Book Review: Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan
As a book blogger, it’s rare that a book gives me literal chills, but Kate Callaghan’s Not Another Rockstar did just that. When I first saw the email pop up from the author, I was practically jumping out of my seat with excitement. That cover! Those tropes! I was in the midst of my musical era, and this book felt like a perfect fit. I’ve read a few of Callaghan’s earlier works and hadn’t quite connected with them, but Not Another Rockstar proved to be a delightful surprise.
The story revolves around Phoebe Fletcher, an artist with lilac hair, whose world gets flipped upside down after a tragic incident related to her fiancé, Cillian Hunt, the egotistical lead singer of the band Brothers of Anarchy. It’s hard to shake off the tension that comes from the heavy themes of trauma, grief, and betrayal woven into the narrative. Let’s be honest—this book is bone-chillingly creepy at times, and I often caught myself biting my nails (a habit I normally don’t have), trying to navigate the emotional upheavals alongside Phoebe.
Callaghan’s prose shines in her character development. The members of Brothers of Anarchy, especially Axel Adler, the tattooed drummer with a heart of gold, become Phoebe’s fierce protectors—and honestly, I fell for him just as hard as she did. Their connection is beautifully portrayed, embodying the "brother’s best friend" and "ex’s best friend" tropes, but it consists of much more depth. One poignant line captures the essence of their relationship: “You have been my light since the moment I met you.” The complexity of their bond, amid such chaos, is both heartbreaking and exhilarating.
The pacing kept me on my toes, with twists that felt genuine yet surprising. While I found myself gasping for air as secrets were unveiled, the book did have moments of repetition that caused me to take a star off my rating. However, the tension was palpable; I often felt like a giant boulder was sitting on my chest as truths came crashing down.
What struck me the most were the snippets of humor peppered throughout, a necessary balance to the heartbreaking moments of grief. Scenes like Phoebe getting her first tattoo with Axel felt like a tender reprieve from the storm of emotion surrounding them. And let’s not forget the musical playlist included in the book, featuring tracks like "Not Another Rockstar" by Maisie Peters and "My Tears Ricochet" by Taylor Swift, which added a delightful auditory dimension to my reading experience.
I encourage those who enjoy musical romances riddled with heavy themes, such as the dead lover trope, to add Not Another Rockstar to their TBR pile. It draws you in, makes you laugh, and maybe even brings a tear to your eye—all while delivering an addictively engaging read. This book isn’t for everyone, especially given the heavy triggers (check the warnings!), but for the right reader, it will undoubtedly be a journey worth taking.
Thank you, Kate Callaghan, for the ARC. Your storytelling has truly shined in this one, and I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!