Reverb by Anna Zabo

The tougher they are, the harder they fall.

Twisted Wishes bass player Mish Sullivan is a rock goddess—gorgeous, sexy and comfortable in the spotlight. With fame comes unwanted attention, though: a stalker is desperate to get close. Mish can fend for herself, just as she always has. But after an attack lands her in the hospital, the band reacts, sticking her with a bodyguard she doesn’t need or want.

David Altet has an instant connection with Mish. A certified badass, this ex-army martial arts expert can take down a man twice his size. But nothing—not living as a trans man, not his intensive military training—prepared him for the challenge of Mish. Sex with her is a distraction neither of them can afford, yet the hot, kink-filled nights keep coming.

When Mish’s stalker ups his game, David must make a choice—lover or bodyguard. He’d rather have Mish alive than in his bed. But Mish wants David, and no one, especially not a stalker, will force her to give him up.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press – Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
By the end of this book, I had the biggest girl crush on Mish. I absolutely love this series and Mish’s book is easily my favourite book so far. A badass rock star, Mish is talented, confident, and charismatic. When Mish is injured by a stalker, the band hires a security guard and Mish is forced to exchange her privacy and autonomy for safety. Initially Mish fights against David and his protective measures, but the chemistry between these two is explosive and impossible to ignore.

David and Mish are beautifully matched. With his military background, David has his own skill set and his strengths complement Mish’s. I love the complexity of both characters. The stalker threat reveals previously unseen vulnerability in Mish and David has a few moments of vulnerability around his gender and size.

Like the first two books, this is a steamy, sexy read. Mish is uninhibited and the sex between her and David is crazy hot but also fun and playful at times. I love that this is a trans romance where David’s trans identity isn’t really a thing. Mish and David are hot together, the sex is creative and mutually satisfying – and free from any of the unnecessary angst or tedious educational moments that can completely ruin trans sex scenes.

I love the suspense element that Mish’s stalker brings to this book. It’s a creepy storyline and the escalating tension is brilliant. This is the most coherently structured book in the series and I think we see more of the band and their music than we do in the previous books. I’m really hoping this isn’t the end – this has become an absolute favourite series and I can’t wait for more from Anna Zabo.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and possibly a new favourite of mine. Zabo is a very talented author and has a wonderful way of writing from inside the character which ensures that you see things from a totally original perspective. It is not preachy, educational, or stilted, it is about life and one person's view of it – very powerful.

Mish is the bass player for Twisted Wishes, and she is now surrounded by two very happy, newly formed couples in the band. Whilst they still all need her nurturing ways, they have also in a way moved into a new state of friendship. I loved how this was shown throughout the story. In fact, in this installment she is the one in danger, something that their previous experiences mean they take very seriously. Cue the arrival of security in the form of David – someone who trips all of Mish's switches, and we get to enjoy the ride. Super hot, but also super sweet, intense, and loving. Their relationship breaks a whole lot of David's rules, and he has deep worries about mixing business and pleasure.

I think what was so particularly awesome about this love story was the friendship between the two of them, the closeness of their minds and hearts. I loved it when they finally made it to the Karaoke bar, and how David revealed his voice – but just for her. So deserving of a hot, sweet and sexy partner, Mish may have found him at last in David.

We also, of course, get the goodness of the rest of the band, and how that fits in with the life that the members are making for themselves now free from the shackles of their previous manager, and headlining. It is great fun to go on tour with them and see them go from mentees to mentors. Adding Mish's voice to the mix is so beautifully written about, that I could hear the impact on their sound in my mind.

If you like rock band romances with a good edge, plenty of drama, but an underlying level of love, respect, and commitment, then start at book one and imbibe the goodness. I am hoping that this is not the end – we need more Twisted Wishes (repeated as a chant for an encore) please!

Also Available in the Twisted Wishes Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Syncopation post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

For reviews & more info, check out our Counterpoint post.

Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.

Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. As a child they were heartily disappointed to discover that they couldn’t grow up to be what they wanted (a boy, a cat, a dragon), so they settled on being themself whenever possible, which may be a combination of a boy, a cat, and a dragon. Or perhaps a girl, a knight, and a writer. Depends on whom you ask. They do have a penchant for colorful ties and may be hording a small collection of cufflinks. They can be easily plied with coffee.

Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Connect with Anna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Reverb (Twisted Wishes #3) by Anna Zabo to read and review.

Counterpoint by Anna Zabo

Twisted Wishes lead guitarist Dominic “Domino” Bradley is an animal onstage. But behind his tight leather pants and skull-crusher boots lies a different man entirely, one who needs his stage persona not only to perform, but to have the anonymity he craves. A self-imposed exile makes it impossible to get close to anyone outside the band, so he’s forced to get his sexual fix through a few hot nights with a stranger.

When computer programmer Adrian Doran meets Dominic, he’s drawn to the other man’s quiet voice and shy smile. But after a few dirty, demanding nights exploring Dominic’s need to be dominated, Adrian wants more than a casual distraction. He has no idea he’s fallen for Domino Grinder—the outlandish, larger-than-life rock god.

Dominic is reluctant to trust Adrian with his true identity. But when the truth is revealed prematurely, Dominic is forced to reevaluate both his need for Adrian and everything he believes about himself.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved this story! Dominic and Adrian’s friendship is beautiful and the smoking hot sex scenes are fabulous.

Dominic is a wonderful character. The world knows Domino, his fierce stage persona, while he saves Dominic, the quieter and more intellectual side of himself for his private life. I really enjoyed Dominic’s personal journey in this story. Computer programmer Adrian is a very ordinary character and I love the contrast between his work in a cubicle at a bank with Dominic’s rock star life.

The chemistry between Adrian and Dominic is electric and I love the way Adrian helps Dominic understand and enjoy his personal kinks. This is a sexy book that straddles the line between romance and erotica. The characters and the storylines here are so well developed that the numerous (and very imaginative) sex scenes always feel intimate and sensual. The kink in this book feels honest and real and I really appreciate the absence of tired BDSM tropes.

I feel like the writing and editing is much stronger in this second book than it was in the first. This story doesn’t have any of the sensationalist over-the-top drama that often overshadowed Ray and Zavier’s relationship in the first book. I really loved this slightly more understated and thoughtful second story and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

This is the second book in the series, and I think it is far richer for having read book one. You need to understand the trauma that the band members have already suffered, and the price that the madness of their previous manager has taken on all of them. Dominic was a nervous and shy person from the beginning and the fear of being found out as Domino the rock star has been made even more worrisome since all the crazy that happened in the last book.

I found the examination of a man leading two lives and trying to imagine which took priority, and which was really him, absolutely fascinating, absorbing, and demanding. It is done carefully and not overplayed but sits in the reader's mind as the story progresses and the need to be honest or walk away becomes imperative. He recognises that the developing relationship with Adrian is special. He is calmer, he is playing better, and it fulfils all his sexual fantasies, without danger or fear. But still, there is that last barrier he just can't surmount. He is at least honest with Adrian that there is a secret to be told, and Adrian is amazingly patient.

I don't want to say more, as it will be richer for you to read it and get the reveal. I can say that it is a very well-crafted story, gives us more insight into the band and its future, as well as a very satisfying romantic, passionate, and intense new relationship. Fabulous, thank you Anna Zabo!

Also Available in the Twisted Wishes Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Syncopation post.

Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.

Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. As a child they were heartily disappointed to discover that they couldn’t grow up to be what they wanted (a boy, a cat, a dragon), so they settled on being themself whenever possible, which may be a combination of a boy, a cat, and a dragon. Or perhaps a girl, a knight, and a writer. Depends on whom you ask. They do have a penchant for colorful ties and may be hording a small collection of cufflinks. They can be easily plied with coffee.

Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Connect with Anna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Counterpoint (Twisted Wishes #2) by Anna Zabo to read and review.

