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Rock Chick #9.5
Rock Chick Rematch
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley brings a new story in her Rock Chick series…
In high school, Malia Clark found the man of her dreams.
Darius Tucker.
But life hits them full in the face way before it ever should. Darius makes a drastic decision to keep his family safe and Malia leaves town with a secret.
When Malia returns, she seeks Darius to share all, but Darius finds out before she can tell him. At the same time, she finds out just how much Darius has changed in the years she’s been away.
She just refuses to give up on him.
Until he forces her hand.
Secrets come between Malia and Darius, at the same time Malia has to worry about weird things going on at the law firm where she works, her kid wants a car and she’s stuck in slow-cooker hell. Luckily, her ride or dies have her back.
And in the meantime, she might just learn she never should have lost hope in Darius Tucker.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
In high school, Malia Clark found the man of her dreams.
Darius Tucker.
But life hits them full in the face way before it ever should. Darius makes a drastic decision to keep his family safe and Malia leaves town with a secret.
When Malia returns, she seeks Darius to share all, but Darius finds out before she can tell him. At the same time, she finds out just how much Darius has changed in the years she’s been away.
She just refuses to give up on him.
Until he forces her hand.
Secrets come between Malia and Darius, at the same time Malia has to worry about weird things going on at the law firm where she works, her kid wants a car and she’s stuck in slow-cooker hell. Luckily, her ride or dies have her back.
And in the meantime, she might just learn she never should have lost hope in Darius Tucker.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
About the author
Kristen Ashley
123 books38.6k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 7, 2024
4 stars
I missed being in the Rock Chick world! Darius is one of those characters I've always been curious about and I loved getting his romance with Malia. It was a beautiful second chance romance and redemption story, and I loved the family dynamic.
"It’s me for you, it’s you for me. You were right all those years ago, Malia. We were meant to be."
I missed being in the Rock Chick world! Darius is one of those characters I've always been curious about and I loved getting his romance with Malia. It was a beautiful second chance romance and redemption story, and I loved the family dynamic.
May 1, 2024
DNF at 73%. I wish I had never read this and just left the Rock Chicks where they were, in my past.
I struggled with Darius because in my mind there is no excuse for what did to Malia for all those years, and particularly when he blamed Malia for leaving to have her baby when he was the one who ended it. The choices he made were his and his alone and had nothing to do with Malia, though she didn't help herself by being a doormat either.
This novella was so rushed and missed out/ignored so much of the important bits we really needed to know, yet the author still managed to squeeze in the stuff that had no bearing on the story (food/clothes/decor) whatsoever. 🙄 What she didn't squeeze in was much about Darius at all and I'm at a loss as to understand why she would do that. For example his thoughts behind the letter he sent Malia to end things because he didn't have the courage to end the relationship to her face, how he managed after his dad's death, how he lived during those years they were "sort of" apart instead of being merely hinted at through the other RC books, what he did, how he lived, his feelings, etc. But for me the worst .... the absolute WORST was how I can't even. Instead we get pages of his awesome house once he "got his redemption". I wasn't interested in his awesome house, I wanted to know Darius!
The ridiculous Rock Chick dramatics got old pretty fast and don't even get me started on Todd who, though they've never met, plops down her wedding planner in front of her and is already choosing wedding colours THREE DAYS after they had gotten back together. That's when I was D.O.N.E. done. 🤦♀️
One last thing for the person that wrote this book: Who are you and what on earth have you done with Kristen Ashley?
So I repeat - I wish I had never read this book. What a total let down.
I struggled with Darius because in my mind there is no excuse for what did to Malia for all those years, and particularly when he blamed Malia for leaving to have her baby when he was the one who ended it. The choices he made were his and his alone and had nothing to do with Malia, though she didn't help herself by being a doormat either.
This novella was so rushed and missed out/ignored so much of the important bits we really needed to know, yet the author still managed to squeeze in the stuff that had no bearing on the story (food/clothes/decor) whatsoever. 🙄 What she didn't squeeze in was much about Darius at all and I'm at a loss as to understand why she would do that. For example his thoughts behind the letter he sent Malia to end things because he didn't have the courage to end the relationship to her face, how he managed after his dad's death, how he lived during those years they were "sort of" apart instead of being merely hinted at through the other RC books, what he did, how he lived, his feelings, etc. But for me the worst .... the absolute WORST was how I can't even. Instead we get pages of his awesome house once he "got his redemption". I wasn't interested in his awesome house, I wanted to know Darius!
The ridiculous Rock Chick dramatics got old pretty fast and don't even get me started on Todd who, though they've never met, plops down her wedding planner in front of her and is already choosing wedding colours THREE DAYS after they had gotten back together. That's when I was D.O.N.E. done. 🤦♀️
One last thing for the person that wrote this book: Who are you and what on earth have you done with Kristen Ashley?
