“Our greatest hit is a love song I wrote for my bandmate. And he has no idea.”Messy-haired, soulful-eyed, off-kilter lyricist Les Graves holds tight to the hedonist’s credo of consumption in every avenue of life. He has trouble staying still, trouble staying sober, trouble turning down a good time–but put a pen in his hand, and he’ll set a page on fire.Music was Evan Porter’s ticket out of the … Evan Porter’s ticket out of the backwater mud puddle he was born in, the passion keeping him warm as he busked on street corners. Every chord, every song, every ounce of sweat has been devoted to making Porter & Graves a success. He’s the level-head, the quiet maestro, the seatbelt that keeps Les from flying too far out of control. And he’s getting pretty tired of playing savior.
Their onstage chemistry is electric, offstage it’s… complicated.
After Porter & Graves’s third album bombs, the pressure is on for the duo to redeem themselves with their fourth. While sequestered in an East Tennessee cabin to compose, things take a turn for the worse when an event from their past comes back to haunt them in an embarrassingly public fashion and forces them into an unusual position that tests a partnership already hanging by its bloody roots.
Can Evan and Les find harmony or will they–and their music career–go down in flames?
Dedicated, the first book in the Rhythm of Love series, is a steamy bisexual friends-to-lovers romance featuring semi-kinda forced proximity, a fake relationship, angst, snark, a cock-blocking greenhouse, really poor decisions involving social media, and a HEA guarantee.
more
My favorite kind of romance novels are ones that combine steaminess with sweetness. Though rock star Les has his flaws (as any character in a book should!) he wasn’t a jerk. I loved his relationship with his music partner, Evan. This was one of those books that I enjoyed from beginning to the end. Les and Evan were both so endearing and as I read their story, I just couldn’t wait for them to get their HEA. Lots of steamy love scenes, no insta-love, and no arrogant, alpha jerks. Plus, I also think it’s fun to read about characters who are celebrities. This book was five stars all the way for me.
By this time it is clear to me that I love everything Neve Wilder writes. She has the ability to write real steamy books, where the sex is hot, and almost a necessity to really get the dynamics between the two mc’s. What I admire about her writing is, that there’s always a real story behind the sex, one you get sucked into and one you want to learn more about. So yes, while the sex is important, the story is not just that, there’s always so much more to it.
She also creates great characters, ones that grow on you and ones you come to love more and more with every page you turn, with each new chapter.
I loved the dynamics in this story, the tension, the longing, the ache. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Les and Evan and everything they say or do is evidence of the strong feelings they have for one another, even though Evan needs time to acknowledge them for what they really are: love.
This is a raw, and at the same time sweet, story of bisexual awakening and friends to lovers. I love stories of rockstars and music and performing, of how they do almost everything to be able to keep making music because it’s not just a way of living, it’s about how they ARE. Music defines them and I think Neve captured that feeling very well in this story. Both Les and Evan are devoted to their music, though both in a different way, but that doesn’t mean one is less or more meaningful than the other.
And the sex…God, that was HOT!! Neve really knows how to write those scenes, because after having read quite a few m/m romance books, I tend to need something more than just the basic hot scene to keep me interested, and she always delivers.
I know I’m a bit late to the party, but still, for readers going over Neve Wilder’s backlist, this one should absolutely be the one for you to grap immediately. And for readers who just love a good story about rockstars, a friends to lovers and bisexual awakening, this book is for you, because it’s awesome. Highly recommended!!
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4, Oh My!
Narration: 4.5
Super hot rocker romance, with angst, wit, humor, and soul! A great listen!!!
So much angst and a lot of ‘will they or won’t they’ but its a hell of a ride!! I loved the premise of this book and Neve delivers! Bisexual Les is a rocker on the rock n roll high, or so you think. Les harbors a serious crush on his fellow bandmate and best friend, Evan. I could feel Les’s struggles and avoidance strategies so help him cope. I felt his emotions, thoughts, and self-esteem issues and just wanted to give him a hug.
Evan is a serious artist and is somewhat introverted. I loved Neve’s approach to Evan’s sexuality and that he seemed to be demisexual and needs an emotional connection to have a sexual one. I loved Evan passion and found his seriousness and order so endearing.
The dual points of view created such great angst and insight into each character’s thoughts and feelings. It was hard to read at some times as you just want to say “talk to each other!” so they can finally be together!! But once they are together Neve delivers some serious heat!!! Their chemistry is off the charts and Neve has created so serious steam! I’ve got to say though, even ‘once’ they are together Neve doesn’t let up on the angst and disquiet with an unfortunate turn and some challenging times, it all comes together in the end for a spectacular finish, and oh my its awesome and I look forward to more in this series, hopefully we will get to see more of Evan and Les and if not I hope we see Owen find his HEA !
Greg is such a talented narrator and has done wonders with Les and Evan. I loved it!!
(P.S. Although I must admit I have a favorite narration of Greg’s that I regularly re-listen too and I couldn’t help but “hear” those characters in the beginning. It took a little while for Ace and Colton (from Love in Spades by Charlie Cochet) to become Les and Evan LOL)
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com
This book completely blew my heart wide open, spreading warmth everywhere. I’m worried I won’t be able to express how well this story entertained me and made me feel so grateful that I decided to read it. I’m addicted to rockstar romances, especially MM rockstar romances! Even though there isn’t a great deal in the story that shows you an inside look into how wild show business can be, I still felt myself riding an adrenaline high. This was the perfect slow burn romance. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle because Les and Evan could be so stubborn about their feelings, especially Evan. He was cautious to a fault. From the first page, you are made aware of Les’ true feelings for his band mate and best friend. You also have a clear picture of Evan’s judgment concerning his friend’s potential to royally screw up. Their last album didn’t do too good with the exception of one song, of which Les wrote about Evan. Evan doesn’t know this of course and it is written after an experience between the two that has left their friendship and partnership on shaky ground. Once off tour, they have contractual obligations to churn out another album, thus begins the ride to their increasing shaky future with the possibility of much more. Les is the extrovert and Evan is your average introvert. It seems as though they are each other’s opposite in so many ways which created a push and pull that became very entertaining to read. This is my first book by Neve Wilder and I’m definitely developing an intense infatuation with her writing style. The words were so educationally mature but carried such a beautiful poetic nature that the story flowed perfectly through hills and valleys as well as increasing tempos while navigating over their mountain of different issues. I truly enjoyed every minute spent falling in love with Les Graves and Evan Porter. I also deeply respected the way she portrayed Les’ addictive nature and how it affected his life in the past, present and future. The ending of this story will definitely go down as one of my favorites! I look forward to maybe seeing these two again in future books. And after experiencing this author’s talent, I will be picking up each book she writes from here on out.
As good as “Center of Gravity” if not better.
Neve Wilder’s beautiful prose captivated me, just as it did in Center of Gravity. Les and Evan, musicians who’ve been playing together for years, have hit a slump and are looking to recapture the magic of their early music. They succeed, but how they get there is quite the ride, one I read twice, back-to-back.
Note: there is one MF scene involving one of the MCs but it’s told as a memory of the other MC and is not cheating. There is also one MMF episode in the book, but it’s intrinsic to the plot. It’s revealed in flashbacks and through the memories of both MCs, so it’s in more than one chapter. If you truly cannot stand lady bits in your romance, then keep that in mind, but if you skip this book because of those scenes, you’re only cheating yourself, in my opinion.
I have such a book hangover now.
S.E.N.S.A.T.I.O.N.A.L
UPDATED to add Audible version to the original Ebook review.
Dedicated (Rhythm of Love, #1) by Neve Wilder
I was hooked, line and sinker within the first few pages of Dedicated by Neve Wilder.
I stopped all adulting , sat down with a pot of tea, and listen/read the entire book in one sitting.
Angsty, layered, candid, emotionally charged comes to mind when describing Dedicated . As well as, humorous , character driven and playful.
A slow burn romance with so much sexual tension , feelings and build up , my hands were numb by how tight I was holding my Kindle. And when the sexy times began, they were plenty, explicit and HOT.
Greg Boudreaux brought Les Graves and Evan Porter to life. His portrayal of these two heroes, passionate relationship, inner thoughts, anguish and joy ; even the tone and depth of their voices match those in my mind.
His performance was spellbinding.
I can go on and on about how much I enjoyed listening/reading Dedicated.
How well written, researched and heartwarming it is, but my advice is , do yourself a favor and listen/read this book. You are going to love it! I know I did.
Do yourself a favor and get this book. Move it up to the top of your TBR list. Dedicated by NW is the tale of two rockers, Les and Evan. Les is the lyricist and a bad boy, partying and all that comes with the fame. Evan is the clear headed one, makes the desicions and bails Les out of whatever trouble he came out with, but it seems like Evan is at the end of his rope when it comes to Les.
After their last album failed to make waves on the chart, they go back to a rented cabin where they try to come up with fresh music. And it all changed. Their friendship morphs into something more and things get explosive between them.
I loved Les, he damaged and does stupid things, and I could really relate to him on many, many levels. Evan has always been there for him but will that be enough this time.
There was a mmf scene, briefly, but it wasn’t so explicit but the focus was more on Les and Evan, and while reading it you would understand why. This was excellent writing with some angst and moments you couldn’t read fast enough to find out what will happen, and with a HEA that made me feel all fuzzy and warm.
There were some secondary characters I would love to see get their own story.
If you love rocker romance, this is the book for you.
A story of two Band mates with totally different personalities, that share a chemistry that’s electric on and off the stage… Les has harboured a secret crush on his best friend and band mate Evan, always admiring him from afar, so he doesn’t jeopardize there friendship. He’s impulsive and acts out in sometimes destructive ways, trying to find something to fill the void in his heart. Evan is serious and a bit disconnected, not really finding himself in a relationship that fills him, until that one night he shares with Les and Ella. This has him more confused than ever, trying to ignore the feelings he knows deep down that he harbours for Les.
I loved this slow burn love story, that had me anxious at times as the two struggled to find there connection and hold onto it. The ending was perfect, sooo romantic.
Definately one of my favorite books of the year!
At first I thought It was another gay guy/straight guy friendship that turns into a relashionship and how they “magically” fall in love and all that. But decided to try anyway and thank the gods for that… How I was wrong! In the best way imaginable!!!
Les and Evan are bandmates trying to get back on tack after a a not so sucessfull third album on their carrers, combined with a not so good tour and a lot of pressure from all sides. Hard feelings, resentiments, angry and sadness starts to get overcome their way, and a break is what the duo needs to slow down, and find their way back to good old times. But… not so fast, not so easy.
The connection and chemestry between Les and Evan is undeniable from the beggining, and it is awesome to see how they work their problems and issues along the book, trying to “fix” the relashionship – not only as bandmantes, but as frieds most of all, discovering what they really mean too one another. The flashbacks chapters were nice too, it wasn’t “out of place” or “too much” in the sotory; Just matched and fited perfecly .
Not to mention thar Les is the personification of sex, and Evan is… well… another sex god! I enjoyed waaay to much the interaction between them – not only the hot action, but the calm, buddy talk.
Great book, lovely story. I just wanna hold them and never let go! Neve Wilder is a excclent writer, I could feel all the emotions throught the book. It was a nice discovery for me, and can’t wait to read the author’s other books! Hopefully we’ll see more of these two in upcoming books (fingers crosses here).
Neve Wilder has now been added to my automatic one-click authors. Anyone who has read The Center of Gravity or this book, Dedicated, will completely understand.
Les Graves and Evan Porter are two extremely talented musicians who have worked their way up to the big leagues. Their first two albums were a success but the third has struggled—similar to their own personal lives.
The problem between the two (or should I say a major underlying factor) stems from the fact that Les has always had a thing for Evan. One night, six months prior, Evan wound up in an awkward threesome with Les and a waitress. To Les, it was a perfect opportunity to have some sort of intimacy with the man of his lust and attraction, whereas, for Evan, it does nothing but confuse and frustrate him. Perhaps, Evan thinks too much about everything—and yet someone has to.
Evan is career oriented and serious about the music as well as the business side of it all. He is the responsible one of the two and more often than not, babysits his free-spirited buddy, Les. I understand why because it’s a cut throat world with anyone and everyone trying to get whatever they can from them.
Les, on the other hand, lives his life by the seat of his pants. He drinks too much, parties too much, and has sex with too many fans or random hookups, male or female. So how can Evan possibly take him seriously at all? Les is clearly on a downward spiral—forging his path towards his own self-destruction.
For some, the only way to redemption is through hell. Les fights his demons and works so hard to claw his way back into Evan’s life. He’ll take him any way he can, even if it’s just as a band mate and nothing more.
The chemistry these two have on stage is off-the-charts. The banter back and forth in the beginning of each chapter is hysterical and sweet as the author adds snippets of Q & A sessions from past interviews.
I don’t know why Neve Wilder is an author who we’re just hearing about when her talent exceeds a large portion of authors already out there. Dedicated is a book not to be missed with a stellar storyline, impeccable editing, brilliantly well-written, and characters who will melt your heart and steal your soul. Five stars simply aren’t enough.
What a ride! THIS is a rock star romance. Can’t wait for more. The characters have so much depth, everything feels so real, and that’s exactly how I think a well-written entertaining book should read.
TW/CW: alcohol, drugs, MMF scene
This book was certainly a surprise. It was my first one by the author, and I had no idea whether I will enjoy it or not. Turns out, I didn’t have to worry.
I liked both characters, although I found I can identify more with Evan than with Les. They were both amazing in their own way, even though I wasn’t a fan of a lot of Les’ choices. He truly is a hedonist but maybe goes too far even in that. Scratch the maybe. He certainly goes too far.
I also liked how the story was told. We were thrust in the present time, but the story told us the past and the reasons for why the present is like that. It was clearly marked and executed in such a way that it actually felt awesome.
The progression to ‘just sex’ was interesting, especially since we know from both POVs the feelings of the characters, yet the two assholes do not communicate enough. And obviously there comes the complication and Les’ decision that makes everyone say ‘fucking finally’.
The ending though, made me smile. I loved Evan’s decisions and … well I adored it. Not to mention the epilogue.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and the writing a lot, but be careful of TWs.
Another beautifully written book by Neve Wilder with enough unrequited love, explosive chemistry, bucket-loads of snark, sexual tension, and blistering heat to fill a sold-out stadium. Navigating the roads from partners to best friends to lovers wasn’t easy for these two and the twists and turns of their journey had me tied up in knots a times. But Les and Evan earn every bit of their happily ever after. Great read.
Holy shit!!! I loved this book!! It broke me and fixed me and then shattered me and then made me fly! I loved them so much and this book was a rollercoaster. It had fake relationship, friends to lovers, pining (a whole lot of it). Obviously it was made for me!
Highly recommended
This was a great book. Les and Evan had such an up and down relationship. Les hid his feelings for Evan behind snark, drugs, alcohol, and sex with just about anyone who showed an interest. Meanwhile, Evan just refused to recognize his own mixed up feelings for Les. I liked these guys a lot, and I wanted them to find a way to end up together, though it was clear to see that it wouldn’t be an easy road.
The supporting characters were interesting and well written, but the focus was always on Les and Evan. Their story was as much a battle as a romance, and it was really good. I especially loved the moments when they were completely open with each other, not hiding their true feelings and thoughts. And, after a long and winding road, I’m still smiling from the ending. Very nice!
Dedicated by Neve Wilder is a friends-to-lovers romance filled with snarky dialogue, steamy sexy times, a fake-to-real relationship and a good dose of angsty drama.
Les and Evan are great together.. balance each other. Their interactions are a fun mix of funny, sweet and sexy. I loved seeing the progression of their relationship. The story definitely kept me interested.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Dedicated is book one in the Rhythm of Love series by Neve Wilder. This is a M/M friends to lovers, rock star romance. But honestly, these two aren’t really rock stars. Their music is more ballads, they’re a duo. But, I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let me introduce them to you.
I usually introduce the two main characters one at a time, but this time it seems more fitting to introduce them the way I got to know them. Together. Porter and Graves, Les Graves and Evan Porter, are a guitarist duo. They’ve been playing together for several years. They’ve put out three albums, the first two sky rocketed them to fame. They’ve had eight number one hits. The third album hasn’t done so well.
Les and Evan are best friends. They’re pretty much together 24/7 as they tour to promote their album. Les is outgoing and extroverted where Evan is the quiet one. They feed off each other. Their creativity comes from each other. They know just about everything about each other, except for one thing. Les is bi-sexual and for some time now, he’s been fighting his feelings for Evan. Fighting them with filling his free time with any willing partner he can find, as well as huge quantities of alcohol and even a few recreational drugs. Evan has no idea how Les feels.
When their tour is over, it’s time to work on album number four and they’ll do it the same way they did the other three, they move to a cabin in Tennessee for a month, just the two of them, to write together. But, a sequence of events throws them into a public relations nightmare which also helps to uncover the simmering chemistry that’s been between them. Its chemistry Evan didn’t really even recognize at first, but once he does, there’s no holding it back.
“That kiss was no stiff wind, it was a whole tornado, and I was dizzy with the violent intensity of it.”
I chose this book because I was looking for rock star romances and have been wanting to read something by this author. I can honestly say, though, that I had no idea all the emotions this book would evoke. SO MANY FEELS! To the reader, it’s so apparent how these two feel for each other. But Les is a mess. He’s made so many mistakes. As he and Evan start to finally be truthful with one another with how they feel, you know all those past secrets are going to find their way out at the worst possible times.
Both of these men have pretty bad communication skills and both make plenty of mistakes. Put that all together and my poor heart. It was pounding out of my chest. But I powered on because I just knew the author would give them a HEA at the end. And she did. It was an adorable ending actually. So, while this book wrung me out, it ended in a beautiful way that will help me to overcome the book hangover I feel coming on. So, if you want to get to know two men who clearly belong together and watch them overcome all their obstacles as they find their way to each other, this is for you. There are plenty of sexy, steamy scenes, as well as plenty of smiles as well. I feel like if an author finds a way to make me feel something so strongly, to feel it so BIG, then she’s done her job. Well done!
“It was him and it was me in unison. A perfect harmony of us both.”
I adored the two main characters’ dynamic with one another, both for the steamy parts (unf!) and their relationship growth throughout the book. If you like friends-to-lovers, “fake” relationships with real feelings, or the complications of being a rockstar duo on contract for tours and albums, this is for you!
4.5
This was a very romantic and sexy read, the main characters are two men that work together making music, Les is a writer and has a secret crush for the lead singer Evan, he’s reckless and always does what he wants without thinking…
The lead singer Ev on the other hand is very reserved and rational, so when he is forced to fake a romance with Les things get interesting…
If you are looking for a great romance, then this is for you