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River Valley Rebels #1
Taut Strings
My name is Adeline and I’ve learned a hard lesson in my twenty-one years of life. Dreams are fragile things, easily broken.
I used to think I’d become a professional musician, and look how that turned out. Rejected by Julliard. Orphaned at nineteen. Now, my dreams extend as far as putting my little sister through college.
I shouldn’t be disappointed. Nothing truly great has ever come out of River Valley.
Nothing other than them.
When Bleeding Moonlight left this town ten years ago, they were a promising local band. Now, they’re gorgeous heavy metal legends. Talented, successful, fearless. Everything I’ll never be.
They’ve come back to town to bury their bandmate, and they’re staying until they record the last album he ever wrote. The kicker? They’ve asked me to be his temporary replacement.
Four weeks to earn the money I desperately need.
I’ll be fine as long as I don’t get tangled up in old dreams again.
As long as I don’t get tangled up in them.
I used to think I’d become a professional musician, and look how that turned out. Rejected by Julliard. Orphaned at nineteen. Now, my dreams extend as far as putting my little sister through college.
I shouldn’t be disappointed. Nothing truly great has ever come out of River Valley.
Nothing other than them.
When Bleeding Moonlight left this town ten years ago, they were a promising local band. Now, they’re gorgeous heavy metal legends. Talented, successful, fearless. Everything I’ll never be.
They’ve come back to town to bury their bandmate, and they’re staying until they record the last album he ever wrote. The kicker? They’ve asked me to be his temporary replacement.
Four weeks to earn the money I desperately need.
I’ll be fine as long as I don’t get tangled up in old dreams again.
As long as I don’t get tangled up in them.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2021
286 people are currently reading
3890 people want to read
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August 18, 2021
Taut Strings is book one in the River Valley Rebels series by Gabrielle Sands. This is a reverse harem rock star romance and is the debut book by this author. It can be read as a stand alone and has a complete HEA. It’s hard to believe that this is her debut book. It’s well written, sexy and swoony.
Adeline is twenty one years old, is a gifted guitarist and lives in her small home town of River Valley. When Ade was younger, she had big dreams of going to Julliard and working hard to be the best she could be on guitar and making a career out of playing. But all those hopes and dreams crashed and burned. Now she is sole guardian of her seventeen year old sister, works as a bartender and is getting ready to send her little sister off to college while worrying about how to pay the tuition bills.
Ade is in a small garage band with her friends and its during one of their gigs that the members of Bleeding Moonlight walk in, a world renowned band whose members grew up in River Valley.
Silas, Abel, Ezra and Cole are four of the five members of Bleeding Moonlight. They all came home to bury the fifth member of their band, Charlie. They are in town for several weeks and are supposed to find a replacement guitarist so they can record their next album made up of songs written with Charlie before he died. They had heard that the band playing that night was pretty good so decided to check them out. But they were in no way prepared for the impact the guitarist on stage would have on them, on ALL of them. She might just be the answer to all of their problems.
“This wasn’t a kiss that hinted at a casual hookup. This kiss was trying to communicate things I wasn’t ready to hear.”
These four men were all so different, one all smiles, one who takes the leadership role of the bunch, one who tends to fall head over heels very quickly, and Abel, the cold, surly, broody one of the bunch. But really, after getting to know him, he really was just the one that felt everything too much.
All of these men felt a connection with Ade, both musically, and personally. Believe it or not, this was a slow burn romance. The author took things very slowly, letting her connection with each of them develop organically. At times, it was a bit too slow burn for me. I wanted things to heat up a little faster.
“This kind of fire won’t destroy. It’ll change and mold us into something new. It will transform. And we were due for a transformation.”
I did enjoy this book. The author did a great job of letting us get to know each of these characters and watching each of their bonds grow with Ade. I especially loved her connection with Abel. It was the most difficult and the most meaningful. Their connection was the strongest musically and maybe even romantically. Book two in this series, Pretty Words, steps a bit back in time and explores the relationship of Cole’s sister, Ivy, that is mentioned in this book. I also look forward to seeing what this author is going to do next.
“Alone, I was finite, but together, we became infinite.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Adeline is twenty one years old, is a gifted guitarist and lives in her small home town of River Valley. When Ade was younger, she had big dreams of going to Julliard and working hard to be the best she could be on guitar and making a career out of playing. But all those hopes and dreams crashed and burned. Now she is sole guardian of her seventeen year old sister, works as a bartender and is getting ready to send her little sister off to college while worrying about how to pay the tuition bills.
Ade is in a small garage band with her friends and its during one of their gigs that the members of Bleeding Moonlight walk in, a world renowned band whose members grew up in River Valley.
Silas, Abel, Ezra and Cole are four of the five members of Bleeding Moonlight. They all came home to bury the fifth member of their band, Charlie. They are in town for several weeks and are supposed to find a replacement guitarist so they can record their next album made up of songs written with Charlie before he died. They had heard that the band playing that night was pretty good so decided to check them out. But they were in no way prepared for the impact the guitarist on stage would have on them, on ALL of them. She might just be the answer to all of their problems.
