Bitter Beats

Dating the Drummer Trilogy #1

by Gina Azzi

Being forced to share my band's townhouse with a gorgeous third-year law student wouldn't be so terrible, but Mckenna Byrne is a pretentious, by-the-book know-it-all. Sadly, she's also the key to helping me save The Burnt Clovers.

My drum kit, my bandmates, and our arenas of fans mean everything to me. When a scandal jeopardizes The Burnt Clovers’ success, I’ll do whatever it takes to overhaul my image. Even fake date my reluctant roommate.

Sure, McKenna might despise me, but while she’s living under my roof, I’ll do anything to protect her.

Our arrangement is simple. I pay off McKenna’s tuition in exchange for her pretending to be my girlfriend to soften my bad boy, rockstar reputation.

But my wholesome, down-on-her-luck significant other is more than I bargained for. As days turn into weeks, mocking her dull sweaters, type-A personality traits, and boring social life morphs into a possessive need and a hot desire I can’t ignore.

When a threat from Mckenna’s past emerges, I’ll cross every line to keep her safe. Even if the outcome tears me apart.

***
Please This material was originally published on Kindle Vella as Bitter Rockstar. Additional scenes have been added and Mav and Mckenna's entire story will release in three installments throughout 2025.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Music, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Enemies To Lovers

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2025

About the author

Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

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Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He holds me like he knows the parts of my soul I don’t share. Like he understands them, me, intimately.”

I loved the start of Mav and Mckenna’s story! Maverick needed to improve his image and reputation following a public scandal so he began fake dating Mckenna in exchange for paying her tuition. She reluctantly moved in with him and they were instantly at odds since she had always been the thorn in his side. But what would happen when they started to fall into the new norm of their mutually beneficial arrangement?

“You’re under contract, babe. You can hate me all you want, but you still have to kiss me.”

Mav was so much more than met the eye! He was the bad boy with a heart of gold, considerate and caring, more observant than expected. I loved how he looked out for Mckenna, protecting her and not letting anyone hurt her while he tried to break down her walls, sharing secrets and vulnerabilities. I loved how hard he fell for her, jealous of any man who got too close.

I loved Mckenna’s energy and sass, the push and pull between her and Mav, the slow burn, the way she opened herself up to trusting him. Mav was a man obsessed, completely consumed by thoughts of Mckenna and I loved the way they affected each other. Mav and Mckenna were two broken souls at their core but the anger and hurt and recklessness sparked into something intense and beautiful. And after that cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter!

“Kiss me, Mav,” she demands. “For real. Kiss me like you mean it.”

✨️Rockstar romance
✨️Fake dating
✨️Enemies to friends to lovers
✨️Reluctant roommates
✨️Good girl x bad boy
✨️Jealous/possessive MMC
✨️Cliffhanger

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo I loved loved loved this book! Book one in an all new rockstar romance trilogy !!
The last rockstar series Gina did was an angst rollercoaster, so I was a littleeeee scared going into this ! But, the angst was minimal .. so far .. but with an ending like that, I’m getting out my seatbelt , cuz I know she’s gonna have us in for a RIDE.
This was a SLOWWW burn, but OHHH so worth the wait.
I just love McKenna and Mac together, even though it took them WAY too long to realize they’re perfect for the other!
This has great story and character building , Mav especially, shows a lot of growth throughout the book. I’m quite anxious to get the rest of their story, and I PRAY Mav doesn’t mess up! My heart won’t be able to take it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a sweet, slow-burn start to McKenna and Mavericks story. McKenna’s focused on law school and how to manage her finances, while Maverick’s a wild, charming drummer with a mess to clean up—and asks her to be his fake girlfriend with an offer she can’t resist.

They’re total opposites, but their friendship and chemistry build was so natural. Maverick has that bad boy vibe, but his heart is too big for his chest. McKenna is strong, smart, and so easy to root for. Can’t wait for book two! 💜

[diann bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! For all of you who were waiting for another Burnt Clovers story, you are in luck!
Maverick (Mav) and McKenna (Kenny)have a story for you!
This opposites attract, fake dating story is a slow burn that turns fire but this is a ongoing story, so don’t be surprised when we have to wait for the next installment of this fun read to grace our kindle’s .

In the next book I hope they resolve their status for the rest of the series and just give in to what the rest of us want. A Happily Ever After!
4 hopeful stars!

