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Former Navy SEAL Axel Blaze lives a solitary life. He doesn't do emotions, and he doesn't do babysitting. Used to being on his own, his job consists of Wetwork (a charming term coined by the KGB) for his former Master Chief, Mac. When an out-of-the-ordinary job lands on his doorstep, Axel heads down a path that includes a famous heavy metal rock band and one quiet, vulnerable, guitar-shredding virtuoso named Gareth Wolf.

Gareth Wolf's life changed in an instant when a car he was a passenger in crashed, hurting his brother's best friend and the band's lead guitarist. They created the band, Skull Blasters, as kids. Gareth had always been happy in the background, playing roadie. With the lead guitarist's injury, Gareth is suddenly thrust into the limelight and into a frenzied life he never imagined for himself. Finally fed up with living a lie, Gareth comes out as gay in a newspaper interview and finds himself in the bulls-eye of a crazed stalker. Somebody wants Gareth hurt - or worse - and Mac has been hired to be sure that doesn't happen. Babysitting duty is NOT Axel's strong suit, but Mac won't be budged.

Enter Axel Blaze. Against his better judgment, the big man takes the job to protect the shy musician. The more time he spends with Gareth Wolf, the more he admires the man. Where's a simple assassination when you need one? The situation becomes more volatile for each man as the attempts on Gareth escalate just as Axel finds himself falling for the quiet lead guitarist.
Strong, funny, smart-ass -- and kinda sweet Axel is everything Gareth has ever wanted in a man. Too bad he's off limits. As the stalker grows bolder, Gareth and Axel move closer emotionally - but is it too late? All Axel knows is that they don't stand a chance if he can't find the maniac trying to kill the man he's come to care about. A lot.

Everyone knows that relationships that begin in pressured or volatile situations eventually fizzle out. Or do they?

232 pages, ebook

First published August 28, 2015

175 people are currently reading
637 people want to read

About the author

Sandrine Gasq-Dion

79 books1,345 followers
I have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but "Old School" French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in Arizona. I've been connected to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn't change a thing about it. Writing has become my full time job and I've never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won't happen soon!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,578 reviews1,117 followers
September 7, 2015
I am a fan of the Men of Manhattan series, and I was more than a little excited by this blurb.

Rock star? Former SEAL?

YES, please.

But, ALAS!

This book was a big fat FAIL for me.



The plot was simplistic at best. The "who is trying to kill Gareth?" mystery was not even remotely suspenseful. The villain was predictable.

The alternating first-person POVs weren't distinct, so I could barely keep track of who was doing the narrating.

I never connected with Gareth or Axel. They were very much cookie-cutter characters.

The steam was moderate at best.

The editing left much to be desired.

Bottom line: this story was just ... MEH, a little silly, nothing to write home about.



I have no interest in reading the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
September 3, 2015
3.5 stars

Fret has the perfect recipe for a great m/m. I find myself engrossed in the story and the heroes, but got bothered by the way it was executed.

Gareth is an introvert guitarist of the rock band and since coming out as gay, he had been receiving threats. A little interesting tidbit about Gareth -

Here comes, Axel, the badass ex-Navy SEAL to be his bodyguard/investigator. A little interesting tidbit about Axel -

Gareth and Axel has a very functional working relationship. They communicate well and understand each other position. After knowing their past and seeing their friendly interaction, I'm even more intrigue to see them together.

There isn't a lot of sex in the book, but the foreplay, the mutual jacking was incredibly hot. When the sex finally happen, I'm not disappointed. I wish I got more of it.

Now about the things that bothered me is the way the story was executed. The transition from their friendship to love was a tad too sudden. Though it didn't actually happen overnight, the transition doesn't feel smooth. The confrontation scene with the villain also doesn't feel natural to me. Is like the culprit had a verbal diarrhea and show all his card without anyone asking.

Overall, I did enjoy the read albeit finding a few thing bothersome. I think with some nip and tuck, this book will be so much better. I will definitely be reading Jinx's story next. I don't care that it seems implausible their band is having so many closet gays.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,069 followers
September 1, 2015
1.5 stars

Unfortunately, this one did not work for me. At all. I debated even writing this review because I can't quite put my finger on exactly what was wrong with it. It seemed "off" and not at all like Ms. Gasq-Dion's Assassin/Shifter books that I've read.

