Reverb

Sep 27, 2011 Nikyta rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Nikyta by: Nikki

Shelves: mlr-press, feels-like-cheating, adbp, angst, closet-cases, contemporary, friends-or-enemies-to-lovers, famous, gfy-ofy, criminals-mobsters-ex-cons, injury-recovery, m-m, musicians, stayed-up-all-night-to-read, working-together-in-some-capacity, unrequited-yearning, separated-for-a-bit, alcoholics-and-drug-addicts, challenge-member-choice-awards-2011

This one is a hard one to rate. I generally love Jet Mykles' books. And this one, in some context, is no different.

I loved the characters even when I wanted to kill them. Their feelings for each other were genuine enough for me to believe it. I felt like the trials they went through to get where they ended up was both heartbreaking and entertaining but at the same time frustrating. I would definitely consider this an angsty book. No tissues needed but a clench of the heart here and there may hap...more This one is a hard one to rate. I generally love Jet Mykles' books. And this one, in some context, is no different.

I loved the characters even when I wanted to kill them. Their feelings for each other were genuine enough for me to believe it. I felt like the trials they went through to get where they ended up was both heartbreaking and entertaining but at the same time frustrating. I would definitely consider this an angsty book. No tissues needed but a clench of the heart here and there may happen. And while I wanted to stop reading a few times because something happened, a majority of the time I just couldn't put it down.

With that said, I had a lot of trouble with this book. I felt like I got knocked over the head with too many overly descriptive females. Now, don't misunderstand, I don't have a problem with female characters in general but when I'm reading a m/m book and all the females are being described in details like 'her freckles were like cinnamon in milk' or 'her cleavage was perky' or some other shit, it really annoys me. No. It pisses me off. I don't read m/m to read about the ladies even if the book has a straight man and a bisexual man.

On top of that, I felt like the switch from Nick being 'straight' to Nick being 'gay' happened from one second to another. There wasn't that much confusion on Nick's part especially since he was adamant (more than once) about being straight. And I didn't like his comments, even if they were made as a joke, of Marlowe making him gay. I guess what I'm saying is I didn't believe his switch had enough of the angst I desire which, I feel, should be apart of all GFY stories.

It's funny but I pretty much liked Marlowe more than Nick. Something happens towards the end, though, that I felt was so idiotic I wanted to punch him. I will say it wasn't all Marlowe's fault, though. Nick could have disagreed with what Marlowe said but he didn't. He agreed and with that, Marlowe went off the deep end. He was a fucking idiot. (view spoiler). Another thing, since the blurb mentions it, I was disappointed there weren't more scenes of Marlowe during his jail time. I guess I was a bit disappointed with that because I was so looking forward to it :(

On a high note, I did appreciate the musical descriptions. I crave rockstar books because I want to know the music, the experience they have onstage, offstage and in the studio and this book definitely gave that to me which was a point in its favor.

With that said, I loved the book and I hated it. It wasn't just Marlowe that pissed me off but Nick, too. I only had a few problems with it but those problems were big enough to lower my overall rating. In all honesty, I think Jet could have done better and so far think this is my least favorite of her books. In my opinion, even though her Heaven Sent series was short, it was far better. At least Hell and Faith were.(less)

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May 03, 2012 R.B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, favorites, rockers, romance, angst-lot-of, contemporary, gfy-or-ofy-theme, musicians, emotional

Edited 2012-05-03: I found out that I wrote what I think of this book (beside "I love this book...") in a comment so I have to fix it :)

I was so frustrated during first part of this book. It was too emotional. It's so different from Jet's other books that I read like "Just for you" or "A rose is a rose". They're bright and fun. This one is dark and I think more "matured". And I have to say I really love new Marlowe with all his fears and struggles...
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I love this book :o)

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May 25, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: may-2011, loved-it, rocker-boys

This is my favorite Jet Mykles book so far...I expected it to be good, and was not disappointed. This is a story of second chances...at love, life, passions, career, friendships, family...

This book was meatier, better...Jet Mykles can write a rocking rockstar story and her GFY themes are always great. This story had a all that...It's the story of Marlowe and Nick. Marlowe is a huge rockstar on top of the world and living a life full of excess...Nick is his guitar player, talented, young, beautif...more

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Jul 16, 2011 Yvonne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: july-cat-chal, m-m, q3-gb-2011-read

For the GB Challenge recommended by Katie. 3.5 STARS

The flavor & the decadence of the music business is captured well in this novel. Little things would bother me here & there about this book like for instance, Nick's fluid sexuality. This is a true GFY book. In fact I think at some point Nick tells Marlowe he made him gay. In other GFY books I've read, there's been an effort made to show the character at least had a passing interest in men before. This one felt like Nick went from havi...more For the GB Challenge recommended by Katie. 3.5 STARS

The flavor & the decadence of the music business is captured well in this novel. Little things would bother me here & there about this book like for instance, Nick's fluid sexuality. This is a true GFY book. In fact I think at some point Nick tells Marlowe he made him gay. In other GFY books I've read, there's been an effort made to show the character at least had a passing interest in men before. This one felt like Nick went from having a menage with two women to suddenly having sex with Marlowe. All the while, Nick still acts like he's straight. Maybe this is just the writer's style but it felt weird.

There were also some other things (view spoiler)

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Apr 11, 2013 ARe Cafe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vals-picks

Reverb by Jet Mykles is a smoothly written novel about the pressure, excesses, follies, and pleasures involved in a life about which most of us can only fantasize – being a gorgeous rock star. If you’ve ever dreamed about standing in an arena as frenzied fans chant your name, you get that here. If you would rather be the one singled out for true love by a sex-god rock star, the story provides that experience, too. We get a realistic picture of a shallow and hectic way of life, starting out with...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Kassa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Like many others I’m a huge Jet Mykles fan and anything she writes is an auto-buy for me. Add in about musicians and a Gay For You theme and I’m pretty excited to read. Reverb doesn’t quite live up to the greatness of the Heaven Sent series but it’s an absorbing, gritty read about the reality of fame and drugs. The main couple is well crafted and the story itself flies by, almost too fast, with a lot of great secondary characters that catch your interest. The only real compliant I have is that o...more Like many others I’m a huge Jet Mykles fan and anything she writes is an auto-buy for me. Add in about musicians and a Gay For You theme and I’m pretty excited to read. Reverb doesn’t quite live up to the greatness of the Heaven Sent series but it’s an absorbing, gritty read about the reality of fame and drugs. The main couple is well crafted and the story itself flies by, almost too fast, with a lot of great secondary characters that catch your interest. The only real compliant I have is that once the couple gets together the last 100 pages or so is filled with sex scene after sex scene, perhaps making up for the lack in the previous 200 pages, but it also feels a bit repetitive without a lot of tension. This is a small compliant though and I highly doubt many fans will mind.

The story starts with singer Marlowe and guitarist Nick on a successful tour. Surrounded by alcohol, drugs, fame, and willing groupies the men in the band are flying high. Perhaps too high as the night Nick and Marlowe finally get together is a disastrous one. High on drugs Marlowe spins out of control, taking Nick with him. The resulting crash, literal and metaphorical, has long reaching affects and takes years for the two men to come together again. Once they do, their chemistry picks up where it left off but with both men changed, nothing is as easy as it seems.

Reverb feels like a classic Jet Mykles story with great writing, good characters, sizzling chemistry, and very enticing tension. The situations feel authentic and believable, easily sucking you into the rock and roll world. The pace is consistent and lets the story fly by, in fact I read this one much quicker than I expected. The writing feels familiar to Mykles in the best ways and comes with all the great tension and Gay For You themes that I come to expect and want from this author. The story is a bit grittier than previous rock star offerings and thus perhaps offers more of an impact for readers.

The drugs, fame, and easy sex of the lifestyle are very well depicted with a human edge. It doesn’t feel over the top or ridiculous but instead edgy and very real. Both main men show a lot of depth and emotion that makes their connection easy to understand and believe. It’s not easy but then again the story wouldn’t be half as good if it were, instead these two work better with that tension and strife between them for so long. When they finally get together, their reunion is satisfying and worth waiting for. Unfortunately that also leads to one of the slight issues I had with the story. When the two men get together it’s a lot of sex and studio recording so the story feels slight repetitive. There is some additional tension before their happy ending but to me it felt kind of obvious.

That’s not to say I was bored or didn’t enjoy the last third of the story; merely it didn’t hold the same grip on my attention and emotion. It was a nice prolonged ending with a lot of hot sex so I’m not really complaining. I think most readers and fans of the author will actually appreciate a lengthy happy ending rather than a quick wrap up. The other slight issue I had with the story is that there are a lot of great secondary characters that are used too briefly. Given the current length, they couldn’t really get any more page time but I definitely would like to read more about Kip and hope he gets his own book.

Overall the qualms I have are really quite minor in the face of a solid rock star offering from Mykles. It’s not my favorite of her backlist, I don’t think anything could top Heaven Sent, but it’s easily a story I’d read again.
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Jul 21, 2011 Mel Bradley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Author: Jet Mykles
Publisher: MLR Press
Word Count: 86,849
Published: 2011

Before I even start, I must confess that I enjoyed Mykles’ first “band” series (Heaven) – although after the first two, they did seem to be repeating the same themes. That being said, I was excited and a bit weary before reading this one – and I had no reason to worry! This felt like an entirely different story and I was glad that Mykles was able to add new life into this setting. Be forewarned, the story isn’t as straightfor...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

I’m used to the “pop culture” novels by Jet Mykles, actually the Heaven Sent series was probably the first yaoi style novels I read, and I like them. They are probably a must read for me, and that is the reason why I picked up Reverb as soon as it was out; and of course the cover by Laura Carboni was a nice bonus pushing me. True, Jet Mykles advised her fans that Reverb was a little more “dark” than the Heaven Sent series, this is a real sex, drugs and rock and roll themed novel, and the drugs I...more I’m used to the “pop culture” novels by Jet Mykles, actually the Heaven Sent series was probably the first yaoi style novels I read, and I like them. They are probably a must read for me, and that is the reason why I picked up Reverb as soon as it was out; and of course the cover by Laura Carboni was a nice bonus pushing me. True, Jet Mykles advised her fans that Reverb was a little more “dark” than the Heaven Sent series, this is a real sex, drugs and rock and roll themed novel, and the drugs IS a main part of the story, something that, odd as it sounds, in Heaven Sent was not, actually that series was pretty “vanilla”, and it’s saying a lot since it’s probably more on the erotica side than the romance one.

Indeed Reverb starts with a bump: Marlowe, the sexy singer who is “corrupting” young and naïve Nick to the dark side, goes to jail after causing an accident in which Nick is injured. Two years in prison, even if it’s more a rehab than anything else. But Marlowe is inside and Nick is outside, hating Marlowe for being the one who put a stop to his burgeoning career. If you are expecting, or are worried, this is a highly dramatic novel, with two starcrossed lovers suffering from separation, don’t worry. The two years go like a blow (no pun intended), and Marlowe and Nick have to face what is between them: is it sex? Love? Hate? It’s for them to decide.

There is a definitive change in mood from the first to the second part of the novel; the second part is more sweet and tender, more romantic. That is clear also in the change the character of Marlowe had undergone: after the rehab, Marlowe is more “present”, he has a stronger perception of reality, he has no more the drugs clouding his minds, and in this way he has a more raw approach to life and relationship. He is less “star” and more “man”; this change is not unnoticed to Nick, and in a way it was at first not a good change for him: Nick was fascinated by Marlowe, the star, Marlowe was like a hurricane, and it was difficult to refuse him something, even your body. The second Marlowe is a man who something needs to be reassured, to be comforted, he is more a taker than a giver (and yes, a little pun is intended). Nick is not sure he likes so much this second Marlowe, but in the end, it’s only with a man like that you can consider to have a future.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608202585/?...(less)

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Jun 07, 2011 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Nick was excited when he joined Marlowe’s band but never realized the changes being on the road would bring. Not only is he playing with one of the best musicians out there, but anything and everything he ever wants is right at his finger tips. When one of those wild nights goes out of control Nick ends up in the hospital wondering if he will ever be able to play again.

Fans of Ms. Mykles are sure to love her newest release, Reverb. Set within the music world, like some of her previous works, Rev...more

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May 26, 2011 Edina Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In my opinion, this is the best of Jet Mykles's books. It is clearly a results of years writing and a lot of savoir faire.

This is gay for you story.
Nick has never been with a man, has never even thought of bedding a man. But when he starts working with Marlowe as guitarist of his band, the friendship that develops between them is closer than the usual friendships he has with men, emotionally and physically closer. And though they are not lovers, Nick can't help admiring Marlowe, his talent, his...more In my opinion, this is the best of Jet Mykles's books. It is clearly a results of years writing and a lot of savoir faire.

This is gay for you story.
Nick has never been with a man, has never even thought of bedding a man. But when he starts working with Marlowe as guitarist of his band, the friendship that develops between them is closer than the usual friendships he has with men, emotionally and physically closer. And though they are not lovers, Nick can't help admiring Marlowe, his talent, his sexual aura, his charisma. He is under Marlowe's spell, and bisexual Marlowe is clearly aware of this and will take advantage of Nick's adoration.

I just want to add that Marlowe as a character appeared to me as a very insecure and under-confident man. He hid it all with drugs and appeared over-confident and domineering. When he will let go of the drugs - not by choice but by necessity-, he will revert to his real personality. It was a shock to me to see the Marlowe-superstar so fragile and insecure. But that is what happen when as a teenager, at the age when we all struggle with insecurity, instead of facing your fears/weaknesses and building up a personality capable of managing with real life, you avoid the issue with drugs and alcohol. The consequence is that even as you physically grow into an adult, you stay the insecure and lost child inside. Apparently, his mother is partly to blame for his use of drugs.

I felt for Marlowe. And each time I read books like this it reminds me, as a parent, of the importance to give children a healthy childhood.

The only thing I can think of that put me off a bit in this book is that Marlowe and Nick were a bit extreme in their characterisation. Nick, the young guitarist discovered by Marlowe, goes from being in awe of Marlowe to ordering Marlowe around, pulling him , pushing him, managing him, "dominating" him. And Marlowe goes from being a commanding leader infatuated with Nick to a very insecure one, incapable of leading anymore, doubting himself for the smallest things and, worse, without any self-respect. He despised himself, he felt beneath others, especially Nick, and when he was with Nick, it was always: "whatever you want, Nick". It's like Marlowe was non-existent. I understand both characters had to develop, but in my opinion, the change was a bit extreme.

And from the epilogue, I did not feel like I had enough information to determine if their relationship was finally more healthy, more balanced.

In spite of all that, this book is a great, read, the kind of book you can't put dowm. Definitely a keeper.

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Feb 07, 2012 K.V. Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lgbtq, romance

I really enjoyed this one. Going into it I had already heard it wasn't much like the Heaven Sent series, but the idea was still in the back of my brain -- and it was wrong. The Heaven Sent books are sort of like what I'd expect from seijin anime about American rock stars, is what I'd say. Kind of cartoonish and overblown, and super cracky fun. Reverb was more like a character-oriented TV show on the same subject, but an honest, if not brutally so, take on the subject. I'd actually give it slight...more I really enjoyed this one. Going into it I had already heard it wasn't much like the Heaven Sent series, but the idea was still in the back of my brain -- and it was wrong. The Heaven Sent books are sort of like what I'd expect from seijin anime about American rock stars, is what I'd say. Kind of cartoonish and overblown, and super cracky fun. Reverb was more like a character-oriented TV show on the same subject, but an honest, if not brutally so, take on the subject. I'd actually give it slightly more than four stars if only GR had half and quarters. Alas, they don't.

I had this horrible vision in the beginning, just from the first disaster, of Marlowe being another date-rapey kinda Johnnie Heaven, but no, not even close. He's a well-rounded, fleshed out, vulnerable-but-tough human being, utterly believable as he evolves and realizes what's really important. His self medicating was so spot on it was actually a little scary. (But enough about me...) My only complaint with him ended up being that occasionally his internal monologue was all about telling me stuff he'd already shown beautifully with his actions and reactions... which is kind of awesome, if you think about it.

Nick handled things awkwardly, and that was part of his charm -- he just sort of barreled through the worst of it and stressed about the silly things when he didn't have anything better to be doing. I liked that about him, and I always love a characters whose flaws are my favorite points. I liked the bits in the beginning where we learned how much playing meant to him -- I felt that; it rang completely true from my own experience, and my life is far less centered around music than his. He balanced and completed Marlowe, and vice versa, in a great balance. Yes, I did get annoyed with the "Oh man, am I gay?!" thing... but that's just a peeve of mine, and Marlowe was awesome about that stuff, so he made up for it.

Frighteningly enough, all the parties reminded me vividly of college and grad school. Which either means that all parties are the same, even if you're a rock star, or I knew some weird ass people in college.

Mykles really had the touch perfected in this one. The characters' development proceeded at exactly the rate I needed to stay realistically involved in them, to understand their reactions and emotions even when they were occasionally exasperating (they were not very often, also hugely to her credit).

My one major complaint was with the head-hopping, which was unfortunate. It didn't even start happening until a little less than halfway through, up to which point each chapter (or scene designated with a break) would be either Marlowe or Nicky. Then suddenly it started switching back and forth in the middle of scenes, and I swear I felt at one point like it was from Dayna's, even, which struck me as inane. It was not used judiciously at all. Normally that'd knock it down a star, but I couldn't really bring myself too. It's just so good in all other respects.(less)

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Jun 17, 2011 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m, romance

I'm a huge Jet Mykles fan and when I saw that she had a new book out, I snapped it up as soon as I could. Like her Heaven Sent series, this book deals with the world of musicians, singers and bands. Unlike her Heaven sent series this is quite a gritty look at the reality of fame alongside a Gay For You plot.

The book begins with out hero Nick at a high point in his life. He's a guitarist who is on tour with famous singer/songwriter Marlowe. Nick is exactly where he wants to be. He's working with...more I'm a huge Jet Mykles fan and when I saw that she had a new book out, I snapped it up as soon as I could. Like her Heaven Sent series, this book deals with the world of musicians, singers and bands. Unlike her Heaven sent series this is quite a gritty look at the reality of fame alongside a Gay For You plot.

