Rocking Out by Emily Veinglory
Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary M/M
ISBN: 978-1-61372-691-4
Reviewed by Lisa

During their high school years Bevin Stewart and Scott DeMaris were lovers and fronted a raw, rock band. When the band began to make a name for themselves everything changed. The band was renamed Black Lam, Scott became ‘Rebel’ and Bevin was left behind with his panic attacks and other anxieties.

These days Black Lam and lead singer Rebel are a worldwide known mega hit. Back home Bevin owns and runs a small coffee/bagel shop. Though he still sees a therapist, for the most part Bevin keeps his neuroses in perspective and copes with his quiet life.

Whether Bevin likes it or not he’s about to give his coping mechanisms a real workout because Scott is back in town insisting on starting up where they left off with the only man he feels he can truly love and trust. Though the feelings are mutual and always will be Bevin still doesn’t want any part of the rock and roll lifestyle, especially when nobody knows that Scott is gay. Unfortunately for Bevin, Scott won’t take no for an answer.

Rocking Out takes readers on a character driven, emotionally charged roller coaster ride. A somewhat fragile soul matched with an arrogant, needy rocker is at the crux of this rocky romance. Years of struggle and therapy have given Bevin a measure of peace whereas Scott is now lost, surrounded by people he no longer trusts. Intriguing and entertaining Rocking Out is fascinating, though perhaps it would’ve been even better delving deeper into their emotional issues. Flawed characters do make the most interesting stories satisfying!