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With the Band
Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop them…except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. But Bastian is too hot to resist, and besides, it’s just sex, so what’s the harm?
Bastian has just gotten out of a long relationship with his volatile ex-fiancée when Aaron catches his eye. The sexy singer is irresistible, and in spite of the potential for strife within the band if this comes out, Bastian can’t help himself.
Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it's going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can't get back to playing with the band.
Bastian has just gotten out of a long relationship with his volatile ex-fiancée when Aaron catches his eye. The sexy singer is irresistible, and in spite of the potential for strife within the band if this comes out, Bastian can’t help himself.
Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it's going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can't get back to playing with the band.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2011
61 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
217 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
September 2, 2015
***REALLY ENJOYABLE M/M STORY***
Aaron was in a band previously but the band broke up after he had a relationship with another band member.He moves to Seattle to audition as lead singer in another band his brother and sister are part of.They are a pretty laid back group...the only stipulation is that fellow band members don't get involved...
Enter Bastian,a guitarist in the band...
The moment they set eyes on each other the attraction is obvious.Aaron is gay but only his sister knows.Bastian is bi and has just come out of a relationship with a woman.
They start of as friends but Holy Hell....the sexual tension is of the charts hot!!!
The sex scenes are plentiful and extremely erotic...I was definitely more than a bit flustered reading this but I have to say the scenes were very well written and these two were perfect together.
There are complications along the way...a crazy ex and when they are 'outed',unbearable tension within the band.
I do love a Rock Star book and even more so if it's man on man action.The Author did a great job in creating the atmosphere of a Rock Band when they were on stage.
This is told only from Aaron's POV and in certain books that works but I think here the story would have benefited from getting Bastian's as well
Highly recommended if you enjoy M/M erotica with two totally likeable characters......
Thanks Jessica.A for the rec,xxx
Aaron was in a band previously but the band broke up after he had a relationship with another band member.He moves to Seattle to audition as lead singer in another band his brother and sister are part of.They are a pretty laid back group...the only stipulation is that fellow band members don't get involved...
Enter Bastian,a guitarist in the band...
The moment they set eyes on each other the attraction is obvious.Aaron is gay but only his sister knows.Bastian is bi and has just come out of a relationship with a woman.
They start of as friends but Holy Hell....the sexual tension is of the charts hot!!!
The sex scenes are plentiful and extremely erotic...I was definitely more than a bit flustered reading this but I have to say the scenes were very well written and these two were perfect together.
There are complications along the way...a crazy ex and when they are 'outed',unbearable tension within the band.
I do love a Rock Star book and even more so if it's man on man action.The Author did a great job in creating the atmosphere of a Rock Band when they were on stage.
This is told only from Aaron's POV and in certain books that works but I think here the story would have benefited from getting Bastian's as well
Highly recommended if you enjoy M/M erotica with two totally likeable characters......
Thanks Jessica.A for the rec,xxx
September 8, 2014
3.5--Just One More Kiss--Stars!!
This one started out as a pretty solid read. I do love a good rockstar book! And I really liked this one until about the last 15-20% when the drama came out of nowhere and just seemed to keep escalating!
Aaron is auditioning to be the lead singer of the band Schadenfreude, a band that's made of his his two siblings and their two childhood friends! Aaron's last band broke up after his relationship with another band member went bad.
Needless to say, the recurring theme of the book was don't date your fellow band members!
The day of the audition, Aaron meets Bastian and that theme goes straight out the window. They have an immediate connection. Bastian is bi and has just gotten out of a relationship/engagement with psycho Denise! It was apparent from the time we met Denise....
I actually really liked Bastian and Aaron together. This was a super steamy read and they had great chemistry. So imagine my surprise when I get to 80% or so in the book and shit hits the fan! I kind of knew it would happen but I found a lot of the drama to be OTT and unnecessary.
The story was pretty predictable. It's pretty inevitable that Aaron and Bastian won't be able to keep their feelings a secret. I was just really disappointed in the fallout and how Bastian a handled the situation!
This one started out as a pretty solid read. I do love a good rockstar book! And I really liked this one until about the last 15-20% when the drama came out of nowhere and just seemed to keep escalating!
Aaron is auditioning to be the lead singer of the band Schadenfreude, a band that's made of his his two siblings and their two childhood friends! Aaron's last band broke up after his relationship with another band member went bad.
Needless to say, the recurring theme of the book was don't date your fellow band members!
The day of the audition, Aaron meets Bastian and that theme goes straight out the window. They have an immediate connection. Bastian is bi and has just gotten out of a relationship/engagement with psycho Denise! It was apparent from the time we met Denise....
I actually really liked Bastian and Aaron together. This was a super steamy read and they had great chemistry. So imagine my surprise when I get to 80% or so in the book and shit hits the fan! I kind of knew it would happen but I found a lot of the drama to be OTT and unnecessary.
The story was pretty predictable. It's pretty inevitable that Aaron and Bastian won't be able to keep their feelings a secret. I was just really disappointed in the fallout and how Bastian a handled the situation!
September 1, 2014
Hands down the best I've read from Witt so far.
Favourite quote:
"You know you'd hit this."
"With a car, maybe."
Favourite quote:
"You know you'd hit this."
"With a car, maybe."