“This wasn’t a kiss that hinted at a casual hookup. This kiss was trying to communicate things I wasn’t ready to hear.”
These four men were all so different, one all smiles, one who takes the leadership role of the bunch, one who tends to fall head over heels very quickly, and Abel, the cold, surly, broody one of the bunch. But really, after getting to know him, he really was just the one that felt everything too much.
All of these men felt a connection with Ade, both musically, and personally. Believe it or not, this was a slow burn romance. The author took things very slowly, letting her connection with each of them develop organically. At times, it was a bit too slow burn for me. I wanted things to heat up a little faster.
“This kind of fire won’t destroy. It’ll change and mold us into something new. It will transform. And we were due for a transformation.”
I did enjoy this book. The author did a great job of letting us get to know each of these characters and watching each of their bonds grow with Ade. I especially loved her connection with Abel. It was the most difficult and the most meaningful. Their connection was the strongest musically and maybe even romantically. Book two in this series, Pretty Words, steps a bit back in time and explores the relationship of Cole’s sister, Ivy, that is mentioned in this book. I also look forward to seeing what this author is going to do next.
“Alone, I was finite, but together, we became infinite.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 17, 2021
"Bit by bit, we excavated the song from whatever alternate universe all works of art inhabit before someone brings them across."
Holy shit. This book is incredible.
I'm going to admit something I'm not proud of. Up to this point in my life, I've only ever read reverse harem books for the sex scenes (and in some cases, I read ONLY the sex scenes). This is not to say that there aren't some amazing, well-plotted RH books out there, just that the ones I've read never particularly gripped me. (I mean...you know...besides the sex scenes)
This book is a HUGE exception. I really think this is a book for people who *think they* don't like RH. Taut Strings hits all the satisfying beats of a conventional contemporary romance. Each character is fully fleshed out. The story is realistic and immersive, making you feel like YOU as a reader are forming a relationship with four gorgeous heavy metal musicians (and getting to have sex with ALL of them). And the plot is so propulsive, you'll have a hard time putting it down.
I just adored all of the characters. Adeline's hangups about her perceived failure as musician felt real and painful. I wanted to see her overcome her fear. And the men. SWEET JESUS. The men.
Cole. Ezra. Abel. Silas. I kept going back and forth trying to decide who I liked best. At first Cole was my favorite because he's so warm and charming, but then Abel would have an alphahole moment and I'd think oh man, I can't wait for that sex scene!! And then Ezra would show what a good caretaker he is and I'd think, aww can you take care of me too please? Can I call you daddy?? But then she finally hooked up with Silas (which is one of the best sex scenes I've ever read in any romance novel, not just RH) and I started thinking, wait is this actually the best sex I'VE ever had, not just read in a book?
"Is this what it felt like to watch a hurricane coming ashore? Like no matter what you did, some things were inevitable?"
In the end I realized I couldn't choose, which is the point of RH, and speaks to the perfect execution of Taut Strings. It's just absurd that this is Gabrielle Sands' first novel. As an author, I'd hate her if I wasn't so excited for future books (PLEASE WRITE MORE)!
Holy shit. This book is incredible.
I'm going to admit something I'm not proud of. Up to this point in my life, I've only ever read reverse harem books for the sex scenes (and in some cases, I read ONLY the sex scenes). This is not to say that there aren't some amazing, well-plotted RH books out there, just that the ones I've read never particularly gripped me. (I mean...you know...besides the sex scenes)
This book is a HUGE exception. I really think this is a book for people who *think they* don't like RH. Taut Strings hits all the satisfying beats of a conventional contemporary romance. Each character is fully fleshed out. The story is realistic and immersive, making you feel like YOU as a reader are forming a relationship with four gorgeous heavy metal musicians (and getting to have sex with ALL of them). And the plot is so propulsive, you'll have a hard time putting it down.
I just adored all of the characters. Adeline's hangups about her perceived failure as musician felt real and painful. I wanted to see her overcome her fear. And the men. SWEET JESUS. The men.
Cole. Ezra. Abel. Silas. I kept going back and forth trying to decide who I liked best. At first Cole was my favorite because he's so warm and charming, but then Abel would have an alphahole moment and I'd think oh man, I can't wait for that sex scene!! And then Ezra would show what a good caretaker he is and I'd think, aww can you take care of me too please? Can I call you daddy?? But then she finally hooked up with Silas (which is one of the best sex scenes I've ever read in any romance novel, not just RH) and I started thinking, wait is this actually the best sex I'VE ever had, not just read in a book?
"Is this what it felt like to watch a hurricane coming ashore? Like no matter what you did, some things were inevitable?"
In the end I realized I couldn't choose, which is the point of RH, and speaks to the perfect execution of Taut Strings. It's just absurd that this is Gabrielle Sands' first novel. As an author, I'd hate her if I wasn't so excited for future books (PLEASE WRITE MORE)!
February 21, 2021
Amazing Debut!!! I definitely want to read more from Gabrielle Sands!
Rockstar romance isn’t typically my jam but Taut Strings might have changed my tune! Not only is there One Hot Band mate but Four!
Adeline dreams about music but doesn’t think she can get there. When Bleeding Moonlight come back to River Valley her dreams are within reach! The chemistry between Adeline and the guys is on fire! Trust me you’re going to want to meet Cole, Abel, Ezra, and Silas!
This book kept me intrigued! The characters and the plot was enough to keep me sucked in! After reading the first chapter I wanted more and more! I couldn’t put it down!
A must read!
-received an arc for an honest review
Rockstar romance isn’t typically my jam but Taut Strings might have changed my tune! Not only is there One Hot Band mate but Four!
Adeline dreams about music but doesn’t think she can get there. When Bleeding Moonlight come back to River Valley her dreams are within reach! The chemistry between Adeline and the guys is on fire! Trust me you’re going to want to meet Cole, Abel, Ezra, and Silas!
This book kept me intrigued! The characters and the plot was enough to keep me sucked in! After reading the first chapter I wanted more and more! I couldn’t put it down!
A must read!
-received an arc for an honest review
March 10, 2021
Like other reviewers have commented, Gabrielle Sands has written a debut novel that does not read like a debut. I really enjoyed the complexities and emotional journey that Taut Strings took me on. When we first meet Adeline, she's a bartender who has a cover band that she plays with to feed her need for music, because she faced a rejection when she was young that deeply affected her. Adeline is currently facing some changes and challenges involving the sister that she's cared for since her parents' death, along with the potential loss of that cover band/connection with playing music. Enter a chance encounter with the broken rockstars of Bleeding Moonlight who have recently faced their own devastating loss.
One of the aspects I loved about this book is that Adeline doesn't "fix" the guys. She encourages, inspires, reminds them of all they still have to give, and as they open up to her, they also end up healing and opening up to each other, facing the demons that are tearing them apart. The story's multi-POV, which I think we really needed for those moments between the guys. On the flip side, they do all these same things for her. None of which is overnight (thankfully) and another strength of this book is how naturally all of this unravels and these characters find what they need.
Relationship-wise, two of the bandmates have shared before and the other two have not, so how each of these guys develops their individual relationship with Adeline and then finds their place (at different paces) within the overall relationship, is really well-done. Adeline has also never been in this type of relationship before so at first, she's fighting her feelings towards multiple guys, but as hints are dropped and interest is shown, she becomes more open to the possibilities too. Then we get the steam and the intimate moments between the guys and Adeline are very well-written, while also being balanced with the rest of the story. The connection between these characters shines.
I was initially worried about the possibility of groupies with Taut Strings and while the guys do receive attention from fans, they're focused on their attraction and growing relationship with Adeline. There was one of the guys that while I understood his pain and the behaviors that came from that, I felt like he needed more time before fully integrating into the relationship after acting out. There were also some transition moments where I wasn't certain and I needed to backtrack a bit to find my place. Overall though, this is an excellent story and a contemporary RH done well!
One of the aspects I loved about this book is that Adeline doesn't "fix" the guys. She encourages, inspires, reminds them of all they still have to give, and as they open up to her, they also end up healing and opening up to each other, facing the demons that are tearing them apart. The story's multi-POV, which I think we really needed for those moments between the guys. On the flip side, they do all these same things for her. None of which is overnight (thankfully) and another strength of this book is how naturally all of this unravels and these characters find what they need.
Relationship-wise, two of the bandmates have shared before and the other two have not, so how each of these guys develops their individual relationship with Adeline and then finds their place (at different paces) within the overall relationship, is really well-done. Adeline has also never been in this type of relationship before so at first, she's fighting her feelings towards multiple guys, but as hints are dropped and interest is shown, she becomes more open to the possibilities too. Then we get the steam and the intimate moments between the guys and Adeline are very well-written, while also being balanced with the rest of the story. The connection between these characters shines.
I was initially worried about the possibility of groupies with Taut Strings and while the guys do receive attention from fans, they're focused on their attraction and growing relationship with Adeline. There was one of the guys that while I understood his pain and the behaviors that came from that, I felt like he needed more time before fully integrating into the relationship after acting out. There were also some transition moments where I wasn't certain and I needed to backtrack a bit to find my place. Overall though, this is an excellent story and a contemporary RH done well!
Want to read
February 27, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/27/2022)! 🎁
June 1, 2022
BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 406
My rating: 4
Genre: rh, rockstar, music
Themes: music, abuse, difficult lifes
Protagonist Ages: 21 (FMC) and the MMC were around 30
Pacing: slow
Plot Rating: okay
This was the debut book of Gabriella Sands. I liked it very much. There are two minor plot holes, but that’s okay, for a first book. I enjoyed reading it very much. The Characters were lovable.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
February 8, 2023
Why choose rockstar romance
This was so cute, smutty and those Viking male leads? SMOKIN
4 ⭐️
3🌶️
Gabrielle sands is actually quickly becoming my favourite author. This is a slow burn, with lots of angst and heavy topics. This book tugged at my heart strings numerous times. Lovely FMC & MMC’s.
