ROCK CHICK REMATCH - Kristen Ashley

5 stars

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.