Harley's Achilles

The Rock #3

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

This book is part of series, but can be read as a standalone. It is preceded by Fret and Jinxed. This book contains homosexual relationships and coarse language.

Rock star Harley Payne seems to have it all. Skyrocketing career. More money than he'll ever need. And women. Lots and LOTS of women. But "seems" is the operative word. Because beneath the material trappings of his fame, Harley is deeply in pain. Reeling from the death of his soldier brother, and apparently nonexistent to his parents, every day is an emotional battle for Harley. When Mac Collins, owner of Mac's Security, puts Achilles Castellanos squarely into Harley's orbit as a bodyguard, Harley's world tips on its axis in more ways than one. Under the huge bodyguard's surveillance 24/7, Harley's love life takes a nose dive. Surprisingly, Harley doesn't care because he's starting to realize his bodyguard has become to mean more to him than just muscle.
Former Delta Force leader Achilles Castellanos lost an entire team, as well as his first love, in an ambush in Ramadi. Clawing his way back to the surface has been hell, but Achilles' iron will has dragged him from the depths of despair. Achilles can't miss the crippling pain that shadows his new charge, heavy metal band member Harley Payne. What began as just another bodyguard job has become his very reason for breathing when Achilles finds himself falling for the rambunctious Harley.
Sparks fly when the men travel to Greece, but a startling revelation could ruin everything before Aphrodite even gets a chance to give them her blessing.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Music, M M Contemporary, Military Fiction, LGBT

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2016

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little read, liked it a bit more than the previous one. I think the ex girlfriend plot however was a bit ridiculous. The MC's were likeable though, just wish there would have been some closure regarding Harley's fucked up parents....such assholes!! I will be reading the next book, I'm very curious about Ransoms story :)

3,5 stars from me

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I See You ...

Well, I guess this is how it's gonna be; each book just as fab as the one before it! Harley's Achilles revolves around the lives of Harley Payne and his bodyguard, Achilles Castellanos. By the end of the last book, Jinxed, we were left knowing that there was something bound to happen between the two of them.
Harley always seemed a bit lost in the first two books. His character is childlike and more vulnerable than the rest of the band, considering he's in his early thirties. He's incredibly loyal, giving, devilish, sexy and lovable, but he doesn't see this about himself. Harley not only suffers from the physical loss of his brother, but the psychological loss at the hands of his parents. It's truly heartbreaking as he comes to terms of being ignored; not being seen. You feel his cry for attention.
Luckily for Harley, he has a Greek God to help him find his way. Enter Achilles. He's not only ex military who's hot as all hell, smart, strong and bossy, he's as lovable as Harley. I adored his family in Greece. They accept Achilles as he is and treat Harley as a real family should. Achilles has his own demons that he needs to come to terms with. It was a beautiful thing to see how in helping Harley, he also helps himself.
This book was filled with plenty of man love, I mean c'mon, Achilles and Harley? Just the visual alone made me hope my blood pressure meds were working! Of course, the antics and funny banter between the band members had me laughing my head off! I've mentioned this about the second book, but it's funny how Gareth, the youngest of all the guys, is still the voice of reason, lol. Most of all, you can't help but get caught up in the love between every one of them. They are all brothers and that in itself, made me realize that Harley never truly was alone. Sandrine's attention to detail, especially describing the beauty of Greece, and the passion she gives to each of her characters, made this an incredible 5 lobster claw read for me.

[Pati · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I hate like hell to do it this truly was barely a 2 star for me.... honestly more like 1.5 star

I'm so disappointed. I've been a big fan of Ms Gasq-Dion's books for a long time and hate to rate this so poorly but I was sadly disappointed with almost all aspects of this much anticipated story. Between the info dumps, unrealistic reactions, laughably unrealistic 'bad guy' and ridiculous plugs for the Assassin Shifter series I had to force myself to finish reading it. And then have one massive part of the story left unresolved..... *smh*sigh* I refuse to give spoilers so I really cannot say anything else other than to say that this was sadly a waste of money for me and I would not recommend it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah, I don't think I could hate Harley's parents more if I tried. What a couple of truly horrible people! Anywho...we know Harley and Achilles from the previous books and I just couldn't wait for Harley's story. He sure kept his bodyguard Achilles on his toes, running around naked, trying to disappear and partying way too hard. But Achilles "sees" Harley and that's what he really needs. Such a sweet story and I loved their trip to Greece. Everything about Achilles and his parents was just kind of perfect. Of course, we had to have a bit of intrigue with someone trying to kill one or both of them and that added a bit of oomph to the story. Fun read, I'm loving this series.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these guys.