Ade (h) is a 21 from a small town where she is a bartender providing for her sister, when all of a sudden Bleeding Moonlight (H’s) a heavy metal rock band come to town needing to record an album. They need a guitar player- and guess who they find. 😏
Tropes
• touch her and I’ll kill you
• rockstar
• why choose
• forced proximity? (Stuck in a room for 9 hrs a day for 4 weeks)
No cheats / ow drama
This was so cute, smutty and those Viking male leads? SMOKIN
4 ⭐️
3🌶️
Gabrielle sands is actually quickly becoming my favourite author. This is a slow burn, with lots of angst and heavy topics. This book tugged at my heart strings numerous times. Lovely FMC & MMC’s.
Ade (h) is a 21 from a small town where she is a bartender providing for her sister, when all of a sudden Bleeding Moonlight (H’s) a heavy metal rock band come to town needing to record an album. They need a guitar player- and guess who they find. 😏
Tropes
• touch her and I’ll kill you
• rockstar
• why choose
• forced proximity? (Stuck in a room for 9 hrs a day for 4 weeks)
No cheats / ow drama
June 19, 2022
KU READ
Excuse me what did I just read! This was a wonderfully executed reverse harem without any blazing guns and psychos! Although this is a rockstar romance, you still get the sense that these guys are normal. Damn, I was fully invested from the first page to the last! It was slow burn and the steam started around 50%. Honestly, this book wasn't about the steam but more about the thrilling chemistry and backstories of the characters!
Excuse me what did I just read! This was a wonderfully executed reverse harem without any blazing guns and psychos! Although this is a rockstar romance, you still get the sense that these guys are normal. Damn, I was fully invested from the first page to the last! It was slow burn and the steam started around 50%. Honestly, this book wasn't about the steam but more about the thrilling chemistry and backstories of the characters!
February 16, 2021
[This review is based on the ARC I was sent by the author]
HOLY. SH*T.
Am I allowed to swear? I mean, it is needed to fullt leave a justified review! I read the first 20% of the book when the author sent me a preview and was so sold that I was lucky enough to receive the full ARC. Unfortunately due to work it took me 2 weeks before I was able to get back to it..
And when I did, I didn’t stop. Like at all. I think I went to the bathroom twice, but beside that I couldn’t put it down! All I can say is ‘WOW’!!
I don’t want to spoil, but if you like Penelope Douglas’ Credence and Birthday Girl!
All I can say is that it needs to be read!
HOLY. SH*T.
Am I allowed to swear? I mean, it is needed to fullt leave a justified review! I read the first 20% of the book when the author sent me a preview and was so sold that I was lucky enough to receive the full ARC. Unfortunately due to work it took me 2 weeks before I was able to get back to it..
And when I did, I didn’t stop. Like at all. I think I went to the bathroom twice, but beside that I couldn’t put it down! All I can say is ‘WOW’!!
I don’t want to spoil, but if you like Penelope Douglas’ Credence and Birthday Girl!
All I can say is that it needs to be read!
February 23, 2021
The most beautiful thing about this life is the ability to evolve and grow.
I have to start off by saying if you haven't read this book, and you love RH, then what are you waiting for?
As Gabrielle Sands debut novel, I was incredibly surprised by how well written it was. The characters are interesting and complex while the writing is clear and succinct. Steamy scenes dipped in tension create a delicious story. She wrote each relationship with her haram (I don't want to give away any spoilers) incredibly well and the group dynamic was hysterical.
I love the humor that she has expertly entwined into the scenes. Consent is addressed in a beautiful way, and oh, did I mention that most of the scenes are set in places/times of day I rarely see? Yet, they were incredibly hot.
The story follows Adeline who is working as a bartender to support her sister after their parents death. Her dream was to write music and play guitar, but she is a realist to the max. She opts for practicality at the cost of her dreams. Until the impossible happens. I found Adeline to be refreshingly honest, grounded and real. Honestly I could picture myself going to a bar and grabbing a drink with her. I really enjoyed her and the rest of her guys.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read it. I am typically a paranormal reader and thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it in one sitting.
Thank you for writing Gabrielle! and I cannot WAIT to see what you have in store for us next!
I have to start off by saying if you haven't read this book, and you love RH, then what are you waiting for?
As Gabrielle Sands debut novel, I was incredibly surprised by how well written it was. The characters are interesting and complex while the writing is clear and succinct. Steamy scenes dipped in tension create a delicious story. She wrote each relationship with her haram (I don't want to give away any spoilers) incredibly well and the group dynamic was hysterical.
I love the humor that she has expertly entwined into the scenes. Consent is addressed in a beautiful way, and oh, did I mention that most of the scenes are set in places/times of day I rarely see? Yet, they were incredibly hot.
The story follows Adeline who is working as a bartender to support her sister after their parents death. Her dream was to write music and play guitar, but she is a realist to the max. She opts for practicality at the cost of her dreams. Until the impossible happens. I found Adeline to be refreshingly honest, grounded and real. Honestly I could picture myself going to a bar and grabbing a drink with her. I really enjoyed her and the rest of her guys.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read it. I am typically a paranormal reader and thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it in one sitting.
