile, a couple of weeks pass and Annabelle hasn’t heard from Dakota, so she just carries on regardless until a phone call comes out of the blue from Balefire’s manager offering her an internship, it turns out that her best friend put in a good word for her and when they looked into her background decided she was a good fit for the job, so Annabelle agrees to go down to the studio and discuss it, this leads to her accepting the position and all that it may entail, including working both in the studio and going on tour with the band and she is determined to give it her all to prove that she can do it, especially after her performance at the wedding.
When Dakota and Annabelle cross paths at work, the sparks still fly, but will the two allow themselves to embrace the connection between them, or will they keep it professional and let another chance slip them by? This is a romance with a musical twist where a smart woman and a slightly less smart man engage in a battle of wits and sass while dealing with their pasts in this spicy romance which will keep you hooked until the last note is played.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable and engaging novel in this contemporary rockstar romance series. Having read and loved the previous books in the series I was looking forward to being back with the members of Balefire, and I was not disappointed. This is band member Dakota’s story and his second chance at love with Annabelle, who he had a one night stand with two years ago. Whilst touring with Balefire Dakota has had many one night stands and Annabelle should have been just another one, however she wasn’t and even after two years he’s still thinking about her. He’s shocked to see her again at the rehearsal for his drummer’s wedding. Annabelle had convinced herself that her night with Dakota Perri from Balefire was just a fantasy, and that she was just one of many to him. However, when they meet at Jack and Clio’s wedding, Dakota looks at her like he definitely remembers her and their night together.
Annabelle then scores a management internship with the band, with an opportunity guaranteed to lead to a scholarship with a top graduate programme, the only problem is it means seeing Dakota every day. They definitely still have chemistry and it gets harder for her to resist him, especially as it’s obvious he has no intention of resisting her, but Annabelle doesn’t want a reputation for sleeping her way to success. The chemistry between Annabelle and Dakota sizzled off the page and lead to some steamy scenes. I loved both these characters and how their relationship developed throughout the story. The storyline had plenty of drama, angst and romance to keep me hooked, whilst both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in Balefire’s world!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great one in the Balefire series. Wild For Me is book 3 in the series but can be read as a standalone. When Dakota and Annabelle cross paths again for the first time since their one wild, crazy night, sparks fly. Soon, Annabelle scores the internship of a lifetime and will once again be in Dakota Perri’s orbit. This was a fun, quick read and does really well telling the characters stories. I will, however, stand by my stance that a miscommunication trope is never a good choice. It’s always too predictable and seems 100% avoidable, but alas, it still worked out, and we got out HEA.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wild For Me is Book Three in The Balefire series. It is a second chance, contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Annabelle and Dakota. We were introduced to them in previous books as secondary characters, but this book goes into their story. Annabelle has recently graduated from college and has been given the opportunity to do an internship with her favorite band, Balefire. The internship will allow her to gain admission to an MBA program that she wants to attend. The tricky part is that two years ago Annabelle slept with the lead guitarist, Dakota, of the band Balefire and she never expected to see him again. Dakota has slept with numerous women over the years and prides himself on never sleeping with the same woman twice. When he slept with Annabelle, he never expected to see her again, but he does find himself thinking about her and wondering how she feels about him. As fate would have it Annabelle and Dakota are brought together when a member of Balefire is about to get married to Annabelle’s best friend. The attraction and chemistry between Annabelle and Dakota is undeniable but she does not want to be accused of sleeping her way to the top. Dakota has a reputation for sleeping around so he must try to prove to Annabelle that he truly does care for her. The push and pull between the two becomes intense as Dakota and Annabelle navigate their feelings and attraction for one another.
This was another great book in this rockstar romance series. The characters of Dakota and Annabelle grew from what we read briefly in previous books. Annabelle is hardworking, smart, ambitious, and determined. She was attempting to explore her wild side when she slept with Dakota and never expected it to become anything more than her fulfilling a dream of hers. Afterwards, Annabelle put it behind her and focused on graduating college and pursuing her MBA. Dakota has a reputation for being wild, carefree, ambitious, and a bit of a jerk. He never expected any woman to make him feel the need to settle down and stop sleeping around until he met Annabelle. His fear of commitment stems from something traumatic in his past which enables us to better understand why Dakota acts the way he does. It was interesting to read and see how the chemistry would play out between Annabelle and Dakota and if there was any hope of a real, true relationship. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Annabelle and Dakota. They meet at one of Dakota’s rock band’s concerts and hit it off. What neither of them expected was how much that one night stuck with them. When they meet again, the chemistry is off the charts! I really enjoyed reading about Annabelle and Dakota.