March 2, 2013
4.5 stars
With The Band is the story of an up and coming Seattle band. Aaron has just moved back to town after the demise of his relationship and band due to a bad break up. In Seattle, he joins Schadenfreude. The band members are his brother Todd, sister Elena, and the siblings Andre and Bastian. The band has a very important rule and that is not to get romantically involved with each other. Aaron thought this would be easy, considering two of the members were family and the other two were straight. Aaron had no idea that Bastian is bisexual.
Upon meeting sparks immediately fly between Aaron and Bastian. It started off as something physical at but they soon realized it was more. I felt the development of their relationship was well written. There was an easy friendship between the two and a smoking hot chemistry in the bedroom. I often found myself wishing I could join them :P
All would not be easy as they would need to deal with the pressures of making as a couple and a band, a stalker ex-girlfriend, and just everyday life.
I'm pretty new to reading M/M genre romance books.I would recommend this book to anyone considering delving into this genre. This is a sweet, sensual book with a great story.
P.S. I hope the picture doesn't gray out but if does I apologize. It's all photobuckets's fault for being greedy.
September 21, 2015
I liked this one, but I didn't love it. There were too many things getting on my every last nerve.
So Aaron has left his old band and is joining the band his brother and sister are in. He's been in a relationship with the guitarist of his old band and shit didn't work out for them, meaning things within the band got fucked up too. Now at this point I'm already wondering why he's the one that left (or got kicked out, we don't get specifics) and not the guitarist..I thought good lead singers were hard to find. I wanted to know more about what happend in his old band and with his ex...
So he joins the new band, Schadenfreude. His new bandmembers are, his brother, his sister and their two best friends, who also happen to be brother, Andre and Bastian.
Aaron figured out he was gay by the big crush he used to have on Andre when they were young.
Now Andre is in a very serious realtionship and Bastian just came out of a relationship, so Aaron figures he doens't have to worry about repeating his old mistakes, by getting involved with a bandmember.
But when Aaron and Bastian meet for the first time...there are a lot of Sparks flying around.
At this point Aaron started making me throw up in my mouth a little. His whole..."I can't sing proparly, because Bastian is behind me...I can't breath because Batsian is behind me...I hope Bastian doens't see the shivers running through my body"....I get that you like the dude...but really ??? You can't function anymore, just because you met a hot guy. It sounded a bit whiny and ott to me, but hey...what do I know ;)
Well..it seems that Bastian isn't as straight as everybody thinks he is. No..he's bi and he's got the hots for Aaron too. And eventhough they know it's wrong, they can't resist each other.
But the band has this rule about not dating other bandmembers and nobody knows that they like boys...so they (have to) keep it a secret. While exploring their sexual relationship in secret, they fall in love.
Ofcourse secrets always have a way of coming out..as does this one, because Bastian has this crazy phycho of an ex girlfriend.
When the band finds out..they flip. I just couldn't believe the freaking drama. They all acted like whiny little bitches. They started fighting and the dynamics of the band totally changed. I mean...didn't they see that they were the ones fucking shit up and not Bastian and Aaron.
Then, because of all the shit they are getting from their brother and sister, Bastian makes a stupid mistake....ofcourse he does...sigh
So yeahh. I liked reading this one, but it also pissed me off. A lot of unnecessary drama.
I liked Aaron and Bastian together...they were pretty hot, and a little cheesy (especially Aaron).
I liked the sexscenes but was a bit dissapointed by the lack off prepping (I love me some good prepping !!) Also had to stop counting the number of times "Oh God oh God" and "Like that", came by.
3 stars from me and I will be reading more by this author :)
So Aaron has left his old band and is joining the band his brother and sister are in. He's been in a relationship with the guitarist of his old band and shit didn't work out for them, meaning things within the band got fucked up too. Now at this point I'm already wondering why he's the one that left (or got kicked out, we don't get specifics) and not the guitarist..I thought good lead singers were hard to find. I wanted to know more about what happend in his old band and with his ex...
So he joins the new band, Schadenfreude. His new bandmembers are, his brother, his sister and their two best friends, who also happen to be brother, Andre and Bastian.
Aaron figured out he was gay by the big crush he used to have on Andre when they were young.
Now Andre is in a very serious realtionship and Bastian just came out of a relationship, so Aaron figures he doens't have to worry about repeating his old mistakes, by getting involved with a bandmember.
But when Aaron and Bastian meet for the first time...there are a lot of Sparks flying around.
At this point Aaron started making me throw up in my mouth a little. His whole..."I can't sing proparly, because Bastian is behind me...I can't breath because Batsian is behind me...I hope Bastian doens't see the shivers running through my body"....I get that you like the dude...but really ??? You can't function anymore, just because you met a hot guy. It sounded a bit whiny and ott to me, but hey...what do I know ;)
Well..it seems that Bastian isn't as straight as everybody thinks he is. No..he's bi and he's got the hots for Aaron too. And eventhough they know it's wrong, they can't resist each other.
But the band has this rule about not dating other bandmembers and nobody knows that they like boys...so they (have to) keep it a secret. While exploring their sexual relationship in secret, they fall in love.
Ofcourse secrets always have a way of coming out..as does this one, because Bastian has this crazy phycho of an ex girlfriend.
When the band finds out..they flip. I just couldn't believe the freaking drama. They all acted like whiny little bitches. They started fighting and the dynamics of the band totally changed. I mean...didn't they see that they were the ones fucking shit up and not Bastian and Aaron.
Then, because of all the shit they are getting from their brother and sister, Bastian makes a stupid mistake....ofcourse he does...sigh
So yeahh. I liked reading this one, but it also pissed me off. A lot of unnecessary drama.