Thank you for writing Gabrielle! and I cannot WAIT to see what you have in store for us next!
March 27, 2021
“𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦?”
I am actually speechless with how amazing this book was. I would never have assumed this novel was a debut because it was addicting as hell. I absolutely loved the pace, plot, and characters for this read! The pace was perfect to me, nothing too dramatic, nothing too slow; seriously great. Reverse harem has become one of my favourite tropes to read, and this novel just proved to me again why I love it so much. The sex scenes I think were also greatly written. There wasn’t too much, and there wasn’t too little. Did I wish sometimes for a little more though? Hell yes. The chemistry between these characters was bewitching.
These characters were all so different and complex. There were different layers to each one. I think background was slightly lessened for some of the characters. Some characters had traumatic past events happen, others didn’t really have much. Besides that, they all had their own unique voices and traits that I really enjoyed getting to know. Adeline, Cole, Silas, Abel, and Ezra were an entwinement of exaltation, rapture, and devotion. Their passion to music, their band, and to one another was pulchritudinous. It was a beauty that wasn’t defined by traditional means; but by what each character found in their heart, what they never knew they needed.
I did find, however, there was the overuse of the word taut. I don’t know if it was supposed to be a play on the title but I think that it could have been lessened slightly!
I would give this novel 4.5-taut-stars✨
Steam rating: 4🔥
I am actually speechless with how amazing this book was. I would never have assumed this novel was a debut because it was addicting as hell. I absolutely loved the pace, plot, and characters for this read! The pace was perfect to me, nothing too dramatic, nothing too slow; seriously great. Reverse harem has become one of my favourite tropes to read, and this novel just proved to me again why I love it so much. The sex scenes I think were also greatly written. There wasn’t too much, and there wasn’t too little. Did I wish sometimes for a little more though? Hell yes. The chemistry between these characters was bewitching.
These characters were all so different and complex. There were different layers to each one. I think background was slightly lessened for some of the characters. Some characters had traumatic past events happen, others didn’t really have much. Besides that, they all had their own unique voices and traits that I really enjoyed getting to know. Adeline, Cole, Silas, Abel, and Ezra were an entwinement of exaltation, rapture, and devotion. Their passion to music, their band, and to one another was pulchritudinous. It was a beauty that wasn’t defined by traditional means; but by what each character found in their heart, what they never knew they needed.
I did find, however, there was the overuse of the word taut. I don’t know if it was supposed to be a play on the title but I think that it could have been lessened slightly!
I would give this novel 4.5-taut-stars✨
Steam rating: 4🔥
April 12, 2021
Taut Strings, Tight Plot
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
I’ve had this in my mental TBR list for a while as even before it was published the blurb interested me. I wish I’d read it as soon as it came out because it’s a fantastic book. You would never think it was a debut novel as it’s so well written.
Adeline is 21 and the guardian of her 17-year-old sister as they were orphaned 2 years previously. Adeline gave up her dreams of a music career several years before she lost her parents, but becoming the sole guardian of a teenage girl probably didn’t help any. Still, she had a hobby band where she played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals, but it was mainly a covers band.
One night she was playing at one of their biggest gigs when they realised that Bleeding Moonlight, the local boys who hit the big time, were in the audience listening to her play one of their songs. The band had come back to the small town where they grew up to bury their lead guitarist and to record what they decided was to be their last album, their tribute to their deceased bandmate and the last material he wrote. The only thing they were missing was a lead guitarist and Adeline looked like she could be the session musician of their dreams.
This feels like it should be a predictable rock romance/RH book, but it’s anything but predictable. I really wasn’t sure how it was all going to get resolved at several points in the course of the narrative. This was a beautifully paced book, with layers of emotion and plot being carefully unveiled with each turn of the page.
The author takes a seemingly simple idea and breathes life into it by making her characters believable. The real strength and beauty in this book is the character creation and development. Each character has a fully realised personality and history and though we don’t get to see all of that history, you feel like it’s there. The characters don’t just start when you begin chapter one. Each character has strengths and flaws in a way that feels real. With such strong characters, the carefully subtle plot works really well.
This isn’t a book filled with big explosive reveals and denouncements. It has a few charged emotional moments but they aren’t things that make you drop your jaw in shock. Everything builds on what has gone before in a way that makes the next moment inevitable rather than surprising.
This isn’t a big showy book, but I like it more because of that. There is passion and heat which are explicitly articulated but it isn’t the focus of the book, which is always the emotion. The emotions aren’t all about the romance either. The individuals in the band and Adeline all have their own issues surrounding their work and where they are going from that point forward. That future and their friendships are as important as the romantic feelings they might have.
I am definitely interested in the next book in the series, which covers Cole’s little sister and it appears to be set before this book takes place. This author has tonnes of promise and I can’t wait to watch her develop.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
I’ve had this in my mental TBR list for a while as even before it was published the blurb interested me. I wish I’d read it as soon as it came out because it’s a fantastic book. You would never think it was a debut novel as it’s so well written.
