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Songbird: A Dark Rockstar Romance
They say the devil makes music.
But the worst ones write love songs.
I was never meant to be the girl with the microphone. I was the one behind the piano—controlled, quiet, and forgettable until Black Halo went viral. Until fame dug its claws in. Until the label painted my lips red and told me to smile for the camera.
Then came Zion Cross.
The new drummer. A stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and rhythms that made my body forget the rules. He doesn’t play like the others. He plays like he’s unraveling. Like he’s starving. Like I'm the last beautiful thing he’s allowed to touch before he burns.
He’s a secret I should bury.
I'm a song he wants to break.
And when obsession becomes the melody, there’s no going back.
Fame is a noose. Love is a loaded gun.
And the only way out . . . is through fire.
But the worst ones write love songs.
I was never meant to be the girl with the microphone. I was the one behind the piano—controlled, quiet, and forgettable until Black Halo went viral. Until fame dug its claws in. Until the label painted my lips red and told me to smile for the camera.
Then came Zion Cross.
The new drummer. A stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and rhythms that made my body forget the rules. He doesn’t play like the others. He plays like he’s unraveling. Like he’s starving. Like I'm the last beautiful thing he’s allowed to touch before he burns.
He’s a secret I should bury.
I'm a song he wants to break.
And when obsession becomes the melody, there’s no going back.
Fame is a noose. Love is a loaded gun.
And the only way out . . . is through fire.
- GenresAmazonDarkDark Romance
822 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
13 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Emkey
9 books160 followersE. L. Emkey is a mama, wife, and gypsy soul. Her love of reading started when she was only three years old. As she got older, she started sneaking her mom's Harlequin romance novels about Scottish Highlanders and sexy cowboys. Her joy of being a writer is creating characters her readers can relate to and worlds they can disappear in, even for a short while. She loves raising her children and feeding her chickens; her family is her life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 30, 2025
"𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫."
MY HEAAAART
This book had me crying from the start. I knew this would tear my heart out, it did and I absolutely loved it!
This authors writing is just amazing, it really pulls you in and it’s so beautiful. I felt every emotion, the connection with the characters was so special. Avery and Zion will forever be in my heart. Also, the relationships with the friends and her brother, August…so many special moments. I just loved it so much.
If you want an emotional dark rockstar romance, I recommend so much! I’ll be thinking about this book for forever.
"𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘪𝘴. 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
💜Dark rockstar romance
🎧Brother’s best friend
🖤Metalcore
💜Bad boy x good girl
🎧Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
💜Secret relationship
MY HEAAAART
This book had me crying from the start. I knew this would tear my heart out, it did and I absolutely loved it!
This authors writing is just amazing, it really pulls you in and it’s so beautiful. I felt every emotion, the connection with the characters was so special. Avery and Zion will forever be in my heart. Also, the relationships with the friends and her brother, August…so many special moments. I just loved it so much.
If you want an emotional dark rockstar romance, I recommend so much! I’ll be thinking about this book for forever.
"𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘪𝘴. 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
💜Dark rockstar romance
🎧Brother’s best friend
🖤Metalcore
💜Bad boy x good girl
🎧Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
💜Secret relationship
November 1, 2025
MUST READ OF THE YEAR!!
Here’s one of many reviews why!!
The amount of emotion- no, feeling. So immense, where it takes every ounce of the air inside your lungs or leaves your heart aching in many directions at ounce!! Where meaning becomes so much more. SongBird pulled at my strings in several ways while creating those connections and lighting a fire inside!! From the first sentence to the last, this story is everything. The build is to perfection and the description; just like with a song, a lyric. You’ll find yourself within the words, each chapter. It did for me in many ways. Many tears. Thank you E. L. Emkey and I’m sorry for the multi reviews telling the world they need to give this book a read!!
Here’s one of many reviews why!!
The amount of emotion- no, feeling. So immense, where it takes every ounce of the air inside your lungs or leaves your heart aching in many directions at ounce!! Where meaning becomes so much more. SongBird pulled at my strings in several ways while creating those connections and lighting a fire inside!! From the first sentence to the last, this story is everything. The build is to perfection and the description; just like with a song, a lyric. You’ll find yourself within the words, each chapter. It did for me in many ways. Many tears. Thank you E. L. Emkey and I’m sorry for the multi reviews telling the world they need to give this book a read!!
October 23, 2025
It broke me then glued me back together … I cried honestly a lot of emotions through out the book 10/10 I would recommend it :)
October 27, 2025
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I was hooked! Avery & Zion are like two comets destined to collide and when they do it’s definitely explosive! Their story is full of angst, emotion and chemistry that can’t be contained despite people’s attempts to do so. The push and pull between the two of them impacts not only them but their bandmates and their relationship allows people to use them against each other in order to get what they want. They both make decisions that they hope will give their band everything they dreamed of but we are left hoping it doesn’t destroy them. If you love gritty, dark rockstar romance then you need to read this!!
