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Encore

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Adam Black left his hometown six years ago to pursue his music career. Now, as the lead singer and frontman of the band Kingdom 4, Adam has gained worldwide success—soaring to the top of the charts and selling out shows across the globe. But the rock & roll lifestyle is far from easy. Plagued by the pressures of fame and addiction, Adam is unhappy. Pacey Rivers is the youngest musician to ever play in the Symphony Orchestra. On his way home after a performance, Pacey is shocked to find Adam passed out in an alleyway. In Pacey's eyes, Adam isn’t just the handsome and rugged rock God that everyone is swooning over. They were best friends in high school—almost inseparable, until that fateful day six years ago when Adam left. Adam is spending the holidays in his hometown before heading back to Los Angeles. Adam is straight and has never questioned his sexuality—but will he finally realize that his connection with Pacey is deeper than the ocean and thicker than blood? And it took Pacey six long years to finally get Adam out of his head—what’s stopping Adam from leaving again? Encore is a stand-alone, angsty, slow-burn M/M romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.

360 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2017

22 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

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Candice Blake

34 books54 followers

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5 stars
35 (23%)
4 stars
43 (29%)
3 stars
50 (33%)
2 stars
15 (10%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Chris.
1,155 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2018
Sechs Jahre in der Ferne haben aus Adam Black einen erfolgreichen Rockmusiker gemacht. Doch der Preis für den Erfolg ist hoch. Zwar hat er Geld, Ruhm und Anerkennung. Doch innerlich ist Adam leer, ausgebrannt und einsam. Egal wie viele Menschen um ihn herum sind. Privatsphäre gibt es keine mehr, da ihm die Reporter immer auf den Fersen sind und auf Abstürze und Skandale hoffen.

Zurückgelassen hat Adam seinen besten Freund Pacey, der ebenfalls Musiker ist. Inzwischen ist Pacey beim Symphony Orchestra der Stadt aufgenommen worden und gilt als begnadeter Musiker und Harfenspieler. Im Gegensatz zu Adam lebt Pacey ein ruhiges und beschauliches Leben. Doch das wird in seinen Grundfesten schüttert, als Adam zur Weihnachtszeit zurück in die Stadt kommt und sie sich unerwartet wieder sehen.

Adam und Pacey könnten wirklich nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Nicht nur von ihrer Persönlichkeit und ihrem Auftreten, auch ihr Hintergrund und ihre Familie sind nicht zu vergleichen. Während Pacey liebende Eltern hat, die ihn immer unterstützt haben, musste Adam es irgendwie mit seiner ständig süchtigen Mutter klar kommen. Erst seit Adam Erfolg als Musiker hat, ist seine Mutter clean. Doch dafür muss Adam nun sein ganzes Leben auf sie und den Erfolg ausrichten.

Der Erfolg macht Adam kaputt und erst als er bei Pacey ein wenig zur Ruhe kommt, begreift er was er wirklich will. Doch Adam will auch seine Mutter nicht enttäuschen und hat keine Ahnung wie er mit der Tatsache umgehen soll, dass er vermutlich bisexuell ist. Zumindest hat er starke Gefühle für Pacey, weiß jedoch dass ihn das seine Karriere und alles kosten könnte.

Candice Blake hat die Geschichte sehr feinsinnig und auch romantisch geschrieben. Adam ist ein Zweifler und man spürt seine Unsicherheiten und seine Zerrissenheit sehr deutlich. Auch Pacey begreift sehr schnell, dass sein Jugendfreund sich immer mehr in Drogen, Alkohol und dem schnellen Leben verliert. Egal wie gut er als Musiker sein mag und wie groß der Erfolg mit der Band ist. Adam ist nicht glücklich und scheint immer mehr an den Abgrund zu geraten.

Pacey ist ein wunderbarer Charakter und er hat wirklich viel Mut und auch Stärke in sich um sich dieser Sache zu stellen. Und selbst als Adam ihm das Herz bricht, gibt er nicht auf.

Ich mochte die Geschichte sehr gern und abgesehen von ein paar kleinen Schwächen, war sie wirklich schön zu lesen.
Profile Image for Kyla.
94 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2018
It was full of typos and grammar errors, the characters were poorly developed, and the love scenes were written with crude language that did not set a romantic tone at all. The only reason I read as far as I did was because I wanted to know if Adam gave up his life of fame for something happier.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
December 3, 2017
One broken and left behind, one broken and pretending to move on, two men who need each other more than their next breath.

