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The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023
Axe To Grind: The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023
Ed
For ten challenging years, I’ve been the lead guitarist for the band I formed with my best friend Axel. Grindstone is on the verge of making it big. Which is why I’m livid when our manager brings in some snooping, scandal-chasing documentary producer to film our trip to Rocktoberfest. We’re about to hit the biggest stage of our career, and I’m worried this rich jerk, who has destroyed other celebrities, might uncover the secret I’ve kept hidden for years. I want to just ignore him, but as attraction sizzles, I start letting down my guard. Giving in to these urges might mean distracting him from his mission and getting him on my side. That’s the point. Right?
Thornton
I want to bring Ed and Axel down for what they did to my sister. I’ve managed to insinuate myself into their inner circle as a documentarian, and I'm this close to pay dirt. Using seduction to uncover the last of Ed’s secrets might be tacky, but what red-blooded man would turn down what the bisexual rock god is offering? But as we find stolen moments to try to slake the need, I’m having second thoughts. If I don’t avenge the wrong done to my family, I won’t be able to live with myself. The promise of sex shouldn’t be enough to stop me. But as I sink deeper into a relationship with Ed, I must decide if my need for revenge is worth destroying any hope of a future together.
Axe to Grind is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rock stars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your Kindle, and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!
For ten challenging years, I’ve been the lead guitarist for the band I formed with my best friend Axel. Grindstone is on the verge of making it big. Which is why I’m livid when our manager brings in some snooping, scandal-chasing documentary producer to film our trip to Rocktoberfest. We’re about to hit the biggest stage of our career, and I’m worried this rich jerk, who has destroyed other celebrities, might uncover the secret I’ve kept hidden for years. I want to just ignore him, but as attraction sizzles, I start letting down my guard. Giving in to these urges might mean distracting him from his mission and getting him on my side. That’s the point. Right?
Thornton
I want to bring Ed and Axel down for what they did to my sister. I’ve managed to insinuate myself into their inner circle as a documentarian, and I'm this close to pay dirt. Using seduction to uncover the last of Ed’s secrets might be tacky, but what red-blooded man would turn down what the bisexual rock god is offering? But as we find stolen moments to try to slake the need, I’m having second thoughts. If I don’t avenge the wrong done to my family, I won’t be able to live with myself. The promise of sex shouldn’t be enough to stop me. But as I sink deeper into a relationship with Ed, I must decide if my need for revenge is worth destroying any hope of a future together.
Axe to Grind is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rock stars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your Kindle, and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2023
23 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Gabbi Grey
88 books272 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 9, 2023
Thornton and Ed ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
Every time a multi author series comes along I know that I'm in for a great ride, this book was a great mix of fun, angst, emotion and heat. What started off as a plan for revenge turns in to a forever kind of love and it was so much fun to read these guys find that. I would recommend this book.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
Every time a multi author series comes along I know that I'm in for a great ride, this book was a great mix of fun, angst, emotion and heat. What started off as a plan for revenge turns in to a forever kind of love and it was so much fun to read these guys find that. I would recommend this book.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 10, 2023
Axe to Grind is I believe, the second book in the ‘Road to Rocktoberfest 2023’ collection by various authors. This stars Ed, guitarist for Grindstone, and Thornton, a documentarian. This is told in third person from Ed and Thornton’s povs.
The blurb does a good job explaining the plot so I’m not going to go over it. I may as well just say it, this story didn’t work for me. It could be a case of ‘it’s me, not the book,’ but I don’t think so. There are so many things in it that stood out and made it difficult for me to connect to the story and the characters, and find them believable. It’ll be easiest if I list what I found. (I was going to try and shorten each item to one or two sentences, but I just couldn’t do it.)
1. Right off the bat it’s the title. The main character names are Ed and Thornton. Axel is Ed’s BF. But because Ed is the MC, and ‘Axe’ and Axel are used, it was difficult to stop thinking that Ed’s name was Axel every time Axel was mentioned. Why not just call Ed, who’s the MC, Axel instead? It wouldn’t have been as confusing.
2. This book was far too long. It took place over about three to four weeks. I suspect that was to allow the ‘relationship’ between Ed (I almost typed ‘Axel’) and Thornton to grow. Only instead, the plot meandered with things like stopping at diners, ordering food, and talking about the kind of food everyone ordered. There wasn’t much deep detail into the music or how a band works to make me feel like I was with a rock band or part of the group, the plot skimmed over those topics and stretched out the dance between Thornton and Ed for far too long. I must be honest that I had to put the book down more than once, read a couple of other books, and then come back to this one because I was bored at how slow the plot was moving. I think cutting at least fifty pages would have made this a more readable story.
3. Thornton comes in with an agenda to expose and destroy Ed and Axel. He’s worked his way up through media for eight years to the point he can document their career and tear them apart. This is all based on Thornton’s wrong assumptions. Thornton has a lot of hate in his heart. His desire to destroy Ed and Axel will destroy the innocent members of the band, the band manager, his own crew who don’t know that he has this agenda, his own family, and in the end his own career once he does, and he doesn’t care enough to stop. Thornton is a very sick person, which leads me to Ed.
4. Ed knows Thornton has an agenda; he just hasn’t figured out what it is. Yet he falls in love with Thornton. I’d like to know what he bases that love on. Thornton never lets his mask drop; he never tells why until the end. He never talks about his family or anything that brings connection or closeness to a person as a couple wanting a connection would do. They just have sex. Thornton gets to know the band and Ed through the interviews and shows, so he knows what Ed is like, just not the secret. But Ed falls for a fake person. The Thornton he imagines doesn’t exist. The real Thornton is vengeful and willing to hurt innocent people to extract his revenge. Ed only knows the sexy lover that Thornton shows him.
5. Ed falling for Thornton for the sex, but not the person, is unbelievable to me. To me there’s no way there can be a relationship between two men when one wears a mask and shares nothing about himself, all they have is sex. Their relationship was unrealistic and I couldn’t believe in them as a couple. This is a big part of the story that failed for me.
6. Since Thornton never reveals his true self, even when from his pov except for his desire for revenge and how to get Ed and Axel to admit their ‘crime,’ his emotions aren’t deep, I never cared about him. His voice was flat and he never deeply considered what he was doing was wrong. He easily brushed any worries away.
7. We get to the big reveal and conflict towards the end. So many things wrong for me that I just wanted to throw my hands up. For one, Thornton’s voice was inconsistent. His inner and spoken voices didn’t connect. Inside was calm or slightly worried, but when speaking his mannerisms changed and he was angry and attacking. It was like two different people.
8. I was stunned Ed was not angry at Thornton. Ed had to realize that Thornton intended to destroy everyone and all Ed could think about was Axel and he practically begged Thornton to keep quiet for a bit longer. That was a large let down scene for me. Ed had every right to be angry that someone infiltrated their group to destroy them. He said he protected his own, but his reaction said otherwise. His lack of anger I found weak. From this point in the plot, I found the story got more and more unbelievable.
9. Now this part had me practically pulling my hair out. I really dislike it when an author has the offending party give half-hearted overtures of an apology and then the victim forgives them in a blink of an eye. This happened with Thornton never saying he was sorry, or saying how wrong he was, or saying he should have been more careful, or that he will correct his ways, or that he will go to therapy for his anger issues. He needed to grovel and he didn’t. Eight years of vengeful feelings and actions and poof! they’re gone and let’s all sing Kumbaya together. Ugh! I wanted to scream. I honestly abhor weak apology scenes like this. If an author is going to write an apology scene, maybe look up the correct method on how to give a true and heartfelt apology. There is a correct way to do that and I’ve read how teachers and therapists teach kids and people who need to apologize and move forward. But that scene was a failure in my eyes. I no longer was committed to the story or to Thornton and Ed as a couple. I no longer cared.
10. Ed still pining for Thornton after his betrayal didn’t work. It’s like an abused partner still wanting to stay with their abuser. Ed started out in the story as a strong person, but by the end he was taking his cues from Thornton. It was like Ed lost himself.
Those are the things I can remember that didn’t work for me. It was like there was a disconnect from how the characters acted with their own selves in the story, and how a real person would act. It made the characters hard to empathize with, especially Thornton who’s sick and needs to see a therapist, and Ed who falls for a guy who wants to destroy Ed’s dreams and everyone else’s too. If Ed is so riddled with guilt that he accepts Thornton’s revenge as acceptable, he needs to see a therapist too. I didn’t feel there was a satisfying conclusion to them working their way through all the crap Thornton planned to do to them and the whole band and crew.
I did like Axel and the secondary characters more than I liked the two main characters. Axel had a good sense of humor and tended to have a positive outlook on life despite everything he'd gone through. It looks like the author intends to write a future story about Axel and the music teacher that appears briefly in some scenes. That might be interesting since Axel is supposed to be very, very straight, and his teacher is a man and a lot older than him.
I will say the formatting and editing was pretty good for an ARC. There were still some missed words, but not that many for such a long book.
Anyway, I wanted to like Axe to Grind a lot more than I did because I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but this book had too many things that didn’t work for me and were very noticeable. I’m guessing other readers won’t feel the same way and will likely enjoy this story. I give this, 3 Stars
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The blurb does a good job explaining the plot so I’m not going to go over it. I may as well just say it, this story didn’t work for me. It could be a case of ‘it’s me, not the book,’ but I don’t think so. There are so many things in it that stood out and made it difficult for me to connect to the story and the characters, and find them believable. It’ll be easiest if I list what I found. (I was going to try and shorten each item to one or two sentences, but I just couldn’t do it.)
1. Right off the bat it’s the title. The main character names are Ed and Thornton. Axel is Ed’s BF. But because Ed is the MC, and ‘Axe’ and Axel are used, it was difficult to stop thinking that Ed’s name was Axel every time Axel was mentioned. Why not just call Ed, who’s the MC, Axel instead? It wouldn’t have been as confusing.
2. This book was far too long. It took place over about three to four weeks. I suspect that was to allow the ‘relationship’ between Ed (I almost typed ‘Axel’) and Thornton to grow. Only instead, the plot meandered with things like stopping at diners, ordering food, and talking about the kind of food everyone ordered. There wasn’t much deep detail into the music or how a band works to make me feel like I was with a rock band or part of the group, the plot skimmed over those topics and stretched out the dance between Thornton and Ed for far too long. I must be honest that I had to put the book down more than once, read a couple of other books, and then come back to this one because I was bored at how slow the plot was moving. I think cutting at least fifty pages would have made this a more readable story.
3. Thornton comes in with an agenda to expose and destroy Ed and Axel. He’s worked his way up through media for eight years to the point he can document their career and tear them apart. This is all based on Thornton’s wrong assumptions. Thornton has a lot of hate in his heart. His desire to destroy Ed and Axel will destroy the innocent members of the band, the band manager, his own crew who don’t know that he has this agenda, his own family, and in the end his own career once he does, and he doesn’t care enough to stop. Thornton is a very sick person, which leads me to Ed.
4. Ed knows Thornton has an agenda; he just hasn’t figured out what it is. Yet he falls in love with Thornton. I’d like to know what he bases that love on. Thornton never lets his mask drop; he never tells why until the end. He never talks about his family or anything that brings connection or closeness to a person as a couple wanting a connection would do. They just have sex. Thornton gets to know the band and Ed through the interviews and shows, so he knows what Ed is like, just not the secret. But Ed falls for a fake person. The Thornton he imagines doesn’t exist. The real Thornton is vengeful and willing to hurt innocent people to extract his revenge. Ed only knows the sexy lover that Thornton shows him.
5. Ed falling for Thornton for the sex, but not the person, is unbelievable to me. To me there’s no way there can be a relationship between two men when one wears a mask and shares nothing about himself, all they have is sex. Their relationship was unrealistic and I couldn’t believe in them as a couple. This is a big part of the story that failed for me.
6. Since Thornton never reveals his true self, even when from his pov except for his desire for revenge and how to get Ed and Axel to admit their ‘crime,’ his emotions aren’t deep, I never cared about him. His voice was flat and he never deeply considered what he was doing was wrong. He easily brushed any worries away.
7. We get to the big reveal and conflict towards the end. So many things wrong for me that I just wanted to throw my hands up. For one, Thornton’s voice was inconsistent. His inner and spoken voices didn’t connect. Inside was calm or slightly worried, but when speaking his mannerisms changed and he was angry and attacking. It was like two different people.
8. I was stunned Ed was not angry at Thornton. Ed had to realize that Thornton intended to destroy everyone and all Ed could think about was Axel and he practically begged Thornton to keep quiet for a bit longer. That was a large let down scene for me. Ed had every right to be angry that someone infiltrated their group to destroy them. He said he protected his own, but his reaction said otherwise. His lack of anger I found weak. From this point in the plot, I found the story got more and more unbelievable.
9. Now this part had me practically pulling my hair out. I really dislike it when an author has the offending party give half-hearted overtures of an apology and then the victim forgives them in a blink of an eye. This happened with Thornton never saying he was sorry, or saying how wrong he was, or saying he should have been more careful, or that he will correct his ways, or that he will go to therapy for his anger issues. He needed to grovel and he didn’t. Eight years of vengeful feelings and actions and poof! they’re gone and let’s all sing Kumbaya together. Ugh! I wanted to scream. I honestly abhor weak apology scenes like this. If an author is going to write an apology scene, maybe look up the correct method on how to give a true and heartfelt apology. There is a correct way to do that and I’ve read how teachers and therapists teach kids and people who need to apologize and move forward. But that scene was a failure in my eyes. I no longer was committed to the story or to Thornton and Ed as a couple. I no longer cared.
10. Ed still pining for Thornton after his betrayal didn’t work. It’s like an abused partner still wanting to stay with their abuser. Ed started out in the story as a strong person, but by the end he was taking his cues from Thornton. It was like Ed lost himself.
Those are the things I can remember that didn’t work for me. It was like there was a disconnect from how the characters acted with their own selves in the story, and how a real person would act. It made the characters hard to empathize with, especially Thornton who’s sick and needs to see a therapist, and Ed who falls for a guy who wants to destroy Ed’s dreams and everyone else’s too. If Ed is so riddled with guilt that he accepts Thornton’s revenge as acceptable, he needs to see a therapist too. I didn’t feel there was a satisfying conclusion to them working their way through all the crap Thornton planned to do to them and the whole band and crew.
I did like Axel and the secondary characters more than I liked the two main characters. Axel had a good sense of humor and tended to have a positive outlook on life despite everything he'd gone through. It looks like the author intends to write a future story about Axel and the music teacher that appears briefly in some scenes. That might be interesting since Axel is supposed to be very, very straight, and his teacher is a man and a lot older than him.
I will say the formatting and editing was pretty good for an ARC. There were still some missed words, but not that many for such a long book.
Anyway, I wanted to like Axe to Grind a lot more than I did because I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but this book had too many things that didn’t work for me and were very noticeable. I’m guessing other readers won’t feel the same way and will likely enjoy this story. I give this, 3 Stars
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 8, 2023
I've read several books by this author, but Axe to Grind just didn't work for me.
Ed, a guitar player in an up and coming band meets Thornton, a documentary maker when Thornton decides to make a documentary of Grindstone, Ed's band. Ed suspects from the beginning that Thornton has a hidden agenda and Ed has something he wants to hide from Thornton.
Other than the physical chemistry the men have, it was difficult for me to believe that they fell for each other. There wasn't an emotional connection and with all of the secrets the men were keeping, they didn't open up and really get to know each other throughout the book.
For me, Thornton was very unlikeable. He'd had so much animosity toward Ed for eight years, yet fell into bed with him within days of meeting him. The book just didn't feel believable to me and the ending wasn't satisfactory because forgiveness came too easy.
I'd love to read Axel's book. He's the character I was most interested in even though Axe to Grind was about Ed and Thornton.
Ed, a guitar player in an up and coming band meets Thornton, a documentary maker when Thornton decides to make a documentary of Grindstone, Ed's band. Ed suspects from the beginning that Thornton has a hidden agenda and Ed has something he wants to hide from Thornton.