What I can tell you is that the editing and grammar errors were plentiful and while this usually doesn't bother me all that much, it was highly distracting here. Thanks to my friend Brooklyn for explaining this part to me, which initially had me baffled:

(The book has) changes in tense. Every so often there's a sentence or two in present tense when the rest is in past tense.


That's what's happening! Which is funny, because after I write a review and go back and re-read it, I'm constantly correcting changes in tense mistakes I make myself. ALL THE TIME. But, I'm not a professional writer and don't have a editor. This book desperately needed an editor.

The story also left me cold. I didn't feel the MC's connection, the sex was nothing to write home about and the mystery was kinda silly.

That's the best I can do for this review. I just plain didn't like this book even though the premise was tailor made for me.

CANNOT RECOMMENDED
Profile Image for Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥.
1,224 reviews146 followers
September 15, 2015
2.5 stars
Me and your editor need to talk A.S.A.P.

I'm use to Sandrine Gasq-Dion bodies of work. I'm sure I've read 98% of her published catalog. I know what to expect out of her stories before I start reading them. Be it the Men of Manhattan Series, or my obsession with her Assassin/Shifter series. I can expect pure smut, unadulterated sweetness, a lot of gyrating, some closeted a-holes, a lot of acceptance from straight guys, and just fun reading them. You can say I'm familiar biblically with her work. I wrote that to say, this seemed like a first draft for me. I don't think I ever had an issue with the editing, and proofreading of her stories. It took a toll on the rating for me. You know a handful of errors is doable, the entire story is unacceptable. The writing errors, speech errors, and the constant point of view changes made the story unexciting.

It was very monotonous to have to go over what I read. The plot wasn't a mystery. I think it was a good concept, but conception wise it fell very short. This does not feel like a SGD book at all. I wasn't happy with it. I liked the characters, but I felt like it could have been more. I think Axel and Gareth could have been better characters if they were developed more. I never got attached to them. I felt like we were treading water throughout the story. Of course I'll continue to read her work, but this one left me unsatisfied and disappointed.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
January 2, 2016
A story about a badass ex-Navy SEAL, who happens to also be a mercenary/assassin, who is hired to bodyguard, and subsequently falls for, his rock star charge? Written by Sandrine Gasq-Dion? Pretty please, yes! I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this story!

excited

So I feel terrible about this, I really do, but this did not work for me. I actually had to stop and confirm it was Sandrine who's written this story because I could not believe it. It's just so badly written and a complete mess.

Putting aside the numerous spelling, punctuation and tense errors throughout, the writing felt...young? I'm unable to really explain what I mean...except that the story didn't have the usual depth I've come to expect and enjoy from the author. I didn't feel like I ever got to really know any of the characters and the story itself just felt rushed to me.

Bottom line: I was disappointed with this story. Which makes me sad considering how excited I was for it.

sad

Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
Profile Image for Rayne.
872 reviews29 followers
March 10, 2016
ARC of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I am so disappointed with this book. I had high hopes for it. I mean, come on. Rock Stars. The copy I received claimed to be the final draft but I feel like this was a completely unpolished manuscript.

The story was not captivating. The resolution was predictable and the conflict wasn't really a conflict. The characters didn't inspire emotion or drawn into them.

I was looking forward to this book and in the end I was left unsatisfied.
Profile Image for Duck.
360 reviews50 followers
September 4, 2015
1.5 stars. I was going with 2 stars until the scene at 88% that could have come straight out of a Scooby-Doo cartoon. It was just too much.

I liked Gareth well enough but Axel was just an ass. You know those characters that are assholes but they ride that fine line between "okay I'll accept you because you have just enough redeeming qualities plus you're smoking hot" and "I don't care how hot you are, you're toooo much of an ass"? For me Axel fell into the latter category. His dialog turned me off.

He actually says:

"Running always clears my head. I'd done it so often in the military that running almost every day was ingrained in me. Had to keep up my fantastic physique."

And he's SERIOUS.

The names of characters in this book are laughable enough to distract. Combine that with the lack of editing and the unbelievable storyline and this just didn't work for me at all. I'll stick with this author's other series.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
March 27, 2017
2.5 for this book. It had so much potential but just felt disconnected and all over the place. There was no heat between these guys ( my opinion ) and things just happened too quickly and easily.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,382 reviews156 followers
September 1, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.

