This book is part of a series. It contains homosexual relations, violence and coarse language. It is preceded by Falcon's Fox.
Rebel Stryker has had to fight to survive from the moment he was born to a heroin-addicted mother. Raised by his grandparents, his only mission in life was to succeed where his mother had failed. Now, he and his childhood best friends tour the world as a famous heavy metal band. Like any rags-to-riches young man, Rebel definitely enjoys the perks of being in the limelight.
But now something has changed.
Rebel never wanted to fall in love, shying away from relationships and relishing his 'no worries' rock-star persona. But there's something about the band's new manager that catches Rebel's eye. Despite fighting it with everything he has, Rebel finds himself succumbing to man's quiet ways. It doesn't hurt that the guy loves Rebel's grandpa — the one relationship that means the world to him.
Staying true to his name, Rebel fights against the tide of attraction drawing him in. But it's only a matter of time before love finally strikes.
Stan Jackson is hiding a secret. A Very Big Secret. One he prays will never come to light, especially since life is pretty good now. He finally has a good job, and he considers the people around him friends -- even if they don't see him the same way. All he's ever wanted in life is to blend in, not make waves, and move on through. Now, as the manager of the internationally famous Skull Blasters rock band, he is put squarely into bassist Rebel Stryker's orbit. He spends a lot of time with Rebel's grandfather, which is not only fun, but rewarding. Another big benefit is that Stan gets to see Rebel all the time. When his past catches up to him, Stan learns that he isn't just the Skull Blasters' manager.
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!
**** Stan/Jax has taken over as the new manager of the Skull Blaster band. He's had a crush on tattooed bad boy Rebel since they met. He also cares for Grandpa Stryker, as do the other band members. Stan is in a protection program, hiding from his crazed ex, Neil, to escape the abuse and death threats. Rebel, has had a tough upbringing, but his Grandparents were his salvation. We learn about Stan's past, Rebel's crappy folks, and more.
This tight knight group of men are band members, partners, and bodyguards. Grandpa needs looking after because he's got dementia, and he is a real fun character. The men get closer when the band finally takes a break from the grueling recording sessions, so there is more face time.
Realization dawns on Rebel, so he pursues Stan and sexy times begin slowly. Truths are spoken, pasts revealed, but Stan keeps his true identity quiet to keep people around him safe. This culminates in an attack, rescue, and justice met. The attack also brings Stan's identity as Jax, to light.
Great characters all throughout, and a wonderful story of finding your "one." Each story can stand alone. Highly recommended. ENJOY ! ==========
FULL DISCLOSURE: I read this book entirely on the merits of the cover! JUST WOW! SO well done on that! I’m what some would call a cover activist. I am totally on the side of looks matter and if you want someone to stop and pick you up then you better give their eyes something to stop for .. hence why book covers are crucial in a book’s overall #win … THIS cover is a ridiculous #win!!
So now about the story inside … I’m not gonna lie and say I was as wow’d as I was in the story as I was with the cover, but it’s not a bad story. I’ll just say it wasn’t what I expected and leave it there because that’s totally on me. What a reader expects out of a book can sometimes not match what the authors intends the book to be and that’s not on the author. That’s on the reader. SO I don’t want to put a negative spin on this review over something that isn’t on the author.
The story is well crafted but sometimes very unrealistic. The characters are enjoyable to read, sometimes I felt the plot had holes. And then I figured out it wasn’t the plot; it was me not having read the previous books … so again, on me. Based on my experience, I would definitely think twice before not starting at the beginning with this series.
The drama behind the story of Rebel and Stan is quite captivating. I did find myself rooting for them thru the book. They have serious hurdles to overcome of their own and past circumstances to settle before they can really move forward and Sandrine does a really good job with that aspect of the story.
Overall an enjoyable, but sometimes maybe not lol, read. Solid, but maybe a little over, middle of the road rating from this reader. Since reading this book, I have gone back and purchased the rest of the series to hopefully start from the beginning … so there is that :)
Ok !!! First off I have to say I couldn’t wait for this book to come out I needed more of Grandpa so bad and let’s just say Sandrine did not disappoint, this book has climbed to my favorite in this series.
We met grandpa (Auggie) in previous books and we got a glimpse of his quick one liners, in this book grandpa entertains us even more and he will have you hysterical laughing (I want my own own grandpa ) he’s definitely my new best friend.
Rebel is the last of the guys from the Skullblasters who has not found his one and only .... but ... have no fear this bad boy rocker is about to have his world turned upside down when he starts noticing his new manager Stan in a completely different light.
Stan has always been an enigma to me, we don’t know much about his background other than he has always been keen on Rebel and he’s the smart quiet type.
I’m not going into anything else about this story (sorry I’m being so vague ) I have my reasons 1. I don’t want to ruin anything with spoilers 2. You have to read this to experience the full effect of everything that Sandrine has put together in here.
This book will have you glued, biting your nails with some revelations that will be revealed and explained and plot twists that are going to catch you off guard (but in a great way) and saying OMGGGGGGGG !!!!
Sandrine always knows how to bring humor in her stories and this one has it ten fold with grandpa and the boys, I love how she has all our other favorite characters from the previous books in here bringing out the family bond these guys have with each other.
I can’t recommend this book enough, I already am doing a re read that’s how much I loved it.... get ready for some surprises and glimpses of what’s next to come.
This series has just gotten completely ridiculous. I was done when the author had a room full of gay & bisexual men donating blood...do a little research, that's not even possible.
No more of this author for me, way too farfetched & I only stuck in fir the last few books bc I like to finish what I start. I'm definitely not the audience for her books.
OMG, this was one of the worst books I've ever read and I'd give it zero stars if I could. The writing is so simplistic and the quality is that of an amateur. The story is packed with nothing but fluffy unicorns and rainbows; which I absolutely hate and firmly believe is a tell-tale sign that an author is incapable of writing something gripping and intriguing. There isn't anything I liked about this book and would not recommend it to anyone. Save your precious reading time for something worthwhile.
Stryke First was my introduction to this author; surprisingly enough, I hadn’t read any of her work before this. After finishing this book, I’m quickly rectifying that as I enjoyed this so much that I immediately picked up the rest of the series. So that does answer one question—yes, this can be read as a standalone. There are references to the supporting character couples from the series, but you’ll have enough information reading this on its own to enjoy this story on its own merits. If you’re like me, you’ll definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series once your done (hint, hint…if you haven’t started this one yet, go read the others first!).
Rebel is laid-back, devoted to taking care of his grandfather, and doesn’t want any permanent attachments—he’s just fine with the occasional one-night stand since a hookup is all it is so no one can leave him, right? Stan is hiding from his life before the Skull Blasters, and tries very hard to stay out of the spotlight. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and just might be harboring a crush on Rebel…just a small one…uh huh, yeah right. Stan and Rebel fit really well together, and no matter how much Rebel tries to stay away from any attachment forming, it’s really a lost cause. Good thing it is too.
The cast of supporting characters is fantastic—one of the main reasons I went back and picked up the first four books in the series once I was done with this one. They’re all like a big family, protective of each other, joking around, and providing each other with unwavering support. But Rebel’s grandpa is the one that really takes the cake. He’s hysterical, and I’m of the opinion that everyone needs someone like him in their life just for the comic relief.
There’s plenty of sexual tension, some suspense and drama thanks to Stan’s ex, lots of laughs (grandpa!), and a nice bit of heat between Stan and Rebel. A truly enjoyable story, Stryke First gets 4.5 stars from me. Whether you’re just a general M/M romance fan or rockstar romance fan, this book is definitely one I’d recommend. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
It saddens me that the author has passed on, as her talent for stories like this will truly be missed.
Everyone has people in their life that may not be related by blood, but they are family none the less. That is what Stan Jackson has found with the motley crew of men he manages, The Skull Blasters. To spite the fact that he feels at home, that he feels like he truly belongs where he is, Stan cannot let his guard down completely. If he does, he might completely loose his heart to the "straight guy" "bad boy" Rebel Stryker. Worse though, the past might just catch up with him and that is not an option.