Never disappointed with this authors books. They always deliver a good, hot, sweet read. Harley really needed a happy life and a good man to make him happy, and he definitely found a great guy in Achilles. I cannot wait for Ransom's book.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

If any character deserves a happy ending it is Harley. His parents were evil and I hated them. They treated him terrible. Achilles was so good for him. I really can’t decide which one of these two I loved the most. I really enjoyed this book. The audio was outstanding.

[Joanne Mountford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whey hey!! I have just found myself a new Author and vice versa, Sandrine has just found herself a new fan. I am pleased beyond words that I downloaded this book and quite frankly, I devoured it, page turning by the seconds. I sucked up this story like a vacuum. You think I liked it? I didn't, I loved it.

This is book three in The Rock Series and although I hadn't read the first two, I just had to read and see what all the fuss was about. Rest assured I know exactly what readers are banging on about. I am so in love with these characters, I feel like I should be hunting them down. They seem to do a lot of hunting as well by all accounts. You just know I am gong to read book one and two.

Harley Payne a wild, fun loving young man, youngish, old enough to know better but young enough to still enjoy himself to the max. He has had his fair share of troubles, maybe that is putting it a little too mildly. He lost his brother, the only one he held so dear, the only one within close family that loved him with everything he had. Sure Harley has some fabulous loving friends but he longed to have a mother and father that loved him. I just don't know how they didn't, he is such a fantastic guy.

Harley is in a band with a great bunch of guys, they are all really close and are definitely there for one another. Most of them are Gay, not all have partners. Harley believed himself to be a little bisexual, well until he realised how completely lush his bodyguard was. How he hadn't pounced on that man before now is beyond me. I would of ate that man alive the second he walked in my room but alas he's gay, not a chance in turning that man around. My hopes are dash, my heart is broken.

Achilles the drop dead gorgeous adonis of a bodyguard is completely dedicated to his job, protecting Harley is all that matters and not just protecting him from hurting himself or from crazy fans, no he doesn't want anyone to hurt his man emotionally. Did I just say his man, oops I did, well what can I say clearly I believed he was his. Achilles is the type of man everyone would want by their side. He's so powerful and dangerous so you'd definitely want to keep him on side.

Life never runs smoothly, well that would just be to easy. Where is the fun in everything being handed to you on a plate. These guys are in for a bumpy ride that's for sure but if a love is meant to be and strong enough it can overcome almost anything.

Such a passionate and sexy read. This story was indeed just that, a fantastic story, not all sex but enough teasing to keep us all hanging in there with bated breath. I can honestly say, I am really looking forward to reading more by this Author and would recommend this book to all lovers of M/M Romance.

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 4 Sad Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 2 Stars
MC1: Harley
MC2: Achilles

This was just a very emotional book for me my poor heart...



They made it very clear that he was a mistake, that he was not wanted, that they only had one son Holden. My heart broke in a billion pieces for Harley. He was so full of life and light and he had so much love to give, it made me sad tho think the only 2 people that was supposed to love him didn't even want to know he existed.

" Amazing how I paid off the house for my parents, paid their bills and brought the groceries, but I didn't rate my own room. Oh, that was right. I didn't exist"

Harley was one special character for me especially when he was drunk poor Achilles had his hands full with Harley



" Somewhere along the way, I had fallen for Harley Payne. Silly sarcastic, naked running-through-the-streets Harley Payne."

" Harley had shimmied up my body and attached himself to me like a naughty, naked spider monkey."



Even through the tears, the book made me laughed as well.

O key there were things in that made no sens at all, but I was emotionally invested in this book so the only thing I could have done was to look the other way.

There's drama, silliness, laughter a lot of sadness, but most off all there was always the sens of hope and love so much love. Harley may not have been loved by his birth parents, but he had a family of friends who loved him like a brother - He was loved....

And at the end he found his

[Jhoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finalmente conseguí tener una pareja favorita en lo que va de la serie. Bueno este realmente me gustó, la forma en como fue planteada la historia de cada uno. Por un lado Harley siendo invisible para las personas que realmente deberían amarlo y protegerlo, al parecer eran sus principales enemigos que hicieron de él una persona insegura y autodestructiva. Su única fuerza era su hermano y él ya no estaba, pero en esta historia entra alguien dulce, comprometido, leal y dispuesto a amarlo como se merece, alguien que realmente lo ve desde el principio, conoce su fuerza y sus batallas internas y de este modo le da un soporte y le ayuda a darse cuenta que es amado e importante para el resto de la banda y sus amigos cercanos. No puedo pensar en otra persona que no fuera el adecuado para él, ambas personalidades encajan perfectamente. Esta lectura ha sido tan placentera y sobre todo conocer su historia, para mi ha sido increíble.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite in the series so far - loved Harley and Achilles together and this turned out to more emotional than I thought.

