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Bleeding Denial
He said he didn’t want her. He said it wasn’t his problem. He was wrong.
J.D. Warren, the volatile frontman of August Bleeding, lives by one no attachments. Women are a convenience, and Cassie Paxton is just his favorite repeat escape—a groupie he claims on stage and discards in the dressing room. But when Cassie shows up pregnant, J.D.’s carefully controlled world detonates. He tries to buy her off, scream her away, pretend she doesn’t matter. Then the truths he’s ignored start cutting through his denial.
Cassie isn’t the desperate groupie he painted her as. She has a life, secrets, and strength he never bothered to see, and those revelations crack open everything he thought he knew. When a medical crisis forces J.D. into the role of her reluctant caretaker, he finds himself trapped in the last place he wants to close. Too close. Every moment with her dismantles another layer of armor, and every thundering beat of their unborn daughter’s heart forces him to face the one choice he’s never had the guts to make—become a better man, or lose them both.
J.D. Warren, the volatile frontman of August Bleeding, lives by one no attachments. Women are a convenience, and Cassie Paxton is just his favorite repeat escape—a groupie he claims on stage and discards in the dressing room. But when Cassie shows up pregnant, J.D.’s carefully controlled world detonates. He tries to buy her off, scream her away, pretend she doesn’t matter. Then the truths he’s ignored start cutting through his denial.
Cassie isn’t the desperate groupie he painted her as. She has a life, secrets, and strength he never bothered to see, and those revelations crack open everything he thought he knew. When a medical crisis forces J.D. into the role of her reluctant caretaker, he finds himself trapped in the last place he wants to close. Too close. Every moment with her dismantles another layer of armor, and every thundering beat of their unborn daughter’s heart forces him to face the one choice he’s never had the guts to make—become a better man, or lose them both.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
About the author
S.L. Kunz
4 books10 followersBorn and raised in Utah, she always had an interest in storytelling. She looked forward to all the creative writing assignments that started in middle school, and her love for stories snowballed from there, both in reading and writing. She always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world, but life got busy. A husband, kids, and all the things that come with it. She's finally picked up the pen again and can't wait to share her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 14, 2026
I Just Found a New Author to Follow
This is the first time reading Ms. Kunz’s books and I have to say that I will be keeping tabs on her. I am a rock romance lover and the messier the book the better and with that said this book sure hit the mark. JD was the frontman for August Bleeding and was just as egotistical as I expect most frontmen are. He kept Cassie hanging by a thread for years, never treating her right. Cassie held on for all she was worth but finally she was pushed aside but that didn’t stop the future from happening whether she or JD liked it or not.
This book was raw and gritty with tons of steam, secrets and twists and turns which made this a big page turner. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
This is the first time reading Ms. Kunz’s books and I have to say that I will be keeping tabs on her. I am a rock romance lover and the messier the book the better and with that said this book sure hit the mark. JD was the frontman for August Bleeding and was just as egotistical as I expect most frontmen are. He kept Cassie hanging by a thread for years, never treating her right. Cassie held on for all she was worth but finally she was pushed aside but that didn’t stop the future from happening whether she or JD liked it or not.
This book was raw and gritty with tons of steam, secrets and twists and turns which made this a big page turner. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
March 1, 2026
Bleeding Denial is the first book in the rockstar August Bleeding series by S.L. Kunz. This is my first time reading this author and it will not be the last as I hope to continue reading this series. If you like a Rockstar Badboy, a surprise pregnancy, forced proximity as tropes then this book has it and more. The editing was great, the plot was good, it contained a HEA but no epilogue, which I love. The MC needed to do some serious groveling, and I would've loved to seen more angsty drama but I highly enjoyed this book and would be interested in Connor's book.
TW: Mentions of Childhood Neglect/Abuse/SA (Nothing happens on page), Mentions of Death, Childbirth, Traumatic Birth, Blood, Medical Fragility.
I would like to Thank BookSirens and S.L. Kunz for my free ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
J.D. Warren is the lead singer of the August Bleeding Rock band and has demons from his childhood. He uses women and whiskey to shut off his mind.
Cassie Paxton has been sleeping with J.D. for four years now. She may be in love with him but she knows she's just a groupie to him.
J.D. sings a song to her that he wrote about her then takes her backstage to bang then tells her to get lost.
Cassie shows back up after one of his shows a couple months later with some news that she knows will make him furious but she never thought he could be so cruel.
A few months later J.D. gets a message that Cassie nearly died and she didn't do what he demanded she do. His world is about to be rearranged and out of his control but will it be worth it in the end?
