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Chord Brothers #2

Rock Harder: Chord Brothers, Book 2

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After an unthinkable tragedy shakes his world as a teen, Bassist Jase Evanovich puts part of his life on hold to take care of his best friend, look after his little sister, and push his band toward fame. His charm, humor, and rip-roaring music get him through the day (if not sleep-tossed nights). His rock solid existence is shaken when a stunning beauty shows up surprising him with white-hot attraction and the beautiful face of his dead girlfriend.

Kate Warner is captivated by Jase immediately—too much. But she’s got a past laden with secrets and a strict directive not to date anyone in the band. With everything she’s ever worked for and her entire future on the line, she can’t take a chance on the strong, alpha hero who rocks harder than any man she’s ever met.


462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

18 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

M.J. Roberts

33 books31 followers
NOTE: I love to hear from readers! Email is the best way to get me.

M. J. Roberts is a writer, editor, song-writer, audiobook narrator, and professor of creative writing.

With more than two million copies of her stories in circulation worldwide, Roberts is well loved for creating characters who feel as real as your most cherished friends. Roberts has written over 23 novels, six novellas, two erotica anthologies, a two movie screenplays, thirty-five short stories, and a collection of poems.

M. J. Roberts works diligently to create believable, lovable characters, witty dialogue, prose ripe with metaphor, exciting plot twists, fast-paced action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and romance scenes that sizzle.

Roberts is a multiple award-winning author, including first place in the prestigious Summer Lovin’ Romance Literary Contest 2015 for the novel Risk Your Heart and Literary Titans award for Rock Hard: Chord Brothers, Book 1.

Roberts also writes under the pen name Natasha Action. She is too busy tormenting imaginary characters, watching them fall in love, and counting her blessings to pursue her longtime goal of Rock' n’ Roll glory herself.


Website: http://www.mjrobertswriter.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Donna.
1,462 reviews23 followers
November 10, 2019
God I love me a rockstar romance and this wasn't any different to some I have read, it however was from the start of the series, not all millionaires and money. It was starting from the grass roots and showed the slow rise to fame.

This book sort of branches off from the first book with the same heartache that was felt in regards to Jase's lost love, who happens to be Ryder's twin sister (all is told in book 1). I did lose my temper and grow really frustrated with this book as it was a little to much push me, pull me and I felt the need to scream and shake the life back into some people, especially Jase.

All in all this book was great, with scenes both on and off stage. Now Jase isn't the only troubled one in this book, Kate has her own story and troubles and as the story progress you see it all come to a head.

All in all The Chord Brothers and Hard Chord are definitely making a great impact on me. This is certainly a good recommend from me. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jody.
2,091 reviews61 followers
November 8, 2019
As a fan of rock star romances I was drawn to this book. Having read the previous book in this series also had me wanting to read this as I fell for these characters from the very start. It’s a story of secrets and sizzle found amongst the pages of this emotionally engaging romance that will pull readers along in a captivating journey to HEA.

The band Hard Chord is becoming even more well-known in this second installment in the series which leads to the filming of a music video that has a shocking impact on best friends Ryder and Jase. In the previous book readers discovered the sad event that binds these two men together-the death of Ryder’s sister who Jase was in love with-and it plays a role in this book too. It causes a moment of heart wrenching pain for Ryder, who’s love for Lexi is helping him heal from the past, while making Jase question his feelings for the model who shows up for the video shoot. With each turn of the page Jase continues to struggle with his feelings for Kate in a push/pull romance that sometimes frustrated me while making me blush at other times. Through it all Jase is a drool-worthy hero, one who takes the time to get to know Kate. Her face might look like his dead love, but she’s a woman trying to forge her own path who fears for her future if she gives into the temptation of Jase. It’s an instant attraction for him who slowly flirts with her, woos her through sweet and sensual words and deeds, and who will take any bit of attention she throws his way. He charmed me every step of the way with his fun and flirty attitude, while never rushing Kate into something more until she’s ready. He has a kind heart and is self-sacrificing, which is especially on display when Kate’s job gets put in jeopardy for being with him. From the first page to the last it’s clear that he’s drawn to Kate just for herself and his commitment to claiming her had me rooting him on every step of the way.

Kate’s last job as a model took her to the set of a music video which introduced her to an unforgettable band who changed her life irrevocably. Seeing Jase is like getting hit by an electric charge, just looking at him makes her burn though she knows that being with him can lead to nothing good. Becoming the PR person for rock band Zeet Fleet, who are mentored by Hard Chord, is the opportunity of a lifetime and is something she doesn’t want to screw up as she has something to prove to her judgmental father. Working with Zeet Fleet though means lots of time spent with Hard Chord...and Jase...and makes it even harder to keep saying no. If she wants to keep her job though she’ll have to keep fighting her feelings for the man who charms her at every turn. Kate’s a likable character, a strong-willed one who loves her sister and who’s trying to do all that she can to make things better for the two of them. Her interactions with Jase were playful early on and oozed sexual tension. I was impressed by her resistance at times while frustrated by her at other times as he’s a decadent delight that I couldn’t say no to!

On a whole this was an enjoyable romance set against the backdrop of the rock world with scenes both on stage and off. The bandmates of both Zeet Fleet and Hard Chord were larger than life with interactions between them both playful and familial. Their interactions often put a smile on my face and were a definite highlight of this story. Each character practically jumped off the page and I definitely hope we get more stories about the bandmates of both of these bands. Jase and Kate were a crackling couple whose push/pull frustrated me while keeping me on edge in desperate anticipation. Their issues were real and handled in a believable manner by Ms. Roberts. There’s much to love about this book but there is one small quibble I had and that was that a lot of time was spent early on with Zeet Fleet. I almost forgot about Hard Chord a time or two as it seemed like the story wasn’t supposed to be about them. Thankfully Jase was there to call or text Kate and remind me of their exhilarating journey to HEA. From start to finish I found this a delightful read that is another wonderful addition to the genre that I highly recommend to others!
1,749 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2019
Jase and Kate had an undeniable attraction to each other, but they each had secrets as well. She looked exactly like his best friend's twin, who was also the love of his life. She was also the daughter of a prominent man and she was looking for his approval, which you don't find out all of the details about until late into the book.
Jase knew what he wanted and that was Kate. Even when she pushed him away, he was solid in spending any time with her that he could. He was willing to be her friend, but he knew he wanted more. He had me swooning from time to time. He admitted he didn't know what he could do to make her choose him, but he didn't shy away from the goal, a relationship with her. He even told her over and over that he would never quit.
Kate was a woman who wanted Jase, but after a not so subtle threat from her brother (her whole family were jerks, especially her father), she needs to stay away from him. Little by little, she gets to know him and the rest of Hard Chord, and realizes that keeping her guard up is going to be difficult. It was hard enough as the PR person for the other band on the tour, but when she learns that she is also going to be doing PR for Hard Chord, it becomes even harder.
Once Jase and the rest of the gang learn what Kate has been keeping from them, they vow to help her. The only promblem; Jase realizes that she can't have her dream and have him. So he makes the hardest, most unthinkable sacrifice for her happiness. Whether there's a chance for them is up in the air, but one thing holds true; they are both miserable without eachother.
This book had me so happy, confused, sad, and irritated at times. But, that is what makes a great book. The characters were great. Kate was strong, yet in some ways, starving for attention. Jase was always the responsible one, even in Rock Hard, he was the strength when Ryder needed him most. He had a tender side to him that he didn't let everyone see. His sacrifice was heartstoppingly wonderful, yet scary. I can't wait to see what happens with Cole in his book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
November 10, 2019
I'm a sucker for Rock Star romance, so I was all in before I even turned a page. Rock Harder definitely packs an emotional punch, followed by some frustrating push & pull that had me ready to actually choke out the hero, Jase, the bassist for Hard Chord, as they're starting to really take off, and the heroine, Kate, who had her own issues as well. Jase lost the love of his life, who was his best friend & band mates, twin sister, and the two of them have been treading water for a while. When Kate comes into his life, he's sure that he's seen a ghost, as she's a dead ringer for his gone by not forgotten love. Kate has her own issues like I said above, as she's focused on making a good life for her & her sister, so she has no time for any sort of delicious distractions. Once Jase got over his shock, he became determined to really get to know Kate, as the attraction to her was strong, and only getting stronger as he took the time to actually get to know her. They had crazy hot chemistry from the get go, but that push & pull though. However, a huge twist comes along which puts Kate's job in jeopardy, so I was dropping some big f-bombs because I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and man, my head almost exploded. I LOVED me some Hard Chord, but I also LOVED the Zeet Fleet band as well. So how does it all pan out?! Just give it a try by one clicking, as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,234 reviews34 followers
December 22, 2025
Jase never thought he would be a motorcycle guy, but riding with the wind in his hair through the California coast was just what he needed. Because he never thought he would be at the top of the charts, but still fill as if something was missing.

But taking the curve and seeing the longest legs of the woman bending under the hood of the car above lifted his spirits. When he pulls up and asks if she needs any help the engine gives a roar. When he shows his disappointment about not being able to help a damsel in distress, she informs him that she can rescue herself, gets in the car and they pull away. Leaving him behind without even seeing her face, which had been tucked beneath a huge hat.

A week later, the band is waiting for the model for their video shoot, and everyone stares at her in shock. And is wasn't because he instantly recognized the sexy voice as his damsel. She was the spitting image of Ryder's twin. His dead twin, whom the video will honor.

I loved this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this book can be read as a standalone, the characters are recurring as the storyline follows the band members and I suggest you read the series to not miss anyone's personal story.

This book is action-packed and smoking hot. The story is a heart-wrenching, highly emotional, and full of feels as the band relives the loss of Ryder's sister. Highly recommend this book and series!
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
November 1, 2019
Rock Harder by M.J. Roberts
“Letting go of the past, 4 stars”

Jase never expected for a ghost from his past to walk through the door. Only she’s not the ghost who’s haunted him for years because she’s dead. Kate just looks like her. Will he be able to let go of the woman from his past and see the one in front of him? Or will he just project those feels onto Kate? What if those feels are for Kate and not his ghost?
Kate has her reasons for taking this job. She just wants to make a better life for her sister and herself. What she didn’t expect was Jason. Kate doesn’t have time for distractions and Jason is exactly that. Will she cave to those feelings or will she be able to maintain those walls she’s spent years building?
Ugh, Kate deserves a freaking medal. Her restraint is something else. But Jase doesn’t know what no means when it’s a weak no. There is no denying that the feelings are mutual. Roberts has given us the perfect push and pull story. I loved the secondary characters who just upped Rock Harder that much more. I hope you enjoy Rock Harder as much as I did.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-4/5
Overall-4/5
Profile Image for Catty Jane.
385 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2019
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. ***

4.5 stars

There are so many things I love about this new to me author. The writing is witty, and she pays attention to the small details. I absolutely love it! I have to admit that after a couple chapters I did have to go back and read the first book. You will simply understand the relationships and the banter so much better if you read Rock Hard first. But I highly recommend this not so typical rock band. I love every single member of these bands and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. If you love great music and amazing rocker bodies, without too much of the same old rocker lifestyle that is typically put out there, then you will LOVE the band Hard Chord! (Review by Terrie "Jane")

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Profile Image for She's a Lip Biter.
1,336 reviews30 followers
November 10, 2019
God I love me a rockstar romance and this wasn't any different to some I have read, it, however, was from the start of the series, not all millionaires and money. It was starting from the grassroots and showed a slow rise to fame.

This book sort of branches off from the first book with the same heartache that was felt in regards to Jase's lost love, who happens to be Ryder's twin sister (all is told in book 1). I did lose my temper and grow really frustrated with this book as it was a little to much push me, pull me and I felt the need to scream and shake the life back into some people, especially Jase.

All in all this book was great, with scenes both on and off stage. Now Jase isn't the only troubled one in this book, Kate has her own story and troubles and as the story progress, you see it all come to ahead.

All in all the Chord Brothers and Hard Chord are definitely making a great impact on me. This is certainly a good recommend from me. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Donna



Profile Image for Walkwitha_book.
663 reviews33 followers
September 13, 2021
May favourite character is Kate. This series should be made as a movie or a web series, so captivating. Very mysterious read. The way author presents each scene is the best part about the book. This is the best series I have read this year.

Jase character is inspiring, despite so many hardships and obstacles, he managed everything. Will she accept Jase or will she be strict to her promise ?

If you didn’t read this, you are missing something really amazing and amazing. You will fall with the characters leaving their past behind. A marvellous read.

The language is simple and easy to understand. The title is intriguing with a rocky cover. This book is not recommended to children are there are detailing of sex, violence, cursing.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,529 reviews53 followers
November 7, 2019
Rock Harder is an emotional story that keeps you stuck to its pages.

I admired Kate. She worked hard, and was always willing to do he right thing. Her pride stood in her way a lot, but I understood why she had her secrets.

Jase was totally awesome. I loved his persistence. Even when he feared being pathetic, he always tried to make Kate see how deep his feelings for her ran.

Kate & Jase were a great couple. I was a little scared for them at some points, but their journey was all the more interesting for the near misses and obstacles.

I would love to read the others in the series.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
753 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2019
It was so nice to get back to this Rockstar world! Love every member of Hard Chord, not to mention Zeet Fleet. I missed being on tour and seeing how this assortment of characters banters and plays. It's fun and engaging and entertaining!

This story introduces us to Kate and helps us focus on Jase, the bassist of Hard Chord. Kate's got a pretty dark history, and she's also been hired to be the publicist for Zeet Fleet. This situation forces her to keep her distance from Jase, despite the really strong chemistry the two have. It's tense and painful and quite a ride to see the two coming together as friends and a couple!

Always worth a read if you like Rockstar romance!
1 review
May 19, 2021
This is a very unique book and I loved it. Instead of the story being set in one place, the story takes place on a couple of Rock and Roll tour bus traveling from city to city, with Kate and Jase trying to figure out how to be together, both wanting to, both having reasons to hold back. Jase is scared from a tragedy in his youth, and Kate is damaged by rich, powerful father. The writing is witty, and laugh out loud funny, as well as teary eyed in all the right place. Lets not forget hot; oh so hot

M.J. Roberts did herself proud!

I have read book one and two in the series and have purchased book three. I can't wait to dive in.
Profile Image for CC.
433 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2021
Pleasantly surprised

So I read book 1 a while ago and I liked the story quite a bit however it was super hard to read with all the other characters and they took up a lot of the book.
I can back to this series with kinda high hopes and while I liked this story as well it was just so long it took forever to read it felt like, it seemed like there was too much going on again.
Even while saying that I did really enjoy the story of Jase and Kate. I’m definitely going to keep reading more of this series!!!
553 reviews
November 20, 2023
Nice story

I'm confused...... If these guys are such a big deal why are they doing the driving and setting up them selves with no roadies? Also why aren't they making more after being on the road with a
lot of album's out? Why put all your own money and give it to your PR and another band? I felt the story just was lame in parts. Also for Jase to take such drastic action while obligated to play didn't make sense to hurt his band. Also you only got hints on his relationship with Riley.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,719 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2019
Rock Harder is the second book in the Chord Brothers series. I thought this rocker story was an okay story. But at times I felt like I was missing some of the back story. Now that might be because I haven't read the first book, but I was told you could read this as a standalone. I did like the characters for the most part which is why I finished it. I'll probably grab the next book just to see what happens next.

Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,267 reviews176 followers
November 4, 2019
Roberts takes emotions inside a riddle of the heart. Jase and Kate are haunting melody that never stops luring you deeper into their song. Rock Harder turned the voice of tragedy into a crescendo that kept calling my name. Gritty, gut-wrenching, captivating.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews