Rough Harmony

by K.C. Wells

Ten strangers walked into an audition. Rough Harmony walked out.


When Theo Sinclair and Max Rivers decide to form an all-gay a cappella group, they’re not looking for choirboys—they’re looking for men who can bare their voices, spill their truths, and sing like it matters.

Auditions bring together ten voices, ten bodies, ten secrets—and what happens off-stage is just as raw as the music they’re trying to build. Kink, chaos, scars, and desire collide in the making of Rough Harmony—a band as unpolished as it is unforgettable, as emotional as it is unapologetically erotic.

This isn’t just music.
It’s surrender, sweat, and sin.

This is the prequel to the Rough Harmony series. NOTE the group members do NOT get involved with each other! We're talking ten guys, ten books...

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Romance

First published March 20, 2026

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[Samantha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough Harmonies is a novella which gives the reader a short story introduction to each member of what will be an all gay leather wearing A-Capella group.

Each member has a history with leather and music that has shaped them into the person we see and influenced them into auditioning. We see tidbits of the past, the present and some very subtle hints of a possible future and I can't wait. Some of these will definitely have more of a hurt/comfort and opposites attract vibe and I'm so ready for that.

I'm also excited to see how Theo and Max's predictions after each audition come about and if they were wrong about any. I enjoyed seeing their chats after the audition and got their thoughts on each person and the group as a whole.

I loved how we got to see a bit of that found family vibe that I'm sure will be huge in this series. We got a few chances to see how everyone blended in a casual setting.

"For a moment, they weren’t strangers anymore— they were already a group, rough and ridiculous, sparks flying in every direction."

"Finnley: omg more roomies??   leather house???
Oliver: Please, not that name.
Zane: Hot Leather Guys HQ?
Finnley: better  "

Theo and Max are fantastic MCs. Their banter, the whole opposites thing, their whole vibe together (Platonic) is interesting.
I love how they pick up on things not yet disclosed to the reader but also the things that seem super obvious to the reader

"Theo’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t about what you’d do to him. It’s about the group.” Max rolled his eyes. “Who says I want to do anything to him?"

And then

“I think we need a No Fraternisation rule.” “Does that mean I don’t get to fuck any of them, or they don’t get to fuck each other? Because I don’t disagree with either of those options, but you know how people are. Rules are made to be broken.”

And of course

"I’d like to hear him break pattern, to see what’s under the shine.” Max grinned. “How many times have you said that after an audition? You want to hear them all break.”


And with that I think the perfect quote to end this review on it

Zane leaned forward. “Then what about Rough Harmony?”

[Books and Gems · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

This is a bit of a hard one to rate. Max and Theo are friends who plan to form an all queer, leather wearing, a cappella group. This story introduced all 10 men, so there are a lot of people to meet in such a short read.

We get to see just the smallest sprinkle of information about each guy. It’ll be interesting to see how they all blend together, and how each will meet their love. Each seems to be harboring dark and painful pasts.

However, the issue with introducing so many characters, plus their friends and having all of them seem to have some kind of bad relationship history or tragic breakup is that all of them started to bleed together. Even Max and Theo’s comments after each audition seemed to be similar.

This is a lot of info dumped on the reader for a prequel, but the series does sound like it would be interesting!

.

.

.

.


‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️

Dynamic: MM series but no couples were introduced yet

Sharing? No

Cheating? No

Breakup? No

Sex scene with OM or OW No


‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️

— prequel introduction
— a cappella group
— leather

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROUGH HARMONY is a prequel novella to a series of the same name. It's about an all-male, all-queer, leather-bound, a capella group that is the brainchild of Max and Theo.

You don't get much, but what you do get is enough to intrigue and draw you in, giving enough information on each singer to leave you wanting more. Each man is broken in their own way, searching for something to help them be.

Each chapter is either Max, Theo, or one of the new guys. It is hard not to find it at least a little repetitive when each one has to audition, but it's also hard to avoid. I found it hard to remember names, attitudes, and the little bit of backstory that we did get, but I know with a full-length novel, it will be easier.

A great prequel that has whetted my appetite, and I can't wait for more. A quick but intriguing read that I definitely recommend.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 16, 2026

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and intriguing introduction to this series.

As a prequel novella, it gives us a glimpse into each member of this all-queer, leather-clad a cappella group, and I loved getting those little snippets of their pasts, personalities, and what brought them here. Everyone feels a little broken in their own way, and you can already see the foundations for some really emotional, hurt/comfort type stories coming.

