Bleeding Ghosts

by S.L. Kunz

You can’t run from what haunts you. And you can’t love someone else until you face your own ghosts.

Connor Smith survives on control. As the neurodivergent drummer for August Bleeding, routine keeps him sober, and discipline keeps the past buried—especially the memory of the abusive father he swore he’d never become. Then there’s Elle Vanderthorpe. Brilliant. Unshakable. The only one who understands the rhythm of his mind. Their connection is immediate. Consuming. But when he nearly raises his hand during a spiral he can’t control, he ends it.

Better to break her heart than become the man who broke him. She never truly leaves his world. Shared friends, shared stages, shared silence. Then she’s assaulted. And someone doesn’t stop. Notes. Tampered locks. The sickening feeling of being watched. Connor’s guilt turns feral. He's determined to protect her this time. To prove he isn’t his father. But as the danger closes in, one truth claws its way free: He’s always feared becoming a monster.
Now he has to discover which is worse—the one hunting her… or the one living inside him.

ISBN:
978-1-972313-02-2 (Paperback)
978-1-972313-03-9 (Ebook)

556 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2026

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, this could have been five stars—I just feel torn about why it wasn’t. Firstly, the opening scenes in this book are by far some of my favourite I’ve ever read… ever. The band, music, and technical banter were amazing. Either this author has done a lot of research or they know music and performing in bands really well. I seriously lost it at the moment the FMC tells a character to stop playing E minor, and then that person proceeds to play an A (if you know, you know).

I think this book progressed well. It is dark and gritty, and the story doesn’t shy away from that tone. It’s not a perfect book for a few reasons—I struggled with some technical aspects (but I don’t want to spoil anything). However, even though a few things held me back, I still really enjoyed this read. Honestly, it tugged at my heartstrings so hard that afterward I felt like I needed some new ones.

The dialogue is used really well here. At times, the FMC’s and MMC’s natural cadence flows easily, but in the harder moments it breaks in a way that reflects their emotional state and relationship. That was a really smart move from the author.

Overall, I loved this author’s prose and definitely want to read more from them. Just be sure to check the content warnings first—this one gets dark.

[Raquel Brasil · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book pulls you right back into this universe and doesn’t let go. While we follow different characters this time, the same dark intensity is very much alive, and the emotional stakes feel even heavier.

I loved getting to slowly uncover who these characters really are. Their journey is messy, painful, and complicated, and every choice feels like it carries real weight. Nothing comes easy for them, which makes the story feel incredibly raw and real.

This isn’t a light read. It goes to some very dark places and explores how deeply certain experiences can shape a person for a time. It’s intense, emotional, and at times uncomfortable in the best way.

If you loved the first book and the world it created, this one pulls you even deeper into it. Darker, heavier, and impossible to look away from.

Raquel (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits hard emotionally and doesn’t hold back. From the beginning, you’re pulled into Connor’s internal struggle—his need for control, his fear of becoming his father, and the weight of everything he’s trying to keep buried.

What stood out most to me was how raw and intense the characters felt. Connor and Elle’s connection is powerful but complicated, shaped by both love and fear. Their relationship isn’t easy, and that’s what makes it feel real.

The suspense element added another layer to the story. As the danger around Elle builds, the tension becomes almost suffocating, and it keeps you completely invested in what’s going to happen next.

5⭐ — emotional, intense, and deeply gripping from start to finish.

Dark. Raw. Unforgettable.

[LucyFaeBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you check the TW before reading this book. This book is dark; brutal and raw. But what an amazing story, the love in this book is profound. That being said, I had to read this one with a few reading breaks. S.L Kunz has a way with storytelling that pulled me in, wrecking my heart at parts of this book. With a quote like this -

“You're damaged. So am I. We're a couple of scratched records skipping on the same track.”

How can you not tear up? Just like in Bleeding Denial there is a good dose of humor within tragic events in the story. Everyone in the band truly are family, the bickering and jokes make the story even better.

I can not wait for the next book in the series!

[Courtney Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review for f Bleeding Ghosts by S.L Kunz

Can you say emotional damage ? This book I swear.

Conner just made me love drummers that much more ! He’s just to adorable and you can really tell he loves Ella . I wanted to hurt him so much at one point in the book , put he sure redeemed himself .

Ella! My sweet sarcastic Ella . That girl just can’t catch a break in this book . Her unlimited love for Conner is beyond words. I’m not sure how she felt with him a little later in the book . I wouldn’t have been as patient.

I plot was definitely plotting , and the spice was spicy in this book! Definitely recommend

4.5⭐️
3🌶️

[Maddy Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vibe: High-tech, zero-heat. The early chapters read more like a technical manual than a romance, leaving the emotional "wiring" completely disconnected.
The Problem: A one-month time jump skips the entire development of the relationship, leaving the chemistry to happen off-page. Connor is difficult to root for—he is introduced as an addict and treats Elle with cruelty, only pivoting into "protective mode" after a horrific trauma is revealed.
The Verdict: The story takes a jarring, "psycho-scary" turn into dark territory that feels unearned. While the violent ending was perhaps necessary for the plot, the lack of a genuine bond between the leads made it impossible to stay invested.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional and dark story. But such a good one at the same time. Connor was really struggling internally with finding himself outside of not wanting to become like his father. He didn’t want to be that controlling person and hurt Elle. This tugged on my heartstrings. I was immediately pulled in and couldn’t put this one down. Then finding out Elle had a stalker. Connor wanted to protect her from them. But that meant becoming what he didn’t want to be. Omg, I devoured this. I fell in love with Connor. He was an amazing person and it made for an intense and beautiful read.

[Karen Ruedisueli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tends to draw you in and all of a sudden it's too late in the night or early in the morning.

The story is quite dark and my made of steel female main character has more going on in her life than a person should have. These rock guys barely have their stuff together but they grow close to our girl.

Star taken off for some over the top stuff that you may like but wasn't my cup of tea or torture.

Nice long story.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so different from what I'm use to reading. I had trouble putting this book down, kept thinking what more can this couple go thru. Especially Elle, the stuff that happens to her, what an emotional heartbreak rollercoaster! Please don't make us wait long for the next book, I'm looking forward to Darren's story. I received an advance review copy via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anita Salonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew you in and never let go. My favorite genre so of course I loved it. The love between Connor and Elle was so special as was their relationship. I was sorry it ended I could have kept reading and reading. Do yourself a favor and read it. Thank you BookSirens for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Megan Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author outdid herself on this series. She pulled on my heartstrings with the emotions, the attention to details, and the growth of the characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book but it was very emotional. Excellent writing. Grab your tissues. Rockstar romance