This story had a lot of potential with its hot cover, and bad ass ex-SEAL/sexy rock star theme. It was a sweet story, but there were a few things that bothered me throughout that kept it from succeeding.

I liked Blaze. He was a growly ex-SEAL who lived on his own doing his thing day by day and taking jobs as a mercenary. He hesitantly took a job babysitting a young rock star who recently came out and was getting death threats.

Gareth was sweet. After tagging after his brother and his bandmates most of his life, he was pulled into the band when an accident injured their bass player. Gareth was an amazing guitarist, but he was still getting used to being in the limelight.

Neither of these guys were very happy to be stuck with each other, but keeping Gareth safe took priority. Things were cute with these guys bantering back and forth, but I never really felt the connection between them. I had a hard time bridging the gap between the experienced SEAL and the somewhat naïve musician.

The main issue I had throughout this story was with the tense. It seemed to change tense back and forth frequently, in addition to changing POVs. It kept pulling me out of the story and just didn’t read very smoothly.

The other issue I had was that certain things happened very quickly. For example, the way the mystery played out was over in a flash and just wasn’t very convincing. So, while the story was cute, it did not blow me away in any respect and left me somewhat disappointed.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,511 reviews139 followers
May 7, 2016
This book was picked for me for a challenge. It wasn't even on my radar, but what a litle gem it was.
Big tough SEAL gets a job babysitting a rock star who has been receiving death threats.
I loved the way that their relationship grew and also that the mystery was also quite good.
I am certainly going to read the other 2 books in the series. I think Harley and Archilles might be fun.
Profile Image for Caroline Brand.
1,755 reviews68 followers
September 11, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

There is very little that has been written by this author that I haven’t read and loved. Fret is the first book in a new series and moves away from her shifters that a lot of us have become addicted to and delves into the lives of a rock band. I liked Fret but I didn’t love it and the main reason was the weird tense it was written in. It changed to past and present often and quickly and I found it difficult to understand in a lot of places.

Gareth Wolf is a rock star by circumstance rather than choice. He is the brother of another band member and spent his youth following the band around so when an accident meant their bass player could no longer play Gareth easily and for the most part smoothly took over his spot. Lately he has become depressed about the dishonesty he portrays regarding his sexuality and makes the decision to come out to their fans. Unusually this doesn’t cause any upset with his band mates or management but it does pick him up a stalker who starts sending him death threats. His brother is highly protective of him and hires a bodyguard to ensure his safety.

Axel Blaze is a retired Navy Seal who now works as a mercenary. His latest job as a baby sitter to what he assumes will be a spoilt and demanding pop star is not what he signed up for but his boss gives him no option to take the job. He is a big grumpy man very set in his ways and as much as he doesn’t want the job it becomes clear that Gareth doesn’t want him there either.

It’s not a match made in heaven but the two men become friends when the threats start to escalate and it becomes clear that their assumptions about each other are wrong. Overall this is quite a sweet love story and I liked both Axel and Gareth, I had worked the plot out for myself so the ending came as no surprise. Although this isn’t my favourite book by the author I will certainly be carrying on with the series.
Profile Image for ♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️.
837 reviews69 followers
August 20, 2018
August 2018 Re-read

Overall book rating: 3.5 stars
Audio book: N/a
Book Cover 3.5 Stars
MC1: Gareth Wolf -Lead Guitarist of the band Skull Blasters
MC2: Axel Blaze aka Conan the Destroyer - Ex Navy seal and baby sitter


I loved this plot the writing style was far from perfect and way to short but the book made me laugh. The Banting between Axel and Gareth was just so good.

I really enjoyed this one a lot.

Gareth was all sweet and innocent and you cant but to love the guy. I can so see how Axel could not help but to fall in love with him.
Profile Image for Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie.
1,574 reviews47 followers
September 3, 2015

*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

After an accident leaves the lead guitarist, Paul in his brothers band injured, Gareth replaces him. The band picks up followers and hits it big, becoming a headliner rather than an opening act. When Gareth decides to come out of the closet, he begins to get death threats. The band hires Axel Blaze, a former Navy Seal, as his bodyguard. Neither man is happy about this, but they tough it out.

