Tempting Beat

Hearts Of Metal #6

by Brooklyn Ann

When ER nurse Gwen Mason falls for heavy metal drummer, Roderick Powell, her plans for a life alone with her cats are thwarted.

THE ROCK STAR NEXT DOOR


Roderick Powell, drummer of Bleeding Vengeance, is delighted to have left LA and move into a beautiful new home in a Denver suburb. But as he sees all of his bandmates' happiness after finding love, he wonders if having a place of his own is enough. When he meets the hot nurse next door, Rod is smitten. She gives him the brush-off, but he's determined to woo her.


AND THE CRAZY CAT LADY NURSE


Twice divorced and working brutal hours as an ER nurse, Gwen Mason resigned to a life alone with her four cats. When a sexy rock star moves next door, it takes all of her willpower to resist the younger man's charms. Her resolve is shattered when trouble with the city council throws her and Rod together. One night in his arms, and she's in danger of losing her heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2018

About the author

Author also writes as Brooklyn Ann Butler

Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing romance, urban fantasy, and horror novels featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. Author of historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed “Scandals with Bite” series, urban fantasy in the cult favorite, “Brides of Prophecy” novels, rockstar romance in the award-winning, “Hearts of Metal” series, and horror in the “Final Couples” series, horror romances riffing on the 1970s and 1980s B horror movies that feature a Final Couple instead of a Final Girl.

She also writes horror under the pen name Brooklyn Ann Butler.

She lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her gamer son, rockstar/IT Guy boyfriend, three cats, a few project cars, an extensive book collection, and miscellaneous horror memorabilia.

She can be found online at https://brooklynannauthor.com as well as on Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.

For exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and giveaways, sign up for Brooklyn Ann’s Newsletter at https://www.brooklynannauthor.com/new...

Reviews

[JoRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Gwen and Roderick were such a cute, fun couple. As a double-divorcee, 30 something year old Gwen thought a happily ever after was not in the books for her. So when good-looking, younger Roderick moves next door she tries to keep things between them as distant as possible. After all, what good would come of flirting with the sexy rock star. The thing was that Roderick had a mind of his own and had already set his eyes on Gwen.

I truly enjoyed the dynamics of these two. Even though Roderick wanted more from Gwen, he was never pushy or obnoxiously overbearing. I loved that he was smart enough to try to see things from her perspective to understand her better. On the other hand, I was unable to love Gwen. She was intelligent and kind yet her lack of confidence grated me. Then again I think I was kind of projecting on her and because she was not acting the way I would have liked her to I was unable to connect with her. At any rate, their relationship as a whole was sweet and the outcome was oh, so satisfying.
We also get to see more behind the scenes of Bleeding Vengeance and how they make music happen. There is one scene in particular that had me laughing out loud because of the band members shenanigans. And that shocking ending, talk about unexpected! Have you heard that authors kill you in their books if they don’t like you in real life? Well…
All in all it was a sweet yet blazing-hot romance and a good continuation to an already good series.

**I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn Ann is one of my favorite authors. I've read every one of her books and the anticipation for the next one is an addiction! She has three different series and they are all fabulous. This is book 6 in The Hearts of Metal series, but each book can definitely stand alone, although if you read one you will want to go back and read the ones before it. The story is that good. The characters are well developed and she does her research on their lives well. I care about all the characters and feel as if I know them. Her books are a different kind of romance because they include different lifestyles. The characters are people I would love to hang out with and I enjoy their escapades. More than five stars!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story. Gwen is a strong, hardworking independent woman just wanting to live life. Rod is a rockstar and so much more, who can't help but find the nurse next door sexy. You have injuries, insecurities, experimentation, lust, love, friendship and twists that will have you saying, "Oh Shhhh!!!" This story had me intrigued from the first page and hooked after the Animaniacs reference. The writing is fun and entertaining. It flows smoothly and keeps you rooting for the characters. The villains make you mad but you can't help but also laugh at their antics and the Karma that hits them, literally . All in all a fantabulous story by a great author.