Pacey is moving through life trying to fill the hole Adam made when he left six long years ago. He thinks he's done it when he finds a drunk and unconscious Adam in a dark, dirty alley. Saving him isn't something new to Pacey but he didn't think he'd ever be in a position to do it again.

Adam is drowning himself in drinking, drugs, and music. What he can't seem to get enough of is doing nothing to fill his soul with what it craves, or rather who, but there's no way he'll ever admit to leaving the best part of his life behind when his career has the wings and momentum it currently has. Once again, though, he'll need Pacey to get back on his feet whether he wants to accept it or not.

A chance encounter brings their lives together again and they find that they had no clue how much they missed their friendship. Pacey had a better idea of that because when you're the one being left it's harder to forget. Adam has the luxury of forgetting because he's surrounded himself with substances and adoration of millions to cover all the uncomfortable feelings of loneliness...at least until the crowds stop cheering, the guitar and microphone are packed up, and the high wears off. Which is exactly what put him in Pacey's path.

As they reconnect and get to know one another now that they've got a bit more life experience under them they're drawn to one another in ways neither of them expected. Childhood love deepens, broadens, and grows for Pacey and is now in an even worse place if Adam should leave like he's promising to do. Adam is scared of what he feels for Pacey because it's not part of his career or personal plan at all. When he draws Pacey in only to make the same mistake as before he has to decide if his original plan is really worth not having Pacey. Will he let more time pass or will he be brave and give their love the Encore it really deserves?

They have a hell of a time navigating their confusing feelings, paparazzi, families, careers, and finding forgiveness. Overall this story was good and they made a good couple when Adam got his head out of his...well, you know. What they find when they make the right choices is passion, music straight from their souls, and a beautiful collaboration.

Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
937 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2017
Came across this while searching for holiday stories. I liked the premise and much of the overall story, but felt there were too many shaky moments to really rate this higher than GR's 2 star meaning of "it was okay".

The writing style stood out right away. The sentence structure is looser than I generally prefer, though that in itself wasn't an issue. The main problem is that the story felt more like a first draft than a polished piece. Editing mistakes. Awkward and repetitive sentences/phrases/words within the same few lines or paragraphs. Needless repetition of basic and background information. It felt like the author wrote to get the story down, maybe trying several versions of a sentence or concept placement, and then decided to leave everything in. Would have read smoother if some of the duplications had been edited out.

The included story was good, though it felt incomplete. Things were hinted at that never really materialized. Issues were built up then resolved in the blink of an eye. People changed almost overnight. Time jumps were lost opportunities to show growth. I have no interest in stringing things along just because, especially in something meant to be a light hearted holiday story, but I would have liked to see more of them together without the anxiety. I don't think it needed more sex, and the sweet parts were already sweet enough. I just feel like we missed the fun payoff scenes of them laughing and joking and creating music along the way, and then later, how the band/public/families reacted to their relationship. Most of that was just glossed over with a few sentences.

Candice Blake is an author new to me so I committed to finishing the book to make sure I gave it a far chance. I loved the disillusioned rocker. I loved the inclusion of the orchestra. The reunited friends/ friends-to-lovers theme was a little too formal and awkward for my taste, but the overall set-up was good. Technical issues and style choices often pulled me out of the story, however, those looking for a quick moving, sweet, light-angst story probably won't focus on those things, and therefore, should enjoy this one more than me.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,538 reviews46 followers
December 6, 2017
A wonderful second chance romance story between childhood friends.
Adam has gone out into the world and become the global superstar front man of Kingdom 4.
Pacey went to college, became a harpist and joined the Symphony Orchestra as their youngest ever new member at 24
When they are reunited by Pacey stumbling across a passed out Adam one night, it leads to them reconnecting while Adam is spending a few weeks back in his hometown.
Both characters are provided with enough back story that we know there's tension between them after a bad end to their friendship but we're kept guessing as to the specifics until later in the story which I quite like as it keeps us thinking about it.
From the outset we know Pacey is gay and that Adam is straight. When Adams friendship feelings towards Pacey change, it's kind of sudden in his actions. The emotions come out easily from the pages, engrossing us in their journey. Throughout the book, even when they were having their up close and personal moments, they are still calling each other bro, brother, man.....as though they're trying to keep roles in their head or make sure Adam knows that he's with a man. It's not really names I associate with loving, tender moments.
We get to see a little of Adam's Mum and Pacey's parents, just enough to bring their angst or love and support to the story. Adam's bandmates are like vague notions, rarely interacting and I wasn't a fan of how arrogant Adam was about himself and his place in the band. Pacey's best friend provides loving support as well and some light relief for a very tense Pacey. We're told in the beginning that he has social anxiety but he seems to cope quite well in a small concert crowd by himself, as well as the after party, and Adam's Mum's Christmas party. This didn't really seem to match up.
Overall I'd recommend this book as a sweet friends to lovers, second chance romance. Fans of Candice Blake with love it as will newcomers to her work.
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Jenn's Book Obsession.
724 reviews22 followers
January 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is a new-to-me author so I didn't know what to expect going in. I love finding new authors and adding to my ever growing list of M/M addiction stories. This story was would have received a better rating if it was better edited. Sometimes I can overlook it if the story itself packed a punch. However, the editing issues kept throwing me off and didn't allow the story to flow as nicely and smoothly as it should have.