Only problem for me was that Harley's parent problems were not addressed more, seemed like he was building up to a blow out with them but nothing happened!

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the series

This one is my favourite of the series.
Harley tugged at my heart strings, and I loved how patient Achilles was with him. Achilles family was lovely and exactly what Harley needed after the disappointment that was his own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series keeps getting better.

[Betryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that I really can't wait for Ransom's story next. The stories just keep getting better and better!

[Jenn C · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the series so far. Poor Harley. I'm so glad he found Achilles (or vice versus). Can't wait for the next one.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley James Payne.
Yes, he has the same name as the bike because it was a passion shared by his father and older brother, Holden.
Harley is the rhythm guitarist. He's cheerful, but usually exaggerates in the drink when the friends hang out to celebrate something.
Since the threats that Gareth suffered - and everything has already been solved - as the band became very famous, they decided to keep the security team.
In Harley's drinking exaggerations, he ends up taking off his clothes and running down the street naked, which gives more work to Achilles, the bodyguard assigned to look after him.

Friends know that Harley has a great heart and a unhappy family history.
His older brother, his hero and pretty much who raised him, died in Afghanistan.
Parents live in drowsiness, not accepting the death of their son and keeping his room and his Harley Davidson bike always clean. It was as if Harley did not exist, even though he paid all bills and shopping for them.
Being treated like this hurt him, mainly because he too had lost the only person loved him as family.

Achilles Castellanos was a former Delta Force, sniper, Greco-American.
It was not enough to have all the knowledge of how to kill; he looked like a real Greek god.
Coming from a family that loved him immensely, Achilles sympathized with Harley's grief. To help him through a particularly difficult situation, Achilles takes Harley to Greece, to meet the temples, the sea and his family.
Having a new outbreak on the island, when he remembers his unhappy life, Achilles ends up telling Harley what he was keeping in his heart, and gave him every possible support, especially when Harley learns what his parents were capable of do to deny Harley from living his full mourning.

Of all the guys in the band, with their sad old life stories, I think Harley's was the hardest. Imagining a parent's misery by losing a dear child is already difficult, but knowing what they did against Harley was an iniquitous malice.
Great plot.

5 stars

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, you probably don't have to read the previous 2 stories, but I think it would be a good idea. Next, my reviews for this and the following 2 will basically be the same.

This author does a really good job in turning out stories quickly. Each story keeps the feel of the others, but has enough difference between couples to make each interesting. These are easy reads meant to entertain not be the next great novel, and they fill this role admirably. The editing was not as bad as many m/m stories, and I was rarely thrown out of the story. My biggest complaint was too many names starting with especially J followed by R. Those sensitive to insta-love may may be tweaked with these stories, but not as much with this 3rd one. I did really like this couple.

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WITH MY REVIEWS:
I basically read only m/m (like 250+ to 1 vs m/f). This is relevant because all ratings are in comparison to other m/m books. For those that read mainstream books from major publishers OR that are very particular, I would remove at least one star from my rating. I'm a very laid back reader who simply enjoys reading. I don't look for issues. I can miss things others may see. It typically has to both jump out at me and stay with me for me to make note of it.

As a rule, my ratings are also based on a book's purpose and in comparison to others of similar length or type. I don't feel having the same expectations for a quick read as a novel is a fair comparison nor comparing those whose purpose is to be "brain candy" (easy, formulaic, fun reads, often serials, by authors with a very high and quick rate of publishing.)

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desde que comenzo la serie Harley siempre fue el mas loco de todos, el que mas "feliz" de llevar la vida loca del rockero, pero sus amigos estaban preocupados por el, porque sus locuras lo estaban llevando a un camino que a nadie le gustaba, por eso cuando contrataron guardaespaldas a tiempo completo, Achilles lo asignaron a cuidarlo 24/7, cosa que a Harley nunca le gusto, sin embargo, con el pasar del tiempo ambos se acostumbraron y comenzaron a ver lo bien que eran juntos y lo mucho que se apoyaban entre si. Cuando Harley cae por la depresion por sus padres y la muerte de su hermano, Achilles decide tomar la responsabilidad completa, lo que los lleva a el inicio de una fuerte relacion que los ayuda a ambos a sanar sus heridas.
El libro nos habla de la responsabilidad de los padres y de como algunos no son capaces de superar la muerte de sus hijos, hasta el punto de olvidar que tienen otro, ademas de tratar las perdidas de aquellos que fueron a la guerra.
Aqui tambien vemos como los otros integrantes de la banda se apoyan entre si, y poco a poco vemos como van apareciendo las relaciones para los otros tres integrantes de la banda.
Es bastante divertido y conmovedor en muchas partes, ademas de entretener, es una serie que es buena tenerla en cuenta.

