He's a brilliant artist. A rock star god. He challenges me. Excites me. He makes me quiver. Makes me swoon. He makes me feel things I've never dreamed of. But we're both dedicated to our art. We'll do whatever it takes to succeed. When I find out just how far he'll go, it threatens to tear our world apart.
— — —
Hard Rock Deceit is a New Adult Rock Star Romance. It is the fourth novel in the Darkest Days series, but can be read as a standalone with a HEA.
A note from the author: This book is complete and utter fangirl wish fulfillment. It is not realistic in the slightest. Then again, who reads rock star romances for realism, anyway? ;)
— — —
Also available: Darkest Days #1 Hard Rock Tease - amazon.com/dp/B01N5MF3VI #2 Hard Rock Fling - amazon.com/dp/B01N15L755 #3 Hard Rock Sin - amazon.com/dp/B06Y5DRTZS
Feral Silence #1 Hard Rock Gaze - amazon.com/dp/B0153ZME78 #2 Hard Rock Voice - amazon.com/dp/B01AIYDNPQ #3 Hard Rock Touch - amazon.com/dp/B01E7GHABY #4 Hard Rock Heart - amazon.com/dp/B01LZ5LIYA
Athena Wright is a USA Today Bestselling author of New Adult Romance. She loves to write about cocky rock stars and the women who tame their wild hearts. Hobbies include cooking, eating, and living out her rock star dreams at karaoke bars. Athena is perpetually on the hunt for her next caffeine fix.
Want a free taste of Athena's writing? You can receive an exclusive Newsletter-Only ebook, Hard Rock Poet, for free. Just subscribe and tell Athena where to send it. You'll also be notified of new book releases. https://athenawright.com/poet-sign-up
Hard Rock Deceit is the fourth installment in the Darkest Days Series by Athena Wright, it is a brilliantly charged emotional book about the struggle with addiction & how standing up to that addiction can help save a life. August Summers is the Darkest Days drummer, the defacto leader & founding member of the band. He always expects perfection from others (especially those closest to him) & from himself. It is a razor thin line to walk because nobody can be perfect ALL the time. Cassie Blake recently graduated from college & wants to be a professional photographer but she knows what a battle she has ahead of herself in order to make a name for herself. At her last student showing she meets August. Though introverted, Cassie is drawn toward August & he sees something in her photography that no one has ever expressed to her before. August ends up hiring Cassie to be the band's tour photographer & it is an opportunity she finds herself not turning down. Once on the bus with the band she starts to see the personal side of each member. Her & August grow closer as he works to bring her out of her our of herself. As August can see the potential in Cassie, Cassie starts to see the real August, the man not the rock god. Soon Cassie learns August is suffering from an old shoulder injury & that he is fighting the pain. When August collapses on the stage from a drug overdoes, he swears he doesn't have a problem. When it becomes clear August isn't willing to give up the drugs, Cassie & the other band members confront him. August must decide what is most important to him, the band & his new found love of Cassie or his addiction.
This book will be a cherished favorite for me for a long time, I am a recovering alcoholic & addict myself (it has been several 24 hours since my last high). It always fascinates me to read about addiction & the authors take on the character getting help. And it doesn't hurt that this is a Rock n' Roll fangirl romance! I'm going to be sad when the Darkest Days series ends but Ms. Wright is already getting ready to introduce us to a new band....... oh, I can't wait! This book is meant for mature readers & encourages readers on how to seek help for them selves or other who suffer from addition. There are many avenues available.... help is out there.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I am looking back over the whole series so far .. each 1 of these men of Darkest Days (group/band) have their own issues ... u just read about them and your heart strings are easily pulled. August ... wow wee!! Loved this story ... but who do I love most ... Cameron of course ... but August is a close 2nd. If you don't know where to start? Please start at the beginning ... Love these characters ... love their lady friends. Love the story ... what is not to love? Their issues/stress/drugs/alcohol ? Must read series ... will there be more ... hope so. I think the next one is soon? I think? Did i read that wrong? ( ;
Just so disappointed. This one started off strong and this guy had so much potential for a great story and i was just disappointed. I finished it only because i really wanted to read the whole series and it got a little better at the end thank goodness!
I have read all of Athena Wright's books and this is probably my favorite one so far. This is the 4th novel in the Darkest Days series and while it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the previous books. I patiently waited for August's story and this book did not disappoint. August is the drummer in the band Darkest Days and seems to be the in control mother hen of the band. Yet, he has demons that he needs to face. He discovers Cassie at an art show and offers her a job to join them on tour as their photographer.Cassie sees things differently through the lens of her camera - what she sees on stage and off stage. It is during one of her observant times that she witnesses one of his se crets. She knows that doing the right thing for the man she loves, may just be the thing that causes her to lose him. I read a lot of books and August & Cassie are one of my favorite couples. While it is more a slow burn relationship between the two of them, the chemistry is hot. The author develops the characters well and she approaches a topic that is often difficult to write about.
Hard Rock Deceit is the fourth book in Athena Wright's Darkest Days series, and it's just as fabulous as the three that came before it. This story centers on the band's drummer and leader, August -- a perfectionist who expects everyone around him to bring their A game, always. August meets recent college graduate Cassie, a photographer, and hires her to join Darkest Days on their upcoming tour.
As they spend time together while August teaches Cassie how to tap into her passion and have that come across more in her photographs, the two begin to fall for one another. August pushes Cassie to step outside of her comfort zone, and for the first time in her dating life, Cassie begins to feel something intense for a man as August stirs up emotions and feelings in her that she's never experienced before.
But August is hiding a major secret from his bandmates, and the depths of Mr. Perfect's lies and deceit could ruin not only his own life, but the livelihood of his friends as well.
As with her other rockstar romances, Athena writes a sexy celebrity hero, and a relatable, ordinary heroine. The exchanges between August and Cassie are sweet and tender when they are supposed to be, and sexually charged when they're supposed to be. August is so used to being the doer, the organizer, the leader, and when his life starts spiraling out of control, he can't handle it. When he finally, finally, breaks down and seeks out Cassie for help, it's a turning point for their relationship. One of my big pet peeves is when a reader is TOLD something happens, rather than shown so through the storytelling. Athena always does a great job in taking the reader along as her characters fall in love and shows them on their journey.
My only complaint is that how August knew about Cassie wasn't explained well enough. He's been following her -- okay, how did he hear about her in the first place if she's fresh out of college? I thought that needed a more thorough explanation to make August seem less stalker-y.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Wow! Athena has done it again! August and Cassie's story is fantastic. It involves a very sensitive and current subject and I think she handles it perfectly and true to life. I was always curious about August from the previous books - the solid one, the leader, the wrangler of the others in the band when they got out of hand, no problems, always cool. No one can be perfect all the time (even though he thinks he has to be). Eventually that pressure will cause an explosion - a release in inevitable. The range of emotions the author puts us through...worry, frustration, anxiousness, fear .. there were times I was crying so hard for/with the characters. But it wasn't all dark .. there is laughter, friendship, loyalty, pride, and love. This band of "brothers" is tight! Cassie has her own set of troubles, which August - the mentor of so many -tries to help her overcome, of course - he's August. Plus, you can tell he has a thing for her from the start. I love their chemistry. While August has that silent strength and intelligence and can find and draw out the best in people, Cassie is his center - an anchor. She helps him see that he doesn't have to do it alone and he doesn't have to be perfect - he will still be loved - even with faults - like we all have. I felt so proud of Cassie's accomplishments and strength - felt like she was a friend. By the end, they all felt like friends to me. I enjoyed experiencing the character's growth in this story -all the characters - even Damon has his eyes opened. Sure, they all still are cocky as ..., but you can see the maturity coming through. I can't wait for Damon's side of the story. Truly a very entertaining read!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
Oh My God, that was one hell of a book! So expertly written and oh such a good read. She even tackles some hard subjects. One in every book, this one deals with addiction. Just a side note if you or someone you know is please seek help. Even if it is only a friend that you can have get you professional help. Trust me you do not want to lose someone you love because you let it slide. I miss my sis everyday being far away I had no clue, but her friends knew and said nothing. Now back to the book I do not want to depress you. Because the book was great.