[Bev Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as always!!

Loved Rods and Gwen's story! They are awesome together! That busybody neighbor got what was coming to her! I shouldn't laugh but it was hilarious! I have a twisted sense of humor! All Brooklyn's books are just awesome I can't wait for the next one!!!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of rockstar romances I’ve become enamored of the characters and witty banter found in Ms. Ann’s Hearts of Metal series. The characters are likable and easy to relate to with a vivid depiction of the music world that pulls you in wholeheartedly. This latest installment is another satisfying story that utterly charmed me from the first page to the last as issues of self-esteem, fears over the past, and a possibly life-altering accident keeps readers glued to the pages while cheering the main couple on every step of the way.

Gwen Mason’s had two failed marriages and is just making ends meet with a small group of friends, loving pets, and a job that she loves. She’s a smart woman, strong-willed in many ways, and immensely likable, but is done looking for love as her past is littered with losers and she’s tired of being left brokenhearted. She was content, devoted to being a nurse...until a sexy British drummer moved in next door and left her wanting more. Gwen tries to stand her ground in the face of the tempting Brit, but through each fun and flirty encounter she loses the fight as their older woman/younger man relationship turns erotic. Theirs is a decadently delightful connection, built one step at a time as they dealt with their inner fears, and it made for an unforgettable journey full of heart and soul.

Roderick Powell’s the quintessential rockstar, adored by women and happy to indulge in the buffet of female groupies. You can’t help but like him though as he’s charming, caring, with a fun-loving attitude that made me smile. Until recently he was content on his own, but watching his friends and bandmates find their HEAs has him longing for the same. This fuels his instant attraction to his next door neighbor and has him undertaking a sensual game of tug of war full of flirty and heartwarming interactions. Roderick was definitely a temptation that slowly wore Gwen down and it made them a formidable pairing against their nosey neighbors. Roderick also needed her support after an accident left his future hanging in the balance with the strong foundation they had been building the reason why the story’s conclusion was so satisfying.

With a romance that was sweet and sensual balanced with a friendship that made me smile, I found Gwen and Roderick to be a delightful pairing. The issues they dwelt with were realistic, without being too angsty, and pulled me into their journey to HEA. I enjoyed their scenes as a couple, both in and out of the bedroom, while I equally enjoyed their interactions with friends. Roderick’s time with his bandmates was playful with a familial feel that gave greater insight into the music world and showed Ms. Ann’s vast knowledge on the topic which made for an even more exhilarating read. The ending too sets Ms. Ann apart from other authors as she pulled no punches in a jaw-dropping moment of karma that I found hilariously twisted. On a whole the Hearts of Metal series continues to bring me joy and for fans of the genre I highly recommend it as it stands strongly on its own. Once readers get their hands on it though, they’ll definitely want to go back to see where it all started!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Mason is turning 35. She's been divorced twice, has student loans and a mortgage she can barely afford. But she loves her career as an ER nurse, has two close nursing friends, and four furry friends. She's content. Roderick Powell is the disowned son of British nobility but he's better known as the lead drummer of Bleeding Vengeance. He's made his dreams come true. He's just purchased his first house so that he can be closer to his bandmates who are all settling down into happy relationships. Rod has never considered a real relationship. He's been happy with the offerings on the road but seeing his friend's happiness, he can't help but wonder if there's a HEA in his future as well. This thought crosses his mind more frequently the more time he spends with his gorgeous next-door neighbor, Gwen. Gwen likes Rod, likes him a lot but she's not looking for husband #3 and she's older than him. It could never work, could it?

I love catching up with the guys and ladies of Bleeding Vengeance. Kat and Klement, Cliff and Christine, and now Rod and Gwen make for some entertaining stories. Rod and Gwen's story had less angst than some of the previous ones. Their issues mostly stemmed from insecurities; age money, true intentions. It allowed the characters to get to know one another naturally. Then when misfortune did occur the foundation was already established. Their relationship had something to build on. These two were so likable, so relatable. They have so many differences but each was superficial. Their attraction to one another, their common interests, and compatibility were the perfect recipe for a lasting love. I knew I loved Gwen as soon as I learned her furbabies names. I fell in love with Rod the second he complimented her macaroons and asked for the recipe. I fell for them as a couple when they decided to be a united front against the nasty neighbor brigade.

I'm a fan of the Hearts of Metal series and this book is a good addition. Lovely characters, good friends, steamy sex, plenty of laugh out loud moments, and a forever kind of love, all set to a strong beat. Who could ask for more!

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tempting Beat is filled with some great characters especially
Rod and Gwen. I am fascinated with Rod. His character is from English nobility. But he put all that aside and came to the U.S. to be a drummer for a heavy metal bad.
The locale is Denver, Colorado. The bad members have chosen Denver as a place to set down roots. A place that is convenient and legal for some of the leisure things the like to do.
Rod is interesting because he likes to restore old cars. He gets into a conflict with the cities council when they try to get him to get rid of his cars.
Gwen is just a sweet character that has been through a lot of heart break.
As I turn the pages I am rooting for them to get together in the end.
That makes a good great romance!
I enjoyed the Rod-Gwen romance. I enjoyed Rod's band mates
and their characters.

Gwen struggles with 'really' believing that Rod is really into her because she is stuck on the age difference (she is older).

Rod has some struggles with neighbor council and then ends up
in jail for a night when ICE shows up and his 'mates' wedding.

The author gives us a sweet romance and ties up the relationship
conflicts.

What I didn't particularly care for was how the author tied-up the
conflict that Rod was having with some of the neighbors. The
story went from Romance to just a weird ending when two of the neighbors are unexpectedly killed in a really strange way. It just didn't make sense to me and kind of took away from everything that I liked about the storyline.

I did really enjoy this book and would be interested to read more in the series. Tempting Beat is book 6 in the Hearts of Metal series.
It is written as a stand alone and was very easy to get into. No need to read the series in order but I think the characters are so interesting I would like to read more.

Cautions for the reader there are some bedrooms scenes. There are some scenes where the characters are doing drugs.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Wildchildeditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Mason is an ER nurse. She works long, hard hours and struggles to make ends meet. But she’s okay with it. She’s got her cats and her friends. After her last relationship (a failed marriage due to a cheating husband), she’d just as soon remain single for the rest of her life. There might be good men out there, but she seemed to be a magnet for the jerks.

Until Roderick Powell, the gorgeous drummer for the metal band Bleeding Vengeance, moves in next door. He’s hot, has a sexy English accent, and keeps trying to get her to go on a date with him. She’s not buying it, but, oh, how she wants to!

Being the wife of a drummer, I was delighted to find that the leading man of this contemporary romance was also a drummer. Drummers are amazing (not that I’m biased at all). The intricate, contrasting rhythms going all at once from their hands and feet is mind boggling. To see how accurately Brooklyn Ann’s describes Gwen’s first experience watching Rod work his magic on his chosen instrument shows that she has spent some time studying the men behind the rhythm.

Mix this in with a solid plot of two adults that must overcome obstacles, some from outside and some from within, to find their way back to love and learn how to trust again, you have a tale that pulls you onward from chapter to chapter until the very end…where you regret that it ended as soon as it did.

A week or so after I finished this book, I picked up another in this standalone series titled Kissing Vicious. More than likely, I will read all of them. So, yeah, go forth and get your copy of this book today.

4.5 stars

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gone most of my life without reading a rock star romance. In the past week, I've read two and both were very different. In Tempting Beat Brit rocker Rod Powell moves in next to Gwen Mason.



Rod is an almost too good to be true drummer of metal band Bleeding Vengeance. He's not what you expect from a hard rocker, but he and his band mates are really super nice and a great bunch of friends that anyone would be happy to have.



Gwen is an ER nurse that is a few years older than Rod and she's got two marriages under her belt. She's given up on love and is settling for being the neighborhood "cat lady."

The chemistry between these two is electric. Gwen really comes out of her shell with Rod, and even though they do a lot of rock star things, they really are a close knit bunch of friends. Gwen seems to slip into their lives really easily.



The story is not without drama too. There are neighbors that aren't pleased to have a hard rocker in their residence, an injury and even issues with immigration! Brooklyn Ann deals with all of these issues in a way that makes the story flow perfectly from one situation to the next.



The sex between these two is off the charts and I appreciated that Gwen and Rod took their time getting together.



The ending events really blew me away. We all expect a happily ever after in romance, but how Gwen and Rod got there's was really unexpected.



This is a fantastic read, and I definitely want to read more of Brooklyn's books.

[Behind Closed Doors Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amount of sex 2.5 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 2.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5

It’s so great to be back with the men and women of Bleeding Vengeance! I just love these characters and couldn’t wait to read Rod’s story! Tempting Beat is the sixth book in the ‘Hearts of Metal’ series and can be read as a standalone. Although, I recommend starting from the beginning of the series. Understanding the backstories will gain the reader a better foundation to fully appreciate the story. Just know that it’s not necessary.

Tempting Beats tells the story of Roderick Powell, the drummer for Bleeding Vengeance. Rod is starting to think about settling down, like the other members in his band. First, he decides to buy a house in Denver, not too far away from Klement and Katana. Rod’s next neighbor is Gwen Mason, a beautiful ER nurse who is about 7 years older than him. Gwen has been married twice and divorced twice, so she’s not looking for a relationship.
The story was captivating, and I especially loved all the drama in the new neighborhood!

A must read series!

*Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy*

[Jennifer Macaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romantic look at the Cinderella tale - with some interesting twists. Gwen is a nurse who lives in a nice town in the house she got after her divorce. She has a good group of friends, a job she loves, and a giant mistrust of men thanks to her two ex-husbands. Rod is a drummer in a heavy metal band, young, handsome - and longs to settle down like his partners, who have found love and are starting families of their own. He's tired of one-night stands and an empty home, but because of a terrible fight with his father, he does not want children. How to find the right woman? These two were meant to get together, and sparks definitely fly. But Gwen is older, and feels older than Rod, and she's not sure she can take another heartbreak. The author is smart enough to keep the reader hooked - the characters are terrific, and even the secondary characters are well drawn. So read this book and slip into your Cinderella slippers - and fall in love with a young, handsome rock star who is more than he appears to be!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Brooklyn Ann for the opportunity to read Tempting Beat. I happily volunteered to review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I enjoyed the fact that Gwen was a strong independent women. She had vulnerabilities and her passed relationships played havoc on her self worth when it came to romance. Rod wasn't a jerk! How awesome is that. There is also a little intrigue with a cranky old biddy and a surprise incident towards the end. I have actually not read the other books and I could read this as a stand alone with no problem. The characters were all interesting enough that I am going to have to search them out and read them. Its summer time and this is an enjoyable hot read.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rod is the drummer of the band, sexy, handsome, and he has parental problems. These problems have caused him to move away from his native England and promised himself never to marry or give his father heirs. So far being a rockstar has helped him keep that promise, until he meets Gwen. Gwen is a nurse, she’s older then Rod and been married twice. I love the chemistry of these two, it’s a friendship at first but the slow burn is melting my Kindle. They have lots in common, she’s a cat lover and so is he. Gwen is insecure because of the age difference but she just can’t help falling in love with Rod and the two are so cute together. I loved this book. I’m giving it five stars and highly recommend it. Can’t wait to start reading the last book in this awesome series.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have enjoyed the journey with this band, and this story kept my interest in more. Rod was a sweetheart even when he did not think his actions through. He always tried to make amends. I felt his pain after his accident as he feared for his future. It was actually fun finding out about his secret fears. Gwen was such a strong woman, struggling to get to where she was. Her past colored her vision of the future and almost ruined it. This couple had my attention from the beginning and crossing my fingers until the end. I recommend this story as well as the series.

I received an ARC of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Miranda Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful feel good book about two superb characters. When two people try not to get attached, that doesn’t always work. Loved every bit. Don’t miss out when it’s released.

[Adria's Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews

* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Twice divorced and wary of any kind of relationship, Gwen Mason has buried herself in her work as an ER nurse until Roderick Powell moves in next door. As the drummer for Bleeding Vengeance he can have almost anything he wants but with all his bandmates in committed relationships, he can’t help feeling like he’s missing something and decides that maybe it’s worth another shot trying to win his neighbor over. As much as she tries to resist his charm and hidden vulnerabilities, Gwen finds herself continually drawn to him and the possibility of a happy life with Rod.




Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? I always enjoy this author’s stories and Tempting Beat is no exception. This one did stand out to me though because Gwen is older than Rod and on the surface these two seem to have nothing in common.


But they’re neighbors and because of their mutual (if reluctant on Gwen’s part) interest in each other, these two spend enough time together to let their guards down and show who they really are and wow, they made such a good couple! Gwen is likable and way more relatable as a twice divorced woman than a fresh faced young girl would have been. Gwen has had the benefit of life happening to her and she’s learned a lot from it but at the same time it left its scars and traumas. She still had a lot of growing and learning to do and I think that’s what really appealed to me. She was a mature woman, not prone to ridiculous youth filled behaviors but she wasn’t a know it all either. I liked her strength and her determination to live her life on her terms. She also wasn’t in any desperate need to find a man so when love did happen to her it was all the more sweet.


Rod has to be one of the most “un-rocker” type characters out there. Sure he’s enjoyed the women who offer themselves to him in the past but he’s not the type of guy who uses women and tosses them aside. He’s upfront and fun but I loved how he began to change right from the start of the book. He’s seeing all his friends happily in love and it’s making him stop and think that maybe there’s one more thing he’d like to accomplish in life. That’s a big revelation for a guy and for him to have it so early on made the dynamic between him and Gwen more than just about physical attraction. I loved that he would try and see situations from Gwen’s point of view, who doesn’t find a man like that attractive? And you know what else? He’s a freaking cuddler! Do you know how rare it is in romance to find a guy who likes to cuddle after he’s blown a woman’s mind in between the sheets? *melts into puddle*



The romance between Rod and Gwen had obstacles, as any worthy romance should but these obstacles felt so real. Gwen’s hangup about the age difference was something I could identify with and it isn’t something that is easily overcome. Plus, Gwen didn't want kids. I'm sure that might not seem like a big deal to most people but to me it is. I totally related to Gwen and her concerns about being with someone who may want them. Rod has his own insecurities but together these two have such a mature relationship that is built on respect and a genuine like of one another which I don’t see a lot in romance. Sure there’s heat but that’s easy to come across. Rod and Gwen like each other and they have a friendship too so that when things got really rough for them, that’s the foundation that their relationship was built on, making their romance a lot stronger than one that is just based on physical attraction. I loved them together and how they brought out the best in each other.

Of course, you can’t have a Rockstar romance like Tempting Beat without having Rod’s bandmates and their partners in the picture. They’re a great group that I enjoy because they all have their own demons in their pasts and they make it clear that they wouldn’t judge anyone on their pasts, only their present. Then there’s the way they kid around with each other, it’s a family, bad sides and when the members of Bleeding Vengeance are all together, there’s a real sense of belonging and acceptance. I love it.


The only thing that had me going huh? Was how the author handled two of the antagonists of the story. It was morbid, unexpected, and in a way funny. Morbidly funny I guess but totally unexpected.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. This one is definitely one of the most romantic books of the series. Rod makes my list of book boyfriends. I don’t care if he’s younger.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this series by this author. This is a rock star romance read. This is a romantic read with some twists. Amazingly written characters, you will fall in love with as you read. This book can be read as a stand alone read or has part of the series, this series just gets better and better the more you read. I can't wait to read more from this author and in this series in the future.



Highly recommended series

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/