cover image Rock Steady

Rock Steady

Dawn Ryder. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (320p) ISBN 978-1-4926-1679-5

Ryder’s second Rock Band contemporary (after Rock Me Two Times) is an intense, emotionally charged, and erotically driven battle-of-wills romance between an egotistic megastar guitarist and a struggling, talented tattoo artist. While on tour in San Francisco, Ramsey walks into a 24-hour tattoo parlor for an immediate tattoo refresh. To his surprise, he’s gripped by Jewel’s artistic talent, her ability to see beyond his public persona, and an attraction he doesn’t quite understand. Excited to make her art more visible, Jewel is conflicted: the raw sexual connection she feels with Ramsey is powerful, but she doesn’t fully trust him with her heart. Adding that to the struggle Ramsey feels between his public persona and his private personality makes for a tumultuous relationship between the two artists. Tempers flare and emotions explode, but Ramsey has one more chance to ensure Jewel knows just how precious she is to him. A smoothly flowing story and a made-for-each-other couple will enthrall series fans and new readers alike. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary (June)