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REFRAIN: A Rockstar Romance - m/m Kindle Edition
As a child, I trusted no one.
Then I found my best friends.
They gave me a family and saved me from a life of abuse that still has me messed up.
Then one of those best friends captured my heart.
Lincoln, tough yet tender, a walking contradiction.
He loves me too—flaws and all.
He’s the most patient man on the earth and understands my PTSD.
What he doesn’t understand is why our being intimate makes me feel “dirty”.
He’s not one of the men who abused me, and he’d never hurt me. I know this. I believe it.
Still, the “dirty” creeps in even though I know what we do together is anything but.
He’s here now and he’s going to stay.
It’s time for me to talk to someone professionally.
I need to shed my unhealthy past in order to have a healthy future with the man I love.
If I don’t, I just might lose the best thing that’s ever happened to me—and there’s not enough therapy in the world to get me through that.
REFRAIN is a m/m romance that has multiple POVs, real life struggles and battles, abuse, new life, and tragedy.
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See full series-
First 3$8.97
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First 5$16.95
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First 10$29.90
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All 21$50.79
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First 3$8.97
-
First 5$16.95
-
First 10$29.90
-
All 21$50.79
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 5 books.
This option includes 10 books.
This option includes 21 books.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This is a beautifully written story which is fun, humorous, emotional, entertaining, and filled with love. I cannot wait to read more in this awesome series, especially after that unexpected ending."~ Wendy, Wendy's Book Blog
"This is my first m/m story and I have to say I enjoyed it. Recommend this series." ~Reading With 2 Book Lovers
"This book is full of everything we expect from BFD. There is plenty of heat, lots of twists and turns, and let's not forget Nana Russo's mojo! Be prepared, some of those twists and turns will leave you in tears, so have the tissues ready! I can't wait to see what happens next!" ~Jennifer, Romancing the Dispatcher
"This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. This book is a must read." ~Lindsey, Shakespeare's Wench Book Blog
"There is so much natural flow throughout the story. Ethan and Linc's emotions are so raw and real that at times they will break your heart. But, for every breaking moment there is one full of laughter and fun that is typical of our Rockstars." ~ Tianna, Amazon Reviewer
"Personally I'm a non-M/M reader, but having read every single book by this author, I knew she would give Ethan and Linc the justice they deserve, no matter what hole they prefer. She (the author) did not disappoint! Love is love, time to embrace that." ~Sophie
From the Author
(should be read in order)
1 - FALLING DOWN
2 - BLUSH
3 - A VERY XANDER CHRISTMAS
4 - AMPLIFY
5 - INTERLUDE
6 - BALLAD
7 - LULLABYE
8 - A VERY XANDER CHRISTMAS 2
9 - KADENCE
10 - A VERY XANDER CHRISTMAS 3
11 - DUET
12 - XANDER: BOOK 1, THE BEGINNING
13 - A VERY ROCKSTAR HOLIDAY SEASON
14 - XANDER: BOOK 2, THE PRESENT
15 - PULSE
16 - REFRAIN
17 - MELODY & STYX
18 - A VERY XANDER CHRISTMAS 4
19 - SYNC
21 - THE ROCKSTAR SERIES EXTRAS
STILL TO COME: 20 - Strings: Kennedy's story.
About the Author
When Anne's not writing she enjoys reading amazing books, listening to music, keeping up on all things Avenged Sevenfold and Milo Ventimiglia, chatting with readers and friends, and binging Netflix series.
Product details
- ASIN : B07VG59TDT
- Publisher : Anne Mercier; 1st edition (July 20, 2019)
- Publication date : July 20, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 1.7 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 234 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : B0BYH41PG5
- Best Sellers Rank: #239,758 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,961 in Saga Fiction
- #10,296 in Contemporary Romance Fiction
- #10,990 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Anne Mercier is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Rockstar, Truths, Forbidden Fantasies, The Way series, and the Kiss duet. She was born and raised in Wisconsin and still lives there today.
When Anne’s not writing she enjoys reading amazing books, listening to music, chatting with readers and friends, and binging Netflix series.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the storyline intense and engaging, with drama, humor, and sexiness. They appreciate the love story with its sweet moments and emotional journey. The book makes readers laugh and cry with its antics. Readers love the characters and feel like they are their friends. They praise the writing quality, thoughtfulness, and open-mindedness of the author. They also mention that the family bond is well-developed and the content is positive.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it intense, with drama, humor, and sexiness intertwined. The adventures of the characters continue, and the author's storytelling style draws them in. The ending is unexpected, and readers are eager to see what happens next.
