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illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
5.0
“What’s so awesome about this book?” you ask. Well, let me tell you.
It’s a Phantom of the Opera retelling set in small-town Nevada at a defunct theater and its attached historical brothel with a now-disfigured former Broadway star and the lead of a German hair metal band poised as our romantic leads. Erika was going places, y’all. She was up for a Tony for her performance as Fantine in Les Misérables before everything went wrong. And now she’s in Nevada. With the money pit she inherited. Just trying to make ends meet.
And Christof and his band? Well, they’re renting the theatre so that they can have the authentic American experience while creating their next album. The members of Nachtmusik are already international superstars in Europe, but they want to break into the American market.
If you, like me, were raised on Labyrinth, or even if you weren’t—you should go watch that now by the way—you will love Christof and his aesthetic. He’s going to give you all the David Bowie vibes. (That film was a formative part of my childhood. I will not be accepting any negative feedback about it.) Anyhoo, Bowie and Bon Jovi are both name-dropped in relation to his level of presence and glamour when Erika first sees him.
Erika has a flair for drama and perhaps a tendency to be overdramatic. (Former Broadway diva, remember?)
He’s a stern brunch daddy with tons of self-imposed pressure regarding his band as well as—what could be considered to be—an unhealthy attachment to his guitar.
The band members are a cast of characters. Let me tell you: they will keep you highly entertained.
And the romance between Erika and Christof turns out to be exactly what each of them needs.
Also, did I mention that Jen Comfort writes delicious steam? Because, y’all, she writes some delicious steam.
5⭐️
Anyway, I highly recommend picking this up one when you need a pick-me-up.
It’s a Phantom of the Opera retelling set in small-town Nevada at a defunct theater and its attached historical brothel with a now-disfigured former Broadway star and the lead of a German hair metal band poised as our romantic leads. Erika was going places, y’all. She was up for a Tony for her performance as Fantine in Les Misérables before everything went wrong. And now she’s in Nevada. With the money pit she inherited. Just trying to make ends meet.
And Christof and his band? Well, they’re renting the theatre so that they can have the authentic American experience while creating their next album. The members of Nachtmusik are already international superstars in Europe, but they want to break into the American market.
If you, like me, were raised on Labyrinth, or even if you weren’t—you should go watch that now by the way—you will love Christof and his aesthetic. He’s going to give you all the David Bowie vibes. (That film was a formative part of my childhood. I will not be accepting any negative feedback about it.) Anyhoo, Bowie and Bon Jovi are both name-dropped in relation to his level of presence and glamour when Erika first sees him.
Erika has a flair for drama and perhaps a tendency to be overdramatic. (Former Broadway diva, remember?)
He’s a stern brunch daddy with tons of self-imposed pressure regarding his band as well as—what could be considered to be—an unhealthy attachment to his guitar.
The band members are a cast of characters. Let me tell you: they will keep you highly entertained.
And the romance between Erika and Christof turns out to be exactly what each of them needs.
Also, did I mention that Jen Comfort writes delicious steam? Because, y’all, she writes some delicious steam.
5⭐️
Anyway, I highly recommend picking this up one when you need a pick-me-up.
setsandstories's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A fun, spicy, modern twist on The Phantom of the Opera.
kateyroa's review against another edition
Ugh. Tried it as audible and didn’t like the narrator. May try as an ebook.
mirandagray23's review against another edition
4.0
This book was cutie!!
CHAPTER 25 IS EXTRA SPICY COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE BOOK!
The Astronaut and the Star was more my vibes, but I still loved how cute and fun this one was.
Jen Comfort definitely loves to add some international flex in her books!
CHAPTER 25 IS EXTRA SPICY COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE BOOK!
The Astronaut and the Star was more my vibes, but I still loved how cute and fun this one was.
Jen Comfort definitely loves to add some international flex in her books!
morgan_haybook's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
itsrachel_thebooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
megnut's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
I loved the Phantom references & the wackiness of the band...I just think there could've been more.