Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n’ Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
From the award-winning author of Hurricane Reese, Summer of Hush, and You Can Do Magic comes a new rock star romance series inspired by legendary rock ‘n’ roll love affairs. Feuds and Interludes is a rivals-to-lovers, hurt/comfort love story complete with adorable septuagenarian lovebirds and beloved characters from Merrill’s previous rock-inspired series.
Boone Collins and Shane Butler are two of rock music’s brightest stars today. Their grandfathers founded a powerhouse rock supergroup that ruled the airwaves in the late 1970s, and the grandsons grew up in their shadows to become frontmen of their own successful bands. The epic rivalry between Boone and Shane is notorious, and it’s about to blow up.
When Shane’s grandfather Bruce inducts his deceased bandmate into the Rock Music Hall of Fame, he admits to the world that he wrote the band’s biggest hit about his best friend’s widow—Boone’s grandmother Vera Jean. The two want to rekindle their relationship, and their grandsons are determined to keep them apart. Only, working together for a common goal reveals surprising similarities between the rock stars as well as a chemistry they cannot ignore. Shane sees behind Boone’s glittery facade to the secrets he hides from his bandmates, and Boone is there to pick up the pieces when Shane’s professional world implodes. Together, they plot a musical collaboration to celebrate their grandfathers’ accomplishments instead of fighting—a star-studded tribute at the storied Rocktoberfest event in the Nevada desert—but will being in the spotlight prove to be too much for their fledgling romance to handle?
Feuds and Interludes is part of 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!
The Review
Once upon a time, there was a sweet six-year-old boy, Boone Collins, who had faced so much heartbreak with the death of his parents. Luckily for Boone, he had two wonderful grandparents, John Boone and Vera Jean Collins. John Boone was British born, and became a rock star singer/guitarist with the 70’s group California. He married the Academy Award Winner, British actress Vera Jean.
Regardless of all the trauma and tragedy Boone faced, he became a rock star himself. For a thirty-year-old, he’s an old soul who followed in his grandfather’s musical footsteps. John and Vera supported him and were positive influences in his life. When John passed away from cancer, Boone stayed with his grandmother, and they lived together in a beautiful house. Boone eventually started his own group, Stellar, with his friends Annie and Brandon.
There were always parties, social goings-on and rehearsals at Vera’s house. Bruce Duncan would often bring his grandson, Shane Butler, to the get togethers, and that’s where Shane and Boone met. Boone is two years younger than Shane, but he admires him and follows him around. Shane doesn’t care for that at all. Shane’s grandfather, Bruce was a long time band mate of John’s in California, but they had a falling out.
For twenty years, Bruce toured, until fences were mended and he reunited with the former California members. The group made a massive and successful comeback as Brothers. Bruce even thought of having an anniversary tour at some point. Now in his seventies, he has his own condo and lives by himself. He was married and divorced twice and faced a lot of issues especially alcoholism but he got himself straight.
Shane Butler has become a very good musician, and writer in his own right. Bruce is proud of Shane but his mother wasn’t. She and Shane’s father became estranged after he left home fifteen years earlier. His mother believes he will amount to nothing if he pursues a musical career. Shane thinks his grandfather Bruce should have earned more credit for his work with California. Bruce co-wrote many of the songs with John. Shane is very much in his grandfather’s life – anything his grandfather needs Shane is there for him.
On this day, there’s a big event taking place – the Rock Hall Induction Ceremony, honoring California and John Boone. Boone Collins and Bruce Duncan have been collaborating with the musical presentation and Shane is not happy about that. He and Boone have a feud of there own going on. but Boone could never figure out why. He was always complimentary of Shane and believed he could be so much better as singer/musician of the Wicked Souls.
Boone and Shane find out some news that will turn their worlds upside down. What will they do? Who will be the adults in the situation? Can Boone and Shane find a way to get along?
This is a wonderful story – I absolutely loved it! It deals with the issues of addiction, health problems, abuse and caring for others, young and old. Boone Collins is a sweet, lovable guy who tries to really look on the bright and happy side of things, regardless of his situation. Shane Butler is a bit controlling – everything has to be just right. When the spark ignites between them, it’s amazing to watch what develops.
I double-highly recommend Merrill’s Feuds & Interludes – it caught me off guard, and is my favorite novel from “The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024.” It’s heart-warming, a bit of a tear jerker, funny, and very steamy. The intimate moments are beautifully written, and there are great lyrics, wonderful characters and a contrast of couples from a different time. An excellent story – Merrill does not disappoint.
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.
