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Conquest #3
Keys to Love
For two years, Julian Forrester's been playing keyboards and piano for Conquest. Having left behind a classical career, he's reached a level of fame like he's never dreamed. But fame and fortune can't bring him the one thing he wants most; love.
Morgan Chandler spent years teaching students to love music until budget cuts forced him out of a job. With family debts rising, Morgan accepts a job as a roadie for Conquest. He thinks he'll hate it with one exception -- he'll be close to Julian.
Can the two find the right music together that will lead them to the Keys to Love?
Morgan Chandler spent years teaching students to love music until budget cuts forced him out of a job. With family debts rising, Morgan accepts a job as a roadie for Conquest. He thinks he'll hate it with one exception -- he'll be close to Julian.
Can the two find the right music together that will lead them to the Keys to Love?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Frost
43 books571 followersS.J. Frost resides in Ohio with her family, pets, and horses. Her short stories have been featured in several erotic and romance anthologies, and her novels are published through MLR Press. Rock stars, vampires, fantasy heroes, and more, she enjoys dabbling in many different sub-genres in gay romance, but no matter what she writes, love and passion are the driving forces in every story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 23, 2010
Do you think they’ll ever be a time when we get fed up of reading about rock stars and their bands or those roadies that follow them around and hope to score a night or two or more with one of them and make their most ultimate fantasy or fantasies come true? I think not. I believe not and I definitely will not get enough on reading about them. Especially at the hands of S.J.’s creative mind in how she writes her characters that we drool over. At least I do. From Conquest to No Fear to this story I was delighted, relieved and more than content to see the guys come back into the spotlight and with a bang. Literally. Too bad it happened to an instrument. Every musical artist’s pride and joy... how drastic. I do confess and admit to hoping to read a little more story action to take place out from under the bed sheets and out of the bedroom more, but the story excelled none the less.
Once again Shannon impresses upon us another store that sits on a grand scale of the highest ranking with her story about the guys. I wasn’t in the least disappointed and she even boggled my mind on ‘the who’ done it because it was actually the one I had least expected or maybe ranked third on my list. I could really go on and on about this story, but that would make me a jackass by spoiling it for those of you who haven’t yet read it and/or plan on it. I’m not that cruel. Mostly :chuckling: Unless...
Anyhow, every member of that band is now coupled with the exception of one of the guys and To be honest I’m still in a daze as to him. I have a thing for drum players so I’m someone smitten and crushing on him myself. I see at least one more story in the making with this one and crossing my fingers it’ll me M/M or perhaps M/M/M? Not that’s an appetizing thought. A fawking mouth-watering delicious thought! One. Can. Dream!
That’s all the spotlight of my own I’m shedding on this story and leave it up to the rest of you to review your own opinion. I totally, completely and without a doubt thought the story rocked my world. Did it rock yours?
I do pose one challenging question about this book to S.J. since I do get my rocks off on challenging her. S.J., what band did you have in your thoughts when you created this group and what band would you relate their music too?
Once again Shannon impresses upon us another store that sits on a grand scale of the highest ranking with her story about the guys. I wasn’t in the least disappointed and she even boggled my mind on ‘the who’ done it because it was actually the one I had least expected or maybe ranked third on my list. I could really go on and on about this story, but that would make me a jackass by spoiling it for those of you who haven’t yet read it and/or plan on it. I’m not that cruel. Mostly :chuckling: Unless...
Anyhow, every member of that band is now coupled with the exception of one of the guys and To be honest I’m still in a daze as to him. I have a thing for drum players so I’m someone smitten and crushing on him myself. I see at least one more story in the making with this one and crossing my fingers it’ll me M/M or perhaps M/M/M? Not that’s an appetizing thought. A fawking mouth-watering delicious thought! One. Can. Dream!
That’s all the spotlight of my own I’m shedding on this story and leave it up to the rest of you to review your own opinion. I totally, completely and without a doubt thought the story rocked my world. Did it rock yours?
I do pose one challenging question about this book to S.J. since I do get my rocks off on challenging her. S.J., what band did you have in your thoughts when you created this group and what band would you relate their music too?
August 16, 2010
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about stories with gay rocker boys. What? They’re hot!
Keys to Love is the third book in the Conquest Series. The first two, Conquest and No Fear focused on the relationship between lead singer Jesse Alexander and Evan Arden. This one centers around the keyboardist of the band, Julian Forrester and his to-be partner, Morgan Chandler.
In Keys to Love, Julian finds love in Morgan, an out of work music teacher, who is working as a groupie on tour with Conquest. The two decide to keep their relationship hush-hush, afraid of what the other band members will say about Julian dating a groupie. This dishonesty leads to a lot of sneaking around and heartache for both characters. Then, when someone starts sabotaging Julian’s keyboards, which Morgan oversees setup of, things begin to take on a dangerous edge. Since Morgan is with the keyboards for setup before the shows and Julian is obviously playing them during the shows, no one knows for sure if the perpetrator is after Julian, Morgan, or perhaps both. There are a few different characters introduced in the book who could be responsible for the crimes, but I, for one, wasn’t entirely sure who it was until S.J. revealed him.
Top that all off with the sweet, endearing love that blossoms and grows between Morgan and Julian throughout the story and I thought it was a completely captivating, made me swoon, read! Now all I want to know is when I can be expecting book 4!
