What do you think?
Rate this book
Rebel Rockstars #1
Wild Obsession
Hooking up with my rockstar, virgin ex was supposed to be a cruel game. But he’s falling hard, and it’s dredging up the feelings we never confronted as kids.
Keannen
Tim dumped me almost nine years ago. And when I say “dumped,” I mean he left me without a word, without an explanation, without a goodbye. He hasn’t contacted me since.
Now, our bands are on tour together. He’s far more famous than me and my fledgling rock band, but I’m far more vicious, and I’m not letting him get away this time.
There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. He’s trapped with me, and I’ve got eight years of frustration to take out on the man who broke my heart. When I discover he’s a virgin, and that he’s definitely still into me, I know exactly how to torment him — and have a little fun in the process.
Tim
I didn’t want to leave Keannen eight years ago. My parents pulled me out of our high school and shipped me around the country to “fix” me when they caught me under the bleachers with a boy.
When life throws us back together, it’s like no time has passed at all. I might be a famous musician now, but I still stare at him in awe whenever he gets on stage and drums. He’s fierce and fearless, but he brings that same intensity offstage when he corners me in every composing situation he can devise.
I may be a virgin, but when it comes to Keannen, I’m ready to say “yes” to just about anything — no matter his true intentions.
Wild Obsession is an MM rockstar romance with bitter exes reuniting while on tour, an unexpected second chance at love, steamy tension boiling over at all the wrong times, and first-time experiences. Go to linktr.ee/faraywrites for CWs and more.
Keannen
Tim dumped me almost nine years ago. And when I say “dumped,” I mean he left me without a word, without an explanation, without a goodbye. He hasn’t contacted me since.
Now, our bands are on tour together. He’s far more famous than me and my fledgling rock band, but I’m far more vicious, and I’m not letting him get away this time.
There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. He’s trapped with me, and I’ve got eight years of frustration to take out on the man who broke my heart. When I discover he’s a virgin, and that he’s definitely still into me, I know exactly how to torment him — and have a little fun in the process.
Tim
I didn’t want to leave Keannen eight years ago. My parents pulled me out of our high school and shipped me around the country to “fix” me when they caught me under the bleachers with a boy.
When life throws us back together, it’s like no time has passed at all. I might be a famous musician now, but I still stare at him in awe whenever he gets on stage and drums. He’s fierce and fearless, but he brings that same intensity offstage when he corners me in every composing situation he can devise.
I may be a virgin, but when it comes to Keannen, I’m ready to say “yes” to just about anything — no matter his true intentions.
Wild Obsession is an MM rockstar romance with bitter exes reuniting while on tour, an unexpected second chance at love, steamy tension boiling over at all the wrong times, and first-time experiences. Go to linktr.ee/faraywrites for CWs and more.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
44 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
F.A. Ray
29 books68 followersF.A. Ray writes contemporary queer romance fiction, including gay romance and lesbian romance (writing as Lainee Ash). They especially enjoy sports romance with rivals who become lovers, second chances, unusual sports and grumpy sunshine opposites attracting.
You can connect with them at linktr.ee/faraywrites to keep up to date on new releases, social media and more.
You can connect with them at linktr.ee/faraywrites to keep up to date on new releases, social media and more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 6, 2025
2 💦🛏️ (wet blankets)
This book takes a LOT of belief suspension to get through, which usually isn't my thing, but the emotions kept me around.
It's like the author had concepts in their head, listed them out, but forgot to connect them in realistic ways that give the end result reason. Keannen treats Tim in a threatening manner pretty much from the jump, taunts him, etc. all in the name of revenge, and Tim ends up thinking he has feelings for Keannen and vice versa. Why? There was nothing written in the book that explained that leap of logic. The bands also call each other family, though it seems like it's news to the MCs (Keannen has heard it before, but doesn't believe it). Tim barely even seems like he's familiar with himself, let alone the other members of his band.
This could have been a 3.5-4 star book, easily, if the author had put more work into connecting their tropes of Ex's Revenge™️ and Found Family™️ in a more convincing way.
P.S.
I'm also going to need Tim to stop saying "but we were kids!" about Keannen being pissed.
This book takes a LOT of belief suspension to get through, which usually isn't my thing, but the emotions kept me around.
It's like the author had concepts in their head, listed them out, but forgot to connect them in realistic ways that give the end result reason. Keannen treats Tim in a threatening manner pretty much from the jump, taunts him, etc. all in the name of revenge, and Tim ends up thinking he has feelings for Keannen and vice versa. Why? There was nothing written in the book that explained that leap of logic. The bands also call each other family, though it seems like it's news to the MCs (Keannen has heard it before, but doesn't believe it). Tim barely even seems like he's familiar with himself, let alone the other members of his band.
This could have been a 3.5-4 star book, easily, if the author had put more work into connecting their tropes of Ex's Revenge™️ and Found Family™️ in a more convincing way.
P.S.
I'm also going to need Tim to stop saying "but we were kids!" about Keannen being pissed.
March 14, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Wild Obsession is the first book in the Rebel Rockstar series by author F.A. Ray. The story is set in contemporary America with Tim’s and Keannen’s bands traversing the country on tour. There are also short flashback scenes to that pivotal time during their high school years to share how these two originally met. The main story is split into chapters and both Keannen and Tim take turns narrating, which goes a long way towards building a complete picture of who our MCs are and what they want from their forced proximity.
Overall, this was an interesting story with two very different main characters struggling with old hurts and deeply differing values. As the story progresses, it was clear these two men were falling for each other, but their past created a seemingly insurmountable obstacle between them.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Wild Obsession is the first book in the Rebel Rockstar series by author F.A. Ray. The story is set in contemporary America with Tim’s and Keannen’s bands traversing the country on tour. There are also short flashback scenes to that pivotal time during their high school years to share how these two originally met. The main story is split into chapters and both Keannen and Tim take turns narrating, which goes a long way towards building a complete picture of who our MCs are and what they want from their forced proximity.
Overall, this was an interesting story with two very different main characters struggling with old hurts and deeply differing values. As the story progresses, it was clear these two men were falling for each other, but their past created a seemingly insurmountable obstacle between them.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 9, 2025
I’ve read all of this author’s books in the boyfriend cafe series and I think I loved “Wild Obsession” because it reminded me of the dynamic in “A matcha made in hell”. I’m a sucker for second chance tropes with a bit of “I hate you for what you did to me but I’m soft for you” so this hit the spot for me!
I wish Keannen would have softened a bit earlier but I liked their journey, with Tim getting more confident with what he wanted and both recognising their past errors in the end.
I also loved their talk at the end about both having been let down by family/people that should have loved them and how it affected them and their ability to trust in good things to come.
Through the book I was feeling a bit mad at Keannen for not realising that things went bad for Tim back in high school but in the end I loved his explanation for it.(“It was easier to hate you than to miss you”) I wish we had a tiny bit more about how those 8 years felt for Keannen but I did love the interlude chapters.
I also loved seeing Keannen point of view about Tim’s drumming skills because I was feeling so bad for Tim and how he kept thinking he was bad.
I’m a bit disappointed though by the absence of condoms, especially after Keannen tells Tim to be careful about STD. Plus we know he had a habit of hooking up with strangers so we have to hope he was more careful with them?? I just thought it was strange not to include it. They talk about getting supplies during the hotel scene but then no condom is ever mentioned so I assume the supplies were just lube?🤔
When I was starting to write my review while still reading the book, I wrote down that I hoped we’ll get to see a future book with Jacob and Seth and then I was happily surprised that the sneak peek at the end was for Jacob’s book! Can’t wait for those two story! I’m expecting some serious pinning! Plus I wonder who else will get a book in this new series!
I’ll end with a quote that I love (I’m a sucker for cute freckled character😆)
“Tim is changing all of that, one patient, freckle-filled smile at a time.”
I wish Keannen would have softened a bit earlier but I liked their journey, with Tim getting more confident with what he wanted and both recognising their past errors in the end.
I also loved their talk at the end about both having been let down by family/people that should have loved them and how it affected them and their ability to trust in good things to come.
