Rating: 3.75🌈

Music & Dreams by J.P. Sayles is another entertaining story in multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest collection.

This time the band, Grambo, is a lesser element in the narrative, than the development of the relationship between the two main characters. That would be lead singer and single dad, Lorcan Swain, and the tutor, Rogan Hanlon , he’s employed to teach his 7 year old daughter,Amy.

Rogan or Ro was born with a cleft palate and harelip, both of which have since been surgically repaired. But the consequences of growing up with these impairments and the bullying that came with it, Rogan has self esteem issues and fears of hospitals.

Sayles does a terrific job with the characterizations when it comes to Rogan’s issues with his past and emotional distress over his scars. I think most readers will find him very relatable. Add in his dynamic with the daughter and he’s a lovely person.

What doesn’t work or isn’t as well layered into his personality is the music. It’s supposed to be a major part of his life and his storyline. But even as a hidden talent, it’s development is a superficial aspect of Rogan’s story. We don’t know about his guitar, songwriting or singing until after the halfway point. And even then, it feels more like a light afterthought than a well defined one.

What does work is the way the three of them, Lorcan, Ro, and the daughter come together as a family. Then comes the band and an out of nowhere drama that feels false.

But the family and romance elements are heartwarming and truly lovely. If the rockstar part feels like an afterthought, well, that’s ok.

It’s still a good contemporary romance.

The Road to Rocktoberfest-12 books

✓ Rocking Karma by Kage Harper

◦ Axe to Grind by Gabbi Grey

◦ Key Change by Ari McKay

◦ More Than October by Blake Allwood

◦ Faded Dreams by BL Maxwell

◦ Midnight Riff by Lynn Michaels

◦ Damaged Saints by Layla Dorine

✓ Music & Dreams by JP Sayles

◦ Seltzer’s Taylor: Embrace the Fear book 3 by TL Travis

◦ Loose Strings by Christie Gordon

◦ Killer Notes by CJ Barlowe

Buy Link

Music & Dreams: MM Rockstar Romance

Blurb:

Can one man’s dreams help him reach another man’s heart?

Lorcan Swain has the world at his feet. Apart from his music and his daughter, Amy, there is no room in his life for anything or anyone else—until an accident makes him see what has been right in front of him all this time: Rogan.

Rogan Hanlon is passionate about two things—music, and his boss, Lorcan, lead singer of Grambo. A birth defect forces him to keep both passions hidden and his heart protected.

Who would want a disfigured man?

Once Lorcan sets his heart on something, he goes all out to get it. The two weapons in his arsenal to help him achieve his goal are Amy and his music. And if that means using them both on the biggest stage at Rocktoberfest to prove how he feels?

Bring. It. On

Music & Dreama is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage 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!

• Publication date: October 31, 2023

• Print length: 227 pages