I liked Aaron and Bastian together...they were pretty hot, and a little cheesy (especially Aaron).
I liked the sexscenes but was a bit dissapointed by the lack off prepping (I love me some good prepping !!) Also had to stop counting the number of times "Oh God oh God" and "Like that", came by.
3 stars from me and I will be reading more by this author :)
March 7, 2016
Bored me within sight of the first page. Very yesteryear m/m.
July 28, 2016
2.5 stars, rounded down bc GR. Dissenting opinion ahead...
So, this didn't work for me on a few levels. For starters, I didn't entirely buy that the relationship was a love match. It seemed to be mostly lust, and I couldn't quite follow at what point Bastian and Aaron fell in love. Their bedroom antics were hot, smoking, sure, but their relationship seemed to be based on mostly that, and while they may be young now, that sort of chemistry will eventually sizzle, so something else needs to be in place to bind them.
Secondly, the drama. While I got the need to keep the relationship secret, what with the rule of "don't date within the band" and the pressure of performing most every night, and their big chance on the horizon, I thought that there was a bunch of fabricated drama, including the BIG ONE toward the end that could have been avoided, if the other band members weren't so hell-bent on being right and actually gave both Bastian and Aaron a chance to plead their case, and then maybe, just maybe, put the brain they have to good use. Because ultimately, the other band members caused the drama and the angst for most of this book.
And, Todd - outing your brother, and with a comment like that? That's really, really low. Fuck you.
Also, I resented the characterization of Denise. Her only purpose was to be shrill and annoying and evil, and she didn't have one single redeeming quality. She felt entirely one-dimensional. Add to that that she's the catalyst of the BIG ONE drama. The way the band members talked about her, while perhaps in line with her portrayal, was also off-putting.
Certain themes were picked up, like Aaron's parents being homophobic, but then not resolved. The manager, Rob - seriously, what kind of manager was he? He ordered Aaron and Bastian to "fix it", but didn't have the smarts to realize that Aaron and Bastian, while the catalyst, weren't the root cause for the discord and tension within the band.
And I can't believe I say this, but there was probably too much sex in this book, and that's actually my biggest hang-up. It felt as if 50% of the book were sex scenes or leading-up-to-sex scenes, and I eventually starting skimming them. Not that they were super repetitive, and not that I didn't think they were hot because this author surely delivers on that, but it became too much, and seemed to be filler, instead of addressing the real issues in this book - two MCs who feel they have to sneak around because of an unwritten rule, even after they confess their love for each other, and three other band members who needed to pull their heads out of their asses. Yeah, yeah, when you date within the band and then break up, it could break up the band too. But, and that's my hang-up, I was pissed off with Todd and Andre, and Elena too, that they wouldn't even LISTEN for one damn minute about what Aaron and Bastian had to say. They expected them to end the relationship, and eventually, with their crappy attitude, caused Bastian to buckle under the pressure.
I liked Aaron and Bastian, and I liked the fiery chemistry they had, even though I have concerns that this will take them to a HEA. They did communicate honestly, for the most part, so maybe there's hope for them after all.
Yeah, this book didn't work for me as well as I had hoped based on the blurb. I don't regret reading it, though, so that counts for something.
I own a copy of this book that I purchased for myself.
So, this didn't work for me on a few levels. For starters, I didn't entirely buy that the relationship was a love match. It seemed to be mostly lust, and I couldn't quite follow at what point Bastian and Aaron fell in love. Their bedroom antics were hot, smoking, sure, but their relationship seemed to be based on mostly that, and while they may be young now, that sort of chemistry will eventually sizzle, so something else needs to be in place to bind them.
Secondly, the drama. While I got the need to keep the relationship secret, what with the rule of "don't date within the band" and the pressure of performing most every night, and their big chance on the horizon, I thought that there was a bunch of fabricated drama, including the BIG ONE toward the end that could have been avoided, if the other band members weren't so hell-bent on being right and actually gave both Bastian and Aaron a chance to plead their case, and then maybe, just maybe, put the brain they have to good use. Because ultimately, the other band members caused the drama and the angst for most of this book.
And, Todd - outing your brother, and with a comment like that? That's really, really low. Fuck you.
Also, I resented the characterization of Denise. Her only purpose was to be shrill and annoying and evil, and she didn't have one single redeeming quality. She felt entirely one-dimensional. Add to that that she's the catalyst of the BIG ONE drama. The way the band members talked about her, while perhaps in line with her portrayal, was also off-putting.
Certain themes were picked up, like Aaron's parents being homophobic, but then not resolved. The manager, Rob - seriously, what kind of manager was he? He ordered Aaron and Bastian to "fix it", but didn't have the smarts to realize that Aaron and Bastian, while the catalyst, weren't the root cause for the discord and tension within the band.
And I can't believe I say this, but there was probably too much sex in this book, and that's actually my biggest hang-up. It felt as if 50% of the book were sex scenes or leading-up-to-sex scenes, and I eventually starting skimming them. Not that they were super repetitive, and not that I didn't think they were hot because this author surely delivers on that, but it became too much, and seemed to be filler, instead of addressing the real issues in this book - two MCs who feel they have to sneak around because of an unwritten rule, even after they confess their love for each other, and three other band members who needed to pull their heads out of their asses. Yeah, yeah, when you date within the band and then break up, it could break up the band too. But, and that's my hang-up, I was pissed off with Todd and Andre, and Elena too, that they wouldn't even LISTEN for one damn minute about what Aaron and Bastian had to say. They expected them to end the relationship, and eventually, with their crappy attitude, caused Bastian to buckle under the pressure.