Keys to Love is the third book in the Conquest Series. The first two, Conquest and No Fear focused on the relationship between lead singer Jesse Alexander and Evan Arden. This one centers around the keyboardist of the band, Julian Forrester and his to-be partner, Morgan Chandler.
In Keys to Love, Julian finds love in Morgan, an out of work music teacher, who is working as a groupie on tour with Conquest. The two decide to keep their relationship hush-hush, afraid of what the other band members will say about Julian dating a groupie. This dishonesty leads to a lot of sneaking around and heartache for both characters. Then, when someone starts sabotaging Julian’s keyboards, which Morgan oversees setup of, things begin to take on a dangerous edge. Since Morgan is with the keyboards for setup before the shows and Julian is obviously playing them during the shows, no one knows for sure if the perpetrator is after Julian, Morgan, or perhaps both. There are a few different characters introduced in the book who could be responsible for the crimes, but I, for one, wasn’t entirely sure who it was until S.J. revealed him.
Top that all off with the sweet, endearing love that blossoms and grows between Morgan and Julian throughout the story and I thought it was a completely captivating, made me swoon, read! Now all I want to know is when I can be expecting book 4!
October 31, 2011
I was a little concerned before I started reading this one because I wasn't sure about the character of Julian. We really didn't get to much about him in the previous books that made me want to read about him. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and pleased. I liked both him and Morgan together. At first I honestly thought that he would get together with Jesse brother, Brandon, but glad that they brought in a new character for him. I was glad that there was no conflict again with leaving to protect the other because that was done in the first book and gets old. The story that revolved around them as a secondary plot was alright, but seemed a little thrown in to give the book mystery and/or drama, but honestly the author could have just left that part out. It didn't add anything to the story. I enjoyed that we still get all the characters from the first two books still an important part of the story instead of just localizing on just Julian and Morgan. I am really enjoying this series. This series is just an enjoyable read for me.
June 16, 2016
I am loving this series. Its sweet simple but with characters you really grow to love.
Julian and Morgans story was sweet with a touch of mystery to keep it interesting. I loved the way it seemed to start out obvious but then doubts started to creep in, so for me it was suspenceful, if only mildly.
But as this is really more of a feel good read rather than a serious mystery none of that really mattered in the end. The characters in these stories far out shine small plot niggles LOL.
On a side note, I must say I'm disapointed with the way Kenny has gone from Jesse's best friend and founding member of Conquest to almost a forgotton add on. While I have no interest in reading a whole book based on Kenny, (he is straight after all), I don't like the way his character doesn't seem to of matured or grown from the first book. But thats just my take lol.
ETA My feelings haven't changed. I still have the same niggles but I still enjoyed the story. But boy does sex play a major part in them.
Julian and Morgans story was sweet with a touch of mystery to keep it interesting. I loved the way it seemed to start out obvious but then doubts started to creep in, so for me it was suspenceful, if only mildly.
But as this is really more of a feel good read rather than a serious mystery none of that really mattered in the end. The characters in these stories far out shine small plot niggles LOL.
On a side note, I must say I'm disapointed with the way Kenny has gone from Jesse's best friend and founding member of Conquest to almost a forgotton add on. While I have no interest in reading a whole book based on Kenny, (he is straight after all), I don't like the way his character doesn't seem to of matured or grown from the first book. But thats just my take lol.
ETA My feelings haven't changed. I still have the same niggles but I still enjoyed the story. But boy does sex play a major part in them.
December 5, 2011
Oh Boy! This series just keeps getting better. I love that the characters just continue on into the next book, its like reading one long story instead of a bunch of individual ones these are always my favorite types of series. I feel like I'm part of the story (meaning these people feel real to me)I get all their emotions and find myself getting anxious when something not so nice is about to happen and weirdly find myself wanting to warn them, how strange is that. There's two more very hot guys in this book that I just wanted to wrap my arms around. Julian is so sweet and innocent and Morgan is a perfect for him, he's someone who can help him experience everyday things that Julian has never been able too before and the same goes for Morgan, Julian can give him a life he's never had, how great is that!!
It's always a nice surprise for me to find a book that has me thinking of the characters as real people that I'm somehow involved with. S.J. Frost's books do that to me I love reading them, they make me escape to somewhere so far removed from my normal life that it's relaxing and stress reducing.
I'm really bad at writing reviews, (I think I am anyway), and I don't write them the way most people do. My idea of a review is saying more about how I feel about the book rather than giving a recap of what the books about, that you get when you read the description before you buy the book. Knowing how people feel about the book or rather how the book made them feel is what I hope to find in reviews.
It's always a nice surprise for me to find a book that has me thinking of the characters as real people that I'm somehow involved with. S.J. Frost's books do that to me I love reading them, they make me escape to somewhere so far removed from my normal life that it's relaxing and stress reducing.
I'm really bad at writing reviews, (I think I am anyway), and I don't write them the way most people do. My idea of a review is saying more about how I feel about the book rather than giving a recap of what the books about, that you get when you read the description before you buy the book. Knowing how people feel about the book or rather how the book made them feel is what I hope to find in reviews.
November 20, 2011
Even though Jesse and Evan are still my favorite couple, Keys to Love is my favorite book so far. I loved the slow burn as opposed to the insta-love. Of course their attraction was there but thats more insta-lust. I loved how Morgan finally got his dream man and that Julian was everything he hoped he would be. I adored Julian...so talented, so sheltered and never peed outside...say what? I loved the camping trip , it was amazing.