"...Anne proved me wrong. Each book that followed intertwined drama, humor, and sexiness and made me feel as if the characters were part of my family...." Read more
"...events is because this makes me think we are about to see more action in the books to come...." Read more
"...Their love story has lots love, humor, tragedy, and heartache. There were some things that I was not expecting. Some were good, some were bad...." Read more
"...to say is Wow this is a seriously Hot Hot story and sweet and sad all rapped into one ...." Read more
Customers find the love story engaging with humor, tragedy, and heartache. They appreciate the sweet, affectionate moments between Ethan and Lincoln. The emotional journey is amazing and healing from all they've been through. The strong loving bond that has withstood the test is a theme. The book portrays a sense of family love and shows a love that can heal and thrive.
"...loving each other physically, it is about two hearts bound by a strong loving bond that has withstood the test of time." Read more
"...Such a wonderful love story, one I shall re-read multiple times." Read more
"...Their love story has lots love, humor, tragedy, and heartache. There were some things that I was not expecting. Some were good, some were bad...." Read more
"...Other than that it was amazing. The emotional journey of these two was amazing and the healing from all they've been through...sigh; it was..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find Xander's antics hilarious and the book keeps them laughing and crying throughout.
"...Anne proved me wrong. Each book that followed intertwined drama, humor, and sexiness and made me feel as if the characters were part of my family...." Read more
"...There were sexy times and some humor with some Xananigans thrown in. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded up." Read more
"...Their love story has lots love, humor, tragedy, and heartache. There were some things that I was not expecting. Some were good, some were bad...." Read more
"...was Anne writing it so I had to read it and it had warmth, love, and humor, family...." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters engaging and feel as if they are their own. The author is praised for her ability to immerse readers in her world.
"...Great job Anne!" Read more
"...She's amazing, I totally love her character. I love the way the relationship between Ethan & Linc was handled, they're such a cool couple...." Read more
"...I love these characters. Thank you for all the great stories." Read more
"...I really dont know where to begin. These characters are life. They get in your soul and feel like family...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They appreciate the thoughtfulness, love, and respect it receives. The book is written in dual first-person POVs with a couple. Readers find the characters open-minded and feel like family.
"...description is from Ethan’s POV but the book is mostly written in dual first person POV (Ethan and Linc) with a couple other character POVs thrown in..." Read more
"...You showed so much of the love, caring, trust and fun with this couple. I've read alot of m/m romance and this one was one of the best...." Read more
"As per usual, a masterpiece of writing, I love this series. I am sad to say though I think Kiki stole the show, the she-devil herself...." Read more
"...loving challenging book about subject matter treated with the thoughtfulness, love and respect it deserves...." Read more
Customers enjoy the family bond in the book. They find the theme simple, that everyone should be loved. The book has a good balance of characters.
"...The overall theme I got was simple - everyone should be loved & feel deserving of being loved. Great job Anne!" Read more
"...This one has a good combination with everyone in it...." Read more
"...writing it so I had to read it and it had warmth, love, and humor, family. That is the come demonator with Anne's books the sense of FAMILY LOVE...." Read more
"...drama, spooky, funny, strong women, hot alpha males, babies, loved up families, 2 hot men ( Linc and Ethan)...." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book's content. They found it engaging with their favorite characters and thought it was worth the wait.
"...As usual, Anne does not disappoint. This book has it all, a beautiful love story between Ethan and Lincoln, the birth of Tara and Xander’s baby,..." Read more
"Love always prevails. This book was worth the wait and was everything...." Read more
"...And Ethan and Linc was new for Anne Mercier. Gay, exclusive, content and happy...." Read more
"...Its awesome to see all of my fav characters and CFD...this book is everything.. cant wait for more." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2019I was hooked on the Rockstars series after reading Falling Down and quite frankly, I didn't think the rest would be as good as the first. Anne proved me wrong. Each book that followed intertwined drama, humor, and sexiness and made me feel as if the characters were part of my family. I was not sure if I would like Refrain because I have only tried to read one other M/M book that was more cliched porn than substance. Refrain captures the emotion of two individuals who finally "come out" and declare their love to family and friends. They stand together when the world proves to be not so understanding and endure the harsh realities that many in the LBGTQ community deal with every day. Ethan and Linc's story is not only about two men loving each other physically, it is about two hearts bound by a strong loving bond that has withstood the test of time.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2019So worth the wait. This story is about Ethan and Linc's life long love.
As a child Ethan had been abused and ran away from his home to stay with Xander and his father. There house is where everyone hung out, their safe place. Linc of course was one of the crew, he was also everyones protector, and became Ethans safe place.
As they grow older, Linc becomes more than just Ethans safe place, he becomes his everything. And Ethan is the only person Linc can see himself with, as far as Linc is concern Ethan belongs to him.
This book is their journey from childhood friend to adults who not only need but love each other and how their friends and family respond and support them.
Such a wonderful love story, one I shall re-read multiple times.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2019Just a warning, this book is part of a series and cannot be read as a standalone. I’ve read all of the other books in the series but it’s been so long that I was seriously lost at times. The FD universe has expanded to include so many people that it gets confusing.
I only include a plot synopsis if the book description isn’t accurate or helpful. In this case the book description is from Ethan’s POV but the book is mostly written in dual first person POV (Ethan and Linc) with a couple other character POVs thrown in. The bold print in the description gives a hint at trigger warnings as well as reiterating that this is a M/M romance. If M/M isn’t your thing, you can skip the sex scenes and read the rest (which is what one reviewer did) or just skip this book entirely and read the reviews with spoilers or just ask a reviewer for a book summary including spoilers - please don’t leave a bad review because you don’t like M/M and are annoyed that the author took it in that direction; those kind of reviews don’t help anyone and books sales/reads/rents will tell the author if her audience doesn’t like the M/M aspect (off my soapbox now). The description also mentions that Ethan thinks it’s time for therapy but he’s already in therapy at the beginning of the book. More accurately, this book deals with Ethan’s past abuse and the aftermath of Ethan and Linc publicly coming out as a couple.
I’m not going to spoil anything but I wish that this book gave more info on how/when Ethan and Linc got together as well as their relationship prior to the book’s start. In addition, it would have been good to know more details about Ethan’s past abuse (not everything, just more than what was given). This book felt like an afterthought or a transition from Xander’s book to whoever is next, instead of truly giving Ethan and Linc’s story. There are lots of side plots and the book ends on a cliffhanger. There were some typo/editing issues and some bizarre scenes from a sentence structure standpoint but I still enjoyed the book. There were sexy times and some humor with some Xananigans thrown in. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded up.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2019Another beautiful entry into the rockstar saga. This time we focus on Ethan & Lincoln and their coming out. We learn a little more about what makes each of them tick and how it effects their relationship. Updates on all previous relationships are peppered throughout the book. I love that (not everyone does). The ending was not what I thought it would be at all and wow all the ways that could go! The overall theme I got was simple - everyone should be loved & feel deserving of being loved. Great job Anne!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2019Most comments I've seen about this book talk about how much it made them cry. I, however, am over here thinking how great this turn of events is because this makes me think we are about to see more action in the books to come. I can't wait for the payback (yes, I enjoy the blood thirsty side of this series lol). The only complaint I have about this book is there's not a whole lot of explanation of when exactly Ethan and Linc first got together, and I would have liked a little more before the book ended, because it went from the big horrible occurrence to the end in no time at all.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2019OMG! If you are a fan of Anne Mercier and have read Refrain then you know exactly what I am talking about. The 16th book in the series goes a little off typical because it is a M/M romance and it ends with a cliffhangar. Neither of these things take away from the awesomeness of this book. Linc, an MMA fighter and Ethan, bass player for Falling Down, have known each other almost their whole lives. Now they are finally in the same city and can make their relationship public. They fight against demons from Ethan's past and narrow minded opinions of others as they try to live their very public lives. Throw in the members of Falling Down and Blush, la Famiglia problems and one she devil toddler and you have a book you won't put down.
Top reviews from other countries
- Courtney TurnerReviewed in Canada on July 23, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!
Wow that’s book was incredible, and once you start you won’t be able to start! This story will captivate you. We finally get Linc and Ethan’s story and it’s definitely epic. And that ending?! Crazy! I can’t wait for the next book in this series .
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Brilliant
I was pulled into this story from the beginning and stayed there until I had finished every single word that had been written. All the time I had my mini movie playing in my head.
There are surprises throughout the story, some are large and some are small, some you will see coming where as with others you won't. But each and everyone holds equal importance within the story and adds to your enjoyment of the book
I went on an emotional rollercoaster ride with this book, I found myself crying at place, because I was so happy for the characters. I felt each and every emotion that the characters went through. I did find myself holding my breath while reading certain parts, I know i cried way more than any character in this book. But thats nothing new.
With each and every book in this series i have always felt as if I was right there with the character and I felt that way with this book.
I have to admit this is one of my top favourite Rockstar series.
Anne Mercier has done herself, her characters and her readers an exceptional book, as far as i am concerned, this story is one of my favourites, I love both of the characters in this story, I feel as if I know them personally.
- EmmaReviewed in Australia on July 22, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars OMG....I couldn’t put it down
OMG!! I ordered Refrain tonight and now I have stayed up WAY past my bed 🛌 time to finish it because I wasn’t putting that sucker down. Anne Mercier you have done it again!!! Love, love, LOVED it!!! How long do we have to wait for the next book 📖?? 💖💖💖💖💖
- amy rReviewed in Canada on August 6, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this
I loved this book and this series it will be sad to see it end but the hope of more books about Familia Mack's me happy I would recommend this series to anyone
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars The wait was indeed worth it....well done Anne
In the beginning I’m going to honestly say I didn’t think this book was for me. I was sceptical on Ethan an Lincs story, I’m so glad I didn’t put it down an leave it unread, I’m glad I kept reading. I cried at a few points laughed a lot an I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again Anne a amazing book 😘