I liked Aaron and Bastian, and I liked the fiery chemistry they had, even though I have concerns that this will take them to a HEA. They did communicate honestly, for the most part, so maybe there's hope for them after all.
Yeah, this book didn't work for me as well as I had hoped based on the blurb. I don't regret reading it, though, so that counts for something.
I own a copy of this book that I purchased for myself.
March 23, 2017
Omg........ è stata una lettura stupefacente.... Ogni volta che finisco un mm penso che non troverò un'altra storia d'amore che mi faccia tremare il cuore ed invece eccomi qua di nuovo incredula e innamorata di questi due personaggi meravigliosi che mi hanno fatto sospirare e sognare ad occhi aperti.... Mi sono innamorata di loro già dalle prime pagine, dal loro primo incontro, dai loro sguardi sfuggenti....Mi hanno fatto innamorare per la loro dolcezza.... è mi hanno fatto piangere nei momenti di difficoltà che hanno dovuto affrontare..Aaron e Bastian hanno un posto speciale fra gli mm preferiti... Uno fra i più belli che ho letto.... Mi mancheranno tantissimo perché non vorrei separarmi dalla loro storia d'amore.
November 1, 2012
I tried this book because I had enjoyed the books I had read under the name Lauren Gallagher, who is the same person.
I'm really glad I did. This was a love story where the problems faced were realistic. Two men falling for each other who are in the same band. The other band members were family. What would happen if things went south. How would their family react to them being together. One was gay, the other bi-sexual, but neither had really come out.
If you are looking for angst or suspense, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a romance where the problems come from just your sexual preferences, this might be the book for you. It was the book for me. I enjoyed it immensely.
I will be reading more of this author as soon as I find the time.
I'm really glad I did. This was a love story where the problems faced were realistic. Two men falling for each other who are in the same band. The other band members were family. What would happen if things went south. How would their family react to them being together. One was gay, the other bi-sexual, but neither had really come out.
If you are looking for angst or suspense, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a romance where the problems come from just your sexual preferences, this might be the book for you. It was the book for me. I enjoyed it immensely.
I will be reading more of this author as soon as I find the time.
May 8, 2013
Almost 4 stars!
As you all know musician's....well you know!
Bastian Koehler is sex on legs :) This was a great story and written quite well. I enjoyed the whole 'family' thing that the band had goin on. There are a few things that I would have like to see go in other directions but what can I do. Very enjoyable..definitely recommend this to those who enjoy rockers, hot sex but also have a romantic side!
As you all know musician's....well you know!
Bastian Koehler is sex on legs :) This was a great story and written quite well. I enjoyed the whole 'family' thing that the band had goin on. There are a few things that I would have like to see go in other directions but what can I do. Very enjoyable..definitely recommend this to those who enjoy rockers, hot sex but also have a romantic side!
May 25, 2016
I found this story incredibly frustrating because both Aaron and Bastian were selfish, short-sighted and immature. Great chemistry, yes. But they both thought of themselves then each other over everyone else - and then demanded sympathy when the inevitable happened. Ugh. Annoying. Hard to find redeeming qualities in either of them.
Not sure how to review this. It was well written but I do wish I hadn't read it because it just felt like reading a self-serving, whiny rationalization. If other people see characters like I do, they might feel the same. I don't know.
Immature P.S. And "ich libe dich". I'm like, yeah, that about sums you two up! ;-)
Not sure how to review this. It was well written but I do wish I hadn't read it because it just felt like reading a self-serving, whiny rationalization. If other people see characters like I do, they might feel the same. I don't know.
Immature P.S. And "ich libe dich". I'm like, yeah, that about sums you two up! ;-)
November 27, 2011
I do enjoy musician/rocker stories and this one was a fun read. The two main characters, Aaron and Bastien had some sizzling and steamy scenes. I did find that some of the band member's reactions to the two characters being together got annoying at times as it was repeated over and over again and the ending seemed kind of rushed and really didn't work for me, but the epilogue gave the story a happy ending. I could see how a sequel could be written and I would enjoy revisiting these characters again to see whether the author could take them.
June 8, 2011
Wuuuut? Wow, the conflict of dating a member in the band, Bastian's stalker ex and the reason for the break up and how it was done and the boys getting outed was really ridiculous So disappointed. I slogged through so much dialogue where the characters were repeating themselves that I started skimming. I was not feeling this read at all...band or no.
September 21, 2014
3.5 Stars
April 29, 2020
OK, but far too much "I gotta have you, now!" sex and an illogical drama at the end.
October 16, 2012
3.5 stars.
I liked it very much, but first what I didn't like: the stalking psychotic neurotic ex-girlfriend. Why? I know she was the one who made one of the main things happen, but an ordinary, disappointed, jealous ex-lover who's just too desperate and lonely to let the guy go would be enough. It made me distrust one of the main characters, and I found his explanations of why things went wrong too mild and unconvincing. Aaron was right when he expressed his doubts. The plot involves rockstars trying to break out, it's already big enough, so the psychotic stalker made the story a bit unbelievable. And predictable, I have to admit.
