“By fighting you never get enough, but by yielding you get more than you expected.” ― Dale Carnegie
When this story begins we are introduced to Ash Ivers, a man that completely owns the title “Rock Star”. With outrageous hairstyles, make up and rock star clothes, Ash owns his public persona. Ever since the band, From Ashes, made its debut on the scene and was up for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards there has been a war of words going on between Ash and Jackson Abrams.
Jackson Abrams is the complete opposite of Ash Ivers. Where Ash is the “rock star” Jackson is the country star. When Jackson won the Best New Artist award, Ash didn’t take it very well and the verbal barbs started flying. The two men continue with back and forth insults until everything comes to a head at a benefit concert where they have both been slated to perform.
Jackson is tired of the “battle” he and Ash have been fighting in the press and wants to bury the hatchet, in person. When he approaches Ash on the tour bus he basically shows up hat in hand wanting to call a truce, but the conversation devolves into more insults quickly and Jackson leaves. Later Ash realizes how much of an ass he is being and with a little push from his bandmates, he goes to apologize to Jackson. Again, these two can barely get through a conversation without ending up in a fight.
It became pretty clear to everyone who was close to the two men that there was more going on with them. After one kiss Ash and Jackson finally realize it is sexual tension driving their war of words. Of course one afternoon of lovin’ can’t cure their horrible communication skills. These two have some epic problems learning to talk to each other without putting their feet in their mouths. I think they fight so much because the making up between them is just too hot!
Eventually they get their acts together and they realize that opposites really do attract. Now, Ash has always been completely out and proud, but Jackson feels he has to keep his sexuality private to be a successful country music artist. Ash doesn’t like it, but he cares about Jackson enough to do whatever it takes to give their relationship a chance.
Both men are coming off their own tours after the benefit concert, so they decide to split their off time between Jackson’s ranch and Ash’s LA penthouse. Three weeks into their relationship they are closer than ever and realize this is more than killing time, they are starting to truly care for one another. When things are going this good something bad HAS to happen, right? Well, of course it does!
One of Jackson’s fellow country artists blows the whistle on Ash and Jackson through the media. Jackson ends up losing his music label, his band and most of his “friends” when the news breaks. This is when he and Ash have to put their budding relationship to the test. Will Ash stand beside Jackson? Will Jackson get any support from his fans? Will he be able to be an out and proud country star, or will he have to go back into the closet and deny Ash?
I have to say, I didn’t read the free short story that S.J. Frost wrote that led to this book. I am glad I didn’t because I got to meet Ash and Jackson while reading the book and I had no preconceived notions going in. I loved Ash and Jackson in this book. They are both such great characters and when they get together it’s magic. I feel like S.J. Frost has written a wonderful “opposites attract” story here. We get to see Jackson rock out a bit and we get to see Ash realize he may just be “A Little Bit Country”.
I highly recommend going along for the ride with these two. You certainly won’t regret it!
Reviewed by: Jackie
You can buy A Little Bit Country here:
This sounds wonderful. Definitely a must read for me.
I would highly recommend it! Their verbal sparring is GREAT!