Other than that this was a pretty good story. The author did a good job on the story line itself and it had great characters. I am a fan of the whole slow-burn romance because I love the build up but for me with Adam and Pacey I felt like it was too slow. I would have liked to see more of their relationship and the growth and improvement both individually and together as a couple.

The friendship was there and they fell right back into that after so long but I feel like the whole angst part of the story was glossed over. I would have liked to see more of that play out. I mean Adam was straight and had never been with a man before and I would have like to get more detail and more emotion from that aspect. It's like he wrestled with the idea for all of two point five seconds and then suddenly he's shouting from the rooftop.

The story wasn't too much on the emotional side and the sexy times were okay. This author had a good general idea but I think the whole wow factor of the love story was lacking. Overall, it was a quick cute read.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
December 3, 2017
Pacey and Adam had a great friendship as teenagers. Pacey and his parents gave Adam the love and support his drug-addicted mother wasn't able to provide. Then Adam was discovered and moved to Los Angeles, cutting all ties with his friend.
Now, six years later, Pacey finds an unconscious man in an alley on a freezing night. That man turns out to be Adam, and their connection is reestablished.
I liked this story, with attention paid to each man's point of view. I found their fears and anxieties to be understandable. I liked Pacey's relationship with his parents. I absolutely hated Adam's mother, and I had a hard time believing she might actually love her son. I wanted to see Adam really stand up to her, Simon, and the bandmates. While the ending was satisfying and sweet, I wanted to see how the couple were handling the papparazi, how Adam was able to deal with his addictions, and how the bandmates reacted to the changes. Some things seemed wrapped up a little too easily.
My favorite scenes were the ones with Adam and Pacey talking things out, and those with them making music together. I found this story enjoyable.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2017
This is a well-written book with interesting characters and I really enjoyed it. Pacey is a wonderful musician who has his life together and is just starting his career with the local Symphony Orchestra. He has a supportive family, a lovely house on the beach and his dog for company. While Pacey is mostly happy Adam is miserable being in the spotlight with his band and he is using drugs and alcohol to get through every day. They were best friends until they were eighteen and Adam and his mom moved to LA to get his career going. They didn't see or speak to each other for six years but when they meet again sparks fly for both of them even though Adam has never been with a guy before. Adam has to decide if he wants Pacey in his life and if he is willing to stand up to his mother and his producer to quit the band and make the music he wants to. I liked the ending but I wanted the book to be longer so I could see their relationship develop more. This is my favorite book of Candice Blake's so far and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
451 reviews11 followers
December 4, 2017
Six years ago Adam Black left Pacey to follow his dream of becoming a rock star, breaking his heart. A chance encounter finds Pacey saving Adams life. Adam is home for six weeks over the Christmas break, they spend time together and Adam starts thinking about Pacey all the time. Pacey didn't come out until college so Adam has no idea he's gay. What's wrong with him he's never felt about a man what he's feeling for Pacey. He's not gay, but why does he want to kiss Pacey? Being in the band gave him fame, money and a better lifestyle to how he was bought up but not happiness! The only happiness he finds is at the bottom of a bottle! Can the six weeks make Adam change his mind or will he break Pacey's heart again?!
This book gripped me from the beginning and I would highly recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
December 17, 2017
So I am really torn about this book. First off, throughout my reading the book I did definitely enjoy it. The writing was a little different for me and sometimes I felt like it did not completely flow from one idea to the next but I was enjoying the story. However, I did not really feel that NEED that I usually feel for the two main characters to be together. One thing that really threw me off, not too many spoilers but during the second actual sex scene and after it happens, what Adam says to Pacey, in terms of preferences (especially since we learn Pacey's preference during the first actual sex scene.) I immediately lost respect for Adam and did not really feel that need for the two of them to be together. I just really liked Pacey and did not feel the complete same about Adam. The epilogue was cute and I am definitely happy I read the book!
Profile Image for Adiehardbearfan Da bears.
349 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2017
Making music together

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book and will definitely recommend that you read it! It is a beautiful story about two best friends who went separate ways abruptly with no closure. Adam is back home for the first time in years and have to be rescued by the one person who has always been there for him. Pacey should of just walked away but seeing someone on the ground possibly dead made him turn around and check. When he saw who it was he knew he couldn't turn away. What he doesn't realize now is this is just the beginning of the the roller coaster ride he and Adam will be on. Adam will need to determine what he wants. He's not happy and he knows the only time he was was when he's with Pacey. A beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,275 reviews20 followers
December 2, 2017
Encore was such a wonderful story I loved

Adam and pacey completely stole my heart from beginning to end

I loved Adam and pacey's friendship and connection I could feel it on every page

I felt like I was there alongside pacey and Adam through their ups and downs

My heart broke at times but also got put back together again

Follow these two different men two different types of music one beautiful friendship and a intense connection that will melt your heart steal your heart and leave you feeling warm In side

Encore was such a intense beautiful written story that will stay in my heart
2,321 reviews8 followers
December 5, 2017
A beautiful story that I absolutely love! Pacey and Adam are spectacular characters who were friends in high school but haven't seen each other for a few years since Adam left to LA and became a successful an famous singer. When they reconnect, sparks fly and the chemistry is intense as they move from friends to lovers. Can they overcome all the obstacles and have a real chance at love? You have to read this wonderful story and find out.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ann.
516 reviews13 followers
December 3, 2017
Pacey and Adam were best friends until the end of high school when Pacey went to college and Adam became a rock God, and they lost touch. Now six years on Pacey finds Adam out cold in an alley and rescues him. They begin to reconnect but is six weeks enough to rebuild a friendship and possibly more?
Well written but quite a few typos still linger which I found quite annoying.
Profile Image for Sonja Helies.
318 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2017
Wow

A powerful story of love, hurt and finally finding happiness. I loved the characters. Adam left to become a lead singer in a band and Pacey a celebrated harpist in the Symphony Orchestra. A strange twist of fate brought them back together after a long time and little by little they found the love again that they had for each other. A must read
144 reviews12 followers
December 3, 2017
Encore by Candice Blake is a 2nd chance, gay for you romance. Two musicians who were best friends as kids, find love while struggling to find their place in the world. I enjoyed the story but there were parts that seemed to drag. This author always has amazing covers.

I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for tammy rufo.
654 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2017
Pacey and Adam are one of my fave second chance couples! the both broke my heart in the best way, not a fan of crying...lol but this book was worth the feels! i love Candice Blake, def one of my fave authors, her stories are just so well written and the characters are believable. would def recommend!
Profile Image for Lucrecia.
413 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2018
Encore

It was solid but I just finished reading and already know this is a one-off for me.
It's one of those instances where you read the words but they don't translate into emotions. I felt nothing for these two guys, didn't particularly like them either.
All of it just kinda fell flat.
Just, not for me...

I'll keep reading 📖
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2017
Entertaining

A fairly entertaining story and a quick read. Adam appears to have it all fame, money access to anyone and anywhere. But he is simply going through the motions. He feels himself spiralling and wants to stop but can he?
304 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2018
Encore (An M/M Christmas Romance Novel)

Decided to expand my list of favorite authors and much to my delight, Candice Blake novel is awesome. I like this book because of the scenario used in the novel on the rekindling of true love. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Gina.
176 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2017
Loved it.

Wow. I loved Adam and Pace. This book was so beautifully written and I highly recommend it. Amazing!!!!! Couldn’t put it down!!
Profile Image for W.
1,391 reviews138 followers
October 9, 2018
Sexy Harp

Encore is a slow burn, sweet and angst filled romance story and when I say slow burn, I mean Snail down . It is an entertaining tale of second chance at love.
Profile Image for Gabriela.
1,207 reviews58 followers
February 27, 2022
Predecible, romance poco creíble, cero emoción, personajes para el olvido.
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
May 12, 2018
[2 stars] book was overall okay. but it could be better if there were more in depth history of their friendship, explanation was very brief i feel. and i thought adam calling pacey "bro" when they were kissing or sleeping together is slightly weird.

and what the hell is this word "coulfsexdn't" in chapter 24? is this even a word?
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