TW: Mentions of Childhood Neglect/Abuse/SA (Nothing happens on page), Mentions of Death, Childbirth, Traumatic Birth, Blood, Medical Fragility.
I would like to Thank BookSirens and S.L. Kunz for my free ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
J.D. Warren is the lead singer of the August Bleeding Rock band and has demons from his childhood. He uses women and whiskey to shut off his mind.
Cassie Paxton has been sleeping with J.D. for four years now. She may be in love with him but she knows she's just a groupie to him.
J.D. sings a song to her that he wrote about her then takes her backstage to bang then tells her to get lost.
Cassie shows back up after one of his shows a couple months later with some news that she knows will make him furious but she never thought he could be so cruel.
A few months later J.D. gets a message that Cassie nearly died and she didn't do what he demanded she do. His world is about to be rearranged and out of his control but will it be worth it in the end?
March 1, 2026
When I started this book, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I hated JD. He was awful — thinking horrible things, acting like a drunken beast, and saying the most heinous things to poor Cassie. He used her, yet wrote songs about her. The man was a walking contradiction.
So when Cassie came to him with a life-changing problem and he threw her out, saying even more terrible things, I honestly hated him even more. I kept wondering — why does she put up with him?
But here’s the thing: I didn’t actually know Cassie at first. Everything we see comes from JD’s head. And that man is a hot, lonely mess.
The story begins four years into their relationship — one built entirely on sex, at least in JD’s mind. Cassie, though? She’s grounded, strong, and so much more emotionally mature. Learning who she truly is was one of my favorite parts of this book. Her struggles felt just as real as his — maybe even more so.
They both clawed their way out of trash beginnings, and their shared loneliness tied them together in ways neither of them understood. Watching JD slowly realize how wrong he’d been — and watching him fall in love, maybe for the first time in his life — was earth-shattering.
And the band? At first, they acted like creeps. But so did JD. Seeing them step up for Cassie redeemed them in my eyes. I’m especially hoping Dark gets his own book.
If I’m being picky, I would’ve loved JD’s anger and rough edges drawn out just a bit longer before the full redemption. But that ending? Perfect.
Five stars. Highly recommend.
So when Cassie came to him with a life-changing problem and he threw her out, saying even more terrible things, I honestly hated him even more. I kept wondering — why does she put up with him?
But here’s the thing: I didn’t actually know Cassie at first. Everything we see comes from JD’s head. And that man is a hot, lonely mess.
The story begins four years into their relationship — one built entirely on sex, at least in JD’s mind. Cassie, though? She’s grounded, strong, and so much more emotionally mature. Learning who she truly is was one of my favorite parts of this book. Her struggles felt just as real as his — maybe even more so.
They both clawed their way out of trash beginnings, and their shared loneliness tied them together in ways neither of them understood. Watching JD slowly realize how wrong he’d been — and watching him fall in love, maybe for the first time in his life — was earth-shattering.
And the band? At first, they acted like creeps. But so did JD. Seeing them step up for Cassie redeemed them in my eyes. I’m especially hoping Dark gets his own book.
If I’m being picky, I would’ve loved JD’s anger and rough edges drawn out just a bit longer before the full redemption. But that ending? Perfect.
Five stars. Highly recommend.
April 2, 2026
Bleeding Denial delivers exactly what you want from a rockstar romance—intensity, emotional chaos, and a love story that refuses to play it safe.
J.D. is the kind of MMC who walks the line between irresistible and infuriating. As a rockstar, he’s all ego, talent, and hidden damage, and the story does a great job peeling back his layers without softening what makes him complicated. Cassie, on the other hand, is far from a passive heroine. She’s grounded, emotionally aware, and strong enough to challenge J.D. instead of getting lost in his orbit—which makes their dynamic feel real and earned.
The chemistry between them is immediate but messy in the best way. Their relationship isn’t built on fantasy alone—it’s shaped by miscommunication, vulnerability, and the push-and-pull of two people who aren’t sure they know how to love each other properly. That tension is what keeps the story gripping.
What stands out most is the emotional weight. This isn’t just a glitzy backstage romance—it digs into denial (as the title suggests), self-worth, and the cost of fame on personal relationships. The angst hits hard, but it never feels unnecessary; it drives the characters forward.
If you’re looking for:
• A flawed, magnetic rockstar MMC
• A strong FMC who holds her ground
• High angst with real emotional payoff
• A messy, addictive romance
Bleeding Denial absolutely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (5/5)
A raw, emotional ride with just the right amount of heartbreak and heat.
I can’t wait for book 2!
J.D. is the kind of MMC who walks the line between irresistible and infuriating. As a rockstar, he’s all ego, talent, and hidden damage, and the story does a great job peeling back his layers without softening what makes him complicated. Cassie, on the other hand, is far from a passive heroine. She’s grounded, emotionally aware, and strong enough to challenge J.D. instead of getting lost in his orbit—which makes their dynamic feel real and earned.
The chemistry between them is immediate but messy in the best way. Their relationship isn’t built on fantasy alone—it’s shaped by miscommunication, vulnerability, and the push-and-pull of two people who aren’t sure they know how to love each other properly. That tension is what keeps the story gripping.
What stands out most is the emotional weight. This isn’t just a glitzy backstage romance—it digs into denial (as the title suggests), self-worth, and the cost of fame on personal relationships. The angst hits hard, but it never feels unnecessary; it drives the characters forward.
If you’re looking for:
• A flawed, magnetic rockstar MMC
• A strong FMC who holds her ground
• High angst with real emotional payoff
• A messy, addictive romance
Bleeding Denial absolutely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (5/5)
A raw, emotional ride with just the right amount of heartbreak and heat.
I can’t wait for book 2!
March 18, 2026
Thank you to S. L. Kunz for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bleeding Denial is an intense and emotionally gripping story that blends darker themes with strong character development. From the start, the narrative creates a sense of tension that keeps you fully engaged.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles feel raw and real, and the way their journeys unfold adds weight to the story.
The darker elements of the plot help build a strong atmosphere, creating moments that feel both powerful and immersive. As the story progresses, the stakes continue to rise, making it difficult to put down.
For me, this easily earns 5 ⭐ because the story was compelling, emotional, and left a lasting impression.
This is a 5 ⭐ for me because:
• the emotional intensity adds depth to the narrative
• the characters feel authentic and layered
• the darker themes create a strong atmosphere
• the story keeps you fully invested throughout
Dark. Emotional. Powerful.
Read this book if you like:
• darker romance or emotional stories
• character-driven narratives
• intense and immersive plots
• stories with strong emotional impact
Bleeding Denial is an intense and emotionally gripping story that blends darker themes with strong character development. From the start, the narrative creates a sense of tension that keeps you fully engaged.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles feel raw and real, and the way their journeys unfold adds weight to the story.
The darker elements of the plot help build a strong atmosphere, creating moments that feel both powerful and immersive. As the story progresses, the stakes continue to rise, making it difficult to put down.
For me, this easily earns 5 ⭐ because the story was compelling, emotional, and left a lasting impression.
This is a 5 ⭐ for me because:
• the emotional intensity adds depth to the narrative
• the characters feel authentic and layered
• the darker themes create a strong atmosphere
• the story keeps you fully invested throughout
Dark. Emotional. Powerful.
Read this book if you like:
• darker romance or emotional stories
• character-driven narratives
• intense and immersive plots
• stories with strong emotional impact
March 1, 2026
Damn ! I love me a good rockstar romance , during the first almost half of the book I found myself hating the MC . I don’t even know how many times I said “are you kidding me right now “ after almost everything he said , which well done to the author , I haven’t hated a MC this much in a long time . But thank goodness he decided to wake the hell up and had some serious character growth .
The FMC dealt with way too much during the first half of the book , she has way too much patience for the MC , and whatever cards life has decided to hand to her. But their love for one another ends up being just perfect . The way he just supports her no matter what , and vice versa is how a real relationship should work . So many cute moments between them , and the way she banters with the other band members ? Love it !
I definitely really enjoyed this book , and can’t wait to read the others in the series. I have a feeling this author is one to watch !
The FMC dealt with way too much during the first half of the book , she has way too much patience for the MC , and whatever cards life has decided to hand to her. But their love for one another ends up being just perfect . The way he just supports her no matter what , and vice versa is how a real relationship should work . So many cute moments between them , and the way she banters with the other band members ? Love it !
I definitely really enjoyed this book , and can’t wait to read the others in the series. I have a feeling this author is one to watch !
March 1, 2026
I hardly EVER give a full 5 stars, like a book has to be REALLY REALLY good for me to give 5 stars. But THIS BOOK? Holy emotional rollercoaster! J.D. and Cassie were so absolutely beautifully written i am going to have a book hang over from reading this book. J.D.'s character development is so magnificent and beautiful, the author did a really amazing job of laying the bricks for his character and the changes he endured through the story. And Cassie? Bad. Ass. Chick. I normally am not a fan of "weak" MFC but she is a different breed. Her endurance and strength are endearing. I love that the author made her absolutely not the girl to make everything about her and what she's gone through as the main character trait. There are a million amazing things i could say about this book, I honestly dont have a single bad thing to say. Can't wait to read the next book!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 13, 2026
I fully believe this is one of those moments where you find a new author and can say “I’ve loved your books from the very start,” because S.L. Kunz has the talent to go far. I was OBSESSED with Bleeding Denial, the first plus was the book had an accompanied playlist of music that perfectly matches the whole vibe of the book. What a roller coaster; I laughed, I cried and wished “Ink and Honey” was a real song… Bleeding denial is so much more than a ‘steamy rockstar love story,’ and check the TW because there are times the book gets dark.
J.D. has now reached my top 10 favorite Book Bae. The way he treats Cassie after finding out more about her (no spoilers) is next level.
Clear your afternoon, it’s a hard book to walk away from, and with a hot couple like Cassie and J.D. Why would you want to?
J.D. has now reached my top 10 favorite Book Bae. The way he treats Cassie after finding out more about her (no spoilers) is next level.
Clear your afternoon, it’s a hard book to walk away from, and with a hot couple like Cassie and J.D. Why would you want to?
March 2, 2026
ARC Review
A rock band at the height of their fame. Endless tours. Endless highs. Endless faceless nights.
He’s arrogant, magnetic, and completely convinced he’s untouchable. She’s been there all along—steady in the chaos, hoping for something more, even when he gives her just enough to keep her close and never enough to make it real.
This story isn’t about the glitter of stardom. It’s about what happens when the illusion cracks. When ego meets consequence. When longing turns into something heavier.
You will hate him. You will understand him. You will ache for her.
It’s messy, raw, and emotionally charged in all the right ways. And I’m already feral for the next book in this series. 🎤💥📖
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads on insta)
A rock band at the height of their fame. Endless tours. Endless highs. Endless faceless nights.
He’s arrogant, magnetic, and completely convinced he’s untouchable. She’s been there all along—steady in the chaos, hoping for something more, even when he gives her just enough to keep her close and never enough to make it real.
This story isn’t about the glitter of stardom. It’s about what happens when the illusion cracks. When ego meets consequence. When longing turns into something heavier.
You will hate him. You will understand him. You will ache for her.
It’s messy, raw, and emotionally charged in all the right ways. And I’m already feral for the next book in this series. 🎤💥📖
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads on insta)
March 8, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is raw, messy, and emotionally intense in a way that pulls you in even when the characters are frustrating. The story centers around Cassie and J.D., a toxic, addictive situationship with a rockstar that’s built on power, obsession, and unresolved trauma. Their dynamic is far from healthy, but that’s what makes the story compelling—you’re constantly watching the fallout of choices, ego, and pain. The writing leans heavily into dark emotions and complicated relationships, and the tension between the characters keeps the story moving. It’s not a light romance at all, but if you enjoy darker, gritty stories about flawed people making messy decisions, this one definitely keeps you hooked.
This book is raw, messy, and emotionally intense in a way that pulls you in even when the characters are frustrating. The story centers around Cassie and J.D., a toxic, addictive situationship with a rockstar that’s built on power, obsession, and unresolved trauma. Their dynamic is far from healthy, but that’s what makes the story compelling—you’re constantly watching the fallout of choices, ego, and pain. The writing leans heavily into dark emotions and complicated relationships, and the tension between the characters keeps the story moving. It’s not a light romance at all, but if you enjoy darker, gritty stories about flawed people making messy decisions, this one definitely keeps you hooked.
March 20, 2026
Bleeding Denial
S.L. Kunz
ARC read
"She wasn't a tourist in my life. I was a fucking ignorant trespasser in hers." I loved that line so much, I had to message the author immediately.
I'm a sucker for a Rockstar romance. Give me the angsty and broody, especially with a strong lead.
Boy did this start off quickly with a bombshell.
The growth in JD's character was stubborn yet fierce. I could have shaken him quite a few times. Cassie, forever the strong queen, ruled this story with such resilience.
I got the ending that I was hoping for.
I really appreciated the ease of readability with this story. The structuring was smooth and made it impossible to stop turning pages.
Thank you S.L. Kunz and BookSirens for this ARC read.
• Forced Proximity
• Rockstar/Groupie
S.L. Kunz
ARC read
"She wasn't a tourist in my life. I was a fucking ignorant trespasser in hers." I loved that line so much, I had to message the author immediately.
I'm a sucker for a Rockstar romance. Give me the angsty and broody, especially with a strong lead.
Boy did this start off quickly with a bombshell.
The growth in JD's character was stubborn yet fierce. I could have shaken him quite a few times. Cassie, forever the strong queen, ruled this story with such resilience.
I got the ending that I was hoping for.
I really appreciated the ease of readability with this story. The structuring was smooth and made it impossible to stop turning pages.
Thank you S.L. Kunz and BookSirens for this ARC read.
• Forced Proximity
• Rockstar/Groupie
March 4, 2026
Bleeding Denial is the story of J.D. Warren, the unstable frontman for the band August Bleeding, and Cassie Paxton, his favorite groupie. JD used Cassie for his pleasure and then turned her away. But somehow she kept coming back until one fateful day their worlds crash.
This book is jam packed with secrets, crisis, passion/heat, the unexpected twists and turns. All together a tapestry is woven by the author to yield a great well written book of characters and their world. Rockstars rule!
I enjoyed reading this book and all of it's surprises.
I received an advance copy and am leaving an honest review.
This book is jam packed with secrets, crisis, passion/heat, the unexpected twists and turns. All together a tapestry is woven by the author to yield a great well written book of characters and their world. Rockstars rule!
I enjoyed reading this book and all of it's surprises.
I received an advance copy and am leaving an honest review.
May 9, 2026
This book was so good! The characters are so well written. I got all the feels reading this. From hating J to thinking he’s the sweetest person towards the end of the book. The band mates were not just there. They made themselves known. They were funny, caring while trying to be badas*. The whole transformation of J was phenomenal. Typically you’d think he wouldn’t change for the better but he did. I just wish Cassie’s story of her past was more in depth and I was uncomfortable with substance use during pregnancy. Being someone who lost a few babies I personally wouldn’t chance something that could make me miscarry or negativity affect the baby. But overall, I enjoyed the book.
March 2, 2026
ARC READ: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Bleeding Denial completely wrecked me in the best way. It made me want to yell, shed a few tears, laugh loudly, and smile all in the same breath. I have never been so infuriated by a MMC as I was with JD. I wanted to hate him so badly, that frustration turned into me loving him even more. The emotional push and pull was so intense in some areas that my heart just hurt. The author absolutely nailed the FMC, portraying her as a total badass woman navigating the shit hand life dealt her with grit and heart. Raw, messy, and powerful... this one lingers long after the last page.
Bleeding Denial completely wrecked me in the best way. It made me want to yell, shed a few tears, laugh loudly, and smile all in the same breath. I have never been so infuriated by a MMC as I was with JD. I wanted to hate him so badly, that frustration turned into me loving him even more. The emotional push and pull was so intense in some areas that my heart just hurt. The author absolutely nailed the FMC, portraying her as a total badass woman navigating the shit hand life dealt her with grit and heart. Raw, messy, and powerful... this one lingers long after the last page.
March 1, 2026
So many mixed emotions while reading this. J.D. was a terrible person to begin with. I couldn't figure out why Cassie kept wanting to be with him. Then he did a total turnaround. Both of them were very damaged people, though Cassie had so much strength within her. The bandmates were great supportive characters. Hopefully the next book in this series comes out soon. I received an advance review copy via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2026
I just love a good rockstar romance. My favorite genre. And this novel was good. I have not read anything that I have enjoyed in a very long time. Cannot wait for book #2. I have never read this author before but I certainly will read again. JD was a mean one but boy did he do a 360 turn. Cassie was always in love with him. do not want to give too much away. Read this book, you will not be disappointed. Thank you BookSirens for the copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 22, 2026
JD is a rockstar, groupies are disposable. So when he uses Cassi, he doesn’t think twice about it. She’s just another groupie after all. Until she turns up pregnant. JD was a real jerk in the beginning. Treating her like garbage. Until things took a turn and he had to care for her. Then he chased his demeanor and redeemed himself. I loved that he finally got his act together and treated her the way she deserved. This was a really good story.
May 4, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much! I like this genre so I wasn’t really surprised, but this one was one I didn’t want to end. I love the characters. I love the story. Everything was so well written. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2026
Utterly predictable with an over use of cliches and really stilted dialog. JD came off as really flat but really, the FMC was really weak and unlikable. Should have DNF’d.
March 1, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.. I loved it. It started of super spicy but but the male lead was a real jerk in the beginning. He redeemed himself in the end. The whole book was a emotional rollercoaster. You'll laugh and cry.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews