3.5 Stars. I really like Twisted Wishes and love how this series is set around the band. The first book was perfect, and while I enjoyed Counterpoint, it didn't score as high for me as Syncopation. I'm personally not a huge fan of the trope of "Character A has a secret" plots, which is what Dom's story is all about. I did, however, Love Dom and Adrian and will definitely rec Counterpoint to people looking for a kink filled read with some good character development.

I'm glad I picked up the first book of this series on a random wimp, because I quite liked it, so when I saw the second one - Counterpoint - on NetGalley I knew I had to read it.
I liked Counterpoint a bit better than the first one, which is quite rare for me, because usually the second book is a bit of a let-down. So color me surprised.

I loved Dominic. I could totally feel his struggle. And Adrian was a cool guy, too. Very understanding and he didn't push. I loved how their relationship progressed, with all the ups and downs.

I really hope to see more of this series, even though I'm not sure about what character a third book would be. Probably Mish, but than it wouldn't be an M/M book, more like a f/f or f/m book. We'll see.

Rating: 4,25 stars

Domino is a rock god, Dominic is a geek in suspenders and a bow tie, Dom is just a man, wanting to live his life in anonymity. Which is darn hard because as Domino he is larger than life, unforgettable.

Adrian meets Dom and is instantly smitten. They trade silly innuendos over a meal and both men want to take it further. They begin to date. Both drawn in with the needs they have, Adrian to dominate, and Dom to submit.

Dom knows that at some point he will have to tell Adrian the truth about who he is but since he isn't pushing him he keeps putting it off. Not wanting to lose what they are building together. They learn so much about each other's needs, quickly becoming entangled (and not with just the ropes). When Adrian learns the truth, they have to figure out a way to deal with Dom’s other life.

I enjoyed the story. The BDSM aspect, while hot, seemed to pull me out of the it in places. Maybe it was that some parts of the book seemed slow. I found myself skipping ahead then having to reread.

I thought the author did the Domino/Dominic dynamic very well. I liked the men together and enjoyed the presence of the rest of the band. Also, I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to eat lemon meringue pie again without remembering this book.

I absolutely loved the first book in the series, Syncopation, and this one is just as awesome.

The good:

- Rep! Pansexual main character, gay main character, main character with anxiety and panic attacks, m/m relationship. And written by a non-binary author, huzzah!

- Adrian is a Dominant but not an asshole. He checks in with Dominic constantly for consent and can be downright deferential at work. Let's hear it for beta Doms!

- Being penetrated is separated from being the sub (yea!), and Adrian goes to pains to point out that BDSM may be therapeutic but it does not equal sessions with a qualified professional. Common sense but so many romances overlook it.

- The D/s is without humiliation or pain, but with bondage - a rare combo.

- While a whole lot of stuff goes down there's no stereotypical Big Misunderstanding because - get this - the characters are grown ass adults and talk with each other. I know, crazy concept!

- Zabo takes a trope I don't like (Big Secret) and makes me appreciate it, no small feat.

- They also write inner conflict like woah. We saw shades in the the last book but not like this.

- The themes resonate with me - found family, the value of doing something you love, the idea that a partner should make you more... you.

The not-as-good:

- Zavier turned into a golden boy since the last book, losing his flaws. It's weird considering the rest of the characterization is so good.

- The story technically stands alone but you're going to want to read Syncopation first.

I like this romance almost as much as the previous in the series, which is amazing considering it's based on a trope I don't care for. I read it cover to cover in a day and cannot wait for the next volume.

Counterpoint is all about Twisted Wishes lead guitarist Dominic “Domino” Bradley, a man who’s juggling two worlds. Domino is the stage persona—brash, brave, and wild. Dominic is his “real” self, one that has major stage fright and one that he doesn’t share with the world. The only ones who know of his “real life” persona are his bandmates, and now—Adrian Doran.

Adrian Doran is a computer programmer he meets in a bar whilst he’s reading an erotica book. From there it’s a juggle between two worlds. Trying to find a balance between his personas and who he really is.

Syncopation completely overwhelmed me—in the best of ways. Counterpoint was no different. I’m absolutely loving books that make the characters so complex, making them feel all the more raw and authentic. I loved how Dom and Adrian were more than meet the eye. But, I think, even more than that I love how the reader can see why they could fall in love with each other. This book actually had them going on dates (fun dates!), they talked, and the reader along with the characters get to know each of them.

I will say that the drama with trying to keep him Domino person from Adrian seemed trivial, to me. But, the more you get Dom, the more you understand (somewhat) where he’s coming from. Take it from someone who suffers from anxiety, I understand how irrational fears might seem to others.

Nonetheless, I went through this book quickly. I loved Adrian and Dom’s interaction, their dates, their steamy scenes. Yet, I also looked forward to seeing Dom and his bandmates interact. I got to see that Ray and Zav are still that power couple I absolutely enjoyed. Mish the freaking badass. And the relationship they all have with each other. Adrian and his friendship was amazing, too, and I wish we could’ve gotten to know Jackson’s gentleman more.

If you loved Twisted Wishes, this is an excellent installment. There’s a D/s dynamic that is full of trust and love. The sex is still off the charts, and the romance flies off the words of the pages. ALSO, Adrian was IRISH! I love Ireland, lol.

Okay, I got to ask, do people really moan when they eat? I guess I just haven’t experience moan-inducing food. I have not lived, I’d say.

Second entry in the Twisted Wishes series and could be a standalone read--although some things make more sense if you've read book one. Pansexual character, a bit of BDSM, and some geekery all contribute to a solid book.

2.5 stars

It's time for me to admit that this author's Just Business was a one hit wonder for me. I've tried four other books, including this one, and they just aren't my jam.

This is the second in this series but can be read as a standalone. I did not finished book one (which should have been a sign I guess) and I had no problems following the plot. The overall plot was fine but I just couldn't connect with either of the MC's. I disliked Adrian right out of the gate. His pick up lines were sleazy and I felt like he was going to bust out with trying to sell Dominic a used car any minute. (And can we talk about authors constantly naming characters Dom in books about bdsm, dom/sub elements. Why does this keep happening?? For the love of all that is holy stop doing this!!) I liked Dom at the beginning but as the story went on I just couldn't connect with him. I didn't understand his relationship with his alter ego or his past relationships with men.

I didn't see what Dom saw in Adrian and these two were just a weird match for me. I wasn't feeling the connection between the two guys and a lot of their dialogue just felt over the top to me. It was all kind of cheesy and I found myself rolling my eyes more than once.

This is possibly a case of it being me not the book. Everything about these two and their relationship was just wonky for me. I couldn't relate to any of it. I think if you were a fan of book one you will probably enjoy this one. (The mc's for book one were in this a fair amount.) The only thing I can say with utter confidence is this will be my last attempt to read this author.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*

- Review to come

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is a M/M romance. I think love is love no matter who it is. I think that I enjoyed seeing Dom try to keep his rock star and personal life separate. When he meets Adrian at a bar and the flirting starts Dom seems to feel more comfortable in his own skin. Adrian does not know who he is but it comes out a little before Dom wanted him to know. Dom struggles a lot with how to handle his new budding relationship. I found that it felt so real and it was all about the fame and money that there was more to Dom then the rock god persona. Looking forward to the next one.

*****


Love love love love love this book!! You can feel the connection between Dominic and Adrian just radiating out of the book. I feel bad for the things that Adrian went through when he was younger in regards to his family, but love the fact that it all brought him back to New York. Dominic is a complex character, especially since he's got 2 persona's he's trying to portray. I dont agree with Dominic and hiding who he is from Adrian. If it had been just a fling OK, I get it but when he realized he was having feelings for him he should have manned up.

Adrian seems to be a saint, always giving Dominic more time to tell his story and forgiving him when he finds out on his own. But mainly for sticking by Dominic when he just wanted to give up on them. Adrian making him realize that they were allowed to have a life together just like everyone else.


I highly recommend this series to everyone. I can't wait for the 3rd book!!

This is a title that I was invited to view, so I clicked the link and learned that I was not interested in reading it. I didn't download it. I have to "submit feedback", though, or my Netgalley review statistics will be off and I don't want to be passed up for future review opportunities because of that.

Not having read the first title in Zabo's series, it took a few chapters to get settled in to the story. Once established, however, Dominic and Adrian's relationship was supportive and compelling. The novel's conflict felt a little forced in the last third of the story, but it was overall an enjoyable and low-stakes read.

I didn't read the first book in this series, so I think maybe that took away from my complete enjoyment of this one. I usually like a story about rock stars/musicians but this one fell short for me. And I can't put my finger on why. I liked the MC's, Domino and Adrian enough. Their romance was well thought out and plotted. I wish I had the answer, but I don't.
I'll go back and read the first in the series and maybe that will help with the way I feel about this one.

I guess I'm not a target reader for this book, because this wasn't entertaining for me at all. I think it was a little too overdramatic for my tastes. Maybe this is too simple, I don't know. It follows this basic route of get together - have something happened so there's some drama - resolve it - happy end! The problem is that it failed to keep me interested.
I also think the characters got together too soon? Not even insta lust thing here, since they were going to have a one night stand originally, but it was kind of TOO fast moving.
Also I had problems with writing - what is this with swearing? believe me, I swear a lot, but this book takes it to the whole new level. It really SOUNDS unrealistic.
I liked the portrayal of anxiety, struggles with identity, I like the LGBTQIAP positivity here and the whole consent discussing thing. That's great! But the basis of the book is pretty weak and I found myself skimming everything in the end, so with that I'm giving it neutral 3 stars.