When I read the blurb I was so excited. I love rock stars! Unfortunately the book fell sort of flat. You listen to Axel describe himself as a complete asshole in the beginning of this book. I wanted to see Axel as more of an jerk, but I just didn't get that. He needed to be rougher around the edges. I thought Gareth would and should have put up more of a fight about having a bodyguard. The name calling while hilarious, but added almost too much of a lightness to the book, that I wouldn't have expected. I think this book would have been better had it been darker and grittier. The plot is supposed to be serious and the book just wasn't dark enough.

They mystery portion of the story was carried out nicely, and the author kept me guessing as to "who done it", but the romance portion was lacking. The sex was spicy, but I wanted more emotion from the characters.

The thing I absolutely loved most was getting to travel and see Europe with Gareth and Axel.

All in all this was an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for xxoabbey.
437 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2015
4 Star Review

I really loved the blurb and felt like it had soooo much potential but once i finished reading, I kinda felt let down to be honest. Firstly, it kinda reminded me of another similar book that got released recently, but it was different at the same time.

Ok, so I was totally expecting the complete opposite to the character Axel then what we were actually given so that kinda tossed me through a hoop, I loved the chemistry and banter between both Axel and Gareth.

The suspense factor was good as well kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. Loved the sneak peak in to the next book and am looking forward to seeing what comes next for the band.
Profile Image for Ula'ndi Hart.
987 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2016
Overall book rating: 3.5 stars
Audio book: N/a
Book Cover 4.25 Stars


So I was pondering on my response here. There is a collection of good stuff in this book. And there is a cluster of “Lifting my eyebrows in a WTF motion”.

I liked the idea around the story. I liked the band and the guys in general was enjoyable. There were brilliant little snippets in it and then they were kind almost overshadowed with the “Corny” (by lack of other word) parts. It had lots of potential, but sadly didn’t really get there? I still enjoyed it for the good parts.
Profile Image for Candice.
932 reviews
September 9, 2015
3.75

I see that some didn't like this book for one reason or another, but for me I enjoyed it. There wasn't too much mystery to who was behind everything, so that was kind of predictable. I enjoy rock star stories and adding in an ex military guy and them not jumping into bed 10 pages into the story, made me enjoy it more. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Profile Image for Valerie Degeorge.
360 reviews124 followers
September 10, 2015
Fret is book #1 in Sandrine Gasq-Dion's new Rock Series and let me just say this.... This story is the perfect start for this series we experience so much in this story and get glimpses of future books to come which I seriously can't wait to get my greedy hands on.

Gareth Wolf has recently joined his older brothers band The Skull Blasters as their lead guitarist had injured his hand and can no longer play. Gareth was always in the background hanging around while all the members practiced and performed even teaching himself how to play, so when he was approached to take up as Lead Guitarist it was a bit of a shock to him, but he has immersed himself totally and working hard keeping up with their new found stardom.
Gareth has been living a lie and has finally had enough. Determined to "come out" and admit that he is gay has been mostly a very easy journey that is until the threats from a mysterious stalker start coming in full force.

Axel Blaze who is an ex navy seal now working as a mercenary has been asked by his boss/friend to take on a job as a babysitter to a young rock star being threatened and stalked. When confronted with this job Axel first thought this was a joke because well..., he kills for a living not babysit spoiled rich rock stars but.... Sometimes things don't turn out like we expect and in this amazing story we see that ten fold.

Forced to spend 24/7 together Gareth and Axel are forced to try to cope but when feelings become personal and the attraction and chemistry become too much Axel starts to question if he can do the job of protecting Gareth's life, so when Gareth mans up and confesses his true feelings Axel does the unmentionable and acts like the "A****** that people see him as and puts the brakes on in which Gareth feelings get hurt. When Gareth's life is in immediate danger something snaps and Axel finally gives in to his feelings and OMG the two of them are so HOT together but we get a slow build up and it's more of earning the trust and gaining the emotional bond at first being that Gareth is not experienced so Axel shows a side to Gareth that melted my heart.

I Love this sexy rough Alpha so yes some say he acts like an A****** but to me he is protective and loves hard.

Ok as for the whole mystery of Who the stalker is ? Well no hints from me all I will say was Sandrine took us on a twist and turn journey first I knew who it was , then I said nope then I was like "wow did that really happen, I will say this it was brilliantly done in with keeping us guessing until the final reveal.