The book begins with out hero Nick at a high point in his life. He's a guitarist who is on tour with famous singer/songwriter Marlowe. Nick is exactly where he wants to be. He's working with a band he respects and who want to start including some of his songs; he's getting rave reviews for his guitar playing; and he has the pick of all the entertainment that living in the fast lane can offer. What Nick hadn't realised is that Marlowe wants more than just friendship from Nick. However, on the night that Nick learns this, tragedy strikes leaving Nick with mixed feelings of hate and bewilderment towards Marlowe.

There are two strands to this story. The first follows Nick as he recovers after the accident and tries to sort out his feelings for Marlowe. Nick is a fully formed and very sympathetic character. The way that his feelings change and evolve over the course of the story is realistic, especially because Nick is very definitely straight at the start. There's no quick change for Nick, no sudden realisation that he finds Marlowe attractive, just a steady shift in his evaluation of his own sexuality which is convincingly mixed with confusion and denial. When the time came that Nick had finally sorted out his feelings, I was pleased for him. Alongside this is Nick absolute love of music and a burning ambition to succeed. When he is injured, his whole world falls apart, and yet his determination to overcome all obstacles and get back to where he was before the accident is admirable. I liked Nick a great deal. He's the voice of reason and dedication in the crazy world of rock and roll.

The second strand follows that of Marlowe and his rehabilitation. In fact there are two Marlowes in this story: The bright, talented, drugged up, exuberant and egotistical Marlowe at the beginning, and the man he becomes after the accident. In many ways I liked both sides of Marlowe, although I was more sympathetic to to Marlowe at the end of the book. The change in Marlowe is forced by circumstance and therefore less gradual. It was almost a shock to me when the change happens and in a way I mourned the man from the beginning of the book, whilst also recognising that there was a need for change. Nick too often expresses a sense of sorrow at the change in Marlowe. Having said that, the change isn't a bad thing, much of what happens with the band just would not have occurred if Marlowe hadn't changed.

Intertwined with these two character strands is the world of rock and roll. This isn't the slightly sanitised version we see in the Heaven Sent books, but a world where sex is easy to come by, drugs and alcohol are taken indiscriminately and good sense is thrown out in favour of a good time. Much of this world is seen through Nick's eyes at the beginning and I liked that he's so matter of fact about the whole thing. Those readers who are squeamish about drugs and multiple partners may not find this to their taste. Both Nick and Marlowe take drugs and have sex with women in the story - although the sex is all off page - and whilst I felt this was realistic given the subject matter some readers may find it offputting.

The final part of the book focuses on the consolidation of the GFY plot, and how to make the romance work between the men when they are trying to keep that aspect private. There are also some issues still with Nick having sex with a man which are worked through at this point. I have to be honest and say that this part was the weakest point of the book for me, although I can see the reasons why it was included - possibly to show that the pair still have difficulties that need working out and to force a commitment. However, even this slight niggle didn't diminish my overall great enjoyment of the book.

Overall, Reverb was an arresting read which was difficult to put down. It addresses a GFY storyline with depth and maturity, focussing on character and conflict to great effect. The setting of the music industry was full of lots of great incidental details which created a complete and vivid background for the story to take place. This may not have the lighthearted themes of the Heaven Sent books, but I wouldn't want it any other way as I was drawn into the lives of Nick and Marlowe; their mistakes and successes. Reverb is Heaven Sent all grown up and I loved it.(less)

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May 30, 2011 Karen K rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-owned, gay-rockers-music-celebrities, gay-romance, jet-mykles, gay-for-you, gay-drama, gay-faves, gay-tear-jerkers

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I wholeheartedly admit I'm a huge fan of the rock star genre and this story was no exception. I'm also a big fan of this author and all her rocker tales but this book seemed a little different to me. I felt more emotions from the characters, more real-life drama and a more realistic timeline for the relationship that developed.

The plot begins in a typical way; sex, drugs and rock & roll, but quickly escalates into something so much more. Marlowe is the epitome of a frontman, doing who and wh...more

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May 24, 2011 Cole Riann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-contemporary, m-m-famous, m-m-friends2lovers, m-m-gfy-ofy, m-m-musicians-rockers, m-m-substance-abuse

4.75 stars

I think this just might be the best Jet Mykles that I've read so far. I like the fact that she's taken something that she's done well and is successful at and really tried to make it better (gfy rockers). The subject matter, emotions, and the events in this new book are certainly taken to a new level from the popular Heaven Sent books. The world is grittier, the emotions are deeper, and she's given the story a lot more room to grow at almost double the pages of those other books.

I was...more 4.75 stars

I think this just might be the best Jet Mykles that I've read so far. I like the fact that she's taken something that she's done well and is successful at and really tried to make it better (gfy rockers). The subject matter, emotions, and the events in this new book are certainly taken to a new level from the popular Heaven Sent books. The world is grittier, the emotions are deeper, and she's given the story a lot more room to grow at almost double the pages of those other books.

I was certainly impressed that JM was able to take a world that she's written quite a bit in and show us a new side of it. I was also surprised and very impressed with how realistically the California music world is shown, in all its light and dark shades. The glimmering veil of success measured by partners and pockets full of pills and powder is ripped away quite early in the story and is like a harsh slap in the face to Marlowe, who has become somewhat of a bloated fish in a tiny pond, feeding off of the admiration until he's lost in it, until it disappears and he's cut adrift. I appreciated his growth throughout the story and I really believed in him.

I do get frustrated sometimes in JM's stories because a lot of the times the characters never really seem to talk to each other until they've built completely separate sides to the world their relationship encompasses, always presupposing what the other side looks and thinks like. I suppose I could say this is stereotypical of men, gay or straight, to not talk about their feelings, but I also feel like it runs deeper than that. I would have definitely rated this book as 5 stars if I felt like I understood more about Marlowe's past. It has quite a bit to do with his substance abuse and it is only ever briefly alluded to. I am, of course, but one person, and I don't always believe that more information is good for a story. However, in this case, where a lot of the second half of the book deals exclusively with the central relationship, I would have appreciated more background information.

All together, I enjoyed this book immensely. I certainly hope that JM decides to make this a series, as she often does. There were quite a few references to Female Unspeakable Parts and Dirty Acts with Women, but I suppose with a bi guy and a reformed straight man, this is to be expected. Its just too much for these gay eyes to read about :)(less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Lady*M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m-romance

Very satisfying read, more realistic than author's previous books about music industry. Nick wasn't gay in three seconds flat, he didn't forgive Marlowe at once, there was no great coming out scene (willing or forced), the grittier parts of the business were not overlooked, etc. There were funny and cute moments as well as very emotional ones. The moment when Marlowe fell off the wagon was heartbreaking and brought tears to my eyes. Like some other readers, I was slightly bothered by Marlowe's c...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Nae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I really loved Reverb. I thought it had everything.
A sexy rock band, unaknowledged love, a terrible accident and tragedy *sniff.* More sexy musicians and a secret affair *oooh* Lots of hot sex, the spilling of tormented feelings. This book had me hook, line and sinker.

Marlowe is a rock singer and full of drama. He is sexy and confident only when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Nick is a guitarist and a straight forward person, who mostly says what he thinks. They are both so attracted...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Snowtulip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, muscian

4.5

I was completely captivated by this book from the start. Nick and Marlowe's emotional evolution kept me turning the pages and hoping for a life together built on a new foundation of trust. The events that take place in their lives really help to build the character development and really made me connect with Nick and Marlowe and provide a little insight into each of their thought processes.

I appreciated reading about their challenges, hopes and growth as the story progressed. I never felt li...more

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May 14, 2011 Skargasm rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, gay, mm-romance, yeah-baby

Oh my God!! This was completely unputdownable! I mean, I cried when the accident happened and I was so angry at Marlowe but he was in so much pain. And then when he and Nick finally kinda got together I wanted to lock the pair of them in a room together and MAKE them talk to each other.

This book was painful but in a completely brilliant way. I love the fact that it wasn't easy for them, that they had to work to be together. I thought Kip was absolutely fantastic and I really hope we get a story...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, musicians-rockstars, read-in-2011, gay-for-you, romance-contemporary

I was torn as to how I felt about this book. I went with a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. On the one hand, I thought it was a better written book all around than other rocker books by Mykles. On the other however I felt like I never really got to know the characters the way I wanted to or needed to to really feel like the story was believable. It was odd how there was both a really strong well rounded story, without any sort of strong well rounded character.

Nick is an amazing guitarist. He is the nephe...more I was torn as to how I felt about this book. I went with a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. On the one hand, I thought it was a better written book all around than other rocker books by Mykles. On the other however I felt like I never really got to know the characters the way I wanted to or needed to to really feel like the story was believable. It was odd how there was both a really strong well rounded story, without any sort of strong well rounded character.

Nick is an amazing guitarist. He is the nephew of a former famous guitarist and gets compared to Jimi Hendrix. He is straight (at least that's what he keeps telling us) and finally living out his dream as part of the back up band for Marlowe. Marlowe is a bigger than life musician, bisexual and completely in love with Nick from their first meeting. From the blurb you know that the two of them hook up during a drug haze and then there is an accident and Marlowe ends up in jail and Nick is injured. (view spoiler) The problem is we only see then on one night prior to the accident, so everything we know about the nature of their relationship is based on watching it through their drug & alcohol glazed eyes and what they say. For me, I wasn't sure where Nick's feelings come from. There is zero to indicate that he ever thought he might be gay or at least attracted to another man. And then suddenly he is really ok with it. It just seems like we gloss over all his confusion. And what I really never get is why these two me are attracted to each other to begin with. Besides the fact that they are both hot. They never really have a conversation that isn't about music, sex, or what they think the other wants to hear about their relationship. The secondary characters are all also pretty flat, except for Kip.

I know, how is this a 4 (3.5) with all these complaints. Because at the end of the day I like rock star m/m books and I go in to a Jet Mykles book knowing exactly what I'm going to get, so my expectations were very realistic.(less)

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May 14, 2011 MandyM rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

4.5 stars. This was a great surprise. I was expecting something very light and instead found myself glued to the pages as the dramatic opening scenes between Nick and Marlowe unfolded. The author thanks someone at the beginning of the book for helping her make the band/music business part of the story realistic and I feel this part of the book is outstanding. She's done a great job of immersing us in the groupie and drug filled haze that Marlowe and his original band exist in. The sudden change...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Kendra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: musicians, mm, nook-lendable

I love rocker books and I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. I loved seeing the struggle with drugs and alcohol for Marlowe and his realization of hitting rock bottom, figuring out what was most important, and even a subsequent slip up which is not unrealistic. Enjoyed the relationship between Nick and Marlowe although I would have loved more dialogue written between them as they were becoming friends again. The book kind of seemed to jump a few weeks/months where they were getting along...more

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May 28, 2011 blade rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 23, 2011 Allie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Cute tale about Marlowe, a drug addled rock star singer, and Nick, the guitarist in the band. An unfortunate drug assisted accident causes Nick to lose the use of his right arm and, as a result, the ability to continue his guitar playing. It also results with Marlowe's incarceration. Nick isn't sure he'll ever regain full use of his hand and Marlowe wallows in guilt as he goes through drug withdrawal in prison.

Two changed men meet years later and the relationship slowly evolves. I liked Marlowe...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Toni Dewberry rated it 5 of 5 stars

It took me quite awhile to get to reading this book, for some reason just kept putting it off and putting it off. But, once I did sit down and read it, I was inthralled. The characters were well developed and the story was a heart wrenching one.
To see Marlowe go from his highest moment to his lowest one and then back to his highest again was incredible. The evolving this man did was awesome. His journey alone took the reader on an emotional rollercoaster...one minute you were happy for him, then...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: rockstars, rainbow-gay, glbt, romance, contemporary

I must confess that I was sure that I would hate this book and at the beginning I almost dropped it, but I was very glad I read on.

For personal reasons - I don't care what one does with his life, but I have little sympathy for those who abuse drug or alcohol AND love it. At the beginning of the book Marlowe - and Nick too - use drugs with such a nonchalance that made me want to throw away my Kindle. Marlowe encourages Nick to take drugs in order to loosen him up a bit and seduce him more easily....more I must confess that I was sure that I would hate this book and at the beginning I almost dropped it, but I was very glad I read on.

For personal reasons - I don't care what one does with his life, but I have little sympathy for those who abuse drug or alcohol AND love it. At the beginning of the book Marlowe - and Nick too - use drugs with such a nonchalance that made me want to throw away my Kindle. Marlowe encourages Nick to take drugs in order to loosen him up a bit and seduce him more easily. I don't care that he was in love with Nick, what he did didn't made me sympathize with him. This was the point of the story, of course.

Marlowe reaches the bottom in his life. An unfortunate and reckless decision costs him his career, his freedom and Nick. He has to fight his addictions and learn to live without the help and the false security that drugs and alcohol gave him. He has also to face Nick's rejection. Without doubt, Marlowe was the most interesting character and by the end of the book, I came to care for him and I found his struggle believable and almost moving.

Nick's side of the story deals with the conflicted feelings he has for Marlowe. At the beginning there's a sort of reverence for the Marlowe as an artist and an attraction that stems from admiration or adoration. After the accident he almost hates Marlowe as the person who almost robbed him of his music. Then there's the confusion for the lust he can't ignore. Nick is straight, he's always been with women, he's never been attracted to a man, but he can't forget the brief encounter he had with Marlowe. The story has a gay-for-you theme on Nick's part (Marlowe is clearly bisexual), but it wasn't the stronger or more convincing part of the book. I think there was no need to insist so much on Nick being straight, instead of making his attraction for Marlowe more powerful, it weakened his story.

I also think the last part had too much sex, but it didn't really bring the story forth. It became a bit repetitive and after the first time, it lost heart. Sex is also a way to show the main couple's dynamics, but the biggest source of problems wasn't really shown in the bedroom, it was instead explained out of it, making the sex on page less meaningful. I also wish there had been more pages about their music.

Recommended if you like rockstars and reformed bad boys.

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Mar 18, 2012 Jayhjay rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay.

