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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
In times like this I always seek comfort in my favourites book families or characters and Green Valley is one of them.
I enjoyed this slow burn romance with its characters, different, challenging and interesting. Each one was depicted a bit different from what I was expecting especially when you think about Green Valley but the author has done a great job in building up so many layers to be discovered with each chapter in the book.
I loved to see Jethro again and a bit of his old self and story as well the closure he had with Kim.
Another great story in the must read series of Smartypants Romance
I enjoyed this slow burn romance with its characters, different, challenging and interesting. Each one was depicted a bit different from what I was expecting especially when you think about Green Valley but the author has done a great job in building up so many layers to be discovered with each chapter in the book.
I loved to see Jethro again and a bit of his old self and story as well the closure he had with Kim.
Another great story in the must read series of Smartypants Romance
I loved this book! Start to finish it was so much fun. I loved the take on " Phantom of the Opera". Kim is a wild child with a past who is trying to make a new life for her self. She loves her fellow members of the Scorned Woman Society. Devlin has more secrets that anyone knows and is looking for his muse. They are both drawn together in the magic that is Green Valley and you will love each word on the page. I loved the first book in the series and cant wait for more.
This was the book I read to settle myself after reading a horror story and it did the job well.
I was invested in Kim and Devlin's relationship, though there were a few moments where things got a bit silly.
I was invested in Kim and Devlin's relationship, though there were a few moments where things got a bit silly.
*Listened to the audiobook
Loved the audiobook--narrators were fantastic.
I really loved the relationship between our two main characters. While I didn't always love how flat out mean or rude they were to each other at times, that isn't a dynamic you see a lot in romance books and I actually really enjoyed reading about that. I felt like they respected each other enough to be honest and straight forward. The heroine was occasionally difficult to read--her low blood sugar-about to pass out-everything's getting fuzzy behavior just felt stilted and out of place. And there were times I wasn't sure how she could be so blatantly blind to what was going on around her.
The setting of this--an orchestra--was really the winner here. I've never read any book with main characters who were musicians in an orchestra and I really enjoyed that element and learned a lot about that life.
Loved the audiobook--narrators were fantastic.
I really loved the relationship between our two main characters. While I didn't always love how flat out mean or rude they were to each other at times, that isn't a dynamic you see a lot in romance books and I actually really enjoyed reading about that. I felt like they respected each other enough to be honest and straight forward. The heroine was occasionally difficult to read--her low blood sugar-about to pass out-everything's getting fuzzy behavior just felt stilted and out of place. And there were times I wasn't sure how she could be so blatantly blind to what was going on around her.
The setting of this--an orchestra--was really the winner here. I've never read any book with main characters who were musicians in an orchestra and I really enjoyed that element and learned a lot about that life.
He was so in love with her. I also really liked how he struggled to communicate and process emotions. He lashed out because he didn't know how to express himself. It is not often you see the representation of a struggle so real, one that I have struggled with myself. Even better that the one with this problem is the man. In the romantic genre they romanticize angry men a lot but they never went as deep as to show that bottle emotions and negation was at fault for that. Lovely.
While there's a lot of good Green Valley books, the last few I read didn't do much for me so I was a little dubious about a modern retelling of the Phantom of the Opera. Ms. Sheldon did a wonderful job though with a pretty faithful storyline that works in today's world.
Devlin is the mysterious masked conductor of the local symphony orchestra and Kim/Christine is the fourth cellist despite her talent. When Devlin picks her to help him with his new work, Kim is uncertain, wanting to keep a low profile.
It's a funny, sweet, and well-told story that I enjoyed a lot.
Devlin is the mysterious masked conductor of the local symphony orchestra and Kim/Christine is the fourth cellist despite her talent. When Devlin picks her to help him with his new work, Kim is uncertain, wanting to keep a low profile.
It's a funny, sweet, and well-told story that I enjoyed a lot.
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so cute. That’s it, that’s my review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Bullying, Cursing, Drug abuse, Suicide
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/04/22/the-treble-with-men-by-piper-sheldon/
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — OK, I was totally not expecting a Phantom of the Opera retelling!! That delighted me. I don’t know if it’s bad to ruin that, because it occurred to me slowly, more and more, as the book went on…but then again, it could bring people to the book who might not have taken a second glance…so I’m going for it. There were a lot of amazing parallels, it was really fun to see them play out. I’m not a huge fan or anything, but it is a great story, and so was this retelling.
These characters put me through the ringer though! While I loved them both, I will admit that their flaws were hard to take at times, and I experienced a LOT of frustration throughout the book. The reveals about both of their pasts came gradually throughout the book, and while mostly I found that flowed nicely, occasionally it was drawn out too long for my liking.
I had a hard time initially grasping Kim and who she was, and why she was the way she was. I wouldn’t have minded learning about what happened that summer by at least halfway. It would have allowed me to understand Kim better, and I think that would have helped me connect with her more. I knew something had happened (more than just the drug addiction) because it was hinted at. But without that story, I found the level at which Kim was paralyzed about making a decision was just too far and I lost my patience with her. Had I known the story earlier, I would have understood better.
Despite that, I still felt for all she had gone through, and truly felt her fear (even if I didn’t understand it). I loved seeing glimpses of the Kim she was before, and how it would pop out at the most unexpected times. She could be fierce, and passionate, and I LOVED those moments. I loved the way she saw music in her life, and how she got an amazing gift back as Devlin helped her grow in this book. I loved that I could see her growth, and her setbacks, and I felt like it was natural and believable. I may have *wanted* her to grow faster, but that’s just my impatience talking, because I knew all that she would gain from it. I also loved how quirky she was — I wasn’t expecting that, but she made me giggle.
