REVIEW: 'Ice on Fire' by G.R. Lyons
Title: Ice on Fire
Series: Treble and the Lost Boys #1
Author: G.R Lyons
Published: April 27, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: Designs by Dana
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 460 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Family Drama; Comfort/Hurt; First Time; Mental Illness; Opposites Attract; Coming Out; Rock Star/ Musician; Virgin; HEA;
CW: Self-Harm, Emotional Abuse
About Ice on Fire
Zac Cinder is on the verge of making his dream come true. His punk rock band, Inferno, might have a shot at an audition for a record deal. Fame and fortune would mean he could finally help his parents. They'd raised eight kids in a loving household while barely scraping by, so Zac is determined to give back in any way he can.
Keeping Inferno together, though, means keeping his biggest secret. His bigoted bandmates would drop him in an instant if they found out Zac was gay.
Then he meets Adrian Frost, and Zac can't resist the shy man. Adrian gives up everything to be with Zac, but Zac can't bring himself to do the same. He doesn't want to lose Adrian, but he can't give up Inferno, either. Not when he's so close to realizing his dream.
When one cruel decision rips Adrian from his life, Zac will have to decide if ambition is worth the price of the greatest happiness he's ever known.
(Note: This story takes place in a fictional world, the same as in the Shifting Isles Series. There are multiple gods, different names for the days of the week, etc. A glossary is included.)
WARNING: Contains scenes of self-harm that may be disturbing for some readers.
4 HEART READ
REVIEW:
Set in a fictional world, Ice on Fire by G.R. Lyons, begins the new series - Treble and the Lost Boys. Ice on Fire is an opposites attract, poor versus wealthy, and outgoing contrasts recluse story, where love triumphs over impossible odds, and depicts real life situations that engage and entrap as events unfold.
Zac Cinder is a college student who has dreams of becoming a rock star, along with his presumably best mates of Inferno. On the side, he also performs as a violinist for the elite as a member of Treble. Zac comes from a large and loving family who struggle to make ends meet. His goals are simple: meet his obligations, provide what assistance he can to his family, and to find love for himself.
These men share the same secret, for different reasons.
Adrian Frost, also known as Mr. Shadow, is a recluse controlled by his father and his family money. Adrian's family life is hard and his father is just a despicable excuse for a human being. While his every need is attended to, but with strings - he must submit to his father's wishes/demands for his life - Adrian struggles with anxiety and his dependence on medication and self-harm get him though the days.
Zac puts on the required facade with his band mates, while holding onto the nights he plays his violin, dreaming of the elusive Mr. Shadow, who never misses a performance. Both Zac and Adrian pine for the other from afar. But, fate intervenes when they are paired together during their academic studies.
These men share the same secret, for different reasons. Yes, they are gay and deeply in the closet. Zac fears the loss of his loving family while Adrian fears his father and the loss of his livelihood. The connection between them is strong and beneficial for both. But, it goes without saying, they have a rough road to travel.
Ice on Fire is realistic, heart wrenching, and beautifully written. The men’s fears are believable as are the reactions and evolution which occurs for each man.
The secluded times between Zac and Adrian are beautiful as well as gut wrenching. Zac is understanding while Adrian is trying to cope and be the man Zac deserves. When their secret is revealed, and the proverbial crap hits the fan, things become what appears insurmountable for them. Zac bears the burden until Adrian realizes what they share. Is it too late? Can words be retracted? And… is it so bad being out of the closet?
Ice on Fire is realistic, heart wrenching, and beautifully written. The men’s fears are believable as are the reactions and evolution which occurs for each man. Lessons are learned, truths are revealed, and the good/bad of humanity accurately depicted.
A copy of Ice on Fire was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by G.R. Lyons, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Universal Buylink
Meet the Author
While daylighting as office manager for the family auto repair business, G.R. Lyons can often be found working on one of multiple manuscripts or desperately trying to keep up with the TBR pile. Anarcho-capitalist, quietly ‘out’ trans guy, former belly dancer, coffee guzzler, highly-sensitive introvert, CrossFit enthusiast, and lover of m/m romantic fiction.
For more be sure and visit G.R.’s website.
