Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Smolder
SERIES: The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024 Multi-Author Series
AUTHOR: Sam E Kramer
PUBLISHER: Kaye Klub Publishing
LENGTH: 314 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2024
BLURB:
Skyler Ashe, a mild-mannered band teacher, hates the spotlight. His father is the drummer and lead singer for From the Ashes, a hard-partying eighties hair band on the brink of a comeback—until Skyler’s father has a cardiac event during a scandalous liaison. Enter Skyler, who gets guilted into picking up the sticks until his father is up to performing again.
Sanders “Sandy” Kensington, former defensive tackle for the Chicago Breeze, doesn’t have much going on since being pressured to retire from football. His little brother is the manager of a washed-up late-eighties’ hair band, and when one of their gold records is solicited for use in an action-movie blockbuster, Sandy gets goaded into helping his brother keep the band members out of trouble.
After a series of unlucky events, it’s clear to Sandy someone is trying to keep From the Ashes off the stage. Sandy vows to protect Skyler and the band while struggling with his attraction to the young drummer.
Will Skyler’s kindness and innocence hurt the band’s rock star image, or will Sandy introduce Skyler to the ways of the world? Will the looks that Smolder between them go unnoticed, or will they become the stars of the show?
Smolder is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2024 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see what antics our bands get into next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your Kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!
REVIEW:
I know that Sam is a fabulous writer of action and suspense but she blew me away tackling one of my most favorite genre’s…rock stars.. in this amazing contribution to The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024!
Skyler wants nothing to do with his cheating father who has disappointed him almost all of his life. But when his Mom calls and needs him he heads to California as quickly as he can. Being pick up by the grumpy chauffeur just adds to his long day. Then learning that his driver is none other than ex football star Sandy Kensington, the star defensive tackle that was railroaded out of the league when he was picked up in an illegal sting at a gay bar after a win. Now he finds himself staying at Sandy’s house and discovers there is mutual attraction going on. But can a Midwest music and band teacher and a former football star that resides in California possibly make it work when both are scared to death of what commitment could even possibly look like?
I loved both these men but they frustrated me to pieces that they were so afraid of getting hurt that they wouldn’t even try to talk most of the time. And I get it. Sandy was burned by the police, his team and teammates and his parents. And his brother would use anyone to make himself a success. And poor Skyler. He was finally happy even though he lived in a conservative town and had to hide his sexuality for fear of retribution. All he wanted was to help the kids that gave their all to music. Fame and fortune was the very last thing he desired. He saw how well first hand that worked out with his parents and how it affected him and his younger half brother. But Skyler has a huge heart and he can’t stand to see his family suffer when he has the ability to help out even if it is against his best judgement. So talking and committing to something that has so many obstacles is a huge ask for both men who are wounded.
I love that we wound up in Vegas and got to connect for a few of my favorites lonely hero’s and the men they love fiercely for a few minutes.
I have to say that Sam really blew me away with this book. I was shocked when I learned she was adding a book to the Rocktoberfest line up but she hit a grand slam home run in my opinion and I look forward to more rock star books in the future. 🤞
RATING: 
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