The Luminous Rock Series Box Set Read online

  K E Osborn

  The Luminous Rock Series

  includes

  Pulse and Breathe

  K E Osborn

  Copyright 2018 K E Osborn

  All Rights Reserved

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organizations or places is entirely coincidental.

  All rights are reserved. This book is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author. All songs, song titles, and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  Disclaimer: The material in this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and older. Portions of this book discuss cancer, gambling, and drug addiction, please click here for more information.

  ISBN: 978-0648112341

  Book design by Swish Design & Editing

  Editing by Swish Design & Editing

  Proofreading by Fiona Dreaming – Proofreading

  Cover design by Kellie Dennis Book Cover by Design

  Cover Image Copyright 2018

  All rights reserved

  When your pulse is racing, it’s so hard to breathe…

  Especially when the lead singer of the world-famous rock band, Luminous, is turning your world upside down.

  Effa – bubby, vivacious, illuminating – a stark contrast to everything I am not.

  I’m Kaden ‘Mercs’ Mercury, and I’ve been engaged as Luminous’ new lighting tech, but my attention is soon taken from lighting, and I’m drawn to something far brighter.

  Effa’s ambiance oozes from every pore, and I can’t seem to stay away.

  Her band needs my expertise on tour, and to make sure that happens they need us apart.

  But with an all-male opening band, tensions are high when the lead singer’s affections for Effa become a little too obvious.

  Lines are crossed.

  Lives are put in danger.

  With pulses racing and frantic breaths, can I be there to protect the woman I need in my life, or will it all be too late, right at the very end, when the lights finally dim…

  To all the individuals.

  To the unique.

  To the hippies.

  To the free willed.

  To the introverted.

  To the geeks.

  You might think you’re weird, but to me, you illuminate this world and shine brighter than the sun.

  You make this universe brilliant!

  Let your bubbles lift your spirit and forever be… effervescent.

  My acknowledgments always start out the same in every book I do. They thank my mother Kaylene Osborn for her work as my editor, and for being my mother, etc., but this time a simple thank you will not cut it. Words cannot describe how undeniably thankful I am to have had your support and help with this duet. Without you, it wouldn’t have made it this far. The work, endless amount of energy and thought you help me put into it is undeniable and for that… I thank you. I wouldn’t have gotten this duet published without you, of that I am sure. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being my editor, my mother, my support and my constant. I love you.

  To Kim B – holy cow! Thank you so much! The number of times you read this duet was CRAZY! But your feedback and the time you put into helping me was fantastic. You are an amazing friend, and I’m so thankful to have you by my side and on my team. Thank you!

  To Kathy – Without you, this duet would have been released as a very different version. You helped me see the potential the stories needed to be. You helped me make Effa and Mercs characters the way they’re supposed to be. Without you, this could have been an entirely different ball game. You are indeed my savior, and without you, I would have been completely lost. You’re a bright light, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help you so graciously gave me, time and time again. Re-read after re-read. You’re amazing!

  To Carol – You also were one of the ‘lucky’ ones who got to re-read over the beta version of Pulse multiple times, and you helped me so much. Without the feedback, I couldn’t have made it into the book it is. Your constant support and guidance are appreciated, and I appreciate that you have stuck with me all these years. I truly value our friendship, and I love having you around. Never leave me!

  To Kaci – My amazing American translator… lol! How would I do this without you! I’m sure there’s probably a little bit of Aussie slang spoken by Mercs left in there, but you helped me take out some of the big offenders, and I’m very thankful to have you on my side, helping me to make my all-American man, that little bit more American! Thank you for beta-ing my work. I love having you on my team!

  To Cindy/Thia Finn – Thank you so much for reading over my two books and helping with the Americanisms. My Aussie twang slips in way more than I care to admit and poor Mercs sounded more Aussie than American sometimes, but with your help, we’re bringing him back to his Pennsylvanian roots. I really am honored you take the time to read through my work for me and help me like this. You’re a true legend. Thank you!

  To all of my awesome BETA readers – Thank you for once again putting in your thoughts into this duet. I appreciate all of your energy and ideas, and together we make a great team. Without you beautiful ladies, this series wouldn’t be at its best potential. So thank you, every single one of you.

  To Nicole – Not only did you beta this duet, but you were also my super organized and amazing PA. Without you, I could never have my life in order. You were such a blessing to have around, and I’m so glad you’re back in my life. Thank you, for all that you did.

  To Christine – My Hype PR awesomeness guru. You have been utterly amazing since I started working with you. The time and effort you put into helping me is undeniably humbling, and I am honored to not only call you my PR manager but my friend. Thank you for all your hard work. I’m so glad to have you on my team.

  To Alana and Kristy – Where do I start? Luminous was born from a crazy idea, and two of the members hold special meaning in my heart. You know who. The whole time I was writing this book, I wanted so badly to get it right for you girls. It took a whole bunch of work to get it to where it is, but I think I got there in the end with a HEAP of help from some extraordinary people. I hope our Luminous crew is as special to you as they are to me. I know this series will always make me think of you two ladies and bond me with you forever. I love you girls, and I’m so glad you’re in my life. Thank you for being my muses. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being not only my biggest supporters but for being my dear friends. I love you.

  To Fiona – Thank you for always proofing my work and making it the best it can be. Your support and skills are a valuable addition to my team. You always find time for me, and for that, I’m very appreciative. Especially when Jane and I book you out constantly lol.

  To Jane – You are my other half, my soul sister and I swear I hate that freaking ocean between us. I love your stinking guts! Thank you for everything you do, the phone calls, bringing me off the ledge when I’m freaking out, telling me to calm down when I’m planning on killing a character or sending me funny videos to watch. I love our friendship, and I wouldn’t want another bestie in the world. You’re my person, and I love the hell out of you. You can never leave me, ‘cause
I’d find you *insert manic laughter*

  To Kellie – My amazingly talented cover artist. You know me so undeniably well. The cover for the box set is utterly brilliant. I don’t know how you can pull off such perfect covers for me every time, but you keep doing it. I love that you know me so well, and I adore this cover. Thank you, Kellie!

  To my beautiful, playful and utterly adorable pup, Bella – I started this writing journey with you, and I couldn’t imagine it without you. You are the light of my life. My furbaby and I love you probably way too much. It’s a problem lol. I love you Bella Boo.

  Last of all, I want to thank YOU, the reader. Your continued support of my writing career is both humbling and heart-warming. I love the readers so much and honestly, couldn’t keep going without the love and support you all show me each day. Thank you for believing in me, and I hope I can keep you entertained for many, many, years to come.

  Thank you,

  Much love,

  K E Osborn

  xoxo

  This book has been written using US English but contains some euphemisms and slang words that form part of the Australian spoken word.

  Please remember that the words are not misspelled, and form part of the every day Australian lifestyle.

  If you would like further explanation, or to discuss the translation or meaning of a particular word, please do not hesitate to contact the author—contact details have been provided, for your convenience at the end of this book.

  As Luminous are Australian, they pronounce the word mom as mum and hence it has been spelled that way throughout the manuscript when in Luminous’ dialogue or POV.

  French to English Translation

  mon petit oiseau – my little bird

  oui - yes

  DJ Term

  Jungle – a technique used by turntablists to rearrange musical samples to sound like something new. This requires two copies of the same song and lots of skill, or two different songs, lots of skill and incredible creativity. For examples of jungling search YouTube for “DMC Champions.”

  Explanation is taken from click here.

  Blurb

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Note to the Reader

  Table of Contents

  PULSE – BOOK ONE

  Preface

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  BREATHE – BOOK TWO

  Preface

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Epilogue

  Note For The Reader

  More Books to Check Out

  Connect With Me Online

  About the Author – K E Osborn

  Preface

  Rhythm is sound in motion. It is related to the pulse, the heartbeat, the way we breathe. It rises and falls. It takes us into ourselves; it takes us out of ourselves.

  -Edward Hirsch

  Chapter One

  EFFA

  Thump.

  Thump.

  Thump.

  The heavy knocking of my heart against my chest pounds like a sledgehammer, my pulse rising with the adrenaline of the moment. It’s utter euphoria, the endorphins from an undeniable surge of excitement coursing through my veins as my heart pumps faster, harder and more furious with every movement I make. My mouth opens, and I use every ounce of energy I have, letting the words flow over my tongue like the lyrical geniuses are somehow caressing the air with their magic. My husky voice echoes through the stadium, gravelly, silky, but with a hard edge that only the best girl rockers can accomplish.

  I’ve worked hard for this. So have the girls. We’ve come from nothing. Worked our way up to packed out stadiums, and now we’re living the dream. And as I sing the catchy lyrics to our chart-topping song Melodramatic, Casey moves in behind me, slamming on her lead guitar as I strum away on mine, performing the backup guitar as well as singing. I’m talented like that. Sweat beads on my forehead, trickling down my temple as strands of my long blonde hair stick to my face.

  Turning to the microphone again, I belt out the verse, my voice caressing the words like warm thick honey as I glance to Andi, who’s trying to find her lighting cue. But it isn’t coming. Her face contorts, screwing up, as she moves forward anyway on the stage with her Fender bass guitar and starts rocking out. Her pixie haircut, short on the sides, but longer on top, dyed red today, sways with the frantic movements of her head banging as she takes her position at the front of the giant stage.

  Kristy leads in with her drum solo, banging hard and furious, the vibration running right through me making me smile as I sing. She’s a different person while playing percussion. On the kit, she’s a freaking animal, and she lets loose like an untamed beast. But, in person, she’s quiet and calm.

  Casey breaks away from me, strutting her way over to Alana in her little section of the stage, where her keyboard and DJ set is stacked up. She’s working frantically, giving us that slight electro edge that mixes in with our hard rock sound making us that little bit different to the other rock bands out there.

  The end of the song creeps up, and the crowd is pumped. I’m on a high, but the lighting is strobing all around the stage in the wrong cues as per usual. It should be fading into yellows right now to match the gold streamers that are about to burst out over the crowd. But no, of course not, Dennis has the strobe light going off erratically instead.

  I swear this guy has no damn idea what he’s doing.

  He’s killing my buzz.

  The cannons shoot out the gold streamers, and they fly through the air flittering delicately down into the crowd. A round of cheering, jumping, and applauding erupts as they throw their hands in the air. The lighting above flickers. They strobe to pink then flash on all at once. The vivid bright light making the crowd all gasp as I lose my place in the song and the lyrics fail me while I’m blinded momentarily. The other girls must have issues too because the music comes to a screeching halt. The stadium begins to shake with jeers of unhappiness as I repeatedly blink while looking upward trying to figure out what the fuck’s going on with Dennis and his preposterous lighting techniques.

  “For fuck’s sake, Dennis,” Andi calls out loud enough for the front row to hear as she steps forward, looking up to the rafters. The jeering becomes louder as the lights continue to flicker and change sporadically. Fuck me! I grit my teeth in annoyance trying to find my center of calm, but it’s absolutely not working.

  “Dennis, will you fucking fix thi
s shit, you mother fucking moron, before I come up there and shove something very long and hard up your fucking ass.” Andi calls out raising her fist up into the air toward Dennis, who’s in the rafters with our lighting equipment that’s clearly more than a little fucked up right now.

  I turn toward my microphone and look out to the crowd whose jeering and sneering is now almost as loud as one of our songs, and I raise my hands trying to placate them. “I’m sorry, guys. Technical glitch and all that. We’re working on the matter. If we could all open our chakras and embrace the harmony of music we’d know this was meant to happen. Could we all take a moment to embrace each other...” I pause and smile. “Turn to the person next to you, and take them in a tight hug showing your affection,” I advise calmly wanting nothing but peace and love.

  Casey laughs as Andi rolls her eyes.

  The crowd chatters on a little more, and I turn just in time to see someone throw something at me. I dodge whatever it is and furrow my brows crossing my arms over my chest. “That’s definitely not embracing the love, people,” I blast into the microphone.

  Casey chuckles and Andi walks up to the closest microphone. She grabs it firmly in her hands and grunts out loudly, “Luke, get Dennis to fix the lighting, or turn the fucking normal lights on so we can continue to rock, hey?” There’s a massive sarcastic tone to her voice and the crowd cheer, loudly.

  Luke’s our manager, slash agent slash general organizer, of our day to day existence.

  “Yeah Andi, you rock!” Someone in the crowd yells out, and she finally smiles and does a curt curtsey and then walks to the middle of the stage.

  The lights flicker a few times followed by a loud bang which is then followed by a mass of flashing beams which scatter over the stage and the audience. We all look up as another loud cracking noise resounds from above, followed by a flash. An array of orange and yellow flickers rain down, like a giant sparkler going off, and then I see it—like in slow motion—a heavy stage light tumbles down right in line with Andi’s head.