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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
3.75*
This book could have been brilliant. It was just good. The reason I'm saying that is as much as I enjoyed the story and the of course I loved the Green Valley world and nearly everyone in it, Christine frustrated me for a lot of this book. This offshoot series is supposed to be about badass women doing badass things after an inauspicious start in life, but Kim just...like I said I felt a lot of frustration toward her that wasn't resolved until very late on.
I can't/won't go into details because spoilers and things, but I would not advise people away from The Treble With Men, especially if they like books heavily influenced by not only The Phantom Of The Opera, but classical music in general.
**I'd like to thank the team behind SmartyPants Romance and the author for the chance to review this and the opportunity to leave an unbiased review**
This book could have been brilliant. It was just good. The reason I'm saying that is as much as I enjoyed the story and the of course I loved the Green Valley world and nearly everyone in it, Christine frustrated me for a lot of this book. This offshoot series is supposed to be about badass women doing badass things after an inauspicious start in life, but Kim just...like I said I felt a lot of frustration toward her that wasn't resolved until very late on.
I can't/won't go into details because spoilers and things, but I would not advise people away from The Treble With Men, especially if they like books heavily influenced by not only The Phantom Of The Opera, but classical music in general.
**I'd like to thank the team behind SmartyPants Romance and the author for the chance to review this and the opportunity to leave an unbiased review**
Parts I loved. Parts I disliked. Parts I laughed out loud. Shower anyone? I’m so glad Kim found herself and her HEA.
The Treble with Men
I do not even know where to begin with this romance. I also do not feel like it’s out of line to state that this is one of the best novels I’ve read in the last year, if not, many years.
I must preface this review- I’ve never actually seen the “Phantom of the Opera” (blasphemy, I know!), but I know the general gist. This story is a lose re-telling with a twist, but it is absolutely unique and the characters are incredible.
Our heroine is Kim Dae (stage name Christine Day), the only child of older parents and a member of the Scorned Women Society. She plays the Cello in the SOOK. Kim is recovering from brokenness and trying so hard to just stay safe. This ultimately means she’s not truly living her life. Her past, while heartbreaking, is also inspiring.
Our hero, the Devil of the Symphony is Devlin. He wears a mask and keeps his own brokenness close to his chest.
These two together are everything. Two broken people trying to figure out the world and overcome their pasts.
Kim’s blunt honesty and fears made for such an enticing heroine. You want her to win. You are rooting for her from the get go. Her inner monologue and even the things she says aloud to Devlin had me laughing out loud at times. Her friends at the SWS are the same inspiring women we have come to love (and I cannot wait to read more of these women’s stories).
Devlin is someone who keeps any emotions that are non-combative tucked closely to himself, and you get to see him slowly open up himself. He is brusque and you just know deep down there is a man who needs acceptance and love. He is simultaneously tough to love and such a swoony hero. You want him to win her heart. He has a family that I wish was my family (and I am blessed with one of the great ones). They are open and honest and loving and it’s everything you love to read for a broken hero.
The sexual tension was, I mean like FIRE. It was slow, burning, and there were multiple moments where I was like “maybe this is it?” only for it to be drawn out a smidge more, but not in a frustrating way at all. It was necessary for their scars and the professional boundaries they were trying to maintain. When they come together, you just know. This is it. This is love.
This was hands down one of the most touching, riveting stories I’ve read in years. This is the third book by Piper Sheldon that I’ve had a hard time setting down. I went about my day, my tablet in hand, until it was complete. I don’t even know where to go after this book. If I could give it 6 stars, I would.
Smartypants Romances continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a “smart romance”, and I truly look forward to every single release.
I do not even know where to begin with this romance. I also do not feel like it’s out of line to state that this is one of the best novels I’ve read in the last year, if not, many years.
I must preface this review- I’ve never actually seen the “Phantom of the Opera” (blasphemy, I know!), but I know the general gist. This story is a lose re-telling with a twist, but it is absolutely unique and the characters are incredible.