This series and author are new to me. I didn’t read the earlier books in this series but the author did a great job of keeping the storyline together so I didn’t feel lost at any point.
I’ll be looking for more books from the series soon.
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is book two of the series. This is Blu and Ashleigh’s story. What a good read!
Blu is your typical rockstar and he loves every minute of it. Ashleigh is nothing like he’s used to and he’s not exactly mad about it. He can’t stop thinking about her. Ashleigh just wants to put down some roots after moving all over most of her life. What she didn’t expect is Blu. She tries to steer clear but he’s pretty determined.
These characters are so well written and very relatable. The whole story is well written and sucks you in from the beginning. I couldn’t wait to keep reading! I definitely recommend!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I so need someone to either punch Garrett or fire him because he needs to go. I knew he was going to be trouble from the beginning. I don’t like him. But I am totally about these boys growing up into the men the women need them to be.
Two years ago, Annabelle challenged herself to have a one night stand with Dakota, the uber-hot lead guitarist from the most popular band on the planet. Not only did she succeed but she never forgot how he made her feel, the tingles his touch left on her skin or the way he made her feel wanted. Annabelle has to see him one more time at her best friend’s wedding since he is best friends with the groom.
Even though Dakota could have a different woman every day, there is one woman that keeps occupying space in his brain. He will get the chance to see her again at The Monk’s wedding. Dakota wants to, needs to reconnect with her. Annabelle is everything he remembers plus so much more.
Annabelle gets a phone call to intern with the band. She can learn marketing and band management on the way to her MBA. Now, she only has to manage to stay away from Dakota until the band goes back out on tour. Except, Dakota’s main goal is to be wherever Annabelle is.
Garrett does what he does best and starts planting seeds of doubt and derision between Dakota and Annabelle. When the seeds take root and blossom, Dakota reverts back to his old ways. When Dakota realizes his error, he must find a way to win Annabelle back.
This series has been wonderful. Each story is full of heart and feeling. The characters have a realness to them. Except Garrett. I do hope that he gets what is coming to him. If you aren’t already a Balefire fan, this one will have you getting temporary flame tattoos and figuring out which undergarments you are flinging at the band!!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dakota is part of the most successful rock band in the world, he can have any woman he wants and does on a regular basis, but one night when she walked into the room in her tight leather skirt he had to have her. One night, but he can’t seem to get her out of his dreams and fantasies will he be able to get her out of his system.
Annabelle went to the concert not expecting anything but when Dakota’s eyes latched onto hers she was gone and then in the morning as she drove away not knowing if she could go with out seeing him again but when she discovers that she has a Management Internship with a band, to her surprise it is with Belefire and not only that she is in Dakota’s path yet again, can she keep her job strictly professional so people do not think she got the job because of him or will he wear her down and she succumbs to his charms.
This is the third book in the series and although you can read this as a stand alone story, you do get a understanding of some of the story from the other books as each book has the same timelines in the stories. The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts and watching them skip around each other is brilliant to read. The secondary characters in the book also adds to the story and you become invested in all not just the main characters.
There are brilliant parts where you just feel for both characters as they are trying to navigate the world of celebrity and also trying to see where the relationship will go and take they take you on the journey.
