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3.5 Rockin' Stars!!!

Thrust into the 80’s London alt-rock scene, there’s no doubt that sex, drugs and all the rest are alive and kicking. The gritty club scene is one thing, but then you’re subjected to the grotty communal living conditions that somehow make you yearn for that kind camaraderie. The descriptive drug use and sex are in-your-face and very authentic. There’s also a m-m-f ménage scene just to add some more spice.

Admittedly it did take me a while but, hot boy lovin’ mixed with awkward relationship development eventually won me over. Plus, the weird, crazy, wild-ride ending that threw me for a loop and had me not knowing what to expect next, totally blew my mind. I’ll have to stick around with this series, if nothing more, just to see if the author can take another sharp left turn and surprise me again.

THE CHARACTERS

Sky - The insecure lead guitarist is an acid using, hardcore musician who’s constantly fighting a past he’s trying to outrun or live up to, I can’t decide which. He’s straight, bi or gay depending on the moment and he’s completely enamored with Brandon, even if he doesn’t know it himself.

”Ah, E is different.” Brandon picked up his flask, taking a sip. “All it does is make you really, really horny.”
“Huh? How do you mean?”
“It just makes you horny. Christ, it’s like bein’ a dog wi’ two dicks, an’ everythin’ feels amazin’.
[…]
My face flushed all the harder…
[…]
“So, you take a pill, then what happens?”
“You feel incredible.”
”And?”...

Brandon - He’s the perfect front man for Crucifox. Flamboyant is a rather understated description of Brandon. If his smooth cool doesn’t get you, his sexy-as-hell Scottish brogue will. Mmmm. Plus, any boy that uses that much Aqua Net holds a certain charm for me.

THE STORY

From back street dives to envy worthy venues we get to tour along with the band – Crucifox. The early drug induced haze and complete lack of professionalism had me wondering if these guys even had a chance of getting their act together. But it’s the combination of the entire band – the cast of characters – that just works. Cringe worthy behind the scenes glimpses of life in the limelight make the successes feel well earned. Somehow these guys and girls stumble through mind-boggling drug and drink fests, while gaining success along the way. At the same time they learn a bit about themselves.

At times (in fact for a good part of the book) Brandon is a prat, but then so is Sky…urgh, I just want to shake these boys!

The band's highs and lows are not smooth. Just when you think you can relax and enjoy their success it all goes to hell. Hang on for a fanatical, bizarre and wild ending that just comes out of nowhere. ROCK & ROLL Maaaaan!

THE WRITING

Initially I found the first person style clunky, but it actually improved throughout the book. The voices did take on a tone of their own, eventually and connections were made. A few scenes seemed to go nowhere or nowhere for now…this is a series, after all. We’ll have to see where it goes. I was curious to see if the series will continue to focus on Sky and Brandon, but a little bird just told me book two is in Brandon’s voice. That is a very good thing. *maybe I can get it in audiobook ‘cus I can’t get enough of that delicious brogue, hmmm.

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I would like to thank Storm Moon Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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