Other than the physical chemistry the men have, it was difficult for me to believe that they fell for each other. There wasn't an emotional connection and with all of the secrets the men were keeping, they didn't open up and really get to know each other throughout the book.
For me, Thornton was very unlikeable. He'd had so much animosity toward Ed for eight years, yet fell into bed with him within days of meeting him. The book just didn't feel believable to me and the ending wasn't satisfactory because forgiveness came too easy.
I'd love to read Axel's book. He's the character I was most interested in even though Axe to Grind was about Ed and Thornton.
October 6, 2023
It's been eight years since a life altering incident impacted Ed and set Thornton on a new path headed for an eventual collison course, but who could know that sparks would fly between Ed and Thornton and while each man is waiting for the shoe to drop, they move from scratching an itch to something more profound, that may not weather the reality of their past.
This book gives a very different glimpse into the rock and roll lifestyle - Ed doesn't drink, do drugs or even eat meat.... and he lives his life knowing that huge secrets could expose him and ruin the band's chances of future success.... and Thornton may be poised to do just that! This book is angsty, sweet, emotional, steamy but still has fun and funny parts - including band banter. There are some triggers so please be cautious. For the triggers I believe should be mentioned please see my full review at: https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/202...
This book was a great read - well balanced and well paced and I truly enjoyed getting to know Ed, Thorton, Axel and the rest of the band and documentary crew! I'd love to see Axel get the story that's hinted at in the book and get to explore the complex issues around his understanding of the life changing impacts and also the delicious age gap....
This book gives a very different glimpse into the rock and roll lifestyle - Ed doesn't drink, do drugs or even eat meat.... and he lives his life knowing that huge secrets could expose him and ruin the band's chances of future success.... and Thornton may be poised to do just that! This book is angsty, sweet, emotional, steamy but still has fun and funny parts - including band banter. There are some triggers so please be cautious. For the triggers I believe should be mentioned please see my full review at: https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/202...
This book was a great read - well balanced and well paced and I truly enjoyed getting to know Ed, Thorton, Axel and the rest of the band and documentary crew! I'd love to see Axel get the story that's hinted at in the book and get to explore the complex issues around his understanding of the life changing impacts and also the delicious age gap....
October 2, 2023
Axe to Grind is an enjoyable enemies to lovers m/m romance.
Ed and his best friend, Axel, are about to make it big in their music careers. From rags to riches, their story is inspiring. But they have past regrets, and secrets that Ed keeps well-guarded. Enter Thorton, a documentarian with revenge on the mind. He plans to bring Ed and Axel down and expose them as the bad people he knows they are. But as time goes on, he begins to question his assumptions and whether the consequences of his intended actions are worth it.
I found the mystery surrounding the past interesting, and the developing relationship between Ed and Thorton compelling. The side characters were interesting, and we get a little teaser of a potential sequel to come with Axel. Grey delves into tough issues in Axe to Grind including socioeconomic dynamics, race relations, drug addiction, and more in a sensitive way.
If you enjoy men with regrets finding love, solid plots, and a little rock ‘n roll, this book will leave you satisfied.
Ed and his best friend, Axel, are about to make it big in their music careers. From rags to riches, their story is inspiring. But they have past regrets, and secrets that Ed keeps well-guarded. Enter Thorton, a documentarian with revenge on the mind. He plans to bring Ed and Axel down and expose them as the bad people he knows they are. But as time goes on, he begins to question his assumptions and whether the consequences of his intended actions are worth it.
I found the mystery surrounding the past interesting, and the developing relationship between Ed and Thorton compelling. The side characters were interesting, and we get a little teaser of a potential sequel to come with Axel. Grey delves into tough issues in Axe to Grind including socioeconomic dynamics, race relations, drug addiction, and more in a sensitive way.
If you enjoy men with regrets finding love, solid plots, and a little rock ‘n roll, this book will leave you satisfied.
October 5, 2023
In Gabbi's bio she states; 'While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love.'
That tells you everything you need to know before you pick up this book.
It's amazing. All of the characters, from each individual band member to those on the documentary team, those who support them, including the bus driver are all fully fleshed out.
You become intimately aware of their histories, their struggles, their preferences, their strengths, fears and weaknesses...and especially their high sense of right and wrong, their ideals and the love and support they provide for each other.
As the romance between several of them deepens, you'll find yourself immersed in the mystery that may tear them and the band apart, or open their eyes to the truth they've been blind to.
This is one of the best book I've read this year...and I've read over 278 this year...primarily mm. Gabbi has outdone herself and I'm honored to be an ARC reviewer for Goodreads. Life is good!
That tells you everything you need to know before you pick up this book.
It's amazing. All of the characters, from each individual band member to those on the documentary team, those who support them, including the bus driver are all fully fleshed out.
You become intimately aware of their histories, their struggles, their preferences, their strengths, fears and weaknesses...and especially their high sense of right and wrong, their ideals and the love and support they provide for each other.
As the romance between several of them deepens, you'll find yourself immersed in the mystery that may tear them and the band apart, or open their eyes to the truth they've been blind to.
This is one of the best book I've read this year...and I've read over 278 this year...primarily mm. Gabbi has outdone herself and I'm honored to be an ARC reviewer for Goodreads. Life is good!
October 9, 2023
The soul destroying power of vengeance. I am a huge fan of this series and I loved the story of Ed, Axel and their band Grindstone. I also liked the slow pace of this book as we get to know the band, the documentary film crew and have time to wonder about the secrets that are being kept by several characters. What I found fascinating, however, was the character of Thornton. He's been working years establishing a career, a persona and plan in order to entrap Ed and bring down his band, his friend Axel and his world in order to avenge something that happened to his sister. We only get glimpses of the real Thornton as his feelings for Ed begin to interfere with his revenge plan and he is only 100% a fully fleshed out character when he comes clean and confesses. I thought it was amazing that the author could so clearly show his development into a real person throughout the course of the story and his deepening relationship with Ed.
October 1, 2023
I just finished Axe to Grind and absolutely loved the story that kept me guessing and hoping as I read the story of a man set out to revenge the death of his sister and ruin the two men, he felt responsible. During his journey he comes to the realization there was more to the story. This is Thornton’s journey of discovering the truth, falling in love, and realizing he was wrong about what really happened. This is also Ed’s story of keeping secrets for years to not let his best friend and pseudo brother Axel know what really happened to his love. This book was a page turner, and it will make it extremely hard to put down once you start. Am I going to tell you how it all ends? Nope! You need to read this book and take the journey to rock on at Rocktoberfest and discover yourself. Highly recommend this wonderful story!
October 8, 2023
The truth, can set you free. Thornton, is on a mission to avenge his sister. He ingratiates himself into the band, Grindstone as a documentarian. He hopes to get up close personal and deep to dig up secrets. Ed, is lead guitarist in the band with his best friend Axel. After 10 years, they are getting their biggest break to play at Roctoberfest. He's angry about Thornton, because he has a reputation of destroying careers. What was the Producer thinking? Can he distract Thornton from finding out the band's deepest darkest secrets? Thornton and Ed catch feels for each other adding complication to all plans. This is an unexpected journey of discovery, truth, trust revelation with closure. Nicely done. Great characters. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2024
4 🎶 stars
A novella in the rocktoberfest series in 2023 which I adore which I’m going back over ones Id missed.
Ed, 27 was having an argument with his manager who had set up documentary to focus on the Rocktoberfest gig. Axel and Ed had been playing as Grindstone 🎶 beginning their band 10 yrs ago. Ed was a closeted Bi and did not want to come out.
Thornton 33 yrs, was to interview Grindstone for the media which Ed didn't like., at all. But Thorton has a hidden agenda.
Oh the two definitely don't hit it off, quite the opposite as Ed doesn't trust Thornton. Ed is protective and wants Axel safe from harm.
Sharing a hot kiss, the banter and teasing begins between Ed and Thorthon.
A good ending to the story for their romance, both POVs included.
A novella in the rocktoberfest series in 2023 which I adore which I’m going back over ones Id missed.
Ed, 27 was having an argument with his manager who had set up documentary to focus on the Rocktoberfest gig. Axel and Ed had been playing as Grindstone 🎶 beginning their band 10 yrs ago. Ed was a closeted Bi and did not want to come out.
Thornton 33 yrs, was to interview Grindstone for the media which Ed didn't like., at all. But Thorton has a hidden agenda.
Oh the two definitely don't hit it off, quite the opposite as Ed doesn't trust Thornton. Ed is protective and wants Axel safe from harm.
Sharing a hot kiss, the banter and teasing begins between Ed and Thorthon.
A good ending to the story for their romance, both POVs included.
March 5, 2026
GRINDSTONE!!
ROCKTOBERFEST 2023 is a Multiple Author Collaboration with the common theme being Bands and this iconic concert. GABBI GREY has brought Grindstone. A ten year overnight success. Axel, Ed and Pauletta brought this band together. Adding Meg, Big Mac and Songbird made them creative and unique. Still young this is going to show them the ups and downs of stardom. With all their dreams coming true, the road to the top is filled with big highs and lows. This is an AMAZING Book about quiet strength, found family and love. I Loved This Book. I thought all the characters were strong and protective just like all successful bands should be. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST SERIES 2023!!!!!
ROCKTOBERFEST 2023 is a Multiple Author Collaboration with the common theme being Bands and this iconic concert. GABBI GREY has brought Grindstone. A ten year overnight success. Axel, Ed and Pauletta brought this band together. Adding Meg, Big Mac and Songbird made them creative and unique. Still young this is going to show them the ups and downs of stardom. With all their dreams coming true, the road to the top is filled with big highs and lows. This is an AMAZING Book about quiet strength, found family and love. I Loved This Book. I thought all the characters were strong and protective just like all successful bands should be. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST SERIES 2023!!!!!
October 6, 2023
Great read, a very interesting and original take on a rock star romance. First, the author has created some wonderfully compelling and dimensional characters. I loved then pull push between Ed and Thornton, the mix of attraction and distrust was so so fun. I was very invested in getting the truth behind Thornton’s sister and her history with Axel and Ed. I also loved the premise, a documentary crew following the band was a great was to bring in some good behind the scenes drama. This had the perfect blend of an engaging plot and excellent charters, definitely a page turner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 8, 2023
The problem with wanting revenge from a distance is that you are not sure how you will feel about your target when you get up close and personal. That is when you also can come to realize that the story may not be what you thought that it was. Thornton is on a mission to avenge the death of his sister and he believes that Ed and Axel are his targets. But what happens is that he learns that there was a lot he didn't know and that falling in love will change the venom that you may be holding in you to get that vengeance. Compelling story about how the truth impacts all of these men once it comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2023
Great characters and a very enjoyable plot. I really liked the way the way that Thornton and we readers didn't discover what really happened to his sister until near the end, which kept a fair bit of suspence as to whether there was need to blame Ed or Axel for what happened as Thornton wanted to. Ed was a really sympathetic character and I loved how much he cared for everyone and kept his principles. The band as rags to potential riches was a nice touch although less of the focal point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
October 18, 2023
Ed and Axel and their band Grindstone feel like their finally getting their big break. They been invited to Rocktoberfest where other bands got their break. Their manager want to let a professional crew do a documentary of them leading up to Rocktoberfest, during it and after it. Thornton Graves was going to be the one doing the interviews. Ed knows that Thornton Graves is looking for dirt against them but doesn't have any proof. Thornton knows that Ed and Axel have a secret and he will get them to admit it. I really enjoyed this book.
November 10, 2023
This book could have been better. It did not catch my attention and there was very little chemistry between the MC’s. It seemed like it was only physical and the emotions seemed contrived to make it a romance, when it was really just a bunch of hook-ups. I also did not like the hidden agenda that Thornton had and that he purposely got close to the band to prove something. The story was good, but the execution could have been better.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2023
This is another good addition to this multi author series, I enjoyed this story, Thornton sets out to expose Ed and Axel’s secrets in his documentary about the band but as he gets to know them especially Ed he realises that maybe he was wrong in his beliefs, well written story that kept my attention from the beginning to the end the story, looking forward to reading more from this series and also more from this author in the future.
October 6, 2023
This was such an intriguing read that I couldn’t put down! This had such fantastic characters and the storyline was amazing! So many secrets and mystery plus revenge. This really had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I really knew the characters which I love when I’m reading a story! This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read and a great addition to the series! I highly recommend. This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
October 10, 2023
I found this book difficult to finish quite frankly. There was intrigue but the love scenes seemed perfunctory at best. No build up, no emotion, just wham, bam and done and then it's love? And there was a part in there that I have no idea why it was there as it was never clarified but left disturbing questions as to why their teacher was in this story at all, other then helping them with music, and then he's in the end and it's not resolved. Why? What a disappointment.
October 2, 2023
This was a great story. I was completely hooked from the beginner, dying to know exactly what happened in the past and the secrets that Ed and Axel kept on their rise to stardom. And Thornton was surprisingly not ass shady as a guy whose main reason is ferritin out those secrets. The entire band was wonderful and fun and I loved the story from beginning to end.
October 2, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a terrific job pulling you in and had me glued to the pages with revenge, secrets and discovering truths and finding love along the way. I loved reading and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 7, 2023
I've read several books written by Gabbi Grey; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the second book in the Road to Rocktoberfest Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Thornton, Ed & Axel.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Road to Rocktoberfest Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Thornton, Ed & Axel.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2023
After ten years his band is about to hit the big time and yet his manager hires a man who could ruin it all. He has been hiding a huge secret from everyone and he is worried he will be found out. He also feels a pull towards them. What is going to happen? Will he be exposed? Will he fall for them? How will it all end? See just how it will all go
October 13, 2023
This is part of an amazing multi author series that takes your emotions on a wild ride that grabs at your heart. Thornton is looking to set the wrongs done to his sister, as he is with the band. Truths, love and passion with amazing twist and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2023
This is about truth for some of the players as is the music for them too. Axel finds out what really happen when he lost Keshia and so did her brother. However, the good news is the band got what they wanted! Great book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2024
3.5 Stars
The half star is important, I think! It wasn’t a full 4 for me, but I liked it more than a 3.
Overall, I enjoyed it. But it didn’t flow smoothly. And I do not like politics, and this book discussed red states, blue states, “the other guys”, and things like that. Automatic turnoffs for me.
The half star is important, I think! It wasn’t a full 4 for me, but I liked it more than a 3.
Overall, I enjoyed it. But it didn’t flow smoothly. And I do not like politics, and this book discussed red states, blue states, “the other guys”, and things like that. Automatic turnoffs for me.
October 7, 2023
AXE TO GRIND by Gabbi Grey is part of the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest series. Ed Markham is the lead guitarist for Grindstone, the band he and his best friend Axel started a decade ago that is now on the brink of potential greatness. When their producer agrees to have them be the subject of a documentary, it stirs up their anxiety over parts of their past they would prefer not see the light of day. Thornton Graves, said documentarian, has secrets of his own, but he and Ed undeniably spark off each other.
Gabbi Grey writes a moving story about these two, both with secrets they need to decide whether to bring to light. Ms Grey brings the indie music scene to life, and the excitement of touring and preparing for a festival. The band’s camaraderie and the documentary makers’ dovetail well, and Axe to Grind is a great read.
Gabbi Grey writes a moving story about these two, both with secrets they need to decide whether to bring to light. Ms Grey brings the indie music scene to life, and the excitement of touring and preparing for a festival. The band’s camaraderie and the documentary makers’ dovetail well, and Axe to Grind is a great read.
October 2, 2023
I found the intrigue surrounding the past interesting, and the relationship between Ed and Thorton compelling. The side characters were relevant and well written. Lots of tough issues discussed throughout the book but in a sensitive way with respect. Great read in a great series.
October 5, 2023
This was a very thorough telling of Ed and Thornton's journey. There were many sub stories and romances happening as well as the main MMs budding relationship.
Overall I enjoyed this book and will read others in this series
I received this book from GRR
This is my honest review
Overall I enjoyed this book and will read others in this series
I received this book from GRR
This is my honest review
October 6, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like the realistic nature of this book. Thorton realizes that Ed and Axel are good people and the romance that builds between Ed and Thorton is solid.
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