Title: Phoenix
Series: Death Rose, #1
Author: Melanie Tushmore
Genre: New Adult Gay Romance with a Rock & Roll edge
Length: Novel (103,000 words)
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (September 17th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Young painter Alex Tatton has always loved music. When a tragic accident takes away his parents, he turns to a darker style of music and discovers the rock band, Death Rose. Feeling isolated from his own life, Alex develops a crush on guitarist Danny Death who, despite the name, is vivacious, full of life, and has a reputation for being ‘the nicest guy in rock n’ roll’.

After a gig, Alex finds Danny to give him a signed painting. Danny is everything a star should be: charming, sexy, a beacon of light in Alex’s otherwise dark life, and after meeting him Alex is determined to see him again—and this time he wants more than just an autograph.

Excerpt: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/excerpt-phoenix/
Purchase Link: Note, this title is available for pre-order for 15% off http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=90&products_id=656&zenid=9otm727ei1qr2dfhioepv8b6m2
Review: Alex Tatton is loner. Young and awkward, he has kept to himself since his parent’s death, living in London with his aunt and uncle. The only joy in his life is his painting. Sometimes his aunt has to remind him to eat, his constant caregiver. His appearance however, is far from an artwork. He keeps his hair long, something to hide behind, which cause slight acne. When he starts school, all he wants to do is hide behind his hair and fly under the radar. When he makes new friends they introduce him to the band Death Rose, and from the start, Alex is entranced with their music and the artwork they used for their CD cover.

Venturing out to see and listen to the band in person, Alex is quite taken with their guitarist, Danny Death. Over time, Alex attends several shows and makes friends with a few people that are close knit with the band members, and his crush on Danny continues to grow. After some of the shows, Alex has special gifts for Danny. A comic book rendition with Danny as the star, a unique piece of artwork, he even goes so far as to paint his leather jacket with a semblance from the band. Over time, Alex begins to make some changes to his appearance as well. Buying nicer clothes that make him stand out more, cutting his hair and cleaning up his acne. And it doesn’t go unnoticed by Danny.

The two begin meeting at shows, go out on a couple dates, and share a few stolen moments and kisses. When Death Rose tours Germany, Danny flies Alex out to attend the show. From that night on, the relationship is solidified. Alex makes love and falls in love for the first time. There are a few bumps in the road though. It’s not a rock steady courtship from the start. Alex tends to over analyze things and it takes Danny some time to prove his intentions are true. When the time comes to tour America and they will be forced to spend months apart, will their newfound love be strong enough to withstand the separation?

The book was a little slow to start, setting things up and giving Alex’s back-story, not really picking up the pace until they were in Germany. But it was a steady slow, if that makes sense. We had to learn about Alex’s art and why he loves it, how it moves him and makes him the person he is. He’s not really that comfortable with the crowds or with recognition, but then there is Danny. Danny is a force of nature, blowing into Alex’s life and kind of turning it upside down. Enamoured or Attracted are two strong words to describe how Alex feels about Danny, but they really aren’t strong enough, it goes way beyond that.

It was nice to see that these two young characters were written that way as well. They were awkward, insecure and inexperienced. They feed off each other in a way, emotionally and physically. Danny is hyperactive, a wild child, while Alex is more subdued and laid back. Together they balance each other out somewhat. They faced their share of problems and issues while they learned more about each other and how to be a couple.

If you like, Rock & Roll stories with an edge and just the right dose of angst and some pretty passionate trysts, then you’ll love Phoenix. I’m excited for the next book. I hope I don’t have to wait too long!