Light Me Up

Rock U, Book 4

By: Christie Gordon

Narrated by: Finnley Cole

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Sparks fly when a cynical rocker recovering from trauma meets a vibrant, upbeat man. But will an ex who’s determined to exploit their past wounds rip them apart?

Silas Brown

I’m the rhythm guitar player in a pop-punk band and I’m tired of being called a hero.

I’m also done with crazy.

After taking down a mass shooter, I’m trying to survive and recover.

Then out of nowhere, this colorful dude pleas for help and what do I do? Save him. Of course, he’s really attractive and probably crazy. Now he’s found me at work, wants to meet for coffee and so much more.

Do I lower my defenses and let him in?

Cash Phillips

After a childhood of neglect and foster care, I’ve defeated my past and clawed my way to happiness.

Now I’m ready to meet Mr. Right and I know he’s out there.

He might even be Silas, the one who saved me from being robbed. He’s cranky and oh so adorable and I know he’s the yin to my yang.

How can I make him see I’m not the crazy man he thinks I am?

When Silas’ ex comes at us with her brand of emotional abuse, Silas tries to shield me. But when she’s the one needing help, will it tear us apart or bring us all together?

Light Me Up is the fourth book in the Rock U series and is part of the Mesa Boys universe. This novel features a grumpy man falling for another who’s all sunshine, hurt/comfort, and a bad-boy rocker recovering from past trauma and emotional abuse. It guarantees an HEA and has no cliffhangers. It features a cynical college student with a big heart, and a man who’s perpetually positive and knows what he wants. Each book features a different couple and can be listened to as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

For warnings, see the Look Inside.

©2023 Christie Gordon (P)2024 Christie Gordon

Heartwarming Couple

This book from the Rock U series by Christie Gordon has great characters and very realistic storylines. From the beginning you will be engaged in Silas and Cash’s meeting and how the relationship develops as they get to know each other. Wonderful banter, special friendships and family love that make your heart smile. Finnley Cole does an excellent job narrating and brings each of the characters to life in unique ways that endear them to the listener.

Really Good story & narration

This is a fun series and this story doesn't disappoint. Well written story that keeps you engaged, the narration is really good and brings the characters to life.

i love this series

This story centers around Cash, who is as sweet and determined as they come, and Silas, the grumpy guitarist from Knot Me. From the moment Cash sets eyes on Silas, there's an undeniable attraction.

Both characters come with baggage—Silas is still dealing with the trauma of a shooting, and Cash dealing coming from the foster care system. Despite these challenges, Cash knows exactly what he wants, and that’s Silas. His persistence and genuine warmth slowly break through Silas’s tough exterior.

I have to admit, I read/listened to the series out of order. It didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this book. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, and they all have their own unique journey to a happily ever after.

A special shoutout to Finnley Cole,
the narrator. His narration truly brought the characters to life, capturing the essence of both Cash's sweetness and Silas's gruffness perfectly.

If you're a fan of opposites-attract romances this book is a must-read/listen. And if you enjoy audiobooks, Finnley Cole's narration is not to be missed!

Insta-love, Complex and Engaging OWD

1st person, past tense, dual POV
Silas Brown (23), master's of accounting and finance student at ASU, Rhythm Guitar player for Knot Me
Cash Phillips (23), assistant manager at Discount Tire

Audiobook (9h7m), Narrated by Finnley Cole: 4.25 stars (2024)
This narrator is one that I enjoy listening to so I'm happy to recommend this book in audio. I do find that he speaks a little on the slow side, but given the choice between that and someone who talks a million miles a minute, this way wins hands down. I love the emotion and personality that he is able to convey in bringing the characters to life. As a standout read in the series, I was delighted to be able to listen to Light Me Up, though I was a tad disappointed in Cash's voice as he felt more vivacious in my head .

I was given an Audible code and voluntarily wrote an honest review.


Original Book Review (2023):
This is book four of the Rock U series (book five if you consider the prequel) and while I have read the previous books of the series I think this would standalone well as all necessary context is given to the reader. Beware though, that it will spoil some of the events in previous books if you decide to start here. Also, heed the trigger warnings on this one, they are there for a reason.

