Alison Barnard

Everyone will have to take my four stars with a grain of salt because I have a special fondness for this story that makes me overlook some of the clunkier aspects of the writing.

Even after reading this story so many times that I've lost count, the last chunk always makes me smile and feel good.

***10/23/17 - it's been a few years since I've read this story but I had the urge. I still love it in all of its head hopping, insta-love gloriousness. FROM THE ROOFTOPS! Sigh - I miss my Helen and Nikki.… (más)

Jessa has just been appointed as the first lady conductor of a major orchestra. Her life is a whirlwind of activity, made even more complicated by the fact that a movie is also being made of her life, and the actress who portrays her has decided to tag along everyday while she is on tour. Sparks ignite. Jessa is an out lesbian, but Shara didn't even know she was one until she fell in love with Jessa. Complications and angst guaranteed! :)

After reading the first few chapters of this book, something niggled at the back of my mind. The initial plot development was rather predictable and Jessa, the composer/conductor/virtuoso was a bit too Mary Sue-ish. Was this a fanfic in a previous life? a Xena uber perhaps? Doens't matter though. Things get way better once our characters find their spark. Jessa and Shara have incredible chemistry. The best scenes in the book are all about their encounters--the walk in the rain, the first kiss, the tender bathroom scene, the day after--are all very beautifully written.

Jessa may come off initially as a pushy, entitled, enfant-terrible who can't take rejection while Shara seemed just a little too acquiescent. But the author managed to dig deeper into their respective pasts and psyches and deliver to us a perfectly matched couple albeit a somewaht D/s one.

And the music! You can almost hear it while reading the book.

But the best thing of all is the thank-you speech. Loved it!

4.5 stars… (más)