Through the book I was feeling a bit mad at Keannen for not realising that things went bad for Tim back in high school but in the end I loved his explanation for it.(“It was easier to hate you than to miss you”) I wish we had a tiny bit more about how those 8 years felt for Keannen but I did love the interlude chapters.
I also loved seeing Keannen point of view about Tim’s drumming skills because I was feeling so bad for Tim and how he kept thinking he was bad.
I’m a bit disappointed though by the absence of condoms, especially after Keannen tells Tim to be careful about STD. Plus we know he had a habit of hooking up with strangers so we have to hope he was more careful with them?? I just thought it was strange not to include it. They talk about getting supplies during the hotel scene but then no condom is ever mentioned so I assume the supplies were just lube?🤔
When I was starting to write my review while still reading the book, I wrote down that I hoped we’ll get to see a future book with Jacob and Seth and then I was happily surprised that the sneak peek at the end was for Jacob’s book! Can’t wait for those two story! I’m expecting some serious pinning! Plus I wonder who else will get a book in this new series!
I’ll end with a quote that I love (I’m a sucker for cute freckled character😆)
“Tim is changing all of that, one patient, freckle-filled smile at a time.”
March 7, 2025
Keannen was a huge jerk for far too long and it made me not really root for them, especially because Tim was such a soft marshmallow. It was just too much like watching a puppy getting kicked repeatedly. Then suddenly they're magically together and all in love. There was not enough actual relationship progression and it felt unearned.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
April 27, 2025
DNF @ 83%
I loved Keannan's vitriol and playing with Tim at the start. True enemies mean actually wanting to hurt the other person. I also really liked how hurting Tim was explicitly also hurting Keannan. BUT, the hurt wasn't justified to us readers at that point. A chapter or two showing how much Keannan hated Tim and Tim hating himself was fine. Going full into the enemies trope without giving us the full reason as readers made REALLY soured the who experience because there was no way to tell if their emotions line up with the actual inciting event.
Why did it take 50% of the book to find out what happened that caused them to break up in the first place? AND why the hell don't they have a proper conversation about it until 82%
Having the freaking reason show up that late just made the made all the animosity that came before it feel incredibly unjustified instead of satisfying like good revenge stories can do.
Sure. I can buy Tim not communicating with Keannan out of fear for his parents, but like for eight years? Even after he'd moved out? Or hell, why not clear the air the second he realized he and Keannan were going to tour together? Some little acknowledgement, an apology for keeping him in the dark. A freaking conversation.
Misunderstandings absolutely suck when all of it could've been avoided with something as simple as a conversation. Yes, there were emotions, but if only an MC's nerves are the only thing keeping them from being clear, then the misunderstanding is stupid and needs to be revisited. I mean fuck, Tim confronted his parents and started actively going for Keannan and yet stillchose to not explain why he disappeared all those years ago when he knew it was that very issue that Keannan was still hung up on. Seriously?
TL;DR: Venegance isn't vengeance if there isn't a good reason given and we don't get that until way too late (and it's not even very good)
I loved Keannan's vitriol and playing with Tim at the start. True enemies mean actually wanting to hurt the other person. I also really liked how hurting Tim was explicitly also hurting Keannan. BUT, the hurt wasn't justified to us readers at that point. A chapter or two showing how much Keannan hated Tim and Tim hating himself was fine. Going full into the enemies trope without giving us the full reason as readers made REALLY soured the who experience because there was no way to tell if their emotions line up with the actual inciting event.
Why did it take 50% of the book to find out what happened that caused them to break up in the first place? AND why the hell don't they have a proper conversation about it until 82%
Having the freaking reason show up that late just made the made all the animosity that came before it feel incredibly unjustified instead of satisfying like good revenge stories can do.
Sure. I can buy Tim not communicating with Keannan out of fear for his parents, but like for eight years? Even after he'd moved out? Or hell, why not clear the air the second he realized he and Keannan were going to tour together? Some little acknowledgement, an apology for keeping him in the dark. A freaking conversation.
Misunderstandings absolutely suck when all of it could've been avoided with something as simple as a conversation. Yes, there were emotions, but if only an MC's nerves are the only thing keeping them from being clear, then the misunderstanding is stupid and needs to be revisited. I mean fuck, Tim confronted his parents and started actively going for Keannan and yet stillchose to not explain why he disappeared all those years ago when he knew it was that very issue that Keannan was still hung up on. Seriously?
TL;DR: Venegance isn't vengeance if there isn't a good reason given and we don't get that until way too late (and it's not even very good)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
Tim is the Drummer for The Ten Hours Band. The band has four people in it. Time, Erin is the singer and song writer, Cameron and Kelsey are the guitar players. Tim feels he is the weakest link in the band. They started out playing in Erin's basement and playing small time shows in downtown Seattle. The soul of the band has never changed. We all treat the band members like family. Emmett is now their manager, not a music guy. We have fans now and need security, having someone around who is not interested in us is grounding. We need to put the new record on hold for a tour. Raineer Talent Management has our contract and they are requesting we go on tour with a new up and coming talent they just signed. The new band is Baptism Emperor, they will open for us on the tour. Keannen Summers is the Drummer for Baptism Emperor. Tim and Keannen were together in High School in Baltimore. Tim left suddenly back then and was moved around until he ended up in Seattle. Tim Stayed in Seattle, Keannen should have been in Baltimore not Seattle. Keannen should stay in my nightmares not in front of me. No one knows that I am gay, I have kept it quiet. Keannen knew they were opening for The Ten Hours Band, his ex-boyfriends Super Popular Band. Tim became popular while I remained a washout. Tim abandoned me back in Highschool, I want some type of revenge toward him now. I practiced this in my head, but when I see him in person it all fades away. When we step into the Warehouse we are to use to rehearse and get everything set up all I can do is Smirk at Tim. Putting all my unkind thoughts for the last eight years show, wondering why he left me eight years ago. I plan on tormenting Tim on this tour. Daphne the Tour Manager wants to work on transitions first before we start to practice. When we introduce ourselves to Tim's band I wait until the last. We need to stay away from each other as much as possible while practicing. We can only practice around our work schedules. When the tour started Keannen went on first then they transitioned to Tim. Tim does not do well. After they got done and went to their hotel Tim was going to grab something to eat but when he went outside his room Keannen stopped him., and held Tim to the door. When someone else came out of their room Tim snuck back into his room. Tim is excited that Keannen held him, he tries to go to sleep after that. Since they are on the road after the shows they do not interact with each other for several days. Emmett calls and wants to extend the tour, but The Ten Hours say no! Six weeks is enough, Tim starts to do better during the shows. When they hit Austin they have a night off. Keannen is waiting for Tim when he gets to the hotel, they are sharing a room. Keannen was toying with Tim, wanting him to suffer like Keannen suffered when Tim left. After the incident in the shower Tim's next set was perfect. Good shows their next hotel stop was in Baltimore. Tim was on the phone with his parents when Keannen stopped by, Keanne is upset that Tim feels things he shouldn't. Keannen is not sure what happened. The tables have turned. Baltimore show Keannen rushes through the set. After that the next several shows the timing is off for everyone. Emmett calls wondering what is going on, the back half of the tour shows are sold out we should be doing good. Tim has decided to take things into his own hands. How will they play out?? Will Time Get what he wants???? Will Keannen walk away ????.
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.
March 17, 2025
REVIEW:
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts.
Tim considers himself the weakest link in The Ten Hours' band. They’ve made it big and are recording their second album when their manager announced they’re going on tour and will have an opening act – Baptism Emperor. It should be good news, but it’s the worst for Tim, as the band contains the only man he’s ever loved. Keannen is a bitter man, as in high school, Tim left him without word or explanation, and he wants some payback. But is everything as clear-cut as Keannen believes?
Wild Obsession is the first book in the Rebel Rockstars series, which looks as though it will be a number of standalone tales with a common theme. I found this story engaging and the characters memorable. However, I feel the author could have gone a bit further with the drama in a couple of areas.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Tim and Keannen. I received an uncorrected proof. Therefore, I will not comment on any technicalities. Physical worldbuilding revolves around concerts, the tour bus, and hotels. The emotional journey is more complicated and morphs from revenge to light D/s, stemming from crappy childhoods and homophobic parents.
At school, Keannen was the bad boy who regularly cut class. As an adult, he has that edgy tattooed vibe. Tim was the polar opposite. But they bonded over drums. As adults, Keannen’s actions come from a place of hurt and a need to control because he’s had no one to lean on. Whereas Tim hasn’t met anyone worth taking risks for, and none measured up to Keannen. Tim believes he deserves everything Keannen dishes out, but he also enjoys the man’s dominance over Tim’s lack of experience, regardless of reasoning.
I liked Tim's journey from wilting flowers to gaining enough emotional strength to fulfil his needs. I was also sad that those who were supposed to love him failed him to the point where his self-esteem was so damaged. In this area, both men have lots going on. As for Keannen, I understand his anger, but I can’t say that I like him very much. But he seems to be what Tim wants, so fair play. Also, considering the band members were supposed to be family, they sidestepped many areas that warranted intervention.
Overall, the author does well in keeping the focus on Tim and Keannen, and as already said, the story is engaging. However, I felt let down by the explanation in some areas, and the drama could have been a bit juicier. I was given an 8-year absence of build-up, and the reasoning was primarily done in a paragraph - each.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts.
Tim considers himself the weakest link in The Ten Hours' band. They’ve made it big and are recording their second album when their manager announced they’re going on tour and will have an opening act – Baptism Emperor. It should be good news, but it’s the worst for Tim, as the band contains the only man he’s ever loved. Keannen is a bitter man, as in high school, Tim left him without word or explanation, and he wants some payback. But is everything as clear-cut as Keannen believes?
Wild Obsession is the first book in the Rebel Rockstars series, which looks as though it will be a number of standalone tales with a common theme. I found this story engaging and the characters memorable. However, I feel the author could have gone a bit further with the drama in a couple of areas.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Tim and Keannen. I received an uncorrected proof. Therefore, I will not comment on any technicalities. Physical worldbuilding revolves around concerts, the tour bus, and hotels. The emotional journey is more complicated and morphs from revenge to light D/s, stemming from crappy childhoods and homophobic parents.
At school, Keannen was the bad boy who regularly cut class. As an adult, he has that edgy tattooed vibe. Tim was the polar opposite. But they bonded over drums. As adults, Keannen’s actions come from a place of hurt and a need to control because he’s had no one to lean on. Whereas Tim hasn’t met anyone worth taking risks for, and none measured up to Keannen. Tim believes he deserves everything Keannen dishes out, but he also enjoys the man’s dominance over Tim’s lack of experience, regardless of reasoning.
I liked Tim's journey from wilting flowers to gaining enough emotional strength to fulfil his needs. I was also sad that those who were supposed to love him failed him to the point where his self-esteem was so damaged. In this area, both men have lots going on. As for Keannen, I understand his anger, but I can’t say that I like him very much. But he seems to be what Tim wants, so fair play. Also, considering the band members were supposed to be family, they sidestepped many areas that warranted intervention.
Overall, the author does well in keeping the focus on Tim and Keannen, and as already said, the story is engaging. However, I felt let down by the explanation in some areas, and the drama could have been a bit juicier. I was given an 8-year absence of build-up, and the reasoning was primarily done in a paragraph - each.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
March 13, 2025
This was my first read by F.A. Ray, but I can promise it wont be the last. I absolutely loved this story and the dynamic between these two. I have always been the type to say we don't recycle in this house, but apparently we do. Second chance romances aren't alway my cup of tea but this one was. I knew I would be interested based off Trope list, Second chance was my only unsure. I was so happy to be proven wrong.
Tim was absolutely precious. That sweet sweet baby deserved the world. If I could throat punch fictional characters his parents, and even Keannen would have caught my hands a couple times. The way his family caused him to turn in on himself was awful. He was constantly thinking less of himself, doubting what he was capable of, and always holding himself back. The progress he makes through this book was beautiful. The way that he slowly gains the confidence to not just ask for what he wants but demand it was absolute perfection for him.
Keannen was a precious baby buried deep underneath a deep sense of betrayal and constant abandonment. The way his life shaped him into this gruff version of himself was so sad. You could see the way he wanted to be loved but was too scared to allow it, so he lashed out to make Tim hurt the same way he hurt. Seeing him learn the whole truth, make progress towards allowing himself to love and be loved, as well as let people in even with the possibility they could leave was so heart warming.
While there were some topics I felt were heavy I felt they were beautifully handled.
The two bands were so unintentionally funny as well. I loved the way they supported both of them blindly, but also cracked jokes when they were comfortable. I loved each and every one of them and I can't wait to see the next story for these people.
The only thing that didn't sit too comfortably were the safety practices. After mentioning mid hookup to be safe to prevent STD's there wasn't mention of precautions being used after that. While I love when they say "f*ck it" and go bare, I feel like given how Keannen talks about his previous history there should have been use of condoms or mention of testing having been done.
Other than that I was head over heels with these two and the way that they developed. They made each other better and they also grew individually.
Tim was absolutely precious. That sweet sweet baby deserved the world. If I could throat punch fictional characters his parents, and even Keannen would have caught my hands a couple times. The way his family caused him to turn in on himself was awful. He was constantly thinking less of himself, doubting what he was capable of, and always holding himself back. The progress he makes through this book was beautiful. The way that he slowly gains the confidence to not just ask for what he wants but demand it was absolute perfection for him.
Keannen was a precious baby buried deep underneath a deep sense of betrayal and constant abandonment. The way his life shaped him into this gruff version of himself was so sad. You could see the way he wanted to be loved but was too scared to allow it, so he lashed out to make Tim hurt the same way he hurt. Seeing him learn the whole truth, make progress towards allowing himself to love and be loved, as well as let people in even with the possibility they could leave was so heart warming.
While there were some topics I felt were heavy I felt they were beautifully handled.
The two bands were so unintentionally funny as well. I loved the way they supported both of them blindly, but also cracked jokes when they were comfortable. I loved each and every one of them and I can't wait to see the next story for these people.
The only thing that didn't sit too comfortably were the safety practices. After mentioning mid hookup to be safe to prevent STD's there wasn't mention of precautions being used after that. While I love when they say "f*ck it" and go bare, I feel like given how Keannen talks about his previous history there should have been use of condoms or mention of testing having been done.
Other than that I was head over heels with these two and the way that they developed. They made each other better and they also grew individually.
March 13, 2025
There's a lot to work with here, the plot really caught my eye and I was so excited to read it! That excitement stayed until 15+ chapters in.
I wasn't surprised by the bullying since the plot makes it obvious that's Keannen's tactic but the hatred lasted so long it left no room for more "love". It also didn't help that in between their "bed" fun they were seperated for days. Eventually I started thinking, why can't y'all talk a little or just hang out?!
Keannen was a stubborn ass (but I did like him) and Tim was a sweetheart. It's pretty clear from the jump that both have a terrible self image, Tim always berates himself and Keannen does the same while shielding himself with anger. It couldve made for pretty interesting emotional scenes but that never happens either because Tim doesn't talk or Kean shuts it down. Any time Kean' acknowledges Tim's self confidence he's calling him pathetic either vocally or in his mind (outside of the final chapter).
I thought it was all building up to him becoming more apologetic but it doesn't really happen before the last 3 chapters. That isn't to say their dynamic is terrible just that the romance was so buried by Keannen's "I hate him" thoughts to the point where it threw me off (70% to be specific). Tim wanting a relationship after not even having a proper convo just 2 quickies was a bit iffy too. They never hang out so their dynamic doesn't have a chance to breathe outside of the bedroom or forceful (as in wall slamming not awkward) flirting. If it's not an action motivated by keannen's hatred, it's them staring at eachother.
Things I do like, the bed chemistry between the two is very good! The guarded bad boy × earnest flustered ex boyfriend who broke his heart was really interesting. Their bandmates were fun and I liked them (although Keannen was rude to them before the end). Tim & Keannen's individual personalities like Kean's cocky nature and Tim's meekness.
I'll probably never reread this since I did feel a bit meh by the end but these were fun characters.
