Axe to Grind by Gabbi Grey (Road to Rocktoberfest 2023)

 

Continuing the 2023 edition of The Road to Rocktoberfest, Gabbi Grey gives us the chance to meet Ed and Thornton, whose lives intersect because of a life-changing incident years before... in Axe to Grind.

From the blurb:

Ed

For ten challenging years, I’ve been the lead guitarist for the band I formed with my best friend Axel. Grindstone is on the verge of making it big. Which is why I’m livid when our manager brings in some snooping, scandal-chasing documentary producer to film our trip to Rocktoberfest. We’re about to hit the biggest stage of our career, and I’m worried this rich jerk, who has destroyed other celebrities, might uncover the secret I’ve kept hidden for years. I want to just ignore him, but as attraction sizzles, I start letting down my guard. Giving in to these urges might mean distracting him from his mission and getting him on my side. That’s the point. Right?

Thornton

I want to bring Ed and Axel down for what they did to my sister. I’ve managed to insinuate myself into their inner circle as a documentarian, and I'm this close to pay dirt. Using seduction to uncover the last of Ed’s secrets might be tacky, but what red-blooded man would turn down what the bisexual rock god is offering? But as we find stolen moments to try to slake the need, I’m having second thoughts. If I don’t avenge the wrong done to my family, I won’t be able to live with myself. The promise of sex shouldn’t be enough to stop me. But as I sink deeper into a relationship with Ed, I must decide if my need for revenge is worth destroying any hope of a future together.

Axe to Grind 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 rock stars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your Kindle, and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

Heather's Review:

It's been eight years since a life altering incident impacted Ed and set Thornton on a new path headed for an eventual collison course, but who could know that sparks would fly between Ed and Thornton and while each man is waiting for the shoe to drop, they move from scratching an itch to something more profound, that may not weather the reality of their past.

This book gives a very different glimpse into the rock and roll lifestyle - Ed doesn't drink, do drugs or even eat meat.... and he lives his life knowing that huge secrets could expose him and ruin the band's chances of future success.... and Thornton may be poised to do just that!  This book is angsty, sweet, emotional, steamy but still has fun and funny parts - including band banter.  There are trigger warnings (highlight the block for specific details) past death mention, past death of a sibling, past drug use, cancer, mental health and past suicide, so please be cautious if these are your triggers.

This book was a great read - well balanced and well paced and I truly enjoyed getting to know Ed, Thorton, Axel and the rest of the band and documentary crew!  I'd love to see Axel get the story that's hinted at in the book and get to explore the complex issues around his understanding of the life changing impacts and also the delicious age gap....

Rating: 4 Stars

Axe to Grind is available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.