Life on the road with an up and coming hard rock band can't be easy, especially when you are engaged to the chick magnet, lead singer. Since she was a young girl, Jessica Chase has planned to become a lawyer. Naturally she expects that her fiancee, Sedric Lionheart, will be as excited for her she is. She certainly did not expect his refusal of her continuing her education. They both have big dreams for their futures, too bad they never discussed it with each other. Skip forward two years, Jessica and Sed at once again thrust at each other. Fireworks ensue. This is an erotic romance novel, so I don't need to tell you that there is lots of physical activity. At first, some of it made me uncomfortable, but when I thought about why, I realized it wasn't what they were doing, but where. In one scene I found myself calling out to Jessica and Sed, telling them to hurry so that they wouldn't be caught. In true erotic novel style, there is ample titillation, but it secondary to the plot lines and the character development. When we first meet Jessica, she is a strong female character. She knows what she wants in life and is following a path that could lead to success in her chosen field. Two years later, when she is thrown in contact with Sed, she liquefies and loses all her strength. It isn't until another woman, who she thought was a very strong person, is totally dominated by a male in authority, that she regrows her backbone, even firmer than it was before. She was only able to do this after she and Sed figured out them selves and each other, and what they wanted and needed in their relationship and they were able to grow beyond their physical attraction. Much of this book is set in Las Vegas, where the band was touring at that time. By coincidence, I also was visiting that city while I was reading Rock Hard. Jessica and Sed antics certainly will leave me with a different impression of Vegas and puts a new spin on the moniker 'Sin City'. Rock Hard is the second book in the series, though can be read as a stand alone novel. I didn't even realize it was part of a series until I was writing my review.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews Rock Hard did not rock my world the same way that Backstage Pass did but it was still a highly enjoyable book. Sed is the lead singer of The Sinners. To be honest, Sed is not one of my favourite guys. He lives up to his bad boy image and I don't think it's even an act. He encompasses a rock star persona through and through. He constantly puts his foot in his mouth and is quite unapologetic about it. Even through all of this attitude, his weak spot is Jessica. I understand that Sed means well enough but his way of getting his point across often fails and is met with people being put on the defensive. Jessica confused the hell out of me. She is a stubborn woman who doesn't let up very easily. I felt myself siding with Jessica and then Sed and then Jessica and then Sed. If there was ever a rock star couple meant for each other's personalities, it is Sed and Jessica. Some of the things that really bothered me about Jessica was regarding this law degree she was so passionate about. I was totally confused about her situation. She is so smart, practically head of the class but then when faced with not having enough funds for school in the autumn, she becomes a stripper instead of getting some sort of internship or something "law-y". There has to be some sort of paying job that would involve a law student. As much as I thought the sex video was a perfect angle to include in Rock Hard, Jessica's reaction was a bit off. I don't really picture Jessica as a lawyer. Additionally with Jessica, I am not quite sure when her feelings about Sed changed. I was super annoyed that she was getting together with him with the purpose to try and break his heart. Seemed rather childish and high schoolish to me. Not something I'd expect from a 2nd year law student. One of the things I loved about Rock Hard was that the story seemed so much more than just a romance between Sed and Jessica. The previous couple Brian and Myrna were present a lot and the rest of the band, Eric, Jace and Trey never left the storyline. It was like reading a book about a concert tour. FABULOUS. I hope that theme keeps up throughout the entire series. I cannot wait for Trey's book. I think I am leaning towards him being my favourite so far. Trey was in Rock Hard a lot and had his own side story and it was excellent. Rock Hard has lots and lots of sex. Jess and Sed sure have enough smoking chemistry to heat up the pages. The scenes are super hot but too frequent. I prefer the quality over the quantity. In the first book, Backstage Pass, the sex was very adventurous. It seemed in Rock Hard the theme was more focused on the setting and frequency. (On top of the Eiffel tower in Vegas, hotel rooms, vehicles, sail boats etc and how many organisms can a guy give a woman anyhow?) Sed has unprecedented stamina. There was one lingering question I did have, if anyone knows, please respond. What was the significance of the groupie in Sed's dressing room at that last concert. I kept thinking she was going to do something to injure him but maybe I was reading too much into it. I just didn't know what the relevance of that scene was. I am so happy I only have to wait until Nov 1st for Trey's book. I am very excited about that! Teasers: bouncer fight with lots of physical ramifications, sex video, 10 for the big O, dual proposal

What I Loved Love the characters, and great to "hook up" with the Sinners again. It's like a favourite band putting out a new album. Getting to see Brian and Myrna again was cool. What I didn't Love The snipping and indecisiveness of Sed and Jessica was a bit too distracting for me. As well, I understand why Oliva put the whole part with the Dean and professor in, but it really felt a little disjointed. Overall I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Backstage Pass. Still, can't wait for the next one! I will be reading it for sure!

If I were to play a word association game with the title of this book before reading it, I would probably have thought....Fun! Now, after reading it, I'm afraid the first word that pops into my head is DRECK! As in absolute. The second word that immediate follows is LAME. Harsh, I know, but it pretty much sums up my feelings about this book. I found the situations in this book just so contrived and outlandish that I don't even know where to begin. The whole premise was just...well...lame. I didn't like either main character and the secondary characters (including the former main characters from the first book) where just annoying. I disliked this book so much I don't even want to waste any more time writing a review. If you are looking for erotica, there are better sources out there. If you are looking for some romance and rock n' roll, I'd suggest you try Lauren Dane's Laid Bare. I only gave the first book in this series 3 stars (and I think I was being generous) but I gave it a second chance anyway. Now I wish I had saved my money. I won't be reading anymore in this series. 2011-026

I am someone who if I am going to read a book it better have a dame good story and has to have a pretty good sex scene, I feel that if you are going to build this huge epic love story and you need to feel the longing, the imagery of the words like a caress, While I was reading this book I could not put it down, the story from the very first page grabbed me and didn't let me go. The character build was fantastic, by the time that Jessica and Sed were described I could actually see them in my mind, the story builds to fantastic heights with love, anger,emotion and sex that you can actually imagine happening, and maybe wishing a little for. All and all if I had any pull somewhere in the book world I would say READ this book, but make sure to start with Backstage Pass the First book in the series. You will not be dissapointed.

Rock Hard is book two in the Sinners On Tour series and this book follows the lead singer of the band Sed and Jessica who was Sed's fiance befor she broke up with him two years ago. I have to start by saying I was really excited when I found out Sed's book would be next in the series, I don't know what it was but I found him to be a very interesting character in backstage Pass ( first book in the series ) even though he was also a major a@#. I really enjoyed this book my excitement was well worth the wait because it delivered I found Jeessica to be a great character maybe a little annoying at times but I can understand why she acted the way she did, I loved the chemistry between Sed and Jessica most of there scens were explosive and a lot of them were also super cute, I think a fav was when Sed was singing " My Heart Will Go On " to Jessica, this scene also proved Sed could, um, multi task. I also loved the bands relationship in this book there were so many great moments and I think this book really showed how much they care for eachother and will help eachother during the hard times, also as a side note a disgustingly cute were Brian and Myrna. Overall a great book,great sequel to this series check it out. :0)

The Sinners are back in Olivia Cunning’s second book in her ‘Sinners on Tour’ series, Rock Hard. I have been looking forward to this book ever since I closed the cover on book one, Backstage Pass. I loved that book. In fact, I loved it so much it made my Favorites of 2010 list! The chemistry and camaraderie amongst the band mates was exceptional. You can’t help but fall all over these guys. And you can’t help but want each and every one of them to get their own Happily Ever After. Rock Hard centers around the Sinners lead singer Sed. In book one, Sed was a bit of an asshat. I felt some love for him and I wanted him to eventually find happiness. But yup, he was an asshat. Rock Hard helps us understand him a little better. He doesn’t mean to be bossy. Okay, yes he does, but he means well. He does end up putting his foot up his rear more than anything though. Poor Sed… His need to ‘help’ everyone is what ultimately shattered his relationship with Jessica a couple years back. Jessica and Sed have an interesting relationship. It’s very hot and heavy, but they don’t talk things out! They are both headstrong people, but they really need to learn to communicate – they have strong chemistry but they need to realize that words are needed too if they want to be together in a mature and healthy relationship. This book is about how they learn that lesson. I was okay with Sed and Jess, but for me they weren’t the highlight of the book. For me, it was the other guys. I love the other guys. Sed is fine and all, but he’s my least favorite. Why? Dunno really lol. I felt that way after reading Backstage Pass and still feel that way now. I enjoyed seeing Brian and Myrna and witnessing their relationship grow even more. They are so cute together, it’s sickening…in the very best of ways. Trey was in this book…a lot. I was surprised by how much of the story revolved around him. And I liked it. Even though some of his storyline was ‘whoa, wait what?!’, I like Trey. He needs hugs, lots of hugs, and I’m totally willing to volunteer to be the one to hug him. I know, I know. I have such a big heart… ;) But what I think surprised me the most was Jace and his scenes with Eric. Those were some of my favorite scenes! Jace is SO FRICKIN’ CUTE! I don’t want to go into it more than that because I don’t want to spoil it for you but really, Jace is adorable. Even if he likes to tie women up and make them beg. Yeah…he’s still a little puppy dog to me. His book is next! Very excited about it now, especially since we got a little peek at his HEA! I have to say that there were some part of this book that seem to have come out of nowhere and others seemed a little rushed. And one part made me go “Seriously Sed?! You are such an idiot-slash-jackass!” But overall, it liked where the story ultimately went and I enjoyed spending time with the guys again! Now I wait, while drooling, for the next book in the Sinners on Tour series, due out October 6 2011.

After reading and enjoying Brian Sinclair and Myrna Evans’ story, Backstage Pass, the first book in Olivia Cunning's Sinners On Tour series last year, I have to admit I wasn’t sure how she would further develop Sedric “Sed” Lionheart’s character in Rock Hard. The lead singer and heart of the Sinners came across as an egocentric narcissist, who utilized his charismatic stage presence to his own advantage, the innumerable nubile females falling at his feet were used for sex, nothing more. Moreover, he hurt people, and could be downright cruel and controlling. Not to lessen Sed’s musical abilities, he is a talented performer and lyricist. However, through skillful characterization, Ms. Cunning redeems Sed who proves to be a man who has loved one woman and only one since falling for Jessica Chase 2 years earlier. In addition, he is a strong, thoughtful man, who while doesn’t always communicate his thoughts and feelings effectively will do whatever it takes to take care of those he loves. Sed and Jessica fell in love quickly, were engaged for a short period and because he didn’t show support of her dream to attend law school she left, taking his heart with her. At the time of their short relationship the band was still struggling for success, money was tight and Sed was stressed, trying keep the Sinners afloat. There were therefore a number of pressures at play that caused their break-up. But, in Jessica’s eyes her fiancé wanted to control her life, and Sed gave her good reason for this belief. Jessica is an extremely independent, intelligent, attractive and driven woman. She has a magnetic sensual aura, (that she is unaware of) and a wicked temper to boot. In the 2 years since leaving Sedric Lionheart she has attended school working extremely hard to attain her goal of becoming a lawyer. One of Jessica’s scholarships is running out so she must look for a way to earn a substantial amount of money over the summer break. Her best friend and roommate Beth convinces Jessica that working as an exotic dancer is the best way for her to earn money quickly. Admirably, Jessica refuses to get into debt or be reliant on anyone to pay her way. She therefore accepts a job as a stripper in a bar. Little does she know that this is the catalyst that will bring her face to face with Sed again. To say the heroine and hero of Rock Hard have a tempestuous relationship would be an understatement, it’s evident they love each other, however the foundation of their previous short term engagement was sexual and they never really knew each other. Both these people have voracious sexual appetites and like to be daring. Sed and Jessica are perfectly matched in this regard, and their reunion after being apart for so long is nothing short of volcanic. As with the series predecessor Backstage Pass, Rock Hard is a nuclear grade hot erotic romance, Ms. Cunning continues to pen extremely sensual, sexually explicit love scenes. Over the course of the novel, however both Sed and Jessica come to know one another on an intellectual level and misconceptions are revealed. Initially they agreed to have a purely sexual summer no strings attached fling, however things change and their relationship evolves into much more. Ms. Cunning continues to adeptly explore the lifestyle and struggles of the Sinners as an extremely popular hard rock band. The lack of privacy and inability to go out in public without a disguise for fear of being mobbed by rabid fans is addressed. Conversely while not on tour, these guys enjoy a life of luxury and Sedric certainly throws money around like it were confetti at a wedding. The band also has to deal with shock and anguish when one of it’s member’s is critically injured in a bar fight requiring hospitalization, life threatening surgery and a protracted recovery for a variety of reasons. Band members rally to his aide and it is here that the depth of Sed's caring for his friends is evident. Ms. Cunning shows how these guys are much more then members of a rock group. They are a family, somewhat weird and dysfunctional, but a family nonetheless. lol Readers also learn more about the other band members, particularly the enigmatic Jace (bass guitarist), whose story I’m really looking forward to. Outside of his, um interesting sexual appetites, Jace proves to be a musician with far more talent then the Sinners had previously realized. At it’s heart Rock Hard is an erotic romance with a lover’s reunited theme, but IMHO Ms. Cunning has crafted a multilayered story about two unusual and complex people who travel a very bumpy road to commitment. This story was emotionally touching, funny, and curl your toes hot! Rock Hard was a non-stop thoroughly enjoyable read for me and I hope those of you that choose to read it will enjoy it too. While I think Rock Hard can be read in isolation it would be far more beneficial to read the series in order beginning with Backstage Pass.