So I repeat - I wish I had never read this book. What a total let down.
January 26, 2024
The Rock Chick universe is one of my happy places. I’m so utterly thrilled that we finally got Darius and Malia’s story.
Darius and Malia were high school sweethearts who found themselves separated by tragedy. They were it, the real deal, in it to win it and set to beat all the odds as soulmates in love.
But then Darius' father died. And Darius found himself out of good choices and confronted with only one path forward to save his family and himself—so he buried his grief under layers of pain and moved forward in the only way available to him at the time.
That way forward did not include Malia. Which was a huge problem for her, because even with the heartbreak of losing Darius, Malia had a bigger fish to fry: she was pregnant.
As the years go by and Malia raises their son alone—but not truly alone—the two of them collide over and over, trying their best to see their love story bear fruit despite all the obstacles in their way.
Rock Chick Rematch is the story of Darius and Malia. It's a story of endurance, pain, endless love, patience, and hope. And it was perfect for me.
Kristen Ashley said that Malia wouldn't let her leave this story untold, and I can totally see that. Malia's been waiting a good long time for her happy ending. And it was TIME! And in true Malia fashion, she was going to make it happen.
Seeing the cameos from earlier Rock Chick books in the series was such a fun time. I loved learning about new people, I loved seeing our old friends. Stepping into Fortnum's (the local bookstore/coffee shop) and hanging out with the group was so heartwarming to me—a Rock Chick fan who has waited a long time for a new story in the world.
I recommend new readers start with the beginning: Rock Chick . This novella is perfect for existing fans of the series, but I'll be the first to admit that it's not the best entry point for brand-new readers. I think it's accessible to all, but a ton of context and supplemental backstory from the series is the core of this novella so new readers might miss out on the action.
Thanks, KA, for this latest entry to my happy place. I'll be here waiting for the next one...
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
Darius and Malia were high school sweethearts who found themselves separated by tragedy. They were it, the real deal, in it to win it and set to beat all the odds as soulmates in love.
But then Darius' father died. And Darius found himself out of good choices and confronted with only one path forward to save his family and himself—so he buried his grief under layers of pain and moved forward in the only way available to him at the time.
That way forward did not include Malia. Which was a huge problem for her, because even with the heartbreak of losing Darius, Malia had a bigger fish to fry: she was pregnant.
As the years go by and Malia raises their son alone—but not truly alone—the two of them collide over and over, trying their best to see their love story bear fruit despite all the obstacles in their way.
Rock Chick Rematch is the story of Darius and Malia. It's a story of endurance, pain, endless love, patience, and hope. And it was perfect for me.
Kristen Ashley said that Malia wouldn't let her leave this story untold, and I can totally see that. Malia's been waiting a good long time for her happy ending. And it was TIME! And in true Malia fashion, she was going to make it happen.
Seeing the cameos from earlier Rock Chick books in the series was such a fun time. I loved learning about new people, I loved seeing our old friends. Stepping into Fortnum's (the local bookstore/coffee shop) and hanging out with the group was so heartwarming to me—a Rock Chick fan who has waited a long time for a new story in the world.
I recommend new readers start with the beginning: Rock Chick . This novella is perfect for existing fans of the series, but I'll be the first to admit that it's not the best entry point for brand-new readers. I think it's accessible to all, but a ton of context and supplemental backstory from the series is the core of this novella so new readers might miss out on the action.
Thanks, KA, for this latest entry to my happy place. I'll be here waiting for the next one...
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
March 29, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I love this series, and I have reread it many times... but this was disappointing... it is written in a similar way as Ally's story but only shorter... I just hate when the book is so obviously told in flashbacks.
I think both of them deserved better, but still, I can't make myself hate it even though I know how deeply flawed this book is.
I love this series, and I have reread it many times... but this was disappointing... it is written in a similar way as Ally's story but only shorter... I just hate when the book is so obviously told in flashbacks.
I think both of them deserved better, but still, I can't make myself hate it even though I know how deeply flawed this book is.
January 26, 2024
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK or decent reads
=========================
S
P
O
I
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E
R
S
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.
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This reading left me with conflicting feelings.
I always rooted for Darius' happy ending, even though I knew the harm caused by drug traffickers directly affected the lives of thousands of people.
He is a character full of flaws, but he is well aware of it.
His two best friends, Liam and Eddie, were his anchors and Malia was certainly the light at the end of the tunnel.
Until now I can't assimilate his choice to have a relationship with his son behind Malia's back. I think it is unnecessary and painful.
As always, the author leaves something to be desired in resolving the cases that appear to fill the story, such as that of the lawyer in Malia's work. She could have used this as a source of more action and interaction with other characters.
