Keys to Love by S.J. Frost
Conquest, Book 3
MLR Press
Contemporary M/M
ISBN: 978-1-60820-158-7
Reviewed by Lisa




The first tour across the U.S. was a complete success for an unknown rock band called Conquest.  This time around they are headliners with sold out venues in the U.S. and across the world.  Everyone wanted a piece of Conquest and lead singer Jesse Alexander, but the pressure to hide his sexuality boiled over so badly that eventually he came out.  At the same time his band mate Julian Forrester came out.  Although his announcement didn’t make such a big splash to the world it was still difficult for Julian.

At one time Julian had an enviable career with a major symphony orchestra.  He was a child prodigy at the piano with all the pressures such a gift entailed from his parents, instructors and others.  After a while though, something inside Julian made him take steps toward a different future with Conquest.  Touring with Jesse, his husband Evan Arden, guitarist Kenny Cooper and drummer Brad Delfini was so different, yet Julian felt more alive than ever professionally.  His love life, however, is another matter entirely.  He’s flirted with Brad who swears he’s straight, but Julian isn’t quite convinced.  Hell, he’s flirted with several men attached to the tour with little luck and the occasional one night stand routine in various cities is wearing thin.

Budget cuts to the arts program in high schools puts music teacher Morgan Chandler out of a job.  Not only does Morgan lose his job but he also discovers that when his father passed away the music store Morgan practically grew up in is deeply in debt.  To pay off the debt and keep a roof over his head Morgan takes a job as a roadie for Conquest’s concert tour.  He’s had a secret crush on Julian for years, admiring his pianist skill and his hot body.

Destiny plays a role when Julian and Morgan meet and a quiet spark flames to life.  An auction for charity brings them closer, giving them the opportunity to see what fate may have in store for them.  Someone, however, does not want them closer.  Problems with equipment and possible sabotage arise.  Fears that physical danger will be next puts everyone on guard, though clearly Julian is the target, or is he?  One thing is certain, Julian and Morgan make beautiful music together.

An intriguing mixture of sensuality, heart, and soul, Keys to Love is a wildly entertaining addition to the Conquest series.  Author S.J. Frost writes a deliciously erotic, yet tender love story.  Although Julian and Morgan are more subdued than main characters from the previous stories there is still plenty of angst and drama to go around.  Witty and carnal, Keys to Love will have readers enthralled.  I Joyfully recommend Keys to Love.  Heartwarming and hot!