Silas Brown is the rhythm guitar player for Knot Me and he has appeared previously as the stoic grump of a bandmate in the previous books of the series. He had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Mia, who didn't appear to be the best partner to Silas and as this book takes place they have been broken up for about a month.

Cash Phillips in about as opposite from Silas as a person could be, sunshine incarnate, open, loving, and colourful. They meet one night after one of Silas' shows as Cash is being accosted by a drunk man attempting to rob him. Silas thwarts the attack and sparks fly as Cash immediately recognizes Silas as being a pretty special person, he just has to convince Silas to given them a chance.

This book is pretty insta (which I am not the biggest fan of) and I feel like the first half of the book could have benefitted from a little more restraint in this regard, especially given the length of the book. They get together, declare their love for one another, etc. at a lightning pace, which causes the middle of the book to drag a little because there isn't a whole lot left to engage the reader. At least I enjoyed what I was reading, the dates, and especially the time at the cat rescue where Silas volunteers were adorable.

I loved getting the little cameos of the other band members and seeing the band grow in popularity, it makes the world seem organic rather than stagnant. I loved the positive mental health rep, with characters dealing with trauma in a healthy way and accepting/supporting each other fully. I loved that the angst/drama was external to the couple and we got to see their relationship strengthen as a result. The Mia storyline was well developed and done in a way that left you feeling some sympathy for her when going into the book she felt more like a pure villain. I hope she gets a HEA too.

I'm enjoying the series and looking forward to Gabe's story next.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

RockedU Rocked again

Finnley Cole nails the RockU series again with this book four. Good to hear Silas and Cash get their HEA.

so so good

Light Me Up is the 4th book in the Rock U series. This book, like all the others in the series, can be read as a standalone but I prefer reading it in order with the others. This is Silas the rhythm guitar player of the band ”Knot Me” and Cash a sweet sunshiny guy. Silas and Cash are complete opposites and work so well together. This book has a realness to it that keeps you interested from the beginning. I love books that deal with real world issues and do it well. Christie Gordon is an amazing author and I look forward to the next book she does. If you get the audio narration, Finnley Cole does a wonderful job of narrating this series. He makes the change in characters seamlessly. I can't wait to listen to the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

Silas & Cash's Story <3

We're back to Rock U with the story of Silas and Cash. Silas is still dealing with the effects of the mall shooting and his disaster of a relationship with Mia. Cash stumbles into his life with his happy energy and gorgeous looks. They fall deep and hard despite their best efforts. I love revisiting this group of guys and their guys from Knot Me. All the couples are so sweet and hot, including Cash and Silas. They have a very supportive relationship and I appreciate that there is no miscommunication or third act break up tropes. Finley Cole's narration is excellent as well.

Captivating story

Our previous introductions of Silas barely gave us any insight on who he really his. Caring, loving, protective, he's all those things. But Slias is also filled with self doubt and this is really hurting him. Now enters Cash, a ray of sunshine. He's been through a lot as well but he doesn't let it stop him from enjoying life. Cash and Silas found each other at just the right time and are perfect together. They fell in love very fast and there was no relationship angst. The drama with the ex was a heavy subject matter and the warning at the beginning was really necessary. Despite all that I enjoyed this book and loved seeing the rest of the Not Me crew. They are a supportive and loving bunch and I look forward to seeing more of them.

Unwavering Love and Support!

Cash is so sweet and lovable! When Silas rescues him from a mugging, he just knows he has found his man in this savior. Cash has experienced a lot of bad in his young life and he just knows that Silas is a good person, and he is determined to help him realize this. Silas is extremely hard on himself, and this projects out towards others. It is his own self-doubt that holds him back. It was wonderful to see Cash stay his course and show Silas true love. I liked that even though they had dark pasts, especially Cash, the story was still written and very well narrated with a positive tone and there were so many supportive friends around them. Finnley Cole is wonder for this series!

beautiful story, great performance

With every book in the Rock U series, I fall deeper in love with the characters. I love the sweet soul mate storyline with a little drama. Silas and Cash are so cute. As always, Finnley Cole brilliantly and seamlessly switched between characters, giving each character their own personality and making Finnley an automatic listen for me.