Jace Adams, a rebellious rock singer, commands the stage with a raw energy that denies his past. At sixteen, he chose the uncertainty of the streets over the constraints imposed by his strict religious upbringing. A decision leads him to Nico, a drummer with a rhythm as mysterious as his mafia heritage. Together, they form the band Sacred Fire, blending their gritty street style into a symphony of success.
Nico Greco, the drummer navigates the treacherous waters of his family’s mafia ties while drumming up a storm on stage. Despite the sparks flying between him and Jace, he keeps his heart guarded, adhering to his father’s stern warning: love is a luxury that could cost him his life.
Jace harbors a secret passion for Nico, a love so intense he would forsake all others. But his vices—drinking, smoking, and a revolving door of romances—keep Nicko at arm’s length. Unbeknownst to Nico, Jace is ready to sacrifice it all for a chance at true harmony with him. Will the beat of their hearts synchronize, or will the melody of their love remain unsung?
Brina Brady has a knack for creating characters that resonate with readers. While the characters are well-crafted, I felt disappointed in this book. Jace, who battles with alcohol and personal responsibility, shines and is the most fleshed-out character. His struggles and emotional journey are the book’s highlights. However, I couldn’t help but yearn for more action and emotional intensity throughout the story.
The plot centers around a band and their intertwined lives, with the love story between Jace and Nico—a mafia boss’s son—forming a significant part. While their romance has the right amount of heat and culminates in a satisfying happy ending, the communication of Nico’s challenging background feels underdeveloped. The anticipation of the father’s potential reaction to their relationship is built up but, seems to fizzle out without a payoff, leaving the reader lingering in suspense that barely pays off.
Despite its shortcomings, this book remains a good read for fans of Brady’s work. It has moments that remind us of her skill in storytelling while ensuring the romance remains heartwarming. Each character contributes meaningfully, yet the lack of action diminishes the story’s potential impact. If you’re looking for an emotional journey paired with a love story, this book does offer that.
About The Author, Brina Brady
I am from Huntington Beach, CA. I taught various subjects at a Continuation High School in Los Angeles, California for 27 years. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, a Secondary Social Science Credential, and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading and Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach. I also enrolled in some creative writing classes at UCLA. You can contact me at brinabrady@gmail.com.