Adeline is 21 and the guardian of her 17-year-old sister as they were orphaned 2 years previously. Adeline gave up her dreams of a music career several years before she lost her parents, but becoming the sole guardian of a teenage girl probably didn’t help any. Still, she had a hobby band where she played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals, but it was mainly a covers band.
One night she was playing at one of their biggest gigs when they realised that Bleeding Moonlight, the local boys who hit the big time, were in the audience listening to her play one of their songs. The band had come back to the small town where they grew up to bury their lead guitarist and to record what they decided was to be their last album, their tribute to their deceased bandmate and the last material he wrote. The only thing they were missing was a lead guitarist and Adeline looked like she could be the session musician of their dreams.
This feels like it should be a predictable rock romance/RH book, but it’s anything but predictable. I really wasn’t sure how it was all going to get resolved at several points in the course of the narrative. This was a beautifully paced book, with layers of emotion and plot being carefully unveiled with each turn of the page.
The author takes a seemingly simple idea and breathes life into it by making her characters believable. The real strength and beauty in this book is the character creation and development. Each character has a fully realised personality and history and though we don’t get to see all of that history, you feel like it’s there. The characters don’t just start when you begin chapter one. Each character has strengths and flaws in a way that feels real. With such strong characters, the carefully subtle plot works really well.
This isn’t a book filled with big explosive reveals and denouncements. It has a few charged emotional moments but they aren’t things that make you drop your jaw in shock. Everything builds on what has gone before in a way that makes the next moment inevitable rather than surprising.
This isn’t a big showy book, but I like it more because of that. There is passion and heat which are explicitly articulated but it isn’t the focus of the book, which is always the emotion. The emotions aren’t all about the romance either. The individuals in the band and Adeline all have their own issues surrounding their work and where they are going from that point forward. That future and their friendships are as important as the romantic feelings they might have.
I am definitely interested in the next book in the series, which covers Cole’s little sister and it appears to be set before this book takes place. This author has tonnes of promise and I can’t wait to watch her develop.
March 9, 2022
4.5 stars!
Really enjoyed this one!
Having read a couple of RH books, it’s so refreshing reading one which surprises me positively. The characters felt real - their concerns, flaws, hesitations, their view of life. Everything made sense given their backstories and we were properly exposed to it.
The chemistry was INTENSE. The scenes were great without being overwhelming and were 100% convincing. I even wished we got more but that's just my own greediness as I enjoyed them so much. You could feel the connection between the characters and I loved how beautifully it developed. There was actual dialogue, Ade getting to properly know the guys, a friendship developing. Additionally, I also really enjoyed Ade's wholesome relationship with her sister and how healthy that was.
All of our characters have been in tough situations and they all have had to deal with grief. Different ways of dealing with the loss of someone were explored and I also found those well-done.
The ending was great! I personally would have loved a second epilogue just to see what our characters are doing a few months, maybe a year, later. Other than that, I enjoyed this book a lot!
Really enjoyed this one!
Having read a couple of RH books, it’s so refreshing reading one which surprises me positively. The characters felt real - their concerns, flaws, hesitations, their view of life. Everything made sense given their backstories and we were properly exposed to it.
The chemistry was INTENSE. The scenes were great without being overwhelming and were 100% convincing. I even wished we got more but that's just my own greediness as I enjoyed them so much. You could feel the connection between the characters and I loved how beautifully it developed. There was actual dialogue, Ade getting to properly know the guys, a friendship developing. Additionally, I also really enjoyed Ade's wholesome relationship with her sister and how healthy that was.
All of our characters have been in tough situations and they all have had to deal with grief. Different ways of dealing with the loss of someone were explored and I also found those well-done.
The ending was great! I personally would have loved a second epilogue just to see what our characters are doing a few months, maybe a year, later. Other than that, I enjoyed this book a lot!
October 16, 2021
absolutely recommend 💯💯%! I would give it more stars if possible!
This author is new to me, this is the first book I have read of hers and I will be searching for more! The first page grabs you. Can't tell you how much I love this book! Hot steamy as well. A why choose which is a bonus and loved the character development! I'm 80% done and the only negative is I DO NOT WANT IT TO END! A GREAT LOVE STORY THAT YOUR HEART WILL BE BEGGING FOR MORE!! I SERIOUSLY DO NOT WANT THIS TO END! I have been taking breaks looking for excuses to pause the book just so It will extend a bit longer. I will be in deep need of recommendations after this book!! If you do not read it, you are soo missing out!!!
This author is new to me, this is the first book I have read of hers and I will be searching for more! The first page grabs you. Can't tell you how much I love this book! Hot steamy as well. A why choose which is a bonus and loved the character development! I'm 80% done and the only negative is I DO NOT WANT IT TO END! A GREAT LOVE STORY THAT YOUR HEART WILL BE BEGGING FOR MORE!! I SERIOUSLY DO NOT WANT THIS TO END! I have been taking breaks looking for excuses to pause the book just so It will extend a bit longer. I will be in deep need of recommendations after this book!! If you do not read it, you are soo missing out!!!