Max and Theo’s role in bringing the group together was great too. I really enjoyed their discussions after each audition and their predictions about the guys...I’m so curious to see if they end up being right.

There’s definitely a bit of repetition with the audition format, and it can be a little hard to keep track of everyone at first, but it’s a short read and does exactly what it’s meant to do, hook you in and make you want more.

You can already feel those early found family vibes starting to form, and I’m so excited to see how this group grows together.

A quick, engaging prequel that sets up the series really well. I’m definitely keen to dive into everyone’s stories.

[EQUUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure that I just found my next favorite series in the making if that makes any sense to you. But when you know you know. It's only a prequel to actual stories of ten men waiting to be told, but the way the characters were introduced is something to write home about. Ten talented men with completely different backgrounds, life stories, secrets, life circumstances, joined in common interest and goal. For most of them this is not a whim, but a desperate try to change something in their lives, something that feeds the soul and it's not just a way to survive.
Their individual stories are just begging to be told along with their common journey.
This is the book written by someone who clearly loves and knows about music on above average levels. Writing is also way above average and touches the soul. You can practically hear their voices and interpretations that are the instruments to express their true selves and raise more questions about what lays beneath the surface.
My book slump is finally over and I can't wait to read the first story. Whichever of the men the author chooses I'm more than fine with it.

[Jvles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ist not really a story in itself - it is an introduction to a new series about ten men forming a singing group. It promises angsty, kinky stories with a whole lot of music and a colourful ensemble. With these kinds of stories I always wish that you could hear the characters' voices. It would be perfect if they found actual singers for the audio book so you could get a glimpse of the magic.
In this book we meet the two friends Max and Theo who set out to form a new singing group and then get introduced to all the other 8 characters with a short glimpse into their life and then the scene of their audition. That felt kind of repetitive and, to be honest, I have not read this in one sitting and had already forgotten the first name when we got to no.5. Juggling ten characters you know next to nothing about in your head is not easy.
So, this book in itself was maybe not great but I'm sure it'll be a great help to jog your memory of the characters whenever a new book in this series gets released.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough Harmony sets the stage for what looks to be a bold and character-driven series, introducing a full cast in a way that feels surprisingly engaging for a shorter prequel. Rather than diving straight into a single storyline, the book takes its time sketching out each member of the group, offering glimpses into their pasts, motivations, and emotional baggage. It creates a sense of anticipation, as you can already see the potential for deeper, more individual stories to come.

Theo and Max act as a strong anchor throughout, their contrasting personalities and sharp dialogue adding both humour and structure to the auditions. Their observations and occasional assumptions about the group give an extra layer of intrigue, hinting that there’s much more beneath the surface of each character.

A nice introductory teaser for the series, introducing the voices, the dynamics, and the emotional stakes, while leaving plenty of room for each character to step into the spotlight later on.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise for this upcoming series. This novella is a prequel and sets the stage of what is to come. Max and Theo are the two leading members of the gay acapella leather clad group. I enjoyed the banter between the two friends. Each chapter is a an intro to the rest of the group. Their audition lets you see them as they are now. As well, there are snippets of info as to their history and how they got to where they currently are. It also lets the reader see a bit of their personality. I will admit to being overwhelmed by all the various group members names as I read the book. But as each upcoming book will feature a different member, my comfort level will increase. There are already signs of found family happening. The rules about no fraternization means that we will a separate book for each member. I also enjoyed how they came together to figure out a name for the group. It looks like an interesting a fun series. I look forward to the first book int he series coming out.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing prequel

A ten book series starring gay men, singing in leather, pouring their hearts and souls into their music? Sign me up!
Setting the stage for the series, this prequel features Theo and Max, predominantly, interviewing the eight men who will join them in their a cappella group. We learn very little about any of the ten characters, with just a brief introduction to each and a small glimpse of who they are, but definitely enough to whet the appetite. It's obvious that they are all carry heavy emotional weight on their shoulders that will be reflected in their singing and explored in their individual stories.
Despite its short length and emphasis on the interviews, there is also a sense of found family at the end. There's a group chat, and the ten meet up and it's very quickly evident how well they will gel and complement each other. I can't wait meet them all properly.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is an introduction, if you will, to a new series by Ms Wells, and it gives you *just* enough.

Just enough about each person to make you interested.
Just enough emotion from each man, to make you think "what happened to you?"
Just enough, from each man's POV, to pull you in and not let go.
Just enough hints about their smexual habits to make you go "ohhhhhhh"

Just enough, but not really enough because now I'm fully invested in Max and Theo, and their band of merry men: Julian, Sebastion, Finnley, Milo, Elliott, Zane, Oliver and Liam and I need more.