Another thing I'd like to address is for anyone who has read Sandrine's other books you will love this, we get just enough angst, steamy sex, and such laughable banter amongst the characters that while reading my family looked at me as if I were crazy laughing so hard to myself. Also.. The alternating POV with each chapter focusing on Gareth then on Axel.

We also got some surprises in this story if you are a fan of Rock Stars we get a glimpse of another of my favorite series Rock Gods by Ann Lister.
At the end of Fret you will get a look at Book #2 which is about the drummer and funny as F%%% Jinx so if you have not picked up your copy I highly recommend going now so you don't miss this amazing book.

"No boogie man under the bed?" Gareth drawled.
"Nope. If there were, I would have shot a hole the size of Texas in them."
"How..nice."
Gareth strode across the room and went into the master room. "If you need anything , Sasquatch, don't call me."
I clapped softly and rolled to my side.
"Night, Munchkin."
I heard a gasp then the door slammed shut.
Profile Image for T.M. Smith.
Author 28 books316 followers
September 4, 2015
4.5/5 stars...

Gareth Wolf is the openly gay guitar player for the hottest group climbing the charts, The Skull Blasters. Living your life in the limelight can be hard on anyone, and not only is Gareth dealing with the backlash being gay in the industry causes, he still has nightmares stemming from a car accident that left their former guitar player permanently injured, forcing Gareth to take the position. The threats to Gareth are increasing as of late, so their manager and his brother decide to hire a bodyguard to keep their youngest member safe.

Axel Blaze (yes, that is his name) is a former Navy Seal with all the accoutrements one would expect in that line of work. He's hired muscle with a no nonsense, bad attitude and he has the bulk, brains, talent and enormous guns to back it up. He is none too happy when his best friend slash boss assigns him babysitting duty for some spoiled rock star rich kid. Axel takes his job extremely seriously though. So as much as he would rather be anywhere else he puts all his talent and skill into the job and quickly realizes that not only is the threat against Gareth real, it's deadly.

Two men forced to spend every waking moment together that loath each other on site is a recipe for disaster... or foreplay. Either way, Gareth and Axel have to learn to coexist and work together in order to neutralize the threat and literally save Gareth's life. The attraction is mutual and mutually ignored for a while. When Gareth finally confesses his desires, Axel shoots him down, then quickly changes his mind when Gareth is put in harms way. Axel worries he can't be emotionally involved and do his job appropriately. And as the threat grows closer, bolder, he may be right.

Something new from the Author that brought us the best selling Assassin/Shifter series. Gasq-Dion cements herself a place in the Rock & Roll genre with this hot new story, the first in a series that promises a lot of danger, pyrotechnics and sexy mens dancing horizontally. What drew me into this story was the alternating POV, each chapter told from a different view point between Gareth and Axel. It was nice to see certain things play out through each guys eyes. Their romance was not what I expected either. It was passionate and endearing when I was initially expecting something more volatile, but I assure you, it totally worked for them.

My only little teensy issue was toward the end several things happened in quick succession and I would have liked to see more elaboration for a few things. But overall I absolutely loved this book and will save it to my kindle to be revisited on many an occasion.

If you like stories with an edge, slow building romance with a hint of danger and intrigue, then you'll love this one. Fans of Ann Lister's Rock Gods series especially, and the boys from that series stop by an pay a visit to The Skull Blaster's as well. Very excited to read more books in this series, I believe Jinx is up next and I have a feeling his story will be a bit more comical but interesting.
Profile Image for Isa Jones (Jo&Isalovebooks Blog).
411 reviews89 followers
March 4, 2016
SANDRINE YOU ARE ROCKING MY WORLD!!!!


