Once Upon a Boyband
by Jenny Proctor
Once upon a time, she slept with his poster beside her bed. Now he’s all grown up, hiding behind a burly beard and lots of flannel … and she doesn’t have a clue.
Eight years ago, Adam Driscoll walked away from his stage name—Deke—and the boyband that turned him into an international star before his eighteenth birthday.
And he never looked back.
It didn’t even matter that everyone blamed him for the band’s breakup. He might miss making music, but he had good reasons for walking. Give him solitude over thousands of screaming fans any day of the week.
These days, the only company he’s truly interested in is that of the vet who works closely with his dog rescue—Dr. Laney Lawson. She’s brilliant, funny, beautiful, and best of all, she has no idea he used to be a pop star.
But then Adam’s bandmates reach out about a one-time reunion concert benefiting a charity that’s close to his heart, and he starts to wonder if some things are worth a little extra attention. He loves the idea of singing again, but saying yes would out him to the small mountain community that has become his refuge. Worse, it would out him to Laney.
But old hurts can’t stay buried forever. And something tells Adam that scary or not, saying yes is the decision he needs to make. He just has to hope he doesn’t lose the life—or the woman—he loves in the process.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Jenny Proctor's Once Upon a Boyband is a delightful exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of fame. The novel takes readers on a journey through the life of Adam Driscoll, a former boyband sensation who has traded the limelight for a quieter existence. Proctor crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the classic romance trope of hidden identities.
At the heart of the story is Adam Driscoll, who once captivated the world as Deke, a member of a wildly popular boyband. Now, eight years after leaving the band and the chaos of fame behind, Adam has found solace in a small mountain community, where he runs a dog rescue. His life is peaceful, albeit a bit lonely, until he meets Dr. Laney Lawson, a veterinarian who works closely with his rescue. Laney is everything Adam could hope for—intelligent, kind, and blissfully unaware of his past as a pop star.
Proctor's portrayal of Adam is nuanced and relatable. Despite his past fame, Adam is a character grounded in reality, grappling with the consequences of his choices and the fear of being exposed. His internal conflict is palpable, as he yearns to reconnect with music while fearing the loss of his newfound anonymity. This tension is a driving force in the novel, compelling readers to empathize with Adam's predicament.
Laney Lawson, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. Her character is well-developed, with a strong sense of self and a passion for her work. She represents the normalcy and stability that Adam craves, making their budding romance all the more poignant. Proctor skillfully builds their relationship, allowing it to unfold naturally and with genuine chemistry. The dynamic between Adam and Laney is both charming and authentic, capturing the essence of two people finding solace in each other amidst life's uncertainties.
The novel's themes are intricately woven into the narrative, with identity and self-discovery taking center stage. Adam's journey is not just about rekindling his love for music but also about reconciling his past with his present. Proctor delves into the idea that one's identity is multifaceted and ever-evolving, a theme that resonates deeply with readers who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.
Moreover, the book touches on the impact of fame and the sacrifices it demands. Adam's decision to leave the band and the subsequent fallout highlight the often harsh realities of celebrity life. Proctor does not shy away from exploring the darker side of fame, including the pressure to conform and the loss of personal freedom. This exploration adds depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple romance to a commentary on the cost of success.
In comparison to other novels in the romance genre, Once Upon a Boyband stands out for its unique premise and well-rounded characters. While it shares similarities with works like The Idea of You by Robinne Lee, which also explores the complexities of relationships in the public eye, Proctor's novel offers a more introspective look at the personal ramifications of fame. The focus on Adam's internal journey and his relationship with Laney provides a refreshing contrast to the often superficial portrayals of celebrity romance.
Proctor's writing style is engaging and accessible, with a keen eye for detail that brings the setting and characters to life. The small mountain community where Adam resides is vividly depicted, serving as a backdrop that enhances the story's themes of escape and renewal. The author's ability to balance humor and emotion ensures that the narrative remains compelling from start to finish.
Overall, Once Upon a Boyband is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of romance and contemporary fiction alike. Jenny Proctor has crafted a story that is both entertaining and meaningful, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. The novel's exploration of identity, love, and the price of fame is both timely and timeless, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a story that resonates on multiple levels.
In conclusion, Once Upon a Boyband is a testament to Jenny Proctor's skill as a storyteller. Her ability to weave complex themes into a romantic narrative is impressive, resulting in a book that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. Whether you're a fan of romance, a lover of music, or simply someone looking for a story with depth and heart, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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