I wasn't surprised by the bullying since the plot makes it obvious that's Keannen's tactic but the hatred lasted so long it left no room for more "love". It also didn't help that in between their "bed" fun they were seperated for days. Eventually I started thinking, why can't y'all talk a little or just hang out?!
Keannen was a stubborn ass (but I did like him) and Tim was a sweetheart. It's pretty clear from the jump that both have a terrible self image, Tim always berates himself and Keannen does the same while shielding himself with anger. It couldve made for pretty interesting emotional scenes but that never happens either because Tim doesn't talk or Kean shuts it down. Any time Kean' acknowledges Tim's self confidence he's calling him pathetic either vocally or in his mind (outside of the final chapter).
I thought it was all building up to him becoming more apologetic but it doesn't really happen before the last 3 chapters. That isn't to say their dynamic is terrible just that the romance was so buried by Keannen's "I hate him" thoughts to the point where it threw me off (70% to be specific). Tim wanting a relationship after not even having a proper convo just 2 quickies was a bit iffy too. They never hang out so their dynamic doesn't have a chance to breathe outside of the bedroom or forceful (as in wall slamming not awkward) flirting. If it's not an action motivated by keannen's hatred, it's them staring at eachother.
Things I do like, the bed chemistry between the two is very good! The guarded bad boy × earnest flustered ex boyfriend who broke his heart was really interesting. Their bandmates were fun and I liked them (although Keannen was rude to them before the end). Tim & Keannen's individual personalities like Kean's cocky nature and Tim's meekness.
I'll probably never reread this since I did feel a bit meh by the end but these were fun characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
I have read all of FA Ray's books and I love that each series interlocks. So if you have read Stray for You, you will remember that Cameron has a band, The Ten Hours. Now going on their 2nd tour, the management thinks it is a good idea that they play on their "rivalry" with Baptism Emperor and tour with them. Unbeknown to everyone Tim the Four Hours' drummer knows a member of Baptism Emperor, drummer Keannen and they have history.
Keannen has passion with everything he did whether it was playing his drums in the band, hating Tim for what he had done to him or seducing Tim. He put his whole heart in to it. That being said it took me a lot to warm up to Keannen, showing just how good the writing was and how much character development Keennen had. His attitude towards Tim had me shouting at him to just sit down and talk.
Tim on the other hand was a character that I just wanted to hug and tell him he was a great drummer. At the start of this book you can see that he was suffering with Imposter syndrome, always feeling he was not worthy of the fame, thinking he was a mediocre drummer. Knowing that someone hated him would have been hard for Tim, but I admired him as he never once put Keannen down in front of his band member and kept his personal life private.
However from the moment that Keannen and Tim come back into each other's lives you could feel their connection, and throughout the book more of their history is revealed. Although I would of liked to know more about the history with their parents, we only got snippets. There was always passion sizzling between them which only intensified the closer they got with each other.
This is another great story and I am so onboard with Jacob's story that is coming next
Keannen has passion with everything he did whether it was playing his drums in the band, hating Tim for what he had done to him or seducing Tim. He put his whole heart in to it. That being said it took me a lot to warm up to Keannen, showing just how good the writing was and how much character development Keennen had. His attitude towards Tim had me shouting at him to just sit down and talk.
Tim on the other hand was a character that I just wanted to hug and tell him he was a great drummer. At the start of this book you can see that he was suffering with Imposter syndrome, always feeling he was not worthy of the fame, thinking he was a mediocre drummer. Knowing that someone hated him would have been hard for Tim, but I admired him as he never once put Keannen down in front of his band member and kept his personal life private.
However from the moment that Keannen and Tim come back into each other's lives you could feel their connection, and throughout the book more of their history is revealed. Although I would of liked to know more about the history with their parents, we only got snippets. There was always passion sizzling between them which only intensified the closer they got with each other.
This is another great story and I am so onboard with Jacob's story that is coming next
March 17, 2025
The blurb for this book gives you the basics of what you need to know, the rest is in the details of navigating lingering and festering hurt feelings, anger, regret, and shame, all the myriad of emotions that can build up over eight plus years of misunderstandings and feelings of rejection. Keannen has harbored most of those feelings the last eight years, and when he learns that the two bands will be on tour together, he plans his revenge and proceeds to put it into action instead of trying to find out why Tim disappeared and ghosted him all that time. Tim is terrified seeing Keannen again, not that he might be attacked, but that he will need to face him without an explanation, fearing total rejection. Much of the angst could have been avoided with communication, but then there wouldn’t be a story and they would not have the chance to reconnect through the strong physical attraction that remains to lead them to a further connection to their past.
All characters seem realistic and relatable, the re-kindling of the relationship between Keannen and Tim comes across as natural, the dynamics between the bands and the feelings on both sides are plausible, and there are a wide range of side characters on whom to build new books for the series. This author does a great job of building the worlds inhabited by their characters, be it rock bands on tour, college students running a boyfriend cafe, or rock climbers competing around the world, the reader is drawn into their worlds and immersed in the story. This is a good beginning of a new series, one that I will continue to follow as the other band members find their forever person. Highly recommend this book and anything by this author.
All characters seem realistic and relatable, the re-kindling of the relationship between Keannen and Tim comes across as natural, the dynamics between the bands and the feelings on both sides are plausible, and there are a wide range of side characters on whom to build new books for the series. This author does a great job of building the worlds inhabited by their characters, be it rock bands on tour, college students running a boyfriend cafe, or rock climbers competing around the world, the reader is drawn into their worlds and immersed in the story. This is a good beginning of a new series, one that I will continue to follow as the other band members find their forever person. Highly recommend this book and anything by this author.
March 11, 2025
Wild Obsession by F.A. Ray is a story that swept me off my feet and held me captive from start to finish. It’s a captivating, passionate, and beautifully written novel that brings together love, adventure, and personal growth in a way that feels both exhilarating and tender.
From the very first page I was yelling at Keannen to stop being such a dick to Tim. Keannen held so much resentment towards Tim for leaving years ago without truly knowing the full story of what happened to Tim. The chemistry between Tim and Keannen is electric, and the way their relationship develops is both intense and heartfelt, with little moments of realization of how Keannen still feels about Tim after so long. I found myself rooting for the characters, hoping they would navigate the obstacles that come their way and ultimately find their happiness before it was too late. I’ll let you know that the way they found their happiness is both sad and overly powerful. Sadness for Tim, who in some ways never changed from that scared teenager, and pride for Keannen for finally realizing what he’s felt all along and defending that.
These two characters are flawed and real, yet there’s an undeniable strength within them. Both the protagonist and their love interest face their own challenges, and watching them grow and evolve throughout the book was incredibly rewarding.
The pacing was perfect, just when I thought I couldn’t handle another twist, the story would slow down and allow for some heartfelt connection between the characters. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's one that felt deeply satisfying. Easily 5 Stars!
From the very first page I was yelling at Keannen to stop being such a dick to Tim. Keannen held so much resentment towards Tim for leaving years ago without truly knowing the full story of what happened to Tim. The chemistry between Tim and Keannen is electric, and the way their relationship develops is both intense and heartfelt, with little moments of realization of how Keannen still feels about Tim after so long. I found myself rooting for the characters, hoping they would navigate the obstacles that come their way and ultimately find their happiness before it was too late. I’ll let you know that the way they found their happiness is both sad and overly powerful. Sadness for Tim, who in some ways never changed from that scared teenager, and pride for Keannen for finally realizing what he’s felt all along and defending that.
These two characters are flawed and real, yet there’s an undeniable strength within them. Both the protagonist and their love interest face their own challenges, and watching them grow and evolve throughout the book was incredibly rewarding.
The pacing was perfect, just when I thought I couldn’t handle another twist, the story would slow down and allow for some heartfelt connection between the characters. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's one that felt deeply satisfying. Easily 5 Stars!
March 13, 2025
Not for me
I think maybe I shouldn't have read this book but I wanted Tim's story after seeing his band in Stray For You (Cameron's story in the Rainbow Rescue Cat Café series). I'm not keen on bullying and that's exactly what Keannen did to Tim. He was really horrible to him from the start and I didn't expect him to be quite so vicious, and definitely not for so long. Yes, I know he felt he had good reason to hate Tim but that's no excuse for how he treated him, even if the sexual tension was there between them, and repeatedly calling him 'Virgin' and 'straight boy' wasn't nice at all.