The band and his Grandpa are the most important things in Rebel's life and he'd do anything to protect them. His "in and out" (and I don't mean the burgers!) attitude when it comes to sex has kept the part of heart that remains unbroken in tact... until now. For whatever reason, Stan has gotten under his skin and Rebel is finding it harder with each passing day to deny his fastly growing feelings for the man.
These two men have way more in common than they know, but they'll both have to put the past to rest before they can consider anything more than friendship. That is, if the skeletons in Stan's closet don't pull him under first.
I think anyone that follows my reviews know this is hands down my favorite Author and an Auto buy for me regardless of the story. I really enjoy the way she gets into the characters heads and conveys what they are feeling through the words on the pages. This book was fast paced, lots of action and bit of suspense, some utterly toe curling make out scenes that lead to so much more, but at the root of the story it's all about family, loyalty and love.
Definitely a must read for fans of the Author and/or this series. I surely recommend it!
I'm rounding this up as I really enjoyed the first half of the book so much and it was only after the action picked up that I thought things suffered a little for being on the over the top side.
First off I really liked Stan and Rebel's relationship. The time they spent together leading up to that first kiss, and acknowledgement of what they were feeling was really well developed. I liked how Rebel knew he liked being around Stan, but hadn't considered what else that might mean. I loved how both men were with Rebel's grandfather. There was a lot of true caring between these two.
Once Stan's past started to play a bigger role in things I felt like the story suffered a little because everything started to happen so fast and some of the character development got lost by the wayside. Suddenly everything was all action and it was just going by so quickly to get through all the plot points and throwing in certain characters from one of the other series by the author. But that's all typical for this author as well. She did like her soaps.
I enjoyed this book a lot and am still deeply saddened that we lost such a wonderful author. I was really looking forward to Paul's story as well. I'll just have to write his HEA in my head as I know Sandrine woulda have given it to him.
I just want to start this review in saying I'm absolutely gutted i won't ever be able to review a new release by Sandy again. She is one of my fave M/M authors and it's tragic that these series' she started will never be completed and we won't get to read her plans for them all. She was a truly talented author who drew you into her stories and made you care about the characters she wrote. She also knew how to make you hot and sweaty with these sexy men! The Book world is a poorer place without her in it. Rest easy Sandy. Love to family and friends. Taken far too soon.
This is Rebel's book, number 5 in the Rock Series.
Rebel loves his life. Born into a bad situation with his parent's both being addicts he was raised by his grandparents. He is determined to succeed after his bad start in life. He also enjoys all the trimmings that comes with fame. Women, men whoever gets him off is all he cares about. He doesn't believe he will ever fall in love. That's not for him, but he is very curious about their new manager Stan. Quiet and unassuming he's a bit of a mystery to everyone. The whole band however have drawn him into their group, although Stan seems not to see it. Everyone teases Rebel about Stan liking him but he hasn't done anything... yet. Seeing Stan with his grandfather Rebel starts to see another side to him which seems to be drawing him in.
Stan always just wanted to get on in life. Never fitting in with anyone he just wants to live under the radar and avoid attention. When he is thrust into the limelight when he takes over being manager he's uncomfortable with it. Not only because he doesn't like attention but because he has a secret. A secret that could ruin everything if it catches up with him. He stays in the background thinking the band don't really see him as a friend and does his job as best he can.
He's always had a thing from the start for Rebel but being the way he is he knows he'd never stand a chance. He also helps Rebel a lot with his grandfather and is content just to spend time with him.
Will he ever be accepted as one of the group and will his past catch up with him now he's in the spotlight?
This is just a fab addition to this amazing series. The connection between Rebel and Stan is wonderful to read. I love that it's a slow burn, that Rebel slowly comes to realize what a great man Stan is. That he finally notices him is heart filling.
Poor Stan. I hate that he doesn't see at first that they have all accepted him and it breaks my heart a little that he is that insecure. But as the story goes on he comes out of his shell little by little. I loved the camping scenes and i love that they all want to be there for him. His relationship with Rebel's grandad absolutely makes this book for me. His grandad is the best grandad ever!!!
Rebel is perfect for Stan, he's confident but there's an underlying vulnerability to him stemming from his parents that makes him kind of a kindred spirit with Stan. They both don't feel worthy of love but everyone else thinks they are. They so are! I love them both!!
