Punk-In

Wayward Lane, Book 1

By: Ava Olsen

Narrated by: Zachary Zaba

Brodie: My rock band has reached the pinnacle of success but fame has its price. Sooner or later, people let you down or sell you out. Except Ivan Cross. My manager, my muse, my obsession. There’s nothing in this world that I want more than Van.
And I always get what I want.

Van: Four years ago, I was selected to manage a hot new band called Wayward Lane. I knew I was in for an exciting ride—and a world of trouble—and it’s all because of their lead singer, the provocative Brodie James. We’ve always butted heads but lately, that tension is higher. When Brodie insists on an impromptu concert in New Orleans at Halloween, I make it happen. The city, the food, the music, it’s intoxicating. So is Brodie, and I’m not sure I can resist his pull any longer.

Even though Brodie could have anyone he wants, all he seems to want is me.

Punk-In is a bi-awakening, age gap, workplace, MM romance filled with sizzling chemistry, an unforgettable Halloween concert, and a HEA fit for a rockstar.

©2023 Ava Olsen (P)2024 Ava Olsen

The narration was excellent. each character had their own voice

I think was great low angst. A silver fox that loves music ✔️, meticulous and doesn't take crap✔️. Makes other MC want to submit✔️✔️✔️. I enjoyed this audio. The characters were fleshed out. I felt like they were rock band. The tension and hot spice between Van and Brodie was hot. My only complaint was the Quebecois french cursing. I am from that area and they really seemed out place. a bit jarring. Overall great listen. excited for book two's audio.

Van and Brodie Recognize Their Love for Each Other

Forbidden rockstar/manager romance, age-gap, and super-low-angst are the prominent tropes/features of ‘Punk-In’, first in a series featuring romance among the members of superstar rock band, Wayward Lane. In what can almost be declared a slow-burn romance due to Olsen revealing the past 4 years of Brodie and Van pining for one other, becomes steamy true-love near the middle of the story. While the dialogue gets a bit sappy toward the end, the story as a whole is sweet, cute, and enjoyable.

Speaking of dialogue, Zachary Zaba’s performance of Van and Brodie’s voices is oddly formal sounding. So much so that it takes the listener out of the story somewhat. The exposition is executed flawlessly in contrast.

🤩🤩 rockstar romance

This was a really good story. I really enjoyed listening to it. The narrator knocked it out of the park. I liked when he cussed in French 😂 it sounded sexy.
Van and Brody were great characters. It was sweet and romantic and no 3rd act breakup either. I felt it was a swoon worthy story and a great start for the series, Wayward Lane. I’m so adding the second book to my TBR. I’m excited to read the whole series. This is my first read of Ava Olsen and definitely not my last.

This Book Rocked! Fantastic Story & Narration🎧

This is my first book written by Ava Olsen and she blew me away, not only by her wonderful writing style, but by the fabulous characters and storylines she created. The story drew me in right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The characters were relatable and easy to connect with, as well as likable. Ivan “Van” Cross has been working in the music industry for close to twenty years and gets a job offer to work for Bandit Music, one of the biggest labels. His boss, Greg Haddley, assigned him to worth with Wayward Lane, an up-and-coming rock band, with Brodie James lead vocals, Iain Holloway on guitar, Faisel Reed on the drums and Ronin Stadler on the bass. It was Brodie who captured his attention that day and the feeling was mutual, but they always kept it professional, and managing the band kept Van busy over the years. Brodie seemed to have grown tired of living the promiscuous life of a rock star, or maybe he was just maturing, but he has grown a new appreciation for Van and developed romantic feelings towards him. Van has only been with women, but is having thoughts on his preferences and who he really is, maybe pan, regardless of that he definitely has feeling for Brodie too. I enjoy watching these two dance around each other and then finally together for the start of what becomes a beautiful relationship. There is never a dull moment in the book, and the story has a perfect balance of drama, a touch of angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. The Halloween and ghost add was a fun addition, too. Ava Olsen, thank you for this fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride. 

🎧📚🎧Zachary Zaba rocked it out and did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who he was portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role he played. He set the perfect tone for the story and captured all the character’s emotions and had you feeling each one. Zaba is an entertaining storyteller and his narration elevates this story to another level. Thank you for another wonderful listen.

Loved it!

I loved the way Zachary Zaba brought Van and Brodie to life. Their HEA was fantastic.

Another Good Story

This is absolutely another good story from Ava Olsen. I really enjoyed reading Brodie and Van's story, and I can't wait to see if we get stories about any of the other guys soon. Zachary Zaba's great narration just breathed even more life into this story. It had me enjoying it even more.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

Wonderful setting and atmosphere

I am a huge fan of rockstar romances and the heat between Brodie and Van was off the charts. Mix that in with New Orleans at Halloween and I'm there all the way. The author did a great job with the setting and atmosphere in this one. Another wonderful performance by Zachary Zaba bringing these two to life.

Discovered a New Favorite Author

The author is new to me. However, after reading the blurb and seeing who was narrating, I knew I wanted to listen to it! This story had some of my favorite tropes: age-gap, forbidden romance, and undeniable attraction. The narrator did a great job narrating. The characters had a distinct voice, and the pace was perfect. I loved Brodie and Van's story, and I am thrilled to see that the other band members will have their own stories as well. I can't wait for the next book: B-Mine!

Brodie and Van

𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙢𝙚. 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙚. 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.

Pᴜɴᴋ-Iɴ → Ava Olsen | Wayward Lane → Book 1
Brodie ~ Van

Brodie and Van have been dancing around each other since the day they met and after two years of mutual banter and pinning, with a little help from an unseen force, things start to move in the right direction for Brodie and Van.

I got sucked into Brodie and Van's story right from the very beginning. I loved the banter and back-and-forth between Brodie and Van, and the additional banter from the side characters. Once Brodie and Van finally gave in to the tension, you could feel the strength of their chemistry.

I am so glad that this is not the end of the Wayward Lane group and I am looking forward to what comes next for the band. I hope we find out more about our unseen friend in NOLA.

🎧 Zachary Zaba did a good job of bringing Brodie and Van's story to life although he lacked the rockstar grittiness for me.

Get ready for...
🏳️‍🌈 MM
🎸 Rockstar/Manager
🎸 Sexual Awakening (Bisexual)
🎸 Age Gap
🎸 First Times
🎙️ First-Person, Dual

🖤 (4) ~ 🫠 ~ ⚠️

Brodie and Van!

I loved Brodie and Van! Rockstar romance, age-gap, bi-awakening. Smoking hot chemistry. I loved how Van and Brodie were equally protective of each other. The Halloween/ghost element was a fun twist. Overall a fantastic story! Well written and narrated.