In the end it was a good read, but I think the couple deserved more.
=========================
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
.
.
.
This reading left me with conflicting feelings.
I always rooted for Darius' happy ending, even though I knew the harm caused by drug traffickers directly affected the lives of thousands of people.
He is a character full of flaws, but he is well aware of it.
His two best friends, Liam and Eddie, were his anchors and Malia was certainly the light at the end of the tunnel.
Until now I can't assimilate his choice to have a relationship with his son behind Malia's back. I think it is unnecessary and painful.
As always, the author leaves something to be desired in resolving the cases that appear to fill the story, such as that of the lawyer in Malia's work. She could have used this as a source of more action and interaction with other characters.
In the end it was a good read, but I think the couple deserved more.
April 21, 2024
I will miss Kristen Ashley's old writing style.
I already miss it in this story.
I'm happy that Darius and Malia got their happy ending.
I already miss it in this story.
I'm happy that Darius and Malia got their happy ending.
January 21, 2024
The story we've KA fans have been waiting so very long for has finally arrived. Darius gets his happily ever after and I am so here for it. Filled with longing and the angst Kristen Ashely is a master of creating. Hold tight rock chicks! It's an epic ride!
~Tanja
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~Tanja
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
February 27, 2024
4.25 stars
even after all this time, i still and always will love this series. what a great finish! glad finally Darius got his happily ever after with Malia and Liam, and loved seeing all the Hot Bunch and Rock Chicks again.
now i have to go back and read these books all over again!!!!
even after all this time, i still and always will love this series. what a great finish! glad finally Darius got his happily ever after with Malia and Liam, and loved seeing all the Hot Bunch and Rock Chicks again.
now i have to go back and read these books all over again!!!!
January 28, 2024
I love the Rock Chick books. And I love that we finally get to come back and get Darius and Malia’s story… but why did Malia get so snowed? Such a letdown. There was some serious lack of motherly and individual character development. Her existing solely for Darius, having no backbone or fire, and getting screwed over by absolutely everyone was not the drama or love I was looking for. Why is she the one issuing so many apologies? Why did no one, including Darius and her son, give her even those little bits of respect she asked for? I wish I had skipped this one and just imagined a better HEA.
February 3, 2024
disappointing
I’ve always wondered about Darius and wanted his story but somehow I’ve read this and know all about his choice in decor and wine but nothing much about his life in his lost years.
I won’t spoil this but I was dismayed at the deception from him and both of their families in this. I didn’t buy the reason, I was angry that she just accepted it and I fear it stopped me from engaging with the story.
I enjoyed the occasional glimpses of Daisy, Tex and Lee but I’m sorry to say Darius and Malia’s story was a let down for me.
I’ve always wondered about Darius and wanted his story but somehow I’ve read this and know all about his choice in decor and wine but nothing much about his life in his lost years.
I won’t spoil this but I was dismayed at the deception from him and both of their families in this. I didn’t buy the reason, I was angry that she just accepted it and I fear it stopped me from engaging with the story.
I enjoyed the occasional glimpses of Daisy, Tex and Lee but I’m sorry to say Darius and Malia’s story was a let down for me.
Read
January 24, 2024DNF @50%
I honestly can't believe what I read. Waiting all these years for this book, this story, and I get a Darius who treats the woman he loves like this, not to mention both of their families being on board with it? No, thank you.
I honestly can't believe what I read. Waiting all these years for this book, this story, and I get a Darius who treats the woman he loves like this, not to mention both of their families being on board with it? No, thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
If you ever asked me which one couple out of the hundreds of books I've ever read in my life most represent the true meaning of soul mates... I'll tell you it's Darius Tucker and Malia Clark.
Despite the fact that I, at (all) times, felt like Malia deserved better, and despite the fact that I'm not the biggest fans of Darius after reading this book, you can't deny as soon as you start reading this story - and as you follow on through these characters' present, then past, then future - that these two are meant to be together. They overcame the hurdles of distance and time, and both lack of communication and miscommunication too; through secrets and heart-breaking revelations, through deceit and betrayal, through cutting words, and love and loss and just everything life could possibly throw at you: Darius and Malia came out on top despite all the odds stacked against them. It was young love and true love; it was right person and right place... But it was also always at the wrong time. Good thing for Darius that Malia has the patience to test time itself and wait however long it'll take to finally get her happy ever after.
"I love you," I blurted.
"I know," he said softly, gently, and uneasily. "And that scares me most of all."
