Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Until death does us part, but it’s knocking on our door…
I’d had enough. That’s how I found myself in a dingy alleyway with my revolver in my hand. I was sick and dying anyway, and there was nothing I could do about it. Nothing except maybe taking back some shred of control by going out on my own terms.
One deep breath. Two… Three… Four…
Surrounded by the darkness of my own mind, this was the only solution I could see, but before I could do something I’d regret, rock star Anno Goodkind crashed into my life and flipped it upside down.
It was supposed to be one casual hookup. No complications and definitely no feelings. No, the most logical thing to do would be to stuff my emotions down so nobody got hurt. Especially not him. But nobody told me that love didn’t give a damn about logic.
CONTENT WARNING: This story has a HEA but deals with heavy themes of illness, suicide, anxiety, and depression. Reader discretion is advised.
The Review
This is a first time author for me, and I was not disappointed. Esch brings two men together who have different lifestyles and different ideas of what the future might bring. The only mystery here is love, and it doesn’t care about logic.
The story starts out with Vincent Davis, who’s in his mid-thirties. He decides to face the inevitable, even though he has medication that can extend his life. He’s confused about what’s left it, has lost confidence, and he doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. He’s chosen his own ending. He’s really a shy and wonderful person, but he’s lost all hope.
Anno Goodkind claims he’s forty-eight, but that’s questionable. He’s a famous rock star and lived a crazy life in the fast lane, and his crazy rock star happenings had lent themselves to rumors and a questionable reputation. In real life, Anno is a down-to-earth guy in many ways. When he’s not on tour, he’s at home and feels lonely. He’s learned his lessons–too many people are after him only for his fame and fortune.
The evening of a memorial concert, he ducks out on a VIP meet-and-greet and some exclusive fan interviews and steals his manager Reyes’ SUV. He runs into Vincent in the alley, and stops the stranger from killing himself.
Anno and Vincent find a precious moment in time together to forget about all of their problems.
Vincent has a good friend in Lyra. They’ve known each other for a long time, and she’s been there to support Vincent in good and bad times. She’s also a big fan of Anno’s.
When Vincent comes up missing from work, Lyra and Anno show up at his door. Anno is already in trouble with his manger for ducking out after the concert. He’s in even more trouble when Reyes, needing to have his SUV cleaned, finds a particular item in the vehicle and demands proof of ownership.
Life doesn’t stop there. Anno likes being around Vincent. But Vincent doesn’t understand why someone like Anno would be interested in him. After all, the rock star could have anyone he wants.
Because of his illness, Vincent tries hard to put the brakes on the growing connection between him and Anno.
As they connect, Anno finds out that construction and building light a fire under Vincent. Vincent makes a deal with Anno, even though he fears he doesn’t have the energy for the job. Vincent also finds out some interesting information about the memorial concert which leaves him wondering if Anno is being nice to him because of his own loss.
No matter how hard Vincent tries to avoid it, he’s falling hard for Anno, but he still can’t see a future for them together. Anno and Vincent have a so many complications, doubts and pain to work through. how will they ever find a happy medium? Or will they go their separate ways?
Everyone has to make a choice at some point in life, and Anno and Vincent, struggle through and sometimes make things more complex than they need to be. I liked both characters a lot – Vincent needs support and he doesn’t let Anno’ rock star status effect their growing friendship. And Anno is outstanding, with his caring and concern for Vincent.
The story focuses on difficult subjects – depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also delves into the life of a rock star, and how the glitz and glamor can also lead to loneliness. Esch has a beautiful way of writing, especially when it comes to the way Anno honors Vincent.
I loved Lyra, a cosmetologist and friend who is so supportive of Vincent. And Teretha, who seems more like the grandmotherly type, takes care of the household for Anno. She cooks quite a bit too, and there’s just that special connection she has with Anno and eventually Vincent.
Esch has written a heartrending story about two very likable men that’s full of emotions that tug at your heart. I was thoroughly entertained with the characters, friendships and romance that Esch created for this wonderful novel!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