When will I get it?? I've no idea, but sign me up, baby, cos I need to know about these men!!

5 full and shiny, but not really enough, stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Stuart Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel book to a new series from K C Wells (10 books)

I love the way that we are introduced to all the main characters in this series one by one as they audition for our two leads Theo & Max. You can see how the group is formed from men from all different aspects of life.

Each character shares with us a slight insight into their history and persona, hinting a little as to what might happen in their own books further down the line. As usual for K C all her characters are well thought out with a depth that makes you feel as if you know them.

Love the choice of songs sang in each rehearsal too, a couple sent shivers down my spine when I imagined them being sung by a solo a capella voice.

Can’t wait to see what happens in the series and hope that everyone gets their HEA too

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was unputdownable (if that's a word). An amazing novella which is a prequel to a new series. It is full of promises of interesting characters, past, music and leather kink.

An all gay a cappella group wasn't really what Theo had in mind when he answered his best friends call. But then the auditions also weren't what he expected to be.

You will find broken men, you just get a short glimpse of each of them in this book.

But it's a book you don't really want to put down, you want to know more about each of these men, their secrets, their past and what they dream for in the future.

I am already in love with these men and can't wait for their stories, I know I will need tissues.

10 men, 10 books hopefully.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes an author will absolutely surprise you. There have been kink and the musician stories. Mostly rock. Ah, no, no. Nothing so pedestrian for this author. How about an a capella group? An all male revue. Half naked and wearing leather. Hmmmmm. Considering that a capella is Italian for "the style of the chapel", and the author is K C Wells, we are gonna be in a heck of a ride.
"Rough Harmony" is the prequel to a ten book series. Theo Sinclair and Max Rivers, following in the tradition of Simon Crowell, create a singing group from a number of auditioners. Each of the stories will follow a different singer and his HEA. Following the audition, we get some snarky banter as Theo and Max discuss and dissect each candidate, ala Simon. How many predictions come true, how many are totally off the mark is the overarching plot. Already we get some glimpses into the lives of the chosen.
This series is going to be fun and fast. Lots of secrets, spice and music. I really can't wait.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.

[Eimear · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a perfect prequel, Rough Harmony is it! It’s the pre cursor to a new 10 book series featuring queer men (in leather!!) in an a Capella group.

We get introduced to each MC in this novella and while yes, the men do kinda start feeling a little samey by the end, it’s really left me wanting more!! I’m intrigued by them and their backstories especially Theo, Max who we see a lot more of.

I’m getting a real sense of found family with this prequel which I’m very excited for because it’s one of my favourite tropes. It seems they all get on right from the start which definitely bodes well for starting a singing group!

It’s a solid 3.75 ⭐️ for me! I can’t wait for this series to get started!!

Thank you to GRR for proving me with an advanced copy of the book!

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's an interesting idea here in the making, but the book isn't quite what it promises. What it is is a series of vignettes featuring auditions for a gay a capella group being put together by Theo Sinclair and Max Rivers. And unfortunately, some of the scenes run together as the auditions repeat. Think of "American Idol" auditions in story form and you get premise.

I wish that there had been a focus on just a few of the characters, with perhaps the first singers being chosen, and we would have gotten more of a real story. As it is, this is more of a preview of sorts to a new series. Wells has written some good series in the past, including "Maine Men". But since this is more of an appetizer for a series, I'd have to rate it somewhere between a 2.5 to 3.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

“Rough Harmony” by K.C. Wells is the introduction to a new series that features ten men who are drawn together during the formation of a gay a capella group. Each man has his own demons to fight, and they all have their individual kinks…some more intense than others.

This adult gay novella is definitely a prequel, and whets one’s appetite for more in-depth exposure to each man. Although each audition provides a compelling thumbnail sketch, to me it felt like this should be the introduction to a novel rather than a stand-alone quick read. I definitely want to learn more about each guy, so I hope there won’t be a long wait to give each of them a chance for the spotlight.


A copy of this title was provided for review

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Rough Harmony prequel by K.C. Well

Another fantastic book by K.C. Wells. I have read quite a few of theirs, and they keep getting better and better. I love the concept of ten strangers coming together to form an all-gay a cappella group. I am looking forward to reading all 10 books. Max and Rivers are the ones to think about forming this group, and reading this story just made me want more. I mean, I love when K.C. Wells's stories have kink, chaos, and pain, and to watch how it unfolds. I am so glad I saw this book and had the chance to see where K.C. Wells is going with this fantastic series. 