April 4, 2021
Rockstar romances are a favorite of mine. You know what else is a favorite of mine? Poly romances.
I think this is supposed to be RH but it felt more poly than RH to me.
Adeline is in a cover band. she is completely talented and could go further but her past holds her back. She covers the song of a metal band and they so happen to be in the house when she played. They do happen to need a guitarist.. or bassist. Listen I don't remember hahaha. for their upcoming album after they lost a member tragically. After this album, the band is supposed to split up but Adeline is about to change all of that.
One by one the members of the band fall in love with her. And dirty things start happening.
There's really not as much time in the bedroom as I was expecting. That's probably because everyone in this book is healing from a loss. And dealing with heavy stuff. PLUS like its ok to not have 87876567 bedroom scenes. it really is.
I think this is supposed to be RH but it felt more poly than RH to me.
Adeline is in a cover band. she is completely talented and could go further but her past holds her back. She covers the song of a metal band and they so happen to be in the house when she played. They do happen to need a guitarist.. or bassist. Listen I don't remember hahaha. for their upcoming album after they lost a member tragically. After this album, the band is supposed to split up but Adeline is about to change all of that.
One by one the members of the band fall in love with her. And dirty things start happening.
There's really not as much time in the bedroom as I was expecting. That's probably because everyone in this book is healing from a loss. And dealing with heavy stuff. PLUS like its ok to not have 87876567 bedroom scenes. it really is.
May 7, 2021
4 Stars!
Straight up honesty here- I've never really read reverse harem romances (not my cuppa usually, with a few exceptions though I do love a good mmf menage) but something about this blurb drew me in and folks, what a journey.
Packed with most things that a rock star romance needs plus a few extras, Taut Strings was quite the journey for our characters, filled with all the angst, steam, and drama you would expect with this trope and wow, now I'm totally intrigued to read the next installment this new series.
If this trope if your jam and you have an addiction to rock stars (like me!) then you need to give baby a read, totally worth it.
I can recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Straight up honesty here- I've never really read reverse harem romances (not my cuppa usually, with a few exceptions though I do love a good mmf menage) but something about this blurb drew me in and folks, what a journey.
Packed with most things that a rock star romance needs plus a few extras, Taut Strings was quite the journey for our characters, filled with all the angst, steam, and drama you would expect with this trope and wow, now I'm totally intrigued to read the next installment this new series.
If this trope if your jam and you have an addiction to rock stars (like me!) then you need to give baby a read, totally worth it.
I can recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
March 1, 2021
Gabrielle presents a fast-moving Debut of loss and how the power of music, love, and friendship can heal even the stubborn of hearts!!
Taut Strings has a great mix of characters that all work amazingly together complementing each other effortlessly and If you do love a good rock star romance then this really is a great book for you
I wanted to love this book more but I think i read it too soon after Lilac by B.B,Reid which i enjoyed but it wasn't what i would normally read so I have to be in the mood for it!
Taut Strings has a great mix of characters that all work amazingly together complementing each other effortlessly and If you do love a good rock star romance then this really is a great book for you
I wanted to love this book more but I think i read it too soon after Lilac by B.B,Reid which i enjoyed but it wasn't what i would normally read so I have to be in the mood for it!
Read
February 22, 2021I didn't finish reading all of B.B. Reid's Lilac, but what little I did read of it kind of stuck with me and this book reminded me a lot of that book.
If you like rockband rh books, then you'll probably really enjoy this one. I had a hard time connecting with the characters...but that's a personal thing.
Anyway...full review to come.
If you like rockband rh books, then you'll probably really enjoy this one. I had a hard time connecting with the characters...but that's a personal thing.
Anyway...full review to come.
September 25, 2021
Sooo why didn’t we get a better end scene!?!?! Smit level: low
April 8, 2022
Well, I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. Although I have a total soft spot for rock star romances, when they're done well, as this was done very well.
I'm going to get it out of the way and say that - clearly as a rockstar romance - there are going to be unavoidable clichés, and there were, but there was something just so genuinely authentic about the characters, the relationship and how it developed, the presentation of the lifestyle and being crippled by grief and self-doubt. I loved Adeline, who was very well characterised. She had her angsty moments, but dealt with the maturely and like an adult. The four band members were all well drawn individual characters and I liked them equally.
Ultimately, this is one of the best rockstar romances I have ever read. If you like this sub-gebre of contemporary romance (it's pretty much the only one I dip my toe I to occasionally) then this is an absolute gem. I'm going off to read the next in the series, sadly not about Adeline and the gang, but I have high hopes!
I'm going to get it out of the way and say that - clearly as a rockstar romance - there are going to be unavoidable clichés, and there were, but there was something just so genuinely authentic about the characters, the relationship and how it developed, the presentation of the lifestyle and being crippled by grief and self-doubt. I loved Adeline, who was very well characterised. She had her angsty moments, but dealt with the maturely and like an adult. The four band members were all well drawn individual characters and I liked them equally.
