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Eli Warner has put his heart, soul, and six month’s rent into capturing the magic of four wildly acclaimed bands as they tour the country by vintage train. It’s a passion project made unexpectedly sweeter by provoking the surly tour manager who seems intent on derailing his film.
Guys like Eli are everything Mars Camden hates: smooth-talkers out to make a buck off someone else’s creativity. He knows; he’s seen it happen before, and he isn’t about to let the band he manages get taken for another ride.
Even more annoying than how much pleasure Eli takes in ruffling his feathers is Mars’s growing discovery that he might actually like it. And Eli.
Maybe a little.
Or a lot.
But damned if he’s going to be the one to break.
***
NOTE: This is a 21K SHORT STORY that was first available as part of a promotional giveaway. No new content has been added. It can be read as a fluffy standalone or as a part of the Rhythm of Love world, and could be considered book 1.5. The first book in the series is Dedicated.
Guys like Eli are everything Mars Camden hates: smooth-talkers out to make a buck off someone else’s creativity. He knows; he’s seen it happen before, and he isn’t about to let the band he manages get taken for another ride.
Even more annoying than how much pleasure Eli takes in ruffling his feathers is Mars’s growing discovery that he might actually like it. And Eli.
Maybe a little.
Or a lot.
But damned if he’s going to be the one to break.
***
NOTE: This is a 21K SHORT STORY that was first available as part of a promotional giveaway. No new content has been added. It can be read as a fluffy standalone or as a part of the Rhythm of Love world, and could be considered book 1.5. The first book in the series is Dedicated.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2019
53 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Neve Wilder
21 books2,013 followersNeve Wilder lives in the southern U.S., where the summers are hot and the winters are...sometimes cold. She is a mom to three rambunctious weebeasts who have joined forces in a mission to carpet the family home with toys and small items that really suck to step on at six in the morning.
She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.
Neve isn't keen on being limited to one type of story or a single genre. If you enjoy slow burns and musicians, the Rhythm of Love series might be up your alley.
You'll find high heat, crackling sexual tension, and a variety of angst levels in the new adult Extracurricular Activities series that begins with Want Me.
Like smart-ass antiheroes and super steamy thrill rides? Stay tuned for the upcoming Wages of Sin series, which begins with Bad Habits.
If you need a good cry, Center of Gravity is a standalone age-gap slow burn that examines grief, enduring love, and imperfect characters doing their best (or worst, as it were) in shitty situations.
Neve fervently believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she's always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.
And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.
She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.
Neve isn't keen on being limited to one type of story or a single genre. If you enjoy slow burns and musicians, the Rhythm of Love series might be up your alley.
You'll find high heat, crackling sexual tension, and a variety of angst levels in the new adult Extracurricular Activities series that begins with Want Me.
Like smart-ass antiheroes and super steamy thrill rides? Stay tuned for the upcoming Wages of Sin series, which begins with Bad Habits.
If you need a good cry, Center of Gravity is a standalone age-gap slow burn that examines grief, enduring love, and imperfect characters doing their best (or worst, as it were) in shitty situations.
Neve fervently believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she's always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.
And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 4, 2021
✨cute✨
February 16, 2019
~3.5~
This novella works fine as a standalone, even though the presumed MCs from book 1 play a significant role in the story.
Mars and Eli meet while touring with a modern folk band. Mars is the band manager, while Eli is working on a low-budget documentary about the tour.
Eli annoys Mars, but that's mostly because Mars is so attracted to (and intimidated by) him. The story has a light enemies-to-lovers feel. The idea of using conversion hearts to communicate and flirt was adorable.
Most of the sex was fade to black. The ending is a HFN. No I love yous on page, although they're implied in the epilogue.
I enjoyed the author's writing style.
This novella works fine as a standalone, even though the presumed MCs from book 1 play a significant role in the story.
Mars and Eli meet while touring with a modern folk band. Mars is the band manager, while Eli is working on a low-budget documentary about the tour.
Eli annoys Mars, but that's mostly because Mars is so attracted to (and intimidated by) him. The story has a light enemies-to-lovers feel. The idea of using conversion hearts to communicate and flirt was adorable.
Most of the sex was fade to black. The ending is a HFN. No I love yous on page, although they're implied in the epilogue.
I enjoyed the author's writing style.