I felt so sorry for Tim. Beaten down by the way his parents treated him, no confidence at all in himself and his musical abilities, the last thing he needed was the palpable hate emanating from his ex and Kennean's determination to upset Tim at every turn, trying to ruin his career.
I was also surprised that there was no mention of condoms being used. Keannen made no bones about his hookups so that really bothered me, and Keannen telling basically Tim that it was only safe with him (as you never know what other people may have got) made no sense in the circumstances, as at that point Keannen was still treating Tim like a plaything that he would drop at the end of the tour and never look back.
I liked Tim's bandmates and Keannen's bandmates too. I loved all the musical aspects of the story as well. I did like Tim a lot and he deserved so much more, though I have to admit I liked the epilogue which showed he got his HEA.
I hope Jacob's book, which is next, will be better. It isn't enemies to lovers so there shouldn't be the same problems with them.
I think maybe I shouldn't have read this book but I wanted Tim's story after seeing his band in Stray For You (Cameron's story in the Rainbow Rescue Cat Café series). I'm not keen on bullying and that's exactly what Keannen did to Tim. He was really horrible to him from the start and I didn't expect him to be quite so vicious, and definitely not for so long. Yes, I know he felt he had good reason to hate Tim but that's no excuse for how he treated him, even if the sexual tension was there between them, and repeatedly calling him 'Virgin' and 'straight boy' wasn't nice at all.
I felt so sorry for Tim. Beaten down by the way his parents treated him, no confidence at all in himself and his musical abilities, the last thing he needed was the palpable hate emanating from his ex and Kennean's determination to upset Tim at every turn, trying to ruin his career.
I was also surprised that there was no mention of condoms being used. Keannen made no bones about his hookups so that really bothered me, and Keannen telling basically Tim that it was only safe with him (as you never know what other people may have got) made no sense in the circumstances, as at that point Keannen was still treating Tim like a plaything that he would drop at the end of the tour and never look back.
I liked Tim's bandmates and Keannen's bandmates too. I loved all the musical aspects of the story as well. I did like Tim a lot and he deserved so much more, though I have to admit I liked the epilogue which showed he got his HEA.
I hope Jacob's book, which is next, will be better. It isn't enemies to lovers so there shouldn't be the same problems with them.
March 11, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by FA Ray. I thought that this was a good start to the Rebel Rockstars Series and I really enjoyed this second chance, enemies to lovers rockstar romance between Tim and Keannen. I thought their chemistry was off the charts, as well as hot as hell. They were boyfriends in high school when they were separated after Tim’s mother caught them kissing and shipped Tim around the country to “fix him”, he left without a word to Keannen and they haven’t spoken since. Keannen has a lot of resentment towards Tim and when they’re brought together while their bands are on tour together. Tim’s band is the more successful of the two but Tim thinks that Keannen is the more talented drummer of the two of them. Tim’s band being more successful doesn’t help with Keannen’s resentment and anger towards him.
Now that they’re in each other’s orbits after all these years Keannen decides to get revenge on Tim for how much hurt he caused him when he left without a trace. It took me a moment to warm up to Keannen for how he treated Tim but I could also understand why he was hurt by Tim’s actions. Even when Keannen was being an a*se towards Tim you can tell that no matter how much he denies it he still feels something more than hate towards Tim and the tension between them was palpable. Keannen eventually learns the truth about what happened all those years ago and their happily ever after was well deserved. All I can say is both Keannen and Tim have sh*tty f*cken parents, that never deserved them. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as books by FA Ray in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by FA Ray. I thought that this was a good start to the Rebel Rockstars Series and I really enjoyed this second chance, enemies to lovers rockstar romance between Tim and Keannen. I thought their chemistry was off the charts, as well as hot as hell. They were boyfriends in high school when they were separated after Tim’s mother caught them kissing and shipped Tim around the country to “fix him”, he left without a word to Keannen and they haven’t spoken since. Keannen has a lot of resentment towards Tim and when they’re brought together while their bands are on tour together. Tim’s band is the more successful of the two but Tim thinks that Keannen is the more talented drummer of the two of them. Tim’s band being more successful doesn’t help with Keannen’s resentment and anger towards him.
Now that they’re in each other’s orbits after all these years Keannen decides to get revenge on Tim for how much hurt he caused him when he left without a trace. It took me a moment to warm up to Keannen for how he treated Tim but I could also understand why he was hurt by Tim’s actions. Even when Keannen was being an a*se towards Tim you can tell that no matter how much he denies it he still feels something more than hate towards Tim and the tension between them was palpable. Keannen eventually learns the truth about what happened all those years ago and their happily ever after was well deserved. All I can say is both Keannen and Tim have sh*tty f*cken parents, that never deserved them. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as books by FA Ray in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
March 6, 2025
MY OPINION: I'm going to start off by saying it felt familiar at the start but then took its own turn, and I loved it. What a great story, and I enjoyed all of it. If you want a book with a lot of spice where the characters are falling into bed over and over, this isn’t it. What this book is … well, to me, it was an amazing slow-burn, second-chance, first-time romance. And I will say it again: I loved it.
These two men still carry so many wounds from when they were boys but handled the damage differently. One held out hope and turned inward; the other lashed outward, and both hurt. The attraction and connection from their past is as strong as it was eight years earlier, but now they have to figure out how to deal with it when forced together. The problem is when you play with fire, you get burned, and these two burn each other, or I should say Keannen burns Tim, and he likes it.
There is a lot of pain and confusion between these two. Knowing things are different but unable to get past the anger and the guilt. They know they are both wrong, and they know they need to fix it, but neither is willing to take those risks. There is a lot of story around the band and their lives, which adds a lot to the book overall, making it feel complete. I like novels that have more than just the main characters, as long as they fit. This is one heck of a love story, and getting to see them find their way to a Happily Ever After is a pleasure. I recommend this book if you like a good romance book where it takes work to find their way into each other’s lives forever.
These two men still carry so many wounds from when they were boys but handled the damage differently. One held out hope and turned inward; the other lashed outward, and both hurt. The attraction and connection from their past is as strong as it was eight years earlier, but now they have to figure out how to deal with it when forced together. The problem is when you play with fire, you get burned, and these two burn each other, or I should say Keannen burns Tim, and he likes it.
There is a lot of pain and confusion between these two. Knowing things are different but unable to get past the anger and the guilt. They know they are both wrong, and they know they need to fix it, but neither is willing to take those risks. There is a lot of story around the band and their lives, which adds a lot to the book overall, making it feel complete. I like novels that have more than just the main characters, as long as they fit. This is one heck of a love story, and getting to see them find their way to a Happily Ever After is a pleasure. I recommend this book if you like a good romance book where it takes work to find their way into each other’s lives forever.
March 12, 2025
This is book one in the author’s new Rebel Rockstars series and features Tim from The Ten Hours band and Keannen from Baptism Emperor.
The two guys, one from the headliner and the other from the opening act of a new six week tour, may hate having to be in the same room together now, but that wasn’t always the case. In high school, they were extremely close but when they’re discovered, one disappeared and the other was left behind with a boiling hatred for the one who abandoned him.
I wanted to like this one, I really did; I’ve enjoyed so many of the author’s books that I skimmed through the blurb without thinking too deeply and probably overlooked some important clues that might’ve tipped me off about some things. My issue with it, and I only had the one but it was a biggie, was Keannen. He was. A bully!! I tend to avoid bullying in romance because it seems counterintuitive: one is so cruel to the other because they love them or that they fall in love? That makes absolutely no sense to me. I get that there’s a large audience for it so there’s got to be something I’m missing but it just wasn’t for me. Even with that, it was well written and interesting in between the bullying scenes so if that doesn’t particularly bother you, I think you’re gonna love it. It was sweet at times and Tim was adorable with his innocently flustered reaction to Keannen’s sexual taunts, I just wish we had more of them being together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The two guys, one from the headliner and the other from the opening act of a new six week tour, may hate having to be in the same room together now, but that wasn’t always the case. In high school, they were extremely close but when they’re discovered, one disappeared and the other was left behind with a boiling hatred for the one who abandoned him.