The loving scenes as I've come to expect from Sandrine were H. O. T.! Them together was smouldering and explosive at the same time with a little sweetness thrown in. Perfect!
The word's flowed well and kept me gripped. I love the storyline and smiled big with the HEA. It was also great to see all the other guys in here happy and content.
Loved this book. Love this series. Highly recommend. One of my fave M/M Authors who i will re-read again and again.
Rest in Peace Sandrine. Thank you for the books you gave us.
After finishing this book I went and read a few of the reviews that are already posted up to see how others found this book. And now I’m even more confused – everyone seem to like it so much and here I am almost wising I haven't read it.
The cover is amazing and I was really happy I got the chance to read it, but something was just missing for me. And I don't know if it has something to do that this is my first book in the series and I felt that I was missing vital info to really understand the story and that's on me I guess. The potential was big with the abuse Jax was running from and slow growing love between him and Rebel (I love the name). But the book was just flat for me. A chapter here and there was great, like when they want camping or when they kissed. But other than that was just “meah”…I might come as harsh but I can’t help the way I feel. The best thing in the book was hilarious Grandpa - i love his one-liners :)
I really hope the next book will be more “exacting” for me and by then I’ll read entire series so I’m more prepared.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
4.5 STARS Life is odd. I was finishing this book when I received the news about Sandrine Gasq-Dion. I was in shock. I love her stories and the way she weaves her words. She will be sorely missed and my condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
Stan is in hiding and doesn't want anyone to find out who he is. Rebel is running from love and anything permanent because he is afraid. But something neither one can deny is that there is chemistry between them.
Once again, Sandrine wrote a great story with memorable characters. I absolutely loved the grandfather. I will say that this book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone without any issues. The story was well written and intriguing, and had enough suspense that held me captive. I highly recommend one clicking on this book. 4.5 stars.
I can not say how much I liked this book ! Sandrine you hit it out of the park !!! This was a great , emotional book! And I can't wait for the next one ! Automatic buy!! Rebel and "Stan" are so cute together then you add Grandpa and I was cracking up!! Thank you thank you !!!
Loved it!!! I always love Sandrine Gasq-Dion's books. These guys melt your heart. There were so many up and downs I'd be crying one second and then thanks to grandpa I'd be laughing and crying. Five stars is never enough and thus one deserves Sooo many more! I have and will recommend this and the others to everyone.
Finally Rebel sees Stan for who he really is. We all get to find out what the truth/mystery is surrounding Stan/Jax and his troubled past. You have to love Grandpa/Auggie. What a beautiful, touching, lovable character. For anyone who has had Alzheimer disease touch their lives, this is especially the best character. I love this author sooo much, she fears NO subject matter and always gives us a HEA. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS MAGNIFICENT, INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!
This was great book. I knew Jax was Jasper son from Rebels book. You are very sneaky. I loved when you brought the Santiago in. Loved Vince and Nicholi too.
She’s done it again... this beautiful book was so full of emotions that I felt myself laughing, crying and even raging while I read it. This author doesn’t know how to write a bad book and for that I thank god I discovered her books. My god grandpa was a trip he reminds me of my grandma and her adventures lol and the connection between rebel and Stan was felt within every page ❤️ I can’t wait to see who Paul ends up with
I think this one was leaps and bounds better than the last one in the series. It wasn't instalove exactly and both Rebel and Stan/Jax approached the relationship from a mature perspective where they actually did know each other but I really never felt too much chemistry with them.
There were a lot of new people introduced in this book, leading to the possibility of endless books in this series but I think I'm done.
At about the 70% mark I was reminded at how out of touch with gay reality the author is. In the last book, she had the boyfriend out his lover's HIV status to all of his friends and family... In this one she had the sexually active gay and bi men give blood as if that was something they are allowed to do. Even if you give the doctor a harsh glare, you are not going to be able to give blood.
DID nobody that edited or beta read this book know that gay men are banned from giving blood? How can that be? For people who write and make their living about gay men, you would think the author would know more about stuff that affects lgbt and perhaps be more sensitive to the everyday injustices they face.
