Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Jed Chance is the world famous lead singer of the rock band Black Lace. Once married to his best friend, he soon realised his love for her was not romantic, but they remained friends and she now manages the band. Jamie has been hugely protective of Jed since his former bandmate and lover outed him to the world.

The band faces a lineup change when their guitarist decides she wants to spend more time with her kids. Auditions start and in walks Donnie, a very talented, handsome, and openly bisexual musician. Jed vows to resist the attraction he feels for his new bandmate but finds temptation at every turn.

But lust isn't the only thing on Jed's mind -- he has a stalker who seems intent on ending his life. Jed finds himself fighting for his band, his heart, and even his life. Can he keep all three?

First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2015.

Second edition published by Less Than Three Press, November 2017.

Book Review

Jed, of 'Black Lace' by L.J. Hamlin, has had a rough love life. First, he married his best friend, Jamie, but it didn't work. Jed fell in love with a man making him realize he was gay but he managed to stay friends with Jamie. In fact, she's the manager of his band, Black Lace. Unfortunately, he was betrayed and outed by his male lover, Bert, making Jed extremely wary of becoming involved with anyone again, especially in his band. Jeb has been able to stick to that resolve and doing well until they needs a new band member. When Donnie is hired for the position, it puts Jed's promise to himself in jeopardy. As much as Jed tries to fight it, the attraction between him and Donnie simply won't go away.

Donnie is not only beautiful, but is also a real asset to the band. He's a great guitarist who is a fast learner and fits, almost seamlessly, into the band. He's attracted to Jed too, but won't make the first move not so much because he's shy, but because he doesn't want to disrupt the balance of things. Donnie hasn't had a great life, being kicked out of his home for being gay at fourteen. He wants and needs a place to belong, a family to support and care for him, and he seems to have found it with Black Lace. If Jed makes a move, he certainly won't turn him down but for now, Donnie can be patient.

Increasing threats to Jed’s life from an unknown note writer, followed by packages, make it obvious that the author of the notes is more of a danger than he seemed to be at first. The band members are is warned not to be alone and security is tightened, thinking this will be enough to deter the note writer. But when about  return home from one of their tours, a car plows through the crowd, heading straight for Jed. Donnie tries to warn him and Jed tries to react but doesn't have enough time to get out of the car's way.

This is a nice story with endearing characters and a good plot. I liked how the members of the band and their manager were bonded and looked out for each other. I also appreciated that Jed and Donnie didn't just throw caution to the wind and jump in bed together right away. They waited to get to know each other and weighed their options, taking how it would affect everyone else into account.  If you enjoy books with a light plot, intrigue, suspense, and rocker bands, you may like this story. Thanks, L.J., for introducing us to Black Lace and for giving Jed and Donnie their happy ending.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 33975 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	11-January-2020
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.jms-books.com/lj-hamlin-c-224_348/black-lace-p-3133.html