This is August and Cassie's story. He literally finds her at an art show. And being August he sees something in her not even she sees. The beautiful pictures she takes just speak to him. And of course he has to help her find out what she is feeling. Cassie is perfectly cool fantasy behind the lens. She wants to be separate from her art. But August has other plans he wants to bring her out of her shell and help her. But what he doesn't count on is her seeing more through her lens than he's prepared for anyone to see. But thank God she does see it and when something happens but could possibly end a life. Able to shed any light on the situation. And hopefully help. When the band gets together to help things go pretty bad for August. Now they just have to hope help has arrived in time. Or will it be the end of Darkest Days.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review** Fourth novel in the Darkest Days series! In this installment, we learn about the leader & creator of the band, mysterious musical genius August Summers & the reserved artistic photographer, Cassie Blake. Easy flowing storyline with a bit of slower burn but it's so worth it! Love how Athena Wright does not shy away from sensitive topics in this series & in this instance, it's addiction. Very eye opening to those who may not be as aware of these themes. Cassie is fresh out of college, showing off her art in a gallery when who should she happen stumble across but August. He has been following her work for a time & has seen "passion" in her work & decides to offer her a job as photographer for the band. They intrigue each other & help one another realize their hidden flaws. Sometimes it takes the prospective of a stranger to see through the lies. Loved how August was more of a quiet alpha male, though he's still a little intense at times. Band banter is on point. Not too many new characters although we do start to see more of the upcoming band Cherry Lips & the formation of Damon's story & his character shift. Could not put this one down & also loved the mini nod to Crystal Kaswell & her Dangerous Noise! Definitely cannot wait for Damon & Faith! Would absolutely recommend! :D
'Hard Rock Deceit' is the 4th instalment in the 'Darkest Days' series. Each book focuses on a different member of the band and this time it was the turn for August.
August is the drummer of the rock band and the one who founded the band. He has a dark, brooding character with many secrets inside. The heroine of this story is Cassie. She is a photographer, fresh out of college, who gets snatched away by August as the band's photographer during the next tour. August was captivated by her pictures, and together they explore the passion Cassie needs to feel to make her best work. The story by itself is a pretty straight forward rock star romance. I won't spoil anything, but you do get to learn more about August's background. The development of the characters is well done, and most of their actions are believable. The only thing that bugged me was that Cassie had to leave for the tour the next day. I know I would need more time to prepare before leaving on such a long journey, but maybe that's just me. It's a sweet story that's fast to read. No real surprises or twists, but the sex scenes were hot, and I did care for the characters. The other band members were also well-described, and each had their own voice. If you're looking for a fun, simple rockstar-romance, then this is your book.
The Fourth Book in the Darkest Days Series, and my oh my this one gave me goosebumps! I was so glad it was time for August's story! The whirlwind emotional mayhem that is this creatively written book had me blocking out the world around me while in the midst of this one. When August hires Cassie to be the photographer for the band while they're on the road, she doesn't have as much faith in herself as he does. August plans to bring out the passion in her he knows is buried deep down inside. Little does August know Cassie will end up being more than just a photographer for them, she wants to save someone from their own life, and the friendships in the band. The slow burn, tension building hotness between August and Cassie was addictive! I was all over the place! It does deal with drug abuse and some detoxing- I appreciate the fact it was not skimmed over & made to look easy. While a bit different than previous books in an excellent series, I loved this one, just as I have the rest. Maybe even more! So much heart, humor, and hotness. I was not kidding when I said I goosebumps! If you have not read any of the books in this series you should, you really should! I am a HUGE fan of them! IMO ONECLICK MATERIAL I am already excited for the 5th book! GAH
Athena Wright has long been a favorite of mine. Hard Rock Deceit (August's book) is another reason why. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book, and I'm so glad I did!
