Quill 2015 North Shore Star_7.gif Xxx

3 stars. Rating clarification see below. Review posted June 25, 2015

TEXTING

Do I need to specifically state that I'm asking you a question? Again, are you aware that a baby whitetail fawn has approximately 300 spots?

(…)

No. I was not aware of this important factoid. And, I live in Montana, where the deer and the antelope play. This begs the question, why do you know this information? You live in LA, where deers only exist as mythical creatures in the minds of small imaginative children, right?

I'm researching Montana.

(…)

Is there a reason I'm always the text initiator in this relationship? Why do I feel like I'm chasing your ass around? Not that I really have any issue with chasing that ass around.

(…)

I would prefer if you only sent me written correspondence. On fine linen paper using a quill pen. Using words like "anon" and "doth." These letters should have a wax seal of your family crest and be delivered via carrier pigeon.

Anon, I doth not have a family crest. We're a white-trash-in-the-projects kind of family. Do prison tattoos count?

Not really. I promise to text you something random at some point. I wouldn't want you feeling like you're chasing me around. I think we both know you can catch me.

You bet that sweet little ass I can.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

quotes taken from the first third of True North

*************************************************
First third 4 stars
Second third 3 to 3.5 stars
Last third…I don't know how to rate it because I totally hated the part between 87% and 94%. I only skimmed the ending.
Anyway, overall rating 3 stars.
*************************************************

Kate has been widowed for the past three years. She's living a rather secluded and lonely life as a writer in a smalltown in Montana. When her bustling agent calls her to tell her that she's going to be on a TV show in LA, Kate isn't really enthusiastic. Once arrived though, she meets a very attractive blond guy at the TV studio. She's sure she should know him but can't seem the get a grasp on his name. When Kate is aware who the pretty face is, she has a hard time to resist his charm.

Well. I feel a bit torn...

After a great first third, and some really alluring build-up, the air was kind of out for me. Don't get me wrong. I did like the book as a whole and I felt entertained for an extensive part of the story but it didn't really rock my world. I think the author didn't exploit the story's full potential, it's as simple as that.

I guess one of my biggest issues was the lack of an exciting rock star ambiance. This is a rock star story, folks. Therefore I do expect several thrilling performances on stage. I want and need that intense atmosphere, all those gosebump-inducing feelz that would make myself drift along with the amazing music. And that's exactly what I didn't get with Trevor's and Kate's story. The performances were few and far between and not really compelling, just too perfunctory.

With a long jump in my direction, he ends the song and lands on his toes right in front of me. Beaming, he shoots me an enormous grin and then winks at me. I believe I quite possibly experience a small orgasm. Then off he goes, leaving me standing there completely, absurdly enamored.

I'm sorry but that's just unoriginal, awkward and kind of flat.

I liked Trevor. He's sweet and fun and all that. He is no douchebag at all. As I see it, True North reads more like a cute rom-com sprinkled with a few musical notes than a profound and heady rock star story. Even though both MCs did have some personal baggage to lug around, it didn't have enough depth, IMO. In addition, any attempt at a great character development seemed to be rendered void once they started to get it on all the time. I always plead the case of less is more. Give me a couple hot and well-written smexy scenes and more character and story development and I'm a very happy reader. Oh, and no stupid drama. Thank you very much.

While I liked Trevor very much, Kate annoyed me several times. I was close to yelling an expletive when she jumped to conclusions (I should have gotten used to it by now, right?), but thankfully that was such a short interlude and Trevor could clear the air stat which somewhat appeased me. Also, I get it that women want to be independent. However, Kate's stubbornness was aggravating. I was lucky that Trevor made up for Kate's behavior.

Other minor quibbles

The repetitiveness

86 x smile, smiles,
76 x grin, grins, grinning
15 x smirk, smirks, smirking

Now, you will tell me that 15 smirks aren't all that much. But given the fact that I felt irritated by all those grins and smiles, the smirks just amplified my impression of a repetitive feel.

Plus, let's not forget the winking and lip biting. *eye roll*

Question

What's up with the term brewing? The author made use of that word several times. Feelings, melancholy, tension, a creative side and even a plan of some sort were brewing. An example:

Under the covers again, I lie motionless listening to him brush his teeth, staring up at the ceiling and trying to quell the wretched feelings brewing in my chest.

Another example:

But a mild melancholy is brewing inside me, so staring…

Another fact is that the book could have benefited from better proofreading/editing. I didn't count the mistakes but there were more than a few.

Shaking my head, I give him small smile.

The stance, my back arching slightly, means his hands come immediately to my knead my breasts and tease my nipples into taut lengths.

Trevor takes deep breath and then exhales slowly.

The book was kind of cute but all the cuteness went hand in hand with an additional generous touch of sap and cheese, especially during the second half.

A major issue
It seems to me that we can't have a story without OTT drama. Drama caused by a "heroine". When Kate (view spoiler)[shuts down completely, is getting OTT melodramatic and doesn't respond to any kind of messages after reading a magazine article, Trevor is very worried (hide spoiler)] and Baba…well, Baba is annoyed. Annoyance doesn't even begin to cover it, TBH. I ain't got no patience for that kind of crap.

All in all a nice, light and entertaining read (if I could extinguish the last 13% I'd feel better) and I'm pretty sure that this book will be loved by many readers. Though, as for me, True North didn't nearly come close to my favorite and really stellar rock star stories Louder Than Love and How to Kill a Rock Star. This being said, I'd like to check out the second installment.

Recommended with reserve.

Quill 2015 North Shore Star_7.gif Xxx

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1314593902

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