I can’t wait to read more about this great band and catch up with all the other characters along the way.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First thing first, this is the third book in the series and each book can be read as a stand alone book. I feel that if you start with book one in the series you will have a better flow but, you don’t have to do that. Each book in the series does a great job at making sure you could pick any of then up and just start reading. Now, for the fun stuff. This book has steam, passion, second chance romance, and obviously the life style of rock n roll. So it has everything to keep you turning pages and not stopping until you finish it. There is humor in this book that actually made me chuckle out loud because you can legit see these things happening in real life. I am not going to say what parts made me giggle because I want you all to experience it for yourselves when you read this book. The character development in this story flows and seems really authentic. The spice is at an amazing level but is still tastefully done. I hope that makes sense. This book has everything in it that I would ever crave from a rockstar romance. It even had things I didn’t know I needed but will now require in other books going forward. This was a quick read because I couldn’t put it down and I know that once y’all start reading it; it will be the same for you. Don’t miss this book or this series, it has become one of my favorites and will be one that I will read over and over again.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This amazing series follows the band Balefire and brings with it wonderful characters, fun storylines and of course loads of sex and rock ‘n’ roll. This particular book is Dakota and Annabelle’s story and it will pull you in and keep you hooked. There is one character I really hate right now and I so hope Karma catches up with him somewhere in the next books of the series. Even though these are written as standalones I would read right from the start just to have things flow better for you. You won’t regret it I promise you!!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good 4 star read. Rockstar romance is one of my top favorite genres and I really enjoyed this one. Annabelle and Dakota had a night of fun, but for some reason he just couldn’t shake her. Of course fate brings them together at a wedding and old feelings stir up. With another twist of fate Annabelle finds herself working with the band. Will she be able to resist him and do her job?
Overall this was a good read. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right in. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this one! It easily kept me reading late into the night! The story entertained me and the characters are wonderfully done. Watching Annabelle and Dakota come together is phenomenal! Dakota is a rock star with a large sexual appetite as expected but when he is with Annabelle we really see a different side of him. His nickname(s) for her are beautiful and not run of the mill. Watching him with her family is so fun! Annabelle is a previous groupie who now has a job with the band. She is as smart as she is sexy and fits him and his wildness to a T. Again her families response to him was awesome!
Most favorite scene:
I love the way the author describes the band members coming out on stage for their concert! I was in awe! I absolutely felt like I was there! Not with the throwing of panties and bras but giving me chills because I could feel the excitement just like the characters! Well Done!
There were a few touched on moments near the end that I wish as the reader they would have been shown to us and not just heard snippets from another character. Maybe a few less tour show explanations could have replaced with those scenes. I fell that would have closed out that storyline (Garrett).
It definitely will be going on my re-read pile as it is delicious! I really loved every second and eagerly look forward to Tron’s story.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Balefire Series. These books can be read as a standalone read as each book mainly focuses on one couple, however there are characters that show up from previous books so I personally feel its better to read them in order. The author does such a great job with the characters in these books. The rock star romances are full of passion, chemistry and steamy moments but one of the things i love is that the author writes both the male and female characters as strong fiesty people which only intensifies the chemistry.
This is a second chance romance between Dakota and Annabelle. After a very passionate night together Annabelle disappears. Which suited Dakota just fine after all as a member of a successful band most encounters with women are a 1 time thing. However something about Annebelle was different which he realises when he can’t stop thinking about her.
Fast forward and they meet again at their friends wedding. The spark and chemistry between them is still there and Dakota is determined that this time he won’t let her escape.
Annabelle on the other hand has other ideas. She is trying to progress her career and as an intern with the band she has the chance to do just that. But she wants to do it on her own not on a reputation of sleeping her way up the ladder. No matter how hot Dakota is, no matter how amazing and consuming their chemistry is Annabelle knows she can’t give in to Dakota without risking her goals.
But what happens when that pull can’t be denied. Can Annabelle have her job and the man she wants? How far will Dakota go to make sure that this time she doesn’t escape him.
This is a gripping romance as their relationship grows and develops but with additional forces working against them do they have any hope of being together?
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been obsessed with this series!! The third book was just as great as the first two! I could not put this book down and was absolutely enthralled! I cannot wait to read more books by this author. I felt as though I was in the action with the people and I couldnt believe all of the twists and turns. You need to add this to your list of books to read you wont regret it!!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. However, each of these books are fantastic and I would highly recommend reading them all. The connection between the main characters is undeniable. Their chemistry is evident right from the start and it only seems to grow in strength as the book goes on. There seems to be so much standing in their way, themselves included, that it is hard at times to see how they might get their happy ending.
The story itself is just as good as the others. I was pulled into it straight away and couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. This has been a really strong series overall and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next book.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Wild For Me is the Third book in the Balefire series by Tam DeRudder Jackson. It is a New Adult contemporary rockstar romance with second chances, jealousy, insecurity, baggage, emotion, tension, chemistry, sparks, drama, angst, hot spicy details, and taking a chance on love.
This is an on-going series, but each instalment focuses on a different couple- so this could be read as a standalone if you wanted. But, having said that, there is a cast of recurring characters and interesting details and developments in the previous books that you might want to know going into this story. Plus, who doesn’t love a great rockstar romance- and this series follow the members of rock group Balefire- and what a story they each have to tell!
To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this instalment, because I hadn’t particularly liked our MMC, Dakota, in previous books. But I am happy to say that getting to know him better here, really gave me a better understanding of him, and he well and truly won me over.
From a one-night-stand two years previously Dakota and Annabelle come face to face at a friend’s wedding. Sparks fly- simmering chemistry ignites, and things definitely heat up. But these two will have to deal with a bit of baggage if they are to find happiness together. So, buckle up for a rocking good read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Tam DeRudder Jackson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Wild For Me is the third book in the Balefire series by Tam DeRudder Jackson. All the books are about a rock ‘n’ roll band Balefire. I suggest you read them all in order to get the whole picture of the characters, the band, their topsy turvy world. They can each be read as standalones though thank God because I came in all over the place.
This is a second chance tale that you won’t want to put down. It is an erotic contemporary rock ‘n’ roll romance story.
The series focus’ on each member of the band Balefire and this is Dakota and Annabelle’s story. It is passionate and intense and full of sex, booze, and rock ‘n’ roll. This sensuous and seductive story pulls you in.
I like we get a deeper insight and exposure of who these characters really are as the story is told in dual POV. The secondary characters help move the story forward but I really, really wanted to take out the smarmy band manager. He so rubs me the wrong way.
Sparks fly in this sexy and hot, steamy and seductive, passionate and intense tale.
It was only meant to be one night, just like all the others. Only it wasn’t, it was the best of his life and that is saying something. When he stumbles across her again, he is given a second chance. He won’t let her go again so he jumps into action come hell or high water.
Annabelle walked away from the best night of her life. Now he stands before her looking like he wants to devour her.
If you like erotic stories that are super sexy, have a little angst and a lot of drama then you need to get your hands on this series. You won’t regret it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series and is one of my favorites. I highly suggest reading the previous two books in this series as they are just as great as this one. I enjoyed this author’s writing style and added to the entertainment value of the story. Details that give the story realistic feel and characters that pop off the pages and into your heart. This book is no different. This is a well written story that is fast paced, engaging and easy to read. A story where attraction between two people is so strong they find it hard to resist. Dakota and Annabelle are great characters that add so much to the story. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching their growth. They are strong, connectable characters that truly made the story for me. What happens between these two you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Man, this one showed a whole new side to Dakota. I had hoped for a little more to him. This was another entertaining installment in the Balefire series. I have certainly enjoyed the series. Dakota shows us a little bit of his other side. I enjoyed the writing in this one. I’m also spoiled because the author brings up a little about our local landmark, Red Rocks. It’s an entertaining, spicy, and romantic read that I highly recommend if you love rocker romance.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Wild For Me was a good read. While I have not read the previous books in this series I did not feel like I was missing much. It can be read as a stand alone. I think at this point we have all read enough romance novels to know what’s going to happen however the characters were nice and the plot kept my attention! The spice level was stepped up in this book. My biggest issue which is why I keep going between three or four star rating is the manager in this book. The band knows they have a manager who is sexually harassing people borderline sexual assault and nothing is done about it. The band says oh he’s a good manager. It made my blood boil the entire time I was reading it!
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The lead guitarist’s story
This is Dakota and Annabel’s story. A hot as hell one night stand that leads to so much more. I am really enjoying this series and even though each book can be read as a stand alone, there is a common thread connecting them. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go as I didn’t like Dakota in the first two books, so it was great to get a different side of him. This book quickly changed my mind. With good characterisation and a mix of fun, romance, drama and chemistry. Highly recommend.
▽ )˖°°˖✧ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ( ▽ )˖°°˖✧
Dakota
Annabelle Stewart, all tight leather skirt and hot lace panties, thundered into my life for one night after a rock show and calmly drove away the next day. She should have been like any other one-night stand I’ve had over the last ten years touring with Balefire. But she wasn’t. At odd moments, I catch myself thinking about her, wondering if I made as big an impression on her as she did on me.
Then I walk into the rehearsal for our drummer’s wedding, and who’s standing with the bride? The hottie who keeps me awake with thoughts of our one night together. Beautiful, smart, and sassy as hell, Annabelle sets me on fire with her kisses and leaves me hanging. But I’ve got plans for her.
Annabelle
I never expected to see him again. Two years after hooking up with Dakota Perri after a Balefire concert, I’d convinced myself that night was a fantasy. But the way he looks at me during Jack and Clio’s wedding, like he remembers every second of our one-night stand, lights me up. Too bad I blew it.
Then I score a management internship with the band, an opportunity guaranteed to land me a scholarship with a top graduate program—if I don’t earn a reputation for sleeping my way to success. Which is a problem. I see Dakota every day. Every time we’re together, the sparks fly faster and hotter. If I want to achieve my goals, I have to resist him. But how can I resist a man as panty-meltingly hot as Dakota Perri when he says he’s wild for me?
Tam DeRudder Jackson’s love of all things Celtic led her to write the Talisman Series. Steeped in Celtic mythology, these steamy, fated mates, paranormal romance adventures are set in the mountains of Tam’s native Montana and the Highlands of Scotland. Rogue, the most recent book in the series, was named a best romance of 2022 by the Independent Book Review.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Annabelle is a rock n roll fan, and attended a Balefire concert 2 years ago. Attending a rock n roll concert requires dressing for the part, so Annabelle dressed in sexy lace and tight leather, and it ended up paying off – she had the best night of her life with band member Dakota. She left the next day and convinced herself she made it all up, knowing Dakota was a ladies man with many notches on his bedpost. Dakota expected the same, but has been surprised ever since by thoughts of her and imagining he was able to find her again.
Fast forward to now, Annabelle was asked to be in her friend Clio’s wedding – who happens to be marrying the drummer from Balefire, Jack. She had never expected to see Dakota up close and personal again, and was sure he couldn’t possibly have remembered her – until she catches the fire in his eyes as he stares at her and realizes he hasn’t forgotten her.
After a mistake on Annabelle’s part, she ends up with a management internship with the Balefire band with a guarantee of a scholarship in a leading program for graduates – if the band manager doesn’t succeed in getting her to lose her opportunity, first. Honestly, he’s a real jerk and has his sights set on ruining her opportunity in any way he can. He is obviously threatened by Annabelle. While she is protecting herself from the manager on one side of things, she is being sucked back in by Dakota on the other. While their scenes together are hot, there is a lot of struggling through their relationship because they refuse to speak to one another, and Dakota is constantly making crude statements about his past and never sharing any feelings for her. They had hot chemistry and scenes together, but it is a little hard to follow along with them being a love match when they are virtually strangers throughout the book and have zero communication skills. The band and crew look out for Annabelle and are offering some level of protection, which feels like it tells a lot to what they think about the two of them together.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to starting at book 1 to learn more about the rest of the band!
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Snap, crackle, pop hot enough to start a fire! This book was so good from the very start! Bad boy rock star meets sweet but fiery girl-next-door, the heat between Blu and Ashleigh was everything and so much more. The characters were real and relatable, as well as many of the issues they faced, and I love to find that in a book!
“Sing For Me” by Tan Derudder Jackson is an exquisite addition to the Balefire series, earning a solid 5 stars. This rockstar romance is a magnetic blend of relatable characters and a well-crafted plot. Lead singer Blu Connolly’s journey to unexpected love with his charming neighbor Ashleigh is a refreshing departure from the usual fame-driven romance tropes. Their genuine connection and the steady build of their relationship are a testament to Jackson’s mastery of character dynamics and development.
Jackson’s writing style is a breath of fresh air, infusing the narrative with energy and authenticity. Whether you’re diving into the series for the first time or eagerly following its progression, “Sing For Me” stands independently while seamlessly adding to the larger saga. The exploration of Blu’s bond with his mother adds an extra layer of emotional resonance. In short, “Sing For Me” is an electrifying and heartwarming read that keeps the pages turning, firmly securing its place as a must-read in contemporary rockstar romance.