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Social Sinners #1
Behind the Lights
Joey Hayes and his best friend Ricky Branson have been together through the good times, as well as the bad. Attending their first concert as teens set the path for their futures in motion. Shortly after, the pair joined band class where they meet Ethan and Mick and the foursome formed the metal band, Social Sinners.
Things were going according to plan until Lucas Shane entered their lives, disrupting the flow and testing the strength of their friendship.
When Joey spirals down a dark path after catching his cheating boyfriend, this tasked the other three band members with making a difficult decision that could end his career as their lead singer.
Book 1 is the only book in the series that can be read as a stand-alone.
Book 1 – Behind the lights (MM)
Book 2 – In the shadows (MM)
Book 3 – A heart divided (MMM)
Book 4 – Beyond the curtain (MM)
Book 5 – After the final curtain (MM/MMM)
Things were going according to plan until Lucas Shane entered their lives, disrupting the flow and testing the strength of their friendship.
When Joey spirals down a dark path after catching his cheating boyfriend, this tasked the other three band members with making a difficult decision that could end his career as their lead singer.
Book 1 is the only book in the series that can be read as a stand-alone.
Book 1 – Behind the lights (MM)
Book 2 – In the shadows (MM)
Book 3 – A heart divided (MMM)
Book 4 – Beyond the curtain (MM)
Book 5 – After the final curtain (MM/MMM)
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2018
84 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Travis
94 books631 followersTL Travis is the published author of a plethora of LGBTQ+ Erotica and Romance musings that have earned her a “Best Selling Author” flag in the US as well as Internationally.
In her spare time, when she’s not weaving steamy webs, she enjoys fishing, wine tasting and people watching. Everyone has a story to tell, half the fun is conjuring what it is.
TL’s surrounded by her 4-legged rescue family, her sons and adorable grandson.
She will continue saving furry friends in need for as long as she can. Tl would like to remind you to “Adopt, not shop.” Saving that lost soul may very well save yours.
tltravis@tltravis.com
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In her spare time, when she’s not weaving steamy webs, she enjoys fishing, wine tasting and people watching. Everyone has a story to tell, half the fun is conjuring what it is.
TL’s surrounded by her 4-legged rescue family, her sons and adorable grandson.
She will continue saving furry friends in need for as long as she can. Tl would like to remind you to “Adopt, not shop.” Saving that lost soul may very well save yours.
tltravis@tltravis.com
https://www.tltravis.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/56449...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/20546...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/54276...
https://www.Twitter.com/tltravis1
https://www.amazon.com/TL-Travis/e/B0...
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/search?q=TL+T...
https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-bo...
https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadsco...
https://www.pinterest.com/tl1474
https://www.instagram.com/TLTravis1
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tl-tr...
https://www.queeromanceink.com/?s=TL+...
https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/t...
https://www.tiktok.com/@tltravisauthor
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMT...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 5, 2022
Audiobook- 3 stars
Story - 1.5 stars
Story - 1.5 stars
August 13, 2018
Unfortunately me and this book didn't hit it off.
For the vast majority of it, I was waiting for something to happen and it felt like I was reading a behind the scenes band expose, not a romance at all.
The vast majority of the book has the lead character with someone else and there's not much happens on page even with that relationship apart from a couple of reasonably steamy scenes.
There's an awful lot of behind the scenes band touring stuff, which is fine if you're wanting to read a music focused story, but I was expecting more romance.
The characters themselves are good though, sympathetically drawn and I was interested in their interactions as friends and band mates.
Overall though, the lack of romance disappointed me and having read the blurb for the next book in the series, I'm wondering if things are going to improve any.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
For the vast majority of it, I was waiting for something to happen and it felt like I was reading a behind the scenes band expose, not a romance at all.
The vast majority of the book has the lead character with someone else and there's not much happens on page even with that relationship apart from a couple of reasonably steamy scenes.
There's an awful lot of behind the scenes band touring stuff, which is fine if you're wanting to read a music focused story, but I was expecting more romance.
The characters themselves are good though, sympathetically drawn and I was interested in their interactions as friends and band mates.
Overall though, the lack of romance disappointed me and having read the blurb for the next book in the series, I'm wondering if things are going to improve any.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Read
May 24, 2018DNF @ 29%
super boring & filled with excessive amounts of irrelevant details (don't care what kind of sandwiches they're eating or what chores he did or what his Halloween costume was when he was a kid)
super boring & filled with excessive amounts of irrelevant details (don't care what kind of sandwiches they're eating or what chores he did or what his Halloween costume was when he was a kid)
probably-not-but-freebie
March 20, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Social-Sinne...
August 8, 2018
*´¨✫)4.5stars
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•"I'd found my forever when I was five years old and only just realised it."
OMFG, how did I not get caught up in the Social Sinners wave, or not even KNOW about this author, who wrote such a nostalgic and moving piece, I felt caught up in the moment? This book was all about friendship, character building, and making the band. I loved how the readers were drawn in from the beginning, getting a feel of what was to come. At no time did I feel a disconnect and I kept wanting more, more.
"Brothers. Till. The. End."
The author built the scenario and the world, introducing us to who Social Sinners were and how they came to be. From the start, I knew this was a series, and was able to not think about how this book would end. Told from lead singer Joey's point of view, readers were able to capture his emotions and feelings. For me, if someone had said to him one more time, "Why can't you see what's in front of you?" I was going to personally find a way into this fiction and knock some sense into the clueless Joey. OMG, he did not deserve the climatic scene, but thank heavens it came the way it did. And his a-Ha moment, priceless.
I don't even have to say I can't wait for the next book in this series!", Stoli's point of view, because it is already opened up on my Kindle. See you on the other side. Yay!!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•"I'd found my forever when I was five years old and only just realised it."
