An Ashlez Review: Dedicated (Rhythm Of Love #1) by Neve Wilder

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Our greatest hit is a love song I wrote for my bandmate. And he has no idea.”

Messy-haired, soulful-eyed, off-kilter lyricist Les Graves holds tight to the hedonist’s credo of consumption in every avenue of life. He has trouble staying still, trouble staying sober, trouble turning down a good time—but put a pen in his hand, and he’ll set a page on fire.

Music was Evan Porter’s ticket out of the backwater mud puddle he was born in, the passion keeping him warm as he busked on street corners, fueling him through a dead-end bartending job. Every chord, every song, every ounce of sweat has been devoted to making Porter & Graves a success. He’s the level-head, the quiet maestro, the seatbelt that keeps Les from flying too far out of control. And he’s getting pretty tired of playing savior.

Their chemistry onstage is electric, but offstage it’s another story.

Angst, snark, and nuclear levels of unresolved sexual tension combust in this tale of two rockers, a handful of secrets, a bombed album, and a publicity nightmare thrown in a remote cabin with one shot at redemption. Can Evan and Les find harmony or will they—and their music career—go down in flames?

Dedicated is a 92k standalone bisexual friends-to-lovers romance that also plays on the fake relationship trope, contains a cockblocking greenhouse, really poor decisions involving social media, and a borderline over-the-top HEA.

I loved Les – he was such a spunky personality to read – his troubles were relatable (have a brother that had the same issues) and holy man it was accurate (mostly, I think reality is a lot more rough) but damn what a good book to read.
Evan was a bit on the reserved and slightly too cautious side, I think he was a sweetheart in his own way but his emotions were just sometimes a bit weird to read.
The progression of the band, life on the road, being in the public eye, has to be hard for anyone – this shows just how hard it can sometimes be.
Steamy but not over the top – was so good to read.  Definite recommend.
Cover Art:  delicious – and 100% relevant and shows what the book is about
Sales Links:  Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 340 pages
Published December 11th 2018 by Wilder Press, LLC/ Neve Wilder (first published December 9th 2018)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesRhythm of Love #1

 

By Scattered Thoughts

At over 50, I am ruled by my terriers, my gardens, and my projects. A knack for grubbing about in the woods, making mud pies, and tending to the injured worms, bugs, and occasional bird and turtle growing up eventually led me to working for the Parks. I was a park Naturalist for over 20 years, and observing Nature and her cycles still occupy my hours. From the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Spring to the first call of the Snow Geese heading south in the Fall, I am entranced by the seasons. For more about me see my bio on my blog.

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