Review: Sweet Distraction by K. Bromberg (Backstage Pass #3)

Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

And just like that, the Backstage Pass series comes to an end, meaning all four members of BENT have found their way to their respective happily-ever-afters, courtesy of K. Bromberg's literary stylings. Hawkin Play (Hawke, vocalist) fell for Quinlan Westin in Sweet Ache (book six in the Driven series); Vincent Jennings (Vince, guitarist) gets his second chance with Bristol Matthews in Sweet Regret (book one in the Backstage Pass series); and Jase Gizmodo (Gizmo, drummer) goes from fake to real alongside Hendrix Wright in Sweet Surrender (book two in the Backstage Pass series). Which leaves us with none other than the last rock star standing: Gavin Caldwell, aka Rocket, the man behind the keyboards, and his story plays out in the final Backstage Pass novel, Sweet Distraction, a rock star/nanny, surprise child romance.

At twenty-seven, Rocket Caldwell is living the rock star life that he could never have dreamed up before BENT got together. On break from the band's tour, he intends to relish the quiet and lack of schedules. Then he receives a phone call from his lawyer, and his world as he knows it isn't just off-kilter--it gets knocked off its axis. It turns out that he has a three-year-old daughter named Poppy, whose mother was killed in a car accident, leaving Rocket the sole legal guardian. He knows absolutely nothing about caring for a young child, especially one who has stopped talking altogether, but that's where Willow Adams comes in. The twenty-six-year-old special needs teacher has experience being nanny, and she's just what both Rocket and Poppy need. But when lines are crossed and hearts are on the line, will falling in love lead to Rocket not only losing custody of his daughter, but having to let go of the only woman he wants?

Not only was this such a great way to wrap up all things BENT, but it was also my favorite read in the Backstage Pass series. Seeing Gavin, aka Rocket, go from a part of one of the biggest bands without a care in the world to a more mature and responsible man was inspiring, all the more as he pushed past his hesitation and fully embraced fatherhood. Poppy was that someone that he never realized he actually needed. He was someone who never saw himself settling down with a wife and children, but you know what they say about making plans and such. I think it took a woman like Willow for Gavin to see that he was, indeed, more than capable to be a father to Poppy and worthy to have not just success in his life but love and a family as well. Of course, we've got the rest of the BENT guys and their partners present and accounted for, giving much needed levity and advice whenever needed. The Backstage Pass series has been entertaining, and Sweet Distraction was the perfect way to end it, which is why it receives five stars.

Release Date: 17 July 2025

Date Read: 12 July 2025

Learn more about K. Bromberg.

Pre-order Sweet Distraction on Amazon.