Brandon Ashwood was a high school drop out who's only focus in life was making a go of the band he formed with one of his brothers. That was before he met Nicholas Kilmain.

Playing chauffeur to his favorite cousin and her friends one evening Brandon never would have dreamed that attending a high school musical would change his life.  As soon as Nicholas stepped on stage, Brandon was mesmerized, when he began to sing Brandon was in love.

In A Red-Tainted Silence, Carolyn Gray tells the story of Brandon and Nicholas first from Brandon's point of view then from Nicholas'. The story begins in present time and is told in flashback. Even though I didn't really know what to expect based on the summary given by the publisher, I was thrilled with how the story unfolded. Brandon and Nicholas have to struggle against, family 'friends' and their own inner demons to achieve their musical goals and be able to just love each other. Ms. Gray wonderfully intertwined mystery, with romance and a whole lot of angst. Yes, this is a very emotional story; I cried happy and sad tears. I could not put it down until I finished; for a story with over 500 pages-that's saying a whole lot. As I read this story Brandon and Nicholas reminded me of someone and it was nagging me as to whom. About a hundred pages in and a little internet research I figured it out.  They reminded me of a well-known pop duo and after reading this story I found myself enamored with them as well.