Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: For Your Entertainment

SERIES: Songs of Love #2

AUTHOR: M.J. Calabrese

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 109 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2020

BLURB:

The life of rock star, Dorian Gray and his lover, award winning film director Scott Newland, has been filled with highs and lows. Their love has transcended drug addiction and insecurities, but will it survive another’s revenge against Dorian?

Lead singer Dorian Gray, whose real life as David Niewitski is far different from his stage persona, Dorian is sensual, brazen and bold. Tall and handsome, he commands the stage. David has the voice of an angel and with his band, Absinthe, he reaches the top, but his personal life is a roller coaster of drug addiction, insecurities and a long-term relationship he fights to hold onto.

Scott Newland, award winning film director, has known David since they were children. They became lovers in their teens and eventually marry. He loves his husband, but tries to protect David’s deaf mother and loving father from their son’s self-destructive personality. David’s head strong personality, drug addiction, and his need to control places them all in danger.

This story shows the progression of these two men from friends to lovers and a backstage look at what a rock star faces onstage and off. As David would say, “My Name is Dorian Gray and I’m here For Your Entertainment.”

PLEASE NOTE: There is description of drug use and abuse. If these are triggers for you, please skip this one!

REVIEW:

I don’t want to give away anything in the story, but you really need to pay heed to the note in the blurb. There are points in this story where life can get a little dark and if that’s an issue for you, please be careful. But it’s a powerful story as well. And you will need tissues. It’s one of second chances, sometimes third and fourth ones. It’s a story of what true love really is and hope.

David and Scott have been friends for years. In their teens, they met on a park bench while David was singing and Scott was taking pictures and from there, the rest seemed like history. But as they got older, the friendship changed into something more. And eventually, they were committed. But unfortunately, life of rock stars and fame can get you caught up in things you shouldn’t be and once you’re there, it’s hard to get out of. And after David almost dying a second time, Scott couldn’t handle anymore. David knew what he needed to do, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. And time and time again, relapses were around the corner. But one thing about these two, is no matter how far apart they were or how long, they always loved each other. But sometimes, it takes a wake up call to get things moving in the way they should. And for David, he needed to be pushed hard. But now, Scott may lose David for good for another reason, and Scott’s not ready to say goodbye. 

This is one hard story to read at points. The drug abuse alone is tough to read about. Especially if you’ve been around someone who’s hooked, or was. And I have been. It’s not a pretty picture. And sometimes the best thing we can do for those we love, is to walk away. Give them a wake up call that that toxic life is not ok. It’s a catch-22. You don’t want to walk away and then have them do something like take their own life or something, but there has to be a point where enough is enough. And for Scott, he had to have David see that his behavior was not ok. Especially when he was taking out on his mom. Definitely not ok there. But the one thing about love, when it’s true, you still forgive. And you still give chance after chance, because you want what is best for those you love. And sometimes, they just need a good kick in the pants. Everyone is different. 

The good thing about this story, is it is a story. There is an HEA, but while you are reading this, remember those who don’t get the HEA. Who don’t have the love and support they need and are struggling. Although this may have dark points to it, it’s definitely a very good story. And I really love it.

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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