I read this book in one sitting. After reading Harley's Achilles I had to read the beginning of the series, I was desperate to know where it all began and I was dying to get to know all these incredible characters.
After deciding to come out to his fans, Gareth Wolf expected to be treated differently and that the press was going to have a field day, however, never in a million years was he expecting to attract the attention of a stalker, and not any stalker, but someone who actually wants him dead.
Gareth, loves playing, it is in his veins, as the lead bass player for the Skull Blasters his place in the band came up by a trick of destiny, but after growing up admiring the group from the sidelines now he is as prominent as the next and he is fast thrown into the limelight. As the tension and death treats escalate he seems to be needing professional help and who best to look after him but ex Navy Seal, Axel Blaze.
Axel Blaze, even his name oozes heat!. He has never done this type of job, but there is no doubt in his boss's mind that he is indeed the man for it. As soon as Axel arrives to the scene he is very quickly faced with the reality that the security not only for Gareth but for all members of the group is less than par. They must come with the realisation that they are BIG stars and danger is lurking in the shadows.
The connection between Axel and Gareth is instantaneous, however Gareth hates the fact of being watched his every move and feeling in need of a babysitter. Axel on the other hand takes his job very seriously, and he wont stop at nothing in order to make sure his client is safe. Soon lines are being crossed making them both feel an alien attraction. It is so unfamiliar it can only be due to the fact of being in close proximity right??? Well that is what they both think. But when someone's life is on that line those feelings have to be put on hold; too much is at stake, loosing is not an option. Friendships are tested, everyone is a suspect and the emotions are put to the test. The heat is ON!

I absolutely loved every minute of this book. It was fast, and fun and suspenseful, however there is plenty of romance and oh yes u guessed it SEX!
The Rock Gods is perfectly crafted. A must read for all lovers of MM genre. Downloading the #2 RIGHT NOW.

5 BLAZING STARS!! Isalovesbooks
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
September 10, 2015
Gareth and his brother have been beaten down by life, but came up swinging. They formed a band and have hit the top after touring with Black Ice and Ivory Tower (from Ann Lister’s Rock God Series). Now Gareth wants to come out and live honestly (and quit having sex with women and start having sex with men!) When he does come out a crazy stalker keeps trying to hurt him, so the band hires a bodyguard, Axel Blaze to protect him.

Axel is a tough ex-Seal, gay, but doesn’t “do” relationships. He has a hard time letting anyone touch him beyond the basic necessities and an even harder time opening up emotionally.

At first Gareth resents the need for Axel and Axel doesn’t make it easy for him. But the constant stream of near misses proves Axel’s importance and skill at life saving and the constant time spent together shows the two how much more they could have if they just let it happen.

**

This was a tremendously sweet, sexy and fun story. There are a few areas where I didn’t exactly follow the logic of the “stalker”, but in the end that really didn’t matter.

The smexy times and chemistry between Axel and Gareth is wonderful and the slow burn to the final coming together was well worth the wait.

I loved the HEA and really enjoyed all the parts leading up to it. The low angst, high steam is just what I was craving and I highly recommend it.

I’m really looking forward to more in this series.

4.5 of 5 stars
Profile Image for Rachael Orman.
Author 23 books380 followers
September 8, 2015
I can't lie.. I picked up this story more for the Navy Seal than the rocker aspect, however, I fell in love with the rock side of things and Gareth, our rocker.

There is so many good things about this book it's hard to decide where to start. The fact that Gareth wanted to come out even though it might hurt the band because it's simply who he is and he is tired of hiding it. Then there is the fact that his band mates are behind him no matter what. The brotherly love that is there no matter what, no sibling rivalry here. The fact that one of our heros got to see just how much good it can do when a celebrity comes out for younger people who need support and encouragement. Having a big masculine man, a Navy SEAL at that, who is gay and proud.. Oh I could go on and on. There is so many wonderful little things in this story.

There is a few twists and turns in the story as we try to find out who is behind the threats against Gareth and I have to say I was surprised at who it was and WHY, but it totally worked.

Sure there could've been another run through of editing, but for once, I really didn't care because the story itself was so much bigger than that for me.

I know I for one will be waiting for the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
Profile Image for Lisa Cullinan.
569 reviews28 followers
September 6, 2015
Fantastic start to this series!

Fret is the first book in this series and it absolutely rocked! The book revolves around lead guitarist Gareth Wolf of Skull Blasters. For those of you, like myself, who are huge fans of Ann Lister's Rock Gods series, you'll recognize this band as they are friends with Black Ice and Ivory Tower. Gareth is in need of a body guard because someone is trying to kill him. Enter Axel Blaze. Ex Navy SEAL reluctantly is given the job to be Gareth's "babysitter." As he learns more about Gareth and the whole band, his job and his feelings for Gareth both start heating up. There's plenty of twists and turns as to who the person responsible may be that's turning Gareth's life upside down. The band members are hysterically funny and each of them all have something to bring to the table. What a pleasant surprise ~ Sandrine's attention to detail for each of her characters and storyline was spot on along with impeccable grammar and sentence structure. It was great to read scattered scenes with the guys from Black Ice and Ivory Tower! I'm so glad Ann brought this book to her reader's attention ~ absolutely read this! Looking forward to the next in this series from this incredibly talented author!
Profile Image for Stephanie   GooglyEyes.
1,263 reviews32 followers
November 4, 2015
At first I thought, oh no another rocker. Then I thought, but its Sandrine, suck it up, Buttercup... and so I did. I'm so glad I did too because it was so much more that just 'rockin out'.

