Excellent story! Anna Zabo writes an invigorating tale with well rounded characters! I loved watching these guys navigate their way through.

Hot and intense, not at all within the confines of my comfort zone more often than not. But I didn't care one tiny bit. It was a great ride. The aro rep was a nice bonus!

I am sorry i could not get through this book. Since we only review books we love this book will not appear on our website.

This was a sweet and kinky ride that did have its pacing issues at times, but overall I enjoyed. I know what I'm going to get when I pick up an Anna Zabo book and this one delivered my expectations. In addition, this was my first time reading about an aromantic MC, and I think Anna Zabo handled the representation wonderfully. There's a reason they're an auto-buy author for me!

Unfortunately this one wasn’t my favorite. I wish I could have fallen in love with the story and the characters but I struggled a bit.

Edgy and angsty and hot as hell—the perfect rock star romance. Great descriptions of how music feels to perform.

Oh goodness, I love band romances, and I loved this novel. To me, this had all the best parts of other band romances: The Trouble and The Love Song of Sawyer Bell.

Ray is the front man for the band Twisted Wishes. Immediately before the start of the novel, he had to kick his drummer out due to his drinking habits. As a result, they need a new drummer, as they are just about to go on tour.

Enter Zavier. Ray and Zavier once went to high school, about a decade ago. Back then, the age difference between them mattered. He turned Ray down, both for joining his band and for anything else. In the time since then, he's attended Julliard, been on world tour with the orchestra and, on a personal front, has realised he's aromantic.

Sparks immediately get going when Zavier auditions for the position of drummer in Twisted Wishes, but he's clearly the best (maybe only) choice. The friendships that build between him and other band members Dominic/Domino and Mish are loads of fun. I'm already hoping that Mish ends up with her own story, and that the love interest in that book is Zavier's mentor Nadia. (Also hoping if such a book occurs, that there is very positive sex worker rep!)

As well as just being all round good, it had some of the best BDSM representation I've read before. Zavier knows he's a dominant but Ray hasn't been a submissive before. And, unlike many other stories where this is the dynamic, this worked perfectly. Loads of consent culture and check ins between the two men.

The only thing that made it difficult to read at times were basically any scene that Carl, the awful band manager, was in. His actions were basically sociopathic all the way through, and I didn't feel as though what happened to him, or the reason for his extreme behaviour throughout, paid off enough in the end.

I liked the book, but I just couldn't really get into it for some reason. I'm pretty sure it was my fault. I don't usually read BDSM books and didn't know that it was in this book. It wasn't extreme or anything, but it just wasn't for me.

Ray came off as an uptight guy just trying to hold his band together. Enter Zavier. The two knew each other in highschool and something happened to make Ray not like Zav and have a full on grudge against him. We get to follow along on the tour and watch the two guys work out their differences in an admittedly hot way.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This one of those books that I almost passed up. It's also one of those books that I'm really glad that I didn't.

I loved Zavier and Ray together. They had a history, but there was so much that they didn't know about each other. Like the fact that they both secretly (or not so secretly) were attracted to each other in their past. The more they learned about each other, the more attraction and mutual respect grew. I loved watching their relationship evolve.

There was a lot going on behind the scenes (or romance) in Syncopation. Ray's pretty sure that something wasn't quite right with the way the band's manager is handling things. The band members added another layer to the story and I can't wait to see where the Twisted Wishes goes from here.

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Ray is the singer for an up and coming band. After his firing of his drummer goes viral, Ray needs a new one to go on tour with the band. Ray takes all the blame for anything that goes wrong with the band, and tries to shelter his bandmates from their manager and their label. Enter Zavier, a drummer who went to Juilliard, and who turned down the opportunity to be in Ray's band in high school. Ray is resentful, even if he believes that Zavier made the right choice.
Zavier had a fling with his conductor, and when he couldn't be in a relationship with said conductor because he is aromantic, quit the orchestra. Unfortunately the conductor used his influence, and now Zavier is persona non grata around the symphonic world. When he sees that Ray's band is looking for a drummer, he tries out and gets the job.
As the band tours, they become more and more popular, but the manager gets on Ray's case more and more, making him doubt himself and his band. Zavier wants to solve Ray's problems, but doesn't want to have the same thing happen as in his previous job.