What I loved loved loved was the eroticism of the love scenes. The author paid a lot of attention to the details of love making. When you are physically close to someone, sensations get more intense, the images blur and become out of focus, while your other senses explode in hyper-awareness. I confess that the scene where Bastian was teaching Aaron to play is enough to recommend the book.
The story between the main characters developed very fast at the beginning, on the heels of their physical attraction. I thought it dragged a bit in the middle, some of the situations felt repetitive and at the end I had the impression the characters were creating the obstacles to their relationship on their own. It was as if the author almost gave us an explanation, but not quite, so I was a bit dissatisfied.
There were parts I loved very much, I liked that the author tried to make them real musicians, including rehearsals, performances, the life around a band trying to break out, and not only insisting on the clichés of the promiscuous artists. Aaron and Bastian, and everyone in Schadenfreude, are ordinary people who love their music and have a dream.
If you like rockstars, it's recommended. Worth a bit of frustration.
I liked it very much, but first what I didn't like: the stalking psychotic neurotic ex-girlfriend. Why? I know she was the one who made one of the main things happen, but an ordinary, disappointed, jealous ex-lover who's just too desperate and lonely to let the guy go would be enough. It made me distrust one of the main characters, and I found his explanations of why things went wrong too mild and unconvincing. Aaron was right when he expressed his doubts. The plot involves rockstars trying to break out, it's already big enough, so the psychotic stalker made the story a bit unbelievable. And predictable, I have to admit.
What I loved loved loved was the eroticism of the love scenes. The author paid a lot of attention to the details of love making. When you are physically close to someone, sensations get more intense, the images blur and become out of focus, while your other senses explode in hyper-awareness. I confess that the scene where Bastian was teaching Aaron to play is enough to recommend the book.
The story between the main characters developed very fast at the beginning, on the heels of their physical attraction. I thought it dragged a bit in the middle, some of the situations felt repetitive and at the end I had the impression the characters were creating the obstacles to their relationship on their own. It was as if the author almost gave us an explanation, but not quite, so I was a bit dissatisfied.
There were parts I loved very much, I liked that the author tried to make them real musicians, including rehearsals, performances, the life around a band trying to break out, and not only insisting on the clichés of the promiscuous artists. Aaron and Bastian, and everyone in Schadenfreude, are ordinary people who love their music and have a dream.
If you like rockstars, it's recommended. Worth a bit of frustration.
March 12, 2017
I thought the book was okay. 3.5 steamy stars as I liked Bastien and Aaron for most of the book. Bonus points for a hero named Aaron (one of my faves). I thought it was an enjoyable read for most of the book, though a little slow in the middle.
This book was super steamy with lots of sex. So much sex that I think Aaron and Bastien's romance got lost somewhere along the way. There was a lot of talk about (Un)fading and how it became a tribute to their relationship and growing feelings for each other, but I guess the budding love was happening off the page because I didn't see it. And since this is told by Aaron, I never got a true sense of Bastien and where he was coming from.
They spoke about letting things ride a day at a time from the very beginning. They were either rehearsing, performing or having sex. Then one day they were in love. I would have been rooting for them so much more had they had a few more tender moments and more time talking about what they liked about each other.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the time they spent alone in the hospital. Without lust filling every space, I got a sense for more of where they were heading.
I am unsure of how Bastien thought his resolution was the right one, but it just didn't make sense to me. At all. But hey, it worked it out and he got his head out of his ass to do it, so it all turns out fine in the end.
PS: Todd was a fucking asshole. Someone should have kicked him in the nuts for that shit. No excuses, dude.
This book was super steamy with lots of sex. So much sex that I think Aaron and Bastien's romance got lost somewhere along the way. There was a lot of talk about (Un)fading and how it became a tribute to their relationship and growing feelings for each other, but I guess the budding love was happening off the page because I didn't see it. And since this is told by Aaron, I never got a true sense of Bastien and where he was coming from.
They spoke about letting things ride a day at a time from the very beginning. They were either rehearsing, performing or having sex. Then one day they were in love. I would have been rooting for them so much more had they had a few more tender moments and more time talking about what they liked about each other.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the time they spent alone in the hospital. Without lust filling every space, I got a sense for more of where they were heading.
I am unsure of how Bastien thought his resolution was the right one, but it just didn't make sense to me. At all. But hey, it worked it out and he got his head out of his ass to do it, so it all turns out fine in the end.
PS: Todd was a fucking asshole. Someone should have kicked him in the nuts for that shit. No excuses, dude.
Want to read
January 20, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop them…except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. But Bastian is too hot to resist, and besides, it’s just sex, so what’s the harm?
Bastian has just gotten out of a long relationship with his volatile ex-fiancée when Aaron catches his eye. The sexy singer is irresistible, and in spite of the potential for strife within the band if this comes out, Bastian can’t help himself.
Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it's going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can't get back to playing with the band.
This book was previously published, and has been lightly revised from its original version.
Blurb:
Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop them…except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. But Bastian is too hot to resist, and besides, it’s just sex, so what’s the harm?
Bastian has just gotten out of a long relationship with his volatile ex-fiancée when Aaron catches his eye. The sexy singer is irresistible, and in spite of the potential for strife within the band if this comes out, Bastian can’t help himself.
Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it's going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can't get back to playing with the band.
This book was previously published, and has been lightly revised from its original version.
February 10, 2017
Ms. Witt has a way of making you really feel the emotions. And boy! What an emotional roller coaster this was. I'm exhausted now. But it was definitely worth it.
March 19, 2017
Mi sono innamorata... davvero!
Questo libro è un qualcosa di incredibile davvero, ti cattura dalle prime battute, e ti trascina in una girandola di emozioni, i protagonisti sono Bastian e Aaron, due ragazzi che fanno parte della stessa banda e che non riusciranno a togliersi le mani di dosso, una passione incredibile che li trascinerà nel l'unico punto che potranno raggiungere, ovvero, quello del non ritorno..
Una storia davvero incredibile dove i personaggi crescono man mano, dove le scene sono eccezionali, e non ci si può far altro che innamorarsi dei due, ma i problemi sono in agguato e la felicità raggiunta potrebbe non piacere a tutti... un libro che non si può perdere, che va letto, star consiglio la lettura! traduzione impeccabile
Questo libro è un qualcosa di incredibile davvero, ti cattura dalle prime battute, e ti trascina in una girandola di emozioni, i protagonisti sono Bastian e Aaron, due ragazzi che fanno parte della stessa banda e che non riusciranno a togliersi le mani di dosso, una passione incredibile che li trascinerà nel l'unico punto che potranno raggiungere, ovvero, quello del non ritorno..
Una storia davvero incredibile dove i personaggi crescono man mano, dove le scene sono eccezionali, e non ci si può far altro che innamorarsi dei due, ma i problemi sono in agguato e la felicità raggiunta potrebbe non piacere a tutti... un libro che non si può perdere, che va letto, star consiglio la lettura! traduzione impeccabile
October 9, 2024
This was a pretty good read. Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop the except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. I liked both of these characters and the band. The attraction between Aaron and Bastian was hot and so were the sex scenes in fact they had a lot of sex. It is not wise to get into a relationship with someone you work with it can effect the dynamics of your working relationship. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
June 4, 2024
3,5/5
March 18, 2012
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay.
Aaron McClure has returned to Seattle after the break up of his band and his relationship. His brother and sister's band Schadenfraude needs a new male singer and Aaron is hoping to fill that spot. He is looking forward to seeing drummer Andre Koehler, his brother's long-time friend and Aaron's childhood crush. But he is unprepared for the immediate desire he feels when he sees Andre's brother, bass guitarist Bastian, who is now all grown up and incredibly gorgeous.
Aaron is fiercely attracted to Bastian right from the start. He tries to keep it under control, both for the sake of the band and the fact that he assumes Bastian is straight given that he just broke up with a long-time girlfriend. However, the heat between the men is palpable, and when Bastian initiates things between them, they are soon engaged in some hot and heavy passion.
Both men know a relationship between them is not the best idea. First, neither man is out, even to his family, let alone to the public and their fans (the only exception being Aaron has told his sister Elena). And even if their siblings knew they were gay, they would completely freak at the idea of two bandmates dating. Fall out from the bad end of a relationship is what tore apart Aaron's other band, and they know Schadenfreude's other members would be furious if they found out Aaron and Bastian are involved.
Yet despite this, the guys can't stay away from each other. They continue sneaking around as the relationship gets more intense and they fall in love. Aaron and Bastian know they must come clean with their families and the rest of the band, but as Schadenfreude's star starts to rise, they worry the announcement will cause to much disruption. Yet secrets can't be kept forever and Aaron and Bastian have to hope that they can still make things work when the truth comes out.
Ok, so let me start with the things I really liked here. First off, Bastian and Aaron burn up the page. Witt writes such great scenes of sexual tension, and the early days of their relationship when they both want each other are crazy intense. And when the men do get together it is just explosive. They are totally hot and needy together (like splash the cold water on them hot). I have a thing for those guys who get all growly during sex and growling in German? Whew, hello Bastian!
I also really liked the interplay among the band members. As two sets of siblings together in a band, it made for great relationship dynamics. Many bands operate as a family, but in this case they had the added challenges of actually being family, and all the issues that come with spending so much time with your siblings. There are a lot of characters to handle and I think Witt does a great job of giving them all unique personalities and making the side characters more than just window dressing.
So the primary issue I had with the story is that I felt things got a bit stuck in a loop. Aaron and Sebastian have a lot of discussion about why they shouldn't be together, the fact that they want to be together anyway, and when/how they will tell their bandmates. I think these are all important issues and I am glad they are discussed, but there were times when I felt like the same topics came up over and over but nothing really moved forward or changed.
In addition to the issues the men face with their relationship, there are also lingering problems in the form of Denise, Bastian's ex-fiance. She isn't able to accept that things are over between them and is constantly showing up and hanging all over him. Denise is the clear villain in the story, and her inability to let go is definitely a problem, but I just wished she had been fleshed out a bit more. Denise and Bastian were together for six years and had just recently broken up. So it is not that odd to me that she would have trouble moving past things. Towards the end of the book we get more detail on the problems in their relationship and we see Denise act out in a really terrible way. But I wish things were developed with her a bit more so we understood the backstory and she wasn't so much of a flat "bad guy" character.
Overall I enjoyed With the Band, especially because the characters are so likeable. I loved hanging with the band and watching them all interact. And Bastian and Aaron are incredibly hot together and they just steam up the page. I had a few issues with the book, but I also thought it was a great story that I enjoyed reading.