Axel is H-O-T!!! hot, hot, hot.
He gets a job as a "babysitter" for Gareth, the lead guitarist of Skull Blasters. He's expecting some stuck up Rocker Diva, but what he gets is Gareth Wolf, kid with a rough past just trying to make it and his super loving/protective brother.

This book reads really fast, which I enjoyed about it. I felt like I was reading 1000 words a minute. Maybe it was the way it was written or I just enjoyed it that much, or both. Either way there's a few plot twists and a ton of mystery, a bit of historical knowledge and a lot of nerding out (which was super sweet and romantic) and a bit of a series cross-over with a certain author who does a certain Rock Gods series ;)

Needless to say, this book isn't what I expected, but in the best way.

I give it a 4.5 Munchkin Stars
**Given as an ARC for my honest review**
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Author 4 books380 followers
November 6, 2015
This book was an unexpected delight. I really expected it to be darker than it was but was pleasantly surprising. Don't get me wrong, there is angst, and definitely some suspense, but things never got too heavy which I appreciated. Gareth was an absolutely adorable character, he immediately felt like the best friend you always wished you had. If Gareth was the best friend you wish you had, Axel was the man you wish you could f*ck. There is no other way to put it. Axel is the epitome of Alpha male while at the same time very down to earth, completely comfortable in his sexuality and unapologetically in love with Gareth. Despite everything happened around them these two men fell in love, when they least expected it. I loved so many aspects about their relationship, particularly that despite rushing into things, they managed to pause and focus on themselves for a bit. This is book 1 in a series and I will definitely be one-clicking the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Jess.
1,210 reviews40 followers
September 5, 2015
I read this because of a friends review (V's review)

She mentioned that others didnt like it for its editing mistakes but she didnt mind...

I thought the blurb sounded pretty cool and thought I would risk it. I have to admit that I am with V on this - why is everyone so nit picky ? I seriously could only find a few times a word wrong...like the word was suppose to be never....and the author had ever.

Thats it lol I only found 4-5 of these letters missing and had no other issues.

Now for the story.

I really enjoyed it lol thus the five stars........it was perfect for the mood I am in and the writing/plot was enjoyable. Was it a completely new plot..NO..its about a bodyguard and his client..its been done before. However it was refreshingly angst free, drama free and it was just PURE FUN to read.

I will be getting the next ones in the series.
Profile Image for Lila Hunter.
Author 12 books87 followers
September 8, 2015
3.5 out of 5

I liked the story enough, but it felt almost as a NA story, even when one of the MCs was "pushing thirty". It did have a nice slow burn and some good references to Ann Lister The Rock Gods series.

I really liked this author's book and I'm sure I'd read Jinx's story, but Fret left me wanting more of a connection between Axel and Gareth. I think I liked Ransom better.

Some sections felt too short and chopped. Almost as if they were just cut and paste into the story. Plus, sometimes I had to double check who was talking. Both MCs seemed a little interchangeable during the middle of the story.
Profile Image for Mak.
808 reviews29 followers
September 9, 2015
2.5 stars. I liked Gareth and his brother, as well as some of the other band members, so this one was an ok read as far as getting a look at those relationships/characters. However, I won't be reading the rest of the series as I did not think there was much of a connection/heat between the MCs, which has been an issue for me with several of SGD's recent books. This book was my last test and I'm moving on, although I'm sure I'll re-read excerpts from my favorites of SGD's works.
Profile Image for Whitney.
5 reviews
February 24, 2017
BORING

Poorly developed characters, shallow storyline, and boring relationship evolution. Also, the audio actor made the characters sound significantly more whiney than necessary. Not even the sex scenes were able to resurrect this book. Which is a shame, because the plot had potential.
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