Diary of a Rocker's Kid

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />You're sixteen. You've been homeschooled like forever. You live on a remote farm in Kentucky. And then ... you discover your dad is a famous rock star who owns a mansion in LA. What a great story premise ... I so looked forward to reading this book, especially as I also love YA.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I didn't connect with it the way I thought I would. Partly because the characters could have been more rounded out than they are, and also due to the fact that major events happen in Madison's life and she just seems to get over it all a little too quickly and smoothly. The book contains some great plot points that could be explored a lot more than they are, but the narrative seems to move on at speed with not even a passing glance in the rearview mirror.<br /><br />A lot of telling instead of showing goes on, including telling what has already been shown in dialogue. Delaying the action with 'began to' and 'started to' peppers the text, as do filter words that all put something between the reader, the character, and the story. Some words are way overused, especially 'excitedly'. <br /><br />Overall, I would say that this is an okay read, and if you like YA and aren't looking for anything too in-depth, then you may want to give this book a look. Given that it contains sexual references and events, I would say that this is aimed at the older YA as well as adults. Great story premise and an author with potential.

This was a really great well written story. I thought the author did a wonderful job with her debut novel. <br /><br />Madison's life is turned upside down when she finds out that her father was a famous rocker years ago. I really liked Madison's father. I was hoping his love for his daughter would get them through it all. <br /><br />This was a really good young adult read. I ended up reading it in one sitting. Loved the twists and turns. <br />Looking forward to reading more from this author.

*You can read this review and others on my website. www(.)taylormhenderson(.)com*<br /><br />All readers get to a point in a good book where they can't even fathom putting the novel down for a second. I experienced that multiple times while reading D.O.R.K. This novel had me dreaming about the characters whenever I wasn't reading it, it was just that good. It was like a rock and roll version of The Parent Trap! It took me a few chapters to like Madison's character, as I felt her emotions at the beginning of the novel were extreme, but as the novel progressed they became more understandable.<br /><br />I loved every character in this novel. Even the ones that we were suppossed to hate! They were just all so real. Despard does a fabulous job of creating loveable characters, and evoking emotion in her readers. She really captured the young adult voice well, which is often hard to do. I wish the second novel was out already, as I am dying to read the rest of Mads' story. Mads is hilarious and like a breath of fresh air. I found myself giggling like a freak a little too often while reading! The only thing that bothered me was that the underage characters were so easily able to get alcohol with hardly any repercussions. The only time that this actually made me stop and wonder how they got it was when they were out at a club and they ordered a round of shots. This just seemed unrealistic, and I'd have liked to have had some mention of them having fake ID's or something. Other than that, that was the only thing in this novel that I didn't like.<br /><br />Another thing that caught my attention was how well the editing in this story was done. I didn't find any errors, and that just added to make me love this book even more. I really loved Despard's writing style. She uses the perfect amount of description, and throws in humor and teen angst as well. This novel has been one of the top three novels I have read so far this year. If this books becomes a movie, I will be the first in line to see it. I swear the book was paying in my head as I read! Sometimes I would put my kindle down to go eat, and return thinking that I had been watching something on Netflix! Praise to Haley Despard for throwing a bit of her soul into this novel. I am so grateful that I got to read and review it. I will definitely be reading more from this author, and spreading the word about this fantastic start to the D.O.R.K series!

Madison Daley had lived in seclusion all her life and been homeschooled by her Nana on their family ranch along with her Dad, she has always loved music but her Nana frowns upon it and according to her best friend's family - Madison is a bad influence on their daughter. What will happen though when her Dad's friend Cass comes to visits and accidentally spills a secret in front of Madison ? This leads to Madison's whole life unravelling as she discovers that her Dad was a former Rock Star who disappeared from the scene never to be heard from again known as The Grim Weeper and it also turns out that Madison was known as The Basket Baby as she was left on the doorstep of her Dad's mansion when she was a few days old. With Cass's help , Madison and her Dad along with Madison's friend head to the LA Mansion but when they arrive it seems Madison is in for some bigger shocks from finding out about her Mother and who she is to finding out that she has a sister and not just any sister but an identical twin called Raven. <br /><br />Diary of A Rocker's Kid by Hayley Despard was a fun read and if you loved the movie The Parent Trap and It Takes Two like I did , then you will find yourself loving this book and you won't be able to put it down. I am now looking forward to reading more of this series as was hoping for a bit more interaction between Madison and Raven.<br /><br /><br />

First of all, this book has such a unique premise and storyline! I was excited to read it just based on the cover and title alone! Even better news: the book did not disappoint! This is an exciting, emotive young adult read and I devoured the entire book in one sitting which doesn’t happen often.<br /><br />Madison Daley lives a pretty dull life, spending her days on a Kentucky farm and getting home schooled. She’s sheltered, innocent. And then something happens that (literally) rocks her entire world.<br /><br />Madison’s not as “normal” as she appears.<br /><br />Her father has a huge secret: he’s a rock star. A very famous rock star. Not only does she have her father’s reputation to deal with, but also her mother’s. Essentially known as the “Basket Baby”, Madison steps out of her sheltered lifestyle in Kentucky out onto the proverbial red carpet of L.A.<br /><br />There’s love. There’s drama. There’s even some heart wrenching scenes. The dialogue and characters were so genuine, and I immediately felt connected to Madison.<br /><br />Great writing, believable characters, and a storyline that will rock your world!<br /><br />I’m so excited now to read more by this author.<br />

ARC Review:<br /><br />Diary of a Rocker's Kid (D.O.R.K Book 1) by Haley Despard<br /><br />Diary of a Rocker's Kid focuses on Madison Daley who has lived a 'normal' life for the past 17 years on a Kentucky farm. Madison has no idea that her dad Michael is a famous '90s rock star or that her whole world is about to change.<br /><br />Madison loves to play guitar and has started writing a daily diary at the encouragement of her grandmother. However, when her world gets turned upside down, she finds that the diary, her best friend Ana, her dad and his friend Cass are the ones who will help protect her and keep her grounded.<br /><br />Finding out your dads famous and meeting a hot young Italian actor named Giovanni Abate is not all it's cracked up to be. Add to that living in a completely different world compared to Kentucky, and it can all be overwhelming. <br /><br />Madison is blessed with an amazing dad who loves her dearly, but will his love and protection be enough to protect her from what's ahead ?<br /><br />Fun and angsty first book in the series. The characters were interesting and complex, and the storyline flowed fast. Be prepared for a major cliffy !<br /><br />3.75 Fun and Exciting Stars

<strong>Wow! </strong><br /><br />A friend if mine told me that I needed to read this book, now I am not a big fan of YA books BUT I was completely hooked. I find it hard to believe that this is the first book written by this author. The story was great! I couldn't put it down and when I had too I was mad. Congrats to this first time author for such an amazing book

I really enjoyed Diary of a Rocker's Kid! I think the author did a wonderful job of telling a fun story and giving the characters depth. <br /><br />I stopped reading YA awhile back because a lot of the characters were whiney and immature and the literature itself felt so underdeveloped! When I started D.O.R.K. I had high hopes, but my introduction to the book's star, Mads, left me worried. Mads initially came across as ungrateful and annoying. Fortunatly, the real star of D.O.R.K is the author! Haley Despard did a fantastic job of showing Mad's development as a teenager faced with huge, life-changing events. I grew to love Mads and her perspective. Guess I forgot what being a teen was like. ;)<br /><br />Things I love about this book:<br />The characters are well-rounded, have depth and make intelligent\sense-worthy decisions. <br />The relationships between the characters are well established. I instantly felt a connect with Madison's family members because of how she introduced them to the reader.<br />The story moves quickly and holds your attention. I feel this is really important for YA Lit.<br />The story was fairly realistic. As a story taking place in the modern world in real time, I was so glad to find that the major events in Madison's life were not so far out of left field that I'd never believe it happened. I could even relate to her situations somewhat.<br />Great emotion from all of the characters, especially the adults when you consider some of the things they dealt with before the story begins.<br /><br />Things I didn't quite love about this book:<br />The diary portions were a bit repetitive from what first-person Mads already said. I started scanning over her entries.<br />The male heartthrob was a little too perfect and I felt he lacked the depth that the other characters held. I wanted to know more about him, but as the story moved, I lost interest in him. This could be a set-up for the next book in the series though, maybe I wasn't supposed to grow attached?<br />The plot twists were unpredictable up until the middle of the story. Too many clues were given letting the reader know what the twist was, so there was little surprise when the twist was revealed. I was still excited and enjoyed the plot twists, I just felt like I experienced them before I was supposed to.<br />Also, I practically speed-read the last two chapters because I was so certain that some super epic twist was going to happen at the end and shatter my world. It didn't. There's great indication that a ton of crazy stuff will go down in the next book, so I wasn't too disappointed. However, the ending did not give me an urgency to know what happens to Madison. I really feel that I will feel that way in the next book though, so I can't wait.<br /><br />I would absolutely recommend this book! Such a fun read with humor, emotion and lovable characters. Some language and mild\tame sexual content, so depending on the YA audience, it may be slightly mature, but not by much. I cannot wait to see what Madison does next, read this book TODAY!<br /><br />

Rock On! . . And On!<br /><br />Such an emotional book without being too teary. The author made several great points concerning family, abandonment, relationships and growing up. I loved the book format of both character narrative as well as a blog diary form from the character, which helped bring you closer to the main character in her times of happiness and distress.<br /><br />For 17 years Madison Daley has lived on a Kentucky Farm with her dad and grandma, having only her best friend Ana and her dad's best friend Cass from California as their family source of outside contact. Madison is itching for a life outside of the farm and to be understood since she is all about Rock 'N' Roll, something her grandma certainly can live without. However, one slip up changes everything for Madison when secrets are reluctantly revealed by her father. Truth is her dad was a huge rockstar and retired when she was dropped off on his doorstep by her mother. Madison realizes her life is a lie and wants answers, but to get them she needs to get to California. In L.A. Madison begins to find the life she could have had including one perk, being a neighbor to a hot Italian boy next door named Gio Abate, who is everything she's dreamed of. While on a mission to find her mother, Madison is constantly mistaken as someone else and she needs to find out why? But the more she digs the more and more Madison begins to question if it's all worth it.<br /><br />Overall, Loved how many social issues this YA book touched on. Though the author didn't press on any too in depth, a reader would still be able to grasp the purpose behind each moment. Madison's journey into the "IT" life in L.A. is something many dream of but it's definitely something that will drain you emotionally and physically. So seeing an almost adult begin to realize what she walking into is great as too many times tweens idolize the people in the industry without realizing what happens behind the red curtain of fame. The plot of the story was also very unique until near the end when the author initiated a twist that was a bit soap opera for me. However, I can see why she would put that twist in, so there could be more to the series, which I'm actually looking forward to. Why? because Madison is a strong YA character, though she finds her life a lie constructed by those she trusted and loves, Madison regains control of her self and formulates a plan. That pressing on attitude is very hard to do when your world has crashed down around you, and should be admired. So if you are looking to read a book about a girl who is looking to make a name for herself in the rock world but has so much baggage she didn't even know about until she does and then she just finds out more and more and more surprise about her life and family all set in the celebrity world of L.A., then this book would be good to read.<br /><br />**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**<br /><br />------Read more of my reviews at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/">http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/</a>------

I was not expecting this novel to be as great as it was! Haley Despard really out did herself with this novel, and that's saying a lot as I typically do not like rock romances. Madison Daley thought she was living a normal life for the past seventeen and a half years. When it comes to light that her life isn't exactly what she thought it was, she devises a plan to bring her father, the Grim Weeper out of hiding once and for all from their small Kentucky farm where she's been home-school for seventeen years.<br /><br />Her whole world changes in an instant when Cass, long time, mysterious friend that appears over the summer to escape L.A at times, things take a twist for potentially the better in Madison's life. The decision to move back to the mansion in L.A is made, and the Daley's jet off to L.A to make it known that they are out of hiding. Once in L.A things change for Mike Daley, Cassidy Knox, and Madison Daley. For once, Madison can interact with people of her own age, and has had virtually everything given to her.<br /><br />But Madison soon learns that not everything is as it seems when she steps onto the proverbial red carpet of the world of glamour and glitz. Being mistaken for another young woman has Madison reeling. Being abandoned by your famous mother, with no contact for seventeen years makes her the notorious Basket Baby in the Los Angles scene, and she cannot live it down. With a plan in mind to find out who "Mother Dearest" is, and to stay in L.A, does Madison have her work cut out for her?<br /><br />I loved the entire character line-up for this novel. From Madison Daley, who is sweet, innocent, and untouched from any sort of drama that swarms the L.A area, to Cass who has her own secrets, to Mike Daley who has a LOT of sucking up to Madison to do after his secret is out, to the mysterious woman that is Madison's mother, and so many more! This was a great introduction to the series; angst, with some innocent love, mixed in with a hot Italian actor who shows Madison the ropes of the L.A. scene, I would recommend this book to really anyone who wants a sweeter, more innocent romance novel.<br /><br />Job well done to Haley Despard on this novel! I am definitely looking forward to the next book!!!