Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n’ Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Dax
I’ve cut and run on my life more than once in my thirty-one years, leaving everything behind, even my name. Now I’m Dax Crow, long lost half-brother and mixing technician for Jameson Crow, the lead singer of Corvus Rising. I’m using my hard-won skills to help my brother make it big. The rest of the band are incidental to me, although new bass player Lane Bennett is a hot mess of young talent who urgently needs someone to take him under their wing. Not my job. I never get close to anyone. Until some douche of a boyfriend begins jerking the kid around, and I’ve been there, done that. Maybe I can at least give him some advice.
Lane
Playing with Corvus Rising is my dream come true, and I can’t believe in October we’ll play for sixty thousand fans at Rocktoberfest. I just hope I can measure up. The last six months have been a steep learning curve, but I have my secret boyfriend to encourage and direct me whenever he’s around. I wish we could go public, but he’s with the record label and it wouldn’t look good. I also have my secret joy— performing drag as Ms. Fox, when I get the chance. It’s hard juggling everything while touring with the band, but I think I have it under control. Then my worlds collide and my boyfriend shows his true face. I find myself getting surprising advice and support from Dax, the gorgeous, secretive guy behind Corvus’s sound. But I doubt even Dax can turn this disaster into a triumph.
content warning: emotional abuse, coercion
Rocking Karma 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!
The Review
Dax Crow is thirty-one. His past has not been easy, but he’s survived and keeps it close to his chest. Dax keeps to himself and doesn’t want to get involved in anyone else’s business. With the death of James Crow, Dax found his half-brother, Jamie.
Jamie Crow has been the lead singer for Corvus Rising for ten years. Dax has worked four years for Jamie as the expert sound tech. He also collaborates with the singer on song lyrics. He likes working behind the scenes and keeps an eye on everyone. He’s loyal to Jamie and to Corvus Rising, and doesn’t want anything to destroy the band.
When he was younger Dax had a sour taste of success. At nineteen, he was signed by the Streetcorner label, with Card Crimson playing bass guitar. Dax was street smart from an early age, and he saw trouble coming for Card. But he made the right move, left the band, and kept on running. He may have changed his appearance, but he will never forget those days.
Lane Bennet is twenty-two, and has a certain shyness about him and is very naïve. He’s also keeping secrets. Corvus Rising is his first big break, playing the bass guitar. He thinks he’s found a good relationship with Richard Kenisington, Streetcorner’s recruiter. He’s exceptional at playing the guitar and learning the music, but he hasn’t learned how to handle the popularity. He finds Dax intimidating.
One day, when Dax goes back to the tour bus, he hears someone in his brother’s sleeping area. Who would be stupid enough to have sex in his brother’s bed? The first voice is definitely Lane’s, and the other is vaguely familiar. After the event, he goes against his better judgment and starts looking out for Lane. In the days to come, there’s a tour bus accident, a stranger that Dax follows to The Palace, and an incident at the pool. Dax struggles to keep his distance from Lane, and there’s a little dog named Princess too.
As Lane and Dax get closer, secrets must to be shared. Dax knows that the only thing to do is to reveal what they know to the members of Corvus Rising: Jamie, Val, Tanisha and Brody. They come up with a plan that will either save – or destroy – Corvus Rising.
Rocking Karma absolutely rocked. Harper takes readers on the road with Corvus Rising and all its great members to “Rocktoberfest.” We get an in-depth look into the relationship between the two brothers, Dax and Jamie, who come from different lifestyles and struggle with the ramifications of finding each other.
There’s also a slow burn romance between Dax and Lan,e and their chemistry eventually boils over. I liked the banter and teasing as Lane and Dax get more comfortable with each other. Lane’s hidden talent is certainly an eye opener for Dax. And Princess, the little dog, brings light into both of their lives. The Corvus Rising members:, Val, Tanisha and Brody, are always supportive and never judge each other, forming a beautiful found family.
To top it all off, there’s that unique taste of revenge and, sink or swim, everyone is ready to put on the best show ever.
I highly recommend Rocking Karma, part of the multi-author “Road to Rocktoberfest 2023” series. Harper really knows how to bring out all the warmth, caring, romance and love from her wonderful characters.
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.
