Rockstar Hearts

Famous #2.5-2.6

by Eden Finley

LOCKED HEART ~ Cash & Locke

Ten years ago, I left my heart with a boy when I moved to LA to become a rock star.

Eight years ago, his online presence disappeared completely.

We made a pact. If I ever performed at Death Valley Music Festival, he’d come see me play.

Now, after a decade of paying my dues, I’ve been booked as a headliner.

Only question is, will he show up or do I need to face the possibility of letting him go forever?


THORNED HEART ~ Seb & Thorne

Being in love with a client sucks.

As Cash Me Outside’s band manager, I’ve been nothing but professional for years. But the lead guitarist tortures me daily just by breathing.

Sebastian Rose has no idea how I feel about him, and I intend to keep it that way.

I can’t break my rules. Seb doesn’t do serious, and I won’t risk my job for something temporary.

It takes a leaked nude, an overzealous stripper, and a group winter vacation to change everything.


*Rockstar Hearts is the combined novella editions of Locked Heart & Thorned Heart that are loosely connected to Spotlight & Fandom in the Famous universe. There is no added/new content.*

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Novella, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2021

About the author

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

Reviews

[Jono Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ / Why are these two novellas better than anything I’ve read in the Famous series? I’m genuinely confused how they aren’t full-length novels. There’s so much depth and potential here. The setup is strong, but it’s the characters that really take it to the next level. It’s hard not to see it as a missed opportunity when we got four mediocre boy-band books while this duet could’ve easily carried a full series on its own.

I’m truly blown away by how much I love this. It’s sharp, emotional, and, in my opinion, some of the best work I’ve read from Eden Finley so far.

[raccoon reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hi.

Welcome to my obsession with the Sadenverse. For better...or worse. Why do I keep doing this? Why have I sworn to read every book by Finely and James? I dunno.

This one was subpar. Both in writing and in narration. Toma does great but again Cendese drops the ball. Reading to fast and with ZERO change of inflection or tone between character's lines so you have no idea who's saying what most of the time and you just cling to the hope for a context clue in the sentence.

Bah humbug.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los cantantes de la banda Cash Me Outside, Cash y Seb son los unicos integrantes gay del grupo, pero no son una pareja. Cash ha estado esperando su gran momento para volver a reunirse con su amor de juventud, Sherlock, y Seb esta esperando conseguir a su pareja perfecta.
Primero Cash se reencuentra con Sherlock justo donde habian acordado y despues de separse al finalizar la secundaria. Pero ahora son mayores, y sus vidas son totalmente diferentes, podran poner esas diferencias al lado y reencontrar el amor que se tenian?
Seb quiere lo que tiene su mejor amigo Cash, pero no sabe como conseguirlo, y cuando una foto suya desnuda comienza a aparecer en las redes sociales, su tour manager, Thorne, sale al rescate como siempre, pero ahora no solo para ayudar a la banda, sino tambien para hacer sentir a Seb seguro. Y cuando la banda toma unas vacaciones navideñas en una casa en el bosque, se da cuenta que la persona que quiere a su lado siempre a estado ahi, ahora solo tiene comprometerse y ver si realmente el quiere lo mismo.

Es un par de libros cortos spin-off de la serie Famous, ubicados en linea de tiempo entre el 2do y 3er libro de la serie. Conocemos un poco mas de la banda de Cash, un personaje que conocimos en el 2do libro de la serie y que prometia ser muy loco y entretenido.
Asi que puedo decir que el libro es bueno, entretenido, dulce, romantico, casi sin ningun drama, y nos lleva a conocer un poco mas el universo donde se manejan los protas de Famous y la fama que tenian como Boys Band.
No es obligatorio leer estas historias, pero es un buen complemento a la trama de la otra serie, sobre todo si te gusta el universo donde se desarrolla. Y aunque es una lastima que no aparecen mas personajes de Eleven que Mason, es entretenido y divertido.

[blue night]

2 stars. These two followed the same formula. Almost all the relationship development happened off page, there was some confusion and angst for the first third, then a minor challenge, and then a bunch of sex. There were repeated phrases in the two books, but by different characters. I wasn’t sure if that was intention or just cut and paste not edited. Anyway, it’s been a hard century since the pandemic started, so I’m not going to log my low rating except here in text.

[mar ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! I absolutely adored this little rock-star duology following the queer members of Cash Me Outside. Quick, addictive, and filled with chemistry that jumps off the page.

Locked Heart:

Cash and Locke are high school sweethearts who promised to reunite once Cash made it big enough to play Death Valley. Normally I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but this one totally worked for me. I loved Cash—his vibe was perfection—and the chemistry between him and Locke? 10/10, no notes.

Thorned Heart:

Thorne and Seb easily became my favorites. Manager x rockstar? Yes, please. Thorne has been secretly in love with Seb for years, but stayed quiet because of their work ties. Things change after an intimate photo of Seb gets leaked, pushing him to rethink his casual hookups and look for something more serious. He even tries a relationship with someone else, but that attempt is what finally makes him realize Thorne’s feelings for him—and once he does, there’s no ignoring it. Their romance happens fast, but it made perfect sense for them. And the chemistry? Explosive. Super hot, super spicy, and absolutely addictive.

Both books were a fun, fast, and soooo hot read.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ 2.25🌶️

Both short stories were quick, funny, sweet and spicy and have a very much instalove theme despite the MCs already being acquainted with each other. I liked Thorned Hearts a little more because of Thorne and how much he pined over Seb, so having him finally “get the guy” made me happy ☺️

No other books need to be read in order to follow the characters but if you enjoyed the Famous series, these should likewise be entertaining

Note: I waited to read these until they came out on audio because Iggy and Alexander are to just able to deliver the right voice to Eden’s characters so perfectly.

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, this was a cute little novella duet!

Locked Heart: I liked Cash in Spotlight and he definitely intrigued me, so I was excited to see him get his own novella. Locke and Cash were high school sweethearts, but they knew long distance wouldn't work. Locke promises on their last night together that he will come to see Cash when he makes it big; i.e. playing Death Valley. It's been 10 years, and Cash Me Outside is headlining. Finally. Will Locke show up like he'd promised? Have they changed too much over the years? And does the love that once simmered between them still exist?

I love that he was tamed by his high school sweetheart! It was a little angsty, but I liked Locke's character a lot, especially learning that he never stopped loving Cash either. The little bit of spice was very hot, and the romance was great too. I gave this one 4.5/5 🌟.

Thorned Heart: Thorned Heart was even better. Thorne is the band's manager, and Seb is the guitarist. When a nude a fan took of Seb goes viral, it makes Seb realize that he might be ready to look for something real. Christmas is upon them, and the band is heading to Montana for a little winter retreat before heading to the Eurasian leg of their tour. Thorne has been in love with Seb for years now, and Seb's new play thing is almost more than he can handle. Can Thorne prevent himself from interfering in Seb's personal choices? Can Seb's play thing see right through him? Will there be a Christmas miracle?

Oookay, so this novella was excellent. I really liked Thorne and Seb. I thought it was super sweet, especially once Seb realized the underlying feelings had been there for awhile. The spice in this was super hot. I loved how commanding Thorne was and that it turned Seb into a flustered mess.

Hands down the best part was Lemon at the airport. I cackled! I couldn't stop laughing at Thorne's reaction. Lemon was really freaking great, and much smarter than anyone gave him credit for. I love that he got in on the game to make Thorne jealous. I also loved the gift scene with the watches. That is really freaking hilarious, and I would read a whole series on Thorne and the band.

I give Thorned Heart 5/5 🌟, and the novellete duology an overall 5/5 🌟

[Resch Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick little break from the main characters of the fandom series. Obviously both novellas have hints of insta-love but I guess you can't really avoid that when trying to cram a romance into a short story. I liked Locked Heart better than Thorned Heart and honestly wouldn't have complained if either of these were full length stories, especially Cash.

Locked Heart
As I mentioned above, I enjoyed this quick, little second-chance romance. Second chance romances usually aren't my thing but by the time I found myself reading the last pages of this novella, the only thing on my mind was how cute this story was. Both characters definitely grew and changed during their time apart but I loved how accepting Cash and Locke were of each other. They truly encompass the meaning of soul mates and I adored them.

Thorned Heart
Seb and Thorne's story lacked fluidity. Seb was very much blind-sided by Thorne's feelings and then 'suddenly' realized they were mutual. This type of unrequited love narrative is hard to condense down into a novella and it showed. The pacing for this story felt extremely rushed and the characters didn't really have the time to develop a deep relationship prior to them blurting out 'I love you'. Therefore, it didn't feel authentic, but none the less I enjoyed the glimpses into other characters and now I finally understand the infamous Lemon references and I kind of have to agree with the masses, I wouldn't mind him getting his own series.

[High Lady of Delulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for Locked Hesrt
3.25 for Thorned Heart

Omg Cash‘s and Locke‘s novella took me off guard it was so cute! And I was glad their story was put in a novella. It could’ve worked as full novel too but felt smoother this way.
I also enjoyed Seb’s and Thorne‘s novella and love that we returned to the cabin! Or technically I should’ve read this book earlier in the series so it wouldn’t have been a return but, alas.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two novellas in one!

Cash and Locke was a sweet and spicy second chance romance because two high school sweethearts who lost touch and came together years later by chance at a concert.

Seb and Thorne were equally enjoyable as Thorne's long-time love for Seb came out in the open with the help of a stripper with a kind heart.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swoony sexy rockstars, yes! I liked both stories -- long-separated first love vs. long-time co-workers/friends made a lovely contrast of pairs.

[Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Hailee Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

📖 & 🎧 (read originally in 2024, then just listened to the audiobook in 2025)

Honestly my only complaint is I wish these two novellas could have been longer but at the same time it was also nice having the characters get together quickly and there wasn’t too much time for extra conflict, and if they had conflict it was quickly fixed.

Novella 1 (Cash & Locke)
- I loved Locke giving Cash different middle names
- 2nd chance romance
- “Ten years ago, my whole world was thrown off its axis when you left me. It’s been skewed ever since.”
- Unexpected dirty talker
- Road head scene
- Public apology

Novella 2 (Seb & Thorne)
- A playboy who realizes he wants a serious relationship and a manager who has been in love with his rockstar client secretly for years
- A stripper who likes to meddle lol (I love Lemon)
- “He smells like smoke but tastes like forever. And holy fuck does he know how to kiss.”

[Laura Perttula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash’s story, then Sebastian’s. Both pretty quick and both feel good stories. I’ve been listening to this series on Audible but read this one through KU. I enjoyed both but Sebastian’s was a little extra sweet.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed

I enjoy rockstar books.. I am not fond of the they/them pronouns its hard to follow but its minor part. I enjoyed Thorne and Web very much.

[Alexus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve been back in this universe. I absolutely loved the famous series and it was nice to be back in this world again. I decided to pick this up because of Eden’s recent book release in the Mike Bravo Ops. One of the main characters Lemon first makes an appearance in this book and I wanted to get as much context of him as I can and I’m so happy I did. Even though he wasn’t on page a lot I still enjoyed my time reading this book.

This book is a combination of two short novellas that takes place in the Famous series with a rock band called Cash Me Outside that we hear about in the main series. This would be perfect to read after book two and right before book three since we get a small glimpse of Mason who we get to read about in book three. Even though it’s been a long time since I read anything about these characters it was surprisingly easy to jump right back in and not be lost.

I definitely recommend reading this book but you DO NOT need to read it to understand what’s going on in Fandom with Denver and Mason. All the books in the Famous series is a standalone so it’s easy to jump in whenever. But if you’re a fan of this author or love having all the extra context I would definitely recommend giving this a read I enjoyed getting to know the guys of Cash Me Outside.

The book is spilt into two different parts. The first half of the book is focus on Cash and his high school sweetheart Locke. This was such a cute and sweet story about finding your soulmate when you’re so young. It definitely moves fast and that goes for both stories but overall the story was short and sweet and I loved my time with both men.

The second one was about Seb and Thorne the band manager. This one was also sweet but different from the first. I liked the aspect of one of the band members getting with their manager and even though it was a short novella and didn’t get to really explore everything that comes with a relationship like that I still had a blast with the story. This is where Lemon pops in and also Mason so I wasn’t complaining. Both stories were definitely spicy and hot. Everything wraps up perfectly.

I honestly could have used more personally but I will always take more extra scenes when it comes to this author and everything she writes. She really knows how to make you fall in love with every characters she writes and puts on a page. I’m really happy that I gave this book a chance and finally got around to reading it cause it really was a great time and a lot of fun.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Locked Heart:
This was a second chance romance. Cashton (Cash) and Sherlock (Locke) were together at the end of high school but broke up when Cash went to pursue music in Los Angeles and Locke went to Wharton for college. However they really should have tried to make it work, because they never got over one another. I liked Cash from what we saw of him in Spotlight and Locke seemed like a good character as well.

Since this was a novella, it was pretty short and we didn’t see too much outside of the main characters. There were a couple interactions with Shannon and Cash’s bandmates, but we never saw Cash’s family; I figured we wouldn’t see Locke’s given them not being a fan of him being gay. While I did enjoy this overall, I was a little disappointed that we didn’t find out more about why they never contacted one another in 10 years. Or maybe I just thought most of the reasons were stupid besides Locke’s initial reason for blocking Cash. I would have liked to see more of their time together as a couple since there was really only the last chapter which was short. Maybe 2.5-3 out of 5 stars?


Thorned Heart:
I liked this more than Locked Heart, but it felt a little fast for their relationship to go from Sebastian (Seb) sleeping around to realizing he was in love with Thorne and going headfirst into their relationship. Thorne’s side I could see since he’d been in love with Seb for two years and he was trying to not give into the temptation, but Seb basically heard Thorne was bi and couldn’t focus on anything else. If we would have seen Seb being more into Thorne before he found out sex was a possibility, I could have believed the plot a little more.

Regardless, I did like their relationship. Thorne was commanding and used to being in charge, and with Seb he was no different. There were some steamy moments, but a lot of this novella was just focused on before their relationship and then a little after they got together. Again, like with Locked Heart, I would have liked more of them actually being together. We saw a little before Christmas and then the book mentioned about how it was during the next tour, but it would have been nice seeing it actually played out. Probably 3-3.5 out of 5 stars for this.

[Meteora-books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

Le perfect n’est pas loin mais le format novella combiné au talent d’Eden Finley font qu’on reste un peu trop sur notre faim en terminant ces 2 novella!
Même si ce format est parfaitement maîtrisé par l’autrice, elle sait tellement bien susciter en nous de l’empathie et de l’attachement pour ses personnages qu’on en voudrait plus !! Et je n’aurais pas dit non à 2 tomes complets sur ces 2 belles histoires d’amour !
Mais c’est une recommandation les yeux fermés si vous avez lu les 2 premiers tomes de la saga FAMOUS : c’est un incontournable et un plaisir inégalé de découvrir le groupe de Cash !

* Locked heart : 4.75/5
Je suis tombée amoureuse de Cash et Locke dès le prologue. Eden Finley a vraiment un don pour créer des personnages touchants et nous les faire aimer en quelques pages!! C’était trop mignon mais aussi fort en émotions vu le background de Locke. Seul mini bémol : le mystère de son changement de prénom qui n’est pas résolu à la fin de cette novella mais sinon tout était génial !
J’ai adoré les tropes du 1er amour / seconde chance / âmes sœurs et j’étais aussi très contente de faire connaissance avec Seb que j’aime déjà d’avance !!

* Thorned Heart : 4.75/5
C’est un autre presque sans faute ! Ça va un peu trop vite entre Seb et Thorne même si cela s’explique par le format et parce que les 2 hommes se connaissent depuis des années. J’aurais aimé voir cette histoire prendre plus son temps et c’est le seul mini bémol !
Sinon c’était parfait : on parle consentement, bisexualité, amour caché et on revoit également le couple Cash/Locke ! Ainsi que Mason (que l’on retrouve ensuite dans le T3 de la saga FAMOUS) et pfiou je l’ai adoré dans le T3 que j’ai découvert avant cette novella mais là le peu que j’ai lu ne peut que donner envie de découvrir son histoire !
Et cette novella a aussi des vibes de fêtes de fin d’année puisqu’une grande partie se passe à Noël ! L’ambiance était parfaitement installée, un cadre de ouf, le feu de camp, le chalet et l’amour : bref, un condensé de pleins de choses qui fonctionne à tous les coups !!

[Molly]

March 2024 Reread:
Locked Hearts (Cash Me Outside #1, Famous #2.5)

This is one of Eden's novellas that could have easily been a full length book and I would still be obsessed! I don't know how she can write angst and emotion into these shorter stories but I love it.

Cash and Locke amicably broke up to go their separate ways after high school with the promise that if Cash ever headlined the Death Valley festival, they would reconnect. The moment finally happens ten years later, way later than both expected, and after Locke ghosted Cash for 7 of those years. Cash has never opened his heart to anyone else, but he doesn't know what to expect after all this time.

Childhood loves reconnecting gets me every time! Cash is hurt by the years Locke kept him out, and Locke has spent all that time trying to prove to himself he made the right choice by walking away. They've both never let their love go, no matter how hard they tried. They fall back together quick and just as much in love as they were before. Why waste time when you know what you want? I honestly just loved their story so much, it's short but packs that emotional punch.

Read if you like:
• rockstar romance
• second chance

Thorned Heart (Cash Me Outside #2, Famous #2.6)

Thorne is the band manager of Cash Me Outside, and has been in love with the lead guitarist Seb for years. After watching his best friend find love and his own scandal, Seb feels like he's ready to settle down and be done with the groupies who use him. Thorne wants to tell him how he feels, but the risks of losing his job for something that could be temporary are too high.

Oh these two, so much love and pining. Thorne wants to be Seb's rock, his safe place. Seb has so much trust in Thorne that's he's able to let go and give him his all to make a relationship work. The true gem of this story is Lemon, the sassy stripper who forces these two to realize their feelings and go for it (and in the process earning the heart of every reader, who then begged Eden to make him a MC - check out Atlas).

All the emotions they've forced down for years come boiling to the surface and they realize how deep their love for one another is. Sweet and sexy, another great novella with some Christmas vibes and even a Mason cameo.

Read if you like:
• rockstar x agent
• friends to lovers

•••••••••••••••••••••

[Nath · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

1/ Locked Heart
This is the story of Cash, a rocker we met in the Famous series, as Ryder was producing his new album. We learned that they once hooked up.
Cash actually made a bet with his high school sweetheart, as they were taking different path, that Sherlock would reconnect when Cash would make it to the Death Valley festival.
When that happens, 10 years later, the reunion is hot and intense. It really promised something great but the novella kind of slumped halfway through it. The side characters didn’t bring much. Especially Shannon.
I don’t know much about those who identify as non-binary. I understand their emotion, I totally respect that, but what I don’t understand is how authors deal with them. It feels like they feel forced to « place » them somewhere, like they have to have all sorts of characters, and that’s more or less fine. It would be better if they developed these characters better rather than throw them in just for the sake of including all sorts of identities. That’s the third book I’ve read with a secondary character and each time it’s the same. The authors don’t get deeper into that aspect and that’s kind of sad.

2/ Thorned Heart
This was the story of Seb, the guitarist, and Thorne, the band manager. It was set in the timeline between Spotlight and Fandom, before the Eleven guys go for Mason in Montana.
It was honestly a cute story. I really loved Seb and Thorne, their personalities. It w s also fun, because Seb is just … Seb. It’s sad that it was only just a novella, too shallow, and, as often the case with Eden’s novellas, too focused on sex.
Note: I really loved Lemon/andrew, and really hope to meet him again in another book.

[Charlotte Ertryckx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm splitting this in two, a little review for each of the novellas 🤗

Locked Heart:
2.5/5 stars, just average, not bad but also not particularly good 🤷🏻‍♀️ This feels even more like an erotic short story than anything else I've read by Eden Finley. There really isn't any depth at all, just two people reuniting after 10 years, having mind blowing sex and realising they never should have broken up as teens. You read that right, teens. This is an erotic soulmate story, with some tiny bits of drama sprinkled in that don't have enough impact to move me emotionally in any way. I don't have an issue with the premise per se, but it's just extremely unrealistic to call a sexual connection love. I believe they loved each other as teens, very much so, it was palpable in the prologue. But they literally don't know a single thing about each other now, besides some big things (Cash is a rock star and Locke is divorced). What was missing for me is just them actually catching up. Anyway, the sex was hot, I'll give it that.

Thorned Heart:
3.5/5 stars! Despite not really knowing much about these characters before the start of this story, I immediately cared about Thorne. I understood his reservations and felt his agony at seeing Seb with others. The build-up was good, I liked seeing how well they knew each other, it showed what a great couple they would make. This story is one I could definitely see as a full length novel, where there would be room for some more depth. As it is a novella, doubts and issues are quickly overcome to reach a HEA. It was very enjoyable though, and definitely better than the first book in this duet.

[Booked.on.a.feelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cash Me Outside romances were so 😍🥰!

First Cash made a pact with his school boyfriend when they split (so that they could both live their lives as a pop star and college kid) that when Cash played Death Valley Sherlock would be there. It took longer than expected but Cash finally made it! He saved a ticket for him, but Sherlock ghosted him so he could live his life so he wasn’t sure if he would show up.

The entire show he is just looking for his red head…and the ticket was never used. However, after the show he shows up as his trailer. Instantly their need for one another is back! It feels like nothing has changed. After tour they got to Vegas when Lock lives. It is here when they hash out that Lock got married and divorce in their time apart. But lock decided he is going to be the band’s financial adviser and travel with them.

Seb is Cash’s best friend and they used to platonically flirt on stage but since Cash’s high school sweetheart showed back up things have changed. He has been a little lonely and made a mistake with a hook up who leaked a naked picture of him in the tabloids. Thorne his manager has always been there for him. He also is a bisexual man who has hid his sexuality and feelings for him since he signed Cash Me Outside.

After the scandal the band is going to Mason Nash’s house in Montana for Christmas. Seb brings along a stripper Lemon to make him feel better. Only he unintentionally hurts Thorne more than he knows. Lemon can see the feeling in Thorne and calls him out to Seb. After Thorne goes for a walk and ends up farther than he should Seb is distraught. He insists that they have to look for him. This is when he realizes he wants Thorne too. So when Thorn gets home he actions his feelings even though he was not sure Lemon was right. It was like jumping in a relationship 2 years in with how much they knew each other. When a light fall on stage and nearly missed Seb. Thorne decide screw the standard and they get engaged after two months of a realtionship!

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Two novellas set in the Famous universe involving members of the band Cash Me Outside. Narrated by Iggy Toma & Alexander Cendese, who are both deliver strong performances.

LOCKED HEART ~ Cash & Locke
A romance about childhood sweethearts who separated to follow their dreams. With a promise to meet when Cash makes it big. But life takes turns and dreams take longer. But finally the day has come. They have changed, and yet they are the same.

It’s a fun story. Cash and the band are wonderful. And Locke is a wonderful person, though a little lost. But together they are adorably still sweethearts.

THORNED HEART ~ Seb & Thorne
Band member and manager, it’s a classic rockstar tale, and always a goody.
Seb is your wild rockstar. Sleeping is his way through his fame and fortune. Thorne is the steady and beloved tour manager who fixes all his blunders.
Thorne has had feelings for a while but it’s not until Seb shows up with a man stating he’s looking to settle down. What follows is a hilarious journey of these two figuring out that they have feelings for each other and that a future could be possible.

Both were enjoyable quick reads/listens.

[Reading Rommance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. These were two fun novellas packed into one audiobook.

First, we have Lock and Cash. This was a sweet little story about these two high school sweethearts finally reunited after 10 years, 8 of which were spent with no contact. I loved that they both lived their own lives for those 10 years, but had each other in the backs of their minds. I don't usually love a high school romance lasting forever, but in this case, it worked well because they had that time apart. Cash was surprisingly sweet and Lock was so real. The way he was nervous Cash would forget him or be embarrassed of him... yeah I get it. The ending was adorable and I really enjoyed these two. 3/5 spice levels.

Notes: second chance, rockstar, famous/regular, high school sweethearts

Next, we have Seb and Thorne. I think I liked this novella even better. Seb was also surprisingly sweet, as was Thorne. Thorne was much more demanding and put together though, too. I LOVED Andrew (Lemon). He was the hit of the story. I really enjoyed the jealousy and Mason's appearance. And the beginning conflict of Seb's leaked nudes was great - it really made me feel for Seb and relate. This was a short, simple, sweet story. 2/5 spice levels.

Notes: Manager/client, famous/regular, jealousy, unrequited love, forced proximity

[Books and Gems · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 audio read — Iggy Toma and Alexander Cendese gave another great narration

Locked Heart

Cash and Locke

— second chance
— high school sweethearts
— rockstar / nerdy numbers guy
— novella

I really liked Cash and Locke! There was so much more to Cash than his playboy/one night stand ways we saw previously. He was so in love with Locke, I couldn’t get enough.

And I absolutely loved Locke. I loved their banter and how dominant and commanding he was with Cash. I loved their ending as well. It was a perfect way for it happen with them.

Thorned Heart

Seb and Thorne

— manager/musician
— pining
— jealousy
— novella

I loved these two. Thorne sat back and silently pined for musician, Seb. He had to witness all of Seb’s hook ups and one night stands, and that just broke me. But once Seb and Thorne finally got on the same page, I loved them together.

Thorne was such a strong and commanding force and was exactly what Seb needed. I loved the snark and banter between them, and how Seb could be comfortable and relaxed with Thorne. He never was able to have that in the past since he didn’t have trust with his hook ups before.

I loved how this ended with them. Of course some chaos would be included.

Honestly, I’ve loved these novellas more than the main books from the Famous series so far. I am intrigued with Mason, and I’m excited to read his story though.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cashton and Sherlock are high school sweethearts, who vow to meet again if Cash makes it to a festival in Vegas with his band. 10 years later, Cash waits at said festival for Locke to show, hoping he’ll come as they agreed.
Locke left all social media because he was unhealthily obsessed with talking to Cash online, and he made some mistakes after his MBA, impulsively getting married, then divorced.
When he shows up, it’s like they’ve never parted, and though it hurts Cash to hear about Locke’s marriage, he understands it wasn’t like the love they have. After that, they never want to part again.

Thorne is the band’s manager, and he’s loved Sebastian for years. Seb has never wanted a relationship, but after being taken advantage of, again, he decides he’s ready for something real.
At a chalet over Christmas, it all comes to the fore between them, and they figure out the professional side because they won’t give up what they’ve found, each other.

I liked Cash from earlier in the series, and the band is an interesting group. Fun read, with a bit about Mason to introduce him before the next book.

KU

[Golden Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash & Locke - Seb & Thorne

This was a great duet. We met Cash in Ryder’s book, I loved getting to know him. He and his high school sweetheart make a promise to meet at Death Valley when Cash makes it big and gets an invite to the festival. Years have changed them both but their love has always kept them bound to each other, making it impossible to be truly happy without each other. Cash has held on all these years. Locke tried to find happiness through travel and a relationship but to no avail. Once Locke shows up at the festival, it’s like time hasn’t existed and they find true happiness together.
Seb is a wild one, Thorne spends all his time getting the rockstar out of jams all while hiding his growing feelings for Seb. After Seb’s latest scandal, he begins to feel like there should be more, like he wants what Cash has found. He begins to see Thorne in a different light but needs a stripper twink to point out the obvious to him. In Montana at Mason’s tree farm mansion, the two discover their feelings are more than reciprocated.
Note to self: check Finley’s backlog to see if Andrew (Lemon) has a story!

[RE Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I didn't love it, but I found it entertaining and a quick read. It's essentially two novellas put together, and although the first one seemed too long (or not complex enough), they both were fine overall.

Some nitpicks: 1. I felt like the insecurities of both Cash and Locke was overstated in the first story. I also didn't connect with Cash's onstage/rock persona and his inner narrative. I'm sure there are people who are that capable of putting their lives into boxes like that, but I kept wondering why Cash lived like he did if it made him so unhappy? Idk ... that story just didn't really gel for me, and the disconnect between both characters' inner lives and their outer ones kept me from really enjoying it that much; 2. insta-love -- it was way too fast, even if the underlying point was they both felt something from longer, they realized it and acted on it awfully quickly.

So yeah, it was okay. I'd give 3 stars (instead of 2) because I do like Finley's writing style typically.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's just appreciate the cover for a quick second...
Ok, that done, let's go.

Cash and Locke. Seb and Thorne. Oh my rockstar heart.
Cash and Locke, had so much love, how could they go so long without each other? I love a second chance love story and this had me smiling along while I read. The proposal at the end was so funny, I absolutely loved it!

Seb and Thorne. Oh Seb. Sigh. I am glad you got your happy ever after. Sometimes it felt like insta love, but other times it didn't. I felt like I didn't get much from Thorne, and Seb stole the show on this one, with Lemon a close second.
Ok, so I am now 100% on the Lemon bandwagon. He absolutely needs his story told. Maybe he is sitting quietly now, but I get the feeling he will start bugging Eden eventually. cough*bravo*cough

3.5 stars read, rounding up to 4 for Lemon.

[Lauri MissDysfunktion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rockstar Hearts: Cash My Outside Duet is two MM Romance short stories with the Famous world.

Locked Heart is a second chance MM Romance. Cash fell in love when he was 18 and never quite left that love behind.

We first meet Cash in Spotlight, Book 2 (Ryder & Lyrics story). I really enjoyed his narrative. It showed there was more to him than just his fame. This was a cute, fluff read. While not a necessary to the Famous series timeline, it’s still worth the read.
————————————
Thorne Heart is a MM romance with unrequited love/forbidden vibes.

What happens when you’re in love with you client and your his safety blanket?

Thorne is the band Cash me Outside’s manager, Seb is the lead guitarist.
This was another cute/fluffy kinda read with added holiday Christmas. There’s no huge plot line. But it’s a great gap filler between reads.