August 18, 2025
I had the absolute honor of Alpha reading this book and when I say it broke…. No shattered me…. But then put me back together, I mean it from the depths of my soul. This was so different from The Brotherhood series that made me fall in love with Emkey’s work but just as powerfully written. She nailed the passion for the craft, the emotional rollercoaster that the music industry can bring, and the trauma and challenges that can come with making your dreams a reality… while fighting to not let others control that dream.
Bring the tissues, the emotional support blanket, and some snacks because this is a book you won’t be able to put down!
Bring the tissues, the emotional support blanket, and some snacks because this is a book you won’t be able to put down!
November 1, 2025
Zion and Avery’s story is so different than anything I’ve read before. It is superb. I was choked up from a start and I just knew that I would need Tylenol and tissues. Avery and Zions story tore my heart out. It’s emotional, gritty, dark and full of spice. I could not put it down. The writing is exceptional. Perfectly paced. Absolutely amazing. You fall in love with all the characters and can’t help but root for them. 10 stars. I’m a bit speechless. An absolute must read.
November 6, 2025
This might be my top read of 2025. This story is so tragic and so beautiful and I couldn't put it down!
January 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and other parts not so much. The writing was good and I felt like the author did a great job of giving the readers an insight into the music industry. I enjoyed the buildup of the chemistry between the 2 main characters and how strong Avery was in the beginning. Zion was perfection and I adored how much he loved Avery. The music and the lyrics in this book were so beautiful and really spoke to me. The book lost me at about 60%. Everything that could go wrong went wrong and it was unnecessary. This book didn’t need all that. I feel like it was just filler. I understand needing the drama, especially in a rockstar romance, but this was too much. One of my least favorite tropes is manipulation and this book had it in spades. Regardless of all that, I really enjoyed the found family aspect in this book and glad it ended with a HEA.
November 11, 2025
“You’re not broken, sweetheart,” she said. “Bent, maybe. But not broken.”
This book... woah. Like literally that's the only single word to describe it. From the very first page to the very last page, I was legit on the edge of my seat, not knowing which emotion was going to surface!
Now this book is NOT for the weak. And I don't mean this in a negative way, but the raw and real feelings and emotional pulls that you will encounter are HARD!! There is not a single thing that Avery and Zion have been through that will not pull on your heartstrings. Their relationship is not for the softies. It's hard. It's messy. It's brutal. It's gut wrenching.
The amount of tears I have shed reading this, I couldn't even tell you the number. Again, its raw and emotional. But when I say that I am madly obsessed with both Avery and Zion, that doesn't even come close to reality. Even though this baby was 800+ pages, I could keep reading about these two forever and ever and ever. My heart is 110% dedicated to them, Black Halo, and everyone who stood behind them!
This book is one of my absolute favorite books, EVER! And I'm saying this with my whole dang chest! I loved every single minute of it!
“Some people are meant for safety. For picket fences and Sunday dinners. Not us. You and me, Songbird, we’re born to burn.”
This book... woah. Like literally that's the only single word to describe it. From the very first page to the very last page, I was legit on the edge of my seat, not knowing which emotion was going to surface!
Now this book is NOT for the weak. And I don't mean this in a negative way, but the raw and real feelings and emotional pulls that you will encounter are HARD!! There is not a single thing that Avery and Zion have been through that will not pull on your heartstrings. Their relationship is not for the softies. It's hard. It's messy. It's brutal. It's gut wrenching.
The amount of tears I have shed reading this, I couldn't even tell you the number. Again, its raw and emotional. But when I say that I am madly obsessed with both Avery and Zion, that doesn't even come close to reality. Even though this baby was 800+ pages, I could keep reading about these two forever and ever and ever. My heart is 110% dedicated to them, Black Halo, and everyone who stood behind them!
This book is one of my absolute favorite books, EVER! And I'm saying this with my whole dang chest! I loved every single minute of it!
“Some people are meant for safety. For picket fences and Sunday dinners. Not us. You and me, Songbird, we’re born to burn.”
November 23, 2025
This was my very first dark rockstar romance and maybe that's why it took me awhile to get into the story but once i did i was captured in Zion and Avery's story, i couldn't but it down. And let me say I'm so glad really glad that i kept reading this story - it was worth to finish this beautiful story.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
**How far would you go to protect your loved one and everything you dreamed for?!?**
Zion and Avery's story was an emotional roller-coaster, its tragic, full of emotions, heartbreaks, angst, secrets and in between they trying to built a dream as a band. I read some chapters with tears.
When "Black Halo" get the chance of a record deal with the best labels in LA, they didn't know what this would cost them. Zion and Avery's relationship is used against them from people to keep them in line. They both make decisions to protect each other and the bandmates but its almost destroyed everyone. As a band they being through a lot - especially Avery, my heart broke everytime for her and i just wanted to hug Aves. The bond between them was very strong, and they never gave up. They definitely rewrite their own new story.