OMFG, how did I not get caught up in the Social Sinners wave, or not even KNOW about this author, who wrote such a nostalgic and moving piece, I felt caught up in the moment? This book was all about friendship, character building, and making the band. I loved how the readers were drawn in from the beginning, getting a feel of what was to come. At no time did I feel a disconnect and I kept wanting more, more.
"Brothers. Till. The. End."
The author built the scenario and the world, introducing us to who Social Sinners were and how they came to be. From the start, I knew this was a series, and was able to not think about how this book would end. Told from lead singer Joey's point of view, readers were able to capture his emotions and feelings. For me, if someone had said to him one more time, "Why can't you see what's in front of you?" I was going to personally find a way into this fiction and knock some sense into the clueless Joey. OMG, he did not deserve the climatic scene, but thank heavens it came the way it did. And his a-Ha moment, priceless.
I don't even have to say I can't wait for the next book in this series!", Stoli's point of view, because it is already opened up on my Kindle. See you on the other side. Yay!!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
June 5, 2018
3.75 Stars
This was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as a gay romance. It was more like watching an episode of Behind The Music featuring the band, Social Sinners. We follow Joey, whose POV the story is told from, through events of his childhood, from his mother abandoning him and his father, his friendship with his best friend, Ricky/Stoli, to their meeting Mickey and Diamond, their future bandmates. We take this journey with Joey as he comes out to Stoli, who also happens to be gay, and his father, to them forming their band and, of course, we see Joey’s relationship with his boyfriend throughout most of the story, Lucas, who I despised!
The first half of the story was slow and I found it hard to hold my attention at times, once the band starts touring, the story moved along better and was much more interesting. While the story is well-written for the most part, some of it was really overly-detailed. I don’t need to know what’s on Joey’s sandwich or what Halloween costume he’s wearing. It was all a bit too much at times.
What I really loved, was watching these four young men form this literal band of brothers. They were a tight-knit bunch, along with their respective family members, and although not related by blood, they are what real families are made of. They stick together and support each other through the ups and downs.
Even though I enjoyed the story, I wanted more romance. Honestly, I felt a bit cheated that it took so long for Joey to open his eyes and find who he was truly meant to be with, something everyone could see but him. I wanted to see and get to know and enjoy them as a couple and I’m sad I didn’t get that chance, but this is only book one in the series, so I’m really hoping to see more of them in the future. While not my favorite story, it was enjoyable and recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as a gay romance. It was more like watching an episode of Behind The Music featuring the band, Social Sinners. We follow Joey, whose POV the story is told from, through events of his childhood, from his mother abandoning him and his father, his friendship with his best friend, Ricky/Stoli, to their meeting Mickey and Diamond, their future bandmates. We take this journey with Joey as he comes out to Stoli, who also happens to be gay, and his father, to them forming their band and, of course, we see Joey’s relationship with his boyfriend throughout most of the story, Lucas, who I despised!
The first half of the story was slow and I found it hard to hold my attention at times, once the band starts touring, the story moved along better and was much more interesting. While the story is well-written for the most part, some of it was really overly-detailed. I don’t need to know what’s on Joey’s sandwich or what Halloween costume he’s wearing. It was all a bit too much at times.
What I really loved, was watching these four young men form this literal band of brothers. They were a tight-knit bunch, along with their respective family members, and although not related by blood, they are what real families are made of. They stick together and support each other through the ups and downs.
Even though I enjoyed the story, I wanted more romance. Honestly, I felt a bit cheated that it took so long for Joey to open his eyes and find who he was truly meant to be with, something everyone could see but him. I wanted to see and get to know and enjoy them as a couple and I’m sad I didn’t get that chance, but this is only book one in the series, so I’m really hoping to see more of them in the future. While not my favorite story, it was enjoyable and recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 29, 2025
Joey es un joven normal, viviendo una vida normal llena de altos y bajos. Ricky su mejor amigo y vecino siempre ha estado ahí para él, desde que eran niños pequeños. Pero durante años ambos solo tenían un sueño, convertirse en una de las mejores bandas de rock del mundo. Así conocieron a Micky y "Diamond", y formaron su banda. Gracias a su familia pudieron seguir su sueño, y poco a poco enfrentarse al "mundo real" de la música. Sin embargo, Joey tenía un problema, ponía a su novio siempre por encima de sus "hermanos", y eso poco a poco comenzó a traer problemas entre ellos. Será Joey capaz de darse cuenta de lo que tiene en frente? Podrá realmente entender porque todos sus amigos y familia desprecian tanto a su "novio"?
Es un libro extremadamente detallado, lento, con nada de nada de drama (hasta casi el final), no hay ningún tipo de misterio, ni de problema, ni siquiera un diálogo "grosero" en todo el libro. Se siente como un primer libro, cuando no se sabe como manejar el drama y como hacer que tus personajes se vean bien a pesar de eso. Sin embargo, es el primer libro de la serie, y según entendí es la introducción al mundo, o sea que tal vez los próximos sean un poco mas entretenidos.
En fin, me gusto la banda, la forma como las familias se unen y como los amigos están ahí para todos, así que voy a seguir con la serie, esperando que los siguientes libros sean un poco mas interesantes.
Es un libro extremadamente detallado, lento, con nada de nada de drama (hasta casi el final), no hay ningún tipo de misterio, ni de problema, ni siquiera un diálogo "grosero" en todo el libro. Se siente como un primer libro, cuando no se sabe como manejar el drama y como hacer que tus personajes se vean bien a pesar de eso. Sin embargo, es el primer libro de la serie, y según entendí es la introducción al mundo, o sea que tal vez los próximos sean un poco mas entretenidos.
En fin, me gusto la banda, la forma como las familias se unen y como los amigos están ahí para todos, así que voy a seguir con la serie, esperando que los siguientes libros sean un poco mas interesantes.
June 8, 2018
Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a bit teary reading an MM novel. But the emotional roller coaster that is Social Sinners, got to me.
Did I enjoy it? That would be a shout out loud, YES!!!
Not usually one to pick up a MM storyline, this story of four friends, who just happen to be the next up and coming Seattle band, had me absolutely spellbound from the very beginning.
And while I’m not going to spoil the storyline for anyone, I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series. It may even teach you a few things........
Family isn’t always blood, it’s who has been there for you, through all the ups and downs, and who will continue to be there for you and with you.
And sometimes, the answer you so long for, has been right in front of you!!
I cannot wait to devour the rest of this stellar series
Did I enjoy it? That would be a shout out loud, YES!!!
Not usually one to pick up a MM storyline, this story of four friends, who just happen to be the next up and coming Seattle band, had me absolutely spellbound from the very beginning.
And while I’m not going to spoil the storyline for anyone, I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series. It may even teach you a few things........
Family isn’t always blood, it’s who has been there for you, through all the ups and downs, and who will continue to be there for you and with you.
And sometimes, the answer you so long for, has been right in front of you!!
I cannot wait to devour the rest of this stellar series
September 10, 2018
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/06/11/revi...
Behind the Lights is the first book in the Social Sinners series by TL Travis. I liked Behind the Lights. The series is going to have five books in it, but the author has stated that the first book is the only stand-alone book. I just wish that the author gave us a hint as to who the second book is going to be about. I wanted to know if the next book In the Shadows continues with the relationship that develops in the first book since the relationship doesn’t develop until the end of the book.
I liked how the story is told through Joey Hayes POV only. I did miss being inside of Ricky “Stoli” Branson’s head, but the author did a great job of showing through his actions and dialog how he was feeling, and so I don’t feel like I missed a lot of what he was feeling. Just the normal angst over having a crush on your childhood best friend and now bandmate.
I also liked how the story starts out at the end and then goes back to the beginning so that we can see how Joey and Ricky became friends and how they came out and how Joey was like an adopted son at Ricky’s house after Joey’s mom left when he was a little kid.
I liked how attending their first concert as teens set them on the path to becoming musicians and that shortly after the concert, the pair joined band class where they meet Ethan and Mick and the foursome formed the metal band, Social Sinners.
I also like the chemistry in the begging between Joey and Lucas Holt and how that lead to Joey coming out at home and to his best friend, who he found out had come out to his mom the month before but hadn’t told him yet. And like with high school love, Joey couldn’t see any of Lucas’ faults that the other people in his life could see.
I liked that Joey was oblivious to his best friend’s crush on him, even after the song that Ricky wrote about moving on. He was just a little bit clueless, but he was a loveable clueless. I’m glad that Lucas got what he deserved and that Joey was able to pull himself out of his funk before he ruined his life and that he got the man that he’d fallen in love with at the age of five but didn’t realize it until it was almost too late.
This was a great story about the journey of friendship, family dramas, coming-of-age firsts, and the rise to fame in an industry that can leave musicians tattered and torn. If you like books about heavy metal music and coming of age stories than this book is for you.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Behind the Lights is the first book in the Social Sinners series by TL Travis. I liked Behind the Lights. The series is going to have five books in it, but the author has stated that the first book is the only stand-alone book. I just wish that the author gave us a hint as to who the second book is going to be about. I wanted to know if the next book In the Shadows continues with the relationship that develops in the first book since the relationship doesn’t develop until the end of the book.
I liked how the story is told through Joey Hayes POV only. I did miss being inside of Ricky “Stoli” Branson’s head, but the author did a great job of showing through his actions and dialog how he was feeling, and so I don’t feel like I missed a lot of what he was feeling. Just the normal angst over having a crush on your childhood best friend and now bandmate.
I also liked how the story starts out at the end and then goes back to the beginning so that we can see how Joey and Ricky became friends and how they came out and how Joey was like an adopted son at Ricky’s house after Joey’s mom left when he was a little kid.
I liked how attending their first concert as teens set them on the path to becoming musicians and that shortly after the concert, the pair joined band class where they meet Ethan and Mick and the foursome formed the metal band, Social Sinners.
I also like the chemistry in the begging between Joey and Lucas Holt and how that lead to Joey coming out at home and to his best friend, who he found out had come out to his mom the month before but hadn’t told him yet. And like with high school love, Joey couldn’t see any of Lucas’ faults that the other people in his life could see.
I liked that Joey was oblivious to his best friend’s crush on him, even after the song that Ricky wrote about moving on. He was just a little bit clueless, but he was a loveable clueless. I’m glad that Lucas got what he deserved and that Joey was able to pull himself out of his funk before he ruined his life and that he got the man that he’d fallen in love with at the age of five but didn’t realize it until it was almost too late.
This was a great story about the journey of friendship, family dramas, coming-of-age firsts, and the rise to fame in an industry that can leave musicians tattered and torn. If you like books about heavy metal music and coming of age stories than this book is for you.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
August 17, 2018
I found this a great story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Still, I have some trouble writing this review. I think it has everything to do with my expectations. I was expecting a romance story of two men, and although, in a sense, it was just that, it was very light on the romance. It is more a story about life. A story about friendship and love, about loss and betrayal, about growing up.
The story follows the lives of Joey and Stoli (Ricky). Best friends from the age of five, they never knew a life without the other in it. They went to school together, made music together, and dreamed together of being rock stars. Together with their friends, Diamond and Mickey, they make their dreams come true, and they start a band, called Social Sinners.
The boys are captured really well. We see them growing up, each in their own way. The story is told from Joey’s POV, so we see the world around him through his eyes and feel the emotions he is going through. And they are heavy at times. Dealing with loss and betrayal of a loved one is hard and painful. But he is a fighter, and with the help of his friends, he grows stronger than ever.
So even as I said there is not much romance in the story, there certainly is love. Love between parents and children, love between friends, and yes, also love between best friends who become so much more. Strong, supportive, and forgiving love that last through the years.
This is the first book in the series, and I am looking forward to the next one.
The story follows the lives of Joey and Stoli (Ricky). Best friends from the age of five, they never knew a life without the other in it. They went to school together, made music together, and dreamed together of being rock stars. Together with their friends, Diamond and Mickey, they make their dreams come true, and they start a band, called Social Sinners.
The boys are captured really well. We see them growing up, each in their own way. The story is told from Joey’s POV, so we see the world around him through his eyes and feel the emotions he is going through. And they are heavy at times. Dealing with loss and betrayal of a loved one is hard and painful. But he is a fighter, and with the help of his friends, he grows stronger than ever.
So even as I said there is not much romance in the story, there certainly is love. Love between parents and children, love between friends, and yes, also love between best friends who become so much more. Strong, supportive, and forgiving love that last through the years.
This is the first book in the series, and I am looking forward to the next one.
July 2, 2018
3,5 heart review by Kat
Being the fan of Gay Rock Star romance series that I am I just had to grab this one.
Joey and Ricky have literally been best friends since they left the womb. Their parents had each been high school sweethearts and best friends forever. They even lived next door to each other. When Joey’s mom walks out on him and his dad, Ricky’s mom steps in. When they are in high school, being the rock fans that they are, they start a garage band. When both boys admit that they are gay, along with one of their other band mates, all goes well…until Joey gets a boy friend. With the help of Brett, Ricky’s (Stoli) Mom’s new boyfriend and Lucas, Joey’s boyfriend, the band gets the chance at their dreams. But how will months on tour together fare for the young band?
I am going to warn you, this book has a lot of angst and moves pretty slowly. I know that it is all to set up the rest of the books in the series and that the author warns that this is the only book in the series that can be read as a standalone. However, I am hoping the next book moves a but faster. I literally waited with bated breath to see if Joey would ever open his eyes and see what was right in front of him…literally! I can’t believe that anyone could be that blind! I mean really, did you even pay attention to the words of one of your most popular songs? He really annoyed me. And when things finally came to a head (pun intended) between Lucas and him, the events that happened really didn’t work for me.
As I stated, I am hoping that, now that we have all the framework in place, we can get to the meat and potatoes part of these men’s stories. I am excited to see where Joey and Stoli’s storyline goes, along with their band mates, and what happens to this rising rock band stardom, now that they have hit the big times, and how that will affect them all.
Good but slow beginning to this series and I am eagerly awaiting what is to come.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Being the fan of Gay Rock Star romance series that I am I just had to grab this one.
Joey and Ricky have literally been best friends since they left the womb. Their parents had each been high school sweethearts and best friends forever. They even lived next door to each other. When Joey’s mom walks out on him and his dad, Ricky’s mom steps in. When they are in high school, being the rock fans that they are, they start a garage band. When both boys admit that they are gay, along with one of their other band mates, all goes well…until Joey gets a boy friend. With the help of Brett, Ricky’s (Stoli) Mom’s new boyfriend and Lucas, Joey’s boyfriend, the band gets the chance at their dreams. But how will months on tour together fare for the young band?
I am going to warn you, this book has a lot of angst and moves pretty slowly. I know that it is all to set up the rest of the books in the series and that the author warns that this is the only book in the series that can be read as a standalone. However, I am hoping the next book moves a but faster. I literally waited with bated breath to see if Joey would ever open his eyes and see what was right in front of him…literally! I can’t believe that anyone could be that blind! I mean really, did you even pay attention to the words of one of your most popular songs? He really annoyed me. And when things finally came to a head (pun intended) between Lucas and him, the events that happened really didn’t work for me.
As I stated, I am hoping that, now that we have all the framework in place, we can get to the meat and potatoes part of these men’s stories. I am excited to see where Joey and Stoli’s storyline goes, along with their band mates, and what happens to this rising rock band stardom, now that they have hit the big times, and how that will affect them all.
Good but slow beginning to this series and I am eagerly awaiting what is to come.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 20, 2018
***Copy provided by author is exchange for honest review.***
I'm excited for this series, each book from the POV of a different member of a metal band formed in high school. Behind the Lights is lead singer Joey's story.
First off, this story is not heavy on the romance at all. It's basically Joey's life from a small child to the band's headlining tour. And as we all know, life isn't just roses and kisses and hot sexy times. (One can find two of those things in this book, and roses isn't one of them.) The reader learns of Joey's home life and his growth as a sensitive, rambunctious child with a rough home life to a teen discovering his sexuality to a rockstar.
I loved reading about Social Sinner's beginnings and rise to a big touring band. The reader gets a look at the music industry through the eyes of Joey as he recounts Social Sinners' start as a small town band playing local gigs and evolution to a nationally known band with a manager and recording contract.
I really enjoyed getting to know Joey and his friends through Joey's eyes. His feelings and reactions (especially to bigger bands and rockstars on their first tour) feel genuine and are endearing. I felt like I got to know him really well. He is very much a likable character.
As I mentioned, there isn't much romance in this story as it is more of a tale of growing up and life. It's refreshing to read a story that isn't only focused on building romantic relationships, and instead is about friendship and life's highs and lows.
What I am calling the prologue (titled "June 9, 2018" in my copy) and epilogue were a bit repetitive. They do take place at the same time, so I guess that's inevitable, but I did find at least one line repeated word for word in both.
I look forward to reading the next releases in this series.
I'm excited for this series, each book from the POV of a different member of a metal band formed in high school. Behind the Lights is lead singer Joey's story.
First off, this story is not heavy on the romance at all. It's basically Joey's life from a small child to the band's headlining tour. And as we all know, life isn't just roses and kisses and hot sexy times. (One can find two of those things in this book, and roses isn't one of them.) The reader learns of Joey's home life and his growth as a sensitive, rambunctious child with a rough home life to a teen discovering his sexuality to a rockstar.
I loved reading about Social Sinner's beginnings and rise to a big touring band. The reader gets a look at the music industry through the eyes of Joey as he recounts Social Sinners' start as a small town band playing local gigs and evolution to a nationally known band with a manager and recording contract.
I really enjoyed getting to know Joey and his friends through Joey's eyes. His feelings and reactions (especially to bigger bands and rockstars on their first tour) feel genuine and are endearing. I felt like I got to know him really well. He is very much a likable character.
As I mentioned, there isn't much romance in this story as it is more of a tale of growing up and life. It's refreshing to read a story that isn't only focused on building romantic relationships, and instead is about friendship and life's highs and lows.
What I am calling the prologue (titled "June 9, 2018" in my copy) and epilogue were a bit repetitive. They do take place at the same time, so I guess that's inevitable, but I did find at least one line repeated word for word in both.
I look forward to reading the next releases in this series.
May 27, 2018
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book totally blew me away, I absolutely loved it. The characters are amazing and felt so real, like you could be right there with them. I was pulled in from the beginning and had a hard time putting the book down. It is very well written and you will feel all the emotions in this one from laughing to crying. I definitely recommend this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
This book totally blew me away, I absolutely loved it. The characters are amazing and felt so real, like you could be right there with them. I was pulled in from the beginning and had a hard time putting the book down. It is very well written and you will feel all the emotions in this one from laughing to crying. I definitely recommend this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
May 14, 2018
This will blow you away. There is so much I love about this. The characters are complex and realistic. Made it seem like you could of known them in high school. From the minute I dove in I was hooked. I especially loved the timeline of events and how much it told about the boys and the men they would become. They had me laughing, crying, and a few times, made me want to shake some sense into one of them. Another guy I wanted to seriously smack hard. Yes I even yelled at him. At the end I was swimming in happy tears. Oh and the songs written in here are were perfect. . You could feel the emotions in every line.
TL Travis is a favorite of mine and this book is a perfect example of why. Consistently I get a story that pulls my emotions with characters I get attached to. I look forward to getting to know all these guys as we get more books in this series. Truly an amazing start to what looks like one heck of a series. For now I’ll be rocking, reading, and waiting. With some serious author stalking thrown in. See you there.😊
TL Travis is a favorite of mine and this book is a perfect example of why. Consistently I get a story that pulls my emotions with characters I get attached to. I look forward to getting to know all these guys as we get more books in this series. Truly an amazing start to what looks like one heck of a series. For now I’ll be rocking, reading, and waiting. With some serious author stalking thrown in. See you there.😊
May 22, 2018
T.L. Travis has one it again!!! She has delved into the male mind, behaviors and desires through the story of 4 men who come together to form a garage band. The rapport and interactions between these characters is quick-witted, beautiful and heart-touching. T.L. Travis has a knack for character development and you can see that throughout Social Sinners as her characters jump off the page and enter your heart. Her descriptions are painted on the page and in your imagination with such care and delicacy you feel that they are a part of your life.
June 24, 2018
OK the hot cover is why I bought the book even though what was between the pages was not what I expected originally I did enjoy this in depth story of 2 boys growing up together, their family dynamic and ultimately realizing their dream of starting a band. Ricky a/k/a "Stoli" and Joey tackle childhood and adolescence together, going to their first concert, getting guitar lessons, meeting up with Diamond & Mickey in H.S.,Social Sinners is born. This is a five book series so this one is all about the background story, with Joey experiencing his first heartbreak - and the lesson that sometimes what you want most is right in front of you.
June 21, 2018
This is my first book by this author and it wont be my last. Behind the Lights is the first book in the new series Social Sinners. It had me hooked from the start and I didn't want to put it down.
The book is written in the POV of Joseph “Joey”, Lead singer of the band Social Sinners. The story is told through events of his childhood, from his mother abandoning him and his father, his friendship with his best friend, Ricky “Stoli”, to their meeting Mick “Mickey” and Ethan “Diamond”, their future bandmates.
Looking forward to more of their journey!
The book is written in the POV of Joseph “Joey”, Lead singer of the band Social Sinners. The story is told through events of his childhood, from his mother abandoning him and his father, his friendship with his best friend, Ricky “Stoli”, to their meeting Mick “Mickey” and Ethan “Diamond”, their future bandmates.
Looking forward to more of their journey!
September 19, 2019
The Blogger Girls
I knew going in this was a multi-book series, and with a series where the key players are in every book, the timeline takes, well, time to play out, but I still did not expect it to take so long for Joey to realize that Stoli was his happy ever after. The childhood love and friendship between these two grew into one of the strongest loves I’d ever read about; and they end up solid and totally in love.
Unfortunately for Stoli, and the rest of their bandmates, it takes Joey freaking YEARS to see what everyone else saw…and I do mean everyone. This is a story about family, friendship, and a garage band that starts to skyrocket into fame and celebrity, and all the baggage that comes with it.
Joey and Stoli were connected at the hip since childhood and that connection is made crystal clear in the details that lay out their history in this first book.
As much as I don’t want to discuss Joey’s boyfriend, Lucas, he does play an integral role. Lucas was a high maintenance user and a loser. He was a dick, no ifs ands or buts about it. How Joey allowed him to come between him, his band, and his bestie, Stoli, is a mystery, but we all have that one lapse in judgment that we regret, and Lucas was easily that for Joey.
Although Lucas is the boyfriend to Joey in most of this book, Stoli and Joey have their special times and moments, too. And, we get the next book that is all Joey and Stoli, otherwise this would a much lower rating.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
I knew going in this was a multi-book series, and with a series where the key players are in every book, the timeline takes, well, time to play out, but I still did not expect it to take so long for Joey to realize that Stoli was his happy ever after. The childhood love and friendship between these two grew into one of the strongest loves I’d ever read about; and they end up solid and totally in love.
