Phoenix

Death Rose #1

by Melanie Tushmore

Young painter Alex Tatton has always loved music. When a tragic accident takes away his parents, he turns to a darker style of music and discovers the rock band, Death Rose. Feeling isolated from his own life, Alex develops a crush on guitarist Danny Death who, despite the name, is vivacious, full of life, and has a reputation for being 'the nicest guy in rock n' roll'.

After a gig, Alex finds Danny to give him a signed painting. Danny is everything a star should charming, sexy, a beacon of light in Alex's otherwise dark life, and after meeting him Alex is determined to see him again—and this time he wants more than just an autograph.

Genres: M M Romance, Musicians, Music, British Literature, Romance, Contemporary

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2014

About the author

Writer of fiction including themes

Alternative subcultures: goths, punk rockers, rebels and outcasts

Contemporary
Horror
Fantasy
Erotic Fiction
Homoerotica
Male/Male
Slash
Gay
LGBTQ Fiction

and very British Humour

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I loved this book so much it had everything i love in it M/M,set in the 80s and heavy metal. Danny was a refreshing change from the usual rock star and i absolutely loved Alex and Danny together they were such a sweet couple. I can't wait for book two.

[Betryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMFG All I can say besides this being really good is when's the next one out!?

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to cheer him up, his friends give Alex Tatton, of 'Phoenix' by Melanie Tushmore, a tape of a popular rock band. Alex thinks he is only switching the style of music he enjoys, from Classical to Hard Rock, but he is also changing the course of his life. His new taste in music sets him in the path of Danny Death, a guitarist in the band which quickly becomes his favorite. Alex's heart’s desire is to be a famous artist, sharing his interpretation of the world through painting. Alex first meets his rock star heartthrob in person at a concert where he gives him a gift, a painting Alex created of Danny. From that time on, Alex and Danny are linked, even if they don't yet realize how deeply.

Alex is an intelligent and gifted young man who has known he is gay for a long time. He's an orphan whose parents died in a car accident when he was young, consequently leaving him a large inheritance. This gives him more freedom than most people his age have. Being independently wealthy means he doesn't have to work and is still able to do almost anything he desires. Alex is also different from most young men in that he's not interested in drinking or drugs or sleeping around. He's also a virgin and in no hurry to lose that status. He's waiting for the right man to come along. Phoenix, a popular rock band, gives him inspiration, especially one member called Danny Death. His heart's desire is to be with Danny, but he also realizes that it's a near impossible dream. Alex knows how the world of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll works and knows that he'd never have a chance with someone like Danny. Yet, he continues his hero worship of the man. He works for weeks on a portrait of Danny, the painting makes a big impression on Danny, and earns him a big thank you and a hug. Alex is elated, but then Danny is gone. Months later they met again and finally have sex. It's the fulfillment of Alex's wildest dreams, but he's also overwhelmed. When Danny declares his love for Alex, instead of being elated, he's terrified. It's too much too fast. As soon as Danny leaves his room, Alex has a full-fledged anxiety attack. He impulsively leaves without telling Danny. He goes home confused and completely lost, figuring if he ever had a chance, he'd completely blown it now.

Danny is my favorite character in this story. He is not like other rock stars. When he isn't onstage, he's quiet and private. He doesn't go in for all the glitz and glamor associated with his profession. He's friendly, but reserved, usually not giving in to the numerous advances of men and women alike. When he meets Alex, he's touched by this young man who doesn't act like a fan; Alex is someone who is considerate enough to make him something special, without wanting anything in return. Danny wants a lot more out of life than what he has and if he didn't love to play and perform so much, he, most likely would have chosen another profession. Danny remembers Alex fondly and knows his feelings are growing. After a few more meetings, Danny gets the opportunity to get closer to him, Danny takes it. He invites Alex to a German music festival and is delighted when he actually shows up. Still, he goes slowly and considers Alex's feelings the whole time. Even with all the care Danny takes Alex flees. Danny is hurt, but doesn't give up.

This is the beginning of, what I believe, is going to be a very enjoyable series. The main characters are not stereotyped, yet the ambiance of the rock star world still whorls around them. The thrill of performing on stage, the wild clothes, parties, interviews, paparazzi, fan girls and boys, and more are expected in a story about the rock scene; yet, Alex and Danny still have intimacy that rises beyond these elements. It's a good balance; one that allows them to do normal couple things without the bells and whistles and intrusion which comes with Danny's profession. I recommend this story to those who like rock music, performers and all the chaos and excitement surrounding them, with a sweet, well-paced love story mixed in. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see where the guys go from here Thanks, Melanie. You rock!

NOTE: This book was provided by Less Than Three Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Heather♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I just really enjoyed the heck out of this one. Maybe it was being transported back to the glorious days of 80's rock music and all those gorgeous guys with long hair (and let's be honest, big hair too). The cool leather jackets. Even the leopard print leggings made me smile. But I think mostly it was because of how much I could relate to Alex and his fascination and obsession with Danny and Death Rose. I think all of us can remember those teenage years and admit to crushing on a celebrity and then hunting down every scrap of information on them. Buying magazines, posters, t-shirts, jewelry, videos, albums and other assorted memorabilia. Where your room might possibly look like a shrine. And anyone saying no, they never did that, I'm gonna say right now is just a big fat liar. Imagine (and I could) being in Alex's shoes if faced with the same circumstances. Shy and socially awkward yet desperate to meet your idol. Feeling giddy just by being in the same room with them. Blushing and tongue-tied by simple conversation. A bit naive about what can really happen back stage with the drinking and groupies, and then feeling insanely jealous over the filthy whores who got to get down and dirty with your man. ;)

I really had to hand it to Alex though. There were so many times where his youth and inexperience had me feeling bad for him because it was obvious he was out of his element by some of the things he said or did. But he never let the embarrassing or disappointing experiences stop him from his goal - getting to Danny. Each small success he had, I was happy for him and felt like I was right there along for the ride. We got to see a slow transformation in him, not only in his physical appearance with his skin, hair and the way he dressed (thanks to best bud Hollie), but also in his confidence and self-esteem. His dance with Danny was a slow build over the years, from his first few meetings as a 17 year old with spotty skin and bad hair to later when he was a beautiful 18 year old trying to get Danny to finally see him as a man. But even then, they built a friendship first before becoming lovers and a heartbreaking panic attack following that beautiful night, questioning his place in Danny's world, slowed things back down again. I began to wonder would things ever work out?

And then there's sweet Danny. If you were going to obsess over a rock god, he'd be the one to pick. Always having a kind word and a smile on his face, especially for his fans. Consciously making the choice not to drink and rarely hooking up with groupies. And let's also give props to his hair. Relationships and friendships meant something to him and I loved how supportive he was of Alex and his painting. Having the story told from Alex's POV helped show us that underneath the rock star status, Danny was just a regular (but still beautiful) guy at heart. Like seeing Danny getting excited about his guitars and pedals like a little boy, his love of anything to do with food, his being a slob around the house, his insecurities about Alex's feelings for him and babbling on the phone when excited or nervous. I loved it.

The other band members seemed to have interesting stories to tell as well, so I hope there is more to come in the future. And definitely more about Alex and Danny too. There's just something about the shy fanboy landing his rock god (who happens to be a really sweet guy too) that makes you feel good. Unless it makes you think of the filthy whore groupies who got to him first. ;)

[T.M. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Tatton is loner. Young and awkward, he has kept to himself since his parent’s death, living in London with his aunt and uncle. The only joy in his life is his painting. Sometimes his aunt has to remind him to eat, his constant caregiver. His appearance however, is far from an artwork. He keeps his hair long, something to hide behind, which cause slight acne. When he starts school all he wants to do is hide behind his hair and fly under the radar. When he makes new friends they introduce him to the band Death Rose, and from the start Alex is entranced with their music and the artwork they used for their CD cover.

Venturing out to see and listen to the band in person, Alex is quite taken with their guitarist, Danny Death. Over time Alex attends several shows and makes friends with a few people that are close knit with the band members, and his crush on Danny continues to grow. After some of the shows Alex has special gifts for Danny. A comic book rendition with Danny as the star, a unique piece of artwork, he even goes so far as to paint his leather jacket with a semblance from the band. Over time Alex begins to make some changes to his appearance as well. Buying nicer clothes that make him stand out more, cutting his hair and cleaning up his acne. And it doesn’t go unnoticed by Danny.

The two begin meeting at shows, go out on a couple dates, and share a few stolen moments and kisses. When Death Rose tours Germany, Danny flies Alex out to attend the show. From that night on the relationship is solidified. Alex makes love and falls in love for the first time. There are a few bumps in the road though. It’s not a rock steady courtship from the start. Alex tends to over analyze things and it takes Danny some time to prove his intentions are true. When the time comes to tour America and they will be forced to spend months apart, will their new found love be strong enough to withstand the separation?

The book was a little slow to start, setting things up and giving Alex’s back story, not really picking up the pace until they were in Germany. But it was a steady slow, if that makes sense. We had to learn about Alex’s art and why he loves it, how it moves him and makes him the person he is. He’s not really that comfortable with the crowds or with recognition, but then there is Danny. Danny is a force of nature, blowing into Alex’s life and kind of turning it upside down. Enamoured or Attracted are two strong words to describe how Alex feels about Danny, but they really aren’t strong enough, it goes way beyond that.

It was nice to see that these two young characters were written that way as well. They were awkward, insecure and inexperienced. They feed off of each other in a way, emotionally and physically. Danny is hyperactive, a wild child, while Alex is more subdued and laid back. Together they balance each other out somewhat. They faced their share of problems and issues while they learned more about each other and how to be a couple.

If you like Rock & Roll stories with an edge and just the right dose of angst and some pretty passionate trysts, then you’ll love Phoenix. I’m excited for the next book, I hope I don’t have to wait too long!

*I received a copy of this ARC (advanced readers copy) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story a little light weight, I expected more action. Where did the title Phoenix come from?
These men live in England.
Also, after many, many years there is no second book.

[Elizabetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Phoenix is a different approach to a rocker story… This time not from the rock star’s POV but that of an adoring fan.

And really, it’s a fairytale romance wrapped up in a new love, first time, coming of age story. And that difference is what kept me reading.


Phoenix is set in London, the late 1980s, a time of glam rock: guys onstage with big hair and big makeup, and lots of flash ’n dash. Lots of squealing, adoring fans. Alex, an introverted seventeen year old, has just lost his parents to a terrible accident and he feels alone and adrift. Except for his art; he loves to paint, and that is what keeps him going.


What wakes Alex out of his grief is a sudden interest in a local rock band, Death Rose, and their sexy lead guitarist, Danny De Ath (aw, I saw that, clever name stuff). Alex falls in love with their heavy metal music and then fixates on the very cute Danny.


So, a lot of this reads like teen-aged obsession and things get a little squicky when you wonder where it’s gonna go. I mean, obsession can get so close to stalking…


But the author, with a kind of chatty approach, takes us step-by-step through Alex’s climbing out of his grief, moving into a new life, and making friends. We see his fan-boying after Danny not only as an awakening to life again but as a discovery of his sexuality. He finds that he likes boys more than girls, and there is relatively little drama on his part about that. Especially considering the time period and the less informed views towards homosexuality. The author smartly plays up Phoenix more as a NA (new adult) falling in love and finding your way story while integrating a feel for the era quite nicely.


I wasn’t sure just how much I was going to like Phoenix as I started reading… both Alex and Danny are so very young (their story spans just one year); I don’t read a lot of NA books, and this did look to be a YA read for a while. That does change eventually with some hot scenes between the two guys, but their relationship is a very slow build. And I liked that.


I think it’s Danny who made the difference for me. He is refreshingly sweet, good-natured and vice-free for a heavy metal glam rocker. And Alex is immediately drawn to this… “Looking at Danny… was like basking in the sun.” He’s in it for the love of music, is talented and confident, but has his own insecurities. There are some wonderful light moments with rockers obsessing over clothing and makeup, fans, and life on the road… their own hangups.


Alex’s awkwardness and insecurities are always there as he quietly reinvents himself. He finds a real friend in Danny first, even as he’s physically drawn to him. And Danny’s charisma and attraction to Alex feels very natural (really, I wondered how the author would pull this off). I came to like and care for both these guys, got swept up in their fairytale love story.


Though the style of writing is not my favorite, I thought it was very well done (ok, there were some edit issues) and I would recommend Phoenix to readers who want something sweet, slow-paced, a bit angsty, but ultimately fun and satisfying.


A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Visit Love Bytes Reviews for this and other reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness:

[ItsAboutTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can be read at It's About The Book

4.5 stars

I’m a huge fan of this authors rockers so we knew right away this one was for me. Parts of the story cross over with the guys from one of her other book, The Green Eyed Monster (which I freaking loved). This book has a very engaging modern day fairytale feel to it. One where the fan boy named Alex gets his seemingly untouchable rock star Danny to fall in love with him. Out of all the people in the world, Danny falls for Alex. And they’re so good together you can’t help but fall with them.

Alex is living with his aunt after his parents die. At the beginning of this book he’s still pretty young and discovers a rock band name Death Rose. Alex quickly becomes obsessed with the band. More specifically the guitarist Danny. Alex realizes for the first time that he may want to be with another man. He’s initially a fan boy way too young to capture Danny’s attentions in the way he’d like but all that changes over the years. Persistence and his talent for anything related to art get Alex noticed through very special gifts he gives Danny. Eventually he’s older. Living on his own and he’s determined to have Danny notice him. To kiss him! And he does.

This love story was basically two parts. Part one is Alex and his discovery of self. What could seem slow as far as getting to the smexy part of this book, was not. I thought the pacing of Alex growing up was excellent. I think as the reader I needed that considering how young Alex is for a good portion of the book. Danny notices but not in a creepy way until later. So it’s a nice slow build where you get to know the guys and the anticipation is good.

The second part of the story the guys finally get together. Kind of. They want to be together but everyone keeps telling Alex not to expect much from Danny. He is a rock star after all. Danny’s band has made it but not to the level they want to reach. So Danny still has to play his part and put in the work and touring. It makes starting a relationship hard. I think what makes this couple different is they’re both essentially sober. They don’t like to party. They want monogamy and love. It’s more getting on the same level and getting over their fears and insecurities to let themselves fall. This portion was very sweet and romantic.

I’m a big fan of rocker books and this one did not disappoint. You get the bad boy element and how exciting getting caught up in the lifestyle would be. I was excited just reading about it. You also get a really nice love story. A coming of age story. So many parts to this story and I enjoyed every one of them.

[Caroline Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

4.5 Stars

To anyone who lived through the 80’s this will bring a smile to your face as you take a trip down memory lane. Recording TV programmes on video, playing music on tapes and some of the god awful clothes that were around.

This is very different from your usual rocker story as it is told from the fans point of view rather than from the rock star. It was interesting to see it from the other side, the trepidation in meeting your hero, the constant second guessing of yourself and the constant feeling that you are not good enough or it can’t be happening to you.

I’m sure most of us have had a crush on a pop star at some point in our life.

Alex Tatton lost his parents suddenly and his life was thrown into disarray. Living with his aunt and uncle he indulges in his love of art by withdrawing to paint whilst listening to classical music. He has moved school to repeat a year and when 2 new friends suggest he listens to a rock band Death Rose his life is never the same.

Alex is a young and inexperienced teenager damaged from events from the last few months and without giving it much thought and with no idea about labels or sexuality he develops a huge crush on Danny Death the bands lead guitarist. He buys all the magazines, he goes to concerts, he listens nonstop to their music and it becomes a slight obsession with him. His artwork features Danny in striking poses when on stage and when he gifts Danny with one of these paintings after a concert his determination to somehow get to know his idol increases.

We follow Alex for a couple of years and see this quiet young man come out of his shell as he works out who exactly he wants to be. He moves into his own home, makes new friends, changes his look and never stops trying to meet or find out more about his crush. He actually gets to meet him a few times over the years but the timing never seems to be right until the day it is.

Danny Death is not like your normal pop star. He doesn’t indulge in the booze and after parties preferring solitude and calm. When he finally gets together with Alex they seem like a perfect couple but neither is big in the self confidence stakes and this causes Alex to run after a night spent together at a festival. The poor boy is exhausting with his constant second guessing of the situation!

Out of all the men in the world why would a famous pop star want boring old Alex Tatton?

These two boys seem very ‘grown up’ for their ages but that could be to do with the personal tragedy they have both lived through. Great start to what promises to be a great new series and I am looking forward to the next one.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Synopsis: Alex is an artist, and when he loses his parents before his last year of school, he moves in with his aunt and uncle and goes to a new school. The kids at this school don't know his tragic story, so Alex feels a little less noticed. The two new friends that he makes love rock, and introduce Alex to the band Death Rose. Alex loves their music, and tries to find out everything he can about the band, especially the guitarist, Danny. He recreates publicity shots and posters in his art. When Alex and his two friends get the opportunity to go to a concert, they do. Alex takes one of the paintings that he did of Danny, and when they run in to the musician after the concert, Alex gives Danny his painting.
Alex can't get Danny out of his head, and keeps doing more and more paintings of him. The next time that Alex goes to a concert, he goes alone, but doesn't have backstage passes. When he sees some girls getting in at the back of the building, he tries that, too, but gets turned away. As he tries to figure out how to get in, a young reporter comes by and helps him get in. He manages to see Danny again and give him another painting, but when Danny leaves with another guy, Alex is devastated. He vows to make changes so that Danny will want to leave with him next time.
To that end, once Alex graduates, he moves to London, hooks up with the reporter that helped get him in to the VIP event. She helps him with products to clear up his skin and also helps him to pick out new clothes. Although Alex doesn't have to work, he needs something to keep busy, so he starts decorating leather jackets.
When Alex and Danny meet again, Alex has more self confidence, which Danny notices. Danny has never really been interested in living the rock lifestyle, so he and Alex become friends. Alex, of course, wants more than friendship, but is willing to settle for just getting to be around Danny.

What I liked: That Alex grew from someone who was only living for his crush to someone who had his own life outside of Danny. I liked that Danny was an atypical rock star, that he didn't go from groupie to groupie. Danny was steady and interested in Alex for who he was, not what he could do for him.

What I didn't like: I didn't exactly connect with the characters. The story felt a little dry to me, and Alex was a very typical, moody teenager, with laser focus.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

The 1980s long-haired rock bands. They are the opposite of insecure Alex, whose favorite music has always been classical. Trying to find his way after the death of his parents, Alex becomes slightly obsessed with the band Death Rose and specifically with Danny. He buys all of their music, magazines, and posters, follows their interviews, and seeks them out backstage.

Told from Alex’s perspective, the author does a really great job of getting into Alex’s head at not only his first concert, but his first Death Rose concert, and his first time seeing Danny in person. It truly reads from the POV of a true 80s star struck rock fan. Alex has lived a fairly sheltered life and everything is a new experience for him and he is beyond excited and nervous. Danny is not your typical rocker. He doesn’t drink, has his own insecurities, and would really like a relationship but travels just too much. The rock and roll lifestyle is not really for him, he just loves to play the guitar.

The story is a slow build and we spend a lot of time with Alex as he reinvents himself. He never asks to talk to anyone about how he feels and when he does reach out to his aunt, she plays her exasperating part well, as we are all exasperated with her comments. We get a real sense of how alone Alex feels all of the time. The story pulled back (at just the right time) from the obsessive rock fan to a friendship and the start of a relationship between Alex and Danny. They really connect and find something they need in each other and Alex is able to take the lead when it’s what Danny needs and wants.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Elci · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young teen, I fell in love with a rock band and its guitar player. Full stop, this love affair lasted years. I'd go into the head shops on weekends looking for posters, tees, bootlegs... anything and everything. I saw them in concert, hell a certain summer I even followed them from venue to venue. When I was 17 or so not only were they playing in my city again but a local radio station had set up a soccer game, band vs DJs. This game was scheduled on a school day but...

My friend and I were there early, our spot staked out and everything, but my fave wasn't playing. What!? Seriously. But not all hope was lost. There, on the other side of the pitch... Gasp!? I still have his autograph and the picture of us together. It was awesome insane, totally worth losing my house keys and getting a weird sunburn.

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels authentically British.It's atmospheric.It's Epic.It's an anthem. It's an instant journey into the past.I was so totally immersed in it that I had some old tracks from the eighties playing in the background as I read to augment the mood.

[Smacktard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth Reading

This is a nice story - not overly complicated. The characters need and deserve more development. I would love to see a follow-up or two.

[Love Bytes Reviews]

This book was read and reviewed by Elizabetta for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyed this story, but found it a bit long.