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Atonement #1
Drag Me Down
Drag Me Down is a full-length, mature MM (male/male) rockstar romance with heavy, dark themes.
- Z -
He can’t keep his eyes or his hands to himself. Metal god, the fans call him. At the pinnacle of his career. It’s obvious he wants more than a musical collaboration. He wants something I can never give him. A heart that is whole. Falling for Hail would prove detrimental. It would mean no more running from the pain I’ve worked so hard to numb. Though, his southern charm and whiskey eyes are becoming so hard to resist...
- Hail -
I’ve never met anyone like him, a dark-haired angel with the sultry voice of the devil. He wore a mask to hide from the world, his past performances becoming something near legendary. Until he vanished from the music industry. I ache to uncover his secrets and piece him back together. But loving Z after tragedy stole him away isn’t easy. When I’m at my best, his darkness threatens to drag me down. It seeks to shatter my heart in a mirror image of his own. And if the world ever discovered who he really is, they would steal those few remaining pieces of him left, taking me along with them.
- Z -
He can’t keep his eyes or his hands to himself. Metal god, the fans call him. At the pinnacle of his career. It’s obvious he wants more than a musical collaboration. He wants something I can never give him. A heart that is whole. Falling for Hail would prove detrimental. It would mean no more running from the pain I’ve worked so hard to numb. Though, his southern charm and whiskey eyes are becoming so hard to resist...
- Hail -
I’ve never met anyone like him, a dark-haired angel with the sultry voice of the devil. He wore a mask to hide from the world, his past performances becoming something near legendary. Until he vanished from the music industry. I ache to uncover his secrets and piece him back together. But loving Z after tragedy stole him away isn’t easy. When I’m at my best, his darkness threatens to drag me down. It seeks to shatter my heart in a mirror image of his own. And if the world ever discovered who he really is, they would steal those few remaining pieces of him left, taking me along with them.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2023
104 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 8, 2024
My biggest issue with this overall is just the pacing. Nothing made sense in the timeline it was happening, and because nothing was appropriately fleshed out, all the drama felt ridiculous. I usually love boy obsessed, but this just didn't make sense to me at alllll. There was too much focus on telling me how obsessed Hail was rather than showing me WHY he was obsessed and how that manifested.
Hail had no personality other than being obsessed with Z out of nowhere. And when I say out of nowhere, I mean he meets him the day before and is talking about how he'd tear the world apart for him 😭. The bi awakening just did not feel realistic. Z at least had this sympathetic sad boy thing going on, but when the reveal happened, I was finding it hard to feel sorry for him. The best thing about this was the side characters, Liam and Malek, especially kept me interested enough to finish it.
Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me, but if you're an instalove fan and don't mind lyrics in your books, you might eat it up.
Hail had no personality other than being obsessed with Z out of nowhere. And when I say out of nowhere, I mean he meets him the day before and is talking about how he'd tear the world apart for him 😭. The bi awakening just did not feel realistic. Z at least had this sympathetic sad boy thing going on, but when the reveal happened, I was finding it hard to feel sorry for him. The best thing about this was the side characters, Liam and Malek, especially kept me interested enough to finish it.
Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me, but if you're an instalove fan and don't mind lyrics in your books, you might eat it up.
November 20, 2024
between 2.75 & 3 stars..
it was going well and then i got bored & started skimming 🫠
it was going well and then i got bored & started skimming 🫠
January 6, 2024
I'm definitely in the minority here with my review but oh well.
Couldn't connect with the characters which is why I felt really detached from the story. The MCs didn't really have a personality. Z was the sad boy and Hail was the caring boy metal god. That's pretty much it.
Very much insta-love but to be honest, I don't know how they fell in love with each other in the first place. Absolutely no progression on that front. One minute they are strangers, the next they are in love.
The spice was so badly written that I felt bad for the characters. For example, Hail bottomed for the first time with really little prep and only spit used as lubricant. Absolutely not.
I wanted to love this story so much. The premise was fabulous and sounded right up my alley. I'm giving this 1,5/5 stars rounded up just for the idea and the fact that Abigail (to my knowledge) is a rather new author.
Couldn't connect with the characters which is why I felt really detached from the story. The MCs didn't really have a personality. Z was the sad boy and Hail was the caring boy metal god. That's pretty much it.
Very much insta-love but to be honest, I don't know how they fell in love with each other in the first place. Absolutely no progression on that front. One minute they are strangers, the next they are in love.
The spice was so badly written that I felt bad for the characters. For example, Hail bottomed for the first time with really little prep and only spit used as lubricant. Absolutely not.
I wanted to love this story so much. The premise was fabulous and sounded right up my alley. I'm giving this 1,5/5 stars rounded up just for the idea and the fact that Abigail (to my knowledge) is a rather new author.
December 16, 2023
DNF @ 36%.