Aaron McClure has returned to Seattle after the break up of his band and his relationship. His brother and sister's band Schadenfraude needs a new male singer and Aaron is hoping to fill that spot. He is looking forward to seeing drummer Andre Koehler, his brother's long-time friend and Aaron's childhood crush. But he is unprepared for the immediate desire he feels when he sees Andre's brother, bass guitarist Bastian, who is now all grown up and incredibly gorgeous.
Aaron is fiercely attracted to Bastian right from the start. He tries to keep it under control, both for the sake of the band and the fact that he assumes Bastian is straight given that he just broke up with a long-time girlfriend. However, the heat between the men is palpable, and when Bastian initiates things between them, they are soon engaged in some hot and heavy passion.
Both men know a relationship between them is not the best idea. First, neither man is out, even to his family, let alone to the public and their fans (the only exception being Aaron has told his sister Elena). And even if their siblings knew they were gay, they would completely freak at the idea of two bandmates dating. Fall out from the bad end of a relationship is what tore apart Aaron's other band, and they know Schadenfreude's other members would be furious if they found out Aaron and Bastian are involved.
Yet despite this, the guys can't stay away from each other. They continue sneaking around as the relationship gets more intense and they fall in love. Aaron and Bastian know they must come clean with their families and the rest of the band, but as Schadenfreude's star starts to rise, they worry the announcement will cause to much disruption. Yet secrets can't be kept forever and Aaron and Bastian have to hope that they can still make things work when the truth comes out.
Ok, so let me start with the things I really liked here. First off, Bastian and Aaron burn up the page. Witt writes such great scenes of sexual tension, and the early days of their relationship when they both want each other are crazy intense. And when the men do get together it is just explosive. They are totally hot and needy together (like splash the cold water on them hot). I have a thing for those guys who get all growly during sex and growling in German? Whew, hello Bastian!
I also really liked the interplay among the band members. As two sets of siblings together in a band, it made for great relationship dynamics. Many bands operate as a family, but in this case they had the added challenges of actually being family, and all the issues that come with spending so much time with your siblings. There are a lot of characters to handle and I think Witt does a great job of giving them all unique personalities and making the side characters more than just window dressing.
So the primary issue I had with the story is that I felt things got a bit stuck in a loop. Aaron and Sebastian have a lot of discussion about why they shouldn't be together, the fact that they want to be together anyway, and when/how they will tell their bandmates. I think these are all important issues and I am glad they are discussed, but there were times when I felt like the same topics came up over and over but nothing really moved forward or changed.
In addition to the issues the men face with their relationship, there are also lingering problems in the form of Denise, Bastian's ex-fiance. She isn't able to accept that things are over between them and is constantly showing up and hanging all over him. Denise is the clear villain in the story, and her inability to let go is definitely a problem, but I just wished she had been fleshed out a bit more. Denise and Bastian were together for six years and had just recently broken up. So it is not that odd to me that she would have trouble moving past things. Towards the end of the book we get more detail on the problems in their relationship and we see Denise act out in a really terrible way. But I wish things were developed with her a bit more so we understood the backstory and she wasn't so much of a flat "bad guy" character.
Overall I enjoyed With the Band, especially because the characters are so likeable. I loved hanging with the band and watching them all interact. And Bastian and Aaron are incredibly hot together and they just steam up the page. I had a few issues with the book, but I also thought it was a great story that I enjoyed reading.
May 15, 2017
Ero un po’ combattuta su che voto dare a questo libro, perché nel complesso mi è piaciuto, sì, ma devo essere sincera: ci sono anche un paio di cose che hanno abbassato il mio gradimento.
Dopo un inizio folgorante, che ho adorato, mi sono resa conto che le scene d’amore – almeno per il mio gusto personale – erano un po’ troppe, a discapito dell’evoluzione della trama.
Capiamoci: Bastian e Aaron sono bellissimi insieme, la loro attrazione è forte, intensa, le parti erotiche sono coinvolgenti, piacevoli e anche parecchio dolci nel complesso, il giusto mix di sensualità esplicita e affetto. Ma dopo averne lette alcune di fila a distanza ravvicinata... mi son detta: ma tagliarne un po’, no?
L’altra cosa è il processo inquisitorio contro le relazioni fra membri della band, che fin dall’inizio è ben chiaro, ben minacciato e ben ignorato dai nostri protagonisti. Mi ha dato un po’ fastidio che solo questo ‘caso’ sia così osteggiato. In linea di principio concordo col gruppo che, se si evitano complicazioni amorose, è meglio. Ma una band va in frantumi anche per altri mille motivi, per litigi tra colleghi, per esempio, anche senza che ci sia di mezzo l’amore. O perché le priorità nella vita cambiano. E invece sembra che solo la relazione di Bastian e Aaron sia pronta a riversare la disfatta su tutti, quando in realtà sono i personaggi stessi a innescarla, come una profezia che si autoadempie. A parte Elena, che ho adorato, farei fare un bell’esame di coscienza agli altri membri della band, nonché al manager, che ho trovato abbastanza disfattista e poco utile.
Ci sono anche delle parti del libro che ho adorato, come il momento in cui Bastian dà lezioni di basso ad Aaron, una cosa sensualissima, descritta divinamente. Anche il confronto finale fra loro, finalmente, mette in luce le colpe di ognuno, evidenziando quella cosa a lungo ignorata.
Devo dire che, a parte alcuni refusi sfuggiti all’editing, la resa italiana è davvero ben fatta, riesce a far arrivare dritto dritto al lettore ogni emozione e sa proprio coinvolgere.