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Burnt Clovers are back, but this time it is Drummer Maverick's time to shine.
Bitter Beats kicks off as the first book in author Gina Azzi’s newest trilogy series; Dating The Drummer.
In this Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Rockstar Romance, we follow the story of Maverick ‘Mav’ Tate and Mckenna ‘Kenny’ Byrne who were introduced in The Burnt Clovers trilogy that followed band member Derek 'Reign' Reiner and Allegra Rousell's story.

What happens when you take complete opposites like Mav a Playboy Rockstar and McKenna a Law student and have them become roommates?
It results in the beginning of quite an adventurous journey, then again it was to be expected since the two were like night and day, hot and cold, oil and vinegar.
And yet it’s what made for the start of an interesting read, leading you through a narrative that bought about entertainment, drama, tension, emotional highs and lows and some very high and smoking steam. If the sizzling chemistry and shared banter was anything to go by.

Although Bitter Beats is only book one, we were able to learn about the characters. That too on a somewhat in-depth level, showcasing there was much more to than meets the eye with both Mav and Mckenna.
Despite the lifestyle Mav was living, and how he presented himself on the outside, over time we were able to see it was a facade, allowing not only us the readers to see. But McKenna too, from the lowering of the walls he had erected around himself, to keep others at a distance.
As for Mckenna, she may have presented a tough and strong exterior on the outside. But on the inside there was a lot more that she was hiding too, given on that she had going on in her personal life. Something author Gina showcased in the slow unravelling of Mckenna's layers.

As for the evolving relationship between Mav and Mckenna, author Gina displayed it at the right pace IMO, the way we see them go from Enemies to Friends.
Seeing the slow growth and change, amongst the bumps from the ups and downs made the shift in their relationship feel more real and genuine. Since the progress showcased it all for us the readers to follow along with too.

There was a couple moments where the pace to the story overall seemed to slow down to a lull, given the slower than usual steady pace for a Rockstar Romance, at least to me.
However it didn’t last long, since author Gina managed to turn it around from the rise up antics of Mav that pushed the pace through.

Although the ending was predictable, having expected the cliffhanger to be what it was.
But nonetheless it was still a good end and a read overall with Bitter Beats only being the first book.
Author Gina Azzi has me looking forward to book two Tainted Tempose to see just how Mav and Mckenna’s story will continue. And in what direction she will lead us through.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maverick and McKenna

We enjoyed this story immensely; it was filled with emotions and beautiful friendships. The previous books gave us a taste of what could happen between Mav and Kenny, aka McKenna. We loved all the sniping back and forth between the characters, the witty banter. We loved it as we found ourselves laughing and smiling throughout.

McKenna is a mess, running on fumes, life falling apart, but her bestie gives her a place to figure out her life and what comes next. The only downfall is that her arch-nemesis, Maverick, will be her roommate.

Maverick is your typical rockstar; some might think he's out of control and even a bit of a douche bag. There is more there than meets the eye when it comes to Mav. As we turn the pages, we get the feeling that he was running from something he hadn't dealt with in his past, which plays a part in his current behavior.

No matter what brought this couple to have a fake relationship, we hope it will move beyond that. As you keep turning the pages, you see these characters become vulnerable, start to care for one another, even fall for one another, but they are both stubborn and unsure of what is happening between them.

This story had its ups and downs, had you smiling and laughing, and touched your heart with the pain and loneliness that the characters felt. We saw the growth in Maverick's character, and a side of him that was generous, kind, loving, and fun.

We love seeing Mav and Kenny together; they make a beautiful couple, and we will root for them. More is in store for this couple, as this was only part of their story, as the book ended on a cliffhanger. What's in the future for this couple we do not know, but we see some rocky moments ahead, secrets coming to light, and we feel something will change McKenna's life. But Maverick has something to fight for now, and will do anything to protect the woman he has come to love.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revisiting the Burnt Clovers rock band, the Dating the Drummer Trilogy gives us a glimpse into the the lives of reluctant roommates, Maverick and McKenna. Obviously Mav is the drummer in a famous rock band (hence the title of the trilogy) and he's a bit of a reckless playboy in order to cope with his family issues. McKenna is a third year law student struggling to make ends meet after her parents divorce and basically forget about her. When her friend offers her a free place to stay, she is grateful, even though it means she will have to deal with Mav as a housemate. They get along like oil and water, but they each have their own burdens to bear. As they get to know one another better, they start to understand each other more. This is a slow burn start to the trilogy, but the chemistry between the two is sizzling!

I was intrigued by Mav in the original trilogy and was excited to dive in to his story. I love that we get to see the friendship between Mav and McKenna form and grow throughout the story. My favorite scenes were when the two were able to play like children. I really felt the bond between them solidify through blanket forts and snowball fights. Yes, there is a bit of angst and I'm guessing that book two will reveal more secrets. I can't wait to find out what happens after the bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one!

Bitter Beats continues the story of the Burnt Clovers, but can be read without having read any of the previous trilogy. It is book one of the Dating the Drummer Trilogy and ends on a slight cliffhanger. It's a fast read and will leave you eagerly anticipating the next story.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s great to be back in the Burnt Clovers world with Maverick and McKenna. “Bitter Beats” is a sweet, heartfelt and intriguing start to the trilogy for McKenna and Maverick.

McKenna is a law student and she’s struggling with debt from school and being in the middle of her divorcing parents. When her friend offers her a free place to stay, she can’t pass up the offer. Maverick is the drummer for the Burnt Clovers and has been living up to the rock star lifestyle. And he’s her new roommate. The two are as different as night and day but when Maverick needs a fake girlfriend to help with a mess he created, McKenna accepts his offer to help. But as the two spend time together, they realize that they have more in common than they think.

I was curious about Maverick from the first trilogy and love that we get to know him next. He’s charming, caring and loves being a drummer for the Burnt Clovers. He might have the bad boy reputation but underneath is a man who cares with his whole heart. McKenna is amazing and I admired her determination to continue with law school even when her parents had let her down. She wasn’t afraid of the hard work to earn money to pay for it. McKenna and Maverick were definitely at odds with each other at first but they slowly became friends once they tried to get to know each other. Their romance is a slow burn but worth the wait. The story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but this is a three part series so that is to be expected. I can;t wait to read about their relationship development in the next book.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Beats by Gina Azzi, book one in the Dating the Drummer Trilogy, is a sweet, emotional, heartfelt and intriguing start to a trilogy for McKenna and Maverick as the Burnt Clovers rock band is revisited. McKenna, a law student, is struggling with debt from school while being forgotten by her divorcing parents. When her friend offers her a free place to stay, she is grateful, despite that it meant she will have to deal with Maverick as a housemate. Maverick, the drummer for the Burnt Clovers, has been living up to the rock star lifestyle as a reckless playboy in order to cope with his family issues. The two are as different as night and day and get along like oil and water, but they each have their own burdens to bear. McKenna and Maverick were definitely at odds with each other at first but they slowly became friends once they tried to get to know each other; understanding each other more and realizing that they have more in common than they think. When Maverick needs a fake girlfriend to help him deal with a mess he created, McKenna accepts his offer to help.

This story had its ups and downs, had you smiling and laughing, and touched your heart with the pain and loneliness that the characters felt. There was growth in Maverick's character, and a side of him that was generous, kind, loving, and fun. Their romance is a slow burn but worth the wait. The story does end on a shocking cliffhanger, with me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the trilogy's second book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Beats is the fabulous first book of a new trilogy starring the drummer from The Burnt Clovers series. It's a slow burn that gripped my heart, held it gently, and nurtured my emotions until they exploded. McKenna is an absolute sweetheart, while Maverick is gritty and rough around the edges, as you'd expect a rockstar to be.

McKenna and Maverick prove sparks fly when two opposite personalities share a house. The drummer for The Burnt Clovers is no match for the third-year law student, even if she's everything he wishes for. Maverick returns from a vacation to find McKenna living in the band's brownstone while attending university. No one knows the circumstances that have led to why she's there but accepts her due to her close friendship with the band. Maverick is a mischief magnet, and when his latest shenanigans lead to a scandal, the band's publicist suggests McKenna as his fake girlfriend to clean up his reputation. They are ill-suited initially, but the more time they spend as reluctant roommates while fake dating, the more they have in common until their relationship doesn't feel so fake. When the band lands the opportunity to play in Vegas for New Year's Eve, could Maverick and McKenna take on more than they can handle?

Bitter Beats ends on a shocking cliffhanger, with me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the trilogy's second book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He holds me like he knows the parts of my soul I don’t share. Like he understands them, me, intimately.”

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this story for what feels like forever! In Bitter Beats, the journey begins with two people who thrive on hating each other, drawn together in a fake relationship. What follows is a heartfelt transformation into a friendship they can’t live without and a chemistry that becomes undeniable. Mav and McKenna’s story is absolutely addictive—I couldn’t stop reading and devoured it all in one sitting!

“I always mean it, Mckenna. This—me and you—it f*cking means something.”

Both characters are a bit broken, their defenses a reflection of their past hurts, but beneath it all, they share a deep similarity that brings them together. Watching their relationship evolve—from snarky roommates barely tolerating each other to close friends to passionate lovers—was an absolute delight. I’m certain secrets and past events will test their bond, and I can’t wait to be on this emotional rollercoaster with them. Bitter Beats is a compelling read that has me counting down the days until the next chapter in Mav and McKenna’s gripping tale.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Beats by Gina Azzi is an engaging and fast-paced rockstar romance that kicks off the Dating the Drummer trilogy with plenty of heart and heat. The story follows Mav and McKenna, whose chemistry is electric and whose journey through love, trust, and personal growth keeps readers hooked from the start.

What I enjoyed most was the authentic portrayal of the music world combined with relatable emotional struggles. Azzi’s writing is sharp and immersive, capturing the intensity of both the rockstar lifestyle and the vulnerabilities beneath the surface. The banter and tension between the leads add a lively spark, making their connection feel genuine and compelling.

While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes, the fresh characters and dynamic storytelling make it stand out. The pacing is brisk, which keeps the momentum going, though at times it felt a bit rushed in places. Overall, the emotional depth and sizzling romance deliver a satisfying read.

Bitter Beats is a solid four-star read for fans of rockstar romances looking for a blend of passion, drama, and relatable characters. Gina Azzi sets a strong foundation for the trilogy, leaving readers eager for more of Mav and McKenna’s story.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I blew through this and thoroughly enjoyed it so am now impatiently waiting for the next part of the trilogy to find out what happens next! I am familiar with the Burnt Clovers having read a couple of the books about Derek and Allegra, but I haven't gotten around to finishing their trilogy and it was a while ago so not top of mind. That said, you could definitely read this without having read The Burnt Clovers trilogy so go ahead and start here if you need to.

As ever the story flowed really well and kept me interested throughout. I definitely enjoy the author's style of writing and find it very easy to read (and get drawn into the story). I was a little annoyed with Mckenna at times for just assuming that her parents would continue to pay her college tuition but I guess when they're that rich it would be expected (even for extended studies). But then to not even stand up for herself with them about it... I found that a little frustrating. But it served the plot so I let it go eventually. Ha ha.

For me, this is a 4.5 star read because of those niggles but I am so invested in where it's going next. The next part of their story can't come soon enough for me!

[Julz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️|2🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 10, 29

I can’t lie—I did enjoy this book. The chemistry? Delicious. The angst? Chef’s kiss. These two had me flipping pages like my life depended on it. But then the ending showed up like, “Surprise, we’re done now!” and I just sat there blinking. All that slow-burn tension for a wrap‑up that felt like someone hit fast‑forward. I’ll absolutely read the next one, but damn… give me a payoff, not a drive‑by.

And listen, I’m a certified sucker for rockstar romances. Tattoos, drums, backstage chaos—I want it all. But this one? Barely any rockstaring. Not even a single dramatic mic drop. Tragic.

We follow McKenna, a law student whose life is basically one long “Are you kidding me?” moment. Between student fees and personal chaos, she’s drowning. Thankfully her friends come through with a place to stay… except her new roommate is Maverick Tate, drummer of The Burnt Clovers and walking definition of a fuckboy. He’s got a revolving door of women, zero shame, and absolutely no awareness that McKenna can hear everything. She calls him out, he loves the fire, and suddenly Mr. I-Don’t-Catch-Feelings is catching them like it’s his full‑time job.

Then he lands himself in some messy PR trouble, and the solution? A fake relationship with the one girl who won’t tolerate his bullshit. She gets money for her tuition, he gets to pretend he’s not a disaster, and we get the tension, the chemistry, the drama… all the good, addictive stuff.

If only the ending hadn’t sprinted across the finish line like it had somewhere better to be.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we finally get to the nitty gritty of Mav and McKenna and the ins and outs of what is happening between the two of them. Ms. Azzi teased us in the Burnt Clover Trilogy with a glimpse of Mav and McKenna but now we really know the full story. These two had me shaking my head, yelling at Mav and wanting to hold McKenna all at the same time. Their story is one of a love-to-hate or is it a hate-to-love one where the pull just might be strong but the bad boy persona gets in the way.
McKenna needs help, her parents to love her and for life to take a turn for the better and the one person who gets under her skin is the only person who can help. Maverick, Mav, is the drummer for The Burnt Clover rock band and has so much weighing on his shoulders. The bad boy persona, wants to make sure everyone is happy and to think he is ok, but at what cost to him? When they become roommates, everything comes to a head. He needs to change his bad boy reputation and she needs money to stay in law school. When an agreement is made, Mav is all in and McKenna sees a side of him that she never thought he had. The sparks ignite and everything comes to the surface.
The cliffhanger Ms. Azzi left me with had my head spinning. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us with the next installment.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
🎵Bitter Beats🎶
Dating the Drummer #1

By Gina Azzi

🎵 Rockstar Romance
🎶 Enemies to Lovers
🎵 Fake Dating

⭐ 5/5

Mckenna, a closed off woman because of her abandonment issues
Maverick>, living the life of a true rockstar

Mckenna’s thought: But I want it. With him. Right now. Always. Peace. Whole. Home. .

Quote: “Forever?” I question, a thread of vulnerability in my tone. “Forever,” he promises, sealing it with a kiss”

Mckenna & Maverick pt 1

What a rollercoaster the journey of these two is. Mckenna and Maverick are everything at once. Enemies, roommates, friends and finally a pretending couple. And nothing they do goes without a fight or drama.
But their constant up and down brings them closer. An withspoken understanding, something in common and becoming caring of each other. And while they have a tension between them, their story is very slow burn. They glide slowly into attraction and developing feelings. Something both really don't understand. But becoming friends doesn't make anything easier because communication is not their strength.
There are secrets to uncover and the ending was unexpected but is a great cliffhanger for the next part in their story.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and quick to hook you! Fans of Gina Azzi's Burnt Clovers trilogy will recognize the key players in this book as it is Maverick's story. It was previously published on Kindle Vella and is now being added to and re-released as a Dating the Drummer trilogy throughout 2025. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and Book 2 will pick up where this one left off. The characters are both easy to like and have drama-filled lives to juggle. He's a rockstar and scandal seems to follow him everywhere. She's a law student who is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life while her parents fight their way through a divorce and forget she's even around. Seeing this enemies to lovers story develop is humorous and heartwarming as they first learn to become friends and then connect on a deeper level. We have hints of more drama to ensue when book two comes around on a couple of different fronts. Both their relationship and her past are raring to flare up. I enjoyed the characters, their story and the overall feel of the series. Great to see the Burnt Clover guys again!

[Rina's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to this trilogy

My stomach was in knots for most of this book, waiting for the next slanderous remark to land, waiting for the moment the villain pounced, or for Maverick and McKenna to ignite.

The chemistry, the banter, the misunderstandings - it all added to the intensity level.
While it was relatively low steam the majority of the book, the fire near the end was scorching.

Maverick was a character with surprising depth. Once he quit his shenanigans, you could see that it was a facade to keep people at arms length. Now that he has let his walls down around Kenny, will he become the man that she deserves? I guess only time will tell.

I adored McKenna. I thought she was a feisty and determined character. Life hadn't been kind the past few years, so to see her getting a bit of a breather was nice.
The way their relationship grew felt genuine. It wasn't hurried and it was bumpy at times, but their friendship held strong.

That ending though...I'm surprised but I'm not mad about it. I can't wait to see what comes next for the two of them.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems here. Nothing. I knew Maverick would have far more to him than he wants people to see, but I didn’t know just how much he hides to keep others happy. And the same goes for McKenna. She’s going through it and is so afraid to let anyone think that she’s struggling or failing that it takes a big, huge event to make her open up.

Once the arrangement begins, Maverick is all in, and I mean that. He’s loyal. Dedicated. A true friend. And falling hard for McKenna. She may not want him to. She may not believe it. But when she needs someone at her back and by her side, he’s there. So the lines blur. The facade drops and the real feelings come out. And then….i need more. Because these two do the unfathomable, and I know that one will likely treat it with the commitment it deserves. Or I hope.

So now I have to wait to find out who runs, who gives chase, or if they both find a way to stand together and weather the storm that’s coming their way.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an up and down relationship between McKenna or Kenny and Maverick or Mav. Mav is with a band, and his best friend’s husband is also in the band. Mav’s best friend and Kenny were college roommates with a couple of other girls who have stayed close. I felt so bad for Kenny as most people thought she was a rich, stuck up person. It was hard to watch the insecurity Kenny had because of her loser parents. When Kenny moved in Mav’s house without Mav’s and Kenny’s best friend’s letting him know, because she had no where else to go, I thought the two would beat each other up with words! Mav was a loose cannon that made some bad mistakes. Poor Kenny was going through some tough times herself. I loved watching Mav and Kenny attempt to become friends. I have to say that this is not the end of their story. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Donna for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

This is a short and sweet review from me. I hate reading a trilogy sometimes, as it's hard to give a full assessment of the story. This first part was brilliant, and I absolutely loved it.

I am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of this story. That cliffhanger, though, has left me wanting to know what happens so much. It was a great read and I recommend it.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dating the Drummer Trilogy #1

McKenna Byrne is a third year law student whose life is falling apart. Her parents are divorcing, they've forgotten about her, her tuition hasn't been paid and she's in debt to the point she needs to find a place to live and get a job, something she's never had. Luckily her friend offers her their place but she has to share it with Maverick Tate.

Mav is the drummer for The Burnt Clovers and a party boy, different women every night and is just out of control. When he gets caught in a scandal and his band members tell him he has to clean up his act and change his image since it jeopardizes the band he agrees.

Mckenna and Mav seem to rub each other the wrong way but when they ask her to help and be his fake girlfriend in exchange for paying off her tuition debt she agrees.
What could go wrong?

4.5 stars
Bring on part 2!

[Echo's Journey Through Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book so fast and enjoyed every second of it. Mckenna and Maverick haven't really gotten along before and now they're roommates and starting to see different sides to each other. But that's not all, they end up faking a relationship to better his bad boy reputation which leads them to connect more and actually become friends through it.

I loved those little moments together making them like each other more and more and how they started to truly see each other and even catch feelings they definitely didn't see coming. Loved his protectiveness towards her!

That cliffhanger thoo this is the first time I'm probably gonna say I loved it, makes me even more excited to see how their story continues!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Bitter Beats (Dating The Drummer Trilogy #1) by Gina Azzi

I was so excited when I learned that Gina Azzi had a new trilogy releasing and that it was rockstar romance.

This is Mckenna Byrne and Maverick (Mav), The Burnt Clovers drummer who is in desperate need of revamping his rockstar reputation.

When Mckenna’s past comes back to haunt her, Mav will do everything in his power to protect her and keep her safe, no matter the cost.

This enemies to friends to lovers story drew me in and kept me reading well into the night. It was well written and I cannot wait to see what happens as their story continues.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

             Reviewed For Saucy Review
                    On Kinky Korner

This is a short and sweet review from me. I hate reading a trilogy sometimes, as it's hard to give a full assessment of the story. This first part was brilliant, and I absolutely loved it.

I am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of this story. That cliffhanger, though, has left me wanting to know what happens so much. It was a great read and I recommend it.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mav and McKenna are reluctant roommates. McKenna is taking her friends room while they are gone and Mav is none to happy about it. Mav is a rockstar on hiatus with a revolving door of women in his room. McKenna is a third year law student with bills to pay and lots to study. Though they seem to be very different there are a lot if things these two have in common. As they get to know one another things become more civil. Then there is a scandal and everything changes. Looking forward to book two!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the original Burnt Clovers trilogy, so returning to this world put a major smile on my face. The fact that it's Kenna and Mav's turn for a happily ever after? BRING IT ON! Mav has my complete attention, and Kenna has so much going on in her life that I want to know more about.

Loving the fake relationship. Loving the hate to love. Loved everything that happened in this book, and that cliffhanger has me begging for Tainted Tempos to release ASAP. I need to know what happens next in their story.

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This is book one of a three book series. Maverick is the drummer in Burnt Clovers and Mckenna is a third year law student. Mckenna finds herself living with Mav due to her financial situation. They have a connection but ignore it and because of Mav's image are now in a fake dating relation that has escalated into something more. Can't wait to continue reading their story in Tainted Tempos.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, opposite attract story. I just loved Mav and Mckenna. It was interesting to see Mckenna unfold and how Mav reacted to it. Mav wants to help Mckenna, but she is holding back and doesn’t want him to know what she needs. I enjoyed how everything unfolded, definitely kept me engaged in where their story was going. I highly recommend you read this book. I can’t wait to see what comes next in their journey. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Beats by Gina Azzi was such an amazing book. This book is a contemporary rockstar romance with drama and spice. This has all my favorite tropes: the enemies to lovers, forced proximity with a player of a rockstar, and a feisty FMC. The storyline was original and pages-turning. The characters had the best banter and an undeniable chemistry. This book did leave off on a cliffhanger so I’m patiently waiting for what happens next!!!!-by Brooke