Yum Gotta love a rocker. Book 5 in this awesome series. We learn more about Rebel and the things that shaped his life. We also get in Stan aka Jax and find out how he became involved with the band and how his crush evolves with Rebel. Also gotta love Grampa Stryker, that man is a riot.
I'm very sad to know that this series and the other by this amazing author are over. Sandrine Gasq-Dion will be greatly missed in the writing community.
I am a huge fan of this series and have really enjoyed all of these books and Stryke First was just as wonderful! I love the way Sandrine Gasq-Dion creates these characters that are broken but still so love-able and right as I was starting this book I heard the news of her passing. It made this book even more emotional for me, and it broke me heart in many ways. She will be sorely missed and my heart goes out to her family and friends.
The story itself captured me right from the start, finally learning the truth about Stan and where he comes from. He’s been the band manager for a while now, but he keeps his life guarded, trying to make sure he stays hidden from his past. That doesn’t stop his crush on Rebel though. Rebel was raised by his grandparents and now it’s just him and his hilarious grandfather, but he’s facing his own health issues. The band helps with him as does Stan which is what really seems to bring the two together.
I loved how their story unfolded, the relationship between Stan and Rebel, these two have had their share of hardships in life, but there’s something about them together that just fits so perfectly. They definitely struggle with their feelings at times, Rebel afraid of getting attached since, in his view, everything good gets taken away at some point, and Stan, running from a painful past and afraid of being hurt again. As Stan’s real identity comes out, his name is really Jax, Rebel and the rest of the band show just how much they really do care about him.
There is certainly a good amount of drama in this story, as well as humor and love and I adored it from start to finish. This book really shows that you don’t have to be related to be family, that family can be those around you and just how important that bond can be. Jax and Rebel were perfect together, their journey everything I’d hoped it would be. I’ve grown so very attached to these characters in this series and now Jax and Rebel are among my favorites. It truly breaks my heart to think this journey has come to an end. I highly recommend this entire series, it’s got off the charts chemistry, great characters and beautiful love and I thank you Sandrine for these wonderful stories.
Rebel y Stan (Jax, su verdadero nombre). Jax siempre ha sentido una atraccion por Rebel pero no ha querido involucrarse con nadie ya que viene escapando de una relacion abusiva que lo llevo a huir y cambiar su nombre, criado por su madre y sin conocer a su padre, Jax se hace manager de la banda Skull Blaster cuando Paul es puesto en una institucion para su recuperacion del SPT. Rebel no cree en lo que le dicen sus amigos sobre que Stan (Jax) siente por el y durante algun tiempo lo esquiva, pero cuando Stan (Jax) comienza a ayudarlo con su abuelo que comienza a sufrir de Alzheimer, Rebel ve un lado totalmente diferente y comienza a dejarlo entrar en su corazon. Solo cuando el abuelo es casi arrollado y Jax lo salva quedando el herido, es cuando Rebel se da cuenta que quiere a Jax en su vida y en la de su abuelo, junto a los guardaespaldas, unos amigos mafiosos y sus amigos de la banda logran colocar al ex de Jax en su castigo y ellos pueden comenzar su vida juntos. El libro es bastante dulce, te hace pensar en lo mucho que los padres dan por sus hijos y en como algunos hijos lo dan todo por sus padres, en como una enfermedad tan drastica como el Alzheimer afecta toda la familia y en lo dificil que es cuidar a una persona con esa enfermedad. Tambien vemos mucho de los otros integrantes de la banda y algunas de sus parejas, ademas de la relacion de Paul y Buster. El abuelo nos hace reir, y nos hace pensar, pero tambien nos hace querer tener alguien como el en nuestra vida. Por lo que lei despues, el ultimo libro de la serie iba a ser sobre Paul y Buster, sin embargo el autor fallecio apenas meses despues de salir a la venta este libro, por lo que este queda como final de la serie. El autor realmente merece que siga leyendo sus otras series publicadas, porque su forma de escribir y tratar algunos temas es interesante y sus dialogos y relaciones entre personajes son entretenidas.
