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lilacbleeds's review against another edition
5.0
one of the best reads in a long time. I was hooked from page one.
I was gripped and couldn't put it down but had to for work
I was gripped and couldn't put it down but had to for work
michalice's review
4.0
I first heard about More Than Music via another author on twitter. When I saw it on netgalley I couldn't help but request it. More Than Music was a book that I fell into easily. The characters are likeable, and I found it easy to become emotionally invested in Maddie.
Maddie is a music major, musician, and new member of Villain Complex (the idea behind the name was fascinating). I loved how she was recruited for this band, by being caught out, and even though it meant not being able to follow her dream, I admire her for sticking with the guys and continuing with the audition. Jared, Kyle, and Hector, the other members of the band are unique in their own personalities and style, but they blend so well together.
More Than Music had a way of drawing me into the story and I found it hard to let go. The ups and downs of Villain Complex's journey kept me wondering what hurdle they would have to overcome next, or what would fall into their laps to make it easier for them. There was a part in the book where my heart dropped, I couldn't believe what had happened to them but when the light flashed I was so relieved.
I loved every page of More Than Music, and while the ending wasn't what I expected, I think it was very fitting. I like how the relationships in More than Music weren't all sunshine and rainbows, that there were ups and down, that people made mistakes, got jealous, it just made that part of the book more real and less picture perfect. Now all I need to know is if there is going to be a sequel to this story?
Maddie is a music major, musician, and new member of Villain Complex (the idea behind the name was fascinating). I loved how she was recruited for this band, by being caught out, and even though it meant not being able to follow her dream, I admire her for sticking with the guys and continuing with the audition. Jared, Kyle, and Hector, the other members of the band are unique in their own personalities and style, but they blend so well together.
More Than Music had a way of drawing me into the story and I found it hard to let go. The ups and downs of Villain Complex's journey kept me wondering what hurdle they would have to overcome next, or what would fall into their laps to make it easier for them. There was a part in the book where my heart dropped, I couldn't believe what had happened to them but when the light flashed I was so relieved.
I loved every page of More Than Music, and while the ending wasn't what I expected, I think it was very fitting. I like how the relationships in More than Music weren't all sunshine and rainbows, that there were ups and down, that people made mistakes, got jealous, it just made that part of the book more real and less picture perfect. Now all I need to know is if there is going to be a sequel to this story?
caseroo7's review against another edition
5.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I really loved More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs. This book was so good, and it was everything I expected and more. More Than Music is the first book in Elizabeth's Chasing The Dream series, and I can't wait to get more after reading this one. I really loved her writing style and the characters. I think that New Adult fans will really like this one and will fall in love with the characters just like I did.
Maddie Taylor is a music major and is about to start an internship with the LA Philharmonic and is a gifted piano player. For her best friends and roommates though, and in private for herself, Maddie also plays guitar. She knows that even though she dreams of being on stage with a band, geeky girls like her don't end up being rockstars. But when her friend's band loses their bassist, her friend's brother and lead singer of the band begs her to play guitar for them when they audition for the reality TV show The Sound. Jared hasn't been able to stop thinking about Maddie since he found her playing his guitar and singing his songs in their studio and knows that she would be perfect for the band. When the band makes it on to the show, Maddie must give up her internship and make the commitment to the band. She is finally getting to pursue playing guitar and being a rockstar, but she is also growing closer to Jared as well. Despite all the reasons they should stay away from each other, they can't help but give in to the chemistry and feelings between them. But for the show they need to remain single, as well as the other guys in the band would never accept them together. But what happens when their feelings start to become more, and Maddie grows tired of being Jared's secret while he continues to flirt with other girls? Soon Maddie is left to decide whether her feelings for Jared are worth following her dream and remaining a secret, but also losing her heart in the process.
I really liked Jared and Maddie. Jared was flirty and fun and everyone thought that he was such a playboy. He had a reputation for going out with different girls constantly and only keeping things casual. But I loved that he was actually completely different. After meeting Maddie and connecting with her on such a deeper level, he only wanted her. They had such a great bond through their music, and they really understood where the other was coming from without even having to say anything. But I also really loved how playful they were and how they also connected on other things as well such as their love for all things geek. Maddie was strong and easy to relate to and she was just so real. She was normal and I loved that she went after what she wanted. She was also vulnerable and had a few insecurities though and it really made her a character that readers could connect with and root for. I thought that Jared and Maddie had a lot in common and connected emotionally, but they also had off the charts chemistry! These two were really hot together, and you could feel their attraction.
Besides Maddie and Jared though, I loved the secondary characters as well! They were all great, and I loved the camaraderie between them. I especially loved the band and how they all fit so well together. They were focused and determined, but they were also playful and fun. I have to say that I really loved seeing their goofy times, and I really loved this one scene where they go grocery shopping and they played this game that was a tradition for them. It was so funny and for some reason it really just stuck with me! I also thought that this book was great in that it showed the reality competition in a completely different light than what you would typically see. I thought that it seemed very realistic, and I loved that things didn't go how you would expect. This story was just really fantastic, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I couldn't put this one down and would highly recommend this one. I think that a lot of readers will really enjoy this cute rockstar story, and I can't wait to read more from Elizabeth Briggs in the future.
**ARC Provided by Oops! I Read Again Tours**
I really loved More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs. This book was so good, and it was everything I expected and more. More Than Music is the first book in Elizabeth's Chasing The Dream series, and I can't wait to get more after reading this one. I really loved her writing style and the characters. I think that New Adult fans will really like this one and will fall in love with the characters just like I did.
Maddie Taylor is a music major and is about to start an internship with the LA Philharmonic and is a gifted piano player. For her best friends and roommates though, and in private for herself, Maddie also plays guitar. She knows that even though she dreams of being on stage with a band, geeky girls like her don't end up being rockstars. But when her friend's band loses their bassist, her friend's brother and lead singer of the band begs her to play guitar for them when they audition for the reality TV show The Sound. Jared hasn't been able to stop thinking about Maddie since he found her playing his guitar and singing his songs in their studio and knows that she would be perfect for the band. When the band makes it on to the show, Maddie must give up her internship and make the commitment to the band. She is finally getting to pursue playing guitar and being a rockstar, but she is also growing closer to Jared as well. Despite all the reasons they should stay away from each other, they can't help but give in to the chemistry and feelings between them. But for the show they need to remain single, as well as the other guys in the band would never accept them together. But what happens when their feelings start to become more, and Maddie grows tired of being Jared's secret while he continues to flirt with other girls? Soon Maddie is left to decide whether her feelings for Jared are worth following her dream and remaining a secret, but also losing her heart in the process.
I really liked Jared and Maddie. Jared was flirty and fun and everyone thought that he was such a playboy. He had a reputation for going out with different girls constantly and only keeping things casual. But I loved that he was actually completely different. After meeting Maddie and connecting with her on such a deeper level, he only wanted her. They had such a great bond through their music, and they really understood where the other was coming from without even having to say anything. But I also really loved how playful they were and how they also connected on other things as well such as their love for all things geek. Maddie was strong and easy to relate to and she was just so real. She was normal and I loved that she went after what she wanted. She was also vulnerable and had a few insecurities though and it really made her a character that readers could connect with and root for. I thought that Jared and Maddie had a lot in common and connected emotionally, but they also had off the charts chemistry! These two were really hot together, and you could feel their attraction.
Besides Maddie and Jared though, I loved the secondary characters as well! They were all great, and I loved the camaraderie between them. I especially loved the band and how they all fit so well together. They were focused and determined, but they were also playful and fun. I have to say that I really loved seeing their goofy times, and I really loved this one scene where they go grocery shopping and they played this game that was a tradition for them. It was so funny and for some reason it really just stuck with me! I also thought that this book was great in that it showed the reality competition in a completely different light than what you would typically see. I thought that it seemed very realistic, and I loved that things didn't go how you would expect. This story was just really fantastic, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I couldn't put this one down and would highly recommend this one. I think that a lot of readers will really enjoy this cute rockstar story, and I can't wait to read more from Elizabeth Briggs in the future.
**ARC Provided by Oops! I Read Again Tours**
catiinha's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book and I wasn’t expecting anything else from it because I loved all the other books too. I already knew Maddie and Jared from the other books and I knew some of the things that had happened to them but it was so good to finally be able to know what really happened to them and how they got together. I really enjoyed this story and I loved to see how The Sound worked behind the scenes. I think it was really cool that the book wasn’t only about Maddie and Jared’s relationship but also about the show and about how important Villain Complex was for the members and how they were like a family. Maddie and Jared had an amazing chemistry and sometimes they were so cute together. I loved to see how much Jared cared about Maddie and how much he loved her even thought everyone thought he was a womanizer (which he kind of was before he met her). I really liked them as a couple. They are no Andy and Becca but they are pretty close.
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
I really loved that this book gave me the opportunity to see a few characters I already love again but I’m happy that I read More than Comics before I read this one because I didn’t like Hector that much in the beginning of this book but because I read More than Comics before I already knew him and understood why he was acting the way he was. My only real problem with this book was that it was only told in Maddie’s POV and I think it would have worked so well if it was a dual POV. I would love to know what Jared was thinking in a few situations.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it was a really fast read. Elizabeth Briggs has become one of my to-go authors when I want to read new adult romance and I can’t wait to finally read Carla’s story in More than Distance. If you love new adult romances you should read the Chasing the Dream series because it’s an amazing new adult series.
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
I really loved that this book gave me the opportunity to see a few characters I already love again but I’m happy that I read More than Comics before I read this one because I didn’t like Hector that much in the beginning of this book but because I read More than Comics before I already knew him and understood why he was acting the way he was. My only real problem with this book was that it was only told in Maddie’s POV and I think it would have worked so well if it was a dual POV. I would love to know what Jared was thinking in a few situations.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it was a really fast read. Elizabeth Briggs has become one of my to-go authors when I want to read new adult romance and I can’t wait to finally read Carla’s story in More than Distance. If you love new adult romances you should read the Chasing the Dream series because it’s an amazing new adult series.
merkyr's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, fun, fun! Getting to read a NA set behind the scenes of a show like The Voice was quick and delightful and...did I mention fun?
jscarpa14's review
5.0
Okay I Loved This Book
I mean parts of the book were insane, but the big romantic gesture was swoonworthy. Maddie was an awesome character. I loved the name and their dynamic and I'm officially hooked on this series.
I mean parts of the book were insane, but the big romantic gesture was swoonworthy. Maddie was an awesome character. I loved the name and their dynamic and I'm officially hooked on this series.
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
4.0
What a sweet and.......geeky book? Lol, I enjoyed reading this book, and their time on the tv show.... The Sound. The chemistry between Maddie and Jared was cute, and young love rolled up in music harmony. Young adults will love this book! Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for a review.
elenajohansen's review against another edition
1.0
Maddie Taylor is the bland narrator who displays most of the qualities I'd expect from a typical YA heroine, despite this clearly being a New Adult work with college-age protagonists. She's a self-proclaimed "geek" who's clumsy, insecure, and down on herself about her looks. Yet she manages to capture the attention of a bad-boy up-and-coming rock star who's obviously out of her league, because she only dates nice boys even though they don't actually seem to interest her much.
I'm bored already. But wait, it gets worse!
The plot, once past the initial set-up, is predictable beyond belief. Maddie and Jared (the rock god) have an improbable moment of "connection" when she sneaks off at his party and ends up playing his guitar and singing one of his band's songs. Then the band's bassist quits, so Jared takes over her role so they can ask Maddie to take his place on guitar. "Just for the audition," he asks. What audition? For a reality show that's clearly a whole-band take on The Voice.
But when they show up to audition, what do you know? No changes to the band are allowed post-audition. (An incredibly sensible, obvious rule that I saw coming a mile away.) So Maddie takes the plunge and joins the band. (Duh.) They make it onto the show. (Duh.) There are a number of falsely tense moments when the reader is supposed to wonder if they're going to survive elimination from week to week. (They always do.) And the whole time, absolutely everything about the band's image, popularity, and Maddie's own puny sense of self-worth are telling her not to get involved with Jared, because it's just about the worst idea in the world, since she (and everyone else) thinks he's a playboy.
So of course they hook up! There wouldn't be a story if they didn't! And what do you know, it's a terrible idea and causes all sorts of problems (like both she and the reader could see it would) until somehow magically at the end, Jared turns out to be a great guy after all and declares his love on stage for everyone to see. And that makes it all okay, right?
I kept waiting for the story to surprise me somehow, to give me something beyond plodding to the next inevitable plot point, but it never did.
I'm bored already. But wait, it gets worse!
The plot, once past the initial set-up, is predictable beyond belief. Maddie and Jared (the rock god) have an improbable moment of "connection" when she sneaks off at his party and ends up playing his guitar and singing one of his band's songs. Then the band's bassist quits, so Jared takes over her role so they can ask Maddie to take his place on guitar. "Just for the audition," he asks. What audition? For a reality show that's clearly a whole-band take on The Voice.
But when they show up to audition, what do you know? No changes to the band are allowed post-audition. (An incredibly sensible, obvious rule that I saw coming a mile away.) So Maddie takes the plunge and joins the band. (Duh.) They make it onto the show. (Duh.) There are a number of falsely tense moments when the reader is supposed to wonder if they're going to survive elimination from week to week. (They always do.) And the whole time, absolutely everything about the band's image, popularity, and Maddie's own puny sense of self-worth are telling her not to get involved with Jared, because it's just about the worst idea in the world, since she (and everyone else) thinks he's a playboy.
So of course they hook up! There wouldn't be a story if they didn't! And what do you know, it's a terrible idea and causes all sorts of problems (like both she and the reader could see it would) until somehow magically at the end, Jared turns out to be a great guy after all and declares his love on stage for everyone to see. And that makes it all okay, right?
I kept waiting for the story to surprise me somehow, to give me something beyond plodding to the next inevitable plot point, but it never did.
hijinx_abound's review
3.0
Quick easy read about a band and a lead singer with a bad reputation. The band loses their bassist right before trying out for a reality show. A female friend of the keyboardist agrees to fill in so they can try out.
Its a typical rock band new adult novel. I liked the characters and the storyline of the reality show was interesting. It was a solid new adult novel.
Its a typical rock band new adult novel. I liked the characters and the storyline of the reality show was interesting. It was a solid new adult novel.
hyperashley's review against another edition
4.0
This was a quick, easy and fun read for me. It got my attention with the first chapter and held my interest until the last, which is an accomplishment. I love the whole rock star love thing and especially when it's with the awkward, nerdy girl - which come one would never happen in real life.
Maddie is a geeky music major in college, one of her best friends, Kyle is in the band Villain Complex. When the bassist of the band leaves them high and dry the day before an audition to be on the show, The Sound they scramble for help. Jared, the sexy lead singer asks Maddie for help. She is reluctant at first but agrees to join their band and change her life forever. The one rule is for Maddie and Jared to not get together, so will they be able to keep their love a secret? Or will they ruin everything to be together?
I am so into all of this rock star love stuff, this is how I imagine a rock star life being - kind of. I absolutely loved Maddie! I loved how geeky she was and how incredibly awkward she was too. Though, come on, would she have really been able to land a rocker with that much awkwardness in her. She was a big bowl of awkward at first, and while it was cool seeing her change and get more confident it was still hard to read at times. I also loved all of the guys, they each had good parts and I don't think it would have been the same without them.
I liked all of the music that was involved, without actually singing the music on the pages. I can't tell you how much I don't want to have to read lyrics all the times just because it's being said. It almost put me in the mindset of a rocker and I can't say I've ever had that before. It was really cool, and now I want to think in songs like Jared and Maddie did.
Even though this is the first in a series each book is focused on different characters. This one was obviously about Jared and Maddie and the next one is about Hector, I believe. I probably will continue the rest of the series even though it won't be the rocker love story anymore, I still think it will be awesome.
Maddie is a geeky music major in college, one of her best friends, Kyle is in the band Villain Complex. When the bassist of the band leaves them high and dry the day before an audition to be on the show, The Sound they scramble for help. Jared, the sexy lead singer asks Maddie for help. She is reluctant at first but agrees to join their band and change her life forever. The one rule is for Maddie and Jared to not get together, so will they be able to keep their love a secret? Or will they ruin everything to be together?
I am so into all of this rock star love stuff, this is how I imagine a rock star life being - kind of. I absolutely loved Maddie! I loved how geeky she was and how incredibly awkward she was too. Though, come on, would she have really been able to land a rocker with that much awkwardness in her. She was a big bowl of awkward at first, and while it was cool seeing her change and get more confident it was still hard to read at times. I also loved all of the guys, they each had good parts and I don't think it would have been the same without them.
I liked all of the music that was involved, without actually singing the music on the pages. I can't tell you how much I don't want to have to read lyrics all the times just because it's being said. It almost put me in the mindset of a rocker and I can't say I've ever had that before. It was really cool, and now I want to think in songs like Jared and Maddie did.
Even though this is the first in a series each book is focused on different characters. This one was obviously about Jared and Maddie and the next one is about Hector, I believe. I probably will continue the rest of the series even though it won't be the rocker love story anymore, I still think it will be awesome.