Yay! It’s Dom’s story! Dom, from Anna Zarbo’s first Twisted Wishes novel Syncopation (read it now, M/M fans!) is a shy hipster nerd who’s crippling stage fright led him to adopt the persona of the confident, leather-clad Domino Grinder as guitarist in his world conquering rock band. But Dom in real life hides a submissive side, and when he meets computer programmer Adrian, who has no idea his Dominic and the world’s Domino are one and the same, he begins to realize that he needs more than just occasional hook-ups to sustain the real him. But can Adrian cope with a rockstar for a boyfriend? And can Dom overcome his shyness to be who he really is? You will fall in love with both of these complicated men, and the smutty stuff is hot as hell. – Glory Martin

4 1/2 stars.

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #2, out July 3

Loved this second installment in the Twisted Wishes series. Dom already stole my heart in Syncopation and I loved to get to know him better. Seeing his relationship with Adrian grow was lovely and Mish's book can't get here fast enough!

- Full review to come -

I’ve always been intrigued by Dom Bradley, or at least, with the sexy but untouchable stage persona he assumes that has helped become a weapon against his shyness when performing. And it was more than an inkling that ‘Counterpoint’ would be a book that would tear apart these well-compartmentalised identities, considering meeting and hooking up with Adrian Doran is the catalyst that brings us to this point.

But ‘Counterpoint’ starts with a slow, almost awkward introduction—there isn’t too much of the nerd boy that Zabo explored in her previous book, so it is gratifying to see just how different Dominic/Domino is at the start—that actually left me surprised with the fidgety Dominic whose top layer simply doesn’t resemble the rock god at all.

Still, the burn is slow despite their flirting, the poetry and the literature and the quick hookups, and I got impatient getting to the meat of the story and skimmed even the smutty bits that for some reason didn’t interest me too much, until the conflict finally, finally kicks in towards the end. It is primarily the shifting nature of these identities that Zabo takes on that I wanted to read after all, such that this eclipsed everything else that others might find they like about the story, their bedroom activities and all. So I lapped up all the bits that involved Dom and his difficulties with his stage persona, then found myself skimming the others.

Nonetheless, slippery as it is to handle, I thought the complexity of Dom’s issues is quite well teased out (admittedly for longer than I thought these should have been)—the contradictions, the fear of discovery, the identity that he hides behind—though in contrast, I found Adrian less interesting, who feels more like a typical player who finally can see himself settling down with someone as unusual as Dom, who then fights for a relationship that he suddenly wants so much.

Objectively speaking, ‘Counterpoint’ is more than a decent read and that’s Zabo’s confident writing showing here. But to say that the last quarter is the most thrilling and enjoyable bit is probably the most accurate sum-up for me, just like ’Syncopation’ was.

Counterpoint is the sequel to Syncopation and I was really excited about its release. I was not even a little disappointed.

Counterpoint follows the bassist of a band called Twisted Wishes. On stage he's the rock star, Domino Grinder. Off stage he's the quiet bookish nerd, Dominic 'Dom' Bradley with a type for intellectuals. Domino is a persona that Dom created to have off stage and to keep his personal life separate from his public life. He takes it really seriously, and tries his hardest to not let his personal life get out. Meeting Adrian made this really difficult due to him showing Dominic to him after being so used to being Domino. 

Adrian is a computer programmer who hates his cooperate job. He and Dom meet at a bar, and are very draw towards each other. It goes off really quickly, and they slowly get closer and closer throughout the book. However, Dom does have some difficulty due to conflicted feelings. Around Adrian, he can be who he really is, which he doesn't get to do that much. The book does really well at portraying how Dom struggles with maintaining both parts of him, and how he is so open with Adrian. Adrian doesn't know who Dom is, and due to the makeup that comes with Domino, Don's mostly unrecognisable if he keeps his tattoos covered. 

A big reason Dom created Domino was due to bullying he'd dealt with in high school when he and his bandmate Ray started the band. Due to being more nerdy, he wasn't taken seriously. He also had a history of experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, especially before shows. 

Adrian hasn't been in a relationship for some time. So when he meets Dom and they quickly start to develop feeling for each other, he's hesitant at first. He slowly allows himself to commit to Dom and to take more control of his life. He and Dom both make each other better throughout the book, Dom hides not only his real self but his sexuality, and Adrian forces himself to stay in a job he hates. Their relationship helps them both get better and grow.

They also had amazing chemistry. Dominic goes by Dom, but Adrian calls him Dominic. Which is a trope I love. And from the second they start flirting, they have a spark between them, which only increases the more they get to know each other. 

Needless to say, I loved this book. I wasn't able to stop reading it that I read it in a sitting. It's definitely one of my favourite romances, and this is definitely one of my favourite romance series.