Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Rocked Hard
AUTHOR: Morticia Knight
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 371 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2018
BLURB:
Can the touch of a rock god last forever?
Legendary alt rock singer, Aubrey King, is making a comeback after many years out of the spotlight. Rumors of his sexuality have always dogged him, and while he’s never come out publicly, his reasons for leaving the industry had nothing to do with his fear of discovery. What matters to him is the music. That’s his truth, and so far, his only real love. He aches to find someone to share his life with, but his propensity to fall fast and hard—along with chasing men he knows can never be his—has left him all alone.
Rock journalist Bryan Gallagher was first turned on to rock music at the age of twelve when he became obsessed with Aubrey’s band, Falling in Stereo. His friends, and even girlfriends, would sometimes tease him that he was hot for Aubrey. But it was all about the music and nothing else—at least that’s what he’s always told himself. When he’s approached about helping Aubrey write his memoir, it’s not only a dream assignment, but an exciting opportunity to work closely with his idol.
When Bryan meets Aubrey, the electric heat between them is unnerving. He’s further confused by how intense Aubrey’s attraction toward him is and how deeply they connect over their shared obsession of music. While Bryan struggles with uncertainty regarding his own sexuality, he also has to navigate through the perils of working with a lover and keeping their relationship a secret.
But Bryan’s biggest struggle of all might be determining whether declarations of true love from a rock star can ever be trusted.
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released in two parts as part of the What’s his Passion? collection at Pride Publishing. It has been revised and reedited for re-release.
REVIEW:
I have been waiting for the perfect book to finally read of this author’s since I first heard her speak at Gay Romance NW in Seattle. This was an awesome choice!
Superstar Aubrey King has decided to finally comeback into the limelight since his self imposed exile 10 years ago. He was the lead singer, and the true talent, of the mega alt rock band Falling in Stereo. It was never about himself or the stardom…it was always about the music. Rumors still continue to swirl about why he left the band and about his sexuality. With his return, he has decided to commission a memoir of his earlier years. Bryan Gallagher is an extremely successful rock journalist. Since the moment he discovered Falling in Stereo, at the tender age of 12, he has known that rock would be his life’s work. It’s all about the music to him, something none of his friends or family ever grasped completely. When the legendary Aubrey King decides it’s Bryan that must do his book he is beyond wowed. The chance to meet and work with his all-time idol is a dream job come true. But, when Bryan discovers Aubrey’s true motives for wanting to work with him, he is a bit overwhelmed and is questioning everything he thought and believed in all of his 28 years. At 42, Aubrey realizes that his chance at true love has been slipping away and, if he is going to get what he really wants/needs, he must go after it. But Aubrey falls fast and it has scared previous lovers away. Can these two learn to trust the other and get what their hearts truly desire?
At the beginning of the book I was a bit skeptical of Aubrey and his true intentions. He came off a bit over-the-top and I was pretty surprised that Bryan, even though this is his all-time hero, stuck around. Aubrey has a way with charm and sexuality that could make any man question his orientation. As a matter of fact, that was his secret MO for years. What really lured me to his side was his raw vulnerability when you got to the heart of who he truly was. Between his mom, most of his old band mates, and to some extent, his manager, I am surprised that he had any self worth and confidence at all. No wonder he stayed in the closet for all those years. Although Bryan is 28 and a successful author, he seemed, at times, much younger and definitely more naïve. I had a bit of a struggle with him just taking the steps he did with Aubrey on the very first day they met. Yes, Aubrey is his idol and a superstar, but he had never questioned his sexuality once before they met and suddenly he is lip-locking with a guy? But, as the book progressed I saw each man’s personality and needs emerge that made it all make sense. What was particularly touching was how gentle and loving both men were with the other as they stepped forward through their relationship.
It was nice to see both men having support in ways I was pleasantly pleased. Jimmy, Aubrey’s former bassist and Rudy, his former road manager, both stuck by him and supported Aubrey, even when he wasn’t making the best decisions about himself and his relationship with Bry. Bryan’s mom was also a welcome surprise. Although I shouldn’t have been surprised, because she came across as a mom that not only knew her son well, but supported him completely. Ed, Aubrey’s manager scared me a bit because I couldn’t quite read him for most of the book.
All in all, despite my trepidation at the very beginning of the book, I fell for these men and their story completely. I was pleased that we got a nice finish to the story also, instead of being left dangling. I highly recommend this fabulous book by a truly gifted story teller.
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