I knew Kurt was a jerk but wow...really dude??? I loved and felt bad for Remmy. I know he probably won't get his own story but I hope we see more of him in the future books. I love the shy guys and he deserves a HEA.
But what I really like is that this story begins immediately after No Fear ends and the transition was flawless...you are never ripped out of the story and that kept me interested...so interested I read this in nearly one sitting. Yeah. I loved it!
I knew Kurt was a jerk but wow...really dude??? I loved and felt bad for Remmy. I know he probably won't get his own story but I hope we see more of him in the future books. I love the shy guys and he deserves a HEA.
But what I really like is that this story begins immediately after No Fear ends and the transition was flawless...you are never ripped out of the story and that kept me interested...so interested I read this in nearly one sitting. Yeah. I loved it!
July 29, 2010
I really enjoyed this but for some reason I didn't get as attached to Julian and Morgan as I did to Jesse and Evan. Don't get me wrong I still really liked them and the story - can't go wrong with rockstars in my book - and I love SJ's writing. I just kept hoping the originals would come into every scene, and they did a lot which of course, made me happy. :)
Julian is such a wonderfully dialectic character - classical pianist to rockstar and back again. I love his insecurities and his dreams and I think he and Morgan are a wonderful pair. As for Morgan, he just seems like a big playful but protective puppy dog, with a tremendously sexy side, of course. I loved the auction and how Morgan went about winning and I have to say that though I suspected who had been doing the sabotoge several times, SJ wound the plot so that by the end I thought it was someone else. Nice job.
Julian is such a wonderfully dialectic character - classical pianist to rockstar and back again. I love his insecurities and his dreams and I think he and Morgan are a wonderful pair. As for Morgan, he just seems like a big playful but protective puppy dog, with a tremendously sexy side, of course. I loved the auction and how Morgan went about winning and I have to say that though I suspected who had been doing the sabotoge several times, SJ wound the plot so that by the end I thought it was someone else. Nice job.
June 14, 2013
3.5 Stars
This is one of those books that I start, thinking I will just read for a little while, and don't stop until I get to the end.
Julian was a great character. Coming from a wealthy family, he was sheltered in many ways, and it was great to see Morgan take him out of his comfort zone. Even better, was the way Jess taunted him about it.
Morgan was nice enough, but I didn't love him as much. There wasn't anything about him that grabbed me.
My favourite parts were that we got to catch up with all the other band members, and seeing Jess and Evan, and how much they love one another still, made me an extremely happy reader. In fact, it has made me want to go and re-read their story again.
I will be reading more of this story, as soon as I finish my re-reads of the first two books.
This is one of those books that I start, thinking I will just read for a little while, and don't stop until I get to the end.
Julian was a great character. Coming from a wealthy family, he was sheltered in many ways, and it was great to see Morgan take him out of his comfort zone. Even better, was the way Jess taunted him about it.
Morgan was nice enough, but I didn't love him as much. There wasn't anything about him that grabbed me.
My favourite parts were that we got to catch up with all the other band members, and seeing Jess and Evan, and how much they love one another still, made me an extremely happy reader. In fact, it has made me want to go and re-read their story again.
I will be reading more of this story, as soon as I finish my re-reads of the first two books.
February 13, 2013
The third installment of Conquest is a great story with lovable characters. I loved Julian and Morgan from the beginning. They fit well together and made a cute couple.
I really enjoyed seeing Jesse, Evan, and the rest of the crew again. Jesse and Evan are still so damn sweet and Kenny... he finally found the girl of his dreams. I'm looking forward to Conquest No. 4 and Brandon and Shun's experiences with Dillon. :)
May 26, 2015
This series always seems to fall into the just ok valley for me. I liked it well enough. I like the dynamic of the band and their personalities, but the overwhelming insta-love and ooooh we have to hide things from out best friends tends to annoy me a bit. I would give this one 3.5 stars in the end.
Look, I like Morgan and Julian together. I actually enjoyed Julian as a character a lot. Jules' training from Julliard and his abilities as a concert pianist make him very interesting as he choose a life in the world of rock. He's just that little bit different and a very sweet man. As a character I like him. I even like the little bit of an edge he has and feel like Morgan is the perfect guy for him in a lot of ways. But the one look and he's head over heels was a bit much. Especially as Everything about this story could have happened naturally while getting ready for the tour and without that stupid over the top stalker gesture. Sure I get that you've loved his music for years but it got a little creepy.
Still I like these characters and the world. The band is fun if the elements of the story are a little silly at times. The slight mystery in this wasn't very hard to figure out Still this was a quick read and I'm glad I got to continue along with these guys' journey.
Look, I like Morgan and Julian together. I actually enjoyed Julian as a character a lot. Jules' training from Julliard and his abilities as a concert pianist make him very interesting as he choose a life in the world of rock. He's just that little bit different and a very sweet man. As a character I like him. I even like the little bit of an edge he has and feel like Morgan is the perfect guy for him in a lot of ways. But the one look and he's head over heels was a bit much. Especially as Everything about this story could have happened naturally while getting ready for the tour and without that stupid over the top stalker gesture. Sure I get that you've loved his music for years but it got a little creepy.
Still I like these characters and the world. The band is fun if the elements of the story are a little silly at times. The slight mystery in this wasn't very hard to figure out Still this was a quick read and I'm glad I got to continue along with these guys' journey.
October 24, 2011
3.5 stars.
This book was a little bit better than the second book, but it's the exact same recipe as Conquest. Two men fall in love within seconds of setting eyes on each other, they must keep their relationship a secret in order to protect the other, there is some jealousy related to men who have previously seen their partners naked, each book contains a small Scooby-Doo type whodunnit, there's a slight income disparity so one man worries that others will see him as a "kept" man, and finally there is a big reveal of the mystery and the hidden relationship.
I didn't like this book as much as Conquest because it is the same formula, but I did like it better than No Fear because at least we did get a new couple to learn about. I'll have to say, I'm happy Julian gets his story but where the heck did Morgan come from? I did like Morgan but I definitely am a little tired of characters falling in mad love at first sight and deciding to live together and be life partners within 2 weeks. And the way that they finally met and got together seems a little bit improbable given Morgan's income level.
The mysteries in these books are a little silly. I was definitely not on the edge of my seat as the mystery was revealed..."and I would've gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!" I think the last book will be the best because the MCs in that book definitely don't seem to follow the love at first sight rule of thumb.
This book was a little bit better than the second book, but it's the exact same recipe as Conquest. Two men fall in love within seconds of setting eyes on each other, they must keep their relationship a secret in order to protect the other, there is some jealousy related to men who have previously seen their partners naked, each book contains a small Scooby-Doo type whodunnit, there's a slight income disparity so one man worries that others will see him as a "kept" man, and finally there is a big reveal of the mystery and the hidden relationship.
I didn't like this book as much as Conquest because it is the same formula, but I did like it better than No Fear because at least we did get a new couple to learn about. I'll have to say, I'm happy Julian gets his story but where the heck did Morgan come from? I did like Morgan but I definitely am a little tired of characters falling in mad love at first sight and deciding to live together and be life partners within 2 weeks. And the way that they finally met and got together seems a little bit improbable given Morgan's income level.
The mysteries in these books are a little silly. I was definitely not on the edge of my seat as the mystery was revealed..."and I would've gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!" I think the last book will be the best because the MCs in that book definitely don't seem to follow the love at first sight rule of thumb.
December 4, 2012
This third book in the series focuses on a new relationship, that between keyboardist Julian and roadie Morgan, although the relationships from the earlier books still continue to develop. This makes the series seem like one good long story rather than separate books (which is a good thing). The only element of the story that seemed a bit unbelievable was
July 12, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
Julian Forrester is a classically trained pianist and a former Juilliard student. When classical music was just not fulfilling him anymore he made a drastic decision to join a rock band. He joined Conquest and hasn’t looked back. After two years of rocking round the world the only thing missing and the one thing he craves more than anything is to find a man to spend the rest of his life with. When he watches the interaction between Evan and Jesse he is left with a sense of loneliness and longing.
Morgan Chandler was a music teacher until the school started making cuts and he found himself without a job. When his father died he inherited a music store along with its debts and he has been working part time jobs when and where he could get them just to survive. His latest job finds him as a roadie for the band Conquest.
They don’t really play his kind of music but the pianist is someone whose career he has followed for many years.
When Julian and Morgan first meet Julian is practically salivating and he puts it down to the fact that he hasn’t had anyone in his bed for far too long. He doesn’t even know if Morgan is gay but that doesn’t help with the attraction he feels or prevent him from seeking the other man out just to stare at him and try to start up a conversation. Their first date is very unusual and very expensive but in the end it gets the pair what they both want.
This is kind of an insta love story but it is not without its problems.
There should be no fraternising on the road so Julian and Morgan work hard to keep their relationship a secret. The only thing this creates is lies and stress and really everyone knows by now that there is not much you can get past Jesse.
Morgan is uncomfortable with Julian’s wealth and generosity especially when it’s directed at him. Julian has never been in a long term relationship and now has to tread carefully where Morgan’s pride is concerned. Their biggest problem comes when someone on the tour starts sabotaging Julian’s instruments making everyone feel unnerved. A simple comment and a whole load of jealousy has made a crew member irrational and dangerous.
I enjoyed Julian’s story. He came to Conquest as a quiet and shy pianist but that is not who he is and in this book we get to see his full character – riding crops and all!
4.5 Stars
Julian Forrester is a classically trained pianist and a former Juilliard student. When classical music was just not fulfilling him anymore he made a drastic decision to join a rock band. He joined Conquest and hasn’t looked back. After two years of rocking round the world the only thing missing and the one thing he craves more than anything is to find a man to spend the rest of his life with. When he watches the interaction between Evan and Jesse he is left with a sense of loneliness and longing.
Morgan Chandler was a music teacher until the school started making cuts and he found himself without a job. When his father died he inherited a music store along with its debts and he has been working part time jobs when and where he could get them just to survive. His latest job finds him as a roadie for the band Conquest.
They don’t really play his kind of music but the pianist is someone whose career he has followed for many years.
When Julian and Morgan first meet Julian is practically salivating and he puts it down to the fact that he hasn’t had anyone in his bed for far too long. He doesn’t even know if Morgan is gay but that doesn’t help with the attraction he feels or prevent him from seeking the other man out just to stare at him and try to start up a conversation. Their first date is very unusual and very expensive but in the end it gets the pair what they both want.
This is kind of an insta love story but it is not without its problems.
There should be no fraternising on the road so Julian and Morgan work hard to keep their relationship a secret. The only thing this creates is lies and stress and really everyone knows by now that there is not much you can get past Jesse.
Morgan is uncomfortable with Julian’s wealth and generosity especially when it’s directed at him. Julian has never been in a long term relationship and now has to tread carefully where Morgan’s pride is concerned. Their biggest problem comes when someone on the tour starts sabotaging Julian’s instruments making everyone feel unnerved. A simple comment and a whole load of jealousy has made a crew member irrational and dangerous.
I enjoyed Julian’s story. He came to Conquest as a quiet and shy pianist but that is not who he is and in this book we get to see his full character – riding crops and all!
February 1, 2015
I really like this series and although I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first two this book was still a 4 star read. Julian Forrester is a classically trained pianist who decided to switch careers, he has been playing piano and keyboard for the rock band Conquest. Julian has been feeling lonely with lead singer Jesse Alexander marrying his mega star boyfriend Evan Arden and them being all over each other. The band is getting ready to go on tour and are getting the staff together. Morgan Chandler has always been a fan of Julian he is having a hard time with budget cuts he was let go from the school that he was teaching music at and his father just died leaving him a music store that is drowning in debt. Morgan takes a job as a roadie on the tour when Julian first meets Morgan he is instantly attracted to him, but he is unsure if Morgan is even gay. Morgan wins an auctioned off private concert given by Julian and this leads to the two beginning a relationship. The two decide to keep their relationship hidden from everyone else, which neither one is happy about, afraid of what the other band members will say about Julian dating a staff member. This dishonesty leads to a lot of sneaking around and heartache for both characters. Then, when someone starts sabotaging Julian's piano's , which Morgan oversees the setup for, things begin to take on a dangerous edge. Since Morgan is with the piano's for setup before the shows and Julian is obviously playing them during the shows, no one knows for sure if the perpetrator is after Julian, Morgan, or perhaps both. When the band finally confronts Julian about his relationship and they are very supportive of his and Morgan's relationship he realizes that he was wrong to hide. Each one of them have to learn that a relationship is give and take Morgan with his pride. I love reading this series and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series especially Kyler and Robbie. If you like reading about hot gay rockstars than I recommend that you read this series.
January 10, 2011
This is the third book in the Conquest series. In this one we follow the keyboard player, Julien in his quest for love. It wasn't who I was expecting, although had I read the blurb I would have know, I was just avoiding it. Anyway, like all other relationships in this series he pretty much meets the the man of his dreams they are in love within two weeks. In this one the two hide their relationship because Julien is a rockstar and Morgan is a roadie. In the background, Kenny also finds love, which just leaves Brad. I don't care if he ends up with a man or woman, but I would like to read his story. It was interesting to see Evan and Jesse from the outside, they are way less intense, which I thought was a good thing. I have to wonder about that tour bus, it has got to be getting crowded with 6 men and 3 dogs not to mention all the sex.
I have to say that reading about music is a little flat. There are sometimes full pages of lyrics, which wouldn't be bad except I have no idea what the music sounds like. So reading meaningful lyrics is one thing, but when it's a full song, including a bridge and several repeats of the chorus, it gets a little stale.
I almost forgot, there's also a mystery. Someone is sabotaging Julien's pianos. It's not very hard to figure out who, even though there is a half hearted attempt at a red herring about 2 pages before the reveal. The question is why. Not why they did it, but why the mystery side story? The story of the two stands well without it, and the mystery is never used to create tension or suspicion between them, so I'm not sure why it was thrown in ther.
I have to say that reading about music is a little flat. There are sometimes full pages of lyrics, which wouldn't be bad except I have no idea what the music sounds like. So reading meaningful lyrics is one thing, but when it's a full song, including a bridge and several repeats of the chorus, it gets a little stale.
I almost forgot, there's also a mystery. Someone is sabotaging Julien's pianos. It's not very hard to figure out who, even though there is a half hearted attempt at a red herring about 2 pages before the reveal. The question is why. Not why they did it, but why the mystery side story? The story of the two stands well without it, and the mystery is never used to create tension or suspicion between them, so I'm not sure why it was thrown in ther.
July 27, 2012
Keys to Love is my new favourite in the Conquest series. Actually, it's one of my new favourites in the entire m/m genre. I absolutely loved Julian's story. The first chapter made me feel a little guilty for not realising before how hard it must have been for Julian to hide his sexuality at the same time as Jesse and Evan. He was lonely, and it honestly broke my heart. Julian and Morgan's romance was beautiful and they were such a cute couple. Morgan was perfect for Julian and I loved how, even though Julian was the one with the money and the fame, it was Morgan who introduced Julian to all these new and wonderful things - like camping and peeing outside! I really didn't want this to end because I wanted to see their whole relationship play out on the page - I wanted to see them move in together, get married, tour together, have children, grow old... *sigh*
I can't wait to continue this series, I just don't know what I'll do when it comes to an end! I am absolutely DYING to read Robbie and Kyler's story.
I can't wait to continue this series, I just don't know what I'll do when it comes to an end! I am absolutely DYING to read Robbie and Kyler's story.
March 8, 2012
I enjoyed this segment of the Conquest series. It was nice to see everyone again. I still love Jesse and Evan best of all, but it was really nice to see Julian get some attention. Things happened rather quickly for Julian and Morgan, but they fit well together and made a good couple. I love the comraderie the bandmates all have now that they solidified the group. It was also nice to see Kenny getting some attention in this book! Kurt rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning, and it struck me as odd that Evan let things go on with him as long as he did, knowing what a stickler he is about security and all. I was also happy to see some good things happen for Remmy, who seems like a real sweetheart. All in all, this was an enjoyable addition to the Conquest family.
April 7, 2014
I really liked this one. If I woulda read it right after No Fear, I may not have thought the same thing tho. Since I had many many months since I last seen these guys it was great to see them all again. :)
Julian & Morgan had kinda an insta love thing going on but it's all good. They seemed to fit together perfectly and right from the start. Some of the money issues for Morgan well how he went about things aggravated me a bit & Julian didn't hesitate to help out. (which maybe when you have that much cash you don't even have to think twice about things like that.)
The Auction tho...SO FUN!!!
One book closer to finishing up another series I've started...woo!
Julian & Morgan had kinda an insta love thing going on but it's all good. They seemed to fit together perfectly and right from the start. Some of the money issues for Morgan well how he went about things aggravated me a bit & Julian didn't hesitate to help out. (which maybe when you have that much cash you don't even have to think twice about things like that.)
The Auction tho...SO FUN!!!
One book closer to finishing up another series I've started...woo!
September 6, 2015
I have enjoyed the Conquest series, this the third in the series was a good read. The mystery wasn't much of a mystery. For as long as the book was there really wasn't much conflict between the main characters. Their affair went pretty smoothly even the small conflict they had didn't put much of a bump in the relationship. They "mystery" really didn't effect the relationship. It seemed more a filler than anything. Still overall I really enjoyed the read. It was nice to see the relationship grow and develop even on the road like they were.
December 17, 2014
Ahhh. How I love the boys from Conquest. This was a great story about Julian and his roadie Morgan.
The relationship for these guys definitely progressed much quicker than I expected but I really liked how the communication at the beginning was very open (that they didn't want a one night stand). I was pleasantly surprised by the "mystery" that surrounded the story. I had it narrowed down to 2 suspects but the one on the top of my list was not the culprit so I was glad to have some surprise. Great continuation of the series.
The relationship for these guys definitely progressed much quicker than I expected but I really liked how the communication at the beginning was very open (that they didn't want a one night stand). I was pleasantly surprised by the "mystery" that surrounded the story. I had it narrowed down to 2 suspects but the one on the top of my list was not the culprit so I was glad to have some surprise. Great continuation of the series.
November 25, 2010
3.5 stars. Since I feel like living in their world for the last week, I wanted to read the sequel. It was a cute little story with a very predictable villain. I liked looking at Jesse and Evan from another perspective (Julian's perspective).
August 5, 2011
Absolutely amazing! I could not put it down. The characters (and I mean all main characters) are so whole and real and I have to go and buy the next book now!
August 6, 2011
The level of tenderness in this book could make even the coldest heart ache.
Bravo S.J., the standard set by the first books was brilliantly upheld in this 3rd installment.
Bravo S.J., the standard set by the first books was brilliantly upheld in this 3rd installment.
January 15, 2012
Great story, with lovable characters, both main and secondary and excellent dialog. Another great addition to the series.
August 2, 2014
The 3rd book in the series. The story of Julian and Morgan.
It was good to catch up with the guys and also that Evan and Jesse were still featured.
It was good to catch up with the guys and also that Evan and Jesse were still featured.
June 7, 2017
I still hold Jesse and Evan up as my favorites in this series because I love Jesse’s unapologetic spunk and attitude, but I was excited to see Julian get his man. Some of the drama was a little predictable in terms of the source of the problem, but all’s well that ends well. Let’s see what Black Heart Down has to offer!
July 23, 2011
This is the third book in S.J. Frost's Conquest series. This one featured Julian, the keyboardist for the wildely popular rock band, Conquest. Not only has poor Julian has had to watch Jesse and Evan display their love for the past two years, but Brandon, who Julian crushed on, has fallen in love with Shun and now even Kenny has a girlfriend, all while Julian is still alone. But things change when Morgan is hired on as a roadie for Conquest's new tour as the tech person to take care of Julian's keyboards. Morgan, who was a high school music teacher, had followed Julian's career as a concert pianist before he joined Conquest, and crushed on him the whole time. So it was a dream come true for him to get the chance to work for Julian. And when Julian saw him the first time, he thought Morgan was the most beautiful man he'd ever seen. So I guess that kinda helps explain away the "immediate love" because Morgan had followed Julian's career for about the past 5 years. And when they met and talked, they had an immediate connection, via their love of music. So I found that believable.
We're back to the "hide the relationship" theme like in the first two books. Julian and Morgan are afraid that the other roadies will think Morgan is getting special treatment. And there was problems previously with other roadies fighting so they decide it's best to keep their relationship a secret. Of course, you can imagine how well Jesse does NOT take this when it comes out. But he understands their motivation. That was a big issue in the book and a source of the angst.
Another big part of the book was the underlying mystery, although it wasn't hard at all to figure out who the culprit is. Someone is sabotaging Julian's pianos, and once right before a show, causing them to improvise and change the set during the show. But it was a nice little addition to the story.
