Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
A pining drummer and a snarky sound engineer have been walking around each other for months…
Heggarty’s Bow drummer, Mordant, sticks firmly to the adage ‘don’t screw the crew’. He’s seen bands crash and burn over something like that before and he’d rather not risk the band dynamic. However, he knows he’s attracted to the charms of Pink the sound engineer and he’d determined to keep him at a distance. He’s got no interest in becoming just a notch on his bedpost, anyhow.
Pink is surprised and a bit hurt that Mordant makes no secret of avoiding him like the plague. Mordant’s a quiet, laid back guy most of the time, but he only interacts with Pink to criticise his work. Pink’s decided it’s best to just try to ignore him. He’s got enough history with moody blokes that he doesn’t need to take on any more trouble. He just needs to get on with things.
When one of Pink’s ex shoves him and he falls down the stairs at work, though, he’s surprised to find Mordant the one who volunteers to take care of him. Mordant is surprised as well.
Where will the two of them go from here?
The Review
Pink (aka Charlie Pinkerton) thinks he was pushed down the stairs by Ant, his date. One date was enough for him. As he lays there at the bottom of the stairs with a broken wrist and head injury, he realizes how much this will certainly mess with his job as sound engineer with Pete Heggarty’s band.
He hears a voice saying “not to move” and he swears he hears the word “sweetheart” too. Is it Mordant, the drummer in Heggarty’s Bow? Pink always thought Mordant disliked him. There’s no way would Mordant call him that.
Mordant, for his part, wants to take care of Pink. He finds Pete Heggarty, tells him what he witnessed and lets him know he’s going to the hospital with the sound engineer, but he will be back in time for the next show.
Mordant and Pink hit it off when they first met at a concert. But Mordant has seen Pink’s neverending parade of hook-ups, and so he’s steered clear of Pink. He wants a more secure relationship with a special someone.
Mordant stays with Pink at the hospital for as long as he can. Even though Pink hates being there, Mordant talks him into staying. When Mordant returns to the show talks with Pete, they discover that Ant is gone. Pete lets Mordant know the police have been notified, but Pink is not happy about it.
Mordant takes Pink back to the hotel where the band is staying. He’s in no shape to be alone, so Mordant takes him to his room. Even though Mordant and Pink have trust issues, Mordant gibes in and takes care of Pink, trying to make the man Pink feel secure.
Pink has so much on his mind. After giving up everything to tour with Heggarty’s Bow, now he’s missing out. Will he ever get his job back? Will he let Mordant into his life? Why is he afraid of going to the police?
Sounds Complicated is the second book in the new series “Reluctant Rockstar” by Frances Fox. This story has a little more spice, with some kink-lite Dom/sub play that has to do with control and need.
Pink struggles with facing abuse and his abuser, and both Pink and Mordant have to find a way to deal with trust issues. Pink and Mordant they are definitely opposites, and have to find a way to let each other into their lives.
Sounds Complicated is another entertaining read in the “Reluctant Rockstar” series. These stories are quick reads, but they’re packed with drama, fun, love and some wonderful characters – perfect for a fast, relaxing escape. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Driving in Circles.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
