Syncopation

Anna Zabo

Apr 2018 · Twisted Wishes Book 1 · Carina Press

About this eBook

A rock band’s struggling lead singer learns to follow the lead of their sexy new drummer in this steamy male/male romance.

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.

Praise for Syncopation

“The very best thing about Syncopation is the relationships between and among the bandmates. Ray, Dom, Mish, and Zavier love each other in a way that’s messy and sometimes hurtful but is always deep and steadfast. The central relationship between Ray and Zavier is immensely satisfying, but the best love story in Syncopation is among the found family of bandmates.” —Trisha Brown, Book Riot, Best Books of 2018

“Anna Zabo has such a wonderful way with words and Syncopation will leave you with happy tears and a warm heart.” —Wild Heart Reads

Ratings and reviews

Amazing, stunning, beautiful, fantastic, powerful, emotional. I don’t have words enough for this book, and how much I loved it. It is too bad I can’t give this book more than five stars. I would give it ten stars if I could. The writing is superb, a beautiful composition of words and rhythm. A song can evoke many emotions through the music and the words. Well, this book has its own melody that gave me all those strong feelings and had my heart singing. Ray and Zavier are the most wonderful men, rich with development and so beautifully portrayed. Ray who, as leader of the band, has the weight of the world on his shoulders. His emotions are all over the place. That makes him an amazing artist, but also vulnerable for ill-meaning people. And there is Zavier, the new drummer, who is a perfect addition to the band and who will catch him every time he stumbles and falls. And maybe it is me, but doesn’t “Zavier” sound a lot like “Savior?” Their relationship from friends to best friends to a lasting partnership is such an amazing journey. It is not without hurdles, but right from the start, I felt that these two men were meant for each other. Ray’s submission to Zavier is so natural and genuine. By submitting to Zavier, by letting go, and keeping up control, Ray finds the strength, confidence, and calmness he so desperately needs. He gives Zavier a precious gift that Zavier will cherish forever, and that has him changing his mind about his future, that there might be the perfect man for him who knows and understands him. Maybe even better than he does himself. He finds his home. Yes, it is sexy and smoking-hot to read, but what struck me the most is the joy between these men. The joy and pleasure of being together, of submitting and dominating, are oozing from the pages. Technically, I can’t call this a love story or romance as Zavier is aromantic, but the connection between these two men is deeper and more intense and beautiful than I have read about in other books where the couple exchanged their “I love you.” It is in every look, every word, every touch, how in tune they are. I love that Ray stays the same sassy man he always was, even when submitting, and that Zavier is the arrogant warrior with a fragile heart. And just like the Ray and Zavier, the supporting cast are three-dimensional characters. Ray’s best friend Dom, keeping quiet for the most part but stepping in as it counts, changing his appearance as the mood strikes him. Mish, the fierce, feisty, and loyal Amazon. Not keeping quiet, but saying as it is, with a heart of gold. I love them. That cannot be said about Carl, the band manager. I don’t want to give spoilers away, so let’s just say he is not and will not ever be my friend. Highly recommended.

About the author

Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. She has an MFA in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University, where she fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.