Pignolerie a parte, il mio giudizio è positivo.
Dopo un inizio folgorante, che ho adorato, mi sono resa conto che le scene d’amore – almeno per il mio gusto personale – erano un po’ troppe, a discapito dell’evoluzione della trama.
Capiamoci: Bastian e Aaron sono bellissimi insieme, la loro attrazione è forte, intensa, le parti erotiche sono coinvolgenti, piacevoli e anche parecchio dolci nel complesso, il giusto mix di sensualità esplicita e affetto. Ma dopo averne lette alcune di fila a distanza ravvicinata... mi son detta: ma tagliarne un po’, no?
L’altra cosa è il processo inquisitorio contro le relazioni fra membri della band, che fin dall’inizio è ben chiaro, ben minacciato e ben ignorato dai nostri protagonisti. Mi ha dato un po’ fastidio che solo questo ‘caso’ sia così osteggiato. In linea di principio concordo col gruppo che, se si evitano complicazioni amorose, è meglio. Ma una band va in frantumi anche per altri mille motivi, per litigi tra colleghi, per esempio, anche senza che ci sia di mezzo l’amore. O perché le priorità nella vita cambiano. E invece sembra che solo la relazione di Bastian e Aaron sia pronta a riversare la disfatta su tutti, quando in realtà sono i personaggi stessi a innescarla, come una profezia che si autoadempie. A parte Elena, che ho adorato, farei fare un bell’esame di coscienza agli altri membri della band, nonché al manager, che ho trovato abbastanza disfattista e poco utile.
Ci sono anche delle parti del libro che ho adorato, come il momento in cui Bastian dà lezioni di basso ad Aaron, una cosa sensualissima, descritta divinamente. Anche il confronto finale fra loro, finalmente, mette in luce le colpe di ognuno, evidenziando quella cosa a lungo ignorata.
Devo dire che, a parte alcuni refusi sfuggiti all’editing, la resa italiana è davvero ben fatta, riesce a far arrivare dritto dritto al lettore ogni emozione e sa proprio coinvolgere.
Pignolerie a parte, il mio giudizio è positivo.
March 20, 2012
I have owned this book for a while and I am not sure why I haven't read it. I love musicians and 'coming out' stories... and this one was a pretty good example of both. Aaron and Bastian pretty much grew up together but they hadn't seen each other in many years. It wasn't love at first sight, but there was lust and lots of it. One of the things that I didn't like was that we never really knew how old they were or what they looked like. I like to have some sort of description so that I can see them in my head. With this book, I was flying blind. I also would have like it to be in 3rd person rather than 1st. I wanted to know what was going on in Bastian's thoughts.
The sexual tension was hot, the sex even hotter. They were both so desperate for each other and it made the scenes even more interesting.
I liked that not everything was perfect for them and they didn't fall in bed, then in love, then HEA. There was conflict and heat and emotional upheaval.
I will probably read it again.
The sexual tension was hot, the sex even hotter. They were both so desperate for each other and it made the scenes even more interesting.
I liked that not everything was perfect for them and they didn't fall in bed, then in love, then HEA. There was conflict and heat and emotional upheaval.
I will probably read it again.
July 6, 2011
I really can't say that I enjoyed this story. The plot was week and silly. Main characters got involved in hidden relationship, knowing very well, what both of them were doing, thinking just about their attraction, which was understandable. When you're falling in love or being in the clouds everything seems irrelevant.
But then, this last part of the plot, when Aaron and Bastian broke up, because of the pressure of band mates, and music industry, "what will happen if?". I mean really, no one knows the future and to build this dramatic plot around the question "what will happen if" was idiotic. This last part of the plot was to dramatic and unnatural for me.
But then, this last part of the plot, when Aaron and Bastian broke up, because of the pressure of band mates, and music industry, "what will happen if?". I mean really, no one knows the future and to build this dramatic plot around the question "what will happen if" was idiotic. This last part of the plot was to dramatic and unnatural for me.
April 10, 2011
With the Band was written just as well as LA Witt's other books but the characters were rather one-dimensional and there was very little development in their relationship. They meet, they have tons of sex, they perform, they break-up and then they get back together ... it was so boring that I had to take breaks with the story, reading several other books or I never would've finished this. As I'm German, another thing that got on my nerves was the name of the band but that probably won't bother other people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2013
Really 3.5 stars. This was an enjoyable story about two members of a band getting together against their better judgment and all the hiding and secrets that it took to be with eachother. Lots of frantic smexing but I can't say it was all that hot. No foreplay or fun, kinky shit just gotta have it now type sex. I thought the part that was supposed to be angsty didn't really hit the mark but it was a nice read overall.
May 21, 2011
**4.5 upped to a 5**
It's no secret that I love rockstar stories and this one was no exception. Aaron and Bastion (wow, Bastion) are sexy and hot, not to mention even sexier and impossibly hotter as a couple. I fell in love with their drama and emotions and angst and this book was just a total win for me.
It's no secret that I love rockstar stories and this one was no exception. Aaron and Bastion (wow, Bastion) are sexy and hot, not to mention even sexier and impossibly hotter as a couple. I fell in love with their drama and emotions and angst and this book was just a total win for me.
April 29, 2016
A very solid 3.5. Not my favourite by this author but an enjoyable read none the less. I must say things were vey enjoyable and sweet until towards the end when things just exploded all at once. Not a biggie. Every storey must have its angst/edge but this just all hit BANG.
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