FORBIDDEN SONG is the fifth book in Brooklyn Ann's Hearts of Metal series about heavy metal musicians. This book, and series, in general, doesn't focus on rock star excess. FORBIDDEN SONG is a character-driven romance focusing on the two main characters and their journey of self-discovery. This story is told from alternating perspectives, and I like both of the two main characters.

Even though a book is told from more than one character's point of view, one character will often resonate with me more than any other. In FORBIDDEN SONG, the character I find most compelling is the male protagonist, and lead singer of the band Bleeding Vengeance, Cliff Tracey. Since the events of the previous book, Cliff is experiencing a slightly uncomfortable, yet highly instructive, level of self-awareness. He realizes that he's not entirely happy with the direction his life headed, or with the way others see him. In the middle of this self-discovery, making some changes, Christine Mayne pops into his life.

To get to go on tour with the band Bleeding Vengeance, and further her work on her Ph.D., Christine tells some little white lies and omits a few crucial things. While it's completely understandable why she does what she does, you know that it's just a matter of time before everything blows up in her face. What Christine never expects, is an attraction to a rock star. Equally, lead singer Cliff Tracey is just as surprised by his pull toward Christine. With Christine, Cliff lets down his guard a bit, and the sexual tension between them builds until they can't keep their hands off each other. Brooklyn Ann does a terrific job of capturing the newness and magic of a fresh romance.

Although I connect more with Cliff, I like Christine as well. Christine is an intelligent and strong female character, but she's also desperate to get out from under her brother's watchful eye. Her brother Quinn has good intentions when it comes to his sister, but Christine doesn't want to live her life as a victim and have any past trauma determine how she lives her life. Christine and Quinn are good examples of the realistically flawed characters that Brooklyn Ann writes so well. Quinn was the dashing heartthrob hero of KISSING VICIOUS, but in this book, his protective streak regarding his sister makes him almost unbearable and incredibly unreasonable. Christine is a highly educated woman, but her desire to escape her brother's scrutiny has her acting like the rebellious teenager that she's obviously not.

FORBIDDEN SONG is a mix of sexy and sweet with complex characters who demand respect. I like how Brooklyn Ann writes the fallout from Christine's revealed secert, and the way the characters don't act the way you'd expect them to. I love the female friendships in FORBIDDEN SONG and the way women support other women. I look forward to Brooklyn Ann's next book -- whether it's about dark and dreamy vampires or hard-rocking musicians.