Branson: I’m a guy who knows what he wants—whether it’s a career goal or a man intriguing enough for me to give chase—once I have the prize in sight, I’m relentless in my pursuit. This has worked well for me over the years, more specifically, as the bass player of my band, Hard Core. I hear a bass line in anything the guys throw at me, then take those jumbled run of notes and turn it into … into something our fans will want to buy.
I’m also a man who doesn’t do messy or complicated, and I keep my emotions out of the game—until now. FDNY Lieutenant Sean Conley, one of New York’s bravest, has ruined me for all others because I allowed myself to feel.
Conley: I’m dedicated to putting my own safety aside and saving lives on a daily basis. Just don’t ask me to be part of a concert crowd or I’ll inevitably have a massive panic attack.
Personal trauma pushed me into the closet and I was fine with this life—until rock star Branson Mink happened to cross my path at a fire scene. Worse yet, I think he knows what I’m hiding.
Branson’s hardly the type to be anyone’s secret. Every aspect of his life plays out under the spotlight, while I prefer to keep mine hidden behind that closet door.
I have always left parts of myself private, and now Branson has something to hide too. When our worst fears collide, I’m forced to put mine aside to save the man I love. Turns out, that was easy. The real challenge? Figuring out how to make this relationship work.
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I Loved This Book!! The Rock Gods East Coast Label Series is AMAZING!! Ann Lister takes us behind the scenes of the band HARD CORE to show us how human they are. Branson is the bass player and musical rhythm writer. Conley is a Lieutenant in the Fire Department. Conley is also buried in the closet. Trying to respect his secrets Branson tries to give him time. Watching him coax Conley out was HOT!! This story was deep down what you do when life kicks you in the nuts. How your own personal will to live won’t let you give up. How life is never fair but it’s up to us how we recover from the blow. I fell in love with Conley and Branson. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!
Switching Octaves is the second book in Ann Lister’s spinoff series ~ The Rock Gods – East Coast Label. The first in the series, A Rhythm You Feel, was extremely successful, which was no surprise to me as well as those who simply adore her sexy rockers.
Now that we have somewhat of a background and a feel to this series, Switching Octaves focuses on Hard Core’s bass guitarist, Branson Mink. He’s the soul of the group and can create music in his head from everything and anything around him. Blade, the band’s lead singer, and Branson are the best of friends who, along with the combined talents of every member of Hard Core, have become a driving force in the music world.
After the bookstore owned by Blade’s boyfriend, Nico, suffers a horrible fire, Branson and the guys help to clear debris. While doing so, Lieutenant Sean Conley of the FDNY is surveying the scene as well and gets the attention of a certain rocker. Bring back the fire trucks because … Branson. Is. Done. Yep, he’s reduced to a pile of ashes. No one can blame him because Lt. Conley is smoldering hot, sexy-as-sin, and most definitely fireman-calendar-worthy. He’s also becomes the sole focus of Branson Mink’s life, but he just doesn’t know it … yet. Let the games begin.
There are so many issues, so many reasons why Conley and Branson shouldn’t work out—some more serious than others, but I’m not going into any detail for obvious reasons: a review shouldn’t be a synopsis. I will say that finding the right person makes all the difference though, and they are unequivocally perfect for one another. These two fall fast and fall hard. And when they fall into bed? Let’s just say that Ann Lister sure knows how to make her characters sizzle under the sheets.
Branson and Conley are two of the most likable characters I’ve read in a long while. Conley’s heart is as big as his build. He’s selfless and humbly puts the safety of others before himself—a perfect example of New York’s Bravest. Branson is swoon worthy as he carefully tries to win over his fireman with patience, understanding, and well, food.
Switching Octaves is a great second addition to this new series. The mixture of steam and love between the rocker and the fireman, the laughter and zaniness between the guys in Hard Core, the deep brotherhood between Blade and Bronson, and the subtle messages of a more serious nature are a testament to Ann Lister’s brilliant writing ability in combining tragedy, sexy times, and comedy without lessening their importance. Five blazing-rocking stars for me!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Lisa Cullinan ~ Bourbon, Bikes, and Books
This book had me in tears. Not only was one character flawed, but the other had unforeseen life threatening issues. I’m not giving anything away but I will tell you once you start it – you won’t want to put it down.
Congrats Ann on another epic tale!
Encore
“I’m a fan of your rhythm.” I’m a fan of Branson and Conley. I’m also a fan of the East Coast Label Rock Gods family. They make my heart sing with happiness. This book was a beautiful and wonderful symphony of emotions. Branson and Conley are perfectly made for each other and although the hurdles they encountered to be together tore at my heart, they mended it so sweetly. They made me laugh, smile, and they really scorch the sheets when they’re together. The ending made me cheer and I also hope we see Garvey again. He needs his own book. A romantic smash hit in my eyes.
This is the second book in this series and it was an enjoyable read. There are several references to the events from the first book so while it is not necessary to read it to enjoy this one you might feel more completely “in the know” if you do read the books in order.
The MCs in this book are Branson, the bass player for the rock band Hard Core and Conley, a NYC firefighter. Conley is deep in the closet and also has a specific anxiety inducing fear that plays a role in this story. Branson is very open about his sexuality but the firefighter so intrigues him that he is willing to take things slow.
At first, I found the story arc moved a bit slowly and I wasn’t sure if I was going to develop any feelings for the characters. But as I got accustomed to the writing style and the emotional depth intensified, I was totally drawn in. The author does a great job with building the story and escalating the emotional gravitas. Interestingly the crisis moment does not revolve around what you think it is going to though you can see the crisis coming. What seems to be the likely trajectory of the story and crisis isn’t what happens and I was really glad for it as taking that path would have been the expected and easy one. The author surprises us instead.
There is a brief and mild BDSM scene so if that is something you are particularly sensitive to you’ll probably want to skim over it but there’s no need to avoid the book because of it.
This is a light, quick read and I found it quite enjoyable.
*I voluntarily read an ARC, and this is my objective review *
Ann Lister is a total pro at writing rockstar stories and this one is yet another example of how many facets and personalities you can put into the trope!
I loved how both the MCs were created here and how the development of the relationship was executed. The writing style is flawless as ever, raw and realistic to the core, with all emotions and interactions gripping you by the heart.
Can’t wait what comes next!
Sean is a Firefighter Lieutenant and is in the closet and afraid to come out. Branson is the bass player and is out and proud. This story is emotional and sweet and these two have amazing chemistry and watching them overcome their pasts and issues and come together finding love was wonderful.
I definitely recommend this book!
What I love about these stories are the feelings and the doubts, makes you feel attuned to the characters. It makes them more human than just characters in a book.
Branson, a world-famous Bass Player of a world-famous rock band! He has always had hook-ups, he doesn’t think he’d want messy and complicated which relationships entail. Well, not until he met Sean Conley anyway.
Sean Conley is so far in the closet, he would need directions in order to find the door. Meeting Branson is making him uneasy and unhinge all of a sudden. He has never been this attracted to one guy ever before.
I love it! This series is shaping up to be another great one from Ms. Ann Lister, I can’t wait for the next one!
Great read even though I cried my eyes out a couple of times… I love Branson & Conley. They were great together. Their story was beautiful & sad & hot! I’m glad they found each other.
I loved this latest book in this amazing series! Branson first spots Sean Conley in book one and made it his mission to have him in his bed. Sean is in the so deeply in the closet that he doesn’t want to associate himself with Branson for fear of being found out. Sean wants Branson so much but is scared. Branson is determined and knows what he wants and that is Sean and it works and he gets his man.
This was such a great read, watching them fight through the uphill battles to be with each other had you rooting for their happy. I loved every minute of their story and I highly recommend this book to all. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series…well done!!!!
Book 2 in this series sees us looking into Brandon and his sexy firefighters relationship. It has some angst with coming out and medical drama but it’s a good read!
Enjoying the series so far as a whole and this book could be a stand alone but definitely works better if you have read Bool 1
Switching Octaves by AnnLister is the second book in The Rock Gods East Coadt Label series. Branson and Conley are fantastic characters and their story was sexy and fun. Yes, there is some seriousness included but overall I was taken in by the sweet and sexy romance between the closeted firefighter and the hot Rock star. I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait for the next tale to come.