Review: I Want You to Want Me by Erika Kelly

This is an intoxicating story about a famous rock group adjusting to their newfound success. It is the second installment of the Rock Star Romance series and each book is a stand-alone featuring a different member of the band, Blue Fire.  This book centers on Derek Valencia and Violet Davis.  The band is going through growing pains and trying to figure out how to deal with all the temptations that come with being a rock star.  Violet is asked to tour with the group, as their minder and help the band members find healthy alternatives to sex, drugs and alcohol.  It takes some of the guys in the band a while to get on board with Violet’s ideas.

Behind Violet’s tough and independent exterior she is vulnerable.  She was raised in foster care, never had a loving relationship as a child and thinks because of her upbringing, she is unable to love.  She has never allowed herself to get close to anyone; especially a client, but there is something about Derek, the group’s leader, that she finds hard to resist.  Derek is sweet, upfront about his feelings and doesn’t have any interest in being with another woman, once he meets Violet.  He is a big, alpha male with an emotional, sensitive side and he makes Violet feel things she thought she would never feel.  He is attuned to Violet and they bring out the best in each other. Although Derek does have to work hard to get Violet to let him in and gain her trust, he is always patient and understanding. Derek and Violet are good together and have incredible chemistry.  They each struggle with insecurities and they grow personally and emotionally.  Erika Kelly writes a passionate story with engaging characters and there is also a charming cast of supporting characters.