Thanks Erika for this beautiful story and every single characters August, Vex, Carter, even Maddox.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
**How far would you go to protect your loved one and everything you dreamed for?!?**
Zion and Avery's story was an emotional roller-coaster, its tragic, full of emotions, heartbreaks, angst, secrets and in between they trying to built a dream as a band. I read some chapters with tears.
When "Black Halo" get the chance of a record deal with the best labels in LA, they didn't know what this would cost them. Zion and Avery's relationship is used against them from people to keep them in line. They both make decisions to protect each other and the bandmates but its almost destroyed everyone. As a band they being through a lot - especially Avery, my heart broke everytime for her and i just wanted to hug Aves. The bond between them was very strong, and they never gave up. They definitely rewrite their own new story.
Thanks Erika for this beautiful story and every single characters August, Vex, Carter, even Maddox.
December 23, 2025
This one chews you up and spits you out. It’s the seedy side of show biz, it’s the family you have and the family you make. It’s about love and betrayal and the lengths you go for the ones you love. It’s about trying to overcome a past that refuses to stay hidden.
It’s not a pretty one wrapped up in a bow. It breaks your heart and makes you doubt if love will survive, if anyone will survive. It ticks you off and causes emotional damage. But it’s worth the ride!
I didnt Start out liking Zion, he doesn’t say much in the beginning, he’s full of arrogance and demands. But give him a chance and it all changes. He has secrets and family that makes you cringe. But a heart the belongs to Avery.
Avery and her twin, both broken and struggling in different ways to cope with the nightmare of their childhood, looking for ways to escape. Avery wants to stay in the background and write songs for the band. But their all looking for that once chance.
And when it comes it’s not all that it’s cracked up to Be.
It’s not a pretty one wrapped up in a bow. It breaks your heart and makes you doubt if love will survive, if anyone will survive. It ticks you off and causes emotional damage. But it’s worth the ride!
I didnt Start out liking Zion, he doesn’t say much in the beginning, he’s full of arrogance and demands. But give him a chance and it all changes. He has secrets and family that makes you cringe. But a heart the belongs to Avery.
Avery and her twin, both broken and struggling in different ways to cope with the nightmare of their childhood, looking for ways to escape. Avery wants to stay in the background and write songs for the band. But their all looking for that once chance.
And when it comes it’s not all that it’s cracked up to Be.
November 1, 2025
This is one of those rare books that completely consumes you from the first page. The writing is lyrical and emotional, the kind that pulls you right into the characters’ world and doesn’t let go.
The story is equal parts heartbreak and healing, tender, raw, and beautifully human. I felt every bit of the pain, hope, and longing that these characters went through.
The author captures the complexity of love and loss with such honesty that it left me breathless.
This isn’t just a romance... it’s a journey through vulnerability, forgiveness, and the courage to start again.
By the time I finished, I knew this book would stay with me for a long time.
If you love deeply emotional, character-driven stories with stunning prose, this one is absolutely unmissable.
The story is equal parts heartbreak and healing, tender, raw, and beautifully human. I felt every bit of the pain, hope, and longing that these characters went through.
The author captures the complexity of love and loss with such honesty that it left me breathless.
This isn’t just a romance... it’s a journey through vulnerability, forgiveness, and the courage to start again.
By the time I finished, I knew this book would stay with me for a long time.
If you love deeply emotional, character-driven stories with stunning prose, this one is absolutely unmissable.
November 1, 2025
Holy Moly.
This book is amazing!
From the very start it hooks you and doesn't let go! The prologue in intense but that's just the start. Avery and Zion are toxic in the best way! In the way that you know the other person is bad for you but you just cant let them go!
This is their story but life, fame, and addiction. And what happens when things get a little too hard to handle. It does have a HEA but be prepared you are gonna get curb stamped in the process! But trust me it's more than worth it!
If you know Ericka's work you know it's fantastic! The spice, the drama, just everything is top tier!
So what are you waiting for? This dark romance rockstar romance is waiting for you!
This book is amazing!
From the very start it hooks you and doesn't let go! The prologue in intense but that's just the start. Avery and Zion are toxic in the best way! In the way that you know the other person is bad for you but you just cant let them go!
This is their story but life, fame, and addiction. And what happens when things get a little too hard to handle. It does have a HEA but be prepared you are gonna get curb stamped in the process! But trust me it's more than worth it!
If you know Ericka's work you know it's fantastic! The spice, the drama, just everything is top tier!
So what are you waiting for? This dark romance rockstar romance is waiting for you!
November 5, 2025
I am in awe how E.L. Emkey continues to surprise me with her writing. Songbird is not like her other books and well I wouldn't expect it. The emotions I felt while reading this book could have put me in a padded room. The chemistry between Avery and Zion is like nothing else. What made Songbird unique is that the story didn't just focus on two people but multiple people. The dynamic between all the characters drew you in and wouldn't let go. The relationship between Avery and her twin brother, August, also brought so much context to the story. At one point I wanted to throw my kindle across the room...this means you will feel all the feelings. Trying to put those feelings into words is hard but in the end I felt raw knowing that with everything Avery and Zion went through, love can and will conquer all.
November 7, 2025
i wish i could give a book more than 5 stars, because Songbird deserves ALL the stars! E. L. Emkey’s writing is out of this world. she takes you on a journey, and not only are you living the story with the characters, but you are also FEELING the emotions that the characters are feeling. the sadness, the anger, the ups and downs, you truly get sucked into the story. even on the days where i was too tired to read, i found myself thinking of Avery and Zion- what’s coming next? i found myself so sucked into their story it felt like i was there with them! i highly recommend Songbird to anyone who wants a deep, emotional, and thrilling read. 10/10. 100 stars.
November 20, 2025
If you aren’t reading E.L.’s books, what are you even doing!? Every single book of hers I’ve read and loved. I’m not usually a music/rockstar romance reader but I literally ATE this story up. The dark underbelly of the music industry vs Black Halo and the 5 musicians who just want to make music. Their music. Songbird has so much depth and raw emotion. There’s a lot of trauma to unpack and a rockstar’s dream to be had so ya’ll better get settled in. This one’s a long one but it. Is. Worth. It!
Zion and Avery are not your typical rockstar lovers. Their deep connection and fate to one another is so passionate and magnetic that I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s toxic and traumatic and pulls you in so many directions but you KNOW they’re made for each other. I would have been absolutely heartbroken if they didn’t get their HEA.
Thank you again Erika for another opportunity and yet another great read!
Zion and Avery are not your typical rockstar lovers. Their deep connection and fate to one another is so passionate and magnetic that I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s toxic and traumatic and pulls you in so many directions but you KNOW they’re made for each other. I would have been absolutely heartbroken if they didn’t get their HEA.
Thank you again Erika for another opportunity and yet another great read!
April 22, 2026
Screaming, crying, throwing up! I ate this book up. It was unique, dark, powerful, vulnerable, ugly and beautiful all at once. It broke me and fixed me all in one. Avery and Zion are under my skin and feel like I was feeling all their emotions deep in my soul. The descriptive writing in this was so heartbreakingly beautiful, just the way I like it.
November 1, 2025
Omg loved it from start to finish its a must read
November 3, 2025
This book did all the things. It broke me, made me cry, patched me up, then tore me apart again. Break me. Heal me. Love me harder, kind of energy ❤️🩹
November 16, 2025
This book was the most emotional beautiful book I have read this year. I felt like I had my heart broken and put back together again. Just amazing and hands down my favorite book of the year..
November 24, 2025
"𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫."
HOLY CRAP! This story broke me into a million pieces which I thought for sure were never going to be glued back together. But after endlessly sobbing into my pillow, laughing until my stomach hurt and falling hopelessly in love with some incredible characters, my heart was mended in the most perfect of ways by the end. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride!
Zion fucking Cruz is a man after my own heart. The immense amount of passion, obsession and craving this man has for Avery had me wanting to fall to my knees for just an ounce of his attention. The beautiful and poignant words that flowed out of his mouth felt like they were shot straight into my heart. He had his flaws too but I loved him even more for them.
“You scare me….Good, you should be scared, because I’m not like the guys who want you for a night. I’ll want you every night. I’ll want everything. Your voice. Your quiet. The pieces you think nobody wants…And I won’t ask. I’ll take them – because you’re already giving them to me, and you don’t even realize it.”
Avery is such a beautiful soul. She is fierce, quiet and strong. She’s a survivor of a horrific upbringing, but it only made her a stronger woman because of it. I loved her attitude, her spirit and the way she loves.
“You’re a fucking hurricane, Avery. And I’ve been standing in your storm since the day we met.”
The endless amount of raw emotions, angst, heartbreak, anger, pain, and passion, that was woven into this story just oozed out of the pages and had me gasping for breath. It was heavy at times and had me needing to stare at the wall contemplating what I just read.
The back-and-forth banter, spice, the connections, the chemistry, all of it together made one hell of an incredible story.
The writing was phenomenal. I was instantly swept up and consumed with all of the tragedy, toxic behaviors, gut-wrenching emotional turmoil and the undeniably fierce and enormous pull between Avery and Zion. I absolutely loved every single moment.
This story is probably my absolute favourite story of 2025.
HOLY CRAP! This story broke me into a million pieces which I thought for sure were never going to be glued back together. But after endlessly sobbing into my pillow, laughing until my stomach hurt and falling hopelessly in love with some incredible characters, my heart was mended in the most perfect of ways by the end. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride!
Zion fucking Cruz is a man after my own heart. The immense amount of passion, obsession and craving this man has for Avery had me wanting to fall to my knees for just an ounce of his attention. The beautiful and poignant words that flowed out of his mouth felt like they were shot straight into my heart. He had his flaws too but I loved him even more for them.
“You scare me….Good, you should be scared, because I’m not like the guys who want you for a night. I’ll want you every night. I’ll want everything. Your voice. Your quiet. The pieces you think nobody wants…And I won’t ask. I’ll take them – because you’re already giving them to me, and you don’t even realize it.”
Avery is such a beautiful soul. She is fierce, quiet and strong. She’s a survivor of a horrific upbringing, but it only made her a stronger woman because of it. I loved her attitude, her spirit and the way she loves.
“You’re a fucking hurricane, Avery. And I’ve been standing in your storm since the day we met.”
The endless amount of raw emotions, angst, heartbreak, anger, pain, and passion, that was woven into this story just oozed out of the pages and had me gasping for breath. It was heavy at times and had me needing to stare at the wall contemplating what I just read.
The back-and-forth banter, spice, the connections, the chemistry, all of it together made one hell of an incredible story.
The writing was phenomenal. I was instantly swept up and consumed with all of the tragedy, toxic behaviors, gut-wrenching emotional turmoil and the undeniably fierce and enormous pull between Avery and Zion. I absolutely loved every single moment.
This story is probably my absolute favourite story of 2025.
December 22, 2025
This book dragged me right back into why E.L. Emkey has such a chokehold on me.
If The Brotherhood series hooked you, Songbird feels like its dangerous, music-soaked cousin — same intensity, same found-family pull, just louder and messier with rockstar demons and tour-life chaos layered on top. The vibe is instant and consuming.
Bad boy vs good girl is done with teeth here. He’s rough around the edges, pierced, possessive, and barely holding himself together. She’s not weak — just inexperienced in a world that wants to eat her alive. Their connection builds in close quarters, backstage hallways, buses, and stolen moments where secrets feel heavier than desire.
The hate-to-love tension is sharp, the forced proximity relentless, and the secret relationship aspect adds that constant hum of this could explode at any second. Brother’s best friend always hits harder when the stakes feel personal, and this one absolutely does.
What really makes Songbird work is the found family. The band, the loyalty, the unspoken rules — it all mirrors the emotional backbone that made The Brotherhood unforgettable. These aren’t just love stories; they’re about belonging somewhere that understands your worst parts and keeps you anyway.
There’s darkness here — ego, addiction, control, fear — but it never feels glamorized. It feels honest. Love doesn’t fix everything, but it becomes the thing worth fighting through the mess for.
I finished this book fully absorbed, a little wrecked, and already wanting to live in this world longer. If you love rockstar romances with grit, heart, and emotional stakes that hurt just right, this one delivers.
Loud. Intimate. Addictive. 🎶🖤
If The Brotherhood series hooked you, Songbird feels like its dangerous, music-soaked cousin — same intensity, same found-family pull, just louder and messier with rockstar demons and tour-life chaos layered on top. The vibe is instant and consuming.
Bad boy vs good girl is done with teeth here. He’s rough around the edges, pierced, possessive, and barely holding himself together. She’s not weak — just inexperienced in a world that wants to eat her alive. Their connection builds in close quarters, backstage hallways, buses, and stolen moments where secrets feel heavier than desire.
The hate-to-love tension is sharp, the forced proximity relentless, and the secret relationship aspect adds that constant hum of this could explode at any second. Brother’s best friend always hits harder when the stakes feel personal, and this one absolutely does.
What really makes Songbird work is the found family. The band, the loyalty, the unspoken rules — it all mirrors the emotional backbone that made The Brotherhood unforgettable. These aren’t just love stories; they’re about belonging somewhere that understands your worst parts and keeps you anyway.
There’s darkness here — ego, addiction, control, fear — but it never feels glamorized. It feels honest. Love doesn’t fix everything, but it becomes the thing worth fighting through the mess for.
I finished this book fully absorbed, a little wrecked, and already wanting to live in this world longer. If you love rockstar romances with grit, heart, and emotional stakes that hurt just right, this one delivers.
Loud. Intimate. Addictive. 🎶🖤
November 17, 2025
🎤🐦⬛𝕊𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕓𝕚𝕣𝕕 𝕓𝕪 𝔼.𝕃. 𝔼𝕞𝕜𝕖𝕪🐦⬛🎤
✨𝔸𝕧𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕨✨
𝕆𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕣 ℍ𝕖𝕣𝕖🔗👉🏻 https://a.co/d/hQa8VYB
🎶𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🎶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ ½
Songbird is definitely one of my top reads of the year! This book absolutely wrecked me…literally ripped my heart out but I loved every second of it! This book was pretty long but it was absolutely everything I wanted and so much more. I freaking love a super dark rockstar romance and I don’t often see many that do it well but E.L. Emkey DELIVERED!!!
This book follows the romance of Avery and Zion. They’re a part of a band, Black Halo, with August, Avery’s twin, Carter and Vex. It starts from when they’re freshly out of high school and just starting to take their band seriously when Zion joins as their drummer. Sparks fly immediately between Avery and Zion but their relationship is definitely a slow burn. We get to see Black Halo from where they started playing in little bars/clubs, to touring out of a van, to getting recognized and ultimately being signed to a big label. While the band is gaining attention Avery and Zion continue to get closer until they can’t stop their feelings from growing and consuming each other. Once signed will it be everything they’ve been hoping for or will it all fall apart?
This is one of the most beautifully written stories that literally takes us on a journey through falling in love, addiction, heartbreak, family drama, dealing with fame. I loved every moment of it…even the hurt. Avery and Zion’s romance had to overcome so much and watching it unfold will stick with me for a long time.
Overall, I loved this book, it’s definitely one of my top reads of the year. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good dark rockstar romance that’s very emotionally driven.
✨𝔸𝕧𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕨✨
𝕆𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕣 ℍ𝕖𝕣𝕖🔗👉🏻 https://a.co/d/hQa8VYB
🎶𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🎶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ ½
Songbird is definitely one of my top reads of the year! This book absolutely wrecked me…literally ripped my heart out but I loved every second of it! This book was pretty long but it was absolutely everything I wanted and so much more. I freaking love a super dark rockstar romance and I don’t often see many that do it well but E.L. Emkey DELIVERED!!!
This book follows the romance of Avery and Zion. They’re a part of a band, Black Halo, with August, Avery’s twin, Carter and Vex. It starts from when they’re freshly out of high school and just starting to take their band seriously when Zion joins as their drummer. Sparks fly immediately between Avery and Zion but their relationship is definitely a slow burn. We get to see Black Halo from where they started playing in little bars/clubs, to touring out of a van, to getting recognized and ultimately being signed to a big label. While the band is gaining attention Avery and Zion continue to get closer until they can’t stop their feelings from growing and consuming each other. Once signed will it be everything they’ve been hoping for or will it all fall apart?
This is one of the most beautifully written stories that literally takes us on a journey through falling in love, addiction, heartbreak, family drama, dealing with fame. I loved every moment of it…even the hurt. Avery and Zion’s romance had to overcome so much and watching it unfold will stick with me for a long time.
Overall, I loved this book, it’s definitely one of my top reads of the year. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good dark rockstar romance that’s very emotionally driven.
April 4, 2026
This book is HEAVY
📖: Songbird | E.L. Emkey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well that was a hell of a ride. Not gonna lie I was waiting for tragedy to strike at first. Welp it hit and it hit HARD, but not even close to when or the way I thought.
Sometimes I thought the book was a little long, but at the same time I loved getting to see it all. Plus I probably would have wanted those parts if they were removed.
What took me out of the story and bumped down my rating the most was the multiple inconsistencies. Like a couple dresses turned to jeans, leather turned to silk, or someone without a shirt suddenly had a shirt. Plus there is one scene that if you work in the medical field is a bit unrealistic. If you’re not someone that catches those things I don’t think you’d notice.
This books isn’t super dark, but it is still dark and HEAVY. Make sure to check your triggers before going into this one, but if you want a story of rockstars from the beginning, watching their struggles, highs and lows, with heartbreak, spice, and tension mixed it I highly recommend this book.
📖: Songbird | E.L. Emkey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️
Well that was a hell of a ride. Not gonna lie I was waiting for tragedy to strike at first. Welp it hit and it hit HARD, but not even close to when or the way I thought.
Sometimes I thought the book was a little long, but at the same time I loved getting to see it all. Plus I probably would have wanted those parts if they were removed.
What took me out of the story and bumped down my rating the most was the multiple inconsistencies. Like a couple dresses turned to jeans, leather turned to silk, or someone without a shirt suddenly had a shirt. Plus there is one scene that if you work in the medical field is a bit unrealistic. If you’re not someone that catches those things I don’t think you’d notice.
This books isn’t super dark, but it is still dark and HEAVY. Make sure to check your triggers before going into this one, but if you want a story of rockstars from the beginning, watching their struggles, highs and lows, with heartbreak, spice, and tension mixed it I highly recommend this book.
February 20, 2026
They say the devil makes music.
But the worst ones write love songs.
Avery was never meant to be the girl with microphone. She was the one behind the piano – controlled, quiet, and forgettable until Black Halo went viral. Until fame dug its claws in. Until the label painted my lips red and told me to smile for the camer.
Then came Zion Cross.
The new drummer. A stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and rhythms that made my body forget the rules. He doesn't play like others. He plays like he's unraveling. Like he's starving. Like she's the last beautiful thing he's allowed to touch before he burns.
He's a secret she should bury.
She's a song he wants to break.
And when obsession becomes the melody, there's no going back.
Fame is a noose. Love is a loaded gun.
And the only way out...it through fire.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Bad Boy vs Good Girl, Metalcore Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Hate to Love, Secret Relationship, Brother’s Best Friend, V!rg!n FMC, Tour Life Drama, Rockstar Demons, Possessive MMC, Bratty FMC, Pierced MMC and Fated Mates.
Songbird is A Dark Rockstar Romance by E.L. Emkey. This is the first book by E.L. Emkey and wow, this book just blew me out of the water. I love books and I love music and you put the two together and I am in heaven and E.L. Emkey just gave us a masterclass of writing a stunning an outstanding musically inclined book.
Songbird, this book broke me, then it shattered me, and then it finally put me back together. E.L. Emkey nailed every aspect of this book, the passion for every aspect of the music industry, the craft that goes into being part of the music industry, the trauma, the challenges that can come along with making your own dreams come true...all while fighting to retain control of that dream and not allowing others wrench control out of your hands. The music industry is truly a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Avery had always known that she was never meant to be the girl behind the microphone. She had spent most of her life behind the keys of a piano, quiet, controlled, feeling as through she was the one who was always forgotten. That is until Black Halo went viral and suddenly Avery found fame digging its claws in and the label was looking at her differently. Now the label, her manager, her handlers are painting her lips red and everyone is telling her to step up front and smile for the camera.
Avery did as she was told, going through the motions, but she never felt as though she was being seen. She felt as though everyone was seeing what they wanted to see but that was all on the surface, no one saw who she was on the inside and she was dying for someone, anyone to see who she really was, the girl she was on the inside.
The Zion Cross walked onto the stage, into Avery's life, into the band.
Zion is the new drummer in Black Halo. Zion is this stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and he can create rhythms that can make Avery's body completely forget all the rules. And Avery quickly learns that Zion doesn't play like anyone else. Avery discovers that Zion plays like he's unravelling, like he's starving, like she's the last beautiful woman he's allowed to look at and touch before he burns.
Avery knows that Zion is a secret that she should bury.
Avery is a song that Zion wants to break.
And when their obsession becomes the melody of their lives, there is no going back for either of them.
Avery and Zion are like two comets who were destined to one day crash into each other and when it happened there was no other choice but for the crash to be anything other than explosive. I found Avery and Zion to be nothing short of fated mates. They were meant to be together from the very beginning.
I found the story of Avery and Zion to be full of angst, emotion, and this chemistry that could never be contained no matter how two people may attempt to deny the chemistry or how ever hard you may try to hide from it. The push and pull between Avery and Zion not only impact the two of them but it impacts their entire band. And they take a risk in their relationship; it gives people something to use against them and their relationship allows people to pit Avery and Zion against each other all in order to get what they want.
Avery and Zion make decisions that they really hope and pray that gives their band everything the entire band has ever so much as dreamed of, but at the same time, Avery and Zion hope that it doesn't destroy the bond that they have.
While this is story is mainly focused on Avery and Zion, this story isn't only their story. This is also August, Carter and Vex's story. And they all need each other, they are all a family, and while this isn't a RH, they are still a broken family who need and rely on each other.
And this is so much more than just a dark romance or a rockstar romance. This is a story about pain, healing, and connection. I just loved this book, it was so beautiful, raw, and it is so destructive in ways that will stay with you and live rent free in your head long after you've read the last page.
Let me tell you, if you are a lover of dark romance, gritty, rockstar romances, then this is a must read for you. I can't wait to add this book to my trophy shelf ASAP. And let me warn you, you're going to need to have a box of tissue close at hand, your emotional support blanket next to you, and lots of snacks because you're not putting this book down till you have finished it.
But the worst ones write love songs.
Avery was never meant to be the girl with microphone. She was the one behind the piano – controlled, quiet, and forgettable until Black Halo went viral. Until fame dug its claws in. Until the label painted my lips red and told me to smile for the camer.
Then came Zion Cross.
The new drummer. A stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and rhythms that made my body forget the rules. He doesn't play like others. He plays like he's unraveling. Like he's starving. Like she's the last beautiful thing he's allowed to touch before he burns.
He's a secret she should bury.
She's a song he wants to break.
And when obsession becomes the melody, there's no going back.
Fame is a noose. Love is a loaded gun.
And the only way out...it through fire.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Bad Boy vs Good Girl, Metalcore Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Hate to Love, Secret Relationship, Brother’s Best Friend, V!rg!n FMC, Tour Life Drama, Rockstar Demons, Possessive MMC, Bratty FMC, Pierced MMC and Fated Mates.
Songbird is A Dark Rockstar Romance by E.L. Emkey. This is the first book by E.L. Emkey and wow, this book just blew me out of the water. I love books and I love music and you put the two together and I am in heaven and E.L. Emkey just gave us a masterclass of writing a stunning an outstanding musically inclined book.
Songbird, this book broke me, then it shattered me, and then it finally put me back together. E.L. Emkey nailed every aspect of this book, the passion for every aspect of the music industry, the craft that goes into being part of the music industry, the trauma, the challenges that can come along with making your own dreams come true...all while fighting to retain control of that dream and not allowing others wrench control out of your hands. The music industry is truly a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Avery had always known that she was never meant to be the girl behind the microphone. She had spent most of her life behind the keys of a piano, quiet, controlled, feeling as through she was the one who was always forgotten. That is until Black Halo went viral and suddenly Avery found fame digging its claws in and the label was looking at her differently. Now the label, her manager, her handlers are painting her lips red and everyone is telling her to step up front and smile for the camera.
Avery did as she was told, going through the motions, but she never felt as though she was being seen. She felt as though everyone was seeing what they wanted to see but that was all on the surface, no one saw who she was on the inside and she was dying for someone, anyone to see who she really was, the girl she was on the inside.
The Zion Cross walked onto the stage, into Avery's life, into the band.
Zion is the new drummer in Black Halo. Zion is this stranger with haunted eyes, blood on his hands, and he can create rhythms that can make Avery's body completely forget all the rules. And Avery quickly learns that Zion doesn't play like anyone else. Avery discovers that Zion plays like he's unravelling, like he's starving, like she's the last beautiful woman he's allowed to look at and touch before he burns.
Avery knows that Zion is a secret that she should bury.
Avery is a song that Zion wants to break.
And when their obsession becomes the melody of their lives, there is no going back for either of them.
Avery and Zion are like two comets who were destined to one day crash into each other and when it happened there was no other choice but for the crash to be anything other than explosive. I found Avery and Zion to be nothing short of fated mates. They were meant to be together from the very beginning.
I found the story of Avery and Zion to be full of angst, emotion, and this chemistry that could never be contained no matter how two people may attempt to deny the chemistry or how ever hard you may try to hide from it. The push and pull between Avery and Zion not only impact the two of them but it impacts their entire band. And they take a risk in their relationship; it gives people something to use against them and their relationship allows people to pit Avery and Zion against each other all in order to get what they want.
Avery and Zion make decisions that they really hope and pray that gives their band everything the entire band has ever so much as dreamed of, but at the same time, Avery and Zion hope that it doesn't destroy the bond that they have.
While this is story is mainly focused on Avery and Zion, this story isn't only their story. This is also August, Carter and Vex's story. And they all need each other, they are all a family, and while this isn't a RH, they are still a broken family who need and rely on each other.
And this is so much more than just a dark romance or a rockstar romance. This is a story about pain, healing, and connection. I just loved this book, it was so beautiful, raw, and it is so destructive in ways that will stay with you and live rent free in your head long after you've read the last page.
Let me tell you, if you are a lover of dark romance, gritty, rockstar romances, then this is a must read for you. I can't wait to add this book to my trophy shelf ASAP. And let me warn you, you're going to need to have a box of tissue close at hand, your emotional support blanket next to you, and lots of snacks because you're not putting this book down till you have finished it.
November 18, 2025
Check triggers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A dark Rockstar Romance of addiction,survival and a look into the ups and downs of the rise to fame ! Avery - Beautifully broken. Singer songwriter Troubled past! Zion- complicated bad boy. addicted to Avery Bands drummer! Can the dangerous addictive hunger that they have for each other survive the sharks of the music industry when the very thing they seeked tries to control and tear them apart ! Love the way this book draws you into their stories both separately and together you can feel the rollercoaster of hurt that they go through just trying not to drown 💜🖤💜🖤
November 23, 2025
Erika never disappoints with her writing. Her books have a way of pulling you in and breaking you (don't worry she fixes what she breaks the more you read). Zion and Avery are a different type of story than you're used to with Erika's previous books but man are they a beautiful toxic tortured story. There is so much pain and healing in this book it will just have you going every page.
“Some people are meant for safety. For picket fences and Sunday dinners. Not us. You and me, Songbird, we’re born to burn.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜Dark rockstar romance
🎧Brother’s best friend
🖤Metalcore
💜Bad boy x good girl
🎧Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
💜Secret relationship
“Some people are meant for safety. For picket fences and Sunday dinners. Not us. You and me, Songbird, we’re born to burn.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💜Dark rockstar romance
🎧Brother’s best friend
🖤Metalcore
💜Bad boy x good girl
🎧Hate to love
🖤Forced proximity
💜Secret relationship
October 28, 2025
Omg… this was not what I was expecting at all. I haven’t read many rockstar romances, but this one hit completely different. It’s dark, messy, and honestly just full of emotion. There were moments that left me completely speechless. It’s not just about romance, it’s about pain, healing, and connection. Every character felt important in their own way. It’s not just Avery and Zion’s story; it’s also about August, Carter, and Vex. They all needed each other, like a broken little family (and no, it’s not RH). This book was beautiful, raw, and destructive in a way that stays with you.
March 8, 2026
Zion and his songbird
It is one intense read but so worth it. It showed the dark side of the rock world and how it could separate two people that loved each other, but managed to get back together with the support of their band and other people that believed in them and the band.
It is one intense read but so worth it. It showed the dark side of the rock world and how it could separate two people that loved each other, but managed to get back together with the support of their band and other people that believed in them and the band.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews