For Ricky “Stoli” Branson, the stars were on his side. Social Sinners was headlining their first sold out US tour. Radio stations across the states were playing their songs, and he’d won the heart of the man he loved. Everything was going great, or so he foolishly believed…When an accident has them burying one of their own and leaves another fighting for his life, Stoli questions his beliefs. … questions his beliefs. Or lack thereof.
“Have faith,” his mother tells him. But how can you have faith in something that threatens to take away your only reason for breathing?
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
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This is the second book in this series and I freaking loved it, I read it straight through. It gave me all the feels a good book should.
Anger, Happiness, Love, and Sadness…
My heart cried for what Stoli aka Ricky endures in this book.
Just when he has him the love of his life he loses him?
Well I am not telling you so grab your copy and find out.
These guys will keep you entertained…
This is a terrific rock band series. The first book was told from Joey’s point of view, and this one is Ricky/Stoli’s point of view. This book begins where the first one ended, so I do recommend reading Behind the Lights first. Joey and Stoli are now in a brand new relationship together, and life is good. The guys are funny and foul-mouthed, and their interaction is awesome. They are becoming closer friends with the guys in Maiden Voyage, who are great mentors and support as Social Sinners are getting more famous. Suddenly, fans and lack of privacy is becoming a big part of their lives. This installment, while less angsty overall than the first one (in my opinion), does have a very difficult event, and it is painful to read. The way the guys, along with their friends and family members, handle everything just makes me love them more.
I’m happy that this book stays focused primarily on Stoli and Joey, since they were best friends but not a couple for almost the entirety of book one. Now that they are in a great place, I’m ready and excited to see Mickey and Diamond doing their versions of settling down. It should be interesting, because those guys are wild!
Another awesome read from this author. I am loving this series. I love rockstar romances. And this one didn’t disappoint. The romance was sweet and the sex was hot.
‘In the shadows’ picked up seamlessly where ‘Behind the lights’ ended, even though it is now from Stoli’s POV. In the Shadows follows the band on the rest of their tour and the reader gets to know the band members better. I enjoyed reading their adventures and journey as a band. The guys are truly a family, even if they aren’t blood related.
I was anxiously awaiting for Stoli and Joey to finally get together, and once the realization of Stoli’s harbored feelings hits Joey, the two’s relationship immediately strikes a match. I love the close friendship these guys have with each other and their management but also the guys in the other band.
I look forward to Mickey’s and Diamond’s stories in the coming months.
This story is an absolutely beautifully written MM rockstar romance! The second installment in the Social Sinners Series starts right where the first left off, this time from Stoli’s POV. The continuation of their journey pulled at my heartstrings. I mentioned in SOCIAL SINNERS: BEHIND THE LIGHTS review that I thought it was her best yet! I must say though, IN THE SHADOWS came in a very close second. With a love like Joey and Stoli have, it really made me think true love that lasts for several lifetimes might exist after all!
Perfect!!!
I loved book one and it was a great series starter but this…
This is what I’m talking about. So many well thought out characters you can’t help but love. Not just the band but all the characters. Plus the story, my God what TL Travis does to me. I thought Joey and Stoli were a cute couple at the beginning, by the end they were perfection. I swear between the bawling smiling, laughing and crying I’m on emotional overload. The only drawback to reading this is it ended and I have to wait on the next.
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While book 1 was about how Social Sinners came to be through Joey’s POV, and the friendship between Joey and Ricky, book 2 is so much more. You get insight into how Ricky feels, and what he will do to keep everything together. He’s the leader and the one the rest of the band can depend on. It’s not only about music but more about the love of friends and brothers.
Another awesome read!
Social Sinners rock! I’m crazy about these guys ~ each one brings so much to the table.
In this installment, the band’s popularity is skyrocketing as they head out on tour with mega-star rockers, Maiden Voyage. It’s fun to tag along all the guys and see what shenanigans they’ve gotten themselves into as well as witnessing Stoli and Joey’s relationship as it becomes stronger. I have to say I was a little surprised at how Joey switched to an exclusive bottom considering he wasn’t in his past long-term relationship.
Unfortunately, a horrific situation turns everyone’s world upside down. This tragedy really brought out the best from their family, friends, and their fans. Engaging story + attention to details + lovable characters = five-star read for me.
4 Stars
Strong story
I read “Behind the Lights” which was Joey’s point of view in the first book of this series. I definitely wanted to read (and will read all of them) whatever came next. This book two in the series is in Stoli’s point of view. Just when he thinks everything is finally going right, something takes his faith away. He is a powerful character and this book is not just filled with the steamy scenes between MM lovers, but a great story that takes the reader on a path of faith and beliefs. I’m already a fan of Travis’s and will continue to be as more stories are told.
5 Stars!
In The Shadows, the second book in the Social Sinners series by TL Travis, picks up after the events from book 1, Behind The Lights. If you loved Behind the Lights, you need to read In The Shadows!
Stoli and Joey are now a couple, but it is all new to them. Kissing, sex, all of it is new. And all of these new-for-them moments are beautiful and emotional!
Their relationship is so enchanting and charming. I love how strong Stoli’s love for Joey in, and how much he wants to prove his love to Joey. Stoli’s pain for Joey’s last relationship is so raw and real, and he wants to heal Joey.
There dreams as a band are coming true, and their career is taking off. Personally, I love that Stoli feels invisible when he’s next to Joey. They have been best friends since they were 5 and turning their friendship into a romantic relationship is just perfect for them.
We get more of Stoli’s family, including his little brother, who I just adore! They add so much to Joey and Stoli’s lives, as they are so caring, admirable and funny.
Unfortunately, their journey contains a tragic accident, that will leave them numb, injured and unsure of their future. And, as for me, oh dear lord, I couldn’t stop crying. This part of their journey gutted me, leaving me so damn raw. That said, it is not a negative thing, just part of their journey that is well worth these difficult moments.
Social Sinners is an emotional journey, that is phenomenal, tear-jerking, and absolutely gripping. I found myself crying, laughing, swooning, and crying some more.
TL Travis’s writing style is wonderful, as it’s written with passion and tenderness, and flows seamlessly with a skillful and heartfelt tone.
If you haven’t started reading TL Travis’s Social Sinners series yet, please do your self a favor and do so now. It is one gripping tale you won’t forget anytime soon!
4.5 stars
This story picks up right where Social Sinners: Behind the Lights ended, and we are treated to a beautifully written romance. What I sorely missed in the first book, the author, without a doubt, made up for in this story. The romance between Joey and Stoli. Sometimes sappy, sometimes hurtful, but always pure and loving.
While the first book is told from Joey’s point of view, now it is Stoli’s turn to be in the spotlights. No hiding in the shadows for him. He has grown into the natural-born leader of the band. Level-headed, ambitious, and enthusiastic. And very much in love with the love of his life, Joey. Finally, he has Joey in his life as his life partner instead of only his best friend.
It all is pretty much roses and sunshine for the men and the band. The author is very detailed in her descriptions, and we get a fascinating view on the life on the road of a rock band. Of course, the growing fame comes with drawbacks like overeager fans, but that is kept to a minimum. The real challenge is when tragedy strikes, and let me tell you it is heavy. Very heavy. I won’t give away spoilers, but keep your tissues ready because you will need them. The heartfelt emotions grabbed me by the throat. This author is very good at digging into your heart. But she also has a funny streak because the banter and the interactions between the boys, the band, and their family was a delight to read.
The secondary characters are very interesting and enhancing the story. They grow with them and support them and have their own story within the story. I love to read more about Mickey and Diamond, and I can’t wait for the next book. One thing, though. The similar-sounding names were driving me nuts.
This story is the second book in the Social Sinners series and is not to be read as a stand-alone. The books should be read in order.