Concert pianist Allison Chandler values three things in her her brother, her career, and a man from her past who has no idea she's loved him since she was fifteen. When her beloved brother commits suicide after his last assignment in Afghanistan, her entire life changes. The stage loses its appeal and she becomes a Certified Music Therapist to honor his memory and help heal wounded veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Her first assignment is in her hometown, and she isn't the only one who has come home. Brodie Miller is back, hot as ever but a little broken from his own tour of duty. Can the magic of music in the moonlight and a steadfast love heal his mind and heart? When he sees her as a woman and not his buddy’s little sister, Brodie could fulfill her dreams—and his own—or leave her achingly lonely forever.
When I read the synopsis for this book I was so excited. It sounded so good. It had some of my favorite tropes. Brother's best friend, damaged sexy ex military men, and childhood crush. It also was something a little different with Allison being a Concert pianist that became a Certified Music Therapist to help heal veterans with PTSD. But it had something that I didn't expect and it just really killed my joy of this book....... the dreaded love triangle!
God I hate love triangles. Very rarely I can read a love triangle book and love it, but this is not one of those times. Sorry just sayin'! To be honest I truly believe if the author had left the triangle out of it and focused more on the hero Brodie and the heroine Ally's relationship and built up a stronger connection this would have been a powerful 5 stars read. But instead I got 3 way drama and very little relationship development making it hard for me to feel a strong connection to the couple. It also made their love feel superficial.
I do think the author did a great job of touching on the very important subject of post traumatic stress disorder the effects it has on soldiers and their families. I was really engrossed in that part of the book. I love the way she brought awareness to it. And I loved that it wasn't carelessly brushed over or made light of. Brett's part in the book was very touching and heart breaking. Not the best read but still okay. I would give this author another chance.
Allison Chandler leaves a prominent music career to give back to her community after a devastating personal loss. Allison turns her love of music into a new career as a music therapist at her hometown VA hospital. However, her new start brings up some old baggage when she (literally) runs into Brodie Miller, her high school crush. Brodie is gruff, cold and self-medicating his PTSD with alcohol. Allison hopes her music might reach Brodie and heal his wounds and maybe his heart.
Allison's life is perfect, until suddenly she losses everything. She is a world famous pianist, known and loved by thousands. She comes home from her latest concert tour to find police outside her apartment. It's only then does she realize she lost the only person in her life that mattered.
She gives up the life she knew, choosing instead to do something to honor her brother and to help others who are returning from war with PTSD. The day she walks into her new job she literally runs into her childhood friend and the guy she had a crush on for the longest time.
I think the authored handled the rough topic of PTSD very carefully; it was obvious she had done her research into symptomology. I question the realistic use of music therapy as most insurance companies do not cover this form of therapy since the results are not conclusive. But....that said I again think the authored was knowledgeable of this form of therapy.
The book was slow and drawn out in my opinion. I saw the issue with Sam coming from nearly the beginning of the book. The battle between Jace and Brodie went on far too long in my opinion. I skimmed the last 15% of the book and didn't feel like I lost anything. The discussions about the new house weren't enough to hold my interest in the book; I felt that section was more just a filler than anything.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
I thought the book was fabulous! The author brought real issues to life with love, humor, and passion. I didn't want the book to end, and I can't wait to read A.E.Esterlin's next book.
a really really sweet and great read just loved this couldnt put it down read it in one night recommended to all cant wait to read more of this authors work