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pjmorse's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
That's a fantastic title, by the way, because on the one hand it can be this high-flying metaphor about the ephemeral nature of life blah blah blah, but on the other hand, it's in the "rock star" subgenre and if you've never noticed the way amplified music can literally pick up the dust on a surface and move it around, your concerts have not been loud enough. (Fine, I guess what's really happening is the surface is resonating with the sound, but it looks like the dust is dancing.) Unlike most of the rock star books I've read so far (I like this subgenre) it's the female main character who's the star, and the book doesn't open at the height of fame; she's abandoned her band, flying under the radar and busking anonymously on the streets in Glasgow. There's a "we're the biggest band in the world" trope which this book sort of bounces off, thankfully; I'd like to try one with a band that's just starting out, or just big enough to be sustainable, but I suspect the point of the subgenre is the fame, so maybe not. I also wonder if the changes in the music industry in recent years mean the idea of a "biggest band in the world" is an anachronism.
Anyway, aside from my thoughts about rock star romances, this story is a good example of what Young does really well: two people with attraction and obstacles realistically working through the obstacles. Some of the enabling factors for working through the problems come from within them, some from without, but there's no melting away of problems or "money/fame/power solves everything" or other deus ex machina solutions; these two have to figure it out for themselves, and eventually they do.
Anyway, aside from my thoughts about rock star romances, this story is a good example of what Young does really well: two people with attraction and obstacles realistically working through the obstacles. Some of the enabling factors for working through the problems come from within them, some from without, but there's no melting away of problems or "money/fame/power solves everything" or other deus ex machina solutions; these two have to figure it out for themselves, and eventually they do.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
chanelwritesromance's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I. Loved. This. Book.
Loved it.
Grabbed it at the library on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. Angsty, messy, complicated, steamy, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and ultimately SO satisfying. The main characters were so well developed, each with a complex, emotional story arc.
The slow burn romance had me hooked, and I absolutely loved Skylar and Killian's journey together.
I've really enjoyed some of Samantha Young's other books, but this one is a new Top 10 for me. Will definitely be purchasing for my personal library.
Loved it.
Grabbed it at the library on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. Angsty, messy, complicated, steamy, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and ultimately SO satisfying. The main characters were so well developed, each with a complex, emotional story arc.
The slow burn romance had me hooked, and I absolutely loved Skylar and Killian's journey together.
I've really enjoyed some of Samantha Young's other books, but this one is a new Top 10 for me. Will definitely be purchasing for my personal library.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
The author hits on a lot of heavy topics, but they are all handled with care and serve the plot without feeling gratuitous.