For Social Sinners’ drummer, Ethan “Diamond” Taylor, everything that went wrong seemed to roll off him and life was about having fun and getting off. What others never saw was what simmered beneath the surface.Holding on by a string, things have reached their breaking point, taking a turn for the worse, and he’s forced to make some tough decisions. Is living in the limelight all that it’s cracked … it’s cracked up to be? Or is it time to cut the cord and move on?
Is it in the cards for him to have the whole marriage, white picket fence, a desk job and…kids?
Diamond’s story is one of strength, love, loss and hope.
Book 1 – Behind the lights (MM) Joey’s POV
Book 2 – In the shadows (MM) Stoli’s POV
Book 3 – A heart divided (MMM) Mickey’s POV
Book 4 – Beyond the curtain (MM) Diamond’s POV
Book 5 – After the final curtain (MM/MMM) All
more
**This book was provided to Nerd Girl Official in exchange for an honest review.**
Social Sinners: Beyond The Curtain by TL Travis is the fourth entry in her Social Sinners Series. It continues the story of the band, but this one focuses on Diamond, the guy who can do no wrong because nothing sticks. It just rolls right on down his back. But can that last?
Diamonds simmering life is due to over boil anytime, and does so in fine style. Ms. Travis is really good with her characters. You get their emotions, and understand their motivations behind their actions.
Diamond faces a turning point; is the limelight really for him? You need to read his story and find out! Solid 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site: http://www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG **
Drummer, Church, Gay – three things that don’t mesh
Diamond, a drummer in a successful group Social Sinners, secretly seeing the band manager Easton.
Easton has PTSD and has suicidal thoughts; Diamond was brought up by a Church Minister who hates gays and is extremely controlling of his family.
TL Travis writes beautifully about all the struggles these two young men face and their friends and families. It’s a great book that takes some turns that you aren’t expecting, and also that jerks the heartstrings.
In the end, you have the best ending ever, but it takes time for them to reach that point.
I enjoyed the narration and thought Tyler Darby did a good job. I would definitely recommend this book.
Beyond the Curtain
Social Sinners Series, Book 4
By: TL Travis
Narrated by: Tyler Darby
Series: Social Sinners Series, Book 4
Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
Another awesome book by this author. I have waited for Diamonds story and I am so glad that his story included Easton.
Full of highs and lows, Diamond’s story’s extremely emotional and will leave you staying up late into the night. His relationship with Easton is one I couldn’t help but to root for. They love fiercely and they love hard.
For the past year these two have been seeing each other secretly. After the accident that almost killed Joey and did kill Rob, Diamond and Easton connected. But now that Easton is getting extremely jealous Diamond thinks it is time to tell everyone or at least his band mates.
I can’t wait to read book 5 ‘After The Final Curtain’.
Trigger Warnings: addiction, depression, PTSD, and attempted self harm.
Okay – I did not put tear-jerker but the last scene is so romantic, I cried. That’s all I’m saying…. Diamond’s book was worth waiting for. Surprising in so many ways. As with the other SS books, TL’s writing was on point. The emotions were strong. And there was PLENTY of music. Exactly like a rock book should be. On to the next one….
Book 4 is Diamond’s story.
We learn a bit more about our bad boy aka practical joker.
Easton is more out of sorts than normal and the guys are worried about their road manager however it seems Diamond wants to be there for him and that throws the others for a loop.
Diamond is a big ole softy and sweetheart and in this story, he shows us exactly why.
After a loss, his brother is back in his life, and he also gets his mom.
On top of all that he is going through some things that makes him want to punch out at others. His band manager blows his mind when he learns of the secret that has been kept.
He almost loses his brothers/band because of things kept hidden.
And he almost loses what he cherishes the most.
A lot of heart, soul, tears in this story and I enjoyed every word.
Another great story
Beyond the Curtain by Travis is the fourth book in the Social Sinners series, and just as great as the first three. I am a big fan of Travis’s work, and reading Diamond’s story, I was not disappointed. Diamond is the drummer in the Social Sinner’s band, and he is more than meets the eyes. Travis tells his story well, and shows how different he is from the rest of his band members. Diamond’s backstory also helps show why Diamond is the way he is, and I like that it’s his POV. Tells another level of the story. The story is a journey for Diamond and figuring out what he wants for himself. I really enjoyed reading this story, and look forward to anything in the future that Travis writes.
I’ve recently started to try out a bunch of new authors and while I’ve found some that I really liked, there were many novels that were discarded after the first few chapters. The reason, you ask? Not only did they just not hold my attention due to not connecting with the characters but most had too much description where it wasn’t needed and not enough where it counted. I don’t need to be repeatedly reminded what the characters have for breakfast, or some such insignificant nonsense that really doesn’t matter with the bigger picture. But during intimate scenes, for instance,Travis excels at how descriptive she is. I’m able to picture each thrust, each intense ripple of pleasure building up at the base of their spines as they come apart under their partners minstrations.
It also really helps that her characters have common sense and compassion. They are relatable. They don’t throw tantrums while their inner dialogue is justifying their behavior with how they know it’s inappropriate but they just don’t care at the moment. Yes, I’m ranting a bit. There are many reasons why Travis is one of my favorites but as I compare her voice with some of these others, I realize just how amazing her skills really are. Her world building is unique, the emotion you will feel will have you physically doubled over with the blow that was delivered. There are no distracting gaps or typos, sentences are complete with correct punctuation. I don’t know if some authors realize or not but it makes for a much smoother read and no matter how many don’t want to hurt the author’s feelings, it makes a huge difference to the quality of the read.
I’m head over heels in love with this series! I was waiting patiently for Diamond’s story and now having read it, I can’t get enough. I didn’t want it to end, but damn, what a beautiful conclusion it was. Or rather, a new chapter for the cute couple as they start on their HEA. I absolutely recommend this author to any of my fellow bibliphiles, you will thank me afterwards, guaranteed! I’ve read my share of great authors, you know the ones, they are the big sellers, on all the important lists. Well, Travis has what it takes to be up there with them, you’ll see….
Diamond and East’s story is such a great read and continuing book in the Social Sinners series. Absolutely adore the couple, so glad they have each other and the strength to cope with the shite they were thrown and the strength to forgive and heal .
4 and a half stars
I absolutely loved Diamond and Easton’s story!!!
Easton broke my heart so many times but in the end, OH MY!!!! I adored these two together, watching them grow, seeing Diamond find his way. And I loved the way things turned out for Diamond with his family (other than the band family). Absolutely can’t wait to read After the Final Curtain.