While I generally try and avoid books with musicians like the plague, the blurb appealed to me… or rather, Z did. I’m a sucker for a sad boy, and that seemed to be what he was selling.
Right off the bat, we have trigger warnings (yay) and a playlist (ew). Typically, a playlist at the beginning of the book would be an instant DNF for me, but I did choose to inflict a musician book upon myself.
There’s also song lyrics, which I admittedly skipped every line of. Nothing makes your moving lyrics less moving that writing them down.
I do like Z. He is giving great Sad Boy TM vibes. I find it annoying how vague everything is about his past. Can we at least be told what he is angsting about versus just vaguebooking about it for probably most of the book?
As for Hail, the most interesting thing about him is his pierced nipples. Other than that, he is giving me nothing. All he does is talk about his band mates. Talk about the metal bars through your nips, Hail.
As for the romance, it’s too instalove for my taste, but also too instalove for sad, broken boy who tells himself no one would want him and he doesn’t deserve it anyway, and “I never have been attracted to a man before but you’re pretty and your songs give me boners” Hail.
And are work visas not a thing?
I will say, the first 1/3 I read did go pretty smooth, but after putting it down, I’ve read a few pages all day long and just don’t care about anything in this book. If I have to read Hail talking about his band mates for one more second, I’ll lose my mind.
While I generally try and avoid books with musicians like the plague, the blurb appealed to me… or rather, Z did. I’m a sucker for a sad boy, and that seemed to be what he was selling.
Right off the bat, we have trigger warnings (yay) and a playlist (ew). Typically, a playlist at the beginning of the book would be an instant DNF for me, but I did choose to inflict a musician book upon myself.
There’s also song lyrics, which I admittedly skipped every line of. Nothing makes your moving lyrics less moving that writing them down.
I do like Z. He is giving great Sad Boy TM vibes. I find it annoying how vague everything is about his past. Can we at least be told what he is angsting about versus just vaguebooking about it for probably most of the book?
As for Hail, the most interesting thing about him is his pierced nipples. Other than that, he is giving me nothing. All he does is talk about his band mates. Talk about the metal bars through your nips, Hail.
As for the romance, it’s too instalove for my taste, but also too instalove for sad, broken boy who tells himself no one would want him and he doesn’t deserve it anyway, and “I never have been attracted to a man before but you’re pretty and your songs give me boners” Hail.
And are work visas not a thing?
I will say, the first 1/3 I read did go pretty smooth, but after putting it down, I’ve read a few pages all day long and just don’t care about anything in this book. If I have to read Hail talking about his band mates for one more second, I’ll lose my mind.
December 20, 2023
Boy, was that an emotional rollercoaster! Drag Me Down was my first true MM read. Before, I'd read some books with the side characters having MM relationships and I always loved them so diving into the genre was a no brainer! I loved that this book went deeper than the relationship between these two. We had lots of heavy subject matter with trauma, PTSD, mental health, and sexuality. I adored the relationships between the band members as well. Liam was such a big brother/dad figure while also having his own demons to fight (can't wait for his book). I did wish that we had more time with Z and Hail together as a couple. A lot of the book focuses on their healing journey which, ultimately, needed to be done on their own. Their love for each other was so pure though and Hail was so supportive. Overall, I think this is a beautiful story of two souls finding each other when they need it the most.
March 12, 2024
do you want the characters to have depth and make the reader have an actual emotional connection to them????? get your slacky pacing and insta love out of here then ffs
November 29, 2023
This book is an emotional rollercoaster! Z & Hail both have mental health issues & family drama (don’t we all). Love that they found each other & managed to work thru their up & downs. It’s great that Hail’s band mates are goofy & silly & accepting. Just love the book! Can’t wait for book 2!!
January 31, 2024
Hmmmm......
Overall I think I enjoyed this. It wasn't bad. The premise was good and had a lot of potential. I'm definitely a sucker for a sad boy. With that being said, something was missing for me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I had a hard time feeling emotionally connected to the characters.
It might be the pacing. The first 50% felt rushed, very much an insta-love vibe, and I guess I just didn't connect with how they saw each other from across the room one day, and Hail was ready to tear the world apart for Z the next day. The second half of the book was better, it evened out a bit and I felt more invested in the characters. Ultimately I was interested enough to keep reading.
Overall I think I enjoyed this. It wasn't bad. The premise was good and had a lot of potential. I'm definitely a sucker for a sad boy. With that being said, something was missing for me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I had a hard time feeling emotionally connected to the characters.
It might be the pacing. The first 50% felt rushed, very much an insta-love vibe, and I guess I just didn't connect with how they saw each other from across the room one day, and Hail was ready to tear the world apart for Z the next day. The second half of the book was better, it evened out a bit and I felt more invested in the characters. Ultimately I was interested enough to keep reading.
November 9, 2023
I read this book in ONE day! I absolutely loved it!
Z and Hails have an amazing story filled with pain and insecurity that turns into love, understanding and acceptance. They both have complicated family lives, demons they fight and fears to overcome.
Hails is happy, laid-back, ray of sunshine even with his insecurities about his future with his band.
Z is so full of pain and regret that he doesn't feel he is worthy of love or success.
One chance encounter in a London bar sends them down a path of healing, love and understanding.
Z and Hails have an amazing story filled with pain and insecurity that turns into love, understanding and acceptance. They both have complicated family lives, demons they fight and fears to overcome.
Hails is happy, laid-back, ray of sunshine even with his insecurities about his future with his band.
Z is so full of pain and regret that he doesn't feel he is worthy of love or success.
One chance encounter in a London bar sends them down a path of healing, love and understanding.
November 12, 2023
This book.. Let me tell you! The love story in this book shares what real life relationships are like, whether you’re famous or not. Mental health should always be a priority, and love, if healthy, will always win. I cannot recommend this book enough! Please read it when it comes out!!
November 6, 2023
I read this book in one day. ONE DAY. I couldn’t put it down. It was the perfect GFY, sweet and smutty and filled with angst. Z & Hail worked so hard for their happily ever after, and every moment was worth it.
December 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much Abigail Glenn for the ARC opportunity. I cannot wait to read more of your work! I cannot wait to have the physical book! 🖤
I finished this book in half a day while listening to the playlist listed in the book!
This story had me hooked from beginning to end! It was my first time reading a MM story & I really enjoyed it.
This story is something I cannot put into words. It reminded me of a close friend who had a similar situation. The mental health, depression, addiction, self hate is so real and raw. Dealing with life, band, tour, press, fans, and a romance you’re not sure if people in your life and said fans would approve on can take a toll on a person. The author shows just how beautiful and difficult relationships are. Also showing how hard it can be to handle mental issues while having to put a mask for the rest of the world.
I fell in love with Z and Hail from the get go and thought they were perfect together. Hail loves Z so much and is willing to give him all the space and time he needs to prove it. I absolutely adore Z and I hope he finds the closure and peace he deserves as no person should ever feel the guilt and pressure the way Z does.
"You've got me, Z. My heart and my soul belong to you." - Hail
"Don't give me something so precious," - Z
Everyone deserves a Hail in their life. Someone in their corner supporting them no matter what.
The book ended with a cliffhanger and I was so sad it ended a quick as it did! I cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you so much Abigail Glenn for the ARC opportunity. I cannot wait to read more of your work! I cannot wait to have the physical book! 🖤
I finished this book in half a day while listening to the playlist listed in the book!
This story had me hooked from beginning to end! It was my first time reading a MM story & I really enjoyed it.
This story is something I cannot put into words. It reminded me of a close friend who had a similar situation. The mental health, depression, addiction, self hate is so real and raw. Dealing with life, band, tour, press, fans, and a romance you’re not sure if people in your life and said fans would approve on can take a toll on a person. The author shows just how beautiful and difficult relationships are. Also showing how hard it can be to handle mental issues while having to put a mask for the rest of the world.
I fell in love with Z and Hail from the get go and thought they were perfect together. Hail loves Z so much and is willing to give him all the space and time he needs to prove it. I absolutely adore Z and I hope he finds the closure and peace he deserves as no person should ever feel the guilt and pressure the way Z does.
"You've got me, Z. My heart and my soul belong to you." - Hail
"Don't give me something so precious," - Z
Everyone deserves a Hail in their life. Someone in their corner supporting them no matter what.
The book ended with a cliffhanger and I was so sad it ended a quick as it did! I cannot wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
I don’t have words. This book was beautiful and heart wrenching and destroyed me in the best way. The love between Z and Hail was something else. The way mental health was explored hurt and healed in every way. I cannot put into words how incredible this story was. This was my first mm romance and it delivered in every single way. This story is going to stay with me for a very long time.
October 12, 2023
I love this book. I couldn’t put it down and basically read it all in one day. This was my first MM romance and I really enjoyed it. It made me laugh, cry and feel so many emotions. I will definitely be reading it again.
November 18, 2023
ARC Review: ‘Drag Me Down” by Abigail Glenn - abbyglenn86
Releasing: December 15, 2023
Rating: 4/5
Format: Kindle
Low-down: Emotional M/M Rockstar, bi-awakening, steamy romance with some dark topics
I am an absolute sucker for entertainment industry focused novels, especially when there is a bi-awakening. I saw the preview for this via Instagram and could not wait to read it. It did not disappoint.
Despite how hard washed-up rockstar, “Z” tries to hide away and run from his past, he must learn to face his mistakes after meeting the charming, Hail, who has all the career that Z never got to.
There are moments where the story feels too fast
(especially the beginning,) but there are others where it feels too slow. However, the heart of this book is the struggles with mental health, family trauma, PTSD, addiction, and most importantly, allowing yourself to be loved when you think you
don’t deserve it. The author nailed all of that. I love a story where, despite trauma and the challenges that trauma brings to allowing someone close to you, the characters both grow from it instead of staying stuck in a disastrous cycle. I hope to read more of Hail and Z in the future!
As always, read the Author’s TW.
Releasing: December 15, 2023
Rating: 4/5
Format: Kindle
Low-down: Emotional M/M Rockstar, bi-awakening, steamy romance with some dark topics
I am an absolute sucker for entertainment industry focused novels, especially when there is a bi-awakening. I saw the preview for this via Instagram and could not wait to read it. It did not disappoint.
Despite how hard washed-up rockstar, “Z” tries to hide away and run from his past, he must learn to face his mistakes after meeting the charming, Hail, who has all the career that Z never got to.
There are moments where the story feels too fast
(especially the beginning,) but there are others where it feels too slow. However, the heart of this book is the struggles with mental health, family trauma, PTSD, addiction, and most importantly, allowing yourself to be loved when you think you
don’t deserve it. The author nailed all of that. I love a story where, despite trauma and the challenges that trauma brings to allowing someone close to you, the characters both grow from it instead of staying stuck in a disastrous cycle. I hope to read more of Hail and Z in the future!
As always, read the Author’s TW.
July 26, 2025
I was given an ARC for the second book and wanted to read this one first to get to know the background. I’m only giving this four stars (really 4.5) because it went a little slow for me in the beginning. But then BAM! It ramped up. Hale and Z have chemistry. That’s for sure. Sometimes I hate when books characters profess feelings too quickly which Hale did after like a day or two. But somehow it works for them. But my favorite part was the last few chapters. What growth! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
January 21, 2024
Drag Me Down
3.5 stars rounded up
I’m always in search of a good rockstar romance so when this popped up in my mm book group I gave it a shot. I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars rounded up
I’m always in search of a good rockstar romance so when this popped up in my mm book group I gave it a shot. I enjoyed it.
November 12, 2024
3.5, rounded up.
this was warm and swoony and zander is annoying sometimes but mental illness is not supposed to be fun to be around. i liked it!!!! abigail glenn has a new fan in me :)
this was warm and swoony and zander is annoying sometimes but mental illness is not supposed to be fun to be around. i liked it!!!! abigail glenn has a new fan in me :)
December 7, 2023
Hail is the lead of a metal rock band, who's known well around the world. Z, had that career once but after an incident he found himself running from the life he had. These two have an instant connection but Hail has no idea what he just signed himself up for.
This book had me bawling at some spots. Abbi was able to write so much emotion in the darker topics (triggers for depression & su!cidal thoughts)
I found myself really enjoyed that this read wasn't spice focused, the plot was heavy but done so well. I can't wait to see what's next from Abigail!
This book had me bawling at some spots. Abbi was able to write so much emotion in the darker topics (triggers for depression & su!cidal thoughts)
I found myself really enjoyed that this read wasn't spice focused, the plot was heavy but done so well. I can't wait to see what's next from Abigail!
June 9, 2025
**BE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS**
Drag Me Down is one of my first Rockstar Romance novels! It is not for a lack of not wanting to read one, but more because I have so many of them in my TBR and it is hard to know where to start!
This novel did not disappoint and I could see myself falling in love with this romance genre! Even better, this is an MM romance, which is always a favorite type of book of mine to read. The bisexual awakening aspect of this made it even more wonderful in this. The struggles that go along with this were portrayed well and not in a “corny” way at all, which often happens in novels.
The mental health advocacy that is within this novel is top notch and I am so thankful that this was an added element, as someone who is passionate about this. It was handled with care and while there are definitely triggers within this book, I think that this facet was done very well and is a great contribution to an already great book.
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POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD:
Some of my favorite moments of this book:
-When Z decides that he wants an ear piercing and Hail takes him so that they can have matching earrings. It was seriously so sweet.
-Z was an overthinker due to his trauma but I loved reading about him working through these sometimes intrusive thoughts.
-Hail’s heart was just so beautiful: “Please don’t shut me out. Let me help” (p.173). I mean….he literally followed Z off of a freaking cliff.
-The minor voyeurism in the elevator with Liam! Oh my heavens. I sincerely hope there is a Liam book coming where he is into “watching” others because that was so incredibly hot.
-Funniest moment: the B&B owner asking if he fished a beautiful man out of the ocean.
-The flashback and the death of Lex was just WHOA. I was floored.
Thank you, Abigail for a beautifully written, captivating book and for the opportunity to read it early!
Drag Me Down is one of my first Rockstar Romance novels! It is not for a lack of not wanting to read one, but more because I have so many of them in my TBR and it is hard to know where to start!
This novel did not disappoint and I could see myself falling in love with this romance genre! Even better, this is an MM romance, which is always a favorite type of book of mine to read. The bisexual awakening aspect of this made it even more wonderful in this. The struggles that go along with this were portrayed well and not in a “corny” way at all, which often happens in novels.
The mental health advocacy that is within this novel is top notch and I am so thankful that this was an added element, as someone who is passionate about this. It was handled with care and while there are definitely triggers within this book, I think that this facet was done very well and is a great contribution to an already great book.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD:
Some of my favorite moments of this book:
-When Z decides that he wants an ear piercing and Hail takes him so that they can have matching earrings. It was seriously so sweet.
-Z was an overthinker due to his trauma but I loved reading about him working through these sometimes intrusive thoughts.
-Hail’s heart was just so beautiful: “Please don’t shut me out. Let me help” (p.173). I mean….he literally followed Z off of a freaking cliff.
-The minor voyeurism in the elevator with Liam! Oh my heavens. I sincerely hope there is a Liam book coming where he is into “watching” others because that was so incredibly hot.
-Funniest moment: the B&B owner asking if he fished a beautiful man out of the ocean.
-The flashback and the death of Lex was just WHOA. I was floored.
Thank you, Abigail for a beautifully written, captivating book and for the opportunity to read it early!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
Z and Hail have my whole heart. I read this for the first time as a 40,000 word novella and was lucky enough to get an advanced ARC of the final full length book, so I really got to read the it for the first time twice. It was even more magical the second time.
I can’t wait for the rest of this series.
I can’t wait for the rest of this series.
January 10, 2024
Tropes ⤵️
- M/M
- Rockstar romance 🎸
- Insta love
Trigger Warnings ⤵️
- Substance abuse
- Self unaliving attempts
Zander "Z" Graves is a washed-up musician running from a traumatic past. Though we don't fully get to find out what that trauma is until 145 pages in. Up until that point, there are just bits of information dropped here and there about what could've happened. Enough that you can piece together that the trauma involves Z's brother and some kind of drowning accident. As suspected, Z blames himself for what happened to his brother, but he isn't actually at fault. Atleast not entirely. Before the incident with his brother, Zander's home life was a disaster. After his brothers death, things obviously took a dive. He cut ties with everyone in his life and really just tried to disappear from existence. With social media, I'm surprised that he was able to stay in hiding for so many years, even with having climbed to fame while wearing a mask.
Mykhail "Hail" Koval is a metalhead from Texas whose band Atonement is out on tour when he meets Z in a small London dive bar. There's a spark of connection instantly that leaves Hail wanting to pursue Z even though being attracted to a guy is an entirely new experience for him. Hail is your typical sunshine golden retriever. He's desperate for love but thinks he's not deserving of it. His family has practically disowned him due to his desire to pursue music, seeing it as an unworthy career choice. The only true family he has is his sister Stasi and his bandmates. I do wish we would've gotten more of the band members besides just Liam, but considering this is just book one of the series, I'm sure more info on them is coming!
The only thing that's really keeping this one from being a five-star read for me was Hail's bi-awakening. As someone that up until Z, believed himself to be straight, I expected him to struggle a little bit more with his attraction and desire for Z. There wasn't really ever a point in the story where he questioned who he was or his feelings towards men. Especially as a famous musician who's always in the public eye, I sort of expected him to be more cautious and hesitant about being seen in public with Zander and all of the ways that the media could spin their relationship. I think a little hesitancy on Hail's side could have upped the trauma factor for Zander, who was already feeling broken. Not that I'm encouraging more trauma or anything.
Overall, I definitely recommend reading this book if you like your romance with a side of trauma and a sprinkle of spice 🌶
- M/M
- Rockstar romance 🎸
- Insta love
Trigger Warnings ⤵️
- Substance abuse
- Self unaliving attempts
Zander "Z" Graves is a washed-up musician running from a traumatic past. Though we don't fully get to find out what that trauma is until 145 pages in. Up until that point, there are just bits of information dropped here and there about what could've happened. Enough that you can piece together that the trauma involves Z's brother and some kind of drowning accident. As suspected, Z blames himself for what happened to his brother, but he isn't actually at fault. Atleast not entirely. Before the incident with his brother, Zander's home life was a disaster. After his brothers death, things obviously took a dive. He cut ties with everyone in his life and really just tried to disappear from existence. With social media, I'm surprised that he was able to stay in hiding for so many years, even with having climbed to fame while wearing a mask.
Mykhail "Hail" Koval is a metalhead from Texas whose band Atonement is out on tour when he meets Z in a small London dive bar. There's a spark of connection instantly that leaves Hail wanting to pursue Z even though being attracted to a guy is an entirely new experience for him. Hail is your typical sunshine golden retriever. He's desperate for love but thinks he's not deserving of it. His family has practically disowned him due to his desire to pursue music, seeing it as an unworthy career choice. The only true family he has is his sister Stasi and his bandmates. I do wish we would've gotten more of the band members besides just Liam, but considering this is just book one of the series, I'm sure more info on them is coming!
The only thing that's really keeping this one from being a five-star read for me was Hail's bi-awakening. As someone that up until Z, believed himself to be straight, I expected him to struggle a little bit more with his attraction and desire for Z. There wasn't really ever a point in the story where he questioned who he was or his feelings towards men. Especially as a famous musician who's always in the public eye, I sort of expected him to be more cautious and hesitant about being seen in public with Zander and all of the ways that the media could spin their relationship. I think a little hesitancy on Hail's side could have upped the trauma factor for Zander, who was already feeling broken. Not that I'm encouraging more trauma or anything.
Overall, I definitely recommend reading this book if you like your romance with a side of trauma and a sprinkle of spice 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
“Drag Me Down” by Abigail Glenn has 100% wrecked me. The book hangover I am experiencing right this second is debilitating. Zander and Hail’s story is emotionally charged, raw, real, and all consuming. These two rockstars have broken my heart and put it back together simultaneously.
This was my introduction to Abigail Glenn and boy, was I impressed. Not only does DMD have all the tropes I am feral over on a regular basis, but it was one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Which was perfect because Zander, “Z”, is the lyricist of the century… fictional or not!
Z’s story is one full of grief, guilt, and darkness. Hail has his own demons in his closet but has a sunny disposition. Their connection was love at first sight and THE MOST intense roller coaster of emotions. Their HEA was very much hard earned and just exceptionally laid out. Glenn wrote these beautifully broken characters to complete one another and be everything the other needed.
I was not anticipating to be hit hard in the chest with this story. It’s an addictive feeling! The hope and the undeniable chemistry between the MCs competed me in every way. I will be sticking around for books to come because this world of the band Atonement has captured a piece of soul!
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️🥵
Tropes:
🎸 MM rockstar romance
🎤 Bi-awakening
🎸 Love at first sight / soul mates
🎤 Grumpy / sunshine
🎸 Mental health rep
🎤 Grief / guilt
This was my introduction to Abigail Glenn and boy, was I impressed. Not only does DMD have all the tropes I am feral over on a regular basis, but it was one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Which was perfect because Zander, “Z”, is the lyricist of the century… fictional or not!
Z’s story is one full of grief, guilt, and darkness. Hail has his own demons in his closet but has a sunny disposition. Their connection was love at first sight and THE MOST intense roller coaster of emotions. Their HEA was very much hard earned and just exceptionally laid out. Glenn wrote these beautifully broken characters to complete one another and be everything the other needed.
I was not anticipating to be hit hard in the chest with this story. It’s an addictive feeling! The hope and the undeniable chemistry between the MCs competed me in every way. I will be sticking around for books to come because this world of the band Atonement has captured a piece of soul!
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️🥵
Tropes:
🎸 MM rockstar romance
🎤 Bi-awakening
🎸 Love at first sight / soul mates
🎤 Grumpy / sunshine
🎸 Mental health rep
🎤 Grief / guilt
August 19, 2024
Was this a satisfyingly good read? Yes it was. Would I be reading more from this author? Definitely.
*
**Drag Me down features the love story coupled with hurt and healing journey amidst the love story between 'Z' and Hail.
Z? Is that a nickname? What could that be short for? Zach? Zade? Why do I care? Oh, hey obsessive part of my brain! Can we not? I only care because of his music. But if I knew his name, I could look him up online. Possibly find his social media or a Spotify account. Has he released any songs?
Haha Hail. Don't worry I also know I will be forgetting that 'Z' full name is Zander Graves.
I toss my phone on them and go sit in the shower. Fully clothed, I run the water ice cold until my body goes completely numb.
Oh sweet 'Z'... your story was so heart-wrenching and you did not deserve any of the blame you got. I love how you worked on yourself and got better. Super encouraging!!
*
**Drag Me down features the love story coupled with hurt and healing journey amidst the love story between 'Z' and Hail.
Z? Is that a nickname? What could that be short for? Zach? Zade? Why do I care? Oh, hey obsessive part of my brain! Can we not? I only care because of his music. But if I knew his name, I could look him up online. Possibly find his social media or a Spotify account. Has he released any songs?
Haha Hail. Don't worry I also know I will be forgetting that 'Z' full name is Zander Graves.
I toss my phone on them and go sit in the shower. Fully clothed, I run the water ice cold until my body goes completely numb.
Oh sweet 'Z'... your story was so heart-wrenching and you did not deserve any of the blame you got. I love how you worked on yourself and got better. Super encouraging!!
He embraces me, pulling me tight against him. Holding me for countless breaths and beats of our hearts. “I don’t want to keep hurting you. Hails, I need to get better.” I want to rage against this truth. To tell him I can fix him. I can carry all of his pain. I cling to him tighter. “I know. Just let me hold you a little while longer before I set you free.”
November 13, 2023
This is the first I’ve read by this author. Since it appears this is a relatively new author I’m impresses at the depth and flow are so well done.
I don’t usually care much for rock star stories they tend to follow the same sort of storyline but something made me decide to read this one and I’m glad I did. It is not the usual. There is so much emotional history to the characters and the development of the characters had a way of grabbing me.
I started out really feeling bad for Z but as the story progressed I came to have much different feelings for him. While I believe in second chances sometimes I feel people need to be accountable for their actions. I’m not sure that happens.
Hail on the other hand I found so lovable. He really got dealt a bad hand with his parents and brother. At one point I wanted him to just walk away from Z. Thank goodness he had his bff Liam. He really plays a big part in this story and I can’t wait to read his story.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it appears the next in the series is a MF, I probably will read it just because I liked Liam so much.
I don’t usually care much for rock star stories they tend to follow the same sort of storyline but something made me decide to read this one and I’m glad I did. It is not the usual. There is so much emotional history to the characters and the development of the characters had a way of grabbing me.
I started out really feeling bad for Z but as the story progressed I came to have much different feelings for him. While I believe in second chances sometimes I feel people need to be accountable for their actions. I’m not sure that happens.
Hail on the other hand I found so lovable. He really got dealt a bad hand with his parents and brother. At one point I wanted him to just walk away from Z. Thank goodness he had his bff Liam. He really plays a big part in this story and I can’t wait to read his story.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it appears the next in the series is a MF, I probably will read it just because I liked Liam so much.
November 25, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
It's my first time reading this author and I am glad I sent a request for an ARC. Music is one of my other passions, so I couldn't help myself. Hail and Z broke my heart and stitched it back together in every interaction. Sunshine-y Hail has the golden retriever energy we all love and I felt close to him in that way where he feels he needs to do everything to get people to love him, but he believes it might never be enough. Z, my man, was b-r-o-k-e-n, shattered by super painful events in his life. I know trauma and addiction first hand and I felt his struggles to my very own darkened heart. The guilt, the shame, the want to be loved but the terrible sense of being unworthy. My man struggled so much with his mental health. Their relationship was painful and healing at the same time.
I took one star off the rating because at the beginning, their relationship was a bit too fast for me. But considering who they are inside, it totally makes sense plot wise. Still, I missed more development at times. The angsty moments though made up for it. I also missed a bit more of them at the end. I'm a sucker for happy smexy epilogues.
They deserve all the happiness they can get.
It's my first time reading this author and I am glad I sent a request for an ARC. Music is one of my other passions, so I couldn't help myself. Hail and Z broke my heart and stitched it back together in every interaction. Sunshine-y Hail has the golden retriever energy we all love and I felt close to him in that way where he feels he needs to do everything to get people to love him, but he believes it might never be enough. Z, my man, was b-r-o-k-e-n, shattered by super painful events in his life. I know trauma and addiction first hand and I felt his struggles to my very own darkened heart. The guilt, the shame, the want to be loved but the terrible sense of being unworthy. My man struggled so much with his mental health. Their relationship was painful and healing at the same time.
I took one star off the rating because at the beginning, their relationship was a bit too fast for me. But considering who they are inside, it totally makes sense plot wise. Still, I missed more development at times. The angsty moments though made up for it. I also missed a bit more of them at the end. I'm a sucker for happy smexy epilogues.
They deserve all the happiness they can get.
January 20, 2024
I love rock star books, but I've become quite picky about them because while the possibilities for stories about them are endless, my tolerance for the same story told with different characters and settings is low these days.
Drag Me Down is not one of those books. I was captured from the very beginning by Hail (short for Mykhail) who's band Atonement is at the zenith of their career, and Z (short for Zander) who was prevented by tragedy from even peeking over the horizon.
That tragedy left its mark on Z, and as the book unfolds we find out more and more about it. It's not easy to read in places because of the state of Z's mental health as a result of his backstory, so heed the content warnings. Hail is drawn in by Z's lyrics, his pain, and then by his beauty. It's not specified because he ends up with Z, but I'd say Hail is more pan than bi by the way he connected to Z as a person, regardless of his gender.
We meet Hail's band members and the author manages to introduce them without it feeling like an info dump. I fell in love with all of them and am eager for their stories, too.
Drag Me Down is not one of those books. I was captured from the very beginning by Hail (short for Mykhail) who's band Atonement is at the zenith of their career, and Z (short for Zander) who was prevented by tragedy from even peeking over the horizon.
That tragedy left its mark on Z, and as the book unfolds we find out more and more about it. It's not easy to read in places because of the state of Z's mental health as a result of his backstory, so heed the content warnings. Hail is drawn in by Z's lyrics, his pain, and then by his beauty. It's not specified because he ends up with Z, but I'd say Hail is more pan than bi by the way he connected to Z as a person, regardless of his gender.
We meet Hail's band members and the author manages to introduce them without it feeling like an info dump. I fell in love with all of them and am eager for their stories, too.
November 25, 2023
This is my first time reading this author and I loved this book and devoured it in one day. I am a sucker for rockstar romances with angst and this book didn't disappoint me.
Z and Hail were such beautiful characters and written so amazingly, I could feel their pain and their struggles because the author had written it so beautifully. Z was such a raw character and with the pain he had faced in the past, I sympathized with him. And then there was Hail who was goofy and was attracted to Z since he met him the first time but he also had his struggles and he always felt no one loved him enough to stay with him.
Z and Hail's journey was beautiful to witness, and their growth individually and in their relationship was amazing. I loved Liam's character a lot, I was glad he stood by Hail and also how much he cared for Z. Their friendship was just amazing.
I liked this book and will be looking forward to Liam and Stasi's book, I recommend that you check out this book.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
Z and Hail were such beautiful characters and written so amazingly, I could feel their pain and their struggles because the author had written it so beautifully. Z was such a raw character and with the pain he had faced in the past, I sympathized with him. And then there was Hail who was goofy and was attracted to Z since he met him the first time but he also had his struggles and he always felt no one loved him enough to stay with him.
Z and Hail's journey was beautiful to witness, and their growth individually and in their relationship was amazing. I loved Liam's character a lot, I was glad he stood by Hail and also how much he cared for Z. Their friendship was just amazing.
I liked this book and will be looking forward to Liam and Stasi's book, I recommend that you check out this book.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
February 24, 2025
will put you in your feels 🥺🖤
Y’all this one put me in my feels. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and by the end you just want to give the guys a hug for everything they’ve been through. If anyone deserves their HEA it’s Hail and Zander. So y’all know the drill, grab your blanket, a snack, your favorite drink, and get comfy cause you’ll not want to quit until you finish the book.
Zander never wanted to be recognized. He wanted to hide in the shadows and make just enough to survive. What he never expected was to catch the eye of Hail, famous metal vocalist, and be dragged back into the world he was so desperate to escape. Hail instantly felt drawn to Z the minute he heard his soulful voice in the underground bar. When Hail convinces Z to join his band’s tour, it’s a rocky road for Zander. His past demons won’t let him rest.
This book broke my heart into pieces before slowly putting those pieces back together. They may get their HEA but it was not easy.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Y’all this one put me in my feels. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and by the end you just want to give the guys a hug for everything they’ve been through. If anyone deserves their HEA it’s Hail and Zander. So y’all know the drill, grab your blanket, a snack, your favorite drink, and get comfy cause you’ll not want to quit until you finish the book.
Zander never wanted to be recognized. He wanted to hide in the shadows and make just enough to survive. What he never expected was to catch the eye of Hail, famous metal vocalist, and be dragged back into the world he was so desperate to escape. Hail instantly felt drawn to Z the minute he heard his soulful voice in the underground bar. When Hail convinces Z to join his band’s tour, it’s a rocky road for Zander. His past demons won’t let him rest.
This book broke my heart into pieces before slowly putting those pieces back together. They may get their HEA but it was not easy.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 27, 2023
• Emotional Scars
• Metalheads
• Bi-Awakening
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Steamy
• Dual POV
• Soulmates
I had been looking forward to reading this as soon as it was bought to my attention by Ivy Bennett. THANKS GIRL!!!
Being a neurospicy metalhead and in my MM romance era I was so excited for this! And I was NOT disappointed. This book delivered.
I cried, I laughed, and I loved both Z and Hail and their journey. Both struggling with their own demons and trying to comprehend fighting them together.
The side characters, if we can call them that we're also loveable.
Abigail has done an amazing job of writing respectful trauma with relatable characters and highlighting music that is judged by people who don't understand the soul behind it.
I absolutely loved every minute of reading this book and my soul love for this author has grown after reading this AND knowing she is also a Sleep Token fan.
• Metalheads
• Bi-Awakening
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Steamy
• Dual POV
• Soulmates
I had been looking forward to reading this as soon as it was bought to my attention by Ivy Bennett. THANKS GIRL!!!
Being a neurospicy metalhead and in my MM romance era I was so excited for this! And I was NOT disappointed. This book delivered.
I cried, I laughed, and I loved both Z and Hail and their journey. Both struggling with their own demons and trying to comprehend fighting them together.
The side characters, if we can call them that we're also loveable.
Abigail has done an amazing job of writing respectful trauma with relatable characters and highlighting music that is judged by people who don't understand the soul behind it.
I absolutely loved every minute of reading this book and my soul love for this author has grown after reading this AND knowing she is also a Sleep Token fan.
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