Never in a million years did John Lucas, the world famous bassist for the greatest metal band in the world, Hells Redemption ever think he’d be this successful in his life. Growing up in a hippie commune outside of a one stop light town in New Mexico, he once believed his chances of venturing outside of it, let alone playing music, were slim to none.Now he’s a part of a Heavy-Metal empire, … empire, married to a future legendary guitarist and laying the ground work for a life after the cheers from the crowd fade away.
Starting your own music label isn’t going to be without it’s headaches, but the feeling as if nothing can seem to go right can wear you down after a while. Outside of his wife’s project with her own band who is taking the rock world by storm, he needs to prove he can catapult a once unknown indie group all on his own, without riding the coattails of the successful group he’s a part of or married to.
White Dove Massacre, C.S. Records newest act may just do that. The four young men from Philadelphia desire to be the next greatest band to come out of the City of Brotherly Love since Breaking Benjamin. They were thrilled to not only be signed by a record label, but one belonging to their idol, John Lucas. However, is their admiration for the man clouding their judgement to do what’s best for their future? Up to this point, his decisions haven’t been too beneficial.
Can John prove his label is right place for them and that he can propel them up the ladder of success on the music charts? Only time will tell, and this is of course banking on the fact, one more thing will not go wrong.
So far, things aren’t looking to promising as his band who is headling tonight’s show may be out of commission due to their lead guitarist being hospitalized.
This is John’s journey and the story of how he handles the stress and pressure of everyone’s feeling of wonder, pleasure and approval of him; in other words, how he handles their…
ADMIRATION
Admiration is a novella in the Metal Prodigy Series and while it can be read as a standalone, the author recommends reading it after book four in the series, Temptation. You can find the series order in the copyright section of this novella.
27,686 Words
New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance – Recommended for those 18 years of age and older due to graphic language and sexual situations.
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I have not read a rock star or music themed book in over a year. The reason I stopped was because too many of them just seemed to blend together and it was the same old thing. Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll right? I got to the point where I could see the drama with barely reading it. I don’t like that at all. I like for a story to flow and give me some sort of clue into who they are as characters. Sadly, it doesn’t always happen. With the last one I read, I said forget it and said I wasn’t reading any more of them!
But that changed recently. JS has been working away on her new book and I found it to be fascinating. I was intrigued by the fact that her characters portray “real” people. You don’t feel like they’re the stereotypical bad boys and girls of rock. The blurb for the book snagged me and figured I would give it a try. It’s the first one of JS’s that I’ve read and I picked it up in the middle of the series. I know, I know, how frustrating right? But honestly, not really. Yup, surprised me as well!
John has had a successful career in so many respects. He’s accomplished success with his band Hells Redemption, he’s climbed every hurdle that has been placed in his path and kept on going. It’s not to say those hurdles were easy to get around either. But he’s done it and wants to venture out into doing something even greater than ever before. He’s determined to build on top of his career, create an empire for his future children and support his wife with her dreams. One of the ways he’s going to do that gives future musicians the step up they need and hopefully sign them to his new record label. It shouldn’t be too hard right? After all, he IS John Lucas, an all around rock idol and bad ass dude! But just as with everything he’s encountered in his life, this won’t be an easy road. How does he balance his career, a new album, seeking out talent, signing them, performing, supporting his wife in her endeavors, trying to find a loved one, watching over another family member AND find the best balance possible? It’s a job most of us would run from! Shoot, I have enough trouble keeping track of my car keys!
JS introduces a new band, the boys of White Dove Massacre in this novella, and their story will be continuing. Like most “kids”, they want things done now. As impatient as they are, they run the risk of alienating the one person who is doing everything he can to make their success happen. Between the hiccups they keeping facing, medical emergencies, crude attitudes, and inter-group conflicts they’re heading to a bad place faster than they can get on stage. What is their hurry? John knows the dedication it takes to get where he has. It’s one of the reasons he is trying so hard. But as stuff keeps piling up on the negative pile, it’s not just the guys that are questioning his abilities. It’s himself as well. Both John and the guys need to step back, reach out and accept the help that’s been offered. If they can stop, regroup and march on, they might just make it! JS gives you a glimpse into their little world and minds. She gives you the perfect hint of who they are with their interactions with John and the crew. It’s that perfect bit of a teaser that makes you look forward to the next book. It will truly be interesting to see how the decisions they all make now, will carry over. There are so many directions that JS hints to throughout the book that really have you scratching your head and if you’re like me, jot some notes to tuck away to see if you were right! I know, I’m so weird. But proud!
Loved (positive): One of the things I mentioned to JS that I loved about the book is, even though it’s apart of a series I didn’t feel like I was missing out on a lot by reading this first. It flowed nicely and she gives enough information about the characters that allows you a glimpse but doesn’t under or overwhelm you. It’s not easy to put together a novella that flows smoothly and effortlessly.
Not sure (negative): Because I hadn’t read the previous ones there were moments where I was confused about A.G./Alex/Grace. It took me a few times to double check it, but I got it!
Overall: I really enjoyed the story a lot. She was able to capture my attention, offer some entertainment, intrigue as well as give some insight into what makes truly makes the music industry what it is. Her quick and thoughtful creativity adds a lot of flare to the book. I have to say I loved the interviews and bio’s at the end of it too! It gives you an idea of who each person is, and helps you to “see” the characters in a different way. I have a lot of appreciation and respect for that.
This won’t be the last one of JS’s books that I read. It has intrigued me to go back and read the series from the beginning. Even in novellas the layers that make up each character is noticeable. Now I want to find out how they grew into those! Yup, I went and snagged up Redemption which is the 1st in the Metal Prodigy Series! I can’t wait to see where it all started. It only takes one book to make a reader a fan. For me, JS has succeeded in that!
My star rating: 5 out of 5 stars