This book seriously took me on a rollercoaster ride of a journey where for most parts, I'd question why they would be fighting for each other when they could've been better off just going their separate ways. Especially Malia. This'll be a theme throughout this review now where I say Malia deserved better, and that is because Malia deserved better. She deserved better than to wait for a man with too many secrets that he wasn't going to share with her. She deserved better than to be treated like the bad guy for circumstances out of her control. She deserved so much better for so many things that I can't talk about in this review because then this'll be a never-ending review where I just get angrier and angrier on Malia's behalf at how she was treated at times, and just how much she deserved to be treated better by almost everyone - mainly her and Darius's family - in this book. And hands down, Darius did not deserve Malia whatsoever.
He did not deserve her at all, and I will forever stand by that statement because seriously, he did not deserve her. But in saying that, the one thing that I like most about Darius is the fact that it's clear he knows that he doesn't deserve her too.
And what I seriously liked most about Darius is the fact that he was deeply flawed, and he made some serious mistakes - a certain secret being one of them that will forever have me angry at him no matter what - but he's one of few KA heroes who owned up to his wrongs, who asked for forgiveness, and didn't just brush his mistakes and flaws under the rug. And I loved that he and Malia - but especially Malia - really showed that fighting for love can bring the most beautiful outcomes, despite how ugly the journey can be.
It was me for him.
And it was him for me.
I knew then, just like me, there was no one else.
But in the end - and by the end - I can't deny that more than anything, I did seriously enjoy this book. I enjoyed being back with the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch, and just being back in the Rock Chick world overall. I enjoyed reading about young Malia and young Darius, and young Lee and Eddie and Indy and Ally too. I seriously enjoyed being introduced to the MVP of BFF's, Toni - who is the ULTIMATE KA side character, and who I hope we get to see more of (somehow) in future books. I also seriously enjoyed getting to know Liam too, and I so hope he gets a story of his own in the future. And lastly, I truly did enjoy how this story played out overall, despite the parts of it I absolutely hated, so much so that by the end, I swear I was in a melted puddle of love and happiness and relief for Malia and Darius, and I never wanted this story to end because I just wanted to see all the little moments of anything and everything to do with them because I felt like we didn't get enough of that throughout this book.
But that ending? Ugh, it was PERFECT for them! It melted my heart and left me giddy for what is to come next, because it was seriously the perfect segue to the highly anticipated spin-off of the Rock Chick Series, and so now I officially CANNOT WAIT to read the Avenging Angels Series next!
ARC provided via 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press in exchange for an honest review
Despite the fact that I, at (all) times, felt like Malia deserved better, and despite the fact that I'm not the biggest fans of Darius after reading this book, you can't deny as soon as you start reading this story - and as you follow on through these characters' present, then past, then future - that these two are meant to be together. They overcame the hurdles of distance and time, and both lack of communication and miscommunication too; through secrets and heart-breaking revelations, through deceit and betrayal, through cutting words, and love and loss and just everything life could possibly throw at you: Darius and Malia came out on top despite all the odds stacked against them. It was young love and true love; it was right person and right place... But it was also always at the wrong time. Good thing for Darius that Malia has the patience to test time itself and wait however long it'll take to finally get her happy ever after.
"I love you," I blurted.
"I know," he said softly, gently, and uneasily. "And that scares me most of all."
This book seriously took me on a rollercoaster ride of a journey where for most parts, I'd question why they would be fighting for each other when they could've been better off just going their separate ways. Especially Malia. This'll be a theme throughout this review now where I say Malia deserved better, and that is because Malia deserved better. She deserved better than to wait for a man with too many secrets that he wasn't going to share with her. She deserved better than to be treated like the bad guy for circumstances out of her control. She deserved so much better for so many things that I can't talk about in this review because then this'll be a never-ending review where I just get angrier and angrier on Malia's behalf at how she was treated at times, and just how much she deserved to be treated better by almost everyone - mainly her and Darius's family - in this book. And hands down, Darius did not deserve Malia whatsoever.
He did not deserve her at all, and I will forever stand by that statement because seriously, he did not deserve her. But in saying that, the one thing that I like most about Darius is the fact that it's clear he knows that he doesn't deserve her too.
And what I seriously liked most about Darius is the fact that he was deeply flawed, and he made some serious mistakes - a certain secret being one of them that will forever have me angry at him no matter what - but he's one of few KA heroes who owned up to his wrongs, who asked for forgiveness, and didn't just brush his mistakes and flaws under the rug. And I loved that he and Malia - but especially Malia - really showed that fighting for love can bring the most beautiful outcomes, despite how ugly the journey can be.
It was me for him.
And it was him for me.
I knew then, just like me, there was no one else.
But in the end - and by the end - I can't deny that more than anything, I did seriously enjoy this book. I enjoyed being back with the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch, and just being back in the Rock Chick world overall. I enjoyed reading about young Malia and young Darius, and young Lee and Eddie and Indy and Ally too. I seriously enjoyed being introduced to the MVP of BFF's, Toni - who is the ULTIMATE KA side character, and who I hope we get to see more of (somehow) in future books. I also seriously enjoyed getting to know Liam too, and I so hope he gets a story of his own in the future. And lastly, I truly did enjoy how this story played out overall, despite the parts of it I absolutely hated, so much so that by the end, I swear I was in a melted puddle of love and happiness and relief for Malia and Darius, and I never wanted this story to end because I just wanted to see all the little moments of anything and everything to do with them because I felt like we didn't get enough of that throughout this book.
But that ending? Ugh, it was PERFECT for them! It melted my heart and left me giddy for what is to come next, because it was seriously the perfect segue to the highly anticipated spin-off of the Rock Chick Series, and so now I officially CANNOT WAIT to read the Avenging Angels Series next!
ARC provided via 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press in exchange for an honest review
January 30, 2024
I loved the story and I’m glad it got told, it needed to be told, I just don’t know if I’d call it a Rock Chick story. I get it, why it was fit into that series, but it didn’t really scream Rock Chick, yeah?
It was a sad and difficult read at most times, but KA was able to weave a lighthearted, funny feeling throughout it that kept it from being too heavy and made a lot of it feel sweet. That at least felt totally Rock Chick.
It was a hard won happily ever after for these two and I’m glad KA finally showed us the beginning, the middle and the end. Oh, and she definitely snuck in there what is to come.
I have to get back to my re-read, new content and a new spin-off on its way.
It was a sad and difficult read at most times, but KA was able to weave a lighthearted, funny feeling throughout it that kept it from being too heavy and made a lot of it feel sweet. That at least felt totally Rock Chick.
It was a hard won happily ever after for these two and I’m glad KA finally showed us the beginning, the middle and the end. Oh, and she definitely snuck in there what is to come.
I have to get back to my re-read, new content and a new spin-off on its way.
January 26, 2024
Rock Chick Rematch by Kristen Ashley
Book 9.5 in The Rock Chick Series, can stand alone.
"It was me for him.
And it was him for me.
I knew then, just like me, there was no one else."
OH.MY.GOD. I did not think I would love this as much as I did, but Rock Chick Rematch by Kristen Ashley is everything I could have asked for and more. Though the 1001 Dark Nights books can stand alone, Rock Chick Rematch is also book 9.5 in the Rock Chick Series, and it’s a story I have been wanting for TEN YEARS!
It’s been years since I did a Rock Chick reread. I didn’t have time to do the whole series again but I re-read Rock Chick Revolution (Ally and Ren’s book) first and I am so glad I did! I even went back again and reread a couple of parts while reading Rematch. Throughout the whole series we have seen glimpses of Darius and Malia’s story, but now we are finally treated to the whole epic story.
Darius and Malia’s story started before the Rock Chick series when they fell in love in high school. They were IT for each other until everything changed when tragedy hit his family and he felt he had to stay away from Malia for her own good. She left town to secretly have his child, and upon her return years later she got secret envelopes of cash that she knew were from Darius, but he stayed away to keep them safe.
“I was around during the great love affair of Malia Clark and Darius Tucker. I know it was high school, but some things transcend high school, and you two were one of those things. Everyone knew you were the real deal. Everyone knew you two were going to make it. Thick and thin. Life smacked you both in the face way before it ever should have.”
These two were so meant to be together, it didn’t matter how many years passed (16+!!!) they only had eyes for each other. There were lots of secrets and surprises that were revealed in this book, and of course, we got to visit with all of the Rock Chicks and Hot Bunch guys. Liam, their son, was wonderful, I love how KA writes teen kids the most. We also met some new side characters — Malia’s sister and her best friend, who are amazing additions to the group, as well as Darius’s mother and sisters (who I still don’t know how I feel about).
“It’s me for you, it’s you for me. You were right all those years ago, Malia. We were meant to be.”
Kristen did a fantastic job of going back and telling this story in the Rock Chick style, and even the sex scenes, while still totally hot, were still a little lighter, like the Rock Chick Series itself. I can see why Kristen was a little reluctant to tell Darius’s story—I think he held a special place in all of our hearts, and it would have been hard to do him justice. But she did. She absolutely did.
I have to talk about how much I LOVE Malia! Like all the Rock Chicks, she is a kick-ass, strong, smart woman who is loyal to the core. She had every right to be mad, and while I think maybe she forgave too easily, how could she not?
I was worried that this was a “novella” and we wouldn’t get the whole story, but leave it to Kristen to write a 300+ page novella! Spanning 16 years, It was a very full and complete character-driven story that set off the next spin-off series perfectly. We also got to catch up with every Rock Chick character, including Tex 😍.
I loved every minute of Rock Chick Rematch, so I’m not going to do likes and dislikes here, but I can tell you that long-time KA fans will love this, and I think this story stands alone well enough that anyone would be enticed to read the whole series after reading this. Now I want to go back and start over again with Rock Chick! There couldn't be a more perfect end to one of the best series out there.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely. This post contains affiliate links.
Rating: 5 Stars, 2.5 heat
Purchase Rock Chick Rematch by Kristen Ashley
This is the full order of the Rock Chick Series, but head over to the series page or my Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley to see important instructions on how to read this series, as well as couple names, favorite quotes and links to my reviews.
January 29, 2024
Dnf @ 47%, not finishing that BS storyline, ticked me off.
He's been seeing her son for YEARS behind her back, her whole FAMILY knows ffs, but he can't be with HER to protect them, makes NO sense
He's been seeing her son for YEARS behind her back, her whole FAMILY knows ffs, but he can't be with HER to protect them, makes NO sense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
3.5 Stars ⭐️
January 26, 2024
just…no
I’ve always been a fan of KA…but this story line and every character in it just irritated me. I just couldn’t bring myself to continue reading past 50% mark and was even more irritated when I couldn’t return it for a refund (which I rarely do)
I’ve always been a fan of KA…but this story line and every character in it just irritated me. I just couldn’t bring myself to continue reading past 50% mark and was even more irritated when I couldn’t return it for a refund (which I rarely do)
January 24, 2024
Usually just rate it and don’t really write anything but I feel like this is warranted . I would like to preface by saying that I love Kristen Ashley . With that being said, this book just felt soo rushed and put together at the last minute . It just completely left so many unanswered questions. It was not what I’m used to from this author but an okay read nevertheless.
January 23, 2024
I devoured this baby in one afternoon, I LOVED being back in the Rock Chick World.
If you have read any of the Rock Chick Series you'll remember Darius Tucker, he's one of the Hot Bunch that works for Nightingale Security and is Shirleen's nephew, well Kristen Ashley has finally given us his story! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. Darius and Malia's story has so many twists and turns you'll want to buckle up for this ride but I promise it is worth every bump in the road.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRCR
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
If you have read any of the Rock Chick Series you'll remember Darius Tucker, he's one of the Hot Bunch that works for Nightingale Security and is Shirleen's nephew, well Kristen Ashley has finally given us his story! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. Darius and Malia's story has so many twists and turns you'll want to buckle up for this ride but I promise it is worth every bump in the road.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRCR
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Want to read
July 22, 2023Darius’ book……FINALLY!!!!
January 23, 2024
The Rock Chick series finished some time ago but Darius was always an untold story.
I know readers requested his story to be written.
I feel with a project like this it can be amazing or sometimes just doesn't work, an author changes in their writing style, for better or worse, grows and improves or looses their edge.
Author's acknowledgement.
Darius’s book was never meant to be. He was too precious to me, our relationship too personal. He wanted me to keep his secrets, and I was so protective of him, I agreed.
The thing is, Malia did not want the same thing.
Rightfully so, she was proud of the man she loved, and she wanted his story told.
Darius gives the ones he loves everything they desire, so he set me on this sentimental journey.
It was one I was honored to share with these two amazing people, their fantastic son, families and friends, guiding me back into the Rock Chick world, a place I never thought I’d be again.
But Malia was right. In that world, there was one more story to tell.
Okay here we go.
So I couldn't help the eye roll at the prologue. We get a whole load of blah blah about food, I mean it's pork but we get several paragraphs on KA's opinion... yawn!!
Chapter 1 goes back to high school. We get the Indie, Eddie and Lee triangle and Ally in Indie's gran's Fortnums, because she's alive at that point and we'd never met her, aw.
I really enjoyed it.
You get the past interactions, touches on things a reader of the Rock Chick series knew took place but also gives you a different perspective.
If you haven't read the Rock Chick series, you could still read this and it would likely encourage you to read the rest.
No intimate details other than the Hero and heroine.
They are both only with each other over the years.
Both previously dated by no details.
HEA.
I know readers requested his story to be written.
I feel with a project like this it can be amazing or sometimes just doesn't work, an author changes in their writing style, for better or worse, grows and improves or looses their edge.
Author's acknowledgement.
Darius’s book was never meant to be. He was too precious to me, our relationship too personal. He wanted me to keep his secrets, and I was so protective of him, I agreed.
The thing is, Malia did not want the same thing.
Rightfully so, she was proud of the man she loved, and she wanted his story told.
Darius gives the ones he loves everything they desire, so he set me on this sentimental journey.
It was one I was honored to share with these two amazing people, their fantastic son, families and friends, guiding me back into the Rock Chick world, a place I never thought I’d be again.
But Malia was right. In that world, there was one more story to tell.
Okay here we go.
So I couldn't help the eye roll at the prologue. We get a whole load of blah blah about food, I mean it's pork but we get several paragraphs on KA's opinion... yawn!!
Chapter 1 goes back to high school. We get the Indie, Eddie and Lee triangle and Ally in Indie's gran's Fortnums, because she's alive at that point and we'd never met her, aw.
I really enjoyed it.
You get the past interactions, touches on things a reader of the Rock Chick series knew took place but also gives you a different perspective.
If you haven't read the Rock Chick series, you could still read this and it would likely encourage you to read the rest.
No intimate details other than the Hero and heroine.
They are both only with each other over the years.
Both previously dated by no details.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
yani aslında 3.5 ama bu kitabı çokkk uzun süre bekledim, darius’un adını ilk kitapta ilk gördüğüm andan beri kitabını okumak için ölüp bitiyordum. ayrıca kristen ashley ablamdan okuduğum 40. kitap olması da harika bi tesadüf oldu.. yani şaka maka 39 kitaptır aklımdaki tek şey darius.
doğal olarak beklenti büyüktü. en büyük hayal kırıklığını da kitapta bir tane bile darius povu olmaması yaşattı bana. çünkü az da olsa üç paragraflığına bile erkek povu yazardı kraliçem. darius’a neden böyle yaptı anlam veremedim.
bi de bazı olaylar havada kaldı gibi hissettim. novella değil de rock chickin diğer kitapları gibi upuzun bi kitap olmalıydı bu ya. darius ve malia hak ediyordu bunu
kitapta darius gözünden görmemiz gereken önemli sahneler de vardı. mesela oğluyla ilk konuştuğu, tanıştığı anı bilmiyoruz?? YANİ OLMAZ Kİ BÖYLE
yine de harika bi erko idi. malia’m zaten üzümlü kekim onu çok sevdim gerçekten. liam’ın kitabı umarım çıkar çünkü şimdiden beklentim tavan o konuda.
rock chick karakterlerini diğer serilerde az çok görsek de direkt evime, rock chicklerin tam arasına dönmek beni inanılmaz mutlu etti.. ayrıca sonunda la’e taşınacaktık?? ki ben kitabın plotunu kapsıcak bu durum sanmıştım?? öyle olmadı aslaa AMA AZ KALDI ARKADAŞLAR O LA SERİSİNE ÇOK AZ KALDI İLİKLERİMDE HİSSEDİREM BUNU
doğal olarak beklenti büyüktü. en büyük hayal kırıklığını da kitapta bir tane bile darius povu olmaması yaşattı bana. çünkü az da olsa üç paragraflığına bile erkek povu yazardı kraliçem. darius’a neden böyle yaptı anlam veremedim.
bi de bazı olaylar havada kaldı gibi hissettim. novella değil de rock chickin diğer kitapları gibi upuzun bi kitap olmalıydı bu ya. darius ve malia hak ediyordu bunu
kitapta darius gözünden görmemiz gereken önemli sahneler de vardı. mesela oğluyla ilk konuştuğu, tanıştığı anı bilmiyoruz?? YANİ OLMAZ Kİ BÖYLE
yine de harika bi erko idi. malia’m zaten üzümlü kekim onu çok sevdim gerçekten. liam’ın kitabı umarım çıkar çünkü şimdiden beklentim tavan o konuda.
rock chick karakterlerini diğer serilerde az çok görsek de direkt evime, rock chicklerin tam arasına dönmek beni inanılmaz mutlu etti.. ayrıca sonunda la’e taşınacaktık?? ki ben kitabın plotunu kapsıcak bu durum sanmıştım?? öyle olmadı aslaa AMA AZ KALDI ARKADAŞLAR O LA SERİSİNE ÇOK AZ KALDI İLİKLERİMDE HİSSEDİREM BUNU
January 28, 2024
We've seen/heard about this couple through all of the Rock Chick books, so it's great getting and up close view of what happened to them. It's not pretty and fully angst, but in the end Darius and Malia were true to each other, often when there was no hope and able to find happiness. They deserve it so much!
January 6, 2024
Rock Chick Rematch is the story we've all been waiting for and Kristen Ashley delivered! It was so worth the wait!
Darius and Malia are true soulmates. The love they have for one another is unwavering. But sometimes love isn't enough. And finally getting their story.... to learn what happened in the past and throughout all those years- it was gut wrenching and also surprising. The author throws twists at us that I never seen coming. I really didn't see their story going the way it did. But gosh was it amazing to see the unwavering love these two had for each other. The connection, the chemistry, the intimacy- it was everything. I was so lost in their story I didn't put it down until it was finished.
While I think you could jump in here, I think this book is best read after the Rock Chick series. Because the cameos from the Rock Chicks crew, knowing them all, it made me giddy. And it will mean so much more when they pop up, if you know who they are too. There is a reason this author is my comfort author- this book felt like coming home. After years of rereading the Rock Chick series and getting snippets of Darius throughout, I'm so happy we finally got his story. His HEA. Love how it ends, sending us off to the spin-off. I just can't wait for more!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Darius and Malia are true soulmates. The love they have for one another is unwavering. But sometimes love isn't enough. And finally getting their story.... to learn what happened in the past and throughout all those years- it was gut wrenching and also surprising. The author throws twists at us that I never seen coming. I really didn't see their story going the way it did. But gosh was it amazing to see the unwavering love these two had for each other. The connection, the chemistry, the intimacy- it was everything. I was so lost in their story I didn't put it down until it was finished.
While I think you could jump in here, I think this book is best read after the Rock Chick series. Because the cameos from the Rock Chicks crew, knowing them all, it made me giddy. And it will mean so much more when they pop up, if you know who they are too. There is a reason this author is my comfort author- this book felt like coming home. After years of rereading the Rock Chick series and getting snippets of Darius throughout, I'm so happy we finally got his story. His HEA. Love how it ends, sending us off to the spin-off. I just can't wait for more!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
January 20, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is book 9.5 in the Rock Chick series, and it has a timeline of zero to nine point five, as it spans the whole series … which makes me want to go back to the very first book and read them all over again, with my newly acquired knowledge! If you are new to this series, then this should be the door into a whole lot of goodness in your future.
There are some truly mind blowing twists and turns in this book, which affected me deeply as I read, and made me think about just how I’d react if I were Malia or Darius. We follow them from school to present day, discovering the whys and the hows of their lives, which did not take the expected path, but always stayed somewhat aligned. I’m loathed to say anything more about the actual story, because it all feels like revealing things you need to experience directly. I promise it will be worth it.
We also get some lovely cameos of the Rock Chicks from way back when and right up to date - always good to have a catch up on how everyone is doing.
All in all a very good read from the very first page. Thank you Kristen Ashley.
This is book 9.5 in the Rock Chick series, and it has a timeline of zero to nine point five, as it spans the whole series … which makes me want to go back to the very first book and read them all over again, with my newly acquired knowledge! If you are new to this series, then this should be the door into a whole lot of goodness in your future.
There are some truly mind blowing twists and turns in this book, which affected me deeply as I read, and made me think about just how I’d react if I were Malia or Darius. We follow them from school to present day, discovering the whys and the hows of their lives, which did not take the expected path, but always stayed somewhat aligned. I’m loathed to say anything more about the actual story, because it all feels like revealing things you need to experience directly. I promise it will be worth it.
We also get some lovely cameos of the Rock Chicks from way back when and right up to date - always good to have a catch up on how everyone is doing.
All in all a very good read from the very first page. Thank you Kristen Ashley.
Shelved as 'virtual-trash-can'
January 24, 2024This is a retelling of Darius’ story from Malia’s perspective. I DNFed the book, not because it’s bad, but because I don’t like retellings of the same book from a different POV. It feels like cheating, and it annoys me. Like authors are just trying to bump the royalties without having to actually do anything new. McCaffrey did it several times with Pern, and I just skip those books. Also, Darius’s story was probably my least favorite of the Rick Chick books, so I just don’t care to reread it from another POV. If I hadn’t been so excited there was a new Rock Chick book, and had read the blurb first, I never would’ve bought it in the first place. So DNF, and no rating for purely subjective reasons.
January 30, 2024
The story we were wanting and I can't say I didn't enjoy it cause I did but it was just an okay read. I skimmed the last three chapters and glossed over the details of the outfits and home decor that the author is well known to do. I always smile when I see RC's and HB's make an appearance and with that it's time for a quick reread of the RC series.
January 27, 2024
Heartwarming yest deeply emotional and at moments heartbreaking second chance romance filled with engaging charters, intriguing story line, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this emotional and heart-string tugging journey!
January 26, 2024
“It’s me for you, it’s you for me.
This book is rated so highly mostly based on the above line.... FINALLY we get a couple that actually deliver on it!
This was one I was really looking forward too and I gotta admit I thought KA would hit me a Wood and Maggie (🤢) type scenario but nope no OW for Darius!!!!
I didn't agree with the way things took place but I'm happy to see Darius get his HEA
This book is rated so highly mostly based on the above line.... FINALLY we get a couple that actually deliver on it!
This was one I was really looking forward too and I gotta admit I thought KA would hit me a Wood and Maggie (🤢) type scenario but nope no OW for Darius!!!!
I didn't agree with the way things took place but I'm happy to see Darius get his HEA
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