August has always fascinated me. I had no idea of his secrets and admit I was a little stunned. Even reading the clues, I didn't pick up on the direction it was going at first. When I got it, I loved it! Not because of the thing itself, but because it was so realistic! That's exactly how stuff happens in real life, and I adored seeing it handled so well in this book.
I loved Cassie, as well. She was the perfect foil for August. Confident about some things, a sponge to learn in other ways. It was a combination that worked on so many levels, and I absolutely believed and treasured the relationship.
It's hard to write a review without giving away the surprises of the book. If you've read the other Darkest Days books, don't hesitate to read this one! You won't be sorry. If you haven't read the others, don't hesitate! Athena Wright will be a favorite of yours, too!
We finally get August's story and met the man behind the legend . We fined out the history and pain that made him the musical genius that he is . We meet Cassie a photographer that August want to go on tour with Darkest Days as the band personal photographer . August can read her like a book and is determined to bring out the best in her photographs and her. We also find out that August has a secret he has been keeping from the band . I loved this book it has everything you expect from a Darkest Days story . As someone who loves rock music I do wish I could actually go to a concert by them . After reading all the stories you will fall in love with them . Each one touches on a subject that needs to be discussed as it is relevant in the here and now . Athena Wright is a rock star when it comes to writing about them . I recommend all the books in this series and Feral Silence . They are exceptional stories that will take you to a world few get to experience .
I have read everyone of the books by Athena Wright in the Hard Rock series and I thought I had a favorite until this one. August is the ultimate book boyfriend: Rockstar, sexy, sensitive, rich, intelligent, powerful and a prodigy and with all those great qualities he finds time to be caring for and to others. Cassie is the next in line to be branded gifted by the genius of August as a photographer for the band, turning regular behind scenes shots into art. They have an immediate connection. He see her passion that she doesn't feel exist and she sees everything he keeps from the world. This book deals with some sensitive subjects but it is done delicate as to not offend but to carefully inform educate and help. The chemistry between the couple is phenomenal but the best thing about the book is not what is written it is what is you feel after reading each chapter the nuances of their personalities that make them so 3D and real! A must read. If you never read another book by this author read this! (but then you'll want to read the rest anyway!)
Hard Rock Deceit by Athena Wright is the fourth book in A Rock Star Romance - Darkest Days. While every book in the series easily can be read as a standalone, for better understanding, I recommend to read the books in order. Cassie Blake is a artist/photographer fresh from college at her gallery showing. She gets hired from the spot as event photographer by a gorgeous stranger. August Summers, drummer and musical head of Darkest Days wants her on tour with the band. But he has a secret, a secret that threatens to destroy not only their new relationship, but also the band. What to do? Hard Rock Deceit is a steamy NA rockstar romance, and contains a sensitive theme-addiction . Hard Rock Deceit is a captivating book, I loved the characters , how they grow up, how they fight and how they win. And I love the beautiful, beautiful HEA. I give 4,5 stars and thank you Athena Wright.
When I review a book, I always seem to underline how sexy and steamy it is. This time I want to emphasize something that has completely amazed me. Indeed the book is really intense. Of all the characters of this band, August was the character whose story I was anxiously awaiting. In the previous books he appears to be the perfect character, the one who has total control over his life. On the contrary in this book, the author highlights how looks can be deceiving. August hires a shy and introverted girl as the band’s personal photographer to go on a tour with them. He is absolutely captivated by the passion that comes from her photos but actually he is absolutely overwhelmed by her from a personal point of view. Their attraction is mutual and it will explode once they get to know each other. Everything seems to go well until August’s secret is revealed. The secret is really hard to manage but love always finds a way to break the barriers. Without going thoroughly into the story, I highly really recommend this book. Beautifully written, the reader will be captivated as well by both characters being the right match to one another.
I really liked and enjoyed reading this story. Although I love reading about rock stars, the story is about several different things. August has been following Cassie's photography for awhile. He goes to a showing of new artists and Cassie is one of them. He goes to see her work and to offer her a job. The job consists of traveling across the country with the band, Darkest Days. Of course, there is more to it. August has offered to help Cassie find her passion. In the time she spends with the group and the people around the group she has grown close to the band members. She watches and takes pictures. She notices the ups and downs of the band while playing and when not. She sees something that concerns her greatly and the band also. But if she tells the band she might lose the best thing that has ever happened to her new relationships?
I have completely grown to love these boys and will be sad when the Darkest Days installment ends. That being said Hard Rock Deceit is the fourth book in Athena Wright’s Rock Star Romance series. She Introduces a few bands throughout the series which I’ve come to find have their own books as well. I love her writing style and while it may seem a little “fan fiction” it’s perfect for my rocker fix. These stories are diiiirty in the best way. All that aside, I was a little disappointed in August’s story. While all the other boys seemed to gradually fall into their relationships, with August and Cassie seemed a little awkward and maybe rushed? Although it did have some redeeming qualities. Like when August finally admits he needs her. Their relationship wasn’t all bad, to me, it was just awkward. However it was still a HEA and keeps me wanting more and more rockers!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
And, to be honest, I've sat on my review and reread the book before posting.
I love the guys from Darkest Days, and Feral Silence before them. This book has all the same things that I love - alpha male rocker, sweet and innocent heroine, will they won't they but they can't help themselves, and a final obstacle to overcome. But I just didn't take to it as much as the rest.
I enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but I didn't love it as much as the rest. I think I just didn't take to August as easily as the rest of the guys - maybe, given their "obstacle" you're not meant to?
Solid story, worth a read, but not the best in the series.
This was a great story which covered life changing situations like addiction and a chance of a lifetime job offer. Cassie is a photographer who has just graduated. At a showing of some of her work, she meets August Summers, drummer of the popular band Darkest Days. He offers her the job of tour photographer. August has a secret and as Cassie and he get closer, she begins to suspect the truth. August is an addict.
Loved the story BUT would it be too much to ask that the cover models actually MATCH the character descriptions. August is supposed to be a natural platinum blonde yet the cover model has black hair/beard. Same with Cameron...dyed red hair. Editing still sucks.
* 4.5 stars * A well written, sexy, rock star romance that should have broad appeal beyond the new adult age bracket. Cassie and August are two artists who work in different mediums (she is a photographer, he is a musician) They meet when she is unexpectedly offered a job as photographer to the band and challenged to push the limits of her own growth as an artist. I loved the depth and authenticity of the characters and the author's ability to allow the story to tell itself without revealing too much to the reader too soon. Highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August is the drummer of the Darkest Days rock band. A stubborn man, strong willed and determined to remain independent, August meets up with a situation that threatens to destroy him. Cassie is a photographer trying to grow her talent and career. She & August meet up at a gallery showcasing her art. He proposes a job where she will join the band's road tour as their official photographer. It's a great story about a guy learning to lean on others to help him and a gal that learns to be confident and trust herself. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Four stars.
Athena Wright again does a fantastic job with these rock stars from Darkest Days. August's story was one I was eager to read, and it didn't disappoint. August is the leader and drummer of the band, and is always worrying about everything and everyone, always trying to be the best. Cassie is a shy and introverted young woman who expresses her feelings through her art, photography. When August hires Cassie to work with the band during their tour, things between the two get really interesting. But when secrets threaten their relationship and the future of the band, will they be strong enough to overcome them? I highly recommend the reading.
This was a good read! I've loved this whole series, and this one is right up there! I was really surprised with the way that August's story went. He was always the responsible one, the one keeping everyone else out of trouble. August and Cassie were good together, and I thought they had good chemistry. I was glad to see Cassie come out of her shell, and stand up for what she thought would be best for August. The only thing I would change would be to have a dual POV. All of this series is single POV from the h's side. I would love to know how August was feeling. I can't wait to read Damon's story!
I am loving this series. August and Cassie's story is all about getting out of your comfort zone. he sees her, reads her thoughts. she sees him as well. she sees that his shoulder is giving more problems than he lets on. that he is taking drugs to be able to drum. they have some downs because his drug problem is a little more serious than he admitted to her. the band is in shock because August is the level headed one. the leader the voice of reason and he has been hiding this from them for a year. she helps him.through the toughest time, withdrawal and his shoulder rehab. it makes them stronger. fun, well written .. next is Damon and faith ... can't wait for that one
I love this series!! This is book four in the Darkest Days world, and the story of August and Cassie. This book takes you into the world of addiction and the effects on those around you. I LOVED how strong the character of Cassie was written. The choices she - and other band members made were real and this subject is nothing to shy away from - it needs to be told. Athena has done an outstanding job with this series. Her writing style makes you jump in with both feet from the very beginning. The elements from past books, developing characters that we now want to meet, it's just amazing and brilliant and each time I finish, I can't wait for more! This series will NOT disappoint!
Love this story of August the drummer in the band, and Cassie the photographer hired to take all the photos while they are on tour. It takes a while for them to get together personally, but when they do the sparks fly, things seem to be going well until the ugly head of drugs appear. August has been struggling with pain in his shoulders from all the drumming and finds pain relief in the form of drugs, for a short while the pain eases and August is able to function if only in body and not mind. Once it all comes to light the other members of the band are not happy and take drastic action. This story was very well writen and thought out, the story flowed easily, can't wait for the next one :)
August is hot. You can figure out if I mean the month or the man, but shew, you shouldn't have to guess! I liked August's book a great deal. He was perfectly flawed, as we found out. Cassie is the perfect match for him. They both have passion and the desire to share their art. He makes her better by challenging her and she makes him better by believing in him. I can't wait to see what happens to Damon. I love the guys in the band. They have each other's back and this time is no different. No one realizes, until it's almost too late, that August has a problem. When the final note of this book is played, there is a nice ahhhhhh to it.
I could not wait for August’s book, and was very curious about the mysterious August. This was a really great story. It dealt with a sore spot of mine so it was a bit difficult for me to read. August is a sweetheart who strives for perfection. He is a perfectionist to a fault. Cassie was a shut woman who was hired as a photographer for the band on tour. August had followed her work for awhile and connected with her art. They were a great couple. August was not as intense as the other guys. Again there is a sensitive subject matter with this story but it was great non the less. On to Damon’s now!
Awesome rock star romance with intrigue and some suspense. August is the one who brought all the band members together and keeps them out of trouble as well as ready to rock. He sees potential in Cassie’s art and hires her as the tour photographer. As they come closer Cassie notices August is the one the band all turns to but she also spots something frightening. The characters cross over in the Darkest Days box set that this book is part of. I enjoy characters being a ‘family’ and crossing over. These are wonderful characters and storyline. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Wright.
This is the story of Cassie and August Summers the creative genius and drummer for the band Darkest Day. August buys one of Cassie 's photographs and tells her he has been following her career. He thinks he can helper her reach her potential as an artist and offers her a job as the photographer for the bands tour. From here things fast forward and you are immersed in their story. Its a fun read with surprising twists and turns. Books in this series are stand alone but are more enjoyable if read in order. I had a ARC but I'm a big fan of this series.