Unfortunately for Stoli, and the rest of their bandmates, it takes Joey freaking YEARS to see what everyone else saw…and I do mean everyone. This is a story about family, friendship, and a garage band that starts to skyrocket into fame and celebrity, and all the baggage that comes with it.
Joey and Stoli were connected at the hip since childhood and that connection is made crystal clear in the details that lay out their history in this first book.
As much as I don’t want to discuss Joey’s boyfriend, Lucas, he does play an integral role. Lucas was a high maintenance user and a loser. He was a dick, no ifs ands or buts about it. How Joey allowed him to come between him, his band, and his bestie, Stoli, is a mystery, but we all have that one lapse in judgment that we regret, and Lucas was easily that for Joey.
Although Lucas is the boyfriend to Joey in most of this book, Stoli and Joey have their special times and moments, too. And, we get the next book that is all Joey and Stoli, otherwise this would a much lower rating.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
March 30, 2020
Behind the Lights is the first book in what, I believe, is going to be a five book series. The majority of the book is told in retrospect with Joey as its narrator, who I really liked but was really annoyed with (more on that later). In the beginning we learn about Joey and Ricky’s childhoods, their beautiful friendship, their mutual love for music and finally the concert they attend together that begins their journey as future musicians. Later, we meet Diamond and Mickey, their bandmates who they meet in high school. I loved the development of the characters with the exception of Mickey who I know very little about but I’m hopeful we’ll get to know him in later books.
As the book goes on we get to see their beginning as a band to where they are now, which I absolutely loved reading about. There is some minor family drama too so we get to see their family members through the book.
One more thing I would’ve loved reading about was Joey and Ricky becoming lovers which eventually did happen, but in like the last page. All that was because how unnecessarily oblivious to everything Joey was through the majority of the book.
Alas, the only romance we got was Joey and Lucas and I felt zero chemistry between them.
Nonetheless, Ricky and Joey get together in the end so I assume their relationship will be further developed in the next book.
Although I came for the romance I stayed for the band. I’m looking forward to the next one to see where it goes, I love me some social sinners.
A thing or two I didn’t mention but liked:
-how Ricky got his nickname “Stoli”
-when they were choosing their band name...really entertaining
-how supportive their parents were, with one exception though
-the song Stoli wrote for Joey, it was heart-breaking
*Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
As the book goes on we get to see their beginning as a band to where they are now, which I absolutely loved reading about. There is some minor family drama too so we get to see their family members through the book.
One more thing I would’ve loved reading about was Joey and Ricky becoming lovers which eventually did happen, but in like the last page. All that was because how unnecessarily oblivious to everything Joey was through the majority of the book.
Alas, the only romance we got was Joey and Lucas and I felt zero chemistry between them.
Nonetheless, Ricky and Joey get together in the end so I assume their relationship will be further developed in the next book.
Although I came for the romance I stayed for the band. I’m looking forward to the next one to see where it goes, I love me some social sinners.
A thing or two I didn’t mention but liked:
-how Ricky got his nickname “Stoli”
-when they were choosing their band name...really entertaining
-how supportive their parents were, with one exception though
-the song Stoli wrote for Joey, it was heart-breaking
*Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
June 11, 2018
Rating: 3.75/5
While some people hate most tropes, I'm a sucker for quite a few. One of them is the friends to lovers trope, which I could read about all day long, and this book sounded like it was right up that ally in terms of it harboring this potential. Thus, I was extremely excited when the author reached out, especially because M/M romance is one of my favorite genres. (Plus, I LOVE this cover.)
The first thing you should know about this book is that a significant portion of it is seeing Joey and Ricky "Stoli" grow up from childhood to adulthood. I wasn't expecting this mostly due to the blurb, but I'm in no way complaining. I loved seeing how their dynamic was formed, what they meant to each other, and everything they went through - both the good and the bad - that made them who they were as individuals, band members, best friends, etc. Without their backstories, it would have been extremely difficult to connect with them on an emotional level and understand where they were coming from. Additionally, I realize that some people did not especially enjoy the author's descriptions throughout the childhood portion, particularly seeing them as boring and unnecessary (which I respect and understand), but personally I found them to be significant to the story (whether it was because it highlighted a bonding moment or something that grounded the characters that would eventually remind them of home) - the author wrote with deliberate purpose, which I'm a fan of.
The dynamic of the members in the band Social Sinners was definitely one of my favorite parts of the novel. I've gotten the pleasure of reading short stories from Travis but nothing of this length, which allowed for her to develop her characters and truly allow the audience to understand the deep connection the four men (Joey, Stoli, Micky, and Diamond) have been able to form by the end of the first installment to this series, and how they react to trials and tribulations. Their brotherly camaraderie was inspiring as they built a family that wasn't blood related, placing an importance on how "Family didn't need blood to form a bond, it only needs to have a heart." I don't think I've ever found an author who summed up one of my beliefs so perfectly! The love this group had for each other was a true treat to read and one I won't soon forget. The father-son and mother-son dynamics were wonderful as well! There's something so intriguing to me about family relations that gets me every single time, and these ones were so endearing and heartfelt that I have to give Travis props.
I also thoroughly enjoyed what music meant to the characters and the passion they possessed for it. While I don't necessarily often listen to the genre of music this book focuses on, I can certainly appreciate the power of music, the creativity it allows for, and the way it can bring people together. However, the music and band's formation and camaraderie seemed to be slightly more focused on compared to the romance portion of the novel (especially in the case of Joey figuring out where his heart was at), which I was not anticipating. However, this was another aspect that I didn't mind - the plot was intriguing enough for me to wait and find out what would happen in the love department. The characters kept me going, and the band's journey made me invested regardless of the level of romance.
The only thing I was slightly confused with was why Joey was in a relationship with Lucas. The instant physical attraction was understandable and undoubtedly a factor. Plus, as a reader I could wholeheartedly sense that Joey was invested in Lucas as a person, but there was no distinct reason as to why this was in terms of personality or compatibility. They simply were a thing, but there was little in terms of how the emotional depth Joey invested in Lucas came about. Perhaps it was because Joey was comfortable with the dynamic, but it was difficult for me to comprehend why he was so into his boyfriend, and it would have been interesting to see how Joey got to this point. (However, I was on team Throw Lucas to the Curb!)
In terms of the ending, I LOVED it. The way it came full circle with the opening chapter, and eventually Joey's realization allowed me to breath again. I had anxiety throughout this whole book waiting for that final moment! And I was not disappointed!!! (Joey could have been a bit quicker at picking up the hints someone was putting down, but I'm sure Travis was trying to show how their love was getting established before continuing on with the series. Plus, some people are sometimes slow at picking up on vibes. PSA: This fact is not a myth.) All I can say is that I hope there's a lot more of Joey and his significant other in the books to come because I want more of them!!!
Please note that Knightingale Reviews was given a free copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. However, my thoughts and opinions are completely my own and were in no way influenced. Also, I would like to give a special thank you to T.L. Travis for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
You can see reviews like this and more at:
While some people hate most tropes, I'm a sucker for quite a few. One of them is the friends to lovers trope, which I could read about all day long, and this book sounded like it was right up that ally in terms of it harboring this potential. Thus, I was extremely excited when the author reached out, especially because M/M romance is one of my favorite genres. (Plus, I LOVE this cover.)
The first thing you should know about this book is that a significant portion of it is seeing Joey and Ricky "Stoli" grow up from childhood to adulthood. I wasn't expecting this mostly due to the blurb, but I'm in no way complaining. I loved seeing how their dynamic was formed, what they meant to each other, and everything they went through - both the good and the bad - that made them who they were as individuals, band members, best friends, etc. Without their backstories, it would have been extremely difficult to connect with them on an emotional level and understand where they were coming from. Additionally, I realize that some people did not especially enjoy the author's descriptions throughout the childhood portion, particularly seeing them as boring and unnecessary (which I respect and understand), but personally I found them to be significant to the story (whether it was because it highlighted a bonding moment or something that grounded the characters that would eventually remind them of home) - the author wrote with deliberate purpose, which I'm a fan of.
The dynamic of the members in the band Social Sinners was definitely one of my favorite parts of the novel. I've gotten the pleasure of reading short stories from Travis but nothing of this length, which allowed for her to develop her characters and truly allow the audience to understand the deep connection the four men (Joey, Stoli, Micky, and Diamond) have been able to form by the end of the first installment to this series, and how they react to trials and tribulations. Their brotherly camaraderie was inspiring as they built a family that wasn't blood related, placing an importance on how "Family didn't need blood to form a bond, it only needs to have a heart." I don't think I've ever found an author who summed up one of my beliefs so perfectly! The love this group had for each other was a true treat to read and one I won't soon forget. The father-son and mother-son dynamics were wonderful as well! There's something so intriguing to me about family relations that gets me every single time, and these ones were so endearing and heartfelt that I have to give Travis props.
I also thoroughly enjoyed what music meant to the characters and the passion they possessed for it. While I don't necessarily often listen to the genre of music this book focuses on, I can certainly appreciate the power of music, the creativity it allows for, and the way it can bring people together. However, the music and band's formation and camaraderie seemed to be slightly more focused on compared to the romance portion of the novel (especially in the case of Joey figuring out where his heart was at), which I was not anticipating. However, this was another aspect that I didn't mind - the plot was intriguing enough for me to wait and find out what would happen in the love department. The characters kept me going, and the band's journey made me invested regardless of the level of romance.
The only thing I was slightly confused with was why Joey was in a relationship with Lucas. The instant physical attraction was understandable and undoubtedly a factor. Plus, as a reader I could wholeheartedly sense that Joey was invested in Lucas as a person, but there was no distinct reason as to why this was in terms of personality or compatibility. They simply were a thing, but there was little in terms of how the emotional depth Joey invested in Lucas came about. Perhaps it was because Joey was comfortable with the dynamic, but it was difficult for me to comprehend why he was so into his boyfriend, and it would have been interesting to see how Joey got to this point. (However, I was on team Throw Lucas to the Curb!)
In terms of the ending, I LOVED it. The way it came full circle with the opening chapter, and eventually Joey's realization allowed me to breath again. I had anxiety throughout this whole book waiting for that final moment! And I was not disappointed!!! (Joey could have been a bit quicker at picking up the hints someone was putting down, but I'm sure Travis was trying to show how their love was getting established before continuing on with the series. Plus, some people are sometimes slow at picking up on vibes. PSA: This fact is not a myth.) All I can say is that I hope there's a lot more of Joey and his significant other in the books to come because I want more of them!!!
Please note that Knightingale Reviews was given a free copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. However, my thoughts and opinions are completely my own and were in no way influenced. Also, I would like to give a special thank you to T.L. Travis for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
You can see reviews like this and more at:
June 17, 2018
This is the first time i have read anything by this author. Stoli and joey are best friends from the day dot, as they start to get older they realise what they want to do,they form a band when they are in high school, they meet Mickey and Diamond and all get on great. Now the thing is Stoli and Joey are both gay but at the time dont no it about each other, when they find out they take it on the chin. People say that love is blind, even when its right in front of you, they both go off, have flings and relationships, this has some really heart felt moments, where u feel for them. As a band they start to make it but will they stay at the top of there game......all in all its a nice love story of to boys
June 14, 2021
Well, I’m hooked!
Loved everything about this book, it’s sort of a “laying out the cards” for the next ones, I suppose. We are introduced to the band members, their dynamics and the focus is especially on Joey, the lead singer, and Stoli, his best friend since birth.
Now, Joey can really be totally blind to what’s right in front of him and I may have grunted in frustration at him a time or twelve while listening to the book, but he is all heart, as is Stoli, and in the end they sort things out in a HFN that got me one-clicking to the next audiobook in the series faster than a race car!
Loved everything about this book, it’s sort of a “laying out the cards” for the next ones, I suppose. We are introduced to the band members, their dynamics and the focus is especially on Joey, the lead singer, and Stoli, his best friend since birth.
Now, Joey can really be totally blind to what’s right in front of him and I may have grunted in frustration at him a time or twelve while listening to the book, but he is all heart, as is Stoli, and in the end they sort things out in a HFN that got me one-clicking to the next audiobook in the series faster than a race car!
June 4, 2018
** This is a 4.5 star review **
I just want to put this out there - I love MM - I love rock - Put them together and it's the perfect combination for me. I started to read it and before I knew it I was at 68% because I was gobbling it up. I noticed another reviewer marked it DNF (and unfortunately it's that review that everyone reads first because there are five likes against it ... I automatically sympathise with the author in these cases!). That said I absolutely know where this reviewer is coming from. We did get to find out what his sandwiches contained (mustard and cheese - yack!!!) We did find out about his Halloween costume. There probably was too much exposition. In fact the book is all backstory. But you know what? That's okay by me. I know there are several more books in this series and now we know how Social Sinners got together. I'm guessing it's a prequel. It would have been a five star review but for a couple of things.
It's a love story but the true love story is only revealed in the last couple of pages. We all knew his boyfriend wasn't the one for him and he was the last to see it. That wasn't enough for me. I was sorry that I didn't get to enjoy that with them. Also it was annoying how Joey, the main character couldn't see what was right in front of him. And I'm not paraphrasing here because it's repeated several times in the book, and by different characters. He was supposed to be an intelligent guy but I guess matters of the heart aren't governed by intelligence. I wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him. The ending - when it came - was too abrupt. But that's because I wanted to see Joey get together with his true love interest.
Another thing is that I was jarred by the timeline. It seemed like no time at all had passed but suddenly they were twenty-seven. I might've missed the signposting. I probably did. But that surprised me.
I just want to put this out there - I love MM - I love rock - Put them together and it's the perfect combination for me. I started to read it and before I knew it I was at 68% because I was gobbling it up. I noticed another reviewer marked it DNF (and unfortunately it's that review that everyone reads first because there are five likes against it ... I automatically sympathise with the author in these cases!). That said I absolutely know where this reviewer is coming from. We did get to find out what his sandwiches contained (mustard and cheese - yack!!!) We did find out about his Halloween costume. There probably was too much exposition. In fact the book is all backstory. But you know what? That's okay by me. I know there are several more books in this series and now we know how Social Sinners got together. I'm guessing it's a prequel. It would have been a five star review but for a couple of things.
It's a love story but the true love story is only revealed in the last couple of pages. We all knew his boyfriend wasn't the one for him and he was the last to see it. That wasn't enough for me. I was sorry that I didn't get to enjoy that with them. Also it was annoying how Joey, the main character couldn't see what was right in front of him. And I'm not paraphrasing here because it's repeated several times in the book, and by different characters. He was supposed to be an intelligent guy but I guess matters of the heart aren't governed by intelligence. I wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him. The ending - when it came - was too abrupt. But that's because I wanted to see Joey get together with his true love interest.
Another thing is that I was jarred by the timeline. It seemed like no time at all had passed but suddenly they were twenty-seven. I might've missed the signposting. I probably did. But that surprised me.
January 6, 2019
The author has written a fantastic, poignant, engaging, bittersweet, intense, emotionally charged, grab-you-by-the-feels, powerful, heartfelt, and awesome story that lays the groundwork for an intriguing new series that I can't wait to see what happens next.
Want to Read
June 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/22/2019)! 🎁
Read
August 29, 2019DNF al 25 %
Terrorificamente boring.....
Terrorificamente boring.....
September 13, 2018
this was amazing.. it was realistic and raw.. it was entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat.. it was sexy and wonderful.. the emotions are real... the writing was superb also.. it was an emotional read at times also. i loved it and cannot wait to read the next
July 7, 2018
Loved Joey and Stoli. I wanted more of them, but the story was done.
June 5, 2018
The Social Sinners, Joseph “Joey” and Ricky “Stoli”, never remembering a time when they weren't friends. Mick “Mickey” and Ethan “Diamond” joining them in high school. Outcasts for various reasons, when they started their garage band their name choice became obvious to them.
I kind of fell in love with this book. It details mostly Joey and Stoli. Their growing up together, best friends, inseparable. When they met Mickey and Diamond the story branched out more. When Joey met Lucas the gulf between him and Stoli started. They never really got back to the closeness they had for so long. Lucas was basically a creep. Didn't care for him at all. It almost felt like he was thrown in just to ratchet up the drama.
There was a lot of everyday details. Fleshing out the characters and giving the reader a bit of everyone's personalities. I took this book as a staging point for the rest of the series as it ended kind of abruptly. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I kind of fell in love with this book. It details mostly Joey and Stoli. Their growing up together, best friends, inseparable. When they met Mickey and Diamond the story branched out more. When Joey met Lucas the gulf between him and Stoli started. They never really got back to the closeness they had for so long. Lucas was basically a creep. Didn't care for him at all. It almost felt like he was thrown in just to ratchet up the drama.
There was a lot of everyday details. Fleshing out the characters and giving the reader a bit of everyone's personalities. I took this book as a staging point for the rest of the series as it ended kind of abruptly. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
December 29, 2018
I finished this book in one night! It's now 02:00 am in the morning, I couldn't put it down. The father and son conversation really made me tear up. I love it when a father is brave enough to tell their children he loves them. The first part of the book goes into his childhood and his friendship with the boy next door, his best friend since birth, whose mother practically raised him. They grew up like brothers, always there for each other. I really liked the story, It's about friendship, love, coming out, teen problems, making it in the music world, ... I can't wait to read more about these men!
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