Jax is in hiding from an ex lover. He took on managing the band though he does have protection. He had a crush on Rebel for a while and loved Rebel’s Grandpa and the other band members. He fits well and it feels like family.
Rebel was raised by his grandparents. Now his grandfather is all he has and he has Alzheimer’s and seems to be deteriorating. He doesn’t have time for love and he doesn’t want to chance falling and being hurt. But Stan( Jax) is different than anyone he has met and they have a good bond. But will Jax’s past tear them apart.
I love this story. I love a good character driven story snd this one is perfect. Not only do we have Jax and Rebel but we have the other four members of the band and their significant others. Each of these add a little life to the story. My favorite thing about this story is Grandpa. He makes the story. He is funny, though him having Alzheimer’s adds a serous demention as well. This is a book five in the Rock series. It does have lots of the characters from the other books but there is plenty of explanation of what’s going on so you should be able to enjoy this one on its own. If in doubt read them in order they are all worth the read. There are characters from the series plus some from other books by Sandrine Gasq Dion but the story focuses on Jax and Rebel. If you like bands, a bit of drama, friends to lovers, quirky characters. (Grandpa is amazing) and some sweet-hot man-love this is for you. I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait for the next book.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author but can’t wait to read the first four of this series. Love me some hot men!
Jax, aka “Stan”, is running away from an abusive relationship and settles in a new town, with a new job, under a new alias.
He develops a crush on Rebel, the lead in the band he works with, but because of the hurt he is still feeling can’t bring himself to tell him. After all......Rebel is straight right??
Rebel lives with his grandfather, Auggie, who is a complete hoot, but suffers with dementia. Rebel looks on Stan to help out at times, which he gladly does, but the more time they spend together the more Rebel sees him in a different light.
Things obviously don’t run smoothly for both of them. They’re both fighting their feelings. The past coming back to haunt Jax (Stan) keeps you really gripped and wondering how it will unfold.
Lots of other characters come into the book, which is a little confusing at times trying to know who’s with who and how they got together, but it’s only made me want to go back to the beginning of this series and read their stories.
Rebel is such a lovely man with a big heart just waiting for someone to love him and not leave. Jax is that man, but will he let him in? Jax dotes on Rebel and is scared to love again, but how this story come together really made me cry tears of happiness (which is no surprise really, I cry at most books). Will they get their HEA? You will have to read this for yourself to find out.
This is book four of the Rock Series, and for this to make any sense you should read the previous three books before reading this one. That said, in book one things got a bit... intense for Stan, but he was a good sport and always willing to help so he went along with the plan to catch Paul (this is where if you haven't read, you will be confused). Now, a bit of time has past, and Stan is working as the manager of the band and has grown quite close to the members and their families. The past that "Stan" is running from is catching up, and putting once again people he cares about in danger.
Rebel's not a stranger to overcoming odds, and has watched Stan all the while hiding his true feelings. Although, the rest of the guys all seem to know that the two are meant for each other and throw them together whenever they have a chance. But when things become a bit too much for Rebel and his temper gets the best of him, will he lose Stan in the process?
So far this has been a good series, very entertaining with plenty of action and drama, with some sexy times thrown in. I found Rebel and Stan's story a very good addition. Can't wait to see what happens with Paul and Buster. I give this 4 stars.
After reading this book and seeing the interaction among the members of the Skull Blasters band, I had to read the previous books and know all of them. In this book here, we know the great secret of Stan Jackson, band manager, who has a crush for Rebel, bassist.
Rebel was raised by his maternal grandfather, known as Grandfather Stryker, who has the first signs of Alzheimer's, but still manages to be one of the best characters in the series, he is fun and crazy that his grandson finds the love of his life. The band has the protection of a bodyguard company whose boss, Mac Collins, brings the best in men trained to protect them. They have begun working with the Skulls since Gareth Wolf received death threats shortly after he revealed to the world he was gay.
Stan's secret may put the band at risk, so Stan is averse to any relationship. He had already lost a close friend. But as Rebel becomes more and more interested in the manager - and Grandpa Stryker gives a little push - it is difficult for the two boys to keep away from each other. The bodyguards would have to work hard to reach the threat and save them all.
I read every previous book after this one and I loved them. I can not wait for the next one, and I hope it's about Paul and Buster. 5 stars ARC received in exchange of an honest review ~ Book Tour ----------- Edited: RIP, Sandrine Gasq-Dion :( (October,25th,2017)
Rebel and Jax have been dancing around their attraction for each other for a while. With everything else that has been going on, uncertainty and caring for a family member seemed to put them on a permanent path to friendship. Jax has been spending more and more time with Rebel and and his grandfather, making sure that he is ok and cared for when Rebel can't. It is this caring side of Jax that Rebel finally starts to notice. Jax has a secret of his own though that is about to raise its ugly head and potentially pull them apart before they've even had a chance to be together.
Jax's uncertainty and lack of confidence is endearing and oh so sweet but it is his caring and generous nature that are winning characteristics.
Rebel is not a pretentious rock star in the least. He is genuine and caring to those around him that he considers to be family, even to those who have made mistakes in the past.
But it is Auggie, Rebel's grandfather who steals the show and your heart with his lack of filter and genius one liners.
Sandrine has a remarkable talent to create enduring love stories and characters who are the best side of humanity despite the darkness they have experienced. This has been a must read series for me.
Much more happening in this then the last book in the series. Gramps made this book...he has so much love for them all and kept everyone laughing. Wasn't exactly accurate in creating someone with Alzheimer's but it worked. Him disappearing to his old home looking for his wife was really the only incident but it has been done so many times in books and shows that it is an easy add. But gramps was to ok with things and accepting, where Alzheimer's patients are anything but. But that's a whole other issue. We have a cross over in series...Again. I don't was to reveal but I am sure you can figure it out. This author is not big on suspense or secrets so everything gets revealed right off...and of course with these chicks nothing stays private for long. You can't have feelings for someone without them all playing Cupid and mother hens...it's a little nauseating...they all need to grow a pair and actually act like men....especially the so called killers protecting them
Stryke First by Sandrine Gasq-Dion is the fifth book in The Rock Series. For better understanding I recommend to read the books in order. This is Rebel and Stan´s book. Rebel Stryker has has a hard life. He lost his parents at a young age and grew up with his grandparents. Now he´s a memeber of a famous heavy metal band. He enjoys his life, but then he falls in love. Stan is the bands new manager and Rebel is smitten with him. Stan fights against his attraction to Rebel. But the heart wants what the heart wants. But Stan has secrets and skeletons in his closet. These secrets threaten to destroy him and the people he cares for. Strike First has exactly the right amount of drama, danger, violence and madman. The book is full of unexpected twists and turns. The sidekick is great, I love him very much ! I love the story, the writing and the characters. I give 4,5 stars. Thank you Sandrine Gasq-Dion .
Rebel always thought he was unlovable until he met Stan Jackson the new manager. There was something different about this guy and Rebel wanted to find out why he felt the way he did.
Stan has a secret that he can't let Rebel or anyone else find out about it they could be caught in the aftermath. Stan has seriously underestimated Rebel and the rest of the Skull Blasters. Stan is now part of their family and What happens to him happens to them all.
Rebel doesn't think he is capable of love until he falls for Stan and finds out his secret. What happens next just makes him love him more.
Characters from the other books in the series figure prominently in this story so it is recommended that you read them to be able to keep track of them all.
I had read the other books a few years ago and hadn't read this one, I was able to catch up within a few chapters.
I have read almost all the books released by Sandrine Gasq Dion and the rock series is my favourite. Stryke First does not disappoint. The story is about Rebel, the love em & leave em bass player of Skull Blaster. Rebel raised by his grandparents following the death of his parents from drug overdose, suffers with abandonment issues, so he leaves before he can be hurt. When the band manager takes on Stan, as his assistant Rebel finds himself drawn to him, even more so when Stan becomes their manager.
Stan has his own issues, he's hiding from his past. When he meets Rebel, Stan is instantly attracted to the long haired rocker and helps Rebel to take care of his grandfather. But Stan's past won't stay buried and the last thing he want is for Rebel or his grandfather to get hurt.
This book is an excellent read and thoroughly recommended.