Devlin was actually harder for me. There was SO MUCH I LOVED about him, but his secrets and his growth were even more frustrating than Kim’s at times. I felt like in the end I didn’t get all that I wanted from his story. I think part of the problem is that he’s based on the Phantom, and the Phantom is an unstable guy (not to mention his obsession is not healthy, no matter how romantic some might see it). I think I wanted more explanation and depth from Devlin. I appreciated that we didn’t have to go too long before finding out why he wore the mask, but I was also a bit underwhelmed by the reason. And again, part of the reason is that we didn’t get the WHOLE explanation until much later in the book. I think I would have appreciated knowing those nuances earlier, so I could have connected with him even more.
I ADORED how unique he was as a book character. He was undeniably talented and soooo passionate about music. I appreciated that he wasn’t an alpha dog, but more insecure and nerdy in some ways. I LOVED the way he broke the mold from the stereotypical guy — I found him incredibly endearing. My biggest complaint with him is that we didn’t get to see him get help with his anger management. He was extremely volatile, and I wanted him to get help learning how to manage his emotions.
Obviously I adored Kim and Devlin together, even if I wanted to smack them both at times. I loved the way they connected over music and brought out the best in one another. I loved the way it was a slow burn, and we got to see them really connect before things moved on. And I definitely felt their chemistry!
One of the things that surprised me was how much I loved the Scorned Women’s Society. I adored how they were all so different, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there for one another. I love groups of girlfriends like that.
I also adored many of the other secondary characters, particularly both Kim and Devlin’s families (though Kim’s didn’t really come into play until the end). And equally, I fucking hated Roddy.
I also really appreciated a certain cameo in this story — it was perfect, and really added that cherry on top.
So yeah. I know a lot of this review probably seems pretty critical, but I think I get that way when trying to explain why a book I sincerely adored and captivated me just didn’t get 5 stars (or in this case, why I will be rounding down). Also, apparently sometimes I just have a lot of shit to say.
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — OK, I was totally not expecting a Phantom of the Opera retelling!! That delighted me. I don’t know if it’s bad to ruin that, because it occurred to me slowly, more and more, as the book went on…but then again, it could bring people to the book who might not have taken a second glance…so I’m going for it. There were a lot of amazing parallels, it was really fun to see them play out. I’m not a huge fan or anything, but it is a great story, and so was this retelling.
These characters put me through the ringer though! While I loved them both, I will admit that their flaws were hard to take at times, and I experienced a LOT of frustration throughout the book. The reveals about both of their pasts came gradually throughout the book, and while mostly I found that flowed nicely, occasionally it was drawn out too long for my liking.
I had a hard time initially grasping Kim and who she was, and why she was the way she was. I wouldn’t have minded learning about what happened that summer by at least halfway. It would have allowed me to understand Kim better, and I think that would have helped me connect with her more. I knew something had happened (more than just the drug addiction) because it was hinted at. But without that story, I found the level at which Kim was paralyzed about making a decision was just too far and I lost my patience with her. Had I known the story earlier, I would have understood better.
Despite that, I still felt for all she had gone through, and truly felt her fear (even if I didn’t understand it). I loved seeing glimpses of the Kim she was before, and how it would pop out at the most unexpected times. She could be fierce, and passionate, and I LOVED those moments. I loved the way she saw music in her life, and how she got an amazing gift back as Devlin helped her grow in this book. I loved that I could see her growth, and her setbacks, and I felt like it was natural and believable. I may have *wanted* her to grow faster, but that’s just my impatience talking, because I knew all that she would gain from it. I also loved how quirky she was — I wasn’t expecting that, but she made me giggle.
Devlin was actually harder for me. There was SO MUCH I LOVED about him, but his secrets and his growth were even more frustrating than Kim’s at times. I felt like in the end I didn’t get all that I wanted from his story. I think part of the problem is that he’s based on the Phantom, and the Phantom is an unstable guy (not to mention his obsession is not healthy, no matter how romantic some might see it). I think I wanted more explanation and depth from Devlin. I appreciated that we didn’t have to go too long before finding out why he wore the mask, but I was also a bit underwhelmed by the reason. And again, part of the reason is that we didn’t get the WHOLE explanation until much later in the book. I think I would have appreciated knowing those nuances earlier, so I could have connected with him even more.
I ADORED how unique he was as a book character. He was undeniably talented and soooo passionate about music. I appreciated that he wasn’t an alpha dog, but more insecure and nerdy in some ways. I LOVED the way he broke the mold from the stereotypical guy — I found him incredibly endearing. My biggest complaint with him is that we didn’t get to see him get help with his anger management. He was extremely volatile, and I wanted him to get help learning how to manage his emotions.
Obviously I adored Kim and Devlin together, even if I wanted to smack them both at times. I loved the way they connected over music and brought out the best in one another. I loved the way it was a slow burn, and we got to see them really connect before things moved on. And I definitely felt their chemistry!
One of the things that surprised me was how much I loved the Scorned Women’s Society. I adored how they were all so different, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there for one another. I love groups of girlfriends like that.
I also adored many of the other secondary characters, particularly both Kim and Devlin’s families (though Kim’s didn’t really come into play until the end). And equally, I fucking hated Roddy.
I also really appreciated a certain cameo in this story — it was perfect, and really added that cherry on top.
So yeah. I know a lot of this review probably seems pretty critical, but I think I get that way when trying to explain why a book I sincerely adored and captivated me just didn’t get 5 stars (or in this case, why I will be rounding down). Also, apparently sometimes I just have a lot of shit to say.
OMG what a read! Loved it. I also love how Piper Sheldon includes specific songs and music in her books (i also read bare lady). I always find them and listen to them getting in the mood for reading !