Review: Dissonance

Dissonance by Shira Anthony and Nick J. Russo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

British noble Cameron Sherrington has hit rock bottom. The love of his life, opera sensation Aiden Lind, is marrying another man, and Cam knows it’s his fault for pushing Aiden away. As if that’s not enough, someone is trying to take away his family business, and the US authorities are pursuing him on charges of money laundering. Desperate and betrayed by the people he thought cared about him, Cam takes refuge in the subway station where Galen Rusk plays his trumpet for tips.

 

The first part, where Cam is accused of money laundering, was captivating. After that, the focus changed to Galen and his issues and I just bided my time. This was no immersive novel, maybe caused by the third-person narration. I was not convinced by everything this story offered. Like, Cam being able to run a company and how easily he stepped over his mental health issues.
I chose this book based on the narrator, who did a good job, again. The sound was too harsh.

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Review: Prelude

Prelude by Shira Anthony and Peter B. Brooke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

 World-renowned conductor David Somers never wanted the investment firm he inherited from his domineering grandfather. He only wanted to be a composer. But no matter how he struggles, David can’t translate the music in his head into notes on paper.

When a guest violinist at the Chicago Symphony falls ill, David meets Alex Bishop, a last-minute substitute. Alex’s fame and outrageous tattoos fail to move David. Then Alex puts bow to string, and David hears the brilliance of Alex’s soul.

David has sworn off relationships, believing he will eventually drive away those he loves, or that he'll lose them as he lost his wife and parents. But Alex is outgoing, relaxed, and congenial—everything David is not—and soon makes dents in the armor around David's heart.

Why I marked this audiobook as 'to listen' and ignored all the others is a mystery. I liked how this romance depicted two convincing males. Not overly focused on feelings. No deep, well-worded conversations. And, refreshingly, no sex obsession. For MM romance that's quite unique.
The performance was adequate, with different voices and expressing the author's description. But in parts it felt flat, to me. The stinted, perfectionist David sounded exactly how he was supposed to sound. But Alex could have had more depth and warmth.
The sound quality was all right but I missed the low tones. It sounded quite harsh and unpleasant.

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Review: Face the Music

Face the Music by K.M. Neuhold and Kenneth Obi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lincoln
I thought there was only one thing I needed to make me happy. I was so sure becoming a rock star would heal the dark corners inside me. But every time I walk onto the stage, with a roaring crowd screaming my name, all I can think about is the boy I left behind.
Jace
I thought I hated Lincoln when he ghosted me ten years ago and destroyed my heart. But I’ve never hated him as much as I do right now, standing in front of me like he has every right to be in my world again.

I love story's with a well-researched mental illness theme. No, love does not cure all. And yes, both life partners can be equals, even if one is ill. With two points of view, you witness both their inner monolog and their memories of a better time. As one of my favorite relistens, I recommend this audiobook to everyone who loves MM romance.
The narrator did a good job. 

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Review: Banded Together

Banded Together by K.C. Burn and Darcy Stark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Devlin Waters thought he’d have music forever. But the tragic death of his best friend ended the twenty-year run of his punk band, Negative Impression. Unable to process the loss, Devlin distances himself from everyone and everything that reminds him of the band. But forty-one is too young to curl up and wait for the end. In a search for a second career, he finds himself at university.

Dr. Jack Johnson does not appreciate Devlin’s lack of respect, his inability to be serious, or his chronic lateness. Worse, he hates that he’s attracted to a student. When he realizes Devlin is the rock star he crushed on in his youth, he drops his guard—against his better judgment.

 
I really liked this audiobook and the performance was good. Although I fast-forwarded the chapters where Stephanie opened her mouth. Maybe it is directed by the text because otherwise I don't understand why she got such an unsufferable voice. Furthermore, there should have been noise reduction. I am on the look-out for more LGBTQ rock stars finding love.

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