Kat James is a guitarist who can kill it when it comes to playing metal, and she sets out to prove in WITH VENGEANCE that she can hang with the best. As with the previous book in this "Hearts of Metal" series, Brooklyn Ann creates a strong female character who will have fans cheering. This hero and heroine are flawed and realistic characters you get to care about. Kat has PTSD due to some events in her past, and it's something that she takes medication for. Bass player Klement Burke has ADHD and is licensed to grow the pot that he takes for it. The friendship that forms between Kat and Klement, as Kat auditions to be his group's lead guitarist, makes the eventual romance seem very organic. Their alternating awkwardness as they feel each other out and come to grips with their true feelings is adorable. I love geek heroes, so Klement's geeky rock star mix makes for an interesting hero.

There are two sources of conflict in WITH VENGEANCE that shake things up a little for the characters. The first thing that serves as a barrier to romance is the fact that, unbeknownst to Kat, she has been chatting online and via the phone with Klement for a long time in his role as "IT Guy" when he helps her with her metal-themed website. Klement is a little conflicted about how and when to make the big reveal. Another, and more sinister source of conflict, is Kat's creepy stalker who makes quite a dastardly villain. I like that Brooklyn Ann reveals to readers right from the start who is behind the sabotage and cruel pranks, while the band and Kat don't find out until later in the story.

WITH VENGEANCE is a delightful story about a woman who takes charge of her life and finds love with a sweet rock star geek hottie. The other band members in Bleeding Vengeance grew on me as the story progressed and I wouldn't mind reading about them in future books. I look forward to the next "Hearts of Metal" romance by Brooklyn Ann as well as her next paranormal historical romance.

Book Summary