Syncopation by Anna Zabo

There’s no resisting the thrum of temptation in this male/male rock-star romance from genre-favorite author Anna Zabo!

Twisted Wishes front man Ray Van Zeller is in one hell of a tight spot. After a heated confrontation with his bandmate goes viral, Ray is hit with a PR nightmare the fledgling band so doesn’t need. But his problems only multiply when they snag a talented new drummer—insufferably sexy Zavier Demos, the high school crush Ray barely survived.

Zavier’s kept a casual eye on Twisted Wishes for years, and lately, he likes what he sees. What he doesn’t like is how out of control Ray seems—something Zavier’s aching to correct after their first pulse-pounding encounter. If Ray’s up for the challenge.

Despite the prospect of a glorious sexual encore, Ray is reluctant to trust Zavier with his band—or his heart. And Zavier has always had big dreams; this gig was supposed to be temporary. But touring together has opened their eyes to new passions and new possibilities, making them rethink their commitments, both to the band and to each other.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I found this to be an absolutely compelling read. I am so happy that it is the beginning of a new series, and that we will get more of Twisted Wishes, as a band and as a group of fabulous individuals. I read a lot of rock star romance novels, and there is often a lot of angst over addiction, whether drugs, groupies, or other band members. This was far more about the mental challenges of needing to keep everything working, and for Ray, being severely bullied and abused.

As well as the story of the band, which was fascinating, there were lots of little details which brought the whole book to life. I loved how Ray described how he sees music, and his need of his notebook. The detail of Zav's tattoos, the change which Dom underwent between stage and private life. We got so many details, and yet never was it too much.

This book focuses on Ray, singer and band leader, and his crush since high school, drummer Zavier, who auditions to join them on tour when their drummer goes to rehab. It is a beautiful story of two men who are in very different places in their lives and yet who, if given the chance, have a lot to offer each other. The elements of D/s are introduced in a measured and effective manner and have an important role to play in the way they and the band move forward. The passion, the care, and the trust that develops between them feels so natural and so important. It lays a wonderful foundation for a lasting and deep connection, which grows on every page.

I don't want to say more. because as I am reflecting on scenes and elements within the whole, I don't want to spoil the freshness for you. I will definitely be reading this book again and cannot wait for the next installment, as I am most certainly invested in the band members' futures.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I love a good rock star romance and Ray and Zavier’s story is fabulous. I loved the colourful musicians in Twisted Wishes and I enjoyed the chemistry (and the touch of kink) between Ray and Zavier. And the music is wonderful. The story is full of scenes of writing, practicing, and performing music.

Twisted Wishes started as a high school collaboration, and Ray and Zavier’s adult relationship is coloured by their teenage interactions. I love the contrast and complement of Ray’s raw talent with Zavier’s classical training. The relationship between them is a kind of ‘friendship caught fire’ and I enjoyed the departure from traditional romance tropes. The band is special, and I hope to see more of the band members in a sequel (or series?!).

While I really enjoyed the book, there are a couple of things that irritated me about this story. For the first half of the book, Ray seems a little bit too hung up on his high school feelings for Zavier. I didn’t completely believe that such a successful musician would hold onto so much anger and insecurity. The band’s relationship with their manager seemed equally implausible from the start – without any spoilers, the whole storyline didn’t really work for me.

Anna Zabo is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I love both the quality of her writing and the inclusivity of her stories. For me, this story is good fun but a little more dramatic and a little less relatable than others I’ve enjoyed by Ms. Zabo.

Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.

Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. As a child they were heartily disappointed to discover that they couldn’t grow up to be what they wanted (a boy, a cat, a dragon), so they settled on being themself whenever possible, which may be a combination of a boy, a cat, and a dragon. Or perhaps a girl, a knight, and a writer. Depends on whom you ask. They do have a penchant for colorful ties and may be hording a small collection of cufflinks. They can be easily plied with coffee.

Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Connect with Anna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Syncopation (Twisted Wishes #1) by Anna Zabo to read and review.