Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Social Sinners: In The Shadows

SERIES: Social Sinners #2

AUTHOR: TL Travis

PUBLISHER: Encompass Ink

LENGTH: 202 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 17, 2018

BLURB:

For Ricky “Stoli” Branson, the stars were on his side. Social Sinners was headlining their first sold out US tour. Radio stations across the states were playing their songs, and he’d won the heart of the man he loved.
Everything was going great, or so he foolishly believed…
When an accident has them burying one of their own and leaves another fighting for his life, Stoli questions his beliefs. Or lack thereof.
“Have faith,” his mother tells him. But how can you have faith in something that threatens to take away your only reason for breathing?
Book 1 is the only book in the series that can be read as a stand-alone.
Book 1 – Behind the lights (MM) Joey’s POV
Book 2 – In the shadows (MM) Stoli’s POV
Book 3 – A heart divided (MMM) Mickey’s POV
Book 4 – Beyond the curtain (MM) Diamond’s POV
Book 5 – After the final curtain (MM/MMM) All

REVIEW:

I was waiting for this next book in the series to see if I was right.

After Joey finally really opens his eyes and realizes, on stage singing one of their most popular songs, that what, or better yet who, he longs for has been standing right before him his entire life. Ricky, better known to the rock world as Stoli, has been in love with his best friend since he was 12 years old but never believed before that the stars would align their way. When Joey finally admits that he not only loves Ricky but wants to be with him for the long haul it is a dream come true. Things seem to be moving along perfectly until tragedy strike. Now Ricky not only is fearful of the future for them but might have his heart ripped right from his chest and his reason for living might disappear.

I am so glad that I decided to keep on going with this series. In the first book it moved so slowly and the angst about suffocated the story. As I thought, that was to set the storyline into action. I can truly say that this book actually zipped through. My stomach was in my throat for a bit wondering where this was going but I was pleasantly rewarded with a loving story of second chance love.

Where I wasn’t a huge fan of Joey (and his stupidity) in the first book he really worked his way into my heart this go around. I had felt for Ricky through the entire first book and he still holds a special place in my heart but now I am actually thrilled that they have matured and are perfect for each other. They seem to compliment each other perfectly.

Some of my favorite scenes are the post sex ones where these two guys get teased for their actions. I love that Diamond (the cockblocker that he is) ribs them unmercifully when he knows they have been getting busy. But my favorite was Joe, Joey’s dad! I can’t imagine being 28 and having to sneak around to have sex at you parent’s place. But knowing how much both these men are loved by both their parents and friends was special.

I appreciated that the author kept these guys humble and appreciative of their fans. The fact that they had been on a sell out tour but didn’t realize that they couldn’t just waltz into a mall to go Christmas shopping was sweet. And how much both Joey and Ricky loved Ricky’s little brother Brandon was special.

One of the things that I love is when an author writes the lyrics that the band is writing. I wish there was a way to hear these songs. I bet they would be great.

I can’t wait for more of this series. It has lit a fire under me and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. As the author has stated, these are not standalone books. Reading book one is a must and this book picks up immediately where the last one ended. I highly recommend these books and have become a fan.

RATING:

BUY LINK:

Amazon