Wasn’t really my cup of tea. The writing was good and the plot was interesting but I just couldn’t get into it.

So, I went back to give this book another shot. Olivia Cunning has long been one of absolute favorite authors and I recommend her books to anyone looking for a sexy rock star romance. I felt horrible for not finishing this book, however, after picking it up again, I realized what the issue was. It’d been way too long since I’d immersed myself in this world, so I was struggling connecting to the new chand remembering details of the previous characters.

Deciding to press onward, I let all that go and just read. Not surprising at all I was impressed by the characters and their connection. This author does steam and romance so so well! Steve and Roux ended up hitting the spot.

3.5-4 Stars

Hot drummer romance....anyone? My first book by this author and I have to say....what a pleasure! Steve Aimes is a drummer for band Exodus End when the beginning act is changed. All female band Baroquen takes stage for the European tour. Roux the keyboardist for band Baroquen takes an insta dislike to Steve when he basically calls them hookers upon meeting them....let the good times roll.

What did I like? Instant attraction for Roux and Steve, highly enjoyable. I really loved Steve’s soft side and his really generous nature towards Roux. When we first find out why Roux grew up in a foster home it really makes you want the rest of the bands story. I devoured this book but it had me hooked for the six hours it took me. Great read!

Would I buy or recommend? Yes....Yes....all yessss. This was my only read by this author in this series, so easily a stand alone. I’d love the others. Great rock star romance!

Thoughts for the author! Amazing book! Kudos to a great job, it was highly entertaining and had some thought provoking moments. Five stars!

This is the first book in this series that I read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Even though it is longer, the story ensures that the reader enjoys it. Steve and Roux, both coming from background with tough life struggles learns to trust each other and love unconditionally. A good read

Awaiting more books in this series

Roux’s best friend was Raven who was the bands stylist. Raven was also her foster sister. The band Roux was a part of with other foster sisters was Baroquen. Each of the five women had a different color for the costume as well as hair to offset the black goth dresses and makeup they wore in public. Roux color was red. Roux barely recognized herself when in costume. She was the keyboardist of the up and coming band that would soon go on tour with the most highly regarded metal band in existence-Exodus End. They were supposed to meet the members of Exodus End that evening and attend a party as their special guests. Roux had been Raven’s roommate since they’d been preteens. Roux knew they were truly blessed by the opportunity Sam- Exodus End manager- by signing them to a new record deal and as an opening act for the real stars he represented. Roux’s life had gone from subdued to overwhelming within a month. Steve was Exodus End’s drummer and hot. Nothing had prepared Roux to meet him.Than he got in the car and said” the hookers are already here”nad then added “ I call Red”. Steve wondered what she looked like without the dark and heavy makeup, without the fancy clothes, with all her barriers down. He guaranteed he’d know before the night was over. Once Steve knew that their band ousted Zachs band Twisted Element, they were the enemy. Zach was Steve’s best friend. Steve didn’t do emotional attachments. Not since Bianca- his ex wife- destroyed his naturally romantic nature and replaced with the cynical man left standing. When Steve approached Roux at the party she turned her back to him. It had been a long time since a woman had rebuffed him, even longer since one posed a challenge. Roux accepted his apology for what he had said, excused herself and walked away from Steve. He followed her and said “your drink” and Roux told him she didn’t drink, and she wasn’t interested so go bother someone else. He actually felt a stab of hurt with the added knife thrust of insecurity. Roux went out on the balcony and Steve followed and she told him her father had been an alcoholic. Her foster mother-Mama Ramona who had raised them all-had introduced her and her foster sisters to music. Roux had started living with them when she was twelve. Steve said she didn’t seem bitter about the family situation. Roux said why be bitter? The woman took her in, showed her love, taught her how to believe in her dreams, how to make a future for herself, gave her the gift- and curse of a dozen sisters. On top of all that she taught Roux how to play the piano. Steve asked about her family and she said her father had killed her entire family shot her and then killed himself, somehow she survived. She showed him the scar where her father had shot her. The scar was the only external reminder of all her other scars. Ones that ran so deep she would never forget. She wasn’t sure she would have ever moved on without music. The classical piano soothed her aching soul. The angry rock she’d alter discovered had become an outlet for her rage. Steve hugged her to comfort her than Sage came looking for her for a group picture. Roux stood on her tiptoes and kissed the corner of Steve’s mouth- a chaste kiss but Steve took charge of the kiss and it burned through her body. Everytinme Roux started to think Steve wasn’t the biggest butthole she ever met, he immediately proved her wrong.
I loved this book. I only put it down to get some sleep for a couple hours. I wanted to see what would happen next with Roux and Steve. I loved Steve and Roux together and how they interacted. There chemistry was off the chart- there are alot of sexual scenes in this book-. I loved the relationship Roux had with Raven and the rest of her foster sisters and Mama Ramona. I loved the relationship Steve had with Zach and his family especially his grandfather. I have another new favorite book. I loved the plot and pace. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Kobo Writing Life, for an honest review**

This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone and we are still following the members of the rock band Exodus End.

Steve Aimes is the drummer for the band and has been a bit of a party animal and man whore since his divorce from Bianca many years ago, however when he meets Roux he changes. Steve is a man with a big heart who can only love completely, he truest has a soft heart and Roux just does it for him.

Roux is in an up and coming band and initially things do not go well with Steve, however he keeps doing sweet things for her, but it is her promise to her band that stops her from anything more with Steve initially.

As Steve and Roux get to know each other they cannot help but get closer and we also see more from The American Enquirer publication and the characters behind it. The plot thickens even further.

The start of this book happened along side the other books, then takes a leap to the european tour where we see previous characters in their happy lives together.

I look forward to Dares book next and i also look forward to see what will happen with Max. The books cannot come out fast enough. There is also an idea that the girls from the band Baroquen will get their own books too in the future.

I love reading Olivia Cunning's books. This one was another winner for me. I can't wait to read more from the series.

I haven't read an Olivia Cunning book in a while. I forgot how much I love her rock stars!
Now to be honest at the end of the book she writes that she had a bit of an issue with the book. I have to say what she was expecting is kind of what I was also but that isn't what we got. I am happy with what we got though. It turned out better than I thought it could have been.

I can't wait for more. I know I am behind on the one night with sole regret so I will have to go read those until I can get more of the exodus end boys.

She has a way of writing rockers that makes you feel like you are there. She does an amazing job!

Steve Aimes was definitely the poster child for a world famous rock musician. Every vice he had was to save him from dealing with the stress that consumed his life. He would strike quick with his words in an effort to protect those he cared about and fight back at the injustices he continually faced. When Roux’s music group suddenly replaces his best friend’s group on tour he unleashes every claw ready to battle through unknowing she would silence the demons that continue to whisper in his ear. Love this series from Olivia Cunning!

Just as hot and steamy as I expected, much sweeter than I anticipated. Olivia Cunning is my go to for erotic rock star romances and I enjoyed this one.

I received an ARC from Netgallery and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

I was glad to see Steve finally get a story and Roux was the perfect woman for him. She had the strength that he needed to overcome the bad reputation and take down the two tramps that kept infiltrating his life. I was never a fan of their manager so the ending made me extremely happy. I wished Trey made more of an appearance they kept mentioning him but he didn't pop in as much as I would have liked to see him considering Ethan showed up quite a bit. It was good to get the band back together and I can't wait until Dare gets his chance to shine and find a woman.

This is Steve and Roux's story. Steve has vowed to never let another woman hurt him the way his ex-wife did during a divorce. He tries to stay away from Roux while they are on tour but can't manage it. Roux is grateful for the chance her band has to tour with Exodus End and isn't willing to mess it up with a messy relationship. These two are on a collision course and can't help themselves. I love these reads about rock stars.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in this series (and links in with the Sinners series too). It is an absolutely wonderful read, and moved the band's story forward a lot, as well as giving Steve his chance at a true happily ever after. I would definitely recommend that you read these books in order, as they really are installments in a bigger story. Just as the second one (Outsider) overlapped some of Insider, this too starts before the conclusion of Outsider... and reminds us of the first time that Steve met Roux!

By the end it is difficult to believe that he said some of those things, but we certainly understand what had provoked him to become such a person. But strip away the layers, and Steve is the ultimate good friend, wonderful boyfriend, considerate lover, and devoted only to Roux. I absolutely loved watching him come out from under the cloud cast by Bianca, and it is a delight to see how deep his friendship with Zach is too. Add in his family, and all the other tests that he has to put Roux through to ensure that she truly is 'the one.' I cannot tell you more, as you need to read it and enjoy every page.

Roux had a truly horrific incident in her childhood that nearly ended her life; however, being fostered by the most amazing woman – who gave all her charges musical instruments and the desire to make music – gave her a second chance at life. All her band mates in Baroquen are fellow foster sisters, and I love their names, costumes, and attitude.

This really is a fabulous book, so find yourself a chunk of time and go and give yourself a fabulous treat. I cannot wait for the next book in the series... as Olivia Cunning says in her comments at the end... this is going to be a big challenge... it is time for Dare!

Sexy Fun and Emotional! Definitely a journey you want to take. I love this series and I can't wait for more from Olivia!

After Jessica from Chatterbooks Book Blog raved and raved about this author's books and how much she knew I'd love them, I figured it was about time to find out if she was right. She was! So thanks Jess for putting me on to a stellar book! 💜💜

As this was my first read from this author, I didn't know the back stories of the characters or the inner workings of their interpersonal relationships. And that was fine because the author wasn't lying when she said this could be read as a standalone. I wasn't the least bit confused and now I just want to know more about the characters who were on the sidelines of this story.

Anyhoo, the main characters were Steve, the drummer for Exodus End, and Roux, the keyboardist for Baroquen. Steve's best friend was booted from being his band's opening act on the world tour in order to make room for Roux's band. Obviously, Steve was loyal to his bestie and had some hard feelings. But his feelings weren't the only things to get hard at the sight of one band member in particular - Roux.

Jess let me know how freaking sexy this author's work was so I thought I was prepared. And while this wasn't as kinky as I expected, Steve and Roux did NOT lack in passion. However, they shared more of an emotional connection, right from the start, so it added another level to their intimacy. It was never just sex or a good shagging. It was erotic and sensual and loving. It was perfection. *sigh* Who knew a famous rock star, known for being a manwhore, could be so open and vulnerable and romantic? Steve was absolutely incredible and very easy to love. Roux was an amazingly sympathetic character and my heart immediately went out to her. She was a survivor and she had an enormous heart. Watching these two give their all to each other was quite simply beautiful.

So there you have it. On the word of two voracious readers, Olivia Cunning isn't an author to be passed on. Don't be like me and sleep on her series until everyone else has read them and you're the last one left, wondering what took you so long. Maybe, like me, it's hard for you to try a new author. I get it. But if you read no other book from her, because I can't swear her other books are this lovely, than pick this one up. You won't regret it!

This one is one hot rock star erotic novel. Exodus End drummer Steve falls for Roux the keyboardist of their new opening act Baroquen. They fall really quickly in love in each other but it is a problem Roux wants their relationship to begin after the European tour because she doesn't people to say their relationship was the one who gave them to be the opening act. But that is not all that those two lovebirds have to worry. There is still the tabloid who wants to destroy Steve reputation and the band manager. I liked the story, plot and the characters. Steve was just a wonderful character full of love and just wants for someone to worship. Roux was also very likable, loved her reaction and how she treated the uncomfortable article. She showed her strength, love and a smart head. What bothered me and made for me a book a little boring was so much of their lovemaking, they were doing it on and on, on their special weekend on the plane, on the tour. It was great described and written, hot, but just a little bit too much. I really enjoyed reading it and was really happy with the end of the book. I am interested to see what all will happen in the book of Dare.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

STAGED is the third book in Olivia Cunning's Exodus End World Tour series about the trials and tribulations of rock stars and their fascinating love lives. I recommend reading this series in order because of the complicated relationships involved and the events that happened to get the characters where they are when this book takes place. These Exodus End World Tour stories are all extremely character-driven and STAGED is no exception. The characters make this story come to life. Drummer Steve Aimes has been knocked around in his personal life and so he's attracted, yet skeptical, when he lays eyes on keyboardist Roux "Katie" Williams. Steve and Roux have had very different backgrounds but they form a powerful emotional connection that grows as this story progresses.

Every good story benefits from having a villain and there are several in STAGED. Chief among them being Exodus End's manager Sam Baily. Despite all his wicked machinations, it's actually Sam that unintentionally brings Steve and Roux together by signing her bad up to tour with Exodus End. When Roux's band knocks Steve's BFF's band off the tour, it makes for a prickly and inauspicious beginning between these two characters but the friction soon turns to sexual chemistry. STAGED has what I love most about Olivia Cunning's music-themed romances - the rock stars have a somewhat decadent lifestyle but they are multifaceted and Exodus End functions as a tight family unit. When their manager plays hell with their lives, or the media tries to interfere, the bandmates stick up for each other and have their backs.

True to an Olivia Cunning novel, there are many spicy scenes between this hero and heroine, but they also do an intense crash course in getting to know each other as well. As they get to know each other better, the readers get to know them better too. Even though Steve has a tumultuous romantic history and lived the typical rock star lifestyle, his upbringing was very traditional and full of love growing up on a farm. Roux has a stable personal life now thanks to her bandmates and extended foster family, but her childhood was filled with fear. Steve and Roux share their pasts with each other and bond emotionally.

STAGED has a love story that is both tender and torrid with superb storytelling. Olivia Cunning has a way of drawing you into her stories with characters you can't help but find compelling and the emotional resonance that blows you away. These books are highly satisfying and yet addictive, so I eagerly await Olivia Cunning's next Exodus End World Tour book.

10 stars- I have been waiting for this book. I have been hooked on this series and every single character from the beginning of the bands story. I was not disappointed at all. The author once again did an amazing job bringing the story to life with her words and descriptions. I hated when I reached the last page, but it did make me go back and read the series again.

Drummer Steve Aimes is the divorced drummer with the group Exodus end. He's gorgeous and he knows it using women and treating them appallingly.
Enter Roux Williams, a band member of little-known group Baroquen the support group who to Steve's anger is the new group supporting Exodus end on their new tour. Roux is attracted to Steve but will not give in to her feelings as she wants to remain professional until the tour is over, even though she finds him a gorgeous distraction.
Their worlds are troubled by a plan to destroy them. They need to find a way to overcome this.

I did enjoy this book, it kept me gripped and was a good story with likable characters.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity x

I really loved this author. I hold her Sinners On Tour books as some of my favorites ever. I don't know if it's the book or me but I couldn't finish it. I might try again later but right now it isn't happening.