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drez80's review against another edition
I can't decide how to rate this book. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't really good either. I felt like the characters were all over the place, and so I felt all over the place while reading it, and even after finishing it. At times I felt such a strong connection between Alex and David, but at other times, I felt almost no connection at all. It seemed to take a long time for them to get together even though they were both interested from the moment they met, but then it didn't even seem like they dated before ending up in a relationship. David seemed very moody, and Alex was always quick to change the subject or pretend nothing was really wrong to avoid a fight or break up, and that is not how a relationship should work. I felt some parts dragged and were boring, while other parts were fine, but what really bothered me about the book was I felt the "fight" was maybe dragged out longer than necessary for added drama. All it really did was make me hate David. It seemed like he was leading Alex on. They'd bump into each other and talk, but as soon as anything to do with their relationship came up or they kissed, David would just push Alex away again. And while I get that David was scared, why didn't he just talk to Alex? That frustrated me to no end. Alex was all too understanding and nice about everything too. I think he needed to push David a little more. This is one book where I may have been ok with a non-HEA ending.
nicola949's review
4.0
This is the 4th book in the Blue Notes series but the series can be read in any order. However there is an author note stating that this would be book 1 if you want to read the story in chronological order.
This is the story of David who is a conductor and Alex a violinist.
David has had immense success in his career as a conductor and leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. However, he is not happy and satisfied with his life. He has been brought up with wealth and privilege but suffered loss which has made him fearful of relationships. His desire to compose was also ridiculed and criticised by his harsh grandfather who raised him. Therefore the less than perfect public response to his earlier compositions has destroyed his confidence.
Alex, on the other hand, is much more a free spirit. He has a love of music expressed in his playing of classical music but he also dabbles with other forms of music. He has tattoos and an attitude that doesn't totally fit the expected mould of classical violinist. His life is a contrast to David, including his early life on the streets. Alex's strength and focus and talent is what enabled him to change his life around and he still finds it hard to believe that he doesn't have to watch every penny.
I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to feel sympathetic to David's situation, his lack of confidence was heartbreaking.."He knew better, though. Alex wanted him now. Soon, he'd realize his mistake." Although, at times I just wanted to shake him and tell him to get over himself! I think that would be my main issue with the book - the length of time it took for David to work through his issues and realise that his happiness lay with Alex.
There was lots of sheer romanticism directly linked so music as David's feelings while he is with Alex translate into melody.....and sex as a symphony - yes! "David's climax began like the distant rumble of the timpani and ended with a crescendo of sound - David's own voice, raw, unrestrained, and full of emotion.'
Here are the links to a couple of the pieces of music played by David and Alex
Enigmatic Ocean - Ponty's version
Blue Moon by Grapelli
A sweet and romantic 4 stars......
"I hear you, Alex. My love, my muse, my teacher, my partner, my desire, my inspiration. I hear the music in your soul, and it becomes my own."
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
This is the story of David who is a conductor and Alex a violinist.
David has had immense success in his career as a conductor and leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. However, he is not happy and satisfied with his life. He has been brought up with wealth and privilege but suffered loss which has made him fearful of relationships. His desire to compose was also ridiculed and criticised by his harsh grandfather who raised him. Therefore the less than perfect public response to his earlier compositions has destroyed his confidence.
Alex, on the other hand, is much more a free spirit. He has a love of music expressed in his playing of classical music but he also dabbles with other forms of music. He has tattoos and an attitude that doesn't totally fit the expected mould of classical violinist. His life is a contrast to David, including his early life on the streets. Alex's strength and focus and talent is what enabled him to change his life around and he still finds it hard to believe that he doesn't have to watch every penny.
I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to feel sympathetic to David's situation, his lack of confidence was heartbreaking.."He knew better, though. Alex wanted him now. Soon, he'd realize his mistake." Although, at times I just wanted to shake him and tell him to get over himself! I think that would be my main issue with the book - the length of time it took for David to work through his issues and realise that his happiness lay with Alex.
There was lots of sheer romanticism directly linked so music as David's feelings while he is with Alex translate into melody.....and sex as a symphony - yes! "David's climax began like the distant rumble of the timpani and ended with a crescendo of sound - David's own voice, raw, unrestrained, and full of emotion.'
Here are the links to a couple of the pieces of music played by David and Alex
Enigmatic Ocean - Ponty's version
Blue Moon by Grapelli
A sweet and romantic 4 stars......
"I hear you, Alex. My love, my muse, my teacher, my partner, my desire, my inspiration. I hear the music in your soul, and it becomes my own."
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
suze_1624's review
4.0
I've enjoyed all the Blue Notes books. This one took a bit longer to get going for me. However, it did get going and I enjoyed it.
david was a mass of contradictions : the original poor little rich boy, confident on stage, not socially confident. I felt very deeply for David - he just needed to have someone to show him how to love and live.
Alex was the original poor boy made good. I would have liked more background on how he clawed himself up to be able to get more of a feeling for him.
Their journey to happiness was frought by David's inability to form normal attachments, despite Alex's best (and good) efforts to make him feel wanted and loved. It was good to see David gradually believing in his ability to connect.
I would prob rate at 3.5 but liked enough, and like the series, to rate here at 4
david was a mass of contradictions : the original poor little rich boy, confident on stage, not socially confident. I felt very deeply for David - he just needed to have someone to show him how to love and live.
Alex was the original poor boy made good. I would have liked more background on how he clawed himself up to be able to get more of a feeling for him.
Their journey to happiness was frought by David's inability to form normal attachments, despite Alex's best (and good) efforts to make him feel wanted and loved. It was good to see David gradually believing in his ability to connect.
I would prob rate at 3.5 but liked enough, and like the series, to rate here at 4
tiggers_hate_acorns's review against another edition
3.0
To start with I thought David was a stuckup bigot who cried "poor me" a lot without any real reason to do so. So what - his grandfather wasn't a nice man but at least he had a roof over his head, food in his belly, a good education and wasn't psychically abused. He needed a big reality check but had his head elsewhere and didn't really listen to others. Alex who had had less than David was too nice and forgiving. I was pleased he got to catch up with Rachael.
Overall an OK read but nothing startling
Overall an OK read but nothing startling
rissa53's review against another edition
4.0
I read [b:Symphony in Blue|18714352|Symphony in Blue (Blue Notes, #4.5)|Shira Anthony|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382631056s/18714352.jpg|26576223] first and I really wanted to read David and Alex's story! I finally got to do it with this book! :)
Alex was so patient and David needed that badly! I'm so glad for them! I immediately reread [b:Symphony in Blue|18714352|Symphony in Blue (Blue Notes, #4.5)|Shira Anthony|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382631056s/18714352.jpg|26576223] after I read this book and I had the same reaction, loved it! Excellent story! I'm sure I will eventually read the others in this series! <3
Alex was so patient and David needed that badly! I'm so glad for them! I immediately reread [b:Symphony in Blue|18714352|Symphony in Blue (Blue Notes, #4.5)|Shira Anthony|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382631056s/18714352.jpg|26576223] after I read this book and I had the same reaction, loved it! Excellent story! I'm sure I will eventually read the others in this series! <3
anitalouise's review
4.0
So much of what happens to us as children and young adults follows us into adulthood and informs your actions, almost without realizing it. Like the others in this series, the music takes center stage alongside the MCs. I dug out my dusty, warped CDs (yes, CDs! so what!) and played the Sibelius violin concerto referenced in the book. So haunting, so lovely. Just love the way the author weaves the music throughout the words. It surrounds the actions and reinforces and supports the romance. "...evoked the distant thunder of the timpani. The smooth line of Alex’s jaw became the sound of the woodwinds, the slight hollow of his cheeks the violas, the arch of his brow the cellos. David heard the orchestra as if it resonated from Alex’s soul." I found myself alternately understanding David's issues and wanting to clobber him with Alex' bow. Oh my goodness how frustrating and exasperating. Took way longer for him to pull his head out of his ass. Both Alex and David are solid characters, well drawn, adult in their actions. No games but still trying to come to terms with what they have and how too get those feelings back. As always, strong writing and enjoyable situations. Have to admit - the music is the best part of the books in the Blue Notes series!!
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