It was nice to see Jesse and Evan from Julian's point of view. I like to get the little glimpses of their relationship. I'm happy for Kenny that he's got a girlfriend, although I'm not interested in any story about him (sorry, not into m/f), and so now that leaves a possible story for Brad since we have been getting teased about his sexuality. I'm ready to start Brandon and Shun's story next. REALLY loving this series! I really enjoyed this third book, although not as much as the first two.
We're back to the "hide the relationship" theme like in the first two books. Julian and Morgan are afraid that the other roadies will think Morgan is getting special treatment. And there was problems previously with other roadies fighting so they decide it's best to keep their relationship a secret. Of course, you can imagine how well Jesse does NOT take this when it comes out. But he understands their motivation. That was a big issue in the book and a source of the angst.
Another big part of the book was the underlying mystery, although it wasn't hard at all to figure out who the culprit is. Someone is sabotaging Julian's pianos, and once right before a show, causing them to improvise and change the set during the show. But it was a nice little addition to the story.
It was nice to see Jesse and Evan from Julian's point of view. I like to get the little glimpses of their relationship. I'm happy for Kenny that he's got a girlfriend, although I'm not interested in any story about him (sorry, not into m/f), and so now that leaves a possible story for Brad since we have been getting teased about his sexuality. I'm ready to start Brandon and Shun's story next. REALLY loving this series! I really enjoyed this third book, although not as much as the first two.
November 14, 2011
3.5 stars. This was a sweet love story that focused on Conquest's keyboardist and pianist, Julian.
Conquest is about to head out on their next world tour, and the sweet and incredibly sexy Morgan is hired as a roadie, and with his experience in pianos, he will be taking care of Julian's instruments specifically. The two fellas meet, and there is an instant attraction to the other for each man, only the other doesn't know it. Fortunately, it doesn't take too long for it to be discovered, and they realize that the attraction is only more intense after finally revealing how each feels about the other. They decide they want to date exclusively, but Julian feels that it is best left a secret while on the road so that things don't get too awkward, and so that the other roadies don't think that Morgan is being favored due to his relationship with Julian.
That is all fine and well, but for only a short period of time. It doesn't take long for Morgan to dislike having to keep it a secret. But before they deal with that, accidents keep happening to Julian's instruments, and they need to figure out what is going on, and who might be trying to sabotage Julian.
I enjoyed this story, as I have with the other Conquest books so far, and while Julian and Morgan were really very sweet (and sexy, and hawt, and even a little naughty - RRRRARRR!), they both fell in love uber-quick, and it just seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Their time together, though, was very sweet and still enjoyable to read, especially their outdoor camping trip during their tour break.
In addition to the love story, I really enjoyed the time we got to see Jesse, Evan, and the rest of the crew. Jesse was as arrogant, and funny, as ever, and he and Evan are still so damn sweet and very much in love. It was nice to see Kenny finally happy as well...first nervous about trying to woo a gal, but then being successful in doing so (or rather, she wooing him). The charity auction at the beginning of the book was rather hysterical and provided much comic relief.
The saboteur/bad guy story in the book was a bit far-fetched and also seemingly unrealistic, but I guess there needed to be something more than just the love story at the heart of the book.
Overall, though, it was sweet, and I do look forward to reading more about this fun loving, uber-hawt rock band!
Conquest is about to head out on their next world tour, and the sweet and incredibly sexy Morgan is hired as a roadie, and with his experience in pianos, he will be taking care of Julian's instruments specifically. The two fellas meet, and there is an instant attraction to the other for each man, only the other doesn't know it. Fortunately, it doesn't take too long for it to be discovered, and they realize that the attraction is only more intense after finally revealing how each feels about the other. They decide they want to date exclusively, but Julian feels that it is best left a secret while on the road so that things don't get too awkward, and so that the other roadies don't think that Morgan is being favored due to his relationship with Julian.
That is all fine and well, but for only a short period of time. It doesn't take long for Morgan to dislike having to keep it a secret. But before they deal with that, accidents keep happening to Julian's instruments, and they need to figure out what is going on, and who might be trying to sabotage Julian.
I enjoyed this story, as I have with the other Conquest books so far, and while Julian and Morgan were really very sweet (and sexy, and hawt, and even a little naughty - RRRRARRR!), they both fell in love uber-quick, and it just seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Their time together, though, was very sweet and still enjoyable to read, especially their outdoor camping trip during their tour break.
In addition to the love story, I really enjoyed the time we got to see Jesse, Evan, and the rest of the crew. Jesse was as arrogant, and funny, as ever, and he and Evan are still so damn sweet and very much in love. It was nice to see Kenny finally happy as well...first nervous about trying to woo a gal, but then being successful in doing so (or rather, she wooing him). The charity auction at the beginning of the book was rather hysterical and provided much comic relief.
The saboteur/bad guy story in the book was a bit far-fetched and also seemingly unrealistic, but I guess there needed to be something more than just the love story at the heart of the book.
Overall, though, it was sweet, and I do look forward to reading more about this fun loving, uber-hawt rock band!