[Elise Heness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many books at one time :) in a Great Way of course!! This entire series was Fabulous and I highly recommend them to those that do not have a preference to what they read.. Seemed a little far fetched but you know what, I really didn't care, I loved each of the story lines and also the series as a whole, I am hoping their will be more. (not sure as there were so many other characters that would be great to have their own stories and I hope they are developed and wrote about) I really liked that the characters were also relatable and I did notice that some of their descriptions or even some of the things they said reminded me of certain band members which was also pretty cool.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see you, Harley!!!! And I love this book!!!

Harley hasn't had it particularly easy and when he lost his brother he felt he lost the only family that really cared. But he still has his band brothers, even though he has a hard time accepting their love. His behavior just keeps spiraling farther and farther out of control. Then Achilles enters his life. And maybe Achilles is exactly what he needs.

This book, I was absolutely riveted!!! I've known from the first book that Harley's story was going to be good and I was right. Such a fantastic book!!! I really need the last two books in this series!!!

[Kayleigh Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for something to read and I decided to check out what the fans of my books are reading. I found this set of stories and I wasn’t disappointed.
I loved this book from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I was meant to be doing my own writing but I was too absorbed in these characters and what would happen next that I couldn’t concentrate on mine lol
I ended up cooking and hiding my kindle behind some pans to keep reading while I did. Don’t ask me why the potatoes boiled over, I was watching them very closely. 🤫🤣

The characters were sweet and relatable, the build up was perfect and I was totally drawn in. Best one of the series so far. Can’t wait to read more.

[Jes Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series, touching and a little deeper than it may seem at first. At this point, I had read several from this author. Something I noticed in nearly all the books was how the MCs getting together, in whatever situation, seem to like the same foods- and that was like some kind of sign that they're made for each other. Once, twice- hell, even three times I get it. But in every book of this author that I've read- liking the same pizza toppings is like, proof of some cosmic connection. Other than that, I like the plots well enough.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book and Audio of this book are fantastic, the narrator did a great job of various voice changes for the characters. I loved this story both Harley and Achilles drawing me in. Taking care of Harley was Achilles main concern since he was his bodyguard even if he has to chase him running nude lol. Achilles had been with the Skull Masters Band for a few months, it didn't take long before started to have feelings for Harley. Harley still missing his brother, Holden who'd been killed in Afghanistan 3 years ago and still needs closure. I totally didn't like Harley's parents how could they do that to poor Harley..
Achilles was from special forces and served in the war and still wears the emotional battle scars.
Both these guys need to be healed in more than one way..especially after an accident. They have more things in common than they thought. A great story of Harley and Achilles..

[books-on-a-wire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet read...

This author does a very good job of blending romance and erotic elements. Still pretty vanilla, but lots of hot guys, steady buildups, and great chemistry. Harley is both funny, sweet, child-like but also hiding so much pain. Achilles is like a Greek god come to life!

[Hrtnsoul28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I loved Axel in the first book but now I think Harley is my new favorite. I have to say I can see why "straightish" Harley decided to change his mind Achilles sounds like a Greek god. Harley deserved a good man to love him and together I can only say ahhhh. Not sure I even want to go on with the series after this book. I just need to savor for a bit.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series. Harley and Achilles are the cutest. You feel for Harley and want to reach in the book and hug him. We get to see more of the previous guys and their continuing story that adds to these guys. Can't wait for the next.

[Deb B · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this series, start to finish. very fast paced short books but plenty of action, really likeable characters and sweet romances (sweet but steamy!!). the stories built on each other but each brought something different to the table. very enjoyable reading

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice rock star story.
Harley's parents are a piece of work.
The big threat to Harley was anti-climactic.
Both things seemed unbelievable, but made the story move along.
I like Harley and Achilles. Their relationship didn't feel rushed.

[Staphysagria · Rating 4 out of 5]

very entertaining, too. Harley's story is fascinating. His progress from self destruction to healing drags you through the book at warp speed, only the Greek holiday drags a little.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh

I want a book added at the end of the series telling us how all their lives played out. Loving it.

[measure twice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5+