Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Light Me Up
SERIES: Rock U (Book 4)
AUTHOR: Christie Gordon
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 302 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2023
BLURB:
Sparks fly when a cynical rocker recovering from trauma meets a vibrant, upbeat man. But will an ex who’s determined to exploit their past wounds rip them apart?
Silas Brown
I’m the rhythm guitar player in a pop-punk band and I’m tired of being called a hero. I’m also done with crazy. After taking down a mass shooter, I’m trying to survive and recover. Then out of nowhere, this colorful dude pleas for help and what do I do? Save him. Of course, he’s really attractive and probably crazy. Now he’s found me at work, wants to meet for coffee and so much more. Do I lower my defenses and let him in?
Cash Phillips
After a childhood of neglect and foster care, I’ve defeated my past and clawed my way to happiness. Now I’m ready to meet Mr. Right and I know he’s out there. He might even be Silas, the one who saved me from being robbed. He’s cranky and oh so adorable and I know he’s the yin to my yang. How can I make him see I’m not the crazy man he thinks I am?
When Silas’ ex comes at us with her brand of emotional abuse, Silas tries to shield me. But when she’s the one needing help, will it tear us apart or bring us all together?
Light Me Up is the fourth book in the Rock U series and is part of the Mesa Boys universe. This novel features a grumpy man falling for another who’s all sunshine, hurt/comfort, and a bad-boy rocker recovering from past trauma and emotional abuse. It guarantees an HEA and has no cliffhangers. It features a cynical college student with a big heart, and a man who’s perpetually positive and knows what he wants. Each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.
Trigger warning: This book contains themes of gun violence, past and present emotional abuse, past childhood neglect and suicidal thoughts of a side character
REVIEW:
I have waited patiently for our grumpy rocker that saved Axel and Caleb at the Guitar Center with the crazy, controlling girlfriend’s story. And boy oh boy is it a doozy!
Silas Brown just wants to finish up his master’s degree in accounting, become a CPA for non-profit animal shelters, play rhythm guitar with the best cover band in the State of Arizona and heal from the trauma he is left with from the shooting and then him being called a hero. And he just wants his crazy ex-girlfriend to finally understand it’s over an leave him alone. Her constant mental abuse is dragging him further and further down. And now he has this gorgeous, very colorful crazy man pursuing him after he saved Cash from an attacker. Why can’t he just get a break? But what will happen if he can find enough trust to let his guard down and let a little positive color (in the form of one Cash Phillips) in and light him up?
Oh my goodness! This amazing series that Christie Gordon has given us hits you right in the heart. The trauma that Silas was attempting to overcome in addition to all the crud that Mia flung his way was overwhelming. How this man was suppose to finish his degree, work at Target, attend all the band stuff, met the mental health therapist he so desperately needs, make sure everyone is safe and then have time to date was beyond me. But Cash was the colorful light at the end of a very dark tunnel towards light. No wonder everyone was worried about him. But all his found family (his bandmates) and his family immediately saw such a positive difference when Cash entered the picture. Even his fellow co-workers mentioned it. They really were each other’s ying to their yang.
And don’t get me started on how wonderful and perfect Cash was! To have survived his traumatic youth to became the wonderful bright star he is is not only a testament to his adoptive family but to himself. Having him show Silas that mental health help is a positive and not for losers like Mia constantly tried to convinced him. That he was weak and no hero. Silas is a hero and whether he realized it or not it was his nature to save and protect. And thankfully so or he and Cash would never have met! And the ultimate proof was how he supported Mia in her time of need even after everything she pulled.
I have truly enjoying watching each of these band members of Knot Me find their forever person, their sole mate. They are each as different as night and day and each of their mates as varied as you can get. Yet they all work together as a team to support each other through thick and thin. If one of their own is in trouble and needs help they drop everything to come and support and care for them. They really are a found family that loves each other and accepts their mates unconditionally when the right one comes along. They not only support their each individual uniquenesses but embrace it!
I can’t wait for Gabe’s story next and I am sure it’s going to be exciting.
RATING: 
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