Notes of Desire

Crimson Haze #1

by Ruby Capri

One surprising love story defies all expectations in a world where music and passion come together.

After a devastating breakup that turned my life upside down, I decided to make the bold move of packing up and starting fresh in a new city. I wouldn't let anyone or anything get too close again, so I could keep my heart guarded against further damage. That was until I crossed paths with Xander West, the bad boy lead singer of Crimson Haze, whose possessive charm left me questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.


When I spotted her, I knew there was something special about the shy journalist. She stood out from everyone else. Our unexpected connection sparked a strong attraction during a one-on-one interview that pulled us into a whirlwind of lust and desire. Given my troubled past, can I prove to Amelia that my feelings are legitimate and that I am different from the others? Or will she keep running to protect herself from getting hurt again?

Notes Of Desire is a rockstar romance perfect for readers who love possessive bad boys, with a dark past. Claiming whoever or whatever they want, no matter the cost.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

Reviews

[Doris]

Taking a Chance on a Bad Boy Rocker

Xander, lead singer of Crimson Haze and bad boy extraordinaire sees someone he wants and will stop at nothing to get her. Amelia is the shy journalist who has been badly burned in the relationship department. Will she even open up to possibly having her heart broken again? Xander will do anything in his power to make her his. These two definitely have chemistry. What a great rock romance read.

[Whispered Secrets]

I’m not going to lie…I felt like Amelia and Xanders story was a bit rushed. I feel there was a lot more than needed to be said it was just to short for my taste. I felt there was something missing. But the storyline was good the characters pretty great and the language was well written. I just felt it needed more. More drama, more angst, more passion and romance. Just more. But as I said that’s just my opinion and as I was asked for it I will always be truthful. I do feel this author has great potential and some may actually love this read but it was just not enough for me to give a five star review. I do feel a 3.5 review is what I would give if the option was there so to be nice and give others the opportunity to read this as well I will round it up to a 4, as I have been taught to round when .5 or more. So that’s my review I did like the story itself though. So guys don’t take my word for it. Check it out yourself.

[Kimerys Bookmarks]

This is the first book that I have read by Ruby Capri. I really enjoyed it. I liked that it was a fast paced rock star romance.

My favorite quotes:

""She's different," Liam says with a shrug, and those two simple words ignite something primal in me.""

"He leans forward, and his scent—expensive cologne and sweat mingled with something darker, more manly—invades my nostrils."

"Most people think songwriting is romantic," he continues, his voice low and gravely. "It's not. It’s pain, desire. The things people want but can't have."

[J.p]

The start of what I feel is going to be a great series. Rockstar bad boys with a heart and a possessive streak then I’m here for it. Our FMC Amelia has been hurt in the past and closed herself off to falling for anyone again but fate throws her into the path of Crimson Haze’s lead singer Xander West and sparks fly from the get go. Xander sees her and is immediately attracted to her. This is their story, gripping, exciting and unexpected. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Wendy Ihnat]

I absolutely loved this story!!! Xander is a take life by the kahunas type of guy when it comes to Amelia, although he struggles with a dramatic past. Amelia struggles with trust issues due to her past, discovering it's intertwined makes her doubt her feelings. There's definitely chemistry between them from day one meeting! The characters and world building are awesome and I can't wait for the next in the series. So happy to have found Ruby and her words!

[Ann]

I found this and saw it was a rockstar romance, the first of an upcoming series and grabbed it. I’m so glad I did. Amelia, Xander, Victoria, Sara, Liam, Jake, and all the other characters are so expressive. Amelia goes to a Crimson Haze show to interview the band but Xander makes it an exclusive interview. Everything just spirals from there. In good ways and bad. Great story all around!

[Tina LeJeune]

Amelia’s devastating breakup makes trusting Xander with his troubled past challenging. But a connection like theirs is undeniable. Xander has decided that his future is Amelia and is determined she chooses him too.

[Coralee]

Loved it . Read it all in one sitting .

[Grinning Cat]

Crimson Haze is not a boy band. Just saying.
Xander and Amelia… both of them have some heavy issues from their pasts. Make sure you read well the very good Trigger Warning from the author at the beginning of the book ; your mental health matters.
I liked this book. The personalities are big. Victoria , for example, is a lot, and she’s a really well fleshed-out character. I liked Sara, the best friend/sidekick who is slightly ditzy but has a true heart. And Liam, who is a seriously good guy, despite his flirtatious mien. Xander and Amelia are epic together. I think the characters are the book’s greatest strength.
The only reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars is because the plot line of Amelia being afraid to risk her emotions, though valid, is overdone. Still, the story is entertaining and I enjoyed reading the book.
MMC/FMC- Xander and Amelia
Safety- no cheating
Tropes- Journalist Interview, Rockstar, Instalove, He Falls First, Shadows of the Past, Snarky Sister, J/P Hero.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Patterson]

For Amelia- It’s A True Battle Between Your Heart & Your Mind!
For Xander - A Testament To Never Giving Up!

I love the instant attraction for both of these characters. The war that Amelia’s waging between her head and her heart - and Xander’s possessiveness and refusing to let her go. It’s the perfect balance of ‘who/what is going to win out’ - her heart or her head - and with Xander fighting to keep her, she should just embrace her fate. :)

You get an understanding of why Amelia’s fighting to protect her heart, although I feel it leaves a bit of “unfinished business” with the “Villian” in this story. There is a HEA, and I’m hoping it’s setting up the next book because I have questions, and my mind needs answers! This is a quick read.. a great story.

[Ann L]

From the moment Xander West, lead singer of Crimson Haze, spotted Amelia Parsons backstage talking to his best friend and lead guitarist Liam, he knew there was something different about her—and all he could think was, she’s mine.

Amelia, a journalist, feels the spark too, but past heartbreak has taught her to be cautious. Still, the connection between them is undeniable, and when the past resurfaces, they discover they share more than just chemistry—maybe even someone in common.

I was hooked from the start! I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for book two in the Crimson Haze world.

[jennifer davis]

The struggle of your head and heart being on different pages is real. It is portrayed in this boo beautifully. Amelia handles it with grace. I can relate with her on a certain level. Xander fighting to prove to her he is different had my heart beating fast. I loved it.

[Susan]

Great story

Really enjoyed Amelia and Xanders story. Amelia is taking a chance getting to really know Xander who has his own "past" as she does, but they find out they were meant to be together. Looking forward to reading next book in this series.

[Stacey]

Dnf @23%. I am not rating this book because I think it was just me. I started it before I went on vacation and then couldn’t get back into it when I got back home.

[Nicole Collins]

Rock on

Pages flew as I inhaled this story. I could not get enough. All the secrets and mystery. I could not stop. I highly recommend this story to others.