I wanted to like this one, I really did; I’ve enjoyed so many of the author’s books that I skimmed through the blurb without thinking too deeply and probably overlooked some important clues that might’ve tipped me off about some things. My issue with it, and I only had the one but it was a biggie, was Keannen. He was. A bully!! I tend to avoid bullying in romance because it seems counterintuitive: one is so cruel to the other because they love them or that they fall in love? That makes absolutely no sense to me. I get that there’s a large audience for it so there’s got to be something I’m missing but it just wasn’t for me. Even with that, it was well written and interesting in between the bullying scenes so if that doesn’t particularly bother you, I think you’re gonna love it. It was sweet at times and Tim was adorable with his innocently flustered reaction to Keannen’s sexual taunts, I just wish we had more of them being together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2025
Arc Review
Tim Thatcher and Keannen Summers were boyfriends at the age of seventeen, until they were discovered by Tim’s parents. Disgusted with him, they made him move away overnight to ‘fix’ him, and being the scared teenager in love he was, he never got in touch with Keannen again, in fear of retribution from his parents.
Eight years later, Tim is the drummer in the band The Ten Hours and they have just been told the news, they are going on tour before recording a new album. Their management has also got a support band for them, but when Tim hears who it is, he feels sick.
Keannen is also a drummer in Baptism Emperor and will be going on tour with his ex-boyfriend.
Tim and Keannen have not seen each other since that fateful day. They were each others first, kiss, first love and first everything.
Tim is not out to his band, and cannot disclose why there is history between him and Keannen. Keannen is very bitter towards Tim initially, but once they realise that outside sources had more to do with their splitting, the more they can forgive each other. Can they learn to love again?
Whenever I see an FA Ray novel on GRR I jump on it, I love how well the author writes, and how they make you feel. I, for the most part of this book did not like Keannen, but once I understood his back story I forgave the way he treated Tim to start with.
I am looking forward to reading others in this series.
Tim Thatcher and Keannen Summers were boyfriends at the age of seventeen, until they were discovered by Tim’s parents. Disgusted with him, they made him move away overnight to ‘fix’ him, and being the scared teenager in love he was, he never got in touch with Keannen again, in fear of retribution from his parents.
Eight years later, Tim is the drummer in the band The Ten Hours and they have just been told the news, they are going on tour before recording a new album. Their management has also got a support band for them, but when Tim hears who it is, he feels sick.
Keannen is also a drummer in Baptism Emperor and will be going on tour with his ex-boyfriend.
Tim and Keannen have not seen each other since that fateful day. They were each others first, kiss, first love and first everything.
Tim is not out to his band, and cannot disclose why there is history between him and Keannen. Keannen is very bitter towards Tim initially, but once they realise that outside sources had more to do with their splitting, the more they can forgive each other. Can they learn to love again?
Whenever I see an FA Ray novel on GRR I jump on it, I love how well the author writes, and how they make you feel. I, for the most part of this book did not like Keannen, but once I understood his back story I forgave the way he treated Tim to start with.
I am looking forward to reading others in this series.
March 13, 2025
This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read more. I fell in love.
From the start I absolutely loved Tim’s character, he was sweet, quiet and shy. He was very timid. He had closed him self off from the world. Keannen made my head spin and the second I started feeling for him , he spun me out. He had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. He was broody and standoffish. But in the end he had all of my love. Their relationship was complex because they had so many unresolved issues and so many unanswered questions. It was full of angst and tension from the first moment they saw each other. Tim was quiet and patient with him all the time , but Keannen kept leaving him hanging. Some moments I even wanted to beat him up and throw the darn book. While many people probably only see Keannen’s anger though I see the raw sadness and pain. He was hurt truly and badly. Tim didn’t mean to and it wasn’t his fault at all but still Keannen was broken by what happened. I think Tim understood that. That’s why he let him push him around all the time and kept coming back. He was just a little misunderstood, aren’t we all? He loved him wholly and for exactly who he was. Tim was isolated his whole life and Keannen was his light, his little ray of sunshine. I loved their story. I wish I would have had more of them. The ending felt way too short in my opinion. I felt like the ending was just rushed a teensy bit. It was a beautiful book though. I enjoyed it so much.
From the start I absolutely loved Tim’s character, he was sweet, quiet and shy. He was very timid. He had closed him self off from the world. Keannen made my head spin and the second I started feeling for him , he spun me out. He had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. He was broody and standoffish. But in the end he had all of my love. Their relationship was complex because they had so many unresolved issues and so many unanswered questions. It was full of angst and tension from the first moment they saw each other. Tim was quiet and patient with him all the time , but Keannen kept leaving him hanging. Some moments I even wanted to beat him up and throw the darn book. While many people probably only see Keannen’s anger though I see the raw sadness and pain. He was hurt truly and badly. Tim didn’t mean to and it wasn’t his fault at all but still Keannen was broken by what happened. I think Tim understood that. That’s why he let him push him around all the time and kept coming back. He was just a little misunderstood, aren’t we all? He loved him wholly and for exactly who he was. Tim was isolated his whole life and Keannen was his light, his little ray of sunshine. I loved their story. I wish I would have had more of them. The ending felt way too short in my opinion. I felt like the ending was just rushed a teensy bit. It was a beautiful book though. I enjoyed it so much.
July 11, 2025
Wild Obsession - F.A. Ray
4/5✨🌟
** SPOILER **
𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
I have read a few of F.A. Ray’s books and I’ve loved every single one of them, but second chances are definitely my go to. I have yet to be disappointed with any of them.
Keannen & Tim are absolutely stubborn with each other, although Keannen more than Tim. Tim was so adorable more than anything. Keannen held a grudge for so long and when he found out the reason of the reason he up and left him when his mother yanked Tim out of his car, I about died.
Both of their parents suck. The way that they got together was perfect how Keannen rescued Tim from the guys at the bar. And the boyfriend comment was so adorable. I died laughing when their bandmates saw them when they came out of their room. I loved how Tim showed a little bit of his dominant side, which shocked the heck out of Keannen.
This story was so sweet. I loved how they both had their own flaws and such. It made this story more real. Also, I loved how the pacing of these two getting together was because it wasn’t rushed.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4/5✨🌟
** SPOILER **
𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
I have read a few of F.A. Ray’s books and I’ve loved every single one of them, but second chances are definitely my go to. I have yet to be disappointed with any of them.
Keannen & Tim are absolutely stubborn with each other, although Keannen more than Tim. Tim was so adorable more than anything. Keannen held a grudge for so long and when he found out the reason of the reason he up and left him when his mother yanked Tim out of his car, I about died.
Both of their parents suck. The way that they got together was perfect how Keannen rescued Tim from the guys at the bar. And the boyfriend comment was so adorable. I died laughing when their bandmates saw them when they came out of their room. I loved how Tim showed a little bit of his dominant side, which shocked the heck out of Keannen.
This story was so sweet. I loved how they both had their own flaws and such. It made this story more real. Also, I loved how the pacing of these two getting together was because it wasn’t rushed.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 11, 2025
As teens, Tim and Keannen were both drummers in band at high school, and dated secretly until Tim’s parents found out and immediately moved him far away, practically disowning him at the same time. Keannen was left alone, deserted by Tim, just like his own parents when he was 15 and came out.
Eight years later, they’re both in bands and are put on tour together. Keannen is bitter and angry because he feels Tim is lording his success over him, so he’s out for revenge. Tim is actually insecure as a drummer, and guilty and sad about not contacting Keannen when his parents took him away.
He apologizes, but it falls on deaf ears, and meanwhile, their attraction is still simmering underneath.
As they tour, Keannen takes his revenge out by teasing Tim, not really seeing that he still cares about him underneath it all. When they finally admit they love each other, they share the pain of losing their families and Tim tells Keannen of his fear of being found out if he tried to contact him.
They were young, afraid, and had no one to support them, but their bands are like family, and now they have each other going forward.
I loved the way this story played out, with anger masking a deeper connection that withstood time and terrible people in its way.
I received this ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
Eight years later, they’re both in bands and are put on tour together. Keannen is bitter and angry because he feels Tim is lording his success over him, so he’s out for revenge. Tim is actually insecure as a drummer, and guilty and sad about not contacting Keannen when his parents took him away.
He apologizes, but it falls on deaf ears, and meanwhile, their attraction is still simmering underneath.
As they tour, Keannen takes his revenge out by teasing Tim, not really seeing that he still cares about him underneath it all. When they finally admit they love each other, they share the pain of losing their families and Tim tells Keannen of his fear of being found out if he tried to contact him.
They were young, afraid, and had no one to support them, but their bands are like family, and now they have each other going forward.
I loved the way this story played out, with anger masking a deeper connection that withstood time and terrible people in its way.
I received this ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
March 8, 2025
For me this book is 4,5 stars.
For me, reading this book, was like sitting on pins and needles. It was just so exciting and nerv wracking at times. I had to read the whole book in one sitting. I really loved Tim (T) and Keannen's (K) story. It was a slow burn second chance lovestory.
Tim and Keannen fell in love when they were still in their teens, about 16 years old.
Tim's mom catches them one day making out and she act fast. To "cure" Tim his parents send him around the country keeping him far away from Keannen.
After eight years apart they meet again, not voluntarily. Both men play the drums in different bands. Tim is the drummer in a more famous band and Keannen in an- up-coming band. Since both band's are under the same management it is decided on a joint tour around the country. After a rocky start for T and K old feelings flare up again. What start's out as a punishment from K's side is slowly moving toward love.
It was so nice to see them have a second chance at love and the fulfilment it gave to both for finding each other again.
So if you believe in second chances and love slow burn stories go check this out. It is well worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me, reading this book, was like sitting on pins and needles. It was just so exciting and nerv wracking at times. I had to read the whole book in one sitting. I really loved Tim (T) and Keannen's (K) story. It was a slow burn second chance lovestory.
Tim and Keannen fell in love when they were still in their teens, about 16 years old.
Tim's mom catches them one day making out and she act fast. To "cure" Tim his parents send him around the country keeping him far away from Keannen.
After eight years apart they meet again, not voluntarily. Both men play the drums in different bands. Tim is the drummer in a more famous band and Keannen in an- up-coming band. Since both band's are under the same management it is decided on a joint tour around the country. After a rocky start for T and K old feelings flare up again. What start's out as a punishment from K's side is slowly moving toward love.
It was so nice to see them have a second chance at love and the fulfilment it gave to both for finding each other again.
So if you believe in second chances and love slow burn stories go check this out. It is well worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
SWEET AND POIGNANT WITH A BULLYING REVENGE PLOT!💕🥁🎸🤘💔
I love this authors work and have read most of her work and am very excited to refer her new series- Rebel Rockstars!
We start it off with the drummers Tim Thatcher from headliner band Ten Hours and Keannen Summers from Baptism Emperor the opening band hoping to be more visible…
Two high school sweethearts just discovering each other, were ripped apart by Tim’s homophobic parents which lead him to ghosting Keannen for nearly nine years…until now…
I loved Tim as a timid, insecure and shy man who developed into a secure, bold and strong character who swept a broody, closed off bully like Keannen off his feet- again!
One disappointing aspect was the fact that no condoms we’re mentioned in both their supplies as Keannen was very sexually active with groupies etc. and Tim a virgin…
They were hot together with lots of pent up energy and sexual tension!
I loved the found family aspect of both band members and how they all formed one close family!
A sweet epilogue follows ten years later with tearful moments and feels!
I look forward to so much more from this series, can’t wait for a certain frontman and bodyguard!
I voluntarily received an ARC for an honest non biased review.
I love this authors work and have read most of her work and am very excited to refer her new series- Rebel Rockstars!
We start it off with the drummers Tim Thatcher from headliner band Ten Hours and Keannen Summers from Baptism Emperor the opening band hoping to be more visible…
Two high school sweethearts just discovering each other, were ripped apart by Tim’s homophobic parents which lead him to ghosting Keannen for nearly nine years…until now…
I loved Tim as a timid, insecure and shy man who developed into a secure, bold and strong character who swept a broody, closed off bully like Keannen off his feet- again!
One disappointing aspect was the fact that no condoms we’re mentioned in both their supplies as Keannen was very sexually active with groupies etc. and Tim a virgin…
They were hot together with lots of pent up energy and sexual tension!
I loved the found family aspect of both band members and how they all formed one close family!
A sweet epilogue follows ten years later with tearful moments and feels!
I look forward to so much more from this series, can’t wait for a certain frontman and bodyguard!
I voluntarily received an ARC for an honest non biased review.
March 3, 2025
Keannen was dumped by Tim a few years ago without any explanation, but now they’re forced to see each other regularly as their bands are touring together. Then he discovers that Tim hasn’t had a partner, really, ever... & so he decides to have fun with me & annoy him.
What Keannan doesn’t know is that Tim was forced to abandon him all those years ago by his parents, who just couldn’t accept him for who he was. And... all these years later, it seems that he still has a hold of some kind over Tim.
I feel sad for Tim, feeling so alone & abandoned, always thinking so negatively about himself. Keannen’s past is also sad, but... I have less sympathy towards him just because of how he constantly treats Tim.
I was expecting to read more about how Tim was treated by his family when he was forced to move around, or, at least, more than just a mention of how they just moved him around a lot trying to change him. There really weren’t any details about this at all.
In any case, the ending was sweet & it was a nice story tor read.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
What Keannan doesn’t know is that Tim was forced to abandon him all those years ago by his parents, who just couldn’t accept him for who he was. And... all these years later, it seems that he still has a hold of some kind over Tim.
I feel sad for Tim, feeling so alone & abandoned, always thinking so negatively about himself. Keannen’s past is also sad, but... I have less sympathy towards him just because of how he constantly treats Tim.
I was expecting to read more about how Tim was treated by his family when he was forced to move around, or, at least, more than just a mention of how they just moved him around a lot trying to change him. There really weren’t any details about this at all.
In any case, the ending was sweet & it was a nice story tor read.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
March 12, 2025
Every rock band series needs an enemies to lovers or second chance trope. With Wild Obsession, you get both. I had a hard time liking either character. Tim had no confidence, and quite frankly, he was depressing to read. Keannen was angry and vengeful. So, not easy to like. As the tour progressed, Tim gained confidence and Keannen mellowed out. He became loving and forgiving. I try not to DNF books, but by that time I was just skimming. Done with the two of them. I didn't catch their chemistry at all. I preferred the secondary characters and understand that Jacob gets the next book.
The book was not for me. I bumped my rating to four because it was well edited. The author seemed like they knew what they were writing about in regards to music tours and record companies. Maybe, for me, it was a case of wrong book. wrong time. Because most of the other reviewers really engaged with theses characters. I haven't decided if I'll read Jacob's book.
It was a quick read. Fun? Maybe not so much. I thought both MCs could have used anti depressants and a cuddly blanket.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
The book was not for me. I bumped my rating to four because it was well edited. The author seemed like they knew what they were writing about in regards to music tours and record companies. Maybe, for me, it was a case of wrong book. wrong time. Because most of the other reviewers really engaged with theses characters. I haven't decided if I'll read Jacob's book.
It was a quick read. Fun? Maybe not so much. I thought both MCs could have used anti depressants and a cuddly blanket.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
March 18, 2025
I’m happy that this start of a new rock star series was just as great as both of Ray’s cafe series.
Keannen and Tim met in high school music class. Keannen was the rebel and Tim was the opposite. Both were drummers. One kiss under the bleachers sealed their fate. Tim’s parents tore him away from his life without any warning. Keannen thinks Tim ghosted him.
When they meet again 8 years later, Keannen has had a long time to build up resentment. His antagonism towards Tim drives him. Tim’s band has reached a level of fame and fate gives Keannen’s lesser known band a chance to open for them.
Life on the same road tour gives them a chance to see each other in action. The push pull between Tim and Keannen is palpable. They watch each other from back stage. As the tour goes on, little snippets of information come to light. Keannen takes advantage of the tension between them and makes it hard for Tim to resist him even when Keannen is tough on him. I enjoyed their pathway back to each other. Tim seemed to toughen up and fight for them, no matter what. I loved the other characters as well.