Ultimately, this is one of the best rockstar romances I have ever read. If you like this sub-gebre of contemporary romance (it's pretty much the only one I dip my toe I to occasionally) then this is an absolute gem. I'm going off to read the next in the series, sadly not about Adeline and the gang, but I have high hopes!
April 25, 2023
Healing and Courage
Touching story of Adeline and the guys from Bleeding Moonlights : Abel, Cole, Silas and Ezra.
They all love music and have known the pain of loss in the recent years. Together, through music they learn to move on and hope again.
I like the relationship between Adeline and her sister. All the sacrifices she made were worthy in the end just for that (her sister was really cool and supportive and their bond was one of my favorite part).
I liked the guys and how they were portrayed. They really believed in Ade and were patient on the love front.
Good writing and compelling story. I would recommend.
Touching story of Adeline and the guys from Bleeding Moonlights : Abel, Cole, Silas and Ezra.
They all love music and have known the pain of loss in the recent years. Together, through music they learn to move on and hope again.
I like the relationship between Adeline and her sister. All the sacrifices she made were worthy in the end just for that (her sister was really cool and supportive and their bond was one of my favorite part).
I liked the guys and how they were portrayed. They really believed in Ade and were patient on the love front.
Good writing and compelling story. I would recommend.
March 5, 2021
“We’re playing with fire,” Ezra muttered, shaking his head. “If she makes a move, we’ll be goners. She’ll own every piece of us, and there won’t be anyone who can pull us out."
I really enjoyed this debut Rockstar RH standalone by Gabrielle Sands. This book was a fun take on a rockstar romance and I really enjoyed getting to know these characters a lot. The steamy scenes were also sooooo hot!
I have to say my favourite guy in the harem is Silas, he's just an adorable giant viking man and he won my heart from the very beginning, but I also loves all of the guys and Adeline.
I really enjoyed this debut Rockstar RH standalone by Gabrielle Sands. This book was a fun take on a rockstar romance and I really enjoyed getting to know these characters a lot. The steamy scenes were also sooooo hot!
I have to say my favourite guy in the harem is Silas, he's just an adorable giant viking man and he won my heart from the very beginning, but I also loves all of the guys and Adeline.
March 3, 2021
Phenomenal debut reverse harem. One would think this book is merely about hot rock stars, drugs, and groupies. Thankfully, it is not. Taut Strings is about so much more than that. It's about loss, healing, love, self worth, trust, music and a tiny splash of being a rock star. The sex scenes are ridiculously hot too.
Gabrielle Sands not only grabbed her muse by the horns, she full on speared it. The thought and detail that went into these characters is on another level.
Gabrielle Sands not only grabbed her muse by the horns, she full on speared it. The thought and detail that went into these characters is on another level.
February 7, 2022
I enjoyed this so much!
I love how this story comes together. Adeline needs the guys as much as they need her and their connection is off the charts! Ezra and Cole are the sweet ones. Silas is 🔥🔥🔥. Abel makes me want to break things until the very end. I'm so happy there is a bonus scene of them on tour!
I love how this story comes together. Adeline needs the guys as much as they need her and their connection is off the charts! Ezra and Cole are the sweet ones. Silas is 🔥🔥🔥. Abel makes me want to break things until the very end. I'm so happy there is a bonus scene of them on tour!
March 1, 2021
4,5 stars!!!
July 19, 2021
Pretty good. Solid read and one of my fav tropes music industry and band stuff
July 28, 2021
so good!!
April 28, 2021
Taut
This book came up as a recommendation on my Kindle app. A new to me author. In throughly enjoyed the story. I was sexy enough but had an intriguing storyline to support that. Four sexy men in a band is always a plus
This book came up as a recommendation on my Kindle app. A new to me author. In throughly enjoyed the story. I was sexy enough but had an intriguing storyline to support that. Four sexy men in a band is always a plus
April 28, 2021
Wow
The author reached out to me and asked me to read this and review for my Booktok.... let’s just say I fell in love!
The author reached out to me and asked me to read this and review for my Booktok.... let’s just say I fell in love!
February 25, 2021
Taut Strings is such an impressive debut! I loved reading the story of Adeline and these four very different men. The author does a great job making the characters distinct, and grapples with their individual personalities with ease. I kept thinking I had a favorite out of the members of Bleeding Moonlight, but as Adeline got to know them all I realized they each have their own perks - and like Adeline, I couldn't pick one either.
I've never read reverse harem before, but this book has made me a fan. And Taut Strings also hits all the highlights of a great rockstar romance, with themes of found family and a strong heroine who finds her way through her growing relationship with the band. The bond between people who make music together really shines in this novel.
It starts a little slow, but that only adds to the anticipation when things really get going. STICK WITH IT. You will not be disappointed.
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
I've never read reverse harem before, but this book has made me a fan. And Taut Strings also hits all the highlights of a great rockstar romance, with themes of found family and a strong heroine who finds her way through her growing relationship with the band. The bond between people who make music together really shines in this novel.
It starts a little slow, but that only adds to the anticipation when things really get going. STICK WITH IT. You will not be disappointed.
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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