July 25, 2020
This was originally a Prolific Works giveaway that I missed. It’s now on kindle unlimited. 😄
Short, sweet, and very cute. It’s the story of Mars (Les and Evan from book one’s band manager) and Eli, who is filming a documentary of the band on the road.
There’s not a lot to it and I didn’t find it as sexy as Neve’s other books. Maybe it was the length. Although I’ve read some other short ones by her that were oh so steamy. I think she really shines with longer stories and more time to tie her men up into knots of sexual tension.
However this was in no way bad. Neve is one of my go to, one click, don’t even need to read the blurb authors for me. I liked it and loved getting to catch up with Les and Evan again. I adore those two. 😍
Short, sweet, and very cute. It’s the story of Mars (Les and Evan from book one’s band manager) and Eli, who is filming a documentary of the band on the road.
There’s not a lot to it and I didn’t find it as sexy as Neve’s other books. Maybe it was the length. Although I’ve read some other short ones by her that were oh so steamy. I think she really shines with longer stories and more time to tie her men up into knots of sexual tension.
However this was in no way bad. Neve is one of my go to, one click, don’t even need to read the blurb authors for me. I liked it and loved getting to catch up with Les and Evan again. I adore those two. 😍
March 25, 2021
Enjoyable short read about Eli and Mars. I made the "mistake" of reading it as a standalone and, even though I liked it and could follow the plot, I think it works best as part of the series.
Eli and Mars, at the beginning of this story, don't seem to like each other very much. Though that could also be their attraction masked as dislike, because as soon as they take that first step, all bets are off and there's no looking back.
The epilogue was a nice way to end the novella. I liked seeing Eli and Mars a few months down the road, makiing it work and being happy together.
Eli and Mars, at the beginning of this story, don't seem to like each other very much. Though that could also be their attraction masked as dislike, because as soon as they take that first step, all bets are off and there's no looking back.
The epilogue was a nice way to end the novella. I liked seeing Eli and Mars a few months down the road, makiing it work and being happy together.
April 11, 2021
Not bad. Nice little novella. Cover does NOT represent the characters tho.
Read
February 19, 2019The combination of wit and smut in Neve Wilder's short stories always get to me.
This one was not as sexy as the other shorts in her repertoire, but I loved the banter between the MCs.
Les & Evan of course make an appearance if anyone is a fan.
This one was not as sexy as the other shorts in her repertoire, but I loved the banter between the MCs.
Les & Evan of course make an appearance if anyone is a fan.
July 29, 2020
Probably 3.5 stars. If you like Neve Wilder’s other books, you’ll like this.
June 20, 2019
After reading (Extracurricular Activities, #1-7) and absolutely enjoyed it I intend to read all of the author's books. 'Rhythm of Love' #1 was a winner, too.
So, probably that's the main reason I didn't actually love this one. The expectations were too high. The writing was still good, the dialogue sharp and intriguing but something in the chemistry between Eli and Mars was off for me. I wasn't glued to the pages like I was with Neve Wilder's books I've mentioned.
In this book, we meet Les and Evan again, as Mars is their band's manager. Mars and Eli have some mutual resentment towards each other. Well, at least that's what appeared on the surface. I love enemies-to-lovers plot, it's my favorite, but her I had a hard time buying it. Probably because the book was too short and it felt kind of rushed. Still, a lot of steam, as every Neve Wilder book stands out with but not as much as in her other books.
I needed more of them before they jump in bed. More banter, more waiting and probably a real reason for them to resent each other. I didn't believe them.
Great writing once again. It's always a pleasure to read Neve Wilder's book. I didn't hate the story, not at all. I just kept comparing it with the other books and I needed more.
So, probably that's the main reason I didn't actually love this one. The expectations were too high. The writing was still good, the dialogue sharp and intriguing but something in the chemistry between Eli and Mars was off for me. I wasn't glued to the pages like I was with Neve Wilder's books I've mentioned.
In this book, we meet Les and Evan again, as Mars is their band's manager. Mars and Eli have some mutual resentment towards each other. Well, at least that's what appeared on the surface. I love enemies-to-lovers plot, it's my favorite, but her I had a hard time buying it. Probably because the book was too short and it felt kind of rushed. Still, a lot of steam, as every Neve Wilder book stands out with but not as much as in her other books.