Nicole Harvey

[Vols77]

Let me start by saying I like this book and love the foundation it sets for future books. It is a great foundation so go into with that in mind. The main characters are friends Max and Theo, who are starting an all gay leather A-Capella group but the book introduces the ten characters that will make up the group. So for me this book is like a new TV show's pilot episode--the first book introduces us to all the ten men in the group so we learn little about all ten. I love the premise of exploring how music influences and shapes our lives. A great first read that gets me excited for future books.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Max are friends.
Max comes up with the idea for an all-male queer a cappella group.

Throughout the story, we meet the other eight men one by one. Each with their own past, each with their own story. But in all of them a broken piece.

With each character that passes by, the anticipation for their story increases.

I'm now looking forward to all the other books in this series and am curious about all their stories.
They already have a special place in my heart.

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for this ARC

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 彡★

Lots of things were going through my mind as I read this novella. It introduces the ten men who will get books in a new series by K.C. Wells. Each of the men seem to be unique but also united in the desire to be part of something that this group promises to give them. The word that instantly came to my mind when I finished reading this was “stunning.” I can not wait to read the books in this series.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Harmony by K.C. Wells is about 10 gay men from different backgrounds coming together to create an a capella group. Max and Theo are the architects of the group and the men they choose all have secrets and amazing voices that will set their fans on fire. I loved the introduction by way of auditions for each man. It was creative and you could see and feel all the feels with each one and their personalities shining through. I am so excited for this new series as K.C. who so perfectly will tie you up in knots, rip your heart out and laugh at the antics each man will bring to the stage.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel got me well and truly hooked on the singers of Rough Harmony. Watching each audition felt like getting little glimpses into each man's soul, and I can't wait to learn more. Max and Theo balanced each other out as the group's organizers, with devilish charm and methodical critiques in turn. I loved the group dynamic that started to build in later chapters, and I just know that this series is going to be an emotional one for several of the guys!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting an accapella group wasn’t on the todo list but your bestie has a plan and who are you to say no! One phone call and a meeting between besties Theo and Max and the auditions commence.

Each chapter gives a glimpse of the ten men included in this group and a small amount of back story, each man will hopefully star in his own story and I cannot wait to watch them grow spill more of their secrets and let us fall in love with each of them!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so grabbing and intriguing. Each new character was treated with care and you see just enough to draw you in and now I need to see what happens to each of the 10 separately, getting to explore their past and watch them get their HEA (hopefully), but also to watch them interact with each other. Very cleverly done. Would recommend checking this out so you can see everyone meeting for the first time.

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

[Helen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first story by KC Wells, and I really enjoyed it. The writing was well-structured and filled with evocative phrasing. This is a prequel to introduce a new series about a gay leather a cappella group, and the characters introduced were all complex and interesting. I would really enjoy reading all the books in this series to learn more about these men and see where their stories take them.

[Helen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first story by KC Wells, and I really enjoyed it. The writing was well-structured and filled with evocative phrasing. This is a prequel to introduce a new series about a gay leather a cappella group, and the characters introduced were all complex and interesting. I would really enjoy reading all the books in this series to learn more about these men and see where their stories take them.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough Harmony is the prequel to the Rough Harmony series. We meet all 10 guy trying out to be part of the a cappella group Rough Harmony. There is so much going on and so many characters that it's hard to keep track. I did enjoy the the bits of information we got on the guys. I definitely want more about Theo and Max. I also want to see who becomes part of the group. I can't wait for the series to start. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to what promises to be a good series. There was quite a bit of repetition, logical with so many characters doing auditions. The conversations between Theo and Max about the applicants was a lot of repetition as well, wanting to see them all "break." With short descriptions of so many characters, it won't be possible to remember them all, although that will be easier with focussed full-length stories to follow.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, this is technically *not* a romance. It is, however, the introduction to the cast of characters of an upcoming MM romance series. And if this intro is anything to go by, it’s going to be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

10 strangers coming together to form an a capella group. All of them have shadows and sharp edges. They’re a hot mix of fire and fragility. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

I did get to read the ARC of this via GRR for my unbiased opinion.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Harmony by KC Wells introduces readers to a new series with each chapter of the novella bringing us another character who will get his own book. Wells excels at writing books that thread together and can be read alone, weaving a whole world to dive into a stay in. I’m really excited for the series, especially because it will be about singing, about community, and about risking authenticity.