The book was good. Love the whole assassin aspect of the story with a boy band. So far the guys got there happy ending and I can’t wait to see more!1 Donna Dee849 8

I had mixed reactions to this book. It was hard to keep me focused in the first half of the book. I wasn’t sure where the book was going or what all of the various threads had to do with each other —assassinations, the email, the Foundation, a singer in a boy band on the periphery of murder, who is on what side (although if you are male, there was less chances of being affiliated with the assassins), as well as no idea a second book will be coming. It did take a long time and a lot of pages to get into the part where Ethan, Blayne, and Kira were involved and the action sped up. That being said, I did keep reading, trying to puzzle things out in my head, and I got more interested and invested in seeing how these three survived the whole thing. It was interesting how Dr. Hennigan’s well laid plans always seemed to have something unexpected happen, almost Ethan had a guardian Angel to throw a wrench into her plans. I wish more questions had been resolved by the end of the book, but those questions might make me get the next book when it comes out to see if they are eventually answered.

If you an unfinished mystery and are willing to read the first book in hopes the second will answer your questions, this may be the one for you. I almost felt at the end that this book was setting up the next one rather than trying to get a satisfactory conclusion to Ethan’s story in this one, but I guess it could come under the HFN category. I would rate it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 for relatable characters, plot twists, and constant questions still buzzing around in my brain.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. DJ McCready330 6

I received an ARC copy of this book from a third party with a promise of an honest review.

Ethan, the E in ZERO, a boy band is upset to the point of passing out when he hears news of the execution-style murder of his secret boy friend. As he has been corresponding with a graduate student in Houston over a dating app for over a year and because he knew no one he could talk to as his relation with his BF had been secret he contacts Blayne and suggests he come to visit and plans an escape from the band at the airport where the band was heading to Seattle.

When he arrive in Houston, he is well-disguised and secretive with Blayne about why and what he does.

Enter two competing agencies following Ethan -the FBI and a secretive organization of powerful women. Just as it is discovered Ethan has disappeared, the plane the band was supposed to take to Seattle blew up on the runway and both organizations thought Ethan might have gotten on the flight but by the next say both organizations identiify Ethan with a friend of Blayne's at a coffee shop.

The rest of the book is about the secret code that had been sent to Ethan's phone and a friend of Ethan's in New Orleans and the intrigue of tracking Ethan down. It is not wrong to say that the story ends well without Ethan getting hurt, Blayne being slightly injured but all well.

The writing is strong and while I find it difficult to get all the details in, they are involved but easily followed. I would read more of this author. Janet1,380 4

Gradual crescendo to an unexpected finale

From the outset, there were a lot of different narrators and I found that fascinating. It drew me in and, as the action ramped up exponentially throughout the book, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
This started slowly with a lot of exposition which could possibly have been shorter, but I didn't mind it because I was curious to see where Jason was going with the series title of 'love and liquidation'.
The love aspect of the story was very low key but actually very sweet, with Ethan and Blayne meeting for the first time in unexpected circumstances after exchanging messages on an app for a long while. Their online friendship becomes real but their simmering attraction takes a backseat as the proverbial hits the fan big time, though they grow closer as events converge on them.
There are side characters that I really d, with Blayne's best friend a definite highlight, and the epilogue took a direction i never saw coming but I was actually tickled by it. Very unexpected, given what had come before, but oddly fitting in the circumstances and it may possibly be a lead in to the next book in the series. I certainly hope so because that would be an intriguing direction to go, and I'm there for it. Nancy Lockett234 1 follower

I d the premise of this book. Ethan Bond is in a boy band named ZERO and is in the closet. He was having a friends with benefits fling with an actor who was also in the closet. Ethan is shocked when his secret lover is killed as well as his lover's costar. Ethan needs a break and heads to meet up with a guy he has been talking to on a app who has no idea that Ethan is a celebrity. Blane Dickerson is a out and proud grad student in education. When the guy he has been talking to on a app for several months needs a break and place to stay he offers to have him visit. They soon become more than friends and Blane finds put that Ethan is famous. However, Ethan is not aware that a file was sent to his phone that puts him in the crosshairs of the people who killed his former lover. Now Ethan and Blane have to outwit the assassins and stay alive. I enjoyed the book but felt it was told from too many points of view. Not only is it told from Ethan and Blane's point of view but also from the assassin's. I plan to read the next book in this series when it is released. Roger R477 9

What yet another great thriller M/M story by Jason Wrench! I’ve enjoyed/loved reading the last couple books by J.W. and this one did not disappoint me. It was a thriller that kept me turning page after page until I got to the end! I wasn’t expecting how it ended but I d it very much! Props to J.W. for keeping me entertained til the end. I’d give this story 5 stars out of 5 and I’m looking forward to book 2!

The story focuses on Ethan, one of the singers in the all-male singing group (think NKOTB, NSYNC, etc) who had a secret lover (he wasn’t ready to come out with that info) who happens to be a movie star. The lover was murdered along with his co-star. This rattled Ethan to the point where he decided to reach out to Blayne who he had a night stand couple years ago. Blayne invited him to stay with him. Once Ethan got on the airplane, things went awry. I’ll just stop right here and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens next!!!! A wonderful reading! Adventures_by_Nessa204 5

This is a new to me author and series.

I enjoyed Jason Wrench’s writing for the most part. I was slightly bored with the side character’s chapters and found myself skimming them a little bit more as the book went on. I didn’t skim on any of the an Ethan or Blayne chapters. I d the main couple and then to focus on them.

Overall, this book took me longer than normal to real. It wasn’t a hard read or a long read, but I found myself getting bored and losing focus when the main couple wasn’t in the chapters. The book was good, I d it. Just not my favorite setup style (hopefully that makes sense). I enjoyed it, but I don’t know if I would read anymore in this series. I would explore more by this author.

*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review. SandyB325

There was a lot of fun, convoluted, twisty stuff in this book to set up what could be an enjoyable suspense/mystery series with a low-key ongoing romance threading through it. For me personally, though, the setup overwhelmed the actual story for about the first third of it - a lot of exposition, some weird speeches by main characters where it was hard to understand why so much page space was given to what seemed to be extraneous information. All this ended up taking me out of the story at key points of the narrative, which is the main reason for the lower rating. I warmed up to Ethan and Blayne once they finally met in person and ended up invested in their budding romance, and the secondary characters are all great. I’m also curious to see how the secret organization plays out, so I’ll probably pick up the second.
L H2,223 17

What do bullets have to do with boy bands? If you asked Ethan, one of the members of the up and coming band Zero he would say nothing. But what was so interesting about this story is the reminder that as long as we live in a world with other people with other agendas you can be caught up in things that you are not aware of and those things can put you in danger. Neither Ethan nor his friend Blayne, who he reaches out to when his secret boyfriend is murdered, were expecting to get involved with the agencies that are following his movements. This reads a suspenseful movie where you wonder how the main characters will make it through the craziness that they were not expecting yet are suddenly dealing with in their lives. An interesting and thought provoking read.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review. T Paul1,499 12

First, I’d to say while a lot of authors are pretty biased, openly so, in their books with their views on politics this author handled the ideas very well. The conspiracy ideas were somewhat disparaging at times but still he did well. I mean no disrespect just my opinion. The book, the storyline and the characters, fabulous! I didn’t know what to expect so I started reading with no expectations at all. In a very short time I was hooked. The suspense kept me reading. The love story, because there is one it just takes a backseat, is sweet, it’s thoughtful and it’s written delightfully. This book is the beginning of this series and from what I’ve read it has the potential to be terrific. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. Traci S1,061 7

3.5??
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the premise which was original and so very interesting. Boybands getting mixup in international intrigue and assignations is not something I’ve come across before. My favorite parts of the book were dedicated to the two main characters Blayne and Ethan, both are well crafted and dimensional. I enjoyed their story and was rooting for them to find a happy ending together. It did feel a bit long and crowded with too many extraneous characters and too much exposition for me. But the plot is fun and twisty and did keep my interest, I do want to read what comes next in the series which has promise for more engaging boyband espionage fun.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Elaine Gray1,590 16

Boy Band and Bullets is the journey of Ethan and Blayne, featuring assassinations, espionage, and a blossoming romance. Ethan's escape to Texas becomes a significant turning point, and his connection to the band members of Zero saves them from the chaos in his life. As the plot thickens, we delve deeper into Ethan's personal life and discover that his bandmates know his secret and honor his choice to keep it confidential. The Foundation and its activities keep you guessing and wondering all this is happening to them. The book is action-packed, with low angst, with some very intense moments and I enjoyed it. Joan204

This story had it all…assassinations, espionage, coming out and falling in love. This is story of Ethan and Blayne and how an escape by Ethan to Texas to deal with the insanity of his life saved the band members of Zero. This book had me captivated from the start as I read and dived deeper into Ethan’s life and how his secret was no secret to his band mates, but they respected his silence. I guarantee you will love this story and I want to read more about the mysterious Foundation and their activities as well as what the future holds for Blayne and Ethan and the band Zero. Fay MMBookworm2,744 41

3.5 stars
Book 1 in the Love and Liquidation series for the author.

An intriguing start to the book in the prologue when a mission goes wrong. (Includes a possible trigger of murder)

Ethan was a member of Zero, one of America's rock band. When he hears his friend and secret lover’s death, Ethan melts down.
Blayne 27 was an English teacher in a grad program who had been corresponding with Roy aka Ethan.

This story includes multiple POVs as the story progresses with the mystery and dangers in the book. I didn't much when the book took away from Ethan and Blayne’s story. I d Ethan and Blayne’s fast chemistry as they met face to face for the first time with the dating app. The writing for the story was well written, unfortunately I couldn't get into parts of this story.

I received an advance reader copy from GRR and this is my honest review of the book.2023 Vols77 290 5

I feel in love with this book from page one, despite that it took a while to truly get into it as first part seemed complicated but I could just tell the pay off was gonna be worth it and it so so so was. I was so into it in one sitting as for me this book has it all---mystery, romance, suspense, and a story you invest in. I love the idea of hiding out in a small town to escape he cruel of life and in the process of finding your true love. So it the story or Ethan and Blayne. I I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review. Malia Winger507 49

I loved this book! As the debut of the series, there is a fair amount of world-building but it is done seamlessly! Ethan is a closeted member of a highly successful boy band. After his friend with benefits is found dead he is dropped into a web of intrigue with no guidance. With no other options, he reaches out to Blayne, a friend he has been corresponding with through a dating app. This story is a great thriller complete with shootouts and mysterious organizations. I am excited to see what comes next.2024-reading-challenge lescourt Rosalie (industrialreader)187 2

I enjoyed this book a lot. The suspense was great and I loved the foundation storyline and can’t wait to continue the series and see what happens next.
I thought that having so many POVs would distract from the book, but instead it just added to understanding the story. This was an actual romantic suspense book.

*Thank You Gay Romance for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Ida Umphers4,394 35

This one grabbed me early and I couldn't put it down. The first death close to Ethan was shocking and I was curious about his going to see Blayne and wanting to disappear/find comfort and someone to talk to. The events that started to happen after that made it clear there was a lot more going on. I had to keep reading to find out who was behind everything. Loved the characters of Ethan and Blayne and the fact that Blayne was an academic. Cannot wait to read book two. Jo Atkins621 6

This book was great. Well structured with lots of action to keep one glued to the page. I struggled to put it down - reading well into the night to find out what happened next. Blayne was full rounded and someone that you could investing. Ethan was fun, and although closeted he was having a bad week. The Foundation was an interesting concept and I can’t wait to read more.mm Deborah Kelly607 3

My first book by Jason and will definately be reading more! A well written storyline that hooked me in from the beginning. A plot with plenty of suspense and intrigue but was still sweet and with the brilliant relatable characters it left me avidly looking forward to the next in series.
I received an advance reader copy from GRR and this is my honest review of the book. DLB25722,309 21

I'm rounding this up from 3.5. I wasn't sure what rounding expect exactly from this but the blurb really caught my interest. There was a thing or two that didn't work well for me but it was an interesting story overall and I'm looking forward to book two.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion2024-challenge-list pocketbook-library review-books Denise907 6

This is a new to me author and the first book in a new series, I enjoyed the story and d Ethan and Blayne together, the storyline was good and full of action ,I’m not sure about some of chapters with the additional povs but overall an interesting read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Amanda321

This was a fun book. A celebrity from a boy band and a PHD student meet...

There was a lot going on in this book, a lot of character POVs, and in the beginning it was confusing. There are a lot of different elements to this book, but it was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. I loved how The Foundation continually was thwarted.

I am looking forward to reading more of this series. Bkwrm241,345 11

Ethan and Blayne ??

4 Stars ??

I can already tell after reading this book that this series is going to be great, Jason Wrench can write one hell of an action/adventure story. I Loved these guys, the plot line and I'm looking forward to what's next. I would definitely recommend.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review * Thrilled Reader251

This book was very intriguing... Blaine and Ethan are wonderful together, and yet it was difficult to not be distracted by the different POVs. It is always tough for me to hear the 'bad guy's' POV--I simply don't care what they think or do! But, overall the suspense kept me turning the pages and I look forward to reading the next book! Diane818 5

I just couldn't get into this book. It didn't hold my attention within the 1st couple of chapters and I didn't finish reading it. This is a new author to me and I will look into reading another book by him as this one could just be a fluke. If I decide to finish the book down the road I will adjust my review. I received an ARC of this story for my honest review. Amanda Reeves2,074 10

This is the first book in a new series by Jason Wrench and it was a nice starting book. This story is of Blayne and Ethan, who are friends on an app where Blayne doesn't know Ethan is famous. There is some suspense and some mystery here that was fun to read, loved the MC's. Tanya13.8k 68

He is a member of a band and his life changes when his secret lover is killed. He turns his back on it all and falls into the arms of a stranger from a dating app. How will that go? Will it help him? Will it become what he truly needs? Follow him to find out Mark631 10

This was a different sort of MM story for me. It was exciting and thrilling but there were sections that kind of lost me with all the other characters. Overall, it was worth the read. It would be interesting to see what else this author has written. Gwen1,309 5

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