Our heroine is Kim Dae (stage name Christine Day), the only child of older parents and a member of the Scorned Women Society. She plays the Cello in the SOOK. Kim is recovering from brokenness and trying so hard to just stay safe. This ultimately means she’s not truly living her life. Her past, while heartbreaking, is also inspiring.
Our hero, the Devil of the Symphony is Devlin. He wears a mask and keeps his own brokenness close to his chest.
These two together are everything. Two broken people trying to figure out the world and overcome their pasts.
Kim’s blunt honesty and fears made for such an enticing heroine. You want her to win. You are rooting for her from the get go. Her inner monologue and even the things she says aloud to Devlin had me laughing out loud at times. Her friends at the SWS are the same inspiring women we have come to love (and I cannot wait to read more of these women’s stories).
Devlin is someone who keeps any emotions that are non-combative tucked closely to himself, and you get to see him slowly open up himself. He is brusque and you just know deep down there is a man who needs acceptance and love. He is simultaneously tough to love and such a swoony hero. You want him to win her heart. He has a family that I wish was my family (and I am blessed with one of the great ones). They are open and honest and loving and it’s everything you love to read for a broken hero.
The sexual tension was, I mean like FIRE. It was slow, burning, and there were multiple moments where I was like “maybe this is it?” only for it to be drawn out a smidge more, but not in a frustrating way at all. It was necessary for their scars and the professional boundaries they were trying to maintain. When they come together, you just know. This is it. This is love.
This was hands down one of the most touching, riveting stories I’ve read in years. This is the third book by Piper Sheldon that I’ve had a hard time setting down. I went about my day, my tablet in hand, until it was complete. I don’t even know where to go after this book. If I could give it 6 stars, I would.
Smartypants Romances continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a “smart romance”, and I truly look forward to every single release.
It takes a great deal of bravery to take on the world's most popular musical and retell it as contemporary romance. Author Piper Sheldon rises to that challenge and delivers her own, beautiful work of art in 'The Treble with Men,' which is easily one of the best books of 2020.
I could feel, and almost hear, the music coming out of the pages, an amazing testament to Sheldon's skill with the written word. I couldn't set this book down and simultaneously never wanted the story to be over. It flowed well, had good pacing, wonderful characters and an engaging story.
*****
The Treble With Men, an all-new standalone contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE!
As far as Green Valley is concerned, Kim Dae disappeared into the Wraiths a decade ago. They were sort of right. Kim has spent her life since Jethro fighting her curious nature and trying to blend into the background. Unfortunately for her, a mysterious Maestro comes to town and takes quick notice of her for reasons unknown to anybody.
The masked conductor, known simply as Devlin, was already a source of much gossip thanks to his reputation for getting fired. Now, his sudden interest in the quiet fourth chair cellist has added fuel to the rumor fire. The new conductor of the symphony needs to learn to control his temper and finish his latest musical masterpiece and only the reluctant star of his symphony can help him do that. If Devlin can’t convince Kim to help to finish his latest composition he’ll lose everything.
Can Devlin and Kim compose without losing composure?
‘The Treble with Men’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
See more at kindledsouls.wixsite.com/bookblog
I could feel, and almost hear, the music coming out of the pages, an amazing testament to Sheldon's skill with the written word. I couldn't set this book down and simultaneously never wanted the story to be over. It flowed well, had good pacing, wonderful characters and an engaging story.
*****
The Treble With Men, an all-new standalone contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE!
As far as Green Valley is concerned, Kim Dae disappeared into the Wraiths a decade ago. They were sort of right. Kim has spent her life since Jethro fighting her curious nature and trying to blend into the background. Unfortunately for her, a mysterious Maestro comes to town and takes quick notice of her for reasons unknown to anybody.
The masked conductor, known simply as Devlin, was already a source of much gossip thanks to his reputation for getting fired. Now, his sudden interest in the quiet fourth chair cellist has added fuel to the rumor fire. The new conductor of the symphony needs to learn to control his temper and finish his latest musical masterpiece and only the reluctant star of his symphony can help him do that. If Devlin can’t convince Kim to help to finish his latest composition he’ll lose everything.
Can Devlin and Kim compose without losing composure?
‘The Treble with Men’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
See more at kindledsouls.wixsite.com/bookblog
I just have no words. I was having a hard time concentrating but this book pulled me into it immediately and I adored it. Kim and Devlin are brought to life brilliantly by Piper Sheldon. I just loved this book so very much. I cannot wait for more in this series and I just recommend everyone read this as soon as you can.
Good reimagining of the Phantom of the Opera. At first it was a little too on the nose for me and I wasn't sure if I could get past it. However after the first few chapters, the story become its own instead of a regurgitated Phantom of the Opera. Really enjoyed it.
Music speaks to me in a big way. I was a total band geek in high school and college, and if I could have ANY job without concern to location or pay (or having enough talent…), I would want to play with a professional orchestra. That’s definitely not what my real life looks like, but when I read the synopsis for The Treble With Men, I was STOKED! These are my people! This book is a play on Phantom of the Opera, but I’m the oddball who has never actually SEEN Phantom of the Opera so…
Everyone thought Kim Dae had been swallowed up by the Iron Wraiths years ago – just another girl pulled down by drugs and alcohol and Jethro Winston. In reality, she cleaned up her life and is currently “hiding in plain sight” as Christine Dae - the 4th chair cellist in the Symphony Orchestra of Knoxville. Devlin, aka the Devil of the Symphony, is the SOOK’s new conductor. Brutal, demanding, always hidden behind a literal mask, and with a reputation that more than precedes him, he’s a bit of a mystery to the orchestra’s members. Kim is content in quietly avoiding the spotlight, so she’s floored when Devlin shows up at her home asking her to work with him one-on-one for his new composition.
Both Devlin and Kim are hiding as a result of their pasts, just in different ways. Devlin knows that Kim is exceptionally talented and holding herself back, he just doesn’t fully understand why. Kim soon realizes that Devlin is more than the difficult, angry persona he presents, but getting him to lose the mask and let the world see the sweet, supportive, passionate man beneath isn’t an easy task. Yes, this story is a romance, but it’s a personal growth story as both Devil and Kim have to learn to forgive past mistakes, move on, and embrace the “now”.
I haven’t picked up my instrument in probably 10 years, but reading Piper Sheldon’s beautifully descriptive writing put me right back on stage. I could see the conductor, hear the instruments warming up, and feel the same butterflies I always felt before a big performance. I won’t give away any specifics, and maybe it’s just my inner musician speaking, but the climactic event near the end gave me literal chills.
I just can’t convey how well written this book was. The individual story lines were as deeply explored as the romantic story line, the characters were complex and captivating, and somehow the music felt as much an integral character in the story as Devil and Kim themselves. I shouldn’t be surprised at the exceptional writing or depth of emotion here after reading My Bare Lady, but as much as I enjoyed that one, this one blows it out of the water. I can’t wait to see what Piper Sheldon turns out next!
Everyone thought Kim Dae had been swallowed up by the Iron Wraiths years ago – just another girl pulled down by drugs and alcohol and Jethro Winston. In reality, she cleaned up her life and is currently “hiding in plain sight” as Christine Dae - the 4th chair cellist in the Symphony Orchestra of Knoxville. Devlin, aka the Devil of the Symphony, is the SOOK’s new conductor. Brutal, demanding, always hidden behind a literal mask, and with a reputation that more than precedes him, he’s a bit of a mystery to the orchestra’s members. Kim is content in quietly avoiding the spotlight, so she’s floored when Devlin shows up at her home asking her to work with him one-on-one for his new composition.
Both Devlin and Kim are hiding as a result of their pasts, just in different ways. Devlin knows that Kim is exceptionally talented and holding herself back, he just doesn’t fully understand why. Kim soon realizes that Devlin is more than the difficult, angry persona he presents, but getting him to lose the mask and let the world see the sweet, supportive, passionate man beneath isn’t an easy task. Yes, this story is a romance, but it’s a personal growth story as both Devil and Kim have to learn to forgive past mistakes, move on, and embrace the “now”.
I haven’t picked up my instrument in probably 10 years, but reading Piper Sheldon’s beautifully descriptive writing put me right back on stage. I could see the conductor, hear the instruments warming up, and feel the same butterflies I always felt before a big performance. I won’t give away any specifics, and maybe it’s just my inner musician speaking, but the climactic event near the end gave me literal chills.
I just can’t convey how well written this book was. The individual story lines were as deeply explored as the romantic story line, the characters were complex and captivating, and somehow the music felt as much an integral character in the story as Devil and Kim themselves. I shouldn’t be surprised at the exceptional writing or depth of emotion here after reading My Bare Lady, but as much as I enjoyed that one, this one blows it out of the water. I can’t wait to see what Piper Sheldon turns out next!
“I took his composition and wrapped my emotions around the music, slowing the tempo to suit my mood. And just like that, the notes flowed out. I was connected to my instrument and the music felt transcendent. For the first time in what felt like forever, I was able to let go of my regret and fear and just focus on Devil’s words. What would be the message I left behind? How did I want people to feel when they heard me play? The message was love. It was the feeling of being cherished. It was pure and unadulterated. It was everything that was good in life.”
The Treble With Men is the second book in The Scorned Women’s Society, written by author Piper Sheldon and is part of the Smartypants Romance Spring 2020 Launch. Set in Penny Reid’s Green Valley, Tennessee world, this is the story of Kim Dae (or Christine Day as Kim now goes by) and Devlin, the Devil of the Symphony, conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra of Knoxville where Kim is the fourth chair cellist.
A lifetime ago, Kim, on the brink of her acceptance to Juilliard, went off the rails, embarking on a wild relationship with then bad-boy Jethro Winston, involving drugs and the notorious motorcycle gang, the Iron Wraiths. A stint in rehab and now living with her parents, Kim is not really living life, just existing and playing her cello without the passion she was once known for.
Devlin, the masked conductor is a musical Maestro, hiding his own secrets and vulnerabilities. He sees Kim as the passionate musician she is and knows the layers of vulnerability she also holds as a weapon to protect herself.
What secrets and history are hiding away? Piper Sheldon has written a hauntingly beautiful, passionate story that engulfs the reader in its beauty. The music takes over, and I feel this is a love story with two parts. One, the journey of Kim and Devlin, and two, the musical journey both follow, both individually and together. I love that the author has taken her own love of The Phantom of the Opera and used this to pen her fictional story. The passion and joy is obvious in her writing and it was beautiful to read and to discover more about the world of classical music and the workings of a symphony.
Fundamentally though, The Treble With Men tells the love story of Kim and Devlin, their meeting of minds, of passion and being the person they both are, underneath their vulnerabilities. Together they are the person they are both meant to be, and it is wonderful to read their journey of self-discovery, letting go of the past and embracing their gifts, musically and personally.
The Scorned Women’s Society is a concept I adore, and having these women as friends and confidantes, with their common trait being an ex-girlfriend of Jethro Winston cements what is already a 5 star read. These women are funny and loyal and all have their own stories to tell. Readers are lucky to have a little cameo by the man himself, and what a man he is. Swoon.
I recommend The Treble With Men to both new and familiar readers of Smartypants Romance. It can be read as a complete standalone, I however enjoyed knowing the backstory of Jethro Winston through Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series. Contemporary romance readers will delight in this story, a slow burn romance that turns passionate, a perfect balance of sweetness and steam. A definite 5 star read, one that will have you reeling for more from this wonderful author.