I needed more of them before they jump in bed. More banter, more waiting and probably a real reason for them to resent each other. I didn't believe them.
Great writing once again. It's always a pleasure to read Neve Wilder's book. I didn't hate the story, not at all. I just kept comparing it with the other books and I needed more.
January 22, 2021
3.5 stars for this light and fluffy novella, as I got another glimpse into the world of Rhythm of Love.
Mars, who was introduced in Dedicated as the road manager for Porter and Graves was expanded on and given his own story. He was familiar but not a fan of Eli who was documenting the journey for the tour Evan and Les organized with some other musicians, putting them near each other most of the time. Mars disliked Eli somewhat due to his association as media who "capitalizes on other people's creativity".
But that changed one night and as they talked, spent time, explored their chemistry, and got to know each other, Mars and Eli inevitably grew closer and from there the rest was history.
This was short but felt complete because of the Epilogue at the end showing how Mars and Eli made it work being apart with the nature of their jobs yet still together and so in love with each other.
Saying "Be Mine" to each other with heart candies was so adorable too.😍
Mars, who was introduced in Dedicated as the road manager for Porter and Graves was expanded on and given his own story. He was familiar but not a fan of Eli who was documenting the journey for the tour Evan and Les organized with some other musicians, putting them near each other most of the time. Mars disliked Eli somewhat due to his association as media who "capitalizes on other people's creativity".
But that changed one night and as they talked, spent time, explored their chemistry, and got to know each other, Mars and Eli inevitably grew closer and from there the rest was history.
This was short but felt complete because of the Epilogue at the end showing how Mars and Eli made it work being apart with the nature of their jobs yet still together and so in love with each other.
Saying "Be Mine" to each other with heart candies was so adorable too.😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2019
I'm quite pleased I picked up this freebie because now I have Wilder on my radar.
I enjoyed the writing.
Found the MC's endearing.
And adored the balance of sweet, silly and sexy.
I believe I would enjoy the rest of this series too.
Thanks for the taste Neve, I'll be back for more!
*3.5 stars*
I enjoyed the writing.
Found the MC's endearing.
And adored the balance of sweet, silly and sexy.
I believe I would enjoy the rest of this series too.
Thanks for the taste Neve, I'll be back for more!
*3.5 stars*
April 12, 2020
New to me author. This is a short mm novella about Eli and Mars. Set mainly on a train in the USA. Mars is a band manager and Eli a journalist doing a documentary on the 4 bands travelling to shows on the train,
March 21, 2023
Tropes: mild enemies to lovers
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: cancer survivor
Nice enough story. Didn't really stand out that much. It's hard to impress me with a novella.
Eli is doing a documentary on the band that Mars is kind of a head roadie for. Not too sure about Mars's official job title. Mars isn't a big fan on people in the media so he kind of clashes a bit with Eli, he's suspicious of him. Eli just laughs it off and lets it roll off his back.
Eli is a cancer survivor. Mars is husky as he says. Their courting ritual is basically a game of Valentine's candy hearts with custom messages that they write on them. Kind of nice that they represented more normal main characters.
Some notable moments:
"I stood, already frowning and ready to give Derrick hell for interrupting the very delicious and highly improbable fantasy I’d been entertaining involving Mars, a tie, and some duct tape. The duct tape was for his mouth, obviously."
"He licked his lips and gave me a deadpan expression. “Any shivering will be on account of the vibrating butt plug I popped in earlier to remind myself life has its pleasures even when the company sucks.” I blinked."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: cancer survivor
Nice enough story. Didn't really stand out that much. It's hard to impress me with a novella.
Eli is doing a documentary on the band that Mars is kind of a head roadie for. Not too sure about Mars's official job title. Mars isn't a big fan on people in the media so he kind of clashes a bit with Eli, he's suspicious of him. Eli just laughs it off and lets it roll off his back.
Eli is a cancer survivor. Mars is husky as he says. Their courting ritual is basically a game of Valentine's candy hearts with custom messages that they write on them. Kind of nice that they represented more normal main characters.
Some notable moments:
"I stood, already frowning and ready to give Derrick hell for interrupting the very delicious and highly improbable fantasy I’d been entertaining involving Mars, a tie, and some duct tape. The duct tape was for his mouth, obviously."
"He licked his lips and gave me a deadpan expression. “Any shivering will be on account of the vibrating butt plug I popped in earlier to remind myself life has its pleasures even when the company sucks.” I blinked."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
Nice short story to accompany the Rhythm of Love series. Short but well told, fully fleshed out and satisfying. I liked the interaction between the MC's. This was a good short story.
August 29, 2019
This was such a great Shorty I just love this series and I just love Neve’s books. Mac was so hot, but also a cute teddy bear I just adored him.
June 23, 2021
3.5 Stars ⭐️
March 20, 2023
Move, I told myself. Not yet, my feet and dick chorused.
Last year, I read and loved the Rhythm of Love series. For some reason, during that read I skipped Mars' book. WHY past self, did I deprive myself of this delicious side story? I cannot be held responsible for poor past book choices.
Eli Warner, that fucker. He'd gone and made me fall in love with him.
Low angst, opposites attract, and classic Neve Wilder spice was a perfect mix for this story. The setting was neat and cameos from Evan and Les helped the story feel relevant. I really appreciated how Mars' character seemed as if they could bring the angst in hard, but instead, his reactions weren't quite the excepted (in a good way!)
It was almost enough to make me want to re-read Dedicated... *stares forlornly at my TBR pile*
October 10, 2022
Great gem of a story. This can be read in about an hour and provides a love story for Mars, the tour manager introduced in "Dedicated." Plot: Eli is a documentary filmmaker traveling on tour with Porter and Graves. There's...tension between Mars and Eli. Even though the novella is short and sweet, it packs a punch. Both Mars and Eli are believable characters and their love story seems believable even if it's a little insta-lust by requirement. That said, the story provides a nice mix of steamy scenes with quieter moments. There were also good cameos by Les and Evan and it's nice to get a glimpse of how things are going for them post "Dedicated." But the real jewel of this plot is the use of those candy hearts you see around Valentine's Day. Read it to see what I'm talking about. So clever.
May 10, 2022
SHORT AND SWEET!!
“so maybe you’re not romantic, traditionally speaking, but that shit’s overrated. Give me someone who’s got my back and will brave a hospital recliner over some shitty flowers any day.”
I’m loving this series! Eli and Mars are so perfect together! A great little addition to this series! If you loved Evan and Les’s story you need to pick up this novella! I can’t wait to read Dan and Owen’s book next!
Highly recommend if you are a lover of M/M books! Neve Wilder is such a great storyteller!
“so maybe you’re not romantic, traditionally speaking, but that shit’s overrated. Give me someone who’s got my back and will brave a hospital recliner over some shitty flowers any day.”
I’m loving this series! Eli and Mars are so perfect together! A great little addition to this series! If you loved Evan and Les’s story you need to pick up this novella! I can’t wait to read Dan and Owen’s book next!
Highly recommend if you are a lover of M/M books! Neve Wilder is such a great storyteller!
January 27, 2021
A cute short tied into the Rhythm of Love series. Eli and Mars have a little enemies-to-lovers energy but it converts over pretty quickly due to the length of the book. Lower steam than what I usually find from Wilder, which was a bit of a bummer. Still cute, 3.5 stars rounded up.
January 22, 2022
This was short and sweet, and I quite enjoyed it. As someone who reads fanfic a lot, this lenght is something I'm comfortable with, and I really liked the main characters and the dynamic this time. I was also very happy to see Les and Evan again, as they're pretty significantly featured here.
September 1, 2020
I suck at book reviews, but I enjoyed it for a short story.
May 10, 2021
this was good! actually liked it better than the full length novels!!
March 6, 2022
enjoyable
Surprisingly good for a short read, felt almost like reading a full novel. Relatively new author for me but rapidly becoming a favorite.
Surprisingly good for a short read, felt almost like reading a full novel. Relatively new author for me but rapidly becoming a favorite.
August 1, 2022
2.5☆
cute
cute
October 14, 2022
It was cute, a quick read. I’d probably give it 2.5 stars but I rounded up bc Les. 🤷🏻 It’s clear I love him, right? Good.
March 5, 2024
very bleh idk
April 23, 2025
This was cute and I know it's part of a series but it read fine as a stand-alone.
January 3, 2021
4 'A novella that gives us Eli and Mars. I liked them and enjoyed the book another good one for the series' stars.
January 1, 2021
didn't expect to love the novella more that the main book, but oh well. here we are
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews