Playing the Pauses

Hum..kind of on the fence with this one. I wanted to give it three stars but then gave it four. The story was good, but just seemed to drag at times and then sometimes it felt like the good stuff was getting skipped. <br /><br />I liked that they were going to try and find out what Danny liked, but it didn’t really seemed like it happened he seemed to be doing everything she liked. The story never really got into the meat of all the kinda superficial. I liked hearing about bands on tours interesting how it all comes together and all the coordination. Kate’s job is interesting, but I didn’t feel like Danny should take a back seat. Jera and Jacob interaction was interesting. I know Jax is going to get his story, but all his crap was glossed over too, i wanted to yell that I am with you Jax when everyone leaves you out.<br /><br />Ok read want to read more for sure. <br /><br />Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1490668164i/22332128.png" alt="" width="350" height="100" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>While there was no doubt I enjoyed Playing The Pauses, I’ll admit that this book wore on me a bit. I felt like the hero and heroine kept having the same argument over and over and never really communicating to one another what they really wanted from each other. At times I got frustrated with them, but then something great would happen and I’d get sucked back in and keep going. I’m not a lover of angst, and while the first book in this series had a bit, this book had loads making it a bit more difficult for me to love. The one thing that made me keep reading this book is the characters, all of them from the hero and heroine to all the secondary characters, their varied personalities made it hard to walk away from this book.<br><br>Kate Madsen is a tour manager who picks up The Red Letters tour when their tour manager is hospitalized. She knows she has an uphill battle with this “baby band” but she will give it her all because that’s what she’s paid to do. She just doesn’t expect the impact that the band’s bassist, Danny O’Neil, has on her.<br><br>Here’s the thing, I think Kate and Danny were very good for one another and brought out the best in each other. I especially loved that Kate was not a bit jealous of Danny’s close relationship with his band mate and best friend Jera and in fact understood that their relationship was a special kind of friendship. What seemed off or just flat out didn’t work was Danny’s whole BDSM sex club performer side that worked for Kate, but didn’t seem to work for Danny. That whole part of the storyline just seemed out of place and I felt like Danny’s issue was never really resolved. And it’s not because I have issues with the BDSM lifestyle, not by any stretch of the imagination, it just seemed to me that this part of the story was contrived. However, while I was disappointed in that part of the story I still enjoyed watching Kate and Danny discover one another, enjoy each other’s company, and fall in love. <br><br>While I didn’t enjoy Playing The Pauses as much as I did A Cruel Kind of Beautiful, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Next up is Jax, and I have to say I’m a wee bit apprehensive about what’s to come. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1505836645i/23963297.png" alt="" width="200" height="57" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">

Playing the Pauses is the second book in Michelle Hazen’s Sex, Love, and Rock &amp; Roll series, although it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I read it as a standalone novel, and did not lose any of the meaning behind the story. There are scenes, however, that build heavily upon events from the first book – so for a fuller understanding of the side characters and their story, it is best to read the series in order. Not necessary, but advised. Although I understood this one perfectly, I do wish to go back and read A Cruel Kind of Beautiful. I was intrigued by the characters and their story, and I’m interested in finding out more about what happened.<br /><br />I’ll be completely honest about this one – I’m not entirely sure what rating I wish to give it. There were quite a few points where my brain was screaming out for me to hand out a three-star rating – when I first started this book in particular, I was having issues getting into it and was fearing a low rating – but there was something about this one that had me rounding up to the four-star rating when a large part of me believes I wouldn’t usually round up for this kind of three-point-five-star read.<br /><br />You see, my feelings towards this one are all over the place. There were certain elements of this story that really sucked me in, whereas other parts of the story I didn’t care much about. There were some parts of the story that felt really well done, whereas other parts of the story seemed to fall a bit flat. There were some parts of the story I really enjoyed, whereas other parts of the story I didn’t care for all that much. It’s one of those books that had a paradoxical effect on me, even between chapters, and yet I still found myself rounding up. Why? Because once I got through my initial trouble with the first few chapters, I found myself addicted and in need of answers.<br /><br />I love a good rock star romance, and this is a big reason why this one screamed out to me. Add in the BDSM element, and I was a goner. The former part I really enjoyed in this one – it wasn’t quite the usual rock star romance, and I enjoyed the slightly different take. It made things interesting, allowed for plenty of drama. The latter I wasn’t so sure about – I love BDSM stories, and this one was certainly unique, but I wasn’t sucked into this element of the story like I usually am. Sure, there were hot moments – however, it didn’t have my heart beating double time like most BDSM storylines. In fact, it was rather anti-climactic, rather tame, compared to what I am used to. It may just be that – how tame it was compared to my norm – that had me feeling as though I was a step removed, yet such was the case.<br /><br />The story itself was interesting, though. As I said, it was somewhat different to what we usually get in a rock star romance, and I really appreciated this. The BDSM element was also something unusual, which I found myself intrigued by. I feel as though the speed was a bit out – some parts seemed to be dragged out, whereas other parts seemed to be glossed over – but I loved all that played out. There was plenty of drama for our main characters, and we get to see a lot of issues for the side characters as well. I’m really interested in seeing how the third book plays out, as I’m intrigued as to how the final story will come together for this one (hopefully by the time it is released I will have read book one and will be up to date).<br /><br />Overall, I wasn’t as crazy about this one as I had hoped to be, but I was sucked into the story. I’m certainly interested in reading more of the author’s work.

***arc received through netgalley***<br><br>4.5 stars!<br><br>Playing The Pauses by Michelle Hazen blew me away...completely!<br><br>Playing The Pauses by Michelle Hazen is a story about a musician, a quiet swoony bass player named Danny to be exact, and a tour manager named Kate.<br><br>Danny is lost sexually and looking for a way to find himself again. He's a dominant who knows how to use a riding crop. Along the lines of his life, he hasn't always had the best experiences sexually so overtime he's withdrawn and hid that side of him. But the moment he sets his sights on his new tour manager, the feral beast that lives deep inside is desperate for a new awakening.<br><br>Playing The Pauses is told in Kate's point of view, which I though was very interesting. Usually when it comes to a rockstar romance novel the POV is either from both love interest sides or it's usually told from the musicians point of view. I however, really liked this approach!<br><br>Kate is a tour manager. She's been through it all and has seen it all. Until she meets Danny. She sees something in him that no one else sees and after a one night fling with the man himself, she's correct with her conclusion. This man is hiding his dominance and she'll do whatever it takes to help him find himself again. Even if it means giving up her heart in the process.<br><br>I was really intrigued by this novel, it's not everyday you come across a gem in a heavily populated romance world. This novel is just that! Danny's vibe is different from your normal domineering hero in novels. This man is quiet and introverted. He's a go with the flow type man. Except when it comes to protecting his loved ones, then this man is as fierce as they come.<br><br>I loved Danny and Kate's story. Their chemistry was overwhelming in only the best of ways. I have to admit, I was fanning my face with my notebook a couple of times. Danny with some rope and a riding crop. What could be sexier than that! Christian Grey, eat your heart out!<br><br>Not only are the sexy scenes on point, but the emotional level is also right up there. I felt the emotions bone deep. Honestly, starting this novel, I wasn't sure I was going to like it all that much.until a few chapters in and that is why I rated it a 4.5 star rating. It took me a little while to get into this novel and get a true feel for the characters, but when everything fell into place it was all over and I was addicted!<br><br>Overall, Playing The Pauses by Michelle Hazen was a great read and I look forward to seeing what this author has up her sleeve next! Definitely check this book out!<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1517261457i/24962465.png" width="900" height="300" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Find me here:<br><a href="http://www.thestaircasereader.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow noopener">The Staircase Reader</a><br><a href="http://www.instagram.com/thestaircasereader/" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thestaircasereader/" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a><br><a href="http://www.twitter.com/staircasereader/" rel="nofollow noopener">Twitter</a>

