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The Dusty Brooms #2
Tumbling Hearts
It’s 1976, and the Dusty Brooms are exploding in popularity. From TV appearances to radio interviews to front-page magazine features, the band is bigger than ever. Ray revels in it, but such fame comes with a cost.
Ray can’t let anyone know about his feelings for his best friend and bandmate, Gene. Whenever they have a chance to be alone together, they can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s their own dangerous little secret.
They need to keep up appearances, or else they could ruin the band’s reputation. If Ray can stay on the right track and focus on his girlfriend, things should work out. That’s easier said than done, though, when everything about Gene makes him want to give in.
While Ray is spending time with his girlfriend, Gene faces demons of his own. His desire for Ray is relentless, and with everything keeping them from truly being lovers, Gene reaches for other substances to calm his racing mind.
[Tumbling Hearts is Book Two of The Dusty Brooms trilogy. It is not a standalone, and must be read after Book One. The Dusty Brooms trilogy is a slow burn 1970s MM rockstar romance. Please heed the content notes as this book includes sensitive topics.]
Ray can’t let anyone know about his feelings for his best friend and bandmate, Gene. Whenever they have a chance to be alone together, they can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s their own dangerous little secret.
They need to keep up appearances, or else they could ruin the band’s reputation. If Ray can stay on the right track and focus on his girlfriend, things should work out. That’s easier said than done, though, when everything about Gene makes him want to give in.
While Ray is spending time with his girlfriend, Gene faces demons of his own. His desire for Ray is relentless, and with everything keeping them from truly being lovers, Gene reaches for other substances to calm his racing mind.
[Tumbling Hearts is Book Two of The Dusty Brooms trilogy. It is not a standalone, and must be read after Book One. The Dusty Brooms trilogy is a slow burn 1970s MM rockstar romance. Please heed the content notes as this book includes sensitive topics.]
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2026
About the author
S.S. Genesee
6 books61 followersGenesee is the author of the MM romance duology, “All Tomorrow’s Photos”. They are an avid illustrator, bringing to life their written stories through the art they create. They also are a connoisseur of all things vintage, specifically loving fashion and music of the 1960s and 1970s. Genesee plans to continue writing queer historical romance, whether that be fantasy or set in the real world, set anywhere from the 1700s to the 1970s.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 30, 2026
Gosh I love these guys. Ray and Gene are so hopelessly in love and even more hopelessly reckless. I can't entirely blame them: closeted rockstar life in the era of sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll isn't for the faint of heart. I am still here for their messiness but man is it rough to stay on their side when they repeatedly betray their friends and partners. Their complexities have certainly kept me on my toes so far and I'm anxious to see how they find their happiness when they're perpetually on the brink of falling apart.
I'm grateful for the chance to read an advance copy and I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I'm grateful for the chance to read an advance copy and I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
Main characters: Ray & Gene
Side characters: Santiago, Stefan, Pat, Dennis, Maurice, Carol, Nicky, Toshiko
Page count: 385
Third person POV, with alternating focus.
A beautiful continuation of Ray & Gene’s story. In this book the focus is on their relationship as they explore what physical intimacy looks like between them. There is still such a push and pull due to the fact that they have both committed themselves to relationships with women and firmly believe that they could never actually be together in the way they truly want to be. They believe the world would reject them and it would destroy their band. Neither are willing to jeopardize the band, however, their desire for each other burns so brightly. They try to resist for the sake of doing the right thing but are never able to stay away from each other for long.
The story is fraught. The choices Ray & Gene make undeniably hurt other people. I am absolutely rooting for them but hate how their situation has effected certain individuals in their lives. Obviously I just want them to be together without any repercussions or consequences but I understand that to be out, queer, and famous in the ‘70s would have been incredibly difficult. They are faced with an almost impossible situation.
Despite the turmoil, they are able to retain and nurture such a deep and beautiful connection with each other. There are ups and downs, yes, but they work through the difficult moments. Above all else, the core of their relationship is their unshakable friendship. They are devoted to each other. Whether that means as just friends or with the added layer of romance as well.
I will be anxiously waiting for the third and final book!
🌶️ 3.5/5
Main characters: Ray & Gene
Side characters: Santiago, Stefan, Pat, Dennis, Maurice, Carol, Nicky, Toshiko
Page count: 385
Third person POV, with alternating focus.
A beautiful continuation of Ray & Gene’s story. In this book the focus is on their relationship as they explore what physical intimacy looks like between them. There is still such a push and pull due to the fact that they have both committed themselves to relationships with women and firmly believe that they could never actually be together in the way they truly want to be. They believe the world would reject them and it would destroy their band. Neither are willing to jeopardize the band, however, their desire for each other burns so brightly. They try to resist for the sake of doing the right thing but are never able to stay away from each other for long.
The story is fraught. The choices Ray & Gene make undeniably hurt other people. I am absolutely rooting for them but hate how their situation has effected certain individuals in their lives. Obviously I just want them to be together without any repercussions or consequences but I understand that to be out, queer, and famous in the ‘70s would have been incredibly difficult. They are faced with an almost impossible situation.
Despite the turmoil, they are able to retain and nurture such a deep and beautiful connection with each other. There are ups and downs, yes, but they work through the difficult moments. Above all else, the core of their relationship is their unshakable friendship. They are devoted to each other. Whether that means as just friends or with the added layer of romance as well.
I will be anxiously waiting for the third and final book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So this is the 2nd installment of the Dusty Brooms trilogy, and it has a lot more drama than the first, especially revolving around Ray, our somewhat thoughtless and very impulsive lead singer.
The Dusty Brooms are finally coming into their own with major and mainstream success, doing a huge tour and television appearances, etc. Ray and Gene's relationship is ramping up, despite the fact that if they are discovered it could spell DISASTER for the band they both love and have worked so hard to build.
If you love DRAMA and sneaking around to not get caught, you will love Tumbling Hearts! Our boys really have to work for it, especially because Ray's model girlfriend Carol, is definitely starting to get suspicious. But despite all the concerns, Ray and Gene canNOT keep their hands off each other, and their feelings and desire is so tense and deep. Even though they're being soo bad, you will find yourself rooting for it all to work out!
There were a lot of great scenes of the whole band together in this one, along with their photographer Maurice, who you may know from the All Tomorrow's Photos duology. The found family aspect of the friendships within the band are so sweet and funny, and you feel warm and fuzzy with some of their interactions, especially precious Santi and some of the conversations he has with our main couple. Stefan and Pat are hilarious in their own ways too, and it's just a really fun group dynamic.
Overall, I highly recommend this one if you love 70s, rockstars, a bit of angst and sneaking around, bi-awakenings, jealousy, etc. I can't wait for the conclusion to the trilogy!
The Dusty Brooms are finally coming into their own with major and mainstream success, doing a huge tour and television appearances, etc. Ray and Gene's relationship is ramping up, despite the fact that if they are discovered it could spell DISASTER for the band they both love and have worked so hard to build.
If you love DRAMA and sneaking around to not get caught, you will love Tumbling Hearts! Our boys really have to work for it, especially because Ray's model girlfriend Carol, is definitely starting to get suspicious. But despite all the concerns, Ray and Gene canNOT keep their hands off each other, and their feelings and desire is so tense and deep. Even though they're being soo bad, you will find yourself rooting for it all to work out!
There were a lot of great scenes of the whole band together in this one, along with their photographer Maurice, who you may know from the All Tomorrow's Photos duology. The found family aspect of the friendships within the band are so sweet and funny, and you feel warm and fuzzy with some of their interactions, especially precious Santi and some of the conversations he has with our main couple. Stefan and Pat are hilarious in their own ways too, and it's just a really fun group dynamic.
Overall, I highly recommend this one if you love 70s, rockstars, a bit of angst and sneaking around, bi-awakenings, jealousy, etc. I can't wait for the conclusion to the trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gene and Ray’s story continues in Tumbling Hearts
(read Sympathy for the Blues first) and it’s still as
frustrating and heartbreaking as ever BUT with
some satisfaction (TAKE THAT CAROL!!).
Slowly these two are finally realizing that
what they are feeling isn’t just affection but
more, could they actually be in love with each other??
The answer is obvious to everyone except to
Gene and Ray! They still have many hurtles to
overcome especially since their story takes place in
a time where being queer isn’t as accepted as it today.
My head can’t stop thinking about Gene and Ray from
the moment I read Sympathy for the Blues and even
more so with Tumbling Hearts. I’m even more invested;
will they truly be able to say f—k it all f—k “the norm”
and allow themselves to accept the fact that their
hearts, mind, body, and souls belong to nobody
else but to each other.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO SANTIIIIII
I LOVE YOU CARNAL!!
I hope you find your happiness tambien!!
(read Sympathy for the Blues first) and it’s still as
frustrating and heartbreaking as ever BUT with
some satisfaction (TAKE THAT CAROL!!).
Slowly these two are finally realizing that
what they are feeling isn’t just affection but
more, could they actually be in love with each other??
The answer is obvious to everyone except to
Gene and Ray! They still have many hurtles to
overcome especially since their story takes place in
a time where being queer isn’t as accepted as it today.
My head can’t stop thinking about Gene and Ray from
the moment I read Sympathy for the Blues and even
more so with Tumbling Hearts. I’m even more invested;
will they truly be able to say f—k it all f—k “the norm”
and allow themselves to accept the fact that their
hearts, mind, body, and souls belong to nobody
else but to each other.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO SANTIIIIII
I LOVE YOU CARNAL!!
I hope you find your happiness tambien!!
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
As touching and compelling as the first book, with flawed yet endearing characters. I really like how they evolved
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews