Jet Mykles - Reverb

Sex. Drugs. Rock ‘n Roll. Nick Gorman’s got it all. He’s on top of the world, living his dream, playing guitar on stage in front of thousands of people with non-other than Marlowe. The famous singer could have had his choice of anyone to replace his former guitarist, but he picked Nick to tour with him. Now Nick’s star is on the rise, all thanks to Marlowe, who’s not only Nick’s idol but is fast becoming a terrific friend.
In the blink of an eye, it all turns upside down. A drug-hazed time in a bed alone with Marlowe forces Nick to be aware that the rock star’s interest in him is more than just friendly. Then, before he can even react to that, both singer and guitarist are in a near-fatal accident that could ruin both their careers.
What now? Marlowe’s in jail for two years and Nick is broken. Could they ever play together again, let alone explore the sizzling reverberations that still exist between them?

Comment: I consider myself a fan of this author's writing. I've read many of her stories and when I can I get her latest things as well. This is one of her most recent books although it was released in 2011. I got it only last year not sure when but I finally read it.

Tis story starts with an accident, sort of. Marlowe is a genuine rock star and he's high when he attempts to seduce fellow band member Nick. There's some attraction between them but Nick never thought things could go that way because he sees himself as a straight guy. After the accident that could have cost him his career he wants only distance from Marlowe but not even time can erase his feelings and when a chance to get back to the music world comes up in the person of Marlowe, Nick finally lets go what he really feels...

This is, once more, a gay-for-you story, something the author has become quite the specialist on. I've enjoyed all her stories with this them not because of its believability (which isn't much in real life) but for the romance of it all, the fantasy that indeed what matters isn't gender or sex but the person, what we might feel for that special person in our lives. I've always thought t would be brave of someone to chance their hearts like that, even if their usual attraction wasn't towards someone of the same sex. In a way, I think ms Mykles does achieve a little bit of realism in her stories with this tactic.

In this book the romance doesn't start well and the path to happiness is full of doubts. But here's the thing, Marlowe goes to prison because of his reckless actions and Nick if full of resentment. Of course we think they should be together and there are obstacles but the thing I liked best was how Marlowe changed and realized he should let Nick make his own decisions. I liked how their romance didn't feel pressured or forced to happen just because. Usually I really like how the seduction works in this author's work, the characters always tend to feel a bit of angst before reaching happiness. I don't think all authors can make angst scenes well, but this one can. Plus, the sexual tension was evident too because once again the author uses her writing skills to insert sentences where we see the characters struggle with their feelings and their thoughts. I like this. Then when happiness is possible, we all cheer for the HEA to happen in the end.

It seems I loved this story and for the most part I did. But there's something in this novel which I think wasn't good nor positive nor morally enjoyable. I'm talking about the whole drugs issue. In this story drug use is quite talked about and seen and honestly I didn't like it. I think, what kind of message goes through? That is ok for musicians and rock stars and groupies to use as long is controlled? Really a no go for me. Marlowe is an addict and I understand the reason why someone might think drugs are a way to deal with their problems, but that's stupid. I think drugs are stupid. Simple. But although Marlowe pays for his drug induced actions he doesn't let go of the world completely and surrounds himself at times with consuming people. I got why and in real life it must be so for many, but this isn't wise. I really disliked his character at first and even considered not reading the story because of this. I really hated the scenes where people used or were seen doing drugs. If I could wish for something even before world peace I'd wish for the eradication of drugs, it's a plague, for sure. I didn't feel comfortable reading about this, although I recognize done well it can teach a lesson. In this case I didn't have that feeling. Drugs are just wrong, period.

I really couldn't put aside my personal opinion about the issue out of the enjoyment of the novel and from my point of view, the story doesn't explore the situation in the most positive way, showing how wrong and destructive drugs really are. Even in the end when something almost expected happens we don't really see any measure against the results of that...sorry for the mystery, it's a spoiler... I really think it wasn't done well and for me it put a stain on an almost great romance story.
Grade: 5/10