I read an ARC copy of this.<br /><br />Overall I enjoyed it. I liked Kate and Danny. I thought that they worked good together. It was nice that they could enjoy some activities together. Especially since she had a hard time finding a guy that was into that. I did feel bad for Danny because he comes from a messed up family. Thankfully he has the band and Kate to make things better. Another thing I enjoyed was getting to see the previous couple and seeing how things are going for them. I hope that in the next book we will get an update with this couple too.

<b>Overall: 4/5<br>Naughty Factor: 4/5<br>POV: Dual/1st person</b><br><br><blockquote> <b>If there’s ever been a couple who could play the pauses every bit as well as the melody, it’s us.</b> </blockquote><br><br><a>Playing the Pauses</a> was a perfect follow up to <a>A Cruel Kind of Beautiful</a>. A bit of time has passed and now the Red Letters are on the fast train to stardom. Already touring and recording their own music, they are on their way to becoming one of the biggest names in the music scene.<br><br><blockquote> <b>“I can do whatever I want, go wherever I want. But I fucking love you, Kate. I can’t do that with anyone else.”</b> </blockquote><br><br>When Kate joins on as Tour Manager. She expects it to go just as every other tour before and arrives with her own preconceived notions about what to expect from Jax, Jera and Danny; however, she quickly learns that this trio is far from any band she’s worked with before and she ends up being drawn to each and every one of their personalities and can resist crossing her line of professionalism and forming friendships with Jera and Jax.<br><br><blockquote> <b>“All that time I was holding it in...holding out...I was just holding my breath for you.” <i>-Danny</i></b> </blockquote><br><br>But Danny is a different story. In <a>Playing the Pauses</a> I got to see a whole different side of Danny. I thought I had a grasp on who he was, but I was SO wrong. There was so much more to Danny beneath the surface and Kate, seeing a kindred spirit in Danny, took it upon herself to peel those layers away and get to the core of what made Danny who he was. She took their time together and an opportunity to help him work through the deep rooted need to care for others and never caring for himself. He became a ‘people pleaser’ and, aside from his love of music and tattooing, completely lost sight of what makes him happy - in and out of bed. Katy opened him up to exploring that while allowing him to keep true to who it was. She was familiar with his kink and was willing to do what she could to help him find his way. And together, they were beautiful and sexy and it added so many layers of heat to the story.<br><br><blockquote> <b>“We’ve always been different from other people, but what makes us wrong for everyone else makes us exactly right for each other.” <i>-Kate</i></b> </blockquote><br><br>I just adore the Red Letters band members. Their personalities are so different, yet they share such an incredible friendship that is only strengthened by their love and passion of music. With Jera’s story, it had a bit of comedy...I mean her personality is so playful and laid back, I couldn’t help but giggle often. Danny’s story is a bit more serious and a lot more sexy. I have a feeling that Jax’s book is going to be loaded with emotion. There’s a lot going on with him behind the scenes and I know once I get to know those details, his story is going to break my heart and put it back together again. I can’t wait!<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1520409997i/25173968.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="157" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <i>Sex, Love and Rock &amp; Roll series:</i> <br> <a href="%E2%80%9C%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow noopener">Fill Me 0.5 (a prequel)</a> <br> <a>A Cruel Kind of Beautiful #1</a> <br> <a>Playing the Pauses #2</a> </b>

This is the second book in the series that I have read and like the first it's a three star review for me. <br /><br />I really enjoyed parts of this book; it was incredibly interesting to read about Kate's job and her role in helping the band on their tour. It was something that I hadn't read about in other stories about bands on the road. So this was interesting to read from that perspective.<br /><br />Some parts of this book just bugged me. The first encounter between Kate and Danny just seemed to come out of no where. I think they needed a few more days together on the road before that happened or at least a few moments where there was an obvious connection between the two. The scene on the patio was just like WTF....it didn't seem to fit with either character but especially Kate.<br /><br />The focus of the story and the relationship between Danny and Kate was supposed to be about finding out what Danny enjoyed in the bedroom and if BDSM was really for him. However, the author glossed over that issue and the focus became on Kate realizing that she needed a dom even though she thought she didn't. The focus became more on Kate and less on Danny.

Detailed and well-written, Playing the Pauses on the surface has everything I could want in a rock star novel yet half the way through, my attention waned mainly because of the pacing and the character of Kate who struck me as the epitome of a waffler.<br /><br />For me, Kate and Danny never really clicked. From the description, I expected Kate to become Danny's sexual mentor, but that never came about. It was as if the thought had been tossed out there, maybe for titillation, but never came to fruition. There were toys, however. (Take that as you will.)<br /><br />Playing the Pauses is in the category I affectionately call: your-mileage-may-vary. The novel will work for many, many readers, just, unfortunately, not me.<br /><br />I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Playing The Pauses by Michelle Hazen<br />Sex, Love and Rock &amp; Roll #2<br /><br />Intriguing, enticing and entertaining – three friends are on tour with their band, road crew and new tour manager. Kate Madsen is brought in at the last minute when the schedule manager needs medical care and is a firecracker with organizational skills the group desperately needs. <br /><br />Little did the band know that they were given a blessing in Kate who whipped things into shape and made things flow. <br /><br />Little did Kate know that she would meet a man that would challenge her in more ways than one – a man that might be more than just the bass guitarist for the band. <br /><br />Little did Danny O’Neill know that Kate would be the woman who would help him rediscover parts of himself and also be the woman he will want to spend his life with. <br /><br />This is a great story of camaraderie on the road and of friendships closer than family. It is a story of becoming honest with oneself and being willing to be honest with others. It is a romantic story with elements of BDSM that are in keeping with the story being told. <br /><br />What did I like: <br />* Danny – what a strong, warm, giving man he is with talents not only on his bass guitar and ability to ink tattoos but in the bedroom, too. <br />* Kate – he strength of will, organizational skills, willingness to help others and sort out their problems are only the tip of the iceberg for a woman with some conflicts to sort through. <br />* The way Danny &amp; Kate’s story unfolds<br />* The trust between Danny &amp; Kate<br />* The love and friendship between Jera, Jax and Danny<br />* The feel of what it might be like to live in a tour bus<br />* Pretty much everything ;) <br /><br />What I didn’t like? <br />* That it took Kate so long to get her issues sorted out…<br /><br />I am hopeful that there will be another book for Jax and am curious how his story will unfold. <br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley and Barclay Publicity for the ARC – This is my honest review. <br /><br />5 Stars<br />

<br /><br />My Review 4 STARS<br />Although this is book is part of a series it can totally be read as a stand alone. It is also the first time that i have read anything by this author.<br /><br />A few things seem to get a little lost in this book, such as Danny wanting to find himself in his Dom ways, yet it always seems to be on Kate's pleasure, also being a Dom in bed, Danny is a bit of a push over otherwise, never really standing up for what HE wants rather than what other people want.<br /><br />Other than Kate and Danny there is a great cast behind them, drummer Jera with her boyfriend Jacob, we have Jax who is almost on self destruct mode and the roadies behind them.<br /><br />The first half of the book has them on tour together as the band, Jera, Jax and Danny are on tour with their band The Red Letters. Kate has taken over as tour manager and gets together with Danny. The next half is with them as a couple but doing their own thing with the push and pull of the slightly dysfunctional dynamics between them.<br /><br />We do get a Happy Ever After but it takes a long time getting there and we end at the point that they have both made their decision. An epilogue would have been good as the ending did feel a little lacking.