Banded Together – K.C. Burn

Punk’s not dead, but it’s time to redefine life.

Devlin Waters thought he’d have music forever. But the tragic death of his best friend ended the twenty-year run of his punk band, Negative Impression. Unable to process the loss, Devlin distances himself from everyone and everything that reminds him of the band. But forty-one is too young to curl up and wait for the end. In a search for a second career, he finds himself at university with a bunch of kids young enough to be… his kids. His sexy archeology professor, however, makes Devlin think about life beyond his grief….

Dr. Jack Johnson does not appreciate Devlin’s lack of respect, his inability to be serious, or his chronic lateness. Worse, he hates that he’s attracted to a student. When he realizes Devlin is the rock star he crushed on in his youth, he drops his guard—against his better judgment.

Before they can move forward together, Jack must admit to Devlin that he’s not only an admirer, but he also sings in a cover band. How will Devlin react to his ultimate fanboy when his own music has died?

I had to grab this, how could I not?

Banded Together by K.C. Burn stars band vocalist Devlin Waters, grieving the death of his best friend and bandmate, Trent. The two are the founding members of the goth punk industrial band Negative Impression. Devlin, also the bassist, is known as Blade; Trent, the lead guitarist, is Reaver (loved the nod to Nine Inch Nails!); their drummer and rhythm guitarist are Dragon and Moth.

With the band on indefinite hiatus, Dev is going back to school for a second career. It so happens that in his Archeology 101, the professor, Dr. Jack Johnson, is cute, uptight, and grumpy, and Dev just had to push his buttons.

Jack is infuriated with the cocky, always late Dev, who got under his skin. Only for Jack to discover, this Devlin Waters is THE Devlin Waters a.k.a. Blade, vocalist of his all-time favorite band and ultimate crush.

It’s very rare to read stories of rock stars embarking on second careers. So rare that this is my first time reading about it. Dev goes back to college and finds that he enjoys his classes, especially Archaeology 101.

It helps that his professor is not only attractive but is passionate about the subject. Only Dr. Jack is intentionally making the class as boring as possible to weed out dabblers who think they are the next Indiana Jones. Apparently, Indiana Jones is a terrible archaeologist. Something I found hilarious since I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I grew up.

Usually, I steer clear of teacher/student romances, as I found real-life examples to be iffy because they frequently involve middle-aged persons preying on impressionable teenagers. The story fortunately avoids the cradle robbing, with Devlin being 41 years old and Jack younger at 34. This is also a rare look at the life of a mature student who had to deal with classmates old enough to be his children.

Devlin’s cool confidence and shameless flirtations hide a broken man who literally couldn’t face the music and his remaining band members, the grief too intense, the memories too painful. It also doesn’t hide the fact that he could be an ass, especially to Jack, who secretly bears the trauma of a one-night stand from years ago that Devlin doesn’t remember.

The romance is a rollercoaster! The highs are hopeful and sweet, with scenes of open conversations, humorous banter, and comfort food. The lows are angsty and incredibly raw, where band-aids are ripped off wounds that barely healed, and Dev walks off to escape his overwhelming feelings, which is frustrating as hell!

The healing took time, and so Jack and Dev slow-burned their way through Archeology 101, drunken sleepovers, painful revelations, and eventually, acceptance and happier memories of Trent. While the book is easy to read, it is also very emotional and heartbreaking. I wasn’t impressed with Devlin’s attitude at first, but he was willing to change. Ultimately, his journey with Jack was very rewarding, and it was a well-deserved, hard-won HEA.

My favorite part is Jack’s other secret, Crimson Corrosion, a tribute band to Negative Impression. I loved how this part brings the story full circle in a tribute that is intensely personal, cathartic, and intimate, even with an audience. If I were in the audience, I would have tears streaming down my face too!

Banded Together is a story about second chances and healing. It is a rare glimpse into the lives of mature rockstars starting over, and a heartfelt exploration of grief, growth, and the redemptive power of love. Overall, a cacophony of emotions that leaves a lasting impression!

Rating:
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step away

Soundtrack: Gave Up
Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Album: Broken

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