Book 1 – Rock Hard: Chord Brothers
$0.99
Drummer Ryder avoids feelings since the tragedy. Now Lexi tests his reserve and sanity. Rule #1 of bands: You NEVER sleep with your friend’s sister when she’s in the band and he is too
Drummer Ryder Chord has been living half a life since he was sixteen when a brutal tragedy strikes his family and he and his best friend hit the road. Ryder, desperate to forget, throws himself into touring life and writing music. When Lexi joins the band, Ryder’s life becomes almost tolerable. Until one day when the rest of the band isn’t there and Ryder and Lexi have to share a hotel room: with only one bed.
Rule number one of band-dom: You never sleep with anyone in the band.
Rule number one of bro code: You never sleep with anyone’s sister. You definitely never sleep with your best friend’s little sister.
Rule number it’s so obvious it’s a count even a drummer can keep: You Never. Ever. Sleep with your best friend’s little sister when she’s in the band…and he is too.
** “A moving, funny, white-hot sexy romp that fans of Lauren Blakely, Nora Roberts, and Janet Evanovich will love.” – Smart Woman’s Steamy Romance Reviews.
PREVIEW
At about 2:19 AM I finally fall asleep. At around 3:30 there’s a soft knock on my door. I’m fully awake in an instant. Remembering how Lexi needed me when water was dripping on her head I jump up, run to the door and throw it open.
“Lexi, what’s wrong!” I put my hands on the side of her face. I search her expression, which seems, I don’t know, slightly scared, worried. Which makes me worried.
“Lexi, what is it?” I ask.
But she doesn’t say anything. She just stares up at me. She’s wearing a short, silk burgundy-colored robe I’ve never seen before.
“Lexi, what is it?” I ask again. “What do you need?”
“You,” she says.
*
I blink. I stare down at her, and my brain refuses to understand. My tongue plasters to the roof of my mouth. Lexi reaches up and touches my biceps, and the spell that has me frozen is temporarily broken.
“Ryder? Ryder, say something.”
I blink again.
“Lexi. I’m not sure what you mean. I’m right here.”
Her voice is soft. So soft I have to bend down a little to hear her. I’ve been playing drums long enough that I have a bit of hearing loss.
“I can’t sleep without you. I haven’t been able to sleep since Detroit.”
I straighten up. “Sure you have,” I say like an idiot. “You don’t toss and turn. You don’t get up.” I think of myself, the hours I spend staring at the ceiling of my own bunk.
“But I don’t really sleep, not well. Not deep sleep. Not like I slept when I was with you.”
Lexi takes a step closer, and the smell of bursting orange blossoms wafts up.
“Ryder…” she says softly.
She opens the sash of her robe, and it reveals a mostly see-through, burgundy-tinted babydoll nightgown that barely reaches the top of her thighs.
Fuuuuuuck.
I groan.
“Lexi, we can’t.”
She closes that last inch between us and plants a tiny kiss on my chest. The barest of touches.
And I snap.
I grab her, haul her up my body, and smash our lips together. In two giants steps I’ve got her pressed against the wall, her legs wrapped around me, all the pent-up need and want I’ve been so good at keeping caged in, tethered, is pulsing out into her. I fist her hair, tilt her head, and plunder her mouth.
Fuck. God. She tastes so good. Incredible. God. Fuck.
“Lex…” I say as I break away.
“More,” she breathes.
“We shouldn’t,” I manage.
“Right,” she says, but then she kisses me again, and fuck, I don’t give a damn, because, yes, this is Lexi, and all I can think about is tasting her again, more, yes. How soft her tongue is and how out of control I am. I carry her to the bed and part of me tries to reel it in, take it slow, but I don’t want to. Not even a little.
I want to devour her. Every single inch.
Lexi. My Lexi.
Yes.
Then I’m on top of her and nothing has ever felt more right in the whole world. The blood is pounding in my ears, and I kiss down her neck and then my hands are on her breasts, God, her breasts. I can’t think, everything becomes a haze of pure lust, heat, a throbbing sound of need, the contrast between hard and soft, and the perfection of our rhythm together.
I manage to break for a second. “Lex, are you sure?”
“So sure.”
Hopeless Romantic Reviews –
“Rock Hard has a lot to offer. Roberts brings on the sizzle while targeting the emotions. Lexi and Ryder electrify the soul with their haunting melody. Once you tune in, it’s hard to tune out.” – Hopeless Romantic Reviews
Literary Titans –
“This is a great book about relationships, love, loss and the power and importance of human connection.”
Book Review Directory –
“Rock Hard is ultimately a harmonious tale of friendship, family, and love. It is, in turns, sensual, poignant, sweet, and seductive, anchored by strong leads and an even stronger supporting cast of characters. A quintessential escapist read, this book will hit the right note with readers who like their love stories with an extra helping of spice along with the sugar and everything nice.” –
Escapist Book Blog –
“This book is so much more than just the love story. This is very much Ryder’s story, his journey to deal with his demons and find happiness. It’s also a story of band life … the dizzying highs and the devastating lows, the teasing banter and arguments, and the incredible connection that ties the four of them together.”
Wow From The Scarf Princess Review Blog –
“A well-crafted series starter with larger-than-life characters, a vividly depicted rock star world, and a slew of emotions that kept Lexi and Ryder’s HEA in doubt until the very end. They’re an engaging couple, fun and flirty in many of their interactions, and teeming with sexual tension as they evolved from friends to lovers …Surrounding this likable main couple was an equally memorable cast of secondary characters who had their own ups and downs throughout this book.
Hard Chord is a tight-knit band with their playful and protective interactions, and I’m now counting down the days until I can jump back into their world.”
Incidental Inspiration Blog –
“This book took me by surprise in all the best ways. At its heart it is the story of a traveling rock band made up of friends who are really family in all the ways that matter.
Separately, Lexi and Ryder are dealing with some really heavy issues. Ryder’s point of view and thought process are a fascinating lens to see through as the story unfolds. Just beautiful writing around how he sees the world!
Recommend this if you like a good Rockstar friends to lovers story!”
Author Groupies –
” I really enjoyed it. It had a bit of everything— a hot rocker, fun group of friends and a forbidden relationship. The story gave me so much more than just the fun forbidden romance.
Ryder had a sad story in his past that made it hard for him to give his heart to her.
Lexi also had a problem that kept her from giving all of herself to him.
The other members of the band were hilarious and I am so glad there will be another book!”
Moonlight Rendezvous –
“Rock Hard was an emotionally-charged romance about friends who decide that they want to be more… The chemistry between these two characters was amazing and I like watching their relationship grow over the course of this story. Now, I want the next book so I can get more of these characters.”
Gin Reads Review –
“Fabulous! Not the usual rocker story with lots going on in this best friend’s sister, friends to lovers AND the forbidden band mates romance. Great start to a new series with wild and intriguing characters. I loved Ryder and his drummer mentality and quirky mannerisms. He reminds me of a college drummer friend of mine. Always in his head with timing and moving hands and feet to a beat that only he hears. His care and treatment of Lexi are wonderful. Sexy and dreamy! The drama ensues with some heart wrenching and real-life issues. The writing was interesting and really good with great character development and wonderful storytelling. I look forward to the next installment in this new terrific series by a marvelous author.”
Deborah Apodaca –
Ryder has Jase’s bass strapped to his back and carrying his drums in his ready-to-break trap case with Lexi behind him carrying Jase’s amp when they find themselves locked out of the tour bus in the cold rain. Hit Man left his version of the ‘sock on the door’ for them. Unbelievable! The gig ended five minutes ago and not only is it cold, but they aren’t in the best area of town.
Lexi and he decided to find a hotel room for the night instead of waiting for Hit Man to finish with his groupies. Yes, there seems to be more than one. Seems like every conference is in Detroit right now, but they finally find a room. With one bed. He is triple screwed. You never sleep with a member of your band. You never cross the bro code and sleep with a band member’s sister and you DEFINITELY stay away from your best friend’s little sister.
Lexi fell in love with Ryder when she was seven and he was fourteen when he lifted her up to get her scared kitten out of a tree. She was heartbroken when her brother took him away two years later to play in a band. By the time she joined the band at eighteen, she had already been friend-zoned. Until Detroit. When she fell even further under his spell and for a guy who doesn’t even know she exists.
I loved this book and it being written by someone with an inside track to the reality of traveling with a band makes the characters even more believable. This book is well written and the characters are fully developed.
I love the characters in this book and although this is Ryder and Lexi’s story there is a full cast in this book. We have Hit Man who is a player to top all players. We have Jase who has stood by Ryder through his worse days. We have Zeet Fleet, another band, and close friends and we can’t leave out Ryder’s brothers.
I absolutely love Ryder with his internal jukebox, clock, and recall. No wonder he gets very little sleep, his brain never shuts down. I died laughing about the Valentine’s Day wedding and boy did I cry for Riley.
I’ve read many Rock and Roll novels, but MJ Roberts gathers her inspiration…uhmm…dirty stories…. from actually traveling with her famous drummer husband and has seen it all.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series and MJ Roberts’s complete library.
Deborah Apodaca –
Ryder has Jase’s bass strapped to his back and carrying his drums in his ready-to-break trap case with Lexi behind him carrying Jase’s amp when they find themselves locked out of the tour bus in the cold rain. Hit Man left his version of the ‘sock on the door’ for them. Unbelievable! The gig ended five minutes ago and not only is it cold, but they aren’t in the best area of town.
Lexi and he decided to find a hotel room for the night instead of waiting for Hit Man to finish with his groupies. Yes, there seems to be more than one. Seems like every conference is in Detroit right now, but they finally find a room. With one bed. He is triple screwed. You never sleep with a member of your band. You never cross the bro code and sleep with a band member’s sister and you DEFINITELY stay away from your best friend’s little sister.
Lexi fell in love with Ryder when she was seven and he was fourteen when he lifted her up to get her scared kitten out of a tree. She was heartbroken when her brother took him away two years later to play in a band. By the time she joined the band at eighteen, she had already been friend-zoned. Until Detroit. When she fell even further under his spell and for a guy who doesn’t even know she exists.
I loved this book and it being written by someone with an inside track to the reality of traveling with a band makes the characters even more believable. This book is well written and the characters are fully developed.
I love the characters in this book and although this is Ryder and Lexi’s story there is a full cast in this book. We have Hit Man who is a player to top all players. We have Jase who has stood by Ryder through his worse days. We have Zeet Fleet, another band, and close friends and we can’t leave out Ryder’s brothers.
I absolutely love Ryder with his internal jukebox, clock, and recall. No wonder he gets very little sleep, his brain never shuts down. I died laughing about the Valentine’s Day wedding and boy did I cry for Riley.
I’ve read many Rock and Roll novels, but MJ Roberts gathers her inspiration…uhmm…dirty stories…. from actually traveling with her famous drummer husband and has seen it all.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series and MJ Roberts’s complete library.
Darcy –
Note: this is my first ever rock-star romance read. I’ve just never been interested in shallow billionaire rock gods. But this book was nothing like that. M.J. Roberts’ characters seem *real,* like they are true professionals who work hard and are lucky enough to make a living doing what they love. I found myself remembering concerts I’ve been to and thinking “Dang, those people up on stage were real people, too, just like Ryder, etc.”
You know the adage “write what you know?” M.J. Roberts very obviously has extensive knowledge about the life of indie musicians and a knows a hell of a lot about music. I loved the friendships and camaraderie both between the central band members and their “BFF band.” They all seemed to genuinely like and respect each other. And then Ryder. How could a reader not fall in love with Ryder? His PTSD episodes were described pitch-perfectly, and his care for Lexie was genuine. The only thing that disappointed me was I wanted more Lexie. She’s given a few short chapters, and because the author does an excellent job with her character, I liked her, and wanted inside her head a little more.
Can’t wait to read Jason’s story next!
Erin Ramsey –
First, the typos normally I’m the first to say disregard them but there were just too many then add in the many missing words. This causes too much re-reading a sentence for comprehension.
Secondly, this was pretty good, the storyline, Ryder’s tragic past made for good reading, heartfelt; my only issue was Lexi. What caused her issue? IMO it went on way too long with no end in sight.
Third, Hit Man, the whole cheating thing but yet he loves his baby Mama, cheating should be listed in the synopsis as well as a MM relationship. Total honesty.
Lastly, I love Ryder’s constant mind song referral but if you don’t know the song and/or artist, it’s a major distraction to look it up.
This is a different rock star romance read, the style is unique and may be for you. I can see how many would love it but since I read a lot of them I need it to be more polished. The MCs connection was weak and more on Ryder’s end then Lexi, you’re told how she’s always loved him but it’s not felt. I just needed a little more. Will i read Jase’s story, probably not. I’m sorry.
CC –
I wanna give it 5 stars but I can’t. This is the first book by this author for me and honestly I struggled through this one. I loved the story but it was just too long and at times I wanted to just stop reading but I had to get to the end. Curiously killed me. It was filled with so much technical information that made parts not feel like a true romance.
I did however love the love story of this how Ryder and Lexi got their HEA.
C Bell –
I loved this book. The musical vocabulary was so impressive. The author’s ability to describe feelings is out of this world. LOVED it. Found myself reading slower toward the end because I didn’t want the story to be over.
Lewis –
I have often wondered what it would be like to tour, to be in a band, to go from city to city. This book creates all the feel of being behind the scenes of a band, full of very human characters each with their own issues and flaws. Can 2 people with troubled histories in a band together come together without blowing up all that is going right? More importantly, can they heal each other? Another great novel from a fine author. Nicely paced with lots of drama.
AJ –
This was a really intriguing read. My first by this author, it wasn’t the typical rockstar romance that I was expecting, but is actually a dramatic and emotional read that is multilayered and complex. It’s an in-depth look at life on the road with an up-and-coming rock band told through the eyes of its passionate and emotionally damaged drummer, and an intense romance that permeates through all of the different elements of that.
Ryder is the drummer and songwriter for rock band, Hard Chord. He is a wildly passionate artist, living and breathing all things music, and with a soundtrack to his life constantly running through his head. But lately Ryder’s passion has a second target – his bandmate and the little sister of his best friend, Lexi. He has suddenly stopped seeing her as just Jace’s little sister, and recognises her as a woman – a woman he wants, even though everything in him tells him it’s wrong.
Lexi grew up being in love with Ryder. It’s taken her years to build up the courage to make her move, and when she does, Ryder is helpless to resist her. And while on a short break from their tour, the two of them spend a blissful week alone exploring each other in every way they can before work calls them back to the band and real life – a life where their feelings for each other complicate everything.
It sounds like a pretty simple set-up, but it’s anything but straight-forward. A tragedy in his teen years has left Ryder deeply wounded and somewhat closed off, its soul shattering impact leaving a mark on every aspect of his life. And Lexi is struggling with her own issues, and with sharing the news of her and Ryder with her brother, which creates even more tension. But this book is so much more than just the love story. This is very much Ryder’s story, his journey to deal with his demons and find happiness. It’s also a story of band life – living on the road, the concerts, the music, the passion and love for their art, and the strong dynamics that bond not only the band, but their fellow musicians. Everything is explored in detail and you feel like you’re experiencing it all right alongside them – the dizzying highs and the devastating lows, the teasing banter and arguments, and the incredible connection that ties the four of them together.
The supporting characters are such an important part of this book and bring a lot to the story. In particular fellow band members Jace and Hit Man (yes, that is apparently his name) – though total man-sl*ts, they are highly entertaining and have hearts of gold and the book follows their journey as well. The dynamics between them all is what makes the book what it is, and I loved watching the interplay and bond between them.
This book is written pretty much entirely from Ryder’s POV, with a few glimpses from Lexi sprinkled throughout. It allows us to get up close and personal with this highly complex character, and at times it’s a really heartwrenching read (his history is just tragic). He’s going through so much, and he feels everything incredibly deeply, but he’s also smart, sarcastic, funny and so damn sweet. I found the constant references to his internal jukebox to be a little bit much at times, as were the musical metaphors – it shows us how Ryder’s life is so intertwined with his music, but it got a bit tiresome.
I found Roberts’ writing style to be really unique, and it’s actually difficult to explain why. It fits with the uniqueness of the story, but it was different from what I was used to and I admit I did have a bit of difficulty connecting with the story because of it. It’s also a really long book, and though the detail sets the scene well, I feel like we didn’t need quite so much of it.
The book ends well, and though there are threads left undone, they will most likely be answered in future books of the series. Next up is the wonderful Jace, and I’m excited for him to find his HEA.
Amazeballs Book Addicts –
I struggled with this one but it turned out to be a good read. I was excited to get Hard Rock to read. It’s my first book by M.J Roberts. With the author being new to me author I didn’t know what to expect with the writing style. I did struggle quite a bit in the beginning because he flow and writing style was different then I was used to and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. I also struggled to connect with the characters at first too. Honestly I was thinking of putting it in the didn’t finish pile when I took a break and before restarting I reread the blurb. The blurb was originally the reason I wanted to read this one and it was always the reason I picked it back up. When I picked it back up it was easier to get into the story and feel for the characters.
Ryder and Lexi are band mates. Jase is also in the band and Ryder’s best friend and Lexi’s brother. Ryder and Lexi has always had feelings for each other but they never realized the other had the same feelings. Ryder has a tragic past and he has walls up. Lexi has her issues to. These two have ups and down. Both characters have layers and as I read more I got to know more about them and liked them more. And even though I struggled with the writing style and flow in the beginning by the end of the book I really appreciated what the writing style brought to the story. This was a good read. if you pick this one up and are struggling with it I suggest you take a break, regroup, and then pick it back up again because it’s worth the read.
Gin –
Fabulous! Not the usual rocker story with lots going on in this best friend’s sister, friends to lovers AND the forbidden band mates romance. Great start to a new series with wild and intriguing characters that has sexy drummer, Ryder and singer/keyboardist, Lexi up first. Finally, after years of crushing on her older brother’s best friend Lexi dream comes true when Ryder sees her as a woman. She’s stoked and a force that goes for what she wants. I loved Ryder and his drummer mentality and quirky mannerisms. He reminds me of a college drummer friend of mine. Always in his head with timing and moving hands and feet to a beat that only he hears. His care and treatment of Lexi is wonderful. Sexy and dreamy! Until he has a freak out and his worry about Lexi is overwhelming. Plus they have to deal with brother and best friend, Jase. What will he think about their relationship and how will it affect the band? And there’s slut-puppy Hit Man with his charm and charisma. How will he deal with the new coupling of his band mates? The drama ensues with some heart wrenching and real life issues. The writing was interesting and really good with great character development and wonderful storytelling. I was surprised the band didn’t have a manager with their massive touring schedule and large arena shows. Maybe a new character will join the crew and give Jase or Hit Man a love interest. I look forward to the next installment in this new terrific series by a marvelous author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
J. Faltys –
When it comes to rock star romances I can never get enough and I inhale every title I come across. The synopsis for this series starter definitely pulled me in and courtesy of its likable characters, and their emotionally intense backgrounds, I was captivated by all the twists and turns and am looking forward to revisiting these band mates again soon.
Ryder Chord’s the drummer for up-and-coming rock band Hard Chord, a guarded and contemplative musician with music constantly on the brain. At least his mind’s normally obsessed with song lyrics, but lately he’s becoming consumed with thoughts of bandmate Lexi (his best friend Jase’s little sister). They’ve known each other since they were young and he’s always felt protective of her, but he doesn’t want to ruin his friendship or harm the band so he’s been struggling with his burgeoning feelings for years. One rainy night though, and a week of just the two of them alone together, has their long-hidden feelings rushing to the surface while bringing past pain to the forefront. Keeping secrets and dealing with the past weighs on their relationship and soon leads to a rollercoaster of emotions that could end their band and their close-knit connection. Ryder’s a sexy man with a tragic past that broke my heart. It’s made him overly protective and ashamed of his reactions to this defining moment of his life, a moment that tore his brother’s lives apart too. Ryder’s a man with strong convictions, a man who wants to boldly claim Lexi after years of keeping his feelings to himself, so Lexi wanting to keep their relationship a secret bothers him greatly. Seeing his alpha side emerge when Lexi was around other men endeared him to me too and put a smile on my face. His guilt over keeping their secret showed him to be an honorable man despite his behavior after the tragedy that still affects him today.
Lexi Evanovich has always loved Ryder. From the moment he first rescued her as a young girl she’s always been attracted to him and when the opportunity arises to finally show him how she feels she dives in wholeheartedly. Like him, she has something in her past that weighs on their relationship and makes their HEA less than certain as the story progresses. Through numerous emotional ups and downs readers will feel completely invested in her and Ryder, rooting for them as she’s a constant temptation to him. Theirs is a relationship meant to be and with each turn of the page past pain is holding them back from a future together that only by dealing with the past will get them to their HEA. Lexi’s a likable heroine, full of energy and a commanding presence on stage, while a bit insecure when off stage. Her insecurities are especially on display when it comes to her erotic encounters with Ryder and it led to lots of frustration as she was reluctant to say what was troubling her. Despite that I enjoyed the two of them together and was rooting for them to heal each other as the glimpses we get of their pasts made their journey to HEA all the richer.
On a whole this was a well-crafted series starter with larger-than-life characters, a vividly depicted rock star world, and a slew of emotions that kept Lexi and Ryder’s HEA in doubt until the very end. They’re an engaging couple, fun and flirty in many of their interactions, and teeming with sexual tension as they evolved from friends to lovers. Their pasts had a big affect on how their relationship progressed and for Ryder in particular it was heartbreaking as the closer they got to each other the stronger his fear and protectiveness became. Surrounding this likable main couple was an equally memorable cast of secondary characters who had their own ups and downs throughout this book. Ryder’s brothers have left a lasting impression on me during their short time in the story. Still recovering from the tragedy that had each of them giving into addiction in order to cope has me hoping to learn more about them and how they’re slowly rebuilding their bond, using the music that once connected them to find a close bond again. Bandmates Jase Evanovich and Hit Man practically jumped off the page as sexy players who enjoy the benefits of groupies, unashamed and unapologetic with their indulgences. Hit Man is especially notorious for his playboy antics, flitting from one girl to the next like a conveyor belt. It’s stereotypical rock star behavior and it’s only through his charm that I was able to not hate him for it. He’s got big changes in his life though too and I’m intrigued by how, or if, he’ll be changed which has me looking forward to his own story being told. Hard Chord is a tight-knit band, more like family with their playful and protective interactions, and I’m now counting down the days until I can jump back into their world.
AurenRose –
This book took me by surprise in all the best ways. At it’s heart it is the story of a traveling rock band made up of friends who are really family in all the ways that matter.
The focus is on the transition of Lexi and Ryder from friends to lovers and how that might work in the dynamics of the band, especially when it breaks all the codes set up to keep the music flowing.
Separately, Lexi and Ryder are dealing with some really heavy issues. There’s mystery around whether or not Lexi’s ever gets resolved, and I’m not sure how they’ll pick it up in the next book since the focus is shifting, but I’d love to know! Ryder’s point of view and thought process are a fascinating lens to see through as the story unfolds. Just beautiful writing around how he sees the world!
Recommend this if you like a good Rockstar friends to lovers story!
Tara Peters –
This book was a wonderful first book in a series about the interconnected lives of a band. Ryder is the drummer and best friends with the bass player in the band. When one night in a hotel with the lead singer, sister of his best friend, wakes him up to what has been in front of him for years, he tries hard not to let his newfound awareness of Lexi interfere. The way to do that, deny anything has changed.
When they are alone for a little over a week, Lexi finally lets him know that she wants and has wanted him for years. They agree to enjoy the time they have and to not let anything affect the band. He wants to come clean to Jase, but she doesn’t want to. He agrees to give her a few days, but doesn’t feel right about it. When Ryder freaks out about her safety and tries to control her, even with a mental break, she can’t figure out what is going on. How will Jase and Hitman react when they find out about the relationship? How will Ryder feel when he finds out about the one thing that makes Lexi feel like a monster? Why is Ryder so worried about Lexi’s safety (the reason is very sad)? His brothers and the way they get through to him was wonderful. Even the storyline of Hitman and Jase kept me wanting more and I can’t wait to read more about this band.
Tammi –
This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed it. It had a bit of everything a hot rocker, fun group of friends and a forbidden romance.
I always enjoy a best friends little sisters romance. The sneaking around, longing looks and discreet touches. This one was even more fun she was in the band and they were kept in very close quarters.
The story gave me so much more than just the fun forbidden romance.
Ryder had a sad story in his past that made it hard for him to give his heart to her.
Lexi also had a problem that kept her from giving all of herself to him.
Ryder and Jase had an amazing friendship that made them closer than brothers by blood.
The other members of the band were hilarious and I am so glad there will be another book!
Alani Lacaci –
M.J. Robert’s “Rock Hard” follows Ryder and Lexi on their journey to figure out love and how it fits with the band. This book is primarily in Ryders point of view with a few switches to Lexi’s point of view. I had never read a book that followed the guy’s point of view and found this to be really unique. This isn’t the typical rockstar romance, but I loved it none the less. I love that I was able to see the guys take on how relationships work. “Rock Hard” does cover some difficult topics such as PTSD, depression, rape, and murder. If these are triggering topics for you this isn’t a book for you. However, I fell in love with Ryder and Lexi’s story. This a great story about two friends who find love within each other. I would definetly recommend this book to anyone!
“Rock Hard” follows Ryder and Lexi as they realize their feelings for one another and figure out a way to date while ensuring that the band will stay together. Ryder and Lexi are a part of a band along with Jase, Ryder’s best friend and Lexi’s brother, and Hit Man. For as long as the ban has been together Ryder has seen Lexi as just another one of the guys, but when they are forced to share a hotel room one night that all changes. While Ryder struggles to contain his feelings, Hit Man and Jase leave town for a few weeks leaving Ryder and Lexi alone. Ryder believes in the codes: “Rule number one of band-dom: You never sleep with anyone in the band.
Rule number one of bro code: You never sleep with anyone’s sister. You definitely never sleep with your best friend’s little sister.
Rule number it’s so obvious it’s a count even a drummer can keep: You Never. Ever. Sleep with your best friend’s little sister when she’s in the band…and he is too.” Will Ryder be able to stick to the code or will he break it for love?
Joshua H –
Rock Hard came recommended to me since I love just about all things romance. It’s not my typical read, I usually stick to my fantasy genre and romance within it, but this was an interesting book.
I didn’t quite know what to expect with a rock and roll type book and was pleasantly surprised by some aspects of the story. Most movies and books portray a lot of drugs and violence, and I was glad that those were absent from this book.
Ryder, the main character for all that he is a rock star with a messed up past, is actually very much a sweetheart and a good guy. His bandmates and the sub-characters for the book are equally likable.
The chemistry between the two main characters Ryder and Lexi is undeniable. But I also enjoyed the relationship and friendships of the band as a whole. The constant jokes and the camaraderie they show each other was what really drew me in.
The part that I enjoyed most, surprisingly, was the parts about the music. I loved the songs constantly being mentioned throughout and how they played into the story. I loved when the music would take over certain scenes and how it sort of enveloped everything.
I know this book will entertain readers who adore music and love the rock and roll lifestyle.
Isha Coleman –
For Ryder Chord, living in the fast lane means trying to outrun a broken heart. Haunted by tragedy, dogged by guilt, this bad boy rocker is about to come face to face with his saving grace. Lexi Evanovich is nobody’s angel. She can fight her own battles, sleep with whomever she wants and fall in love with whoever she chooses. Except when it’s her brother’s best friend. Rock Hard has a lot to offer. Roberts brings on the sizzle while targeting the emotions. Lexi and Ryder electrify the soul with their haunting melody. Once you tune in, it’s hard to tune out.
Bianca Esteban –
MJ Roberts has her own unique point of view. I’ve read a lot of her work and it is definitely not your average romance novel. There’s a genuineness to her work. Where other authors can sometimes seem to churn out scenes that all sound the same (even within the same book), Roberts has mastered the art of giving you new experiences with each and every scene; you feel as though you’re discovering a rare a beautiful thing each time.
Her latest series featuring Hard Chord delves into themes that are close to home for her, giving this series (and her prelude story How To Bang) a colour and depth that rings true. But don’t be expecting all the twists and turns! She’ll definitely surprise you. The emotions stab into you at times, taking you on a journey through the harrowing past of a close knit band of musicians, through to the light at the end of the tunnel.
A great read and Rock Harder, the next in the series is just as strong
Miranda –
POSSIBLE SPOILERS (but if you like this genre, you’ll like this book!). I felt like the writer did a great job with the will they/won’t they element of the story, particularly as we got to build up that both characters liked each other (but were hiding it), a trope I always love.
The writer also did a really good job adding dimension in surprising ways, with some unexpected revelations that made it a touching story. A great entry into the genre – if you don’t read a lot in this space, this one’s fun; if you do, you’ll still enjoy the ride. Definitely recommended!