Book Shelf: Viral by T. Gephart

A nothing-special rock band from Pittsburgh, PA is launched into the spotlight when the lead singer, Vaughan, posts a status on social media announcing the band’s implosion.

Ironic that money, fame and the opportunity of a lifetime came knocking at his door after what had been the worst day of his life.

Guess it couldn’t any worse . . . or could it?

More info on Goodreads......




Review:

Viral is T. Gephart’s latest release and is a fantastic rockstar romance perfect for fans of Kylie Scott and Eden Summers! Funny, romantic and highly entertaining, Viral will hook readers from the very opening chapter.

When Vaughan Hale launches his unknown rock band into the spotlight with one angry social media post announcing the bands breakup, he never expects it to go viral. Considering the breakup comes on the back of lead singer Vaughan finding his girlfriend in bed with his drummer and now former best friend, the drama of the situation catapults the band into the spotlight. Suddenly they’re being chased for interviews and promotional offers and finally a contract with global music company Domination. It’s everything Vaughan has always dreamed of, but with the band a shattered mess, will Vaughan miss out on his chance at fame and fortune? Or from the ashes will Vaughan build a new future with new friends and new love he could never have anticipated?

T. Gephart is an author I always love. Her novels are always light, fun and highly entertaining with solid characters and delectable romance; something that proves true with Viral. Kicking off with an amusing concept, Viral unfolds through the varying perspectives of main characters Vaughan Hale and music exec Gillian Duzan who is Vaughan’s love interest throughout the story. Viral is a deeply enjoyable romance interwoven with moments of hilarity, friendship and music.

Both Vaughan and Gillian were great characters to follow and genuinely likable. After the recent heartbreak and betrayal he has experienced, Vaughan starts to put himself back together within Viral. The opportunity to remake himself and his band is one Vaughan chooses to embrace and I liked seeing him fight to put the past behind him. I really appreciated Vaughan’s character. T. Gephart writes him as a man not ashamed to enjoy being in relationships and who acknowledges he falls for women easily. It was refreshing to see someone who wasn’t naturally a playboy or a man-whore.

As the female lead, Gillian is tough as nails and a strong independent woman. In the music industry, Gillian has had to fight for respect and to be taken seriously in the male dominated world, where women often fall prey to sexualisation. Not to mention her father who has never seen her value or shown her love as he should have. This has been Gillian cultivate a cold, no-nonsense façade that she projects. In Viral, Gillian finds herself facing Vaughan who refuses to take things at face value and who has no hesitation in standing up to her when necessary. Gillian is actually a really nice character and I genuinely liked her.

Given that Vaughan had just come from a relationship that ended through fidelity, readers could be forgiven for thinking that his attraction towards Gillian does come on swiftly, however I feel that T. Gephart builds their relationship from Vaughan’s initial spark of interest and allows him to acknowledge and reach closure with his ex-girlfriend prior to truly engaging in a romance with Gillian. I appreciated that Gephart managed to avoid much of the angst that comes from characters misunderstanding the others thoughts and intentions as Vaughan is well aware of Gillian’s concerns about a relationship between them—he simply isn’t prepared to back off and let go of what they have. And I liked this determination.

Viral is slated to be a standalone novel but I would be lying if I didn’t admit I hold hopes T. Gephart may turn it into a series in the future. Viral wraps up nicely where Vaughan and Gillian’s story is concerned, but I really would love the opportunity to follow Nico, Emily, Austin and Declan in their own tales. I have no doubt they have stories to tell and will keep my fingers crossed this may one day eventuate!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by InkSlinger PR and the author (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: October 4th 2019
Buy: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble
Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: A solid and fun rockstar romance! Highly recommend.