What I liked: how much Zavier supported Ray and was on his side. I liked the friendships that were already in place with the other band members, and the friendships that grew between the other band members and Zavier. Zavier and Ray got to know each other as they are now, rather than being stuck in the past, even though Ray still held on to a grudge that Zavier didn't want to be in his band in high school. I liked that being able to be himself eventually gave Ray the confidence to deal with things on his own, rather than relying on Zavier to always be there for him. I also liked that the other band members stood up as soon as Ray let them in on what was going on.

What I didn't like: I had a hard time with the aromantic aspect, because I understood that aromantics didn't feel love. And Zavier just kept going on and on about flowers and chocolates and grand gestures and changing for people and losing his sense of self: for the record, that is <b>not</b> my definition of love. Love is being there for a friend or family member when they are going through a tough time. Love is understanding what people are going through. Love is wanting to help the people that you care for when they can't help themselves, or when they are in trouble. I had an issue of the author's definition of love, I guess. Zavier even said that he loved friends and family, so when Ray became his friend, he could then care about him, and have sex with him, just never love him. But, in his own way, Zavier did love Ray, so I got caught up in arguing with the book.

Overall impression: I had read one other book by this author, and had a lot of issues with repetition. I thought, though, that if the author could improve that, the writing had potential. And I was right. I enjoyed the characters and the story, and the journey that the characters went through. I am interested to see the stories of the remaining characters.

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Anna Zabo has become one of those authors that I can one-click with complete confidence, knowing I’m in for a treat. Whether it’s paranormal, writing in a romance world shared by many authors, or BDSM, Anna’s writing is consistently on a level all its own. Syncopation is the start of a new series about the rock band Twisted Wishes, and I have already become a total groupie for the band and every member in it.

Each time a read a book written by this author, I find there is so much detail and realism involved that I live the lives of the characters along with them. I go to work at a tech company, I spend my days owning a coffee shop. And here? I was on tour with a hot new band made up of fascinatingly complex characters.

Ray and Zavier absolutely made me giddy. Everything about them was just perfect, and even their flaws added to just how right these two men were for one another. Ray was the leader who took on so much responsibility and needed someone strong enough to shoulder some of the weight, while at the same time give him the freedom to soar on his own. Zav was the perfect pairing for him. A classically trained musician coming in to the band, Zavier fit in like the spot was tailor made for him. He was the level head, the calm dominant voice. He gave Ray exactly the breathing room he needed. He provided a safe space in a crazy world.

I have to admit that I was unsure how an author was going to make a romance novel work with a main character that admitted to being aromantic. This was a new term for me, but I adore how Anna Zabo portrayed it. Zavier may not have understood true notions of romantic love, but he understood devotion, trust, loyalty and affection. He understood attraction and desire and comfort. He understood and felt so many things that most people would blindly label as “love” without truly thinking it through, but he didn’t subscribe to the simple notion of hearts and flowers “love”. And for these two men, that was fine. Their relationship was never lacking in passion and kink and such deep affection. And I’m so glad that the author did not use that as a simply ploy for one to leave and let the parties have to overcome it to get back together. This was just one element that made them who they were together, and it really was beautiful. The descriptions of their negotiations and consistent checks for consent, the care that was given to each other, and the need that literally emanated off of the page all combined to make this one fantastic story.

Band members Dom and Mish need stories of their own, and these characters are fascinating enough in their own rights to make me anticipate their books as well. Domino, the man with the flamboyant stage persona that covers his true shy “twink” nature, and Mish, the dominant woman with the commanding presence. My kindle eagerly awaits them both!

This story is intense. There's usually not a clear-cut, all-out villain in contemporary books, unless it's a mystery, or something in suspense romance. But OH. There is a straight-up villain in this book that I wanted to die every time he showed up on the page. It's actually very thrilling to feel so passionate about a character, even if it is just because I hate him so very much.

But I'm getting a little off-topic. This story is about two sweet characters named Ray and Zavier. Ray and Zavier are absolute cinnamon rolls. They have a bit of a past, but one that's more in passing from their high school days. Ray started a band in high school and had a crush on Zavier for years now. We come to realize that Ray is extremely talented, and definitely more gifted in music than anyone really gives him credit for. Zavier is a classically trained musician and had turned down Ray's offer to join his band in high school.