Read
August 19, 2011Even if set in the same universe of Conquest and No Fear, Keys to love is the story of Julian, Jesse’s pianist. Julian was a character I liked very much, and I really wanted to read his story. It seemed easy, and obvious, that Julian’s partner ought to be Brandon, Jesse’s brother, and indeed they had a fling, but if I remember well, it was already finished in the previous book. So when this novel starts, Julian is more or less mourning all the lost chances he had at happiness, Brandon included, and he is pining for a long-term relationship like Jesse and Evan has. And like an answer to his prayers, here it comes Morgan, handsome, kind and already in love with Julian.
Morgan has a crush on Julian, but it’s a “classical” infatuation; Morgan, high school music teacher, felt in love for Julian, the classical pianist, and was a little disappointed when Julian moved to rock. He changes mood when this moving allow him to finally meet the man, Morgan, without job due to the economic downfall, is hired as roadie for Jesse and Julian’s rock group, and of course as soon as Julian sees the handsome man, the deal is made. I had the feeling Julian was a little too eager to close the deal, maybe he was feeling a little antsy, and whoever was fitting the bill could do… but of course I’m joking, since Julian and Morgan are really made for each other.
Joke aside, all the series has a little the feeling to be like a playground for big guys who like to behave a little like kids. Julian is 26, Morgan is 31, Jesse is over 20 and if I remember well Evan is well over 30… but all of them behave like the real world is not there, waiting for them. Morgan, with a huge lease to pay, is willing to spend 30.000 dollars to have the pleasure to listen Julian play a private concert, when basically he can simple go and ask the guy to play for him; Julian pays out Morgan’s debts without telling the man, when it’s obvious Morgan will not be happy at all, and so on and so on… So yes, this is not the lifestory of men who don’t know how to make the end of the month meets, but after all, this is first of all a romance, and second a show business theme… of course it’s all about the sparkling and sweet.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608201589/?...
Morgan has a crush on Julian, but it’s a “classical” infatuation; Morgan, high school music teacher, felt in love for Julian, the classical pianist, and was a little disappointed when Julian moved to rock. He changes mood when this moving allow him to finally meet the man, Morgan, without job due to the economic downfall, is hired as roadie for Jesse and Julian’s rock group, and of course as soon as Julian sees the handsome man, the deal is made. I had the feeling Julian was a little too eager to close the deal, maybe he was feeling a little antsy, and whoever was fitting the bill could do… but of course I’m joking, since Julian and Morgan are really made for each other.
Joke aside, all the series has a little the feeling to be like a playground for big guys who like to behave a little like kids. Julian is 26, Morgan is 31, Jesse is over 20 and if I remember well Evan is well over 30… but all of them behave like the real world is not there, waiting for them. Morgan, with a huge lease to pay, is willing to spend 30.000 dollars to have the pleasure to listen Julian play a private concert, when basically he can simple go and ask the guy to play for him; Julian pays out Morgan’s debts without telling the man, when it’s obvious Morgan will not be happy at all, and so on and so on… So yes, this is not the lifestory of men who don’t know how to make the end of the month meets, but after all, this is first of all a romance, and second a show business theme… of course it’s all about the sparkling and sweet.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608201589/?...
November 18, 2014
“He’s shown me things I never saw before. We went camping and I peed outside! And we had sex outside, too! Have you ever had sex outside? Of course you have. Look who I’m talking to. But I never had and it was amazing!”
The third installment of this series centers on the band’s keyboardist Julian Forrester and his quest for love. With everyone (aside from Brad) finding their special someone, Julian is feeling left out in the romance department. Then he meets music teacher Morgan Chandler who works as a roadie for their first solo world tour. Morgan have had a crush on Julian for so long prior to him getting the job and getting the opportunity to be near the guy opens a lot of possibility for him. Now, will this encounter turn into something more?
Now see, the beauty of a great story is how an author is able to create an attachment between his characters and his readers. This story like the first two books has that. In this installment, I immediately fell into the charm of Julian and his laid-back innocence. I was also easily smitten by Morgan’s sense of responsibility and yeah – he’s a total babe too. LOL
What’s so good about this story is that it was not overly sappy. It’s just right and then there’s the gang. Jesse’s still driving the crazy train (he’s just so adorbs!) and still got that personality we come to love from him. The reason I’m giving this one short of five stars is because I feel that it was prolonged a bit considering its very thin plot. I’ve no serious complaints about that though. It was still, overall a very good read that I’m sure fans of the series would enjoy! I know I did.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The third installment of this series centers on the band’s keyboardist Julian Forrester and his quest for love. With everyone (aside from Brad) finding their special someone, Julian is feeling left out in the romance department. Then he meets music teacher Morgan Chandler who works as a roadie for their first solo world tour. Morgan have had a crush on Julian for so long prior to him getting the job and getting the opportunity to be near the guy opens a lot of possibility for him. Now, will this encounter turn into something more?
Now see, the beauty of a great story is how an author is able to create an attachment between his characters and his readers. This story like the first two books has that. In this installment, I immediately fell into the charm of Julian and his laid-back innocence. I was also easily smitten by Morgan’s sense of responsibility and yeah – he’s a total babe too. LOL
What’s so good about this story is that it was not overly sappy. It’s just right and then there’s the gang. Jesse’s still driving the crazy train (he’s just so adorbs!) and still got that personality we come to love from him. The reason I’m giving this one short of five stars is because I feel that it was prolonged a bit considering its very thin plot. I’ve no serious complaints about that though. It was still, overall a very good read that I’m sure fans of the series would enjoy! I know I did.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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