Thank you to Piper Sheldon, Social Butterfly PR and Smartypants Romance for the early copy of this book. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
My review is on my Facebook blog - Tammy’s Timeout- Romance Reviews as part of The Treble With Me Blog Tour: https://www.facebook.com/1807554419468158/posts/2622100651346860/
The Treble With Men is the second book in The Scorned Women’s Society, written by author Piper Sheldon and is part of the Smartypants Romance Spring 2020 Launch. Set in Penny Reid’s Green Valley, Tennessee world, this is the story of Kim Dae (or Christine Day as Kim now goes by) and Devlin, the Devil of the Symphony, conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra of Knoxville where Kim is the fourth chair cellist.
A lifetime ago, Kim, on the brink of her acceptance to Juilliard, went off the rails, embarking on a wild relationship with then bad-boy Jethro Winston, involving drugs and the notorious motorcycle gang, the Iron Wraiths. A stint in rehab and now living with her parents, Kim is not really living life, just existing and playing her cello without the passion she was once known for.
Devlin, the masked conductor is a musical Maestro, hiding his own secrets and vulnerabilities. He sees Kim as the passionate musician she is and knows the layers of vulnerability she also holds as a weapon to protect herself.
What secrets and history are hiding away? Piper Sheldon has written a hauntingly beautiful, passionate story that engulfs the reader in its beauty. The music takes over, and I feel this is a love story with two parts. One, the journey of Kim and Devlin, and two, the musical journey both follow, both individually and together. I love that the author has taken her own love of The Phantom of the Opera and used this to pen her fictional story. The passion and joy is obvious in her writing and it was beautiful to read and to discover more about the world of classical music and the workings of a symphony.
Fundamentally though, The Treble With Men tells the love story of Kim and Devlin, their meeting of minds, of passion and being the person they both are, underneath their vulnerabilities. Together they are the person they are both meant to be, and it is wonderful to read their journey of self-discovery, letting go of the past and embracing their gifts, musically and personally.
The Scorned Women’s Society is a concept I adore, and having these women as friends and confidantes, with their common trait being an ex-girlfriend of Jethro Winston cements what is already a 5 star read. These women are funny and loyal and all have their own stories to tell. Readers are lucky to have a little cameo by the man himself, and what a man he is. Swoon.
I recommend The Treble With Men to both new and familiar readers of Smartypants Romance. It can be read as a complete standalone, I however enjoyed knowing the backstory of Jethro Winston through Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series. Contemporary romance readers will delight in this story, a slow burn romance that turns passionate, a perfect balance of sweetness and steam. A definite 5 star read, one that will have you reeling for more from this wonderful author.
Thank you to Piper Sheldon, Social Butterfly PR and Smartypants Romance for the early copy of this book. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
My review is on my Facebook blog - Tammy’s Timeout- Romance Reviews as part of The Treble With Me Blog Tour: https://www.facebook.com/1807554419468158/posts/2622100651346860/
Wow! Piper does it again with a killer of a book! This is such more than a romance its so full of characters and plot you just can't wait for more of the story to happen. We get the Scorned Women's society again and its nice to have the ladies back! Kim's life went one way and she never got it fully back until an old friend comes back but he is masked, until he opens up.
This has so much depth of a plot and story lines, I just loved it all the hard parts and funny! You will fall in love with these two. I also really wish I could hear them play! Can't wait for more of Piper in the future and more ladies of SWS to get their HEA!
Overall, 5 stars!!
Thanks to SmartyPants Romance and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This has so much depth of a plot and story lines, I just loved it all the hard parts and funny! You will fall in love with these two. I also really wish I could hear them play! Can't wait for more of Piper in the future and more ladies of SWS to get their HEA!
Overall, 5 stars!!
Thanks to SmartyPants Romance and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A book inspired by The Phantom of the Opera... YES PLEASE!!! The premise of the book hooked me immediately! But I was quickly wrapped up in who Devlin was and what his secrets were! I didn’t want to put it down! A bit of a slow build but I was hanging on ever single note of their song! (See what I did there? ;) LOVED IT!