This is a bit of a slow burn. And I say a bit of one, because there is a lot background and story to cover about the band, Twisted Wishes, and with the characters. I really, really like that we see Ray and Zavier grow as friends first, and anything else between them comes later. The payoff is so worth it.

This is a romance book, in that the characters do get their happy ending, but what I really liked (and would want to see more of in this genre) is that Zavier is aromantic. This story shows that being aro doesn't stop aros from having strong and meaningful relationships, and can be sexual as well. Ray and Zavier have very strong chemistry and I love their interactions with one another. Ray is gay and Zavier is pan. This story, as per usual with Anna Zabo books (and much to my delight), also contains a bit of BDSM. I really love that consent is explicitly asked in this book.

The secondary characters, Dom and Mish, are really likable and I can't wait to read Dom's book in Counterpoint, and hope to read a book for Mish as well!!! Their characters play off Ray and Zavier really well, and I really enjoyed the scenes where the entire band is together.

Okay. So...the manager. Carl. Like, just fucking Carl. I don't quite recall hating someone this much since Umbridge in the Harry Potter series, but seriously. I had to flip to the end of the book to make sure Carl got what he deserved, because I don't think I could have finished reading this story otherwise. Carl is an asshole who is emotionally abusive and manipulative. He treats Ray something awful and needed to be knocked down and put in his place.

In lighter news, I'm really starting to love this rock band romance subgenre, because Syncopation is so good and makes me want to read all the rock band romances I can get my hands on!

***Thanks to Carina Press for providing me an ARC on NetGalley***

3.75 Stars
Ray Van Zeller has music and performing in his blood. His band, Twisted Wishes, is in on the verge of greatness when a heated confrontation with his drummer goes viral. Auditioning a new drummer is painful until Zavier Demos steps up. Ray knew Zavier as a teen and is not prepared to be face to face once again with his high school crush.

Zavier is looking for a new drumming gig by way of Julliard and a spot in an orchestra. A fallout with the conductor left Zavier with few options, but his drumming skills are exactly what Twisted Wishes needs. Zavier has followed the band and knows they are on the verge of something special, especially with Ray as the front man. But, Zavier sees the internal chaos that surrounds Ray as Ray tries to be what the band needs and appease their manager that is on Ray’s case at every single turn. Zavier longs to put his hands on Ray to soothe them both, but Zavier knows first-hand getting involved with a band mate is bad news.

The rock band gig was supposed to be temporary for Zavier, but the band, and each other, might be exactly what both men need.

I am always drawn to books about rock bands and I was interested to see what kind of world Zabo would create here. Ray starts out the book and is a focal point throughout. He has the contract and his band is getting better gigs, but his manager, Carl, is a nightmare and is constantly belittling Ray, and Ray feels he has no recourse. When an argument with his drummer goes viral, it’s just one more reason for Carl to come down on him. Ray will admit that he has issues with anger, but not everything is his fault as Carl makes it out to be and now there is little time to find a replacement drummer.

Zavier knows Ray was interested in him in high school, but at the time the two-year age difference was just enough for Zavier to keep his distance. Now, the age difference is no issue, but Zavier is not getting involved with a co-worker again as his last liaison blew up in his face.

Zavier knows what he wants though and more importantly what he doesn’t want. Ray is aromantic and is up front that he won’t buy you flowers or stare longingly into your eyes. It’s not who he is, but he craves touch and a sexual connection with a submissive partner that can be his best friend.

The book is highly character driven and highly band driven as Zavier finds his place in the band and the entire band has to navigate Carl. Personally, I am completely over the storyline of the verbally abusive band manager with ulterior motives. It doesn’t appeal to me at all and the issue with Carl runs through the entire book. The resolution of the Carl issue was also not strong enough and that storyline didn’t come together for me and lessened the enjoyment of the book overall.

The relationship between the men is also slow to develop with the main focus on the band itself. Since Zavier is aromantic, the relationship comes from that angle. By the end, I really got Zavier’s character, but it was more difficult earlier on. But, Zabo does a thorough job of explaining exactly what Zavier needs by the end of the book. My hesitation was then Ray and if what Zavier needed was what Ray needed. Ray wanted to be with Zavier, but it wasn’t clear if he was just twisting himself to fit what Zavier needed in some aspects of their relationship. Also, there is a vague thread running about Zavier’s BDSM training. It was an important part of who he was and his relationship with Ray, yet his training and so-called mentor that were referenced remained too vague for me. And, these were two grown men, and blushing, there was way too much blushing.