Life is going great for guitarist Nick Gorman. His career has taken off and he is touring with the hugely popular musician Marlowe and his band. Marlowe is interested in Nick's songs and is planning to make them a part of the group's next album. Nick is living the rock star life, complete with wild parties and readily available sex, drugs, and alcohol.

Lead singer Marlowe is totally hot for Nick and senses that Nick shares the attractio...more This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay.

Life is going great for guitarist Nick Gorman. His career has taken off and he is touring with the hugely popular musician Marlowe and his band. Marlowe is interested in Nick's songs and is planning to make them a part of the group's next album. Nick is living the rock star life, complete with wild parties and readily available sex, drugs, and alcohol.

Lead singer Marlowe is totally hot for Nick and senses that Nick shares the attraction, even if Nick doesn't really recognize his own interest in the other man. Although Marlowe enjoys women for his casual hookups, the encounters he really cares about are with men. One night after a successful show, he tempts Nick into a sexual encounter, easing the way with drugs that lower Nick's inhibitions. Nick is shocked to find out that not only is Marlowe interested in him, but that he shares the attraction. But before the men have a chance to really explore things, a near-fatal accident caused by Marlowe's irresponsibility turns their world upside down.

Nick survives the accident, but his arm is severely broken, keeping him from playing guitar for over a year. And Marlowe must pay for his crimes with jail time and rehab. Nick is furious with Marlowe and refuses to even talk about him, let alone forgive him for his actions. And Marlowe is a changed person, losing a lot of his bravado and realizing that he needs to reevaluate his life and his actions. He still cares for Nick greatly, but Marlowe doesn't know if they will ever be able to move past the accident and rebuild the relationship between them.

Wow, this was such a good story! It shows such a different side of the rock star life than we usually see in romance novels. Almost everyone involved in the story indulges in the ever present drugs and alcohol. They go to wild parties, are offered all kinds of vices, and sex is readily available from women constantly throwing themselves at the band. Marlowe is almost god-like, able to do whatever he wants because he is famous, talented, and incredibly magnetic. Seeing him start out this way, and watching him come to terms with the new person he has become after prison and rehab as he struggles with his insecurities and staying sober is incredibly powerful.

I really loved the way the relationship develops between the two men. Nick's anger at Marlowe is understandable and I was glad that the book doesn't go for the quick fix. Marlowe has to earn his way back into Nick's life and he recognizes the need to gain and keep Nick's trust again. It was also interesting to see how Marlowe overcompensates, wanting to give in on everything to please Nick and make him happy, and how it takes time for the men to find some balance in their relationship and really make things work. The book also nicely explores Nick realization of his attraction to Marlowe. He is surprised by his feelings at first, and it takes time for him to become truly comfortable with the physical side of things. I thought this was a nice change from many stories where the guy who previously identifies as straight jumps right into all aspects of a sexual relationship without needing any time to adjust.

This book really blew me away and I just loved it. If you have read Mykles' Heaven Sent series (which I also enjoyed), I think you will find the tone of this book quite different. Those are much lighter and glossier, whereas Reverb is a much more gritty and realistic portrayal of the music industry and the dangers of fame and readily available vices. It is a great story of finding forgiveness, as well examining your life and figuring out who you really are and who you want to be.
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Feb 20, 2012 L-D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, musician-rock-stars-bands, romance, nook-lendable

This is by far the best rocker book written by Jet Mykles. And she's written quite a few of them. While I think her Heaven Sent series is decent, they're underdeveloped and a little too superficial for me. This book however, had a lot of the depth that her other rocker books are lacking.

Nick Gorman is finally where he's dreamed of being - playing lead guitar for a popular rock and roll band and working with his idol and lead singer, Marlowe. Nick has the guitar skills that Marlowe has been looki...more

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Aug 26, 2011 Wicked rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 26, 2011 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-contemporary-romance, gay-for-you, drama, on-my-kindle-fire-ipad-samsung

This book had stronger writing than Mykles previous rocker books, but the sexual/mental dynamic of the characters were all wrong to me. Mar being so insecure, even in his predicament and playing the "woman" made me scrunch my face in disgruntlement. Pathetically weak MC's are not my cup of tea, especially when it doesn't fit the characters' persona. I also didn't grasp who Nick really was. I didn't feel the love and how it could sustain itself for almost 2 year after an accident and separation....more

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Apr 13, 2012 Anastasia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-profession-art-music-actors

It was a long book and for an m/m book there were too many females discribed in it. If you consider the book lengh there was enough space for Nick to gradually accept his new sexuality but it was all wham, bam now I like him, all is tipsy daisy. I'd recommend it for if someone wants to read art/ musician stories, that aspect of the book was well done, the relationship part left me wanting.

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title link	preview: Reverb
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