RELEASE DAY REVIEW: 'Syncopation' by Anna Zabo
Title: Syncopation
Series: Twisted Wishes #1
Author: Anna Zabo
Published: April 9, 2018
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 295 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Aromantic; Angst; BDSM; Comfort/Hurt; Enemies to Lovers; Rock Star/Musician; HEA; Kink: Bondage, Edging, Flogging, Non-Conventional Toys, Object Penetration, Spanking
About Syncopation
Twisted Wishes front man Ray Van Zeller is in one hell of a tight spot. After a heated confrontation with his bandmate goes viral, Ray is hit with a PR nightmare the fledgling band so doesn’t need. But his problems only multiply when they snag a talented new drummer—insufferably sexy Zavier Demos, the high school crush Ray barely survived.
Zavier’s kept a casual eye on Twisted Wishes for years, and lately, he likes what he sees. What he doesn’t like is how out of control Ray seems—something Zavier’s aching to correct after their first pulse-pounding encounter. If Ray’s up for the challenge.
Despite the prospect of a glorious sexual encore, Ray is reluctant to trust Zavier with his band—or his heart. And Zavier has always had big dreams; this gig was supposed to be temporary. But touring together has opened their eyes to new passions and new possibilities, making them rethink their commitments, both to the band and to each other.
4 HEART READ
REVIEW:
Syncopation, the first in a new series by Anna Zabo, takes on many subjects – BDSM, aromanticsm, and the intersection between music and intimacy. Yet each topic is covered with depth and sensitivity.
Ray Van Zellar has brought his band, Twisted Wishes, from his garage to the limelight, only to lose his drummer, Kevin, to alcoholism. Meanwhile, their business label has foisted Curtis on them. He’s a brutal manager, who takes delight in belittling Ray. Oh, and by the way, the band owes the label for their first tour, despite a platinum record.
Matters appear to get worse when Ray’s nemesis, Zavier Demos, a Juilliard-trained classical timpanist, becomes Kevin’s replacement. Zavier had been Ray’s high school heart throb when he rejected Ray’s early request to join the band. Zavier, who’s only gotten more attractive, needs the work after resigning from his Orchestra. But he’s so cocky, he acts as if Twisted is lucky to book him.
Does either man have anything to offer, other than lust, which each knows is a terrible bet in these circumstances?
Surprisingly, Zavier is also kind, standing up for Ray against Curtis. In fact, Ray finds himself wanting to forget their past and the dangers of intimacy between bandmates because Zavier is always considerate and intuitive.
Zavier, who is aromantic, has been burned by a fling with a co-worker, because he was unable to comprehend showy declarations of affection. In addition, Zavier is a Dom. And Ray sure doesn’t act like a sub. Zavier knows to keep his distance, though he’s equally attracted to Ray, a humble man unaware of his musical brilliance.
Does either man have anything to offer, other than lust, which each knows is a terrible bet in these circumstances?
Zabo can turn an emotional phrase to sheer ecstasy. Early in the novel, Ray writes, “’There are times in my life that replay over and over in my mind. Points when my life cracked apart, broke and rearranged into something new and terrifying.’” Later Zabo comments, “Ray spun between the poles of desire and agony and his whole world tunneled down to color and sound and light.” Or how about this pithy insight. “Nothing comes from anger but broken bottles and broken ties.”
Many books have covered submission as a route to self-control. Zabo gives readers a new slant.
I love how Zabo uses music to track changes in relationships. For example, Ray thinks, “He’d always known Dom and Mish (bandmates) would play their hearts out, but he’d never known if Kevin would survive the night. Zavier not only survived, he’d ruled every beat, from the first to the last. Ray trusted Zavier. Zavier believed in Ray.” What deceptively simple words to convey a big shift.
Many books have covered submission as a route to self-control. Zabo gives readers a new slant. When Zavier applies dominance constructively, meant to please, Ray can see Carl’s domineering as abusive. And when Ray consents to pain, it’s a contrast to his unbidden inner, demons, allowing him to face the costs and strains of success.
While Zavier must determine if he can accept a change in career (rock rather than classical music) his view of relationships is changed by the band’s comradery. And Zabo pushes the boundaries of fluidity by highlighting an aromantic’s plight. Since Zavier has never experienced acceptance of his limits - responsible caring, devoid of the highs and lows of love, he’s never recognized his loneliness.
Like a ballad where two musicians sing back and forth, Ray and Zavier weave their deepening bond into its own rhythm, their quirks the strings of melodies, a crescendo that doesn’t lose the tempo of one another’s needs. Syncopation, like a good concert, fills readers to the brim.
A copy of Syncopation was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by Carina Press, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.
Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. As a child they were heartily disappointed to discover that they couldn’t grow up to be what they wanted (a boy, a cat, a dragon), so they settled on being themself whenever possible, which may be a combination of a boy, a cat, and a dragon. Or perhaps a girl, a knight, and a writer. Depends on whom you ask. They do have a penchant for colorful ties and may be hoarding a small collection of cufflinks.They can be easily plied with coffee.
Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
For more from Anna be sure and visit their website!