I did have a few issues that didn’t allow me to fully enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to, but as the start of a series, I will look for the next band member’s story.

Oh man, this was one sexy, kinky ride! While also being super sweet, watching these two together?!


There's so much positive kink and consent here and I fucking LOVED it. That's how it should be! It's a bit of a slower burn, but once these two start playing . . . oh, yes, things get hot and heavy (and kinky -- did I mention kinky?) By kink, I mean: D/s, bondage, spanking/flogging, some toys . . . and, while not on page, mention of a cock cage.


I will say the only reason this is only 4 stars is due to the first 1/3 of the book or so. It was a bit slow to get started, to hit a grove if you will. And no, I don't mean the sex/relationship, just the story itself. After that, things picked up and mostly held steady to the very end. But I definitely took longer to read the first part of the book than the last.



My only other complaint is in regards to their manipulative, dipshit of a band "manager". Carl, buddy, fuck off and die. Oh he was horrible and I hated how much he fucked with Ray (especially the last thing he did!!!).



Otherwise, this was a great read and watching Zavier and Ray together was hot and sweet, all in one. I loved it.


Also, I now need the rest of the bandmates to get their story ASAP. Dom . . . oh Dom, my mysterious, quiet man. Come to me!

This book was so good it felt like a great big hug. It gave me shivers hours after I read it, and I wanted to live in it forever. It’s the kind of book that makes this world a better place and shines a light on goodness, compassion, empathy, and love. It made me feel like a better person, because I felt so good inside after I read it.

I loved everything about this book and all its sultry, sweet, sexy, and succulent delights. It was finely crafted with a suspenseful and exciting plot that culminated in a most satisfying resolution. Though I detested the villain, his scheming led Zavier and Ray to understand exactly how much they cared for and meant toward each other. The characters were complex and well-developed. The sexual and emotional tension was exquisite and electric, and the kink and eroticism were hot as fuck.

I loved how Zavier and Ray achieved their happy ending. Though Zavier was pansexual and aromatic and Ray was gay and had fallen in love with Zav, they found a way to be together that was mutually fulfilling. Zavier might not express and define his feelings for Ray in the same way as Ray does for him, but their love is undeniable, unconditional, essential, and everlasting.

I loved all the little ways they communicated their feelings for each other, with and without words, the small gifts that felt like the grandest gestures and the grand gestures that were just as much their everything. I loved how they didn’t pressure each other to change or demand more than what they could give, how they understood and gave each other what they needed, and how they strove to make each other happy. And I felt so happy for them in the end.

The secondary characters were lovely and supportive. I loved all the snark and camaraderie. The entire energy and atmosphere of this book was so wonderful, exciting, and fresh. The book was a character of its own and felt so alive and real to me. It’s Anna Zabo’s best work yet, and it totally did it for me. I am so looking forward to the next book in this fabulous rock star romance series.

“Syncopation,” the first in a new series by Anna Zabo, takes on many subjects – BDSM, aromanticsm, and the intersection between music and intimacy. Yet each topic is covered with depth and sensitivity.

Ray Van Zellar has brought his band, Twisted Wishes, from his garage to the limelight, only to lose his drummer, Kevin, to alcoholism. Meanwhile, their business label has foisted Curtis on them. He’s a brutal manager, who takes delight in belittling Ray. Oh, and by the way, the band is in debt to the label for their first tour, despite a platinum record.

Matters appear to get worse when Ray’s nemesis, Zavier Demos, a Juilliard-trained classical timpanist, becomes Kevin’s replacement. Zavier had been Ray’s high school heart throb when he rejected Ray’s early request to join the band. Zavier, who’s only gotten more attractive, needs the work after resigning from his Orchestra. But he’s so cocky, he acts as if Twisted is lucky to book him.

Surprisingly, Zavier is also kind, standing up for Ray against Curtis. In fact, Ray finds himself wanting to forget their past and the dangers of intimacy between bandmates because Zavier is always considerate and intuitive.

Zavier, who is aromantic, has been burned by a fling with a co-worker, because he was unable to comprehend showy declarations of affection. In addition, Zavier is a Dom. And Ray sure doesn’t act like a sub. Zavier knows to keep his distance, though he’s equally attracted to Ray, a humble man unaware of his musical brilliance.

Does either man have anything to offer, other than lust, which each knows is a terrible bet in these circumstances?

Zabo can turn an emotional phrase to sheer ecstasy. Early in the novel, Ray writes, “’There are times in my life that replay over and over in my mind. Points when my life cracked apart, broke and rearranged into something new and terrifying.’” Later Zabo comments, “Ray spun between the poles of desire and agony and his whole world tunneled down to color and sound and light.” Or how about this pithy insight. “Nothing comes from anger but broken bottles and broken ties.”

I love how Zabo uses music to track changes in relationships. For example, Ray thinks, “He’d always known Dom and Mish (bandmates) would play their hearts out, but he’d never known if Kevin would survive the night. Zavier not only survived, he’d ruled every beat, from the first to the last. Ray trusted Zavier. Zavier believed in Ray.” What deceptively simple words to convey a big shift.

Many books have covered submission as a route to self-control. Zabo gives readers a new slant. When Zavier applies dominance constructively, meant to please, Ray can see Carl’s domineering as abusive. And when Ray consents to pain, it’s a contrast to his unbidden inner, demons, allowing him to face the costs and strains of success.

While Zavier must determine if he can accept a change in career (rock rather than classical music) his view of relationships is changed by the band’s comradery. And Zabo pushes the boundaries of fluidity by highlighting an aromantic’s plight. Since Zavier has never experienced acceptance of his limits - responsible caring, devoid of the highs and lows of love, he’s never recognized his loneliness.

Like a ballad where two musicians sing back and forth, Ray and Zavier weave their deepening bond into its own rhythm, their quirks the strings of melodies, a crescendo that doesn’t lose the tempo of one another’s needs. “Syncopation,” like a good concert,”fills readers to the brim.

***** five star

Ray Van Hellers dream is to make it big with his band Twisted Wishes. After a fight with a band mate, it puts the band in a tight spot. After holding auditions the band finds a drummer to replace the one who left. It just so happens to be Zavier Demos the guy Ray lusted over in high school.

Zavier comes in as the bands saving grace. Taking them to a whole new level. The man who stands in the background and lets Ray lead the band, he’s also the man who helps Ray grow his back but also gives Ray the strength he needs to stand up to their band manager.

Their energy is explosives especially when Dom Zavier comes out to play. These two are awesome together. Each bringing something to the table to help the other out. Zavier helping Ray with something he never knew he needed and Ray helping Zavier realize that he’s not incapable of feelings towards someone. I definitely want to read more about these two, but I also can’t wait to read more on the other band members.

Twisted Wishes is a band on the rise. Singer and band leader Ray is overwhelmed with trying to make sure the band is doing well and that he’s not letting down his friends/bandmates. He is doing what he can to shelter them from the demands of their gods-awful manager while still focusing on the music. Things go from bad to worse when their drummer leaves and Ray’s forced into putting a spin on it that makes him look bad. As if that’s not enough, into their auditions walks the man he crushed on and idolized in high school, the man who turned down an invitation to join the band back then, a slight (and a crush) that Ray has never forgotten, classical drummer Zavier Demos. There’s no denying that Zav is just what the band needs and what Ray wants even though he won’t show it. The question is whether it could ever work?

Zavier’s admiration of Ray goes back a long way. He doesn’t realize the history Ray has carried about them since high school, but he is thrilled to be the drummer for Twisted Wishes. Things ended badly with his last orchestra job and the change was necessary. He sees how Ray works, how he takes care of the band and how the music and words sing within him and he wants to be a part of that. He also sees that Ray has some insecurities and that he needs to be able to let go of that control and worry before it destroys him, and while Zav would love nothing more than to give that to Ray, he’s learned his lesson.

This is absolutely a slow build. I loved watching Ray and Zav getting over their initial friction to work together as bandmates and watch them grow as friends. The tension between them is palpable both to their friends and to the reader. As they move into a friends-with-benefits relationship, Zav is very clear about being aromantic and what it means. This communication between Zav and Ray is a hallmark of their relationship and obviously quite necessary for their D/s dynamic, but it also allowed for the story to proceed without unnecessary angst and really focus on the characters.

Aromantic doesn’t mean Zav is incapable of maintaining a relationship and having long-term happiness, it’s just a matter of finding someone who understands. Zav and Ray find that they work in almost every way; they are friends, lovers, bandmates, Dom and sub, and most of all they respect and care for one another. I would say they have one of the healthiest relationships I've read in a long time.

Both characters have incredible growth. Zav comes to a better understanding of himself. Finding the right partner in Ray opens up a future he never thought about. In submitting to Zav, Ray finds what he needs to let go of frustrations and clear his head in order to work towards real solutions for his fears about the band's future. The kink includes denial, spanking and bondage. Zav has a bit of a sadistic side and Ray finds such comfort in submitting, it was a thing of beauty to read.

As their bassist, Mish tells them “there are all kinds of love” and while Zav may not feel or understand things about "romantic love" it’s very clear that the intense feelings of respect, want and caring fuel both of them and allows them to have a relationship on their own terms. And shouldn't every relationship be built on mutual care and respect and the desire to see your partner happy, successful and fulfilled?

The secondary characters of bandmates Mish and Dom are also very well-written and integral to the story. They have been Ray's family and they all look out for each other. Mish is still a bit mysterious at the end, but she is a strong female character who takes care of the boys when it’s needed, but doesn’t take any crap. Dom is a bit more fleshed out and there is quite the awesome contradiction between his public persona, Domino, and the real Dominic. I’m thrilled that the next book, Counterpoint, will be his story. Anna Zabo also captured the music side of the story just as well as the relationship side. From creating the music and lyrics and performing, to the down and dirty of the business side of things. I got a good dose of the life of a rock and roll band.

I adored the ending and where Ray and Zav were. Their relationship works so well and they are both honest to who they are and what they need and neither individual is lost within what they have, rather they just grow so much stronger and happier together. I highly recommend this story and will be going to check out Anna Zabo's other books as I wait for the next one in this series.

*****
My first Anna Zabo book will NOT be my last. Really good!
*****

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I found this to be an absolutely compelling read. I am so happy that it is the beginning of a new series, and that we will get more of Twisted Wishes, as a band and as a group of fabulous individuals. I read a lot of rock star romance novels, and there is often a lot of angst over addiction, whether drugs, groupies, or other band members. This was far more about the mental challenges of needing to keep everything working, and for Ray, being severely bullied and abused.

As well as the story of the band, which was fascinating, there were lots of little details which brought the whole book to life. I loved how Ray described how he sees music, and his need of his notebook. The detail of Zav's tattoos, the change which Dom underwent between stage and private life. We got so many details, and yet never was it too much.

This book focuses on Ray, singer and band leader, and his crush since high school, drummer Zavier, who auditions to join them on tour when their drummer goes to rehab. It is a beautiful story of two men who are in very different places in their lives and yet who, if given the chance, have a lot to offer each other. The elements of D/s are introduced in a measured and effective manner and have an important role to play in the way they and the band move forward. The passion, the care, and the trust that develops between them feels so natural and so important. It lays a wonderful foundation for a lasting and deep connection, which grows on every page.

I don't want to say more. because as I am reflecting on scenes and elements within the whole, I don't want to spoil the freshness for you. I will definitely be reading this book again and cannot wait for the next installment, as I am most certainly invested in the band members' futures.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I love a good rock star romance and Ray and Zavier’s story is fabulous. I loved the colourful musicians in Twisted Wishes and I enjoyed the chemistry (and the touch of kink) between Ray and Zavier. And the music is wonderful. The story is full of scenes of writing, practicing, and performing music.

Twisted Wishes started as a high school collaboration, and Ray and Zavier’s adult relationship is coloured by their teenage interactions. I love the contrast and complement of Ray’s raw talent with Zavier’s classical training. The relationship between them is a kind of ‘friendship caught fire’ and I enjoyed the departure from traditional romance tropes. The band is special, and I hope to see more of the band members in a sequel (or series?!).

While I really enjoyed the book, there are a couple of things that irritated me about this story. For the first half of the book, Ray seems a little bit too hung up on his high school feelings for Zavier. I didn’t completely believe that such a successful musician would hold onto so much anger and insecurity. The band’s relationship with their manager seemed equally implausible from the start – without any spoilers, the whole storyline didn’t really work for me.

Anna Zabo is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I love both the quality of her writing and the inclusivity of her stories. For me, this story is good fun but a little more dramatic and a little less relatable than others I’ve enjoyed by Ms. Zabo.