Keannen and Tim met in high school music class. Keannen was the rebel and Tim was the opposite. Both were drummers. One kiss under the bleachers sealed their fate. Tim’s parents tore him away from his life without any warning. Keannen thinks Tim ghosted him.
When they meet again 8 years later, Keannen has had a long time to build up resentment. His antagonism towards Tim drives him. Tim’s band has reached a level of fame and fate gives Keannen’s lesser known band a chance to open for them.
Life on the same road tour gives them a chance to see each other in action. The push pull between Tim and Keannen is palpable. They watch each other from back stage. As the tour goes on, little snippets of information come to light. Keannen takes advantage of the tension between them and makes it hard for Tim to resist him even when Keannen is tough on him. I enjoyed their pathway back to each other. Tim seemed to toughen up and fight for them, no matter what. I loved the other characters as well.
March 19, 2025
This was my first book by FA Ray and I think they're a talented writer with a good style. I can see why others might really like this story, but it wasn't for me.
I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, but not when one MC is cruel and the other is a doormat, especially if it's for almost the whole book.
The reason for Keannen's hatred of Tim made sense to an extent, but it doesn't justify is cruelty. He mocked, humiliated, and used Tim. I felt like the author was trying to make it okay by being clear that Tim knew what Keannan was doing the whole time, but that doesn't justify the extent of the cruelty. I might have been more forgiving if Keannen was a good guy with other people, but he wasn't. He was jerk to everyone and pretty self-centered.
I felt so bad for Tim. He was likely depressed and really struggled with his own self-worth. His band was amazing. Tim was too accepting of Keannan's behavior. At least his bandmates were great and I enjoyed their made-family dynamic.
Things continue this way until about the 85% mark. After that point, Keannen improved a little. The epilogue was great.
I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, but not when one MC is cruel and the other is a doormat, especially if it's for almost the whole book.
The reason for Keannen's hatred of Tim made sense to an extent, but it doesn't justify is cruelty. He mocked, humiliated, and used Tim. I felt like the author was trying to make it okay by being clear that Tim knew what Keannan was doing the whole time, but that doesn't justify the extent of the cruelty. I might have been more forgiving if Keannen was a good guy with other people, but he wasn't. He was jerk to everyone and pretty self-centered.
I felt so bad for Tim. He was likely depressed and really struggled with his own self-worth. His band was amazing. Tim was too accepting of Keannan's behavior. At least his bandmates were great and I enjoyed their made-family dynamic.
Things continue this way until about the 85% mark. After that point, Keannen improved a little. The epilogue was great.
March 6, 2025
4.25 stars
When they were seventeen, when Tim left town suddenly. Keannen was left with a broken heart and questions that would go unanswered for eight years. In that time, he grows angry and bitter. Learns to hate Tim.
And now their bands are stuck touring together. And of course Tim’s band is more successful. They are both drummers, and even Tim always knew Keannen was more talented out of two of the. So Keannen is even more mad that Tim is living the rockstar dream.
But there are things neither of them know of each other. And slowly the heat between them explodes, and reveals the truth – maybe there was no hate to at all. Just a lot of hurt and pain.
I really enjoyed this read. The heat was there, and even when Keannen was sure he hated Tim, there was kindness behind his cruel words and actions. I loved how Tim became more sure of himself throughout the story, and how Keannen’s walls crumbled.
Next one is definitely going to my TBR list.
When they were seventeen, when Tim left town suddenly. Keannen was left with a broken heart and questions that would go unanswered for eight years. In that time, he grows angry and bitter. Learns to hate Tim.
And now their bands are stuck touring together. And of course Tim’s band is more successful. They are both drummers, and even Tim always knew Keannen was more talented out of two of the. So Keannen is even more mad that Tim is living the rockstar dream.
But there are things neither of them know of each other. And slowly the heat between them explodes, and reveals the truth – maybe there was no hate to at all. Just a lot of hurt and pain.
I really enjoyed this read. The heat was there, and even when Keannen was sure he hated Tim, there was kindness behind his cruel words and actions. I loved how Tim became more sure of himself throughout the story, and how Keannen’s walls crumbled.
Next one is definitely going to my TBR list.
March 6, 2025
4.5 Stars
Keannen is mad and stubborn. While he claims the past doesn't hurt, it very clearly does. The way their story ended before, it broke something in him. I feel his hurt. He was crushed, and he hides behind a false sense of revenge. To me, he fell in love, and his heart was shattered. Because of this, when Tim comes back into his life, Keannen does what he can to be the villain. All it does is cause more pain. Tim holds onto a truth that he's embarrassed to let out. It's something I wish he'd scream from the mountain tops as it would give Keannen some clarity he deserves.
It's full of angst, steam, and keeps the enemies to lovers holding throughout the majority of the story. And when they allow themselves to learn the truth, and explore what they feel, their relationship morphs into what it should have always been.
Keannen is mad and stubborn. While he claims the past doesn't hurt, it very clearly does. The way their story ended before, it broke something in him. I feel his hurt. He was crushed, and he hides behind a false sense of revenge. To me, he fell in love, and his heart was shattered. Because of this, when Tim comes back into his life, Keannen does what he can to be the villain. All it does is cause more pain. Tim holds onto a truth that he's embarrassed to let out. It's something I wish he'd scream from the mountain tops as it would give Keannen some clarity he deserves.
It's full of angst, steam, and keeps the enemies to lovers holding throughout the majority of the story. And when they allow themselves to learn the truth, and explore what they feel, their relationship morphs into what it should have always been.
March 13, 2025
This was a wild ride.
Tim's parents are awful...beyond homophobic in their treatment of him.
Not only do they rip him away from everything he knows, they do it repeatedly.
He was forced to leave the only boy (Keannen), he ever loved and only meets him again, 9 years later.
With so much distrust and anger inside of Keannen, he makes Tim's life miserable when their bands join together for a tour of the US.
It takes several weeks of miscommunication before Tim is able to explain to Keannen why he left so abruptly.
It takes even longer for them to forgive each other for all the pain they've caused.
During the tour their band mates do everything they can to support them.
Luckily the tour lasts long enough for them to start over!
Keep an eye out for Seth and Jacob.
Maybe they'll be able to find each other too.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC.
Tim's parents are awful...beyond homophobic in their treatment of him.
Not only do they rip him away from everything he knows, they do it repeatedly.
He was forced to leave the only boy (Keannen), he ever loved and only meets him again, 9 years later.
With so much distrust and anger inside of Keannen, he makes Tim's life miserable when their bands join together for a tour of the US.
It takes several weeks of miscommunication before Tim is able to explain to Keannen why he left so abruptly.
It takes even longer for them to forgive each other for all the pain they've caused.
During the tour their band mates do everything they can to support them.
Luckily the tour lasts long enough for them to start over!
Keep an eye out for Seth and Jacob.
Maybe they'll be able to find each other too.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC.
March 14, 2025
Wild Obsession is an emotional, second-chance romance that had me hooked. Tim and Keannen were everything to each other at 17—until Tim’s parents tore them apart. Now, eight years later, they’re both drummers in rival bands… and about to go on tour together. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Tim’s still closeted to his bandmates, and Keannen? Yeah, he’s not happy to see him. The tension is thick, and Keannen’s bitterness is hard to ignore. But as the truth about their past starts to come out, so does the possibility of forgiveness—and maybe something more.
FA Ray always delivers, and this one was no exception. I’ll admit, I wasn’t Keannen’s biggest fan at first, but once I understood where he was coming from, I totally got it. Such a great read, and I can’t wait for more from this series!
Tim’s still closeted to his bandmates, and Keannen? Yeah, he’s not happy to see him. The tension is thick, and Keannen’s bitterness is hard to ignore. But as the truth about their past starts to come out, so does the possibility of forgiveness—and maybe something more.
FA Ray always delivers, and this one was no exception. I’ll admit, I wasn’t Keannen’s biggest fan at first, but